Monday June 02 Ag News

 Soybean Gall Midge Emergence in Nebraska 
Justin McMechan, NE Extension Crop Protection and Cropping System Specialist
 
On May 30th, two soybean gall midge adults (one male and one female) were collected from a field in east-central Nebraska in Saunders County. Soybean stage is a critical factor for the susceptibility of soybean to soybean gall midge. Only soybean with fissures at the base of the plant are susceptible to soybean gall midge infestation which typically occurs around the V2 stage. Soybean planted in late April are mostly at the V2 stage, some early-May planting are at V2. However, those planted in mid to late May are VE-V1.

Soybean Gall Midge: Should I Spray Checklist
❏    Soybean gall midge adults have emerged in my area
❏    My soybean field is at the V2 stage or greater
❏    I observed soybean gall midge injury in the adjacent field last year

Management of soybean gall midge has been difficult. Foliar sprays have shown some response but are inconsistent between locations and years. No specific foliar-applied product tested to date has provided consistent control of SGM. Research to date suggests that growers can consider using a combination product that contains a pyrethroid. If an application is being considered, it should only be made in soybean fields where a history of issues with soybean gall midge injury has occurred. Since soybean gall midge is a field edge-infesting pest, growers may only need to treat the first 60 to 120 feet of a field edge that is directly adjacent to a field that was injured the previous year. Do not treat any soybean fields prior to V2, as they are not susceptible to infestation due to the lack of fissures or cracks at the base of the stem.

Hilling or covering the base of soybean stems with soil has also been found to be a very effective strategy with almost complete control of soybean gall midge. This is a difficult practice to implement when soybean plants are small, as they can easily be completely covered by soil. Studies are being conducted to evaluate the timing of hilling relative to the plant development stage. More information on hilling is available through the soybeangallmidge.org website. Little is known about the impact this management strategy could have on soybean gall midge movement in a field. Although no field studies have been conducted, it is possible that adults may continue to move into the field until they find a susceptible plant.

With no detection of soybean gall midge in other parts of the network, it would be advisable to wait for emergence to occur in those areas. You can continue to follow adult emergence at all locations through soybeangallmidge.org.



UNL Seeks Input from Nebraska Ag Landowners and Tenants in New Crop Share Survey

Agricultural landowners and tenants in Nebraska who are involved in crop share lease agreements are invited to participate in a new survey from the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Data from responses will be used to better understand how crop share leases are structured across the state and inform new publications.

Crop share agreements allow landlords and tenants to share both the risks and rewards of crop production. But the terms of these agreements — how costs and returns are divided — can differ widely depending on region, crop type, land productivity, and local traditions.

“Many leases are still based on verbal agreements or old rules of thumb,” said Anastasia Meyer, extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. “We know practices vary, but we don’t have consistent statewide data showing how. This survey is an important step toward helping landowners and producers make better-informed decisions.”

The anonymous survey asks participants — whether landlords or tenants — about lease structures, shared expenses, and other common terms. Results will inform the development of educational materials and tools to support fair and effective lease negotiations across Nebraska.

The brief survey is open now at: https://go.unl.edu/2025cropshare.

“Completing the survey takes just a few minutes,” Meyer said. “Responses will help paint a clearer picture of current leasing trends and ensure educational resources reflect what’s really happening in the field.”



NDA ANNOUNCES DELEGATES SELECTED TO ATTEND THE 2025 NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL YOUTH INSTITUTE

220 high school juniors and seniors across Nebraska have been selected to be a part of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) this summer. Put on by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), NAYI brings together hundreds of students every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. This year, NAYI will be held July 7-11 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

“NAYI provides a unique opportunity to Nebraska high school students,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The Institute introduces young people to the many options that come from a career in agriculture as well as establishing lifelong connections and friendships. Our youth are the future of innovation and advancement in agriculture, and I am excited to see so many young people interested in our state’s largest industry.”

NAYI is in its 54th year, making it the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme is “It’s in Our Genes” and the Institute will feature motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, as well as several hands-on learning opportunities and workshops.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), which is comprised of 22 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. During NAYI, NAYC members provide valuable guidance, insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building.

Here is a partial list of those attending this year's NAYI.... 
Adrianna    Mincer    Arlington
Aaron    Fuchs    Arlington 
Noah    Brichacek    Bancroft 
Carter     Bramlet    Beemer
Katrina    Moyer    Beemer
Josie     Ritter    Beemer
Stella    Kock    Belden
Emma    Huntley    Bennington
Eliza    Finken    Blair
Claire    Lutter    Carroll
Nevaeh    Zulkoski    Clarkson
Breslynn    Timmerman    Colon
Callen    Jedlicka    Columbus
Emma     Klug    Columbus
Danica    Bohuslavsky    David City
Dillon    Bohuslavsky    David City
Alex    Ankeny    Dixon
Natalie    Ruskamp    Dodge
Braxton    Wisnieski    Dodge
Chase     Hartman     Fremont 
Breah     Steffen     Hartington 
Gracie    Reynolds    Hooper
Lilly     Pehrson    Laurel
Luke    Eisenmann    Leigh
Karly    Wendt    Leigh
Alizabeth    Whitley    Lyons
Sophia    Wolff    Norfolk
Grace    Wallerstedt    Oakland
Alex    Roth    Pender
Carter     Hansen    Pender 
Morgan    Havlovic    Prague
Bela    Jedlicka    Schuyler
Abby    Reyna    Schuyler
Allison    Vavricek    Schuyler
Addison    Vavricek    Schuyler
Zoey    Gathman    Scribner
Gillian    Hunke    Scribner
Ian    Schiller    Scribner
Aubree     Schlueter    Scribner
Grace    Steel    Scribner
Garrett    Hansen    Stanton
Peyton    Hutchinson    West Point
Brooklyn    Steffen    West Point
Isaac    Wooldrik    West Point
Jake    Rezac    Weston
Austin    Hatterman    Wisner
Taylor    Scholting    Wisner
Hayden    Schroeder    Wisner

To learn more about NAYC or NAYI 2025, visit nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/. Follow NAYI activities on Facebook by searching and liking the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and on Instagram by following @the_nayc or #NAYI25.



Cow-Calf Field Day to feature research updates, technology demonstrations at USMARC

Beef producers and industry professionals are invited to attend the 2025 Cow-Calf Field Day, scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Education Center, located at 820 Road 313 in Clay Center, Nebraska. 

The event, themed “Research Updates and Technology Demonstrations,” will feature presentations and interactive tour stops led by University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty, Nebraska Extension educators and U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) scientists. 

Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. and includes a $20 fee. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register for meal planning by contacting Kacie McCarthy at kacie.mccarthy@unl.edu or online at https://go.unl.edu/cowcalf_fieldday_jun24.

Presentations during the morning session will cover a range of cow-calf research topics, including: 
    Cow efficiency research by Colby Redifer, Ph.D., post-doctoral researcher at USMARC 
    Advancements in in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology by Alex Snider, Ph.D., scientist at USMARC 
    Heifer development research by Bob Cushman, Ph.D., scientist at USMARC 
    Technology applications in the beef industry, such as virtual fencing and water monitoring, by Yijie Xiong, Ph.D., assistant professor and precision livestock specialist in the Department of Animal Science at UNL 

Following lunch, attendees will rotate through research stations that showcase current studies and tools in beef production. Stops include: 
    Feeding technologies and research (Area 25 and Feedlot) presented by Matthew Crouse, Ph.D., USMARC 
    SmartFeed (C-Lock, Inc.) technology and mineral intake tracking in mature cows, led by Tanner Wansing, graduate student in the Department of Animal Science 
    Targeted supplementation strategies for replacement heifers using SmartFeed technology, presented by Kacie McCarthy, Ph.D., assistant professor and cow-calf specialist at UNL 

The field day will conclude with closing remarks and evaluations. 

For more information, contact Kacie McCarthy at kacie.mccarthy@unl.edu. 




More Control, Less Effort: Cattle Technology Field Day Set for June 27 at ENREEC

Producers looking to improve grazing efficiency and reduce labor demands are invited to attend the Technology in Action: Improving Pasture and Cattle Management field day, hosted at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Nebraska on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM CT. 

This free, full-day event features hands-on demonstrations and in-depth discussions focused on technologies that help producers get more from their pasture and streamline cattle management. Topics include virtual fencing, remote water monitoring, and tools for estimating forage mass in cereal rye using a smartphone. 

 Key highlights include: 
    See virtual fencing in action with cow/calf pairs and observe how more intensive grazing management improves pasture utilization 
    Explore different remote water monitoring systems in the field and compare their real-world performance—battery life, signal coverage, and alert reliability. 
    Learn how to use a simple photo-based forage estimator to support stocking decisions and timing of grazing cereal rye and other winter cereals. 

Indoor sessions will provide practical details on virtual fencing platform comparisons, pricing structures, and research findings on using VF to manage multiple groups and to strip graze annual forages. 

Lunch is provided, and registration is free. 

Register at: https://go.unl.edu/tech_act 

This event is sponsored by USDA-SARE and organized by Nebraska Extension  



Six Rural Nebraskans Earn Scholarships to Invest in the Future of Rural Nebraska

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded six individuals with the Nebraska Rural Radio Scholarship in honor of Max and Eric Brown. The scholarship is designed for individuals over the age of 25 who are committed to living in rural Nebraska and serving their communities. 

Scholarship recipients can use these funds for any form of continuing education: a two-year program, four-year program, trade, EMT, graduate school, etc. The scholarship strives to keep rural Nebraska thriving for generations to come. 

The six recipients are Emily Kammerer, North Platte; Andra Smith, Elsmere; Melissa Haack, Upland; Maren Dejonge, Humboldt; Nicole Gooder, Chadron; and Antanea Gibbens, Cozad. 

From educators to health care workers to community advocates, these scholarship winners are committed to promoting a prosperous future for rural Nebraska. $8,000 was awarded.

“We are grateful for the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation’s investment in the future of our rural communities through these six individuals,” said Megahn Schafer “We know that each of these scholarship winners will continue to make a difference in their communities.” 

The Rural Radio Scholarship is given in honor of Max and Eric Brown each year. 

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org. 



NCGA Launches Flagship Mentor Program

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is partnering with the Farm Credit Council for the launch of a new mentorship program called On Deck. The program connects seasoned grower leaders with young and beginning agriculturalists to build NCGA’s roster of champions.  

Anne Thompson, with Farm Credit Council, shared her enthusiasm for the new program. 

“Farm Credit is excited to partner with the National Corn Growers Association on this effort to build the bench of future industry leaders," Thompson said. "We hope that through this program young producers can gain exposure to all the association has to offer earlier than they might have otherwise.”  

The mentees for this program were nominated and selected by NCGA state partners to participate in three months of programming with their mentors. The mentees are Nathan Behrends (Iowa), Jeff Hazlewood (Iowa), Maggie Holub (Neb.), Devin Lansing (Iowa), and Kate Voisinet (Mich.).  

Leaders at NCGA say the program will help young farmers overcome the obstacles they may face in what can be a tough profession.
 
"Young growers are entering farming during a challenging time,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “By facilitating cross-generational conversations, this program provides new farmers with the tools and well-worn advice they will need to succeed and thrive.” 



ISU pasture walk features tips for successful grazing

Pasture is a longtime and significant part of Iowa agriculture and is a critical component of the state's agricultural landscape. To help producers make the most of these essential resources, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers pasture walks that provide an invaluable opportunity to explore real-world examples of pasture management in action.

ISU extension beef specialist Beth Doran said these events provide a hands-on learning experience where livestock producers can assess pasture health, exchange ideas, and discover innovative practices that enhance productivity and animal well-being.

“Successful grazing involves careful planning and timely management,” she said.   “It’s more than just turning the cows out.”

Northwest Iowa cow-calf and stocker operators are invited to a pasture walk on July 10 at the Justin Boersma farm, 4347 390th St., Hospers. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a light supper, followed by speakers and pasture tour from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Participants will learn how to get started and manage grazing with a first-hand look at how Boersma grazes 30 head of stocker cattle on 16 acres of mixed grasses.

These topics, speakers, and their affiliations are part of the program.
    Setting up a watering system – Erik Scott, Cobett Waterers
    Establishing fencing for grazing – Brad Ketchum, Gallagher Fencing
    Determining grazing capacity – Andrew Koehlmoos, USDA NRCS – O’Brien County
    Restoring over-grazed pastures – Patrick Corey, USDA NRCS – Crawford County
    USDA pasture improvement funding – Troy Davelaar, USDA NRCS – Lyon County
    Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance – Farm Bureau Financial Services

There is no charge for the pasture walk thanks to support from ISU Extension and Outreach; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Lyon County, O’Brien County, Osceola County, and Sioux County.

See event details and directions to the pasture walk. Register by July 2 by calling Sioux County Extension at 712-737-4230 or emailing Beth Doran. Participants should dress for the outdoors and pasture walking and bring a lawn chair.



Secretary Rollins Leads Trade Delegation to Italy, Continues Aggressive Travel Agenda to Promote American Agriculture Worldwide

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins will visit Rome, Italy, on June 2-3. During her visit, Secretary Rollins will reinforce the Administration’s expectations for improved agricultural market access to Italy and the European Union and will encourage the United Nations organizations in Rome to prioritize American interests, reduce costs, and focus on their core mandates.

“The United States’ relationships with Italian buyers and consumers foster tens of billions in bilateral trade and investment. However, U.S. agricultural stakeholders have been unfairly left behind for far too long by the European Union and Italy’s high tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and numerous non-tariff barriers,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “In coordination with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, we at USDA will continue working to level the playing field and increase market opportunities with the EU and Italy for hard-working U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters, and food processors.”

Secretary Rollins will meet with senior Italian government and International Organization officials, including the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy Marta Youth, Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome Rodney Hunter, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Qu Dongyu, and UN World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain.

Secretary Rollins has made it a top priority to advocate on behalf of American agriculture on the world stage. This means increasing access for American products in existing markets, opening new markets with strong demand for our products, and making sure trading partners are treating American farmers, ranchers, and producers fairly. This comes after four years of inaction by the Biden Administration, which caused America’s agricultural trade balance to go from a surplus under President Trump’s first term, to a significant deficit under President Biden.

This trade mission follows Secretary Rollins’s trip to the U.K. in May, and precedes future trade travel to India, Vietnam, Japan, Peru, and Brazil over the next four months. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include Peru, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.



USDA Sends Fire Resources to Assist Canada Wildfire Response

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Saturday announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is deploying resources to assist the wildfire response currently impacting Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta, Canada. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center raised the wildfire preparedness level to 5 on May 29, 2025, as the country is experiencing very high to extreme wildfire activity. USDA deployed an airtanker to Alberta, on May 31st, and the United States is mobilizing over 150 firefighters and support personnel to assist with the Canadian wildfire response. The United States is also mobilizing other equipment including sprinkler kits, pumps, and hoses. 

“We are here to help our neighbors during their time of need, and our Forest Service Wildland Firefighters are the best in the business. I am thankful for the men and women who are bravely stepping up to serve. We pray for their success as they fight fires and save lives,” said Secretary Rollins.

The current fire activity in the United States remains normal. USDA will retain readiness and if we anticipate any operational needs, we reserve the right to recall our resources. USDA Forest Service operational readiness will never be diminished.



Growth Energy: DOE Updates to 45Z Will Create Jobs, Unleash New Investments

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed new guidance that the Trump administration released today regarding the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. The updates to the 45ZCF-GREET User Manual make it easier for more biofuel producers to claim the credit and will ultimately drive investment in new energy projects that create jobs and support growth in rural communities.

“By lifting needless restrictions on wet mills and different end uses for captured carbon, the updated user manual ensures that more farmers and biofuel producers will have the freedom and flexibility to invest in U.S. energy dominance while supporting stronger markets for American agriculture,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “In conjunction with an extension of the credit under consideration by lawmakers, this guidance will help restore market certainty and increase American competitiveness in the race for the next generation of liquid fuel solutions. We applaud Energy Secretary Wright for working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to deliver a fairer, more accurate model for calculating incentives that will help drive American energy dominance and spur economic growth.”

Among other changes, the new guidance:
    Eliminates prohibitions on wet mills being able to access the 45Z credit; 
    Allows carbon used in enhanced oil recovery to count towards lowering carbon intensity (CI) scores; and 
    Allows carbon sold for use in food and beverages to count towards lowering CI scores. 



Senator Mike Lee’s OFF Act is an Attack on American Agriculture
Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO

Senator Mike Lee, R-UT, is at it again with his reintroduction of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act—a deceptively named bill that threatens the ability of farmers and ranchers to unite through self-funded commodity checkoff programs. These programs are created and governed by producers to support marketing, research and education for products like beef, dairy, Christmas trees and others—without taxpayer funding. Senator Lee’s relentless attacks on checkoff programs undermine the very backbone of American life, a safe, wholesome and affordable food supply.

Despite the title, there is nothing “fair” about this legislation, nor does it create opportunity for farmers and ranchers. Instead, the OFF Act completely undermines producers’ right to collectively invest in their industry. It limits the ability for producers to speak with one voice in a marketplace increasingly dominated by misinformation. It blocks the ability to differentiate real beef from a confusing array of fake products.

Senator Lee’s OFF Act—couched in populist, anti-tax rhetoric—would bury these programs under layers of unnecessary bureaucracy, prohibit them from working with industry partners, and silence their ability to counter misleading or hostile narratives about agriculture. That’s not reform, that’s sabotage. These programs are not taxpayer funded; they’re financed and directed by farmers and ranchers themselves for the benefit of all who pay into the program, and they work. USDA studies show the Beef Checkoff returns more than $13 for every $1 invested.

More concerning is who stands to benefit if the OFF Act passes. The legislation is championed not by mainstream producers, but by a loose coalition of anti-agriculture activists, radical animal rights groups, and fringe organizations which have been working long and hard to destroy the checkoff system. These groups have found sympathetic supporters like Senator Lee and radical left Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey who is a champion of the animal rights movement, to further their cause. Anti-checkoff efforts serve no purpose other than to weaken the voice of American agriculture and clear the way for animal rights activists, plant-based advocates and fake protein companies to dominate the conversation about food, farming and climate.

By dismantling checkoff programs, the OFF Act would make it harder—not easier—for small and medium-sized farmers and ranchers to compete with these well-funded fake meat companies. It would allow more effective and coordinated attacks on agriculture. In short, the OFF Act would cripple the very programs that help build consumer trust, drive demand and grow markets. Far from creating opportunities, this bill would remove one of the few reliable tools that producers have available to level the playing field.

Senator Lee knows the farmers and ranchers in his home state of Utah oppose the OFF Act. He has already met with Utah Cattlemen’s Association and Utah Farm Bureau members who have rejected his bill. He also knows that farmers and ranchers nationwide oppose the OFF Act. So, the real question is why does he continue to push such unpopular legislation?

Make no mistake, the OFF Act isn’t about transparency or fairness. It’s about dismantling a proven system of producer-led self-determination in favor of ideological purity tests and Washington micromanagement. That doesn’t create opportunity, and it’s certainly not about fairness.

Senator Lee should reconsider his alignment with anti-agriculture interests seeking to put farmers and ranchers out of business. American farmers and ranchers deserve support—not sabotage.