Wednesday May 14 Ag News

 Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund awards grant for Battle Creek FFA research

A recently awarded grant from the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund supports the work of a Battle Creek farmer and the local FFA chapter as they conduct on-farm research to illustrate the economic viability of no-till farming practices.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF), an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), awarded $1,500 and received a matching grant $1,500 Youth Engagement Grant from NCF for a total of $3,000 to sixth-generation farmer Jeremy Grant and the Battle Creek High School FFA. The grants will assist with the costs of testing the economic return on investment of four different soil management practices: long-term no-till, long-term no-till with cover crops, traditional tillage, and a six-year stand of alfalfa.

The Battle Creek High School FFA chapter will lead the research, giving students valuable practical experience and knowledge. They will assess the water infiltration rates and nitrogen rates of the various practices to determine how no-till and cover crops affect nutrient availability and water capacity. Students plan to use the data for multiple state-level FFA Agriscience Fair projects. Those projects will also be presented at the No Till on the Plains conference in January 2026.

“We make conservation decisions today that impact generations to come,” Grant said. “We are excited to get some real numbers showing what those decisions mean for our bottom line today and into the future.”

Students will be mentored by the local Nebraska Resource Conservation Service, the UNL On Farm Research Project Team, Ward Labs and the DGSHF Advisory Committee to design, implement and analyze the project results to maximize the scientific quality and value to current and future farmers. The FFA students will take the leadership role in all aspects of the projects, including presentations at the state and national level.

“This project is a great opportunity for the students to get out and do on-farm research,” said Battle Creek Agriculture Instructor and FFA Adviser Billy O’Brien. “They can see real-time results from actual farming practices that local producers are using. This helps reinforce topics covered during class.”

The matching $1,500 Youth Engagement Grant from NCF, empowers young Nebraskans to play a role in influencing the future of farming in the state. Youth Engagement Grants are available exclusively to members of the Nebraska Community Foundation network are made possible by a generous anonymous donor. DGSHF matched the grant with $1,500 for total of $3,000.

“This is powerful data for farmers and is exactly what Dan Gillespie had envisioned for a young farmer to actively participate in and benefit from the research,” said Randy Pryor, chair of the DGSHF Advisory Committee. “It also enables the development of the next generation of community-based agri-business leaders by providing them with meaningful roles and responsibilities to lead aspects of the programs and events.”

 

CAP Webinar: Optimizing Irrigation and Nutrient Management
May 15, 2025 12:00 PM
Matt Stockton, Professor and Agricultural Economics Specialist, UNL
Randy Lloyd, Research Facility Coordinator, UNL
Abia Katimbo, Assistant Professor and Irrigation Management Specialist, UNL

Irrigation and nutrient management are key to success for many Nebraska producers. This success depends on factors that include costs, equipment, and managerial practices. It starts with Hybrid selection and involves aspects of infrastructure and preparation as well as and managerial prowess.

The key is optimizing production on a field-by-field basis. The difference in outcome was illustrated recently in the 2024 TAPS contest in North Platte, where there was a 68-bushel difference in performance, directly attributable to differing irrigation and nitrogen management.

This webinar will present a three-person panel discussion including an Agronomist, Water Engineer, and an Agricultural Economist.

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.




New Livestock-Related Nebraska Custom Rates Report Published

The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has released its 2025 report on custom service rates for livestock production in Nebraska. The report provides average charges for 26 different livestock-related custom operations, including haying, livestock hauling, fencing, feed delivery, and manure application.

The data were gathered through online and in-person surveys, with 68% of respondents identifying as custom service providers. Rates typically include costs for labor, equipment, fuel, and supplies, and are organized into eight service categories.

This widely used report offers a valuable reference for producers and operators to determine fair pricing for custom services. The full report is available at cap.unl.edu/customrates, where those interested can also register to participate in the next survey cycle, for the biennial Nebraska Custom Rates Report.



Northeast NE Cattlemen Steak Fry

Northeast NE Cattlemen Summer Steak Fry   
 Sunday, June 8, 2025
     6:00 p.m. Social
     7:00 p.m. Steaks

Wayne Co Fairgrounds, Commercial Bldg.
 Entertainment:  Tom Burgoon, Magician | Comedian
 Ticket: $50.00 / person -  Cash Bar
                Tickets picked up at the door - No tickets will be mailed

Accepting donations for silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund

Sponsorship      Sponsorship deadline: June 4

Please consider donating to help support youth and events that the Northeast Nebraska Cattlemen sponsor during the year.

¨ Corporate - $1,000 / 4 tickets
¨ Gold - $500 / 2 tickets
¨ Silver - $275 / 2 tickets
¨ Bronze - $175 / no tickets

Contact:  Joel Bruns 402-922-0112  or Russ Urbanec 402-369-4972



Corn Growers Disappointed with Anti-Carbon Capture Legislation

This week, the Iowa Senate passed the anti-pipeline bill (HF 639) with a vote of 27-22, effectively banning carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects within Iowa, including those that could achieve 100% voluntary easement. Stu Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President and farmer from Galt, Iowa, released the following statement:

“This is a hit to Iowa corn growers and ethanol producers. The decision to ban carbon capture and sequestration projects cuts off our ability to tap into markets for ultra-low carbon ethanol and puts Iowa corn growers at a disadvantage compared to states pursuing CCS projects. Iowa has long been known as the corn state, and this decision impacts our ability to stay competitive as other states and countries seize this new opportunity. Our farmers deserve increased market access, not increased barriers. ICGA is disheartened by this decision but appreciates the support of Senate members who voted in the interest of the Iowa farmer.”

Additional Background:

Production of corn continues to outpace demand. USDA is estimating we will have 1.8 billion bushels of excess corn at the end of the 2025-26 crop year. If this bill is signed by the Governor, it would destroy the opportunity to pursue massive new ethanol markets like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  Worldwide jet fuel demand is projected to be at 120 billion gallons by 2035. If just 10% of that market could be made into SAF from ethanol, this would equate to nearly 19 billion gallons of new ethanol demand or nearly 6.5 billion bushels of new corn demand. That is more than 1.5 times the amount of corn grown in Iowa today.

Other states in the U.S. are implementing CCS technology. South American already has a significantly lower carbon score for corn ethanol and is also considering CCS to lower it further. The result of this will be these states and South America will become the market for low carbon ethanol. Iowa will no longer be the most competitive place to produce ethanol. Plants will be forced to stop expansion plans and ultimately will pay less for corn and that will mean less profitability for Iowa’s corn farmers.     



Young farmer-entrepreneurs invited to apply for Iowa Farm Bureau's 'Grow Your Future' Award
Author

One young Iowa farmer will win $10,000 to grow their ag-related business through Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Grow Your Future Award.

The annual competition recognizes Farm Bureau members, ages 18 to 35, who are building businesses in niche production, agritourism and other specialty services. The award celebrates entrepreneurs strengthening rural communities and agriculture through innovation.            

Applications are due by Sept. 1 at www.iowafarmbureau.com/growyourfuture. A panel of judges will select finalists to move onto an online public vote between Dec. 8-14. The three contestants with the most votes will compete in a live pitch-off during the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference on Jan. 24, 2026, where a top winner will be named.

In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, second and third place finalists will receive $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Past winners have included direct-to-consumer meat businesses, on-farm lodging experiences, cover crop seed services and farms producing specialty crops and cut flowers.

“Farming will always come with its challenges,” says Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “There will be ups and downs, but what sets young farmers apart is how they turn challenges into opportunity. Especially those competing in the Grow Your Future Award, they constantly ask themselves ‘What can I do differently? How can I innovate and add value to my farm?’ It’s inspiring to see how they achieve success and contribute to the broader community with their creativity and resilience.”

The Grow Your Future Award is part of Iowa Farm Bureau’s broader commitment to rural entrepreneurship. Through its programs, the organization has mentored nearly 4,000 business owners and contributed more than $150 million in economic impact across rural Iowa.



Secretary Naig Encourages Farmers to Sign-Up for Iowa’s Cover Crop Cost-Share Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering state cost-share incentives for using cover crops. The annual program, which is available to eligible first-time users as well as returning participants, is now open for Iowa farmers to begin enrolling their acres that will be seeded this fall.

“Planting season is a great time for farmers to think about conservation and consider ways to add even more practices to the land. Cover crops are proven to not only improve water quality and hold our soil in place, but they also provide many other benefits including forage for livestock, reduced soil compaction and enhanced soil health. Through our state’s popular statewide cost-share program for both first-time and existing cover crop users, we’re helping more farmers cover more acres,” said Secretary Naig. “Iowa has broken conservation records each of the last three years, and we're committed to continuing this momentum. Many farmers visit their county USDA office to certify their crop acres this time of year, and so it is a good time to also sign up for cost share and the other conservation programs available. Recognizing every acre is unique, I also encourage farmers to explore the other conservation and water quality programs and practices that may work on their farms.”

Cover Crop Cost-Share
    Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre.
    Farmers who have already experienced the benefits of using cover crops can receive $20 per acre.
    Cost share funding through this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.

Additional Cost-Share Assistance for First-Time Users Only
    Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre.
    Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
    Cost share funding for this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.

Last year, 3,544 farmers and landowners enrolled nearly 390,000 cover crop acres in this program. The state invested more than $8.5 million through the Water Quality Initiative, which leveraged nearly $23.4 million in total conservation investment.

Funds will be made available beginning in July, but farmers may start submitting applications immediately through their county soil and water conservation offices located in their county USDA Service Center. Iowa farmers and landowners are also encouraged to visit with their local Service Center staff to inquire about additional cost share funds and other conservation programs that may be available.

Learn more about conservation in Iowa by visiting CleanWaterIowa.org.



NCBA Urges Support for Cattle Industry Priorities in Reconciliation Bills

Tuesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee to support key cattle industry priorities that help keep family farms and ranches in business.

Support for the House Agriculture Committee Reconciliation Bill
“Chairman GT Thompson’s House ag reconciliation bill contains key wins for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers. From boosting disaster recovery programs to strengthening foreign animal disease detection and prevention, this bill protects America’s livestock producers,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “Cattle producers continue to face emerging animal health threats but have not received the financial resources necessary to mitigate these threats in previous emergency legislative packages. The need for these investments is crucial. NCBA urges all House Agriculture Committee members to swiftly pass this bill.”
 
Support for the House Ways and Means Committee Reconciliation Bill
“With the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act right around the corner, Congress needs to act now to protect family farmers and ranchers from a massive tax hike,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “We strongly urge all members of the House Ways and Means Committee to support Chairman Jason Smith’s tax reconciliation package that reduces the Death Tax and expands pro-small business tax deductions like section 199A, section 179, and bonus depreciation.”



Statement of NCFC President & CEO Chuck Conner on House Ways & Means Reconciliation Markup

“We commend House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith for including permanent extension of Section 199A in his budget reconciliation package that will be marked up today. Making Section 199A permanent gives farmers and co-ops the confidence to plan for the future, invest in their operations, and continue feeding a growing world. Now more than ever, producers need smart, forward looking tax policy as they adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace.

“The legislation also includes the extension of Section 179 expensing, which allows farmers and co-ops to fully write off the cost of equipment and infrastructure investments, and the clean fuel production credit under Section 45Z, which helps expand domestic markets for agricultural products used in renewable fuel production.

“We urge committee members to keep these provisions as they move through mark-up and as the bill goes to the House floor.”



Secretary Rollins Finishes Day Two of U.K. Agricultural Trade Delegation

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins concluded the second day of her trade delegation visit to the United Kingdom. This visit comes after President Donald J. Trump announced last week, on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, a historic U.K. trade deal that will lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, increase market access, and strengthen cooperation on economic security.

“President Trump has secured a major deal with the U.K. that increases access for American agricultural goods, and today, I saw firsthand the supply chain and positioning of American products in the United Kingdom. I heard from industry leaders in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing about opportunities for greater access for American agriculture,” said Secretary Rollins. “I visited 10 Downing Street to speak with the Prime Minister’s Special Adviser on Business and Investment, Varun Chandra, about the importance of a fair and reciprocal trade relationship between the U.S. and U.K. I also met with the U.K. Department for Energy Security and other heads of government to promote U.S. ethanol and ensure fair market access for U.S. beef, poultry, pork, seafood, rice, specially crops, wood pellets, and all agricultural exports. The Trump Administration is putting Farmers First into action, and I look forward to continuing to fight for American agriculture on the world stage.”

On the first day, Secretary Rollins met with U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens, Secretary of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt. Hon. Steve Reed, and Secretary for the Department of Business and Trade Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds. This trip is part of a larger trade delegation visit following the historic trade deal announced by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Kier Starmer.