Monday June 09 Ag News

USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports

After spring planting is complete, agricultural producers should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline. July 15 is a major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and by crop.    

“To ensure receipt of important safety net, disaster assistance, conservation and crop insurance program benefits, producers should file an accurate crop acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage before the deadline,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Once planting is complete, call your local FSA office to make an appointment to report your acres and take care of other FSA-related business during your appointment.”     

How to File a Report     
A crop acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch, its intended use and location. Producers can contact their FSA county office for acreage reporting deadlines that are specific to their county.       

To file a crop acreage report, producers need to provide:    
    Crop and crop type or variety   
    Intended crop use   
    Number of crop acres   
    Map with approximate crop boundaries   
    Planting date(s)   
    Planting pattern, when applicable   
    Producer share(s)   
    Irrigation practice(s)   
    Acreage prevented from planting, when applicable   
    Other required information      

Acreage Reporting Details  
The following exceptions apply to acreage reporting dates:      
    If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting deadline, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.   
    If a producer acquires additional acreage after the acreage reporting deadline, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.    

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the acreage reporting date or 15 calendar days before grazing or crop harvesting begins, whichever is earlier.     

Producers with perennial forage crops should check with their local FSA office to see if their crops are eligible for continuous certification, which rolls the certified acreage forward each year until a change is made.  
  
Prevented Planted Acreage     
Producers should also report the crop acreage they intended to plant but were unable to because of a natural disaster, including drought. Prevented planted acreage must be reported on form CCC-576, Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).      

Farmers.gov Portal      
Producers can access their FSA farm records, maps, and common land units through the farmers.gov customer portal. The portal allows producers to export field boundaries as shapefiles and import and view other shapefiles, such as precision agriculture boundaries within farm records mapping. Producers can view, print and label their maps for acreage reporting purposes. A login.gov account that is linked to a USDA customer record is required to use the portal.    

Producers can visit farmers.gov/account to learn more about creating an account. Producers who have the authority to act on behalf of another customer as a grantee via an FSA-211 Power of Attorney form, Business Partner Signature Authority or as a member of a business can now access information for the business in the farmers.gov portal.    

Geospatial Acreage Reporting     
Acreage reports using precision agriculture planting boundaries can be filed electronically with an approved insurance provider or an authorized third-party provider, who will then share the file with FSA staff. Producers should notify their local FSA office if they submitted an electronic geospatial acreage report containing precision planting boundaries that they want to use as part of their FSA acreage report.     
More Information     
Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for questions about acreage reporting.     



New Educational Resources Address Common Cover Crop Questions in Nebraska
Katja Koehler-Cole - NE Extension Soil Health Educator
 
Cover crops are increasingly seen as valuable conservation tools, but many producers and technical advisors still have questions about how to manage them effectively. To support conservation efforts across the state, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and the Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have launched a new educational module aimed at expanding Nebraska-specific knowledge related to cover crops. 

This interactive module includes a collection of curated resources — webinar recordings, presentation slides, transcripts, fact sheets and a list of additional materials — developed as part of a webinar series held between October 2024 and January 2025. Designed for producers, conservation planners and extension professionals, the materials aim to provide practical responses to the common questions that arise when considering cover crop management across Nebraska’s diverse regions. 

The module serves as more than a one-time learning tool — it's a free resource users can return to as needed. All materials are easily downloadable for offline use. It is now available to the public through UNL’s CropWatch platform at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/answering-cover-crop-questions.

Within the module, each webinar session is organized under a separate, user-friendly navigation tab. Here's what you can explore:

1. Cover Crop Impacts on Subsequent Cash Crop Yields
This session lays the foundation by explaining how cover crops influence crop yields through their effects on nutrient cycling, ground cover, residue characteristics, and weed suppression. It includes findings from meta-analyses, small-plot trials, on-farm research, review articles, farmer surveys, and Nebraska-based studies, highlighting cash crop-specific responses and key management considerations.

2. Cover Crops, Water Use and the Water Cycle: What Does the Evidence Tell Us?
Water management is a major concern for Nebraska producers, particularly in drier regions. This session examines how cover crops influence many elements of the water cycle, including water infiltration, runoff, evapotranspiration and moisture retention. Drawing on global studies, regional research from Nebraska and Iowa, and multi-location trials in western Nebraska and eastern Colorado, the session helps producers and advisors better understand water-use tradeoffs and how to manage them.

3. Considering How Cover Crops Offer Returns on Investment
Profitability remains a top concern for many growers. This session introduces partial budget analysis as a tool to assess potential cost savings and revenue impacts. It features insights from a SARE Technical Bulletin, the Soil Health Institute’s economic analysis of 100 farms (including 12 in Nebraska), as well as real-world case studies and farmer experiences. It also highlights tools such as UNL’s Crop Budgets and the Ag Budget Calculator to help users run their own financial scenarios.

4. How Much Cover Crop Biomass to Expect in Nebraska
Biomass production is key to achieving benefits such as weed suppression and erosion control. This session discusses what to realistically expect based on species, planting windows and management practices. It introduces the concept of the “cover crop growth gap”— biomass lost due to shorter growing periods — and presents data from field trials and a simulation modeling study across Nebraska’s varied climate zones. 

Each session concludes with a summary of key takeaways and practical management tips, making it easy for both new and experienced users to apply what they’ve learned. Unlike many other resources, this module focuses specifically on Nebraska’s unique environmental conditions, cropping systems and challenges. 

This module is free and open to all and is especially valuable for NRCS conservationists and planners, UNL extension educators, farmers, ag consultants, and anyone working with or advising on cover crops in Nebraska. 

Cover crops can offer multiple benefits — but successful implementation can be knowledge-intensive. This educational module intends to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, bringing science-based insights directly to the field.



CAP Webinar: Understanding Annual Forage Insurance: Coverage, Sign-Up, and Performance
Jun 12, 2025 12:00 PM 
Jay Parsons, Professor and Director, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

The Annual Forage Insurance Program (AFIP) is precipitation risk management tool available for annual forages planted on cropland with intended use as livestock feed or fodder. The insurance is available in all counties of Nebraska. It is a rainfall index product much like the popular Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance.

In Nebraska, use of the AFIP has grown almost three-fold in the last five years. Over that period, over 90% of policies were indemnified with indemnities exceeding producer premiums collected by over eighty percent. The current sign-up period for Annual Forage insurance ends July 15 for annual forages planted from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026. In this webinar, we will discuss how AFIP coverage works, sign-up decisions that need to be completed by July 15, and performance of the product over the last several years.

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. You can also use this link to register for webinars ahead of time. 



Iowa Beef Center's Feedlot Short Course returns this summer

Good news for those looking for technical and practical information for their feedlot operation - the popular Feedlot Short Course is back. Hosted by the Iowa Beef Center and set for July 29-31, this three-day conference was created with today’s beef producer in mind.

Event organizer Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the course design and access to industry speakers provide great value to attendees. Over the half dozen years the course has been offered, that value translates to a powerful impact.

“Through this course, we’ve had an impact on 12 million head of cattle and an estimated $90.225 million benefit to the feedlot industry in Iowa and across the country,” she said. ”Participants from twelve states and three countries have attended.”

Maintaining the registration at 30 and using a mix of demonstration and classroom-style learning in a small group setting helps ensure personal interactions and hands-on opportunities for all attendees.

“Again this year, the course will include sessions led by several renowned feedlot consultants, extension specialists, and researchers from across the Midwest,” she said. “They include Dr. Robbi Pritchard, Dr. Dan Loy, Dr. Terry Engelken, and Dr. AJ Tarpoff, just to name a few.”

The content-specific segments will be held at the Iowa State Beef Nutrition Farm near Ames and at Provision Cattle Company near Nevada. The program will run from 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, through noon Thursday, July 31. The $375 per person registration fee includes refreshment breaks, dinner, and program materials. The registration deadline is midnight, July 18 or when the course limit of 30 is reached, whichever occurs first. All registrations must be made online https://go.iastate.edu/E15XTE.

Program topics are:
    Bunk management and the basics of starting cattle on feed.
    Feed mixing demonstration and evaluation.
    Managing and identifying lameness issues.
    Chute side management tips.
    Optimizing cattle health in the feedyard.

This year's presenters are:
    Garland Dahlke, associate scientist, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University.
    Terry Engelken, associate professor, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University.
    Dan Loy, former director of the Iowa Beef Center and extension beef feedlot specialist, Iowa State University
    Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Robbi Pritchard, feedlot consultant, Aurora, South Dakota.
    AJ Tarpoff, associate professor and beef extension veterinarian, Kansas State University.

See the short course website https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/feedlot/ for registration information, requirements, and links. For questions on the short course content, contact Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu.

Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, if needed. A block of rooms for symposium attendees is available at the Spring Hill Suites, 1810 SE 16th Street, Ames.



Companies Receive Investment Through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge

Radicle Growth and the supporting corn growers’ associations are thrilled to announce investments in two companies identified through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by US Corn Farmers.

The Radicle Challenge set out to invest a minimum of US $1.5M in start-up and growth companies worldwide whose innovative technologies and business models create new uses for corn and long-term sustainable demand for corn. These companies are expected to develop new uses for corn that complement or replace fossil fuel-derived materials with plant-derived materials, such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), drop-in chemicals and plastics, and compostable materials. New areas for corn-derived products could also be explored.

The investment prize was equally split between the two finalists – Lakril Technologies and New Iridium, each of which received $750,000.

Låkril’s bifunctional catalyst enables the efficient conversion of corn ethanol into bio-based acrylics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical methods. This innovation leverages sustainably produced corn to produce acrylics, reducing carbon emissions and aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly chemical production solutions.

New Iridium’s photocatalysis platform empowers the production of low-cost, sustainable chemicals, such as acetic acid, from plants and carbon dioxide. While the acetic acid value chain is currently reliant on petroleum, innovations such as photocatalysis could enable sustainable production from corn-based bioethanol.  The company's technology has broad applications across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, agrochemicals, and the energy sector.

Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President, Mark Mueller, states: “As a farmer, it’s exciting to see companies like New Iridium and Låkril tapping into corn’s potential as a feedstock, unlocking its many benefits and helping to drive its demand. These innovators are finding new ways to convert corn into bio-based chemicals and green energy solutions. While U.S. corn farmers continue to boost productivity and yields while using less land and embracing more sustainable practices, we’re also facing growing global competition, which has led to supply outpacing demand. Innovations like these, along with initiatives like the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, not only help create the demand needed to match supply but also pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for farmers and the industries that depend on us.”

“We are excited to support the groundbreaking innovations from Lakril and New Iridium, companies that are creating new chemical solutions for the market. These technologies not only highlight the versatility of corn as a feedstock but also demonstrate the opportunity for sustainable chemical production. By investing in these visionary companies, we are paving the way for a greener future where agriculture and innovation go hand-in-hand,” said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner, Radicle Growth.

“Receiving this investment through the Radicle Corn Value Challenge is a tremendous validation of our work and vision. We're excited to collaborate with Radicle Growth and the corn growers to further fuel our ability to scale the BioAA technology and ensure that our solutions are rooted in the needs of real producers. This partnership is a catalyst to create impact where it matters most,” commented Chris Nicholas, CEO of Lakril.

Chern-Hooi Leo, CEO of New Iridium: “We are honored to be selected for investment as part of the Radicle Corn Value Challenge. This investment marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to deliver next-generation, sustainable chemicals. Partnering with Radicle Growth and the corn growers' states provides us not only with capital but also the strategic insights and deep agricultural expertise needed to bring our technology to scale and deliver real value to the supply chain, as well as create more demand for corn.”



April Beef and Pork Exports Below Year-Ago; Lamb Trends Higher

Due in part to a sharp decline in shipments to China, April exports of U.S. beef and pork trended lower than a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). China’s retaliatory duties are a major headwind for both U.S. beef and pork, while beef exporters face an additional obstacle. China has failed to renew establishment registrations for U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, the majority of which expired in mid-March.

Strong April beef demand from Korea, Central and South America
April beef exports totaled 100,659 metric tons (mt), down 10% from a year ago, while value fell 8% to $824.5 million. Exports to China declined nearly 70% and shipments also trended lower to Mexico, Taiwan and the Middle East. These results were partially offset by larger exports to South Korea, Japan and Central and South America.

For January through April, beef exports were 3% below last year’s pace at 411,027 mt. Export value was down just 1% to $3.35 billion.

“We expected beef shipments to China to hit a wall in April, due to the one-two punch of higher tariffs and expired plant registrations,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “We are hopeful that these issues will be resolved soon and are encouraged by this week’s developments on trade negotiations with China. In the meantime, USMEF remains committed to market diversification and we have accelerated efforts to develop alternative destinations for cuts and variety meat items normally shipped to China.”

China’s total duties on U.S. beef peaked in April at 147%. The rate was lowered to 32% on May 14 when the U.S. and China agreed to a temporary de-escalation to allow for further negotiations. (Product that shipped prior to April 10 was allowed to clear without the additional 125%, provided it arrived by May 13.) President Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 5 and said further talks will be held soon.

April pork exports slow to Mexico and China, trend higher to Colombia, Central America
Pork exports totaled 237,250 mt in April, down 15% from a year ago and the lowest in 10 months. Export value fell 13% to $675.3 million. Exports to China, which are mainly pork variety meats, declined 35% from a year ago. Shipments were also lower year-over-year to leading market Mexico and to Japan and Canada. But April was another outstanding month for pork exports to Colombia and Central America, which are both on a record pace.

For January through April, pork exports were 5% below last year’s record pace at 991,738 mt, while value fell 4% to $2.78 billion.

“China has been renewing registrations for U.S. pork establishments, but retaliatory duties remain a significant barrier,” Halstrom said. “Exports to Mexico cooled in April but keep in mind that the year-over-year comparison is with a record performance in April 2024. Year-to-date shipments to Mexico are fairly steady with last year’s record pace and demand elsewhere in Latin America is also very robust.”

China’s total duties on U.S. pork and pork variety meats peaked in April at 172%. The rate was lowered to 57% on May 14. (As with beef, product that shipped prior to April 10 and arrived by May 13 was allowed to clear without the additional 125%.)

Demand from Mexico keeps April lamb exports on upward trend
April exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 257 mt, up 49% from a year ago, while value increased 15% to $1.44 million. Growth was driven by a near-doubling of shipments to leading market Mexico, which increased 97% to 118 mt. For the first time since 2014, shipments to Mexico have been above 100 mt for four consecutive months. For January through April, lamb muscle cut exports increased 31% year-over-year to 1,004 mt, while value was up 16% to $5.6 million, with shipments trending higher to Mexico and the Caribbean. 



Secretary Rollins Concludes Trade Delegation to Italy, Advocates for American Agricultural Market Access and Industry Across Europe

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins concluded her trade delegation visit to Rome, Italy. Secretary Rollins reinforced the Trump Administration’s expectations for improved agricultural market access to our ally Italy and encouraged opportunities to expand the reach of the American agricultural industry across the European Union.  

A few key highlights from the trade delegation include:

Secretary Rollins held a bilateral meeting with her Italian counterpart, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida alongside the Charge d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Marta Youth. During the bilateral meeting, Secretary Rollins promoted the legacy of strategic partnership between the U.S. and Italy to ensure greater market access for American agricultural producers in the EU and discussed the opportunities that President Trump’s America First agricultural trade agenda provides for U.S.-Italy relations. Following the meeting, Minister Lollobrigida provided the Secretary a guided tour of the National Historical Library of Agriculture where the two leaders discussed Italy’s rich and shared history with the U.S.

Secretary Rollins attended a dinner hosted by Minister Lollobrigida. As the guest of honor, Secretary Rollins met with more than 50 key Italian officials, leading agri-food industry stakeholders, and prominent representatives from farmers' associations including meat, wine, dairy, and feed to discuss current successes and future opportunities for U.S.-Italy agricultural trade. Meeting with these agricultural industry leaders was a priority for Secretary Rollins to ensure that the United States achieves increased access and sales to the $80+ billion Italian agricultural market, of which United States agricultural products currently only account for $1.7 billion. Prior to the dinner, Secretary Rollins also met with board members from the National Italian American Foundation to discuss the shared history of the United States and Italy.

“This trade delegation to Italy has been essential to ensure we are putting U.S. Farmers First on the world stage and expanding market access for the bounty of American Agriculture. It was a privilege to represent American farmers and ranchers in discussions with Italy’s Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida and other key agricultural stakeholders,” said Secretary Rollins. "Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, highest quality food in the world, and I look forward to giving consumers in Italy and across the EU more of a taste of the agricultural exports America has to offer.”

“Dialogue with the United States represents a strategic pillar of Italy’s foreign agricultural policy,” said Minister Lollobrigida. “Today, more than ever, there is a stronger awareness of the historic moment we are living through—one that compels us to strengthen our countries’ economies, which are rooted in shared values. Those who want to replace the United States as a partner are wrong. There is good will on our part and theirs to find a solution that will enable the European and U.S. economies to grow." 

In addition to meeting with members of the Italian government and agricultural industry, Secretary Rollins met with key agricultural leaders at the United Nations. During her meeting with Director General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization Qu Dongyu, Secretary Rollins reiterated the FAO’s Codex Alimentarius and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) must be a priority among member nations and remain science, data, and evidence driven in order to facilitate agricultural trade. She also met with Executive Director of the World Food Programme Cindy McCain to discuss the importance of America First priorities and strategize on the utilization of more U.S. grown agricultural commodities in the World Food Programme. In both meetings, the Secretary reiterated that programs that U.S. taxpayers help fund – including at the United Nations – should be in America’s national interest and should purchase their fair share of American commodities.



Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Deadline Extended to June 15

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, has extended the deadline for entrepreneurs to apply online for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge to June 15. Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

“This competition supports incredible entrepreneurs who are making sure agriculture is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “If you have a vision for how your business can drive agriculture forward, apply today.”

Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes on June 15, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Aug. 4. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest.

The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2026 in Anaheim, California, to win:
    Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000)
    Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000)

Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these innovative businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile.

Recent winners of the Ag Innovation Challenge include Gripp, which offers farmers an operator-centric way to keep records of assets in combination with communication tools to keep everyone connected (2025 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner) and Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, a company that manufactures a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds and collect soil samples (2024 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner). Other examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at fb.org/challenge.

Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.fb.org/about/get-involved to learn about becoming a member.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 15.