Friday June 20 Ag News

Mid-year cattle market correction
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Extension Beef Systems Educator

As quick as the blink of an eye, mid-year 2025 is here. For the cow-calf, backgrounder and finishing segments of the industry, prices have trended positively, even out of season for fed cattle. The week after Memorial Day brought the highest fed cattle price from the Nebraska Weekly Weighted Average at over $240/cwt live and nearly $385/cwt in the meat. Feeder cattle prices also held up through that week. Cull cows are trading at $160/cwt.

As I have indicated previously, this is payday for the cattle industry and it is a time for cattle feeders, grow yards, and cow-calf operators to maximize income. Who knows how much more time we have before prices correct themselves by some external factor or growth in cattle inventory.

Interestingly, last week brought a market correction: a correction generated by an extremely unexpected action. Whether as a response to the riots in LA where demonstrators took to the streets, in many cases violently, to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids or to further make a case about immigration enforcement, ICE raided several agri-businesses,

most notably Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha. (Glenn Valley Foods is a meat processor which produces roasts, steaks diced products, and Philly steaks for sale to food service, retailers, and consumers.) Enforcement action brought intense uncertainty particularly to agricultural operations right here in Cuming County.

Collectively, estimates of participation by immigrant labor in agricultural operations is slightly above 40%. One might argue that for livestock operations, especially cattle feeding, the proportion of immigrant labor may be larger. Within this population, a variety of options exist to work legally in this country. Yet, the raid at Glenn Valley Foods, an operation that relies on E-Verify (Home | E-Verify) to confirm eligibility of employees to work in the U.S., and subsequent arrests of individuals who allegedly used stolen identities demonstrated that even with a government-based verification system fraud still occurs.

This action led to slow operations at this and other meat processors and packing plants. Packing plants in Omaha slowed or postponed cattle harvests for at least one shift last week. Concerns about potential ICE raids at cattle feedlots also created uncertainty and confusion.

Although the Nebraska Weekly Direct Slaughter Cattle - Negotiated Purchases is not out for last week yet, Northern fed cattle trade was reported par with the previous week. If that holds for Nebraska, one might say that this was due to the disruption brought by the uncertainty generated by ICE raids. Prices reported by the Nebraska Weekly Direct Slaughter Cattle report demonstrated a positive trend since the start of 2025.

It is not hard to imagine that a market bearish reaction was caused by ICE raids and the possibility of more raids coming. After all, we are entering peak season for heat and humidity events. Nobody wishes to be caught with more cattle on feed than the crew can handle.

Similarly, because of cattle prices, packers have been operating in the red for some time. It is difficult to plan operations when partial crews show up for work because some are arrested or remain home in fear of being arrested.

Thankfully, at least for now, President Trump’s stance on immigration led to an updated guidance on workforce enforcement: to hold on all worksite enforcement investigations/operations on

agriculture (including aquaculture and meat-packing plants), restaurants, and operating hotels. Under this guidance, case investigations for such crimes as human trafficking, money laundering, drug smuggling in these industries will continue.

In the world of politics, pundits like to point out policy decisions and their reversal by politicians as a sign of weakness. I, on the other hand, applaud the reversal of this policy.

Shortly after the ICE raid in Omaha, the executive board of NE Cattlemen’s meeting, incidentally, gathered for the mid-year meeting, reached out to their contacts in Washington informing them of the implications of continued raids and uncertainty created by what appeared a tougher stance on enforcement. Concurrently, the Cuming County Feeders Association worked directly with Nebraska Cattlemen and Senator Ricketts.

As the pundits put it: “President Trump bowed to pressure from businesses that have been warning of economic devastation.” As anyone with less interest in politics or political posturing sees it, taking a measured approach at enforcing immigration is necessary for smooth transition to a solution.

The situation that was created early last week is not good for the industry and has implications far beyond removal of suspected illegal immigrants. The obvious one: food supply or hospitality service to individuals doing business or enjoying their vacation would be disrupted, particularly as summer vacation season begins.

Closer to home, full enforcement of immigration laws would lead to livestock not being cared for properly. At a time when we expect heat and humidity to increase, short-handed crews might not be able to properly care for cattle.

Lastly, we shall hope these disruptions become incentives for lawmakers to create a solution to the immigrant worker visa issue. With an inherent labor shortage, I cannot think of any other more pressing issue. 



Nutrition Adventure Builds Bridges Between Dietitians and Beef Producers

The Nebraska Beef Council’s recent Nutrition Adventure offered dietitians a rare, hands-on look into Nebraska’s beef industry—from feedyards to multi-generational ranches. Nebraska Beef Council Board Member June Loseke and former Board Member Torri Lienemann both helped host portions of the event and reflected on its success. 

“For many participants, it was like stepping into a brand-new world,” said Loseke. “When you’re not familiar with the industry, it can be overwhelming to absorb so much in a short time. But overall, the dietitians were very engaged, interactive and eager to learn.” 

At Lienetics Ranch, Torri Lienemann shared important insights about the connection between mental health and the pressures producers face. Her son, Taylon, gave an in-depth look at seedstock production, bull sales, and genetic data, which greatly impressed the dietitians. 

“They were particularly interested in how we track data on bulls and their progeny to make better breeding decisions,” noted Lienemann. A special highlight was the chance for attendees to get up close with a cow-calf pair for photos, creating a memorable experience. 

Generational sustainability was another key theme throughout the tour. 

“We showcased how multiple generations of our family—from my father-in-law to my granddaughter—are actively involved in the operation,” added Loseke. Animal welfare and responsible antibiotic use were also emphasized. “We demonstrated how treatments are carefully tracked, withdrawal periods strictly followed, and no animal is harvested until it’s fully cleared,” Loseke said. 

By building these connections and offering ongoing education, Nutrition Adventure helps dietitians better understand the full beef production story—ensuring they can offer clients informed, balanced advice about food, health and sustainability.



MANAGING WINDROW DISEASE IN ALFALFA 
- Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist 

Rained-on hay plagues all of us eventually.  The 'windrow disease' that often follows presents lingering problems.

Windrow disease — that’s the name given to the striped appearance in fields where alfalfa windrows remained so long that regrowth underneath was delayed.  Usually, it’s due to rained on hay.

Windrow disease presents special challenges.  Weeds often invade, requiring spraying to maintain quality and protect stands.  During the next growth period, plants that were not smothered regrow rapidly, while plants underneath the windrow suffer delays.  Part of the field often will begin to bloom while windrow-stressed plants are still short and tender.  So, when do you harvest?  When the first plants begin to bloom, or do you wait until injured plants are ready?

I suggest using two factors to tell you when you should cut — the health and vigor of your stand and the nutrient needs of your livestock.  For example, is your alfalfa stand young, healthy and regrowing well?  If not, wait to cut until stunted plants begin to bloom so you can avoid weakening them even more.

But, if your alfalfa is in good shape, then cut when it will best meet the needs of your animals.  Dairy cows need alfalfa that is cut early, so harvest when the first plants reach bud to early bloom stage.  Regrowth of injured plants may be slow after cutting, but this sacrifice is needed for profitable milk production.  Beef cows, though, do not need such rich hay.  So, if the hay will be fed to beef cattle, let stunted plants recover, and then cut when they are ready to bloom.

Hopefully, by next cut, growth will be more uniform, plants healthy, and production back to normal.  



Farmers Invited to Join PFI’s Virtual Cover Crop Workshop Aug. 5

Farmers and others interested in cover crops are invited to register for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Virtual Cover Crop Workshop, taking place Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The free, virtual event offers an afternoon of sessions for farmers of all cover cropping experience levels – whether they’re seasoned practitioners or just starting out.

“This event is a great way for farmers to connect and hear from experienced cover croppers – especially for those who are unable to make it to an in-person field day this year,” Beth Waage, PFI’s field crops education coordinator, says. “Attendees can learn directly from their peers, all without leaving the farm.”

Attendees will hear how to:
• Get started with cover crops
• Graze cattle on cover crops
• Manage cover crops in drought and flood years
• Reduce inputs using cover crops

The workshop will feature individual sessions from three speakers, followed by a farmer panel discussion. Speakers include:
• Jason Regier of Madrid, Neb.
• Daryl Obermeyer of Brownville, Neb.
• Kent Brown of Cozad, Neb.
• Vance McCoy of Elsie, Neb.
• Ruth Ready of Scribner, Neb.
• Clay Govier of Broken Bow, Neb.

Registration is required. To RSVP, visit practicalfarmers.org/virtual-cover-crop-workshop. For questions, contact Beth Waage at (515) 232-5661 or beth.waage@practicalfarmers.org.

This free event is part of PFI’s broader field day season, which includes more than 60 in-person events across the Midwest from June through November. To explore the full field day schedule, visit practicalfarmers.org/field-days.



Mighty Giant Costomer Appreciation Day June 20

Rod Giese and the entire team at Jones Manufacturing invite you to the Mighty Giant Customer Appreciation Day today Friday June 20th at their facility north of Beemer.  There will be grinding demonstrations, food, and various vendors as well.  The Mighty Giant event takes place just north of Beemer at 1486 12th Road.  Activities run from 10am until 2pm.  



Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Society to Host Annual Meeting in Lincoln Area

The Nebraska Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society will begin its 2025 annual meeting on East Campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 24th.

This year’s theme for the “Tech Talks/Tech Walks” meeting is Cultivating Soil Resilience: Bridging Urban and Rural Landscapes.

Program Topics
The following topics will be presented and discussed:

Tuesday June 24th
● Urban Agriculture – Brach Johnson, USDA NRCS
● Soil Health Assessment at Big Scale – Caro Córdova, UNL
● UNL Bee Lab Tour – Judy Wu-Smart, UNL
● Networking and Social Time

Wednesday June 25th
● Partnerships/Beginning Farmer Opportunities – Jamie Thoene, USDA NRCS
● Soil Carbon: Key to Farm Health – Caro Córdova, UNL
● Biochar and Soil Functioning - Dr. Michael Kaiser, UNL
● Travel to Eastern NE Research, Extension & Education Center, Ithaca, Nebraska
● Soil Health Research, Katja Koehler-Cole, UNL
● Research Plot Tour, Katja Koehler-Cole, UNL
● Urban Projects & Practices – Kim Todd, UNL & Sean Elliott, LPN NRD
● Networking, Social Time, and SWCS Chapter Awards Banquet @ Wanahoo Lake

Thursday June 26
● SWCS Foundation and Chapter Business Meetings

All are welcome to attend - membership is not required! More information and registration options are available at bit.ly/NESWCSnews. Follow us at facebook.com/SWCSnebraska. Questions can be directed to nebraskaswcs@gmail.com.

SWCS meeting participants have been invited to also attend the 2025 Grow Local Field Tour, which is set for Tuesday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the UNL East Campus Research Farm. Hosted by #UNLAgroHort’s Sam Wortman, the tour will include presentations about specialty crop and local food systems research at the university and a walking tour of East Campus. Registration and full story at https://go.unl.edu/x0d7. 



Paul Jasa retirement reception is on June 27th

Paul Jasa, extension engineer in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, will be honored at a retirement reception on June 27. Jasa is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in no-till agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Join us in honoring and celebrating more than four decades of remarkable leadership, career and service of Paul Jasa, an extension engineer in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. A reception will be held Friday, June 27, in Chase Hall, Room 219.

Paul Jasa is an internationally recognized expert in no-till agriculture whose lifelong commitment has shaped conservation farming across Nebraska, the United States and beyond. For more than four decades, Jasa has served as an extension engineer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pioneering research at Rogers Memorial Farm and inspiring generations of farmers and students through his leadership in sustainable agriculture. His innovative work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Shirley H. Phillips No-Till Award, the SWCS Harold and Kay Scholl Conservation Award, induction into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement and two No-Till Legend awards by No-Till Farmer Magazine.

Paul and his late wife, Lisa Jasa, devoted their careers at Nebraska Extension to helping producers make informed management decisions. In 2022, two years after Lisa's passing, Paul established the Jasa Soil Health Education Fund to continue their shared mission—with a focus on soil health and environmental sustainability. The fund provides annual grants to Nebraska Extension professionals statewide who assist producers in improving profitability, building soil health, and reducing environmental risks. To learn more about the fund, click here https://www.notill.org/resources/jasa-soil-health-education-fund. 

All faculty, staff, students and public are welcome to attend the retirement reception.



Nebraska small meat processor management program reduces fee, invites processors across US to apply

Nebraska Extension has announced an application deadline extension and enrollment fee deduction for the 2025 Small Meat Processor Management Training Program, which helps owners and managers of small processing plants build their skills and industry knowledge as part of a cohort learning experience.

The deadline for processors to submit applications has been extended from June 15 to June 30, 2025. New funding has helped to reduce the fee for accepted participants by nearly half, to $3,800. The all-inclusive fee covers up to two participants per plant and pays for all related expenses, including travel and airfare, lodging and meals.

“The fee reduction is an important step in ensuring more small processors have the opportunity to participate in the program,” said Jordan Wicks, an assistant professor of meat processing at Nebraska. “This training is designed to meet processors where they are and help them build a stronger, more resilient business. We want to remove as many barriers and make this as cost-effective as we can to make participation possible.”

The program is centered around a weeklong in-person experience, Sept. 7-13, 2025, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Sessions that week will guide participants in working to ensure a successful and profitable business through a better understanding of the industry, their employees, financial management and more. The course also includes a pre- and post-program virtual meeting as well as a required virtual Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification training.

The program is designed and led by faculty from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Meat Science program and produced in collaboration with the College of Business at Nebraska and the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership. It will include sessions with leading experts from other university departments and industry, covering topics like business operations, processing practices, data optimization, retail strategies, regulatory compliance, human resources, marketing and more.

It is tailored for owners, managers and management-track employees of small meat processing plants, with custom-exempt, federally inspected and state-inspected plants invited to apply. All experience levels are welcome.

Applications and more details about the program are available on the Nebraska Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/meatprocessing. 



USGC Escorts Latin American Delegation To World Pork Expo

To help provide Latin American pork producers access to the world’s largest pork industry -specific trade show, the U.S. Grains Council recently hosted a delegation of 17 representatives from Mexico, Ecuador and Guatemala at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, IA, on June 4-5.

The event allowed attendees to immerse themselves in education, innovation and networking around the U.S.’s pork value chain before the delegation participated in a university training on the use of DDGS in swine diets and production and a visit to the POET ethanol plant, a Council member.

“The Council is looking to strengthen its relationship with invited pork producer associations and continue supporting Latin America’s pork sector development in the represented countries,” said Estefanía Perez, USGC deputy director in Mexico

Pork consumption in Latin America has been growing consistently in the last 10 years, reaching a per capita consumption of 14.5 kilograms (approximately 32 pounds) in 2023. However, experts project a growth of more than 25% in coming years, reaching a per capita consumption of 18 kilograms (approximately 39.5 pounds) in 2030.

“Pork consumption in the region continues to have a very positive outlook due to a good positioning of the product, a solid increase in supply, substitution for beef and successful promotion campaigns,” said Perez. “Specifically for Mexico, the Council seeks to continue to promote the use of DDGS by helping with training on the benefits that this co-product provides and seeks to expand the message to other pig-producing states that have not yet used the product.”

While challenges still exist in the region – including various pork-related afflictions, inflation in Latin America that drove up meat costs and political concerns that can affect production in the region – the swine sector there continues to grow at higher rates than broiler production, and is gaining relevance in terms of feed grains and co-products consumption.