Tuesday June 10 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress and more

 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Both U.S. corn and soybean crop conditions improved slightly last week, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday. Development of both crops continue to advance, with rates increasing significantly compared to last week's report.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 97% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 3 points ahead of 94% last year and consistent with the five-year average. 
-- Crop development: 87% of corn had emerged Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year's 83% and consistent with the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 71% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, up 2 points from 69% the previous week and 3 points behind of last year's 74%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 90% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year's 86% at this time and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 88%. 
-- Crop development: 75% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 7 points ahead of last year's 68% and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 72%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, up 1 point from 67% the previous week, but 4 points below 72% last year. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 88% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's consistent with last year and 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. 
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 1 percentage point last week to reach 4% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 7 points behind of last year's 11% and 3 points behind of the five-year average pace of 7%. 
-- Crop condition: An estimated 54% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of June 8, up 2 points from 52% the previous week and 7 points ahead from 47% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 82% of spring wheat has emerged, 4 points behind 86% last year but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 81%. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 53% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 3 points from 50% the previous week. 



Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition 

Topsoil moisture - 1% surplus - 61% adequate - 30% short - 8% very short.
Subsoil moisture - 39% adequate - 42% short - 19% very short. 
Corn Planted - 99% - up 1% on the week - even with the 5YA.
Corn Emerged - 95% - up 5% on the week and up 3% on the 5YA.
Corn Condition - 69% good to excellent  
Soybeans planted - 96% - up 1% on the week - 1% behind 5YA
Soybeans emerged - 88% - up 11% on the week and up 4% on the 5YA.
Soybean condition - 66% good to excellent  
Winter Wheat headed - 88% - up 8% on the week and 5YA.
Winter Wheat harvested - none 
Winter Wheat condition - 43% good to excellent 
Pasture condition - 15% good - 45% fair - 42% poor or very poor.



Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

Iowa farmers had 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 8, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 21 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.

Corn emerged reached 92 percent, 4 days ahead of last year’s pace but 2 days behind normal. Corn condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week.  

Ninety-seven percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted with 88 percent emerged. Soybean emergence was 10 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 80 percent good to excellent, down 1 percentage point from last week.

 Emergence of the oat crop is nearly complete, with 53 percent headed and 10 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 84 percent good to excellent.

Seventy-seven percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed and there were scattered reports of farmers starting the second cutting.  Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent.  

Pasture condition decreased slightly to 70 percent good to excellent.



Soybean Gall Midge Alert - June 9th, 2025
Justin McMechan NE Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

White larvae (early development stage) and a few orange larvae were found on early-planted (April 7th) soybean near Mead, Nebraska, on June 6th. The frequency of infested plants was low, and only a few larvae were found on the infested plants. No larvae have been found on later-planted soybean yet.

All sites except two in east-central NE have had some level of adult activity. 

No adults or larvae have been detected in Iowa, Minnesota, or South Dakota.

Go to http://soybeangallmidge.org for information on adult emergence, scouting, and management.



Strategies to Consider When Culling Cows in 2025
Rick Rasby, Nebraska Extension Beef Specialist

Following a spring with below-average precipitation for much of Nebraska, early indicators signal that drought is likely to persist. With limited forage production likely, producers should begin planning now for potential forage shortages. While hay remains relatively affordable, demand could rise if timely rainfall doesn't arrive. In response, producers can ease pressure on feed resources by developing a strategic cowherd depopulation plan. 

Having a depopulation plan allows for strategic cull cow marketing opportunities. Significant depopulation can make for challenging culling decisions. The following considerations can be used as a framework for depopulation decisions while setting up the cowherd and land base for success in future years.

Identify prime culling candidates first
    Only take cow/calf pairs to grass. Non-pregnant cows or cows that have lost calves need to be culled.
    Sell cows that have been identified as poor mothers, have unsound udders, teats, feet and legs, bad disposition, and other physical problems (early stages of eye cancer, etc.). Older cows should be checked to ensure they have a sound mouth and will be productive.

Use herd production records for data-driven decisions if more cows need to be culled
    Identify nonproductive females in the herd. Use individual records to identify cows that have consistently weaned calves in the bottom end. Use the last two to three years of information to identify cows that rank in the bottom 10-25% in weaning weight and put these cows on the potential cull list. First and second calf females will usually wean the lightest calves. Use caution when considering placing these cows on a potential cull list.

Utilize pregnancy diagnosis and fetal sexing to provide additional information
    Check cows for pregnancy soon after the breeding season. Experienced rectal palpaters can detect pregnancy when the fetus is between 45 and 60 days of age. Accuracy is critical as you do not want to sell a pregnant cow that was palpated as not pregnant. It is worth double checking the pregnancy status of cows identified as non-pregnant to ensure pregnant cows aren’t missed. To increase the accuracy of pregnancy determination, consider experienced ultrasound technicians. An experienced ultrasound technician can be quite accurate on a 30-to-35-day old fetus. Another method that can be utilized to identify pregnant cows is blood tests. However, false positives for pregnancy can occur with cows that have had early embryonic loss when using this approach. 
    In addition to pregnancy determination, when ultrasound is performed roughly 55-80 days post-conception, it can also be used for fetal sexing. If further herd reduction may be needed, and there is a desire to grow the herd in the future through retained replacement heifers, knowing which cows are in-calf with heifers is a valuable decision-making tool.

Early weaning can save forage for the cow herd
    Consider early weaning calves (60-90 days of age) from cows designated for culling after weaning if forage resources are limited. Consider also strategically early weaning calves from first-calf females. Every 2.5 days the calf is weaned equates to 1 more day of grazing for the cow. Nonlactating cows consume 20% less forage than lactating cows and the calf consumes about 1 to 1.5 percent of its body weight on a dry matter basis in forage. If the early weaned calves are retained, design a ration for the calves that is palatable, dust free, and cannot be sorted. Nebraska Extension Educators or Specialists can assist in developing growing rations for early-weaned calves.

Leverage calving distribution when deeper cuts are necessary
    Use calving records over the last 2 calving seasons to identify mature (4-year- old and older) cows that continually calve late in the calving season. Mature cows that continually calve late are likely cows that don’t fit the resources. Their calves are also usually lighter at weaning, and their daughters are less likely to be retained as replacements for the herd. 

Final Considerations
With summer precipitation indicators signaling persistent drought, reducing stocking rates via culling can be approached with a plan rather than a reaction to reduced forage production. If a significantly larger number of cows are to be sold than is typical, consult your tax preparer or accountant to understand the potential tax consequences.



Husker Harvest Days returns with new highlights for 2025 

Husker Harvest Days, the Western Corn Belt’s premier crop and cattle show, returns Sept. 9-11, 2025, featuring innovative demonstrations and continuing its successful complimentary registration program. The 47th annual event promises to deliver cutting-edge agricultural technology and education to thousands of attendees from across the United States. 

Highlights for 2025 
    First-ever manure spreader demonstrations showcasing the latest technology for efficient nutrient management 
    BEEF Showcase with cattle-handling demonstrations featuring industry-leading equipment and techniques 
    Ride-and-Drive opportunities across various terrain types, allowing farmers to experience machinery performance in real-world conditions 
    Irrigation exhibitors highlighting the latest advancements in resource management 

"These features reflect our commitment to practical, hands-on demonstrations that help farmers maximize their efforts and discover new technologies," said Matt Jungmann, senior national events director for Farm Progress. "We're particularly excited about the field demonstrations, which allow attendees to see the equipment in conditions similar to their own operations." 

Admissions & United Way Food Drive 
    Adults: Free with online pre-registration, or $25 at the gate  
    Students (13-17): $10 at the gate, or free with donation of five nonperishable food items 
    Children 12 and under: Free admission 

The show continues its partnership with Heartland United Way Food Drive, which collected a record-breaking 16,000 pounds of food in 2024. Students can receive complimentary admission by donating a minimum of five nonperishable food items to this important community initiative that supports local families in need. 

Show Details 
    When: Sept. 9-11, 2025, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT daily 
    Where: Grand Island, Nebraska (Husker Harvest Days permanent site) 
    Golf cart reservations: Call 308-384-4646 (personal carts permitted with on-site permit) 
    Accommodations: Special hotel rates are available at select Grand Island hotels for attendees

Visitors can expect hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural products and services across the 85-acre showgrounds.  

Registration is now open at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com for complimentary three-day passes to experience the Western Corn Belt’s premier agricultural event. Early registration ensures attendees receive timely updates about demonstration schedules and special events for the 2025 show. 



Sioux County 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 and Outreach 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:Cattle grazing
    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 – Shelby Oetting, 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 HERE http://go.iastate.edu/pasturewalk. Register by July 2 by calling ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County at 712-737-4230 or emailing Beth Doran. Participants should dress for the outdoors and pasture walking and bring a lawn chair.



Farm Bureau President in UK to Urge Trade Progress

In meetings with the British government Monday American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of finalizing a new trade deal to expand access to markets in the United Kingdom. Duvall is in Great Britain this week to meet with policymakers and to observe British farming practices, among other items of business.

In May, the U.S. and U.K. announced a new trade deal. Farm Bureau urges leaders in both countries to finalize the deal, which expands American ethanol exports and other agricultural products.

“I had positive meetings with the U.K.’s Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We discussed the importance of creating new trade deals for America’s farmers and ranchers, and I shared with them the strength and safety of American agriculture.

“Our farmers grow a healthy, abundant food supply that’s enjoyed worldwide. In reality, U.S. and U.K. food production practices have more in common than what separate us. We hope continued conversations like these will help move the two countries closer, strengthen agricultural ties, and enable America’s farmers to help meet the nutritional needs of families in the United Kingdom.”

President Duvall also had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens. They discussed working together to pursue new trade opportunities that will help ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to feed families in America and abroad. 



WOAH Adopts International Standard for ASF Vaccines
 
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) at its recent 92nd General Session in Paris adopted an international standard for vaccines used to combat African swine fever (ASF). The standard, according to the animal health organization, demonstrates the commitment of WOAH member countries to addressing the disease using safe, compliant vaccines and provides members and manufacturers minimum criteria for safe and effective vaccines. 
 
Under the standard, vaccines must be effective in reducing the severity of ASF, limiting transmission of the virus, and providing immunity to animals. They also must not harm the environment or contain “wild” ASF viruses or other harmful agents; vaccines must match a region’s circulating ASF genotype to ensure effectiveness and limit the risk of different strains combining to form a new, harder-to-manage strain.
 
The National Pork Producers Council is pleased to see the adoption of standards for ASF vaccines by WOAH. As the virus continues to spread into new regions of the world, additional research and development of management tools, including vaccines, is critical. However, priority must be given to the quality, safety, and efficacy of a vaccine, which is what these standards look to address.