Thursday June 26 Ag News

Soybean Gall Midge Update
NE Extension

Below are the updates and observations on soybean gall midge across the monitoring network. Nebraska monitoring sites have observed a considerable amount of activity over the past week. If you see larvae or wilting plants from soybean gall midge in your area and it has not been observed then notify your state entomologist. Contacts for each state are available on the soybeangallmidge.org website.  

Nebraska
Activity present in Saunders, Landcaster, Cass, Otoe, and Nemaha counties.  

Larvae
Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected at all monitoring sites in Nebraska. In Saline County, a yield loss trial (not part of the monitoring network) has a significant larval infestation. Most other research sites are showing low numbers of orange larvae (fewer than 15 per plant), with greater numbers of white early-instar larvae. Emergence cages have been deployed in current-year soybean fields where larvae were present to monitor adult emergence.

Adults
Adult emergence continues from last year’s soybean fields, with most monitoring sites in Nebraska showing activity over the past couple of days (Figure A). No adults were recorded at the northern Saunders County site, though infested plants are easy to find. This site experienced flooding last year, and only a few infested plants were observed in the adjacent field.

A single adult was collected from a current-year soybean field  on June 25, indicating that soybean gall midge has already completed a full generation on this season’s crop. This is consistent with typical timing of first-generation adults in late June to early July.

Wilting Plants
As of June 25, wilting plants have been observed in Saline and Saunders Counties in Nebraska. Only a small proportion of plants were wilting at each of these locations.

Iowa:
A few commercial fields in Iowa have larvae in fields. Wilting has not been observed yet. 

Minnesota and South Dakota:
No adults or larvae have been observed.

A special thanks to the North Central Soybean Research Program for funding the Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network.

 

Husker Football Coach Matt Rhule to Headline Governor’s Summit in August

Governor Jim Pillen announced that Matt Rhule, head football coach for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will keynote the Governor’s Summit the morning of August 14 in Kearney.

“Coach Rhule loves Nebraska because — it's the people! He is Nebraska and he brings positive energy, grit, determination and passion to leading young men," said Gov. Pillen. "It's exciting for us to have him at this year's Summit to inspire all of us to be more than we believe we can be." 

Rhule is entering his third season as the Nebraska’s head coach in 2025, having led the Huskers to victory in the Pinstripe Bowl to close out the 2024 season. He has 12 years of experience as a head coach, including nine years in the college ranks and three seasons as the head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Highly regarded as a program builder and player developer, Rhule led successful turnarounds of the programs at Baylor and Temple and has improved Nebraska’s record in each of his first two seasons in Lincoln. A native of New York City, Rhule earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Penn State and his master's degree in educational psychology from Buffalo. He and his wife Julie have three children, Bryant, Vivienne and Leona.

The 2025 Governor’s Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday night, Aug. 13, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. Thursday, Aug. 14, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote from Husker Coach Rhule, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the inaugural Governor’s Youth Summit.

To register for the Diplomats Banquet and Governor’s Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. Students may sign up for the Youth Summit at https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.



CONTROL OF FLIES IN PASTURES & RANGELAND 
- Samantha Daniel, NE Extension Educator 

In Nebraska, there are two species of fly that cause the most economic injury to pasture and rangeland cattle. They are the horn fly and face fly. Selection of an appropriate control method for each will depend on the time of year; the efficacy, cost, and convenience of the treatment; and your herd management practices.

The horn fly is a major pest that is estimated to cause over $1 billion in economic losses in the U.S. annually. It is a blood feeding insect that is found on the back, sides, and poll area of the animal. The economic injury level of the horn fly is 200 flies per animal that, once surpassed, causes altered grazing patterns and behavior which lead to reduced milk production and weight gain. In Nebraska, there are two population spikes of horn fly: one in early summer and the second in late-August through mid-September.

While the face fly is not a blood feeder it can cause extreme discomfort by feeding on animal secretions from the eyes, mouth, and muzzle. It is also a vector of the pathogen that causes pinkeye in cattle and feeding by the female fly causes eye tissue damage. Face fly populations usually peak in late July and August and are most common near waterways, in areas of significant rainfall, and in irrigated pastures.

Horn fly and face fly management options vary widely and include forced use methods such as dust bags, back rubbers, and traps as well as product application methods such as pour-ons, animal sprays, and insecticide ear tags. For more information on control methods contact your county Extension office.

 

Farmers National Co. to host Norfolk NE Landowner Meeting

Today’s agricultural landscape faces many headwinds. Increased interest rates, receding commodity prices, and a diverse land market are just a few examples that landowners and producers must navigate. Staying informed is critical for sound decision-making. Please join us at one of our Landowner Events, “Navigating Volatile Markets”, where we’ll discuss these topics and more. If you’re preparing for the future generation of owners, we invite you to bring your children and grandchildren along!

Registration begins at 8:15 AM, meeting starts at 9:00 AM and concludes at 11:00 AM. Free to attend | Pastries and beverages provided. 

Register Here - https://www.farmersnational.com/landowner-meeting-registration. 

This event provides information on our entire 29-state management area and is not location-specific, accommodating attendees who may own land throughout the country. Other meetings are being held across the region inlcuding Grand Island NE on July 16, Lincoln NE on July 17, Sioux Falls SD on July 22, and Sioux City IA on June 30.  



Governor Reynolds Applauds JBS Investment in Perry

Governor Kim Reynolds today welcomed the announcement that JBS USA will make a significant new investment in Perry, Iowa, a move that will bring renewed economic vitality to the community. JBS is one of the world’s leading food companies, providing protein and food solutions to customers and consumers across the globe. The company processes, prepares, and packages fresh, further-processed and value-added premium protein products under a variety of highly recognized brands.

JBS USA, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, plans to invest $135 million in a new state-of-the-art 150,000 square foot facility to produce fresh sausage. The company plans to create 250 jobs within the first three years of operations and eventually employ 500 in subsequent years. The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved $12 million in tax benefits for this project through the High Quality Jobs program at its meeting earlier today.

"Today’s announcement is tremendous news for Perry and the entire state of Iowa,” said Governor Reynolds. “This investment by JBS reflects confidence in Iowa’s workforce, our strong agricultural economy, and our commitment to growing vibrant communities. At a time when Perry has faced real challenges, this investment brings renewed hope and opportunity for the hardworking families who call this community home."

JBS currently has operations in Council Bluffs, Marshalltown and Ottumwa, employing more than 5,300 Iowans. The new Perry facility, which is expected to be fully operational in late 2026, will serve as one of the company’s key prepared foods operations and play a vital role in Iowa’s globally recognized food processing industry.

"This investment aligns with our ongoing commitment to Iowa, our producer partners, team members and the U.S. market as we look to build a best-in-class sausage production facility,” said Wesley Batista Filho, JBS USA CEO. “We are grateful to the state of Iowa for their continued support, and we look forward to being part of the Perry community -- creating quality jobs and economic opportunity in the region."



USDA Cold Storage May 2025 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on May 31, 2025 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 7 percent from last month and down 26 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on May 31, 2025 were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 6 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up slightly from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 8 percent from last month but down 18 percent from May 31, 2024.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on May 31, 2025 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from May 31, 2024. Butter stocks were up 7 percent from last month but down 5 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on May 31, 2025 were down 5 percent from last month and down 4 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/20/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 20, ethanol production slowed 2.5% to a four-week low of 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. Still, output was 3.6% higher than the same week last year and 3.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.5% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.97 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks climbed 1.2% to 24.4 million barrels. Stocks were 4.2% more than the same week last year and 5.9% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, sprang 4.2% to 9.69 million b/d (148.92 bg annualized) and marked the largest weekly volume since the close of 2021. Demand was 8.0% more than a year ago and 6.9% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol crept just 0.3% higher to 913,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.03 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.5% less than year-ago levels but 0.3% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports moderated, down 32.5% to an estimated 110,000 b/d (4.6 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

Average retail prices for most fertilizers continued to be up from last month during the third week of June 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. But for the second week in a row, no fertilizer saw a significant price move in either direction, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. 

Retail prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were up slightly from last month. DAP had an average price of $807 per ton, MAP $833/ton, potash $474/ton, urea $655/ton, 10-34-0 $669/ton, UAN28 $417/ton and UAN32 $495/ton.

The average price of one fertilizer was down slightly from last month. Anhydrous had an average price of $773/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.71/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.77/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. MAP is 1% higher, both DAP and 10-34-0 are 4% more expensive, anhydrous are 5% higher, UAN28 is 18% more expensive, UAN32 is 24% higher and urea is 25% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining fertilizer continues to be lower. Potash is 7% lower compared to last year.



Dairy Market Report - JUNE 2025

Strengthening domestic sales of yogurt, butter, cheese and dry skim milk drove higher gains in overall domestic commercial milk use from February through April. 

Dairy exports dropped back during that period, as losses in dry skim milk and whey protein exports more than offset gains in butter and cheese exports. U.S. milk and milk solids production growth is accelerating, with milk production up 1.2% year over year during the period, milk solids production up by twice this rate, and milkfat production up almost three times faster. 

New U.S. cheese processing capacity is drawing heavily on the growing milk supply, with cheddar cheese production up 8.1% annually in April. The monthly NDPSR survey product prices and the Class III and Class IV prices were all higher in May than a month earlier. And a milestone to note: USDA in May announced its first price reports calculated using the updated Federal Milk Marketing Order formulas announced in January.

View Full Report - https://www.nmpf.org/cheese-output-surges-amid-expanding-milk-supply-new-processing-capacity/. 



American Butter Institute Seeks FDA Action Against “Dairy Free Butter”

In a strongly-worded complaint sent Wednesday to the Food and Drug Administration, America’s butter marketers asked the agency to take action against Country Crock’s “dairy free salted butter,” asserting that the product’s label violates federal regulations.

The plant-based spread’s front label, in bold letters, describes itself as a form of butter, although federal standards of identity, along with legislation passed by Congress, defines butter as a product made from milk. In reality – and as admitted in the much smaller font on the package label – the Country Crock products describe themselves as “79% plant-based oil spreads.”

“Country Crock is attempting to leverage the premium perception of real dairy butter maintained by consumers,” said Christopher Galen, executive director of ABI. “The manufacturer is clearly trying to confuse the consumer about what this product is: an ultra-processed seed oil concoction. This product may indeed be a crock from the country, but it’s certainly not butter.”

Galen said that as margarine and vegetable oil spreads have declined in sales, companies are seeking to capitalize on butter’s resurgent popularity by misappropriating the term “butter” and applying it to products that clearly do not meet butter’s federal standard of identity. Butter manufacturers have to follow federal labeling standards, but the proliferation of fake butters is eroding the integrity of the marketplace, he said.

The ABI letter was sent today to Claudine Kavanaugh, Director of the FDA’s Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling. The National Milk Producers Federation raised a similar objection to Country Crock in 2019, when the company introduced a “plant-based butter.”



Growth Energy: Summer E15 Waiver Could Save Americans $10.1 Billion Nationwide

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, announced that Americans could potentially save more than $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency waiver issued earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that costs less than ordinary fuel and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. If American drivers chose E15 (also sold as Unleaded 88) instead of standard E10 fuel this summer, they could collectively save more than $10.1 billion, according to Growth Energy’s analysis.  

“Access to E15 is a win for American drivers and for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This summer alone, E15 could save consumers $10.1 billion at the pump – that’s money that could go back in the pockets of working families. We should never put those savings on hold. With a temporary waiver in place, it’s time for Congress to finally pass permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.” 

The projection reinforces previous findings that underscore E15’s significant cost benefits for American drivers. Growth Energy also calculated savings on a state-by-state basis, where the savings are equally significant. By choosing E15 at the pump instead of E10 over the course of the summer (June 1 through mid-September): 
    In Iowa, drivers could potentially save up to $140 million.  
    In Nebraska, they could potentially save up to $93 million. 
    In Minnesota, they could potentially save up to $252 million. 
    In Wisconsin, they could potentially save up to $295 million. 
    In Illinois, they could potentially save up to $436 million.

Similar savings could be found across the country, delivering relief for working families while creating jobs and spurring growth in the rural economy. 

The EPA has approved the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer. E15/Unleaded 88 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.