Friday June 13 Ag News

Saunders Co Livestock and Ag Association Annual Twilight Tour 
Monday, June 30, 2025
Dan Kellner, President, Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association

This year’s Twilight Tour will take us to the Ithaca and Ashland areas.

Stop 1: Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center
Start at 5:00 p.m. – SHARP!
Hwy 66/County Road G and East of County Road 10, Southside
Dr. Galen Erickson will lead a tour of the Klosterman Feedlot Center. Ample parking is available in the highlighted area.

Stop 2: Treadway Ag
141 County Road 7, Ashland, NE
Matt has lived in Ashland since he was 13 with a passion for farming. That passion turned into Treadway Ag-a full-service agronomy business based out of Ashland, NE.

Stop 3: Country Drive Golf Course
951 County Road 4, Ashland, NE
County Drive Golf Course was taken over in 2019 by Greg and Jerod Heldt and Chelsey Wenninghoff. We will be having supper at the events pavilion, which was added for concerts, weddings, and corporate events in 2023.

We want to thank all the hosts at the various stops for sharing their time and giving us an opportunity to see their operations. It should be an educational and enjoyable evening. We are looking forward to seeing you at the Twilight Tour!




Learn the Latest in Nutrient Stewardship at Nebraska’s 4Rs Field Day

Discover the latest science-backed strategies to boost yields, protect water quality and fine-tune nitrogen use at Nebraska’s 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day, set for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead

Based on up-to-date information from past and ongoing research findings, this free event will feature presentations and tools to help growers manage nitrogen efficiently while enhancing crop productivity and environmental stewardship.

Morning presentations include: 
    In-season Nitrogen Management — Richard Ferguson, professor of soil and water sciences, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Smart Nitrogen Solutions: Performance of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers — Javed Iqbal, assistant professor of soil nutrient management and water quality, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Sensor-based Fertigation — Jackson Stansel and James Herrick, Sentinel Ag Technology
    Precision Nitrogen Project Updates — Guillermo Balboa, research assistant professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Demonstration of UNL Nitrogen Recommendation Tool — Javed Iqbal and Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension Water and Integrated Cropping Systems extension educator

Afternoon sessions include the following nutrient management field demonstrations:
    Field Performance of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers — Javed Iqbal and Aaron Nygren 
    Sensor-Based Fertigation — Jackson Stansel and James Herrick, Sentinel Ag Technology

Participants can earn 4.5 CEUs on Nutrient Management. Attendance counts toward Lower Platte North NRD Nitrogen Certification.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required https://go.unl.edu/4rs-fieldday. 

The 4Rs field day is led by Iqbal. Other organizers include Nygren, Joe Luck, associate director at ENREC, and research assistant professor Guillermo Balboa.



Lincoln Premium Poultry expansion offers opportunities for western Iowa farmers

Farmers in western Iowa have the opportunity next week to learn more about the opportunity to raise chickens for Lincoln Premium Poultry, Costco’s poultry organization.

The Fremont, Neb.-based company is considering a second poultry complex. In partnership with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Western Iowa Power Cooperative, Harrison County Development Corporation and others, Lincoln Premium Poultry is offering information meetings to potential growers.

Meetings are scheduled for Monday, June 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Harrison County Extension Office, 304 E. 7th Street, Logan, Iowa, and Tuesday, July 1, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Onawa Community Center, 320 10th Street, Onawa, Iowa. An RSVP is requested by emailing Lincoln Premium Poultry at twilson@lincolnpremiumpoultry.com.

“Currently, we have farm families in four Iowa counties including Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie and Crawford. We are looking to expand the number of growers in those areas,” said Jessica Kolterman, director of administration at Lincoln Premium Poultry.

These meetings will provide area farm families with the opportunity to learn about the company, the pro forma, the contract and about growing poultry.

“This is a great opportunity for young people to either stay on or come back to the family farm,” said Kolterman. “A big part of our success has been partnering with young farm families with their interest in innovation and technology, and with their strong work ethic.”

The expansion in poultry production would bode well for the soybean industry. Livestock feed continues to account for 97% of domestic demand for U.S. soybean meal. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), chicken production increased from 41.2 billion pounds in 2017 to 45.7 billion pounds in 2022, an increase of 10.9%.

According to the Soybean Meal Demand Assessment conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions, an economics firm based in Urbandale, soybean meal consumption by the U.S. broiler sector increased from 15 million tons in 2017 to 18.2 million tons in 2022, an increase of 21.5%.

Any interested farm families are invited to attend to learn more or may contact Kolterman directly at 402-641-8471 or jkolterman@lincolnpremiumpoultry.com.

If you have questions about siting a new poultry barn or about the how the rules and regulations would apply to your farm, contact Brian Waddingham with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers at 800-932-2436 or bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com.



Secretary Naig Announces Grants for 90 Projects to Improve Consumer Access to E15 in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved an additional 90 applications from Iowa fuel retailers to support new and expanded ethanol infrastructure projects. These investments help drivers save money by providing expanded access to lower cost and cleaner burning homegrown biofuels like E15 (Unleaded 88). The cost-share grants were awarded by the RFIP Board during its quarterly meeting on June 4.  

The approved project sites are in 48 different counties and total $1,234,431.79 in state cost-share.  Projects include:
Plymouth Casey's General Store MERRILL 
Pottawattamie Casey's General Store CARTER LAKE  
Pottawattamie Casey's General Store COUNCIL BLUFFS 
Pottawattamie Casey's General Store Council Bluffs  
Pottawattamie Casey's General Store CRESCENT 
Woodbury Casey's General Store SIOUX CITY  
Woodbury Casey's General Store SIOUX CITY  
Woodbury Casey's General Store SIOUX CITY 
Woodbury Casey's General Store SIOUX CITY 
Woodbury Hy-Vee Inc Sioux City

“Biofuels provide value for drivers, open new markets for farmers, support rural jobs, reduce emissions, and advance the goal of greater American energy dominance,” said Secretary Naig. “Expanding access to Unleaded 88 gives drivers more ways to save at the pump, and those savings really do add up over time. In 2024, Iowa set a new record for E15 sales, and that momentum will continue as more stations upgrade or install new fuel equipment.”

The Iowa Department of Revenue announced on April 3 that Iowa E15 sales hit an all-time record in 2024, eclipsing the previous record from 2023 by 44 percent. With 256.7 million gallons of E15 sold in Iowa in 2024 at an average price discount of 15 cents per gallon compared to E10, Iowa drivers saved over $38.5 million last year by choosing E15 at the pump.

These investments are helping more Iowa fuel stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard. Iowa is the first state to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026. The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Reynolds in 2022. For those convenience stores and fuel stations that need assistance coming into compliance, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can provide cost-share funding through the RFIP. Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested more than $62 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure within Iowa. This has been matched with more than $270 million by Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers.

With additional cost-share funding available, the Department welcomes grant applications to assist more fuel stations in improving and upgrading infrastructure. Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP, and will be considered by the RFIP Board at an upcoming quarterly meeting. 



Michigan Farmer Matt Frostic Elected to Serve as NCGA First Vice President

The National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Board has elected Matt Frostic, of Applegate, Michigan, as the organization's next first vice president for the new fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2025.

“I’m honored to be elected by my peers to serve in this new leadership role,” Frostic said. “This is a pivotal time for agriculture, and I’m excited to contribute to NCGA’s efforts to advocate for corn growers and advance innovation across the industry. I look forward to working alongside dedicated grower leaders and staff to help shape a strong future for U.S. corn.”

Frostic farms 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, edible beans and sugar beets in east-central Michigan. On his farm, they also have approximately 550 head-finished beef cattle on feed.

Frostic is a current NCGA board member, who serves as the board’s liaison to the Production and Sustainability Action Team and the Animal Ag Alliance. He is also a member of the Finance Committee.

On October 1, Jed Bower, of Ohio becomes NCGA president. In October 2026, Bower becomes board chair and Frostic becomes president.



NCGA Secures Improvements in Senate Ag Committee Reconciliation Plan

The president of the National Corn Growers Association released a statement Thursday regarding the budget reconciliation legislation proposed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Corn growers were able to secure improvements compared to earlier versions of the legislation.      
“We are pleased to see that Chairman Boozman (R-Ark.) retained increased investment in agricultural trade promotion programs and made additional improvements to the commodity programs, including removing the proposed corn price floor for the Price Loss Coverage program,” said NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Though several crucial steps remain in the Senate’s process for completing budget reconciliation, and this is not the process that we would have chosen, we want to recognize the Sente Agriculture Committee leadership for its response to corn growers’ concerns.”          

The legislation includes funding for several programs traditionally included in the Farm Bill. While the Senate takes steps forward, Harman noted there is still room for improvement, particularly when it comes to updating existing base acres, which determines eligibility for farm programs.    

 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is being shepherded through Congress under the budget reconciliation process, which allows Congress to expedite spending and tax legislation.  

NCGA is eager to review the tax portion of the legislation, which is expected soon from the Senate Finance Committee. Additional procedural steps remain ahead, including reviews by the Senate parliamentarian, consideration from the Senate Budget Committee, and then consideration of the full U.S. Senate.



Senate Ag Committee Includes Critical Farm Bill Programs in Proposed Budget

The Senate Agriculture Committee released text from its proposed budget reconciliation bill this week, including numerous farm bill provisions that are critical to U.S. soybean farmers.

The American Soybean Association appreciates Chairman John Boozman’s efforts to include farm bill programs within the legislation that are key for ASA.

“At a time of great uncertainty for the agriculture economy, ASA appreciates the committee’s continued efforts to support the needs of farmers,” Kentucky soybean grower and ASA President Caleb Ragland said. “While we continue to urge Congress to work toward passing a much-needed five-year farm bill this year, we are pleased to see the continued support from Congress.”

The budget reconciliation package marked up by Senate Ag contains several provisions ASA advocated for during farm bill negotiations during the last Congress.

While budget reconciliation negotiations are far from finished, ASA is pleased the Senate Agriculture Committee is keeping farmer priorities top of mind as work continues to draft a comprehensive five-year farm bill.



Ag Groups Rally to Protect Key State Department Agricultural Offices

A coalition of 23 leading agricultural organizations is urging the Trump administration to reverse proposed cuts to two State Department offices vital to U.S. agriculture’s global engagement. The elimination of the offices is being proposed as part of a major restructuring within the State Department.

In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the groups oppose eliminating the Office of Agricultural Policy within the Economic and Business Affairs Bureau, and the Office of Economic and Development Affairs within the Bureau of International Organizations.

“These offices are not just bureaucratic branches, they are frontline defenders of U.S. agricultural interests in the global arena,” the groups wrote, warning that eliminating them would weaken America’s agricultural leadership and export success.

The Office of Agricultural Policy (EB/AGP) coordinates on trade, regulatory and foreign policy issues affecting U.S. agricultural exports and works to prevent unfair trade barriers and foreign influence. The Office of Economic and Development Affairs (IO/EDA) represents U.S. interests at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization CODEX and the International Plant Protection Convention, helping ensure global standards are science-based and aligned with U.S. policy.

The letter also highlights past wins, including securing U.S. leadership at the FAO through the nomination and confirmation of Beth Bechdol as deputy director-general. “As the global agricultural landscape grows more competitive, the United States cannot afford to lose its strategic foothold in these forums,” the groups said.



USGC Signs MOU With Vietnamese Ministry Of Agriculture And Environment

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) signed a renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) to strengthen bilateral trade of animal feed and biofuels and expand technical support to the Vietnamese agricultural industry.

USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri signed the MOU on behalf of the Council with USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand observing. The signing took place during a USGC board of directors’ meeting in its Washington, D.C. headquarters, allowing Council leaders to greet the Vietnamese delegation and discuss further U.S. agricultural exports to Vietnam.

“Vietnam is a priority market for a variety of U.S. export commodities, including agriculture, and this MOU re-affirms the Council’s commitment to enabling stronger trade relations with Vietnam and improving the lives of their consumers and end-users,” Ulibarri said.

As part of the agreement, the Council will work with MAE and other related agencies to organize workshops, publish educational information and engage in relevant regional and international conferences. It also includes a focus on additional activities in both countries including trade teams, technical missions and industry networking events.

The MOU also includes the Council’s assistance in building the industrial capacities of Vietnam’s feed, food and fuel sectors and the reduction of trade barriers to make U.S. products more competitive for Vietnamese buyers.

“Staff based in our regional office for Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEA&O) have worked diligently to activate the Vietnamese market for U.S. feed and biofuel exports, so this MOU is a testament to their dedication, and we all look forward to future programs to reach customers in Vietnam,” LeGrand said.