Friday June 27 Ag News - Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report - 4R Field Day - New Corn Grower Local - plus more!

United States Hog Inventory Up Slightly 

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2025 was 75.1 million head. This was up slightly from June 1, 2024, and up 1 percent from March 1, 2025. Breeding inventory, at 5.98 million head, was down slightly from last year, and down slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 69.2 million head, was up slightly from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. 

The March-May 2025 pig crop, at 34.2 million head, was up 1 percent from 2024. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.91 million head, down slightly from 2024. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.75 for the March-May period, compared to 11.56 last year. 

United States hog producers intend to have 2.97 million sows farrow during the June-August 2025 quarter, down slightly from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 2 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for September-November 2025, at 2.95 million sows, are up 1 percent from the same period one year earlier, but down 1 percent from the same period two years earlier. 

By State            (1,000 hd  -  % June '24 
Iowa ..........:        24,700     100  
Minnesota ..:         9,300      99  
N. Carolina .:        7,800      103  
Illinois ........:        5,750      100  
Indiana .......:        4,450      101  
Nebraska ....:        3,550       99  

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 53 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 1 percent from the previous year. 



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will hold its next meeting July 1-2, 2025, at its office located at 4625 Innovation Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Among conducting regular board business, the Board will review FY26 proposals and other new opportunities. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion.

The complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the NSB website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org. 




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.



Nebraska Corn Growers Association Announces Establishment of New Panhandle Local

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is excited to announce the establishment of the Panhandle Corn Growers Association, representing corn growers in Banner, Box Butte, Garden, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux counties. The announcement follows the acceptance of a formal request to the NeCGA Board of Directors during its board meeting on June 17th in Broken Bow.

Andy Groskopf, president of the newly founded local association, presented the letter and officially requested affiliate status. Groskopf said the Panhandle Corn Growers Association aims to unify corn growers in western Nebraska under the shared belief of advancing the corn industry through leadership, advocacy, policy development and education.

Warnar Schaneman has been selected to serve as the Panhandle representative on the NeCGA state board. In this role, Schaneman will help ensure the voice and interests of Panhandle growers are represented at the state level.

“The formation of the Panhandle Corn Growers Association is a major milestone in the continued growth of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association,” said Michael Dibbern, president of NeCGA. “Our mission has always been to serve grassroots corn farmers across the entire state, and the need for local representation in western Nebraska has never been greater. We’re excited to welcome these growers and look forward to the leadership and perspective they'll bring to the Association.”

In alignment with NeCGA’s mission, the Panhandle Corn Growers Association is committed to hosting annual promotional and educational events and actively participating in statewide activities. The group has also appointed a vice president and treasurer to support the local leadership structure and ensure operational effectiveness.

The addition of the local reinforces NeCGA’s commitment to building a statewide grassroots network of leaders dedicated to advancing Nebraska’s corn industry.

For more information about the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, please visit necga.org or call (402) 438-6459.




Flame Weeding Workshop is Sept. 10

The Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Itaca. 

Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture specializing in weed science, and George Gogos, professor of mechanical engineering, and their teams will present results from more than 15 years of research. This work is also documented in over 20 scientific publications, 100+ abstracts presented at many regional, national and international meetings, and a patent for flaming equipment.

Participants will learn how to properly flame all major Midwestern weeds in eight agronomic crops – field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa, sunflower and wheat.

Propane fueled flame weeding is an acceptable method for weed and pest control in organic farming. It is also gaining interest among conventional producers due to the increase in weed resistance and costs of GMO crop seeds.

Propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data will be presented. Four row flamers with patented hoods for broadcast and banded flaming will be demonstrated along with flaming treatments applied at several crop growth stages in corn and soybean.

Several local organic farmers will share their experience with flame weeding on their farms.

Workshop is limited to 40 people. Cost is $150 which includes the Flame Weeding Manual and other workshop materials. Lunch is also provided.

Program agenda:
    9:30 – 10 am: Registration
    10 – 10:10 am: Introductions and overview of the program (Knezevic)
    10:10 – 10:30 am: Basics of Flame Weeding and Equipment (Knezevic)
    10:30 – 11 am: Development of flaming hoods and torches (Gogos/ Chris Bruening, Ph.D.)
    11am – 12:30 pm: Field Demonstration of Flame Weeding Equipment and Procedures (Gogos and Bruening)
    12:30 – 1 pm: Lunch (Provided)
    1 – 1:30 pm: Propane dose response for weed control (Knezevic)
    1:30 – 2 pm: Crop tolerance to single and multiple flaming (Knezevic)
    2 – 2:30 pm: Time of day impacts flame weeding (Knezevic)
    2:30 – 3 pm: Flame weeding and cultivation in corn and soybean (Knezevic)
    3– 3:30 pm: Experience from local producers (Randy Fendrich and Larry Stanislav)
    4 – 5 pm: Revisit fields, Questions and Discussion
    5 pm – Adjourn

Please register at https://go.unl.edu/flameweeding2025 by Wednesday, Sept. 3. Directions to the site, accommodation information, and a video about the university’s flame weeding research is available on the Flame Weeding Workshop page https://go.unl.edu/flameweeding2025.

For more information contact Stevan Knezevic at 402-472-6498 or sknezevic2@unl.edu. For registration information contact Connie Hansen at 402-472-8747 or chansen1@unl.edu.




Iowa Soybean Research Center announces leadership transition

On July 1, 2025, Iowa State University Associate Professor of Agronomy Mark Licht and Professor of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Steve Whitham will join the Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) as co-directors. After 11 years of leadership, founding ISRC Director and Morrill Professor of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Greg Tylka will step away from the center at the end of 2025 allowing him more time to focus on his research responsibilities in the area of soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

Licht, an extension cropping systems specialist, and Whitham, an expert in molecular plant pathology, have both been long-time faculty research affiliates of the ISRC. The addition of Licht and Whitham highlights the long-term commitment of Iowa State University in support of soybean research. The co-directors will work together to expand the research and educational activities of the center while maintaining a focus on soybean production research.

“I would like to thank Dr. Tylka for his leadership and dedication to the Iowa Soybean Research Center, and I am excited for the center’s future with the addition of Drs. Licht and Whitham whose complementary areas of expertise will serve as strengths for the center,” said Asheesh “Danny” Singh, associate dean for research and discovery for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“The Iowa Soybean Association looks forward to continuing our partnership with ISRC and building on the successes of the past decade with Steve and Mark in this newly formed co-directorship. They will bring many strengths to the center and both continue to focus their research on challenges and opportunities that are central to soybeans and Iowa farmers,” said Iowa Soybean Association Chief Officer, Research Center for Farming Innovation Joe McClure, who also chairs the ISRC’s Industry Advisory Council. 

“I am grateful for Steve and Mark joining leadership of the center, which is critically important to the college and Iowa State University. These two individuals add great expertise and perspective to the center,” said ISRC Director Greg Tylka.

Licht, a faculty member in the Department of Agronomy since 2016, has spent his career helping crop farmers improve their operations as an agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. His expertise is in soybean and corn, as well as cover crops and conservation measures. His extension, research and teaching program has focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability and environmental goals. Licht has a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and agricultural extension education, a master’s in soil science and a doctorate in crop production and physiology, all from Iowa State.

Whitham has been a faculty member in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology since 2000. His research has focused on developing virus-based tools to analyze gene functions in crop plants with particular interest in soybean and corn, functional genomics of plant-virus interactions and molecular determinants of soybean-soybean rust interactions. He also teaches courses in plant-microbe interactions, molecular plant pathology and virology. Whitham earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural biochemistry from Iowa State and master’s and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the University of California, Berkeley.



USGC Leads Grain Export Mission To Canada

Last week, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff led a delegation of U.S. producers to Canada to participate in the Council’s annual Grain Export Mission (GEM) and meet key end-users, Council partners and government representatives to learn about U.S. grain, ethanol and co-product exports to the market.

Since 1994, GEMs have made a difference for the U.S. agricultural industry by providing a first-hand look at international markets. Initially known as the Pioneer International Agricultural Fellowship, the GEM program has educated more than 200 USGC delegates about new and growing markets around the world.

The team was led by USGC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman, USGC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch and USGC Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada Stephanie Larson and included Council members Scott Miller of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan; Isaac Murdock of the the Indiana Corn Marketing Council; Duane Epland of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council; and Matt Sullivan of the Nebraska Corn Board.

“Canada is a vital trading partner for U.S. agriculture, and ethanol exports in particular have been extremely impressive with more room still to grow,” Koch said.

“By bringing Council members to this important market through the GEM, we are connecting the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives from the start of the value chain to the end.”

The program began in Toronto with a visit to a major feed mill and the Ontario Agribusiness Association to discuss how end-users procure and receive raw materials from U.S. growers.

After traveling to Ottawa, the delegation met with Canadian regulatory departments and policymakers, including Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA’s FAS) also met with the team at the U.S. embassy to cover recent market updates and future promotional plans for U.S. agricultural goods.

“We’re fortunate to have international partners that are also dedicated to agricultural trade that works for all parties, meaning we can continue working to break down trade barriers and connect buyers and sellers to expand U.S. exports in Canada and around the world,” Zimmerman said.



ASA Calls for Reauthorization of Grain Standards Act in House Testimony

Dave Walton, secretary of the American Soybean Association and a farmer from Wilton, Iowa, testified today before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit, emphasizing the importance of reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Under the Grain Standards Act, the federal government established official marketing standards (not health and safety standards) for grains and oilseeds, which are overseen by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS).

Walton told lawmakers that U.S. soybeans remain the nation’s top agricultural export and a critical driver of the economy. In 2024, farmers harvested 86 million acres of soybeans, producing 4.4 billion bushels and supporting more than $124 billion in total economic activity across related industries.

“Our strong grain standards, backed by the force and weight of the U.S. government, are one of the strongest reputational enhancements available to U.S. soybean farmers,” Walton said in prepared testimony.

He highlighted the vital role of FGIS in ensuring consistent and trusted grading, which provides assurance to global buyers and underpins price discovery and futures markets. He also pointed to the successful removal of “soybeans of other colors” as a grading factor, an example of effective collaboration between the industry and USDA.

ASA represents nearly 500,000 soybean farmers through its 26 affiliated state associations. The group is urging Congress to reauthorize the act before its key provisions expire on Sept. 30.



NGFA urges swift reauthorization of the Grain Standards Act during House testimony

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Thursday reiterated its strong support for timely, bipartisan reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) during testimony before the House Agriculture Committee.

Testifying on behalf of NGFA and its more than 700 member companies, Nick Friant, Director of Raw Material Quality at Cargill and Chairman of NGFA’s Grain Grades and Weights Committee, stressed the importance of the USGSA in maintaining America’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain.

“We urge Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act in a timely and bipartisan manner,” Friant said. “Doing so will provide certainty to farmers, grain handlers, and international customers who depend on the integrity of the U.S. Official grain inspection system.”

Friant’s testimony highlighted two core recommendations for improving the Act:
1. Modernizing Grain Grading Technology: “FGIS (Federal Grain Inspection Service) must prioritize research, development, and validation of modern grain grading technologies that improve accuracy, speed, and consistency,” he said.

NGFA supports providing USDA with the resources and authority to collaborate with industry and academia on tools like enhanced visual imaging, chemical analysis, and machine learning to strengthen export competitiveness and help the FGIS “drive efficiencies, reduce costs, and address the staffing challenges it faces.”

2. Enhancing Emergency Waiver Authority: The Act must allow for pragmatic flexibility during natural disasters or other service disruptions, Friant testified. Specifically, he proposed clarifying the definition of “emergency” and enabling temporary waivers when buyers and sellers agree and the objectives of the Act are not undermined.

Friant also called for additional reforms, including improved transparency in user fee calculations, clarifying eligibility for Advisory Committee appointments, and limiting the industry fee cap to USGSA-covered commodities.

“The U.S. grain inspection system is a foundation of our country’s reputation as a reliable agricultural supplier,” Friant concluded. “Timely reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, combined with the enhancements we’ve outlined today, will ensure that our inspection system continues to meet the high expectations of U.S. producers and global customers.”

For more information about NGFA’s priorities for USGSA reauthorization, visit www.ngfa.org. 



House Appropriations Committee Approves Agriculture, FDA Funding for FY 2026

The House Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which funds programs at USDA and FDA.

The bill reduces funding for several USDA mission areas, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The cuts are attributed to reductions in staffing levels.

The Agricultural Research Service received increased funding to continue research aimed at improving U.S. agricultural production. The bill now awaits floor consideration in the House.



Rollins Provides Update on Bird Flu Strategy, Egg Prices Continue to Fall

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Thursday provided an update on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s comprehensive, five-pronged strategy announced in February to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). After reaching a record high due to the Biden Administration’s lack of action, wholesale egg prices have now dropped 64%, with retail prices falling 27% from their peak earlier this year. We must remain diligent, and egg farmers and producers can continue to utilize USDA resources to conduct biosecurity assessments before the Fall.

“When President Trump entered office, the cost of eggs was at a record high, seriously denting consumers’ wallets after years of awful inflation. On my first day as Secretary, we got to work to implement a five-pronged strategy to improve biosecurity on the farm and lower egg prices on grocery store shelves. The plan has worked, and families are seeing relief with egg prices driving food deflation in the April Consumer Price Index,” said Secretary Rollins. “While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall.”



Cattle Farmers and Ranchers Join President Trump to Push for Tax Relief

Thursday, farmers and ranchers affiliated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House for an event urging Congress to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and deliver tax relief.

Kevin Kester, a fifth-generation California rancher and NCBA Past-President, attended due to his personal experience with the Death Tax.

“It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now,” said Kester. “When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every dollar and sacrifice basic purchases so that we could pay off that tax bill. To protect our food security and national security, we need to make sure no other farming family experiences that same burden, which is why Congress must pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and deliver lasting tax relief.”

Kester raises cattle with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His grandchildren are the 7th generation of his family involved in agriculture. Over 30 years ago, he inherited the ranch from his grandfather and faced a $2 million Death Tax from the IRS. Today, land values near the Kester ranch have soared as billionaires and non-ag companies buy up thousands of acres, driving up costs for working farmers while removing productive land from agriculture—a double hit to those hardworking Americans producing our nation’s food. These are not just challenges for the Kester family, they’re a growing threat to farmers and ranchers across the country.

President Trump also recognized Virginia Cattlemen’s Association member Jeb Cullipher, a seventh-generation farmer from Virginia Beach. The Cullipher family has been farming in the area for almost 200 years and Jeb added cattle to the farm. For his business to thrive, farmers like Cullipher need Congress to support small business tax deductions, credits, and other provisions that help farmers invest in the success of their operations.

“America’s family farmers and ranchers work hard every single day, and they should be keeping more of their hard-earned money, not sending it to Washington. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has always been a staunch voice for lowering taxes, axing the Death Tax, and protecting producer profitability,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ accomplishes all of these priorities and it’s time for Congress to step up and pass this bill.”