Tuesday June 17 Ag News including Monday's Crop Progress and Condition Report

USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the U.S. corn crop increased slightly as soybean conditions decreased last week, with recent rainfall benefitting some areas but stressing others, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: 94% of corn had emerged Sunday, 2 points ahead of last year's 92% and consistent with the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 72% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, up 1 point from 71% the previous week and consistent with this time last year. Five percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: Soybean planting moved ahead 3 points to reach 93% complete as of Sunday. That was 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 92% but 1 percentage point behind of the five-year average of 94%.
-- Crop development: 84% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year's 80% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 83%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 66% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, down 2 points from 68% the previous week and 4 points below 70% last year. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 93% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's consistent with this time last year and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 92%.
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 6 percentage point last week to reach 10% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 15 points behind last year's 25% and 6 points behind the five-year average pace of 16%. 
-- Crop condition: An estimated 52% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of June 15, down 2 points from 54% the previous week and 3 points ahead from 49% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 89% of spring wheat has emerged, 5 points behind 94% last year and 3 points behind the five-year average of 92%. Four percent of spring wheat was headed, consistent with last year but 2 points behind the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 4 points from 53% the previous week. 



Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Report
For the week ending June 15th...

Topsoil Moisture: 1% surplus, 56% adequate, 35% short, 8% very short 
Subsoil Moisture: 40% adequate, 44% short, 16% very short 
Corn Emerged: 97% - last week 95 % - 5YA 97%
Corn Condition ratings - 14% excellent, 59% good, 24% fair, 2% poor, 1% very poor 
Soybeans planting: 97% - last week 96% - 5YA 99% 
Soybeans emerged: 92% - last week 88% - 5YA 92% 
Soybean condition ratings: 12% excellent, 55% good, 30% fair, 2% poor, 1% very poor 
Sorghum planted: 69% - last week 46% - 5YA 92% 
Winter Wheat headed: 94% - last week 88% - 5YA 92%
Winter Wheat harvested: none - last week none - 5YA none 
Winter wheat condition: 1% excellent, 41% good, 30% fair, 18% poor, 10% very poor 
Pasture & Range condition: 25% good, 45% fair, 23% poor, 7% very poor 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Farmers had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 15, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Damaging hail and wind was reported in parts of northern Iowa, which also received the most significant rainfall during the week. Field activities included cutting hay, side dressing and spraying crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 29 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

At 97 percent, nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop has emerged, ahead of last year’s pace but matching the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 63 percent good and 21 percent excellent. 

Ninety-three percent of soybeans have emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good and 18 percent excellent. 

Iowa’s oat crop reached 69 percent headed and 19 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 65 percent good and 19 percent excellent.

Eighty-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The second cutting reached 16 percent complete. Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 69 to percent good to excellent. No major livestock concerns were reported.



Cover Crop Business Accelerator Program Now Accepting Applications

To support cover crop adoption in the Midwest, Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association are excited to offer their Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program. Now in its sixth year, the program helps new and established cover crop businesses expand to meet rising farmer demand for cover crop seed and application.

“There’s a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to build thriving cover crop businesses in the Midwest,” Ann Krause, PFI’s senior cover crop business coordinator, says. “There’s a need for more of these businesses on the ground, and we’re happy to help them take the next step.”

Cover crop acres in Iowa have increased dramatically in recent years. The 2022 Census of Agriculture reported 1,282,608 acres of cover crops in Iowa — a 32% increase since 2017. However, to continue to grow and meet Iowa’s target of 12.5 million acres of cover crops, there must be an increase in the supply of seed and number of applicators on the landscape.
 
To address this need, participants receive personalized business coaching, agronomy assistance and financial support which helps them pay for equipment and gives incentives for seeding.
 
“Our partnership with PFI on this program is a prime example of how we can collectively advance conservation in our state,” Mike Gilman, Iowa Soybean Association’s senior conservation program manager, says. “Through this collaboration, we're accelerating the adoption of cover crops across Iowa. This effort directly contributes to improved soil health, water quality and the long-term sustainability and profitability of our farms."
 
Drew Gieselman of Columbus Junction, Iowa, participated in the CCBA program in 2024.
“My key takeaway from the program has been the networking opportunities,” Drew says. “PFI does a great job at providing opportunities for other like-minded individuals to connect and learn from one another.”

Applications for the program are now open and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for beginning farmers in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

To apply, visit practicalfarmers.org/cover-crop-business-accelerator-program. For questions, contact Ann Krause at (515) 232-5661 or ann.krause@practicalfarmers.org/.

This program is supported by Builders Initiative and the Walmart Foundation.



Iowa Corn I-LEAD Class 12 Applications Open   

Applications are open for the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) program, which focuses on increasing industry professionals’ knowledge and understanding of the corn industry. This year marks the twelfth class of this reputable ag leadership program, a two-year intensive learning experience available through the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Applications are available on Iowa Corn’s website and are due July 18, 2025. 

“It is incredibly important that we continue to develop the future leaders of Iowa’s corn industry, and that is exactly what I-LEAD aims to achieve,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Ralph Lents. “Participants grow together, gaining experiences, skills and connections that they can use throughout their careers to positively impact Iowa agriculture.” 

Each I-LEAD class meets about ten times over the course of two years providing experience and training provided by Iowa Corn in the agricultural industry such as leadership, effective communication, policy and global agriculture. The program includes an experience in Washington D.C., a domestic mission and an international mission. 

“Participating in the I-LEAD program allows you to expand not only your network but also your view on the agriculture industry,” said I-LEAD Class 11 member Rebekah Sletten. “The group of individuals that make up your class spans throughout the industry and brings unique perspectives to each presentation, tour, and activity. The program alone provides many benefits, but being able to learn alongside other talented individuals and gain insight into the roles they play supporting agriculture only increases the benefits to participants.” 

If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Denise Forney, Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Development at dforney@iowacorn.org. For more information, visit www.iowacorn.org/ilead.   



Nominations Now Open for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on USDA Farm Service Agency County Committees

Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2025.    

“Serving on an FSA county committee provides producers with a unique opportunity to have a say in local farm program decisions, ensuring FSA policies work, as intended, for producers at the county level,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Nominations are now open; here’s your chance to support USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First by amplifying the voices of farmers and ranchers within your community and effectively delivering the economic support they deserve.”

Elections for committee members will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction and may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.  

Producers interested in serving on the FSA county committee can locate their LAA through a geographic information system locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/elections and determine if their LAA is up for election by contacting their local FSA office.  

Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they:
· Participate or cooperate in a USDA program.
· Reside in the LAA that is up for election this year.   

A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.   

Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages all eligible producers to nominate, vote and hold office.  

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agriculture community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues.  



NAWG Applauds President Trump’s Memorandum to Protect the Lower Snake River Dams

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) applauds President Donald J. Trump’s recent Presidential Memorandum revoking the Biden Administration’s memorandum titled “Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin.” That memorandum had included recommendations to breach one or more of the Lower Snake River Dams—an action NAWG has consistently opposed.

“NAWG thanks the Trump Administration for taking this essential step to protect the Lower Snake River Dams,” said NAWG President Pat Clements. “We have long stood against dam breaching because of the devastating economic consequences it would impose on communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and the threat it poses to U.S. wheat’s global competitiveness. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to preserve this critical infrastructure for generations to come.”

“We are grateful that the administration has chosen to revoke the Biden agreement, recognizing the irreparable harm that would be done to the region’s stakeholders if the lower Snake River Dams were to be breached. As harvest approaches, it is reassuring to know that barging, one of the most environmentally friendly, safest ways to transport our wheat to market, will remain a viable option,” said WAWG President, Jeff Malone.

The Columbia-Snake River System is a vital piece of national infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient transportation route for U.S. wheat exports to more than 20 countries across the Pacific Rim. NAWG strongly opposes any efforts to breach the system’s dams, which deliver irreplaceable benefits to agriculture, clean energy production, and freight transportation. Barging on this river system is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable method of moving grain—a single four-barge tow carries the equivalent of 144 railcars or 538 semi-trucks. Removing the dams would not only eliminate clean hydroelectric power but also force a shift to rail and truck transport, resulting in higher costs, increased road congestion, and significantly greater carbon emissions. NAWG remains firmly committed to protecting this essential system for the nation’s wheat growers and rural communities.



ASA Seeking Nominations for Annual Soy Recognition Awards

The American Soybean Association is recognizing exceptional soy volunteers and leaders and requests your help with candidate nominations. During the 2026 Commodity Classic, individuals will be recognized and honored for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements, and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. The nomination period is open through Oct. 24. 2025.

ASA Recognition Awards categories include:
Outstanding State Volunteer Award: Recognizes the dedication and contributions of individuals who have given at least three years of volunteer service in any area of their state soybean association’s operation.

ASA Distinguished Leadership Award: Visionary leadership within ASA or a state soybean association is recognized by this award, which is presented to either a soybean grower-leader or association staff leader with at least five years of leadership service.

ASA Pinnacle Award: An industry-wide recognition of those individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of contribution and lifetime leadership within the soybean family and industry.

For more information and to submit nominations, click here https://soygrowers.com/about/awards/asa-recognition-awards/.

All nominations must be received online no later than Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Nominations by telephone, email, or other means will not be accepted. A judging committee will make final selections. Awards will be presented to the winners at the 2026 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.



Trump Administration Secures Greater Ag Market Access in Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced American agricultural producers will have greater market access to Thailand and Vietnam and maintained access to Brazil. The Trump Administration continues to break down non-tariff barriers and defend current market access, and these latest actions are some of many wins ahead for American producers. U.S. dairy producers will have maintained access to Brazil markets, citrus and apple growers will be able to sell more products to Thailand, and stone fruit growers will face lower non-tariff trade barriers in Vietnam as a result of the action taken by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“American farmers and ranchers grow the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. Under President Trump’s leadership, I have fought to give our producers greater access to markets across the globe. Expanded access to Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam will result in millions in added trade for the U.S. As we continue to bring America into a new golden age of prosperity, the best is yet to come for our farmers and ranchers,” said Secretary Rollins.

These trade wins follow four years of inaction by the Biden Administration, which caused the agricultural trade balance to go from a trade surplus under President Trump to a nearly $50 billion trade deficit under President Biden. Secretary Rollins has traveled to the U.K. and Italy and will travel to Japan, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Brazil over the next three months to fight for American farmers and ranchers. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.

Brazil: On June 9, Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) officially lifted its suspension of U.S. Dairy Company, Agropur, from exporting whey protein concentrate powder to Brazil. On May 22, 2025, MAPA suspended one U.S. plant from exporting the product to Brazil due to lab results showing protein levels below 80 percent. After quick action by Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to address the irregularities, MAPA agreed to lift the suspension less than three weeks after it was imposed. Last year, the U.S. exported $83 million of whey protein concentrate powder to Brazil.

Thailand: On June 4, 2025, Thailand’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) approved the re-opening of market access for U.S. apples from the eastern states of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Viginia. Prior to this decision, only U.S. apples from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington were approved to be exported to Thailand. In February 2024, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) formally submitted a request with the required information to re-open the apple market for eastern U.S. states to Thailand. The value of U.S. apple exports is approximately $20 million annually for western U.S. apples, and the estimated additional value of eastern U.S. apple exports to Thailand is expected to be approximately $5 million annually.

In addition to expanded market access for U.S. apple producers, on June 4, 2025, Thailand’s DOA amended the import requirements for citrus fruits from Arizona. The amendment allows for the export of citrus produced in Arizona but packed and shipped from California. This comes as the result of requests from APHIS and is a major shift from previous requirements that required citrus from Arizona to also be packed in Arizona. The estimated value of the citrus from Arizona to Thailand is expected to be approximately $385,000 annually.

Vietnam: On June 6, 2025, Vietnam’s Plant Production and Protection Department (PPPD) approved exports of fresh peaches and nectarines from California to Vietnam using a recognized science-based approach. This is the result of negotiations by APHIS with PPPD, and it affirms that the systems approach used by American stone fruit producers is safe and effective. The market value for California peaches and nectarines into Vietnam is approximately $2.5 million annually.



Joint Statement by the G7 Farmers’ Organizations

Farmers across the G7 are confronting unprecedented pressures as the world faces overlapping geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges. Inflation, high interest rates, and continued fallout from recent financial shocks have destabilized farm economies. At the same time, trade disruptions, and fractured supply chains are compounding uncertainty in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the impacts of climate change—more frequent droughts, floods, and extreme weather—are threatening productivity and straining rural infrastructure.

In the face of these pressures, G7 farmers are playing a vital role in ensuring food security, fostering innovation, and advancing climate adaptation, while maintaining the resilience of national and global food systems. As representatives of G7 farmers’ organizations, we reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous agriculture sector.

G7 farmers are deeply integrated into global food and agri-food markets and play an outsized role in driving agricultural innovation, technology, and system-wide stability. To sustain this important role, we call on G7 governments to:
·     Support transparent, rules-based trade that fosters stability and market access.
·     Prioritize innovation and ensure all farmers have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
·     Modernize outdated regulations that hinder competitiveness and efficiency.
·     Advance science-based, incentive-driven climate policies that help farmers increase soil health, boost productivity, and ensure long-term resiliency of working lands. 

As the world prepares for COP 30, it is critical that farmers are recognized as essential partners in achieving global climate and development goals. A strong, sustainable agricultural sector is foundational to economic resilience and global cooperation.

In closing, we urge G7 governments to recognize that a strong, sustainable, and resilient agriculture sector is not only vital to rural communities—it is essential to economic stability, environmental stewardship, and global cooperation. G7 farmers stand ready to work with policymakers, industry leaders, and international partners to build a better future for agriculture and for society as a whole.

Quotes from the Leaders of the G7 Farmers’ Organizations
Rob Larew, President, NFU, USA: “This is a crucial moment for family farmers and ranchers across the world. Economic, political and environmental challenges are putting the stability of agriculture at risk. Together with our G7 partners, we stand united in strengthening the conditions for farmers in the global marketplace, particularly by addressing the growing risks of consolidation in the agri-food chain. We must work collaboratively and intentionally to shape policies that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable, ensuring agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Keith Currie, President, CFA, Canada: “Canadian farmers, like our counterparts across the G7, are facing complex challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking solutions. We are committed to working with our global partners to strengthen food security, drive innovation, and advance climate resilience. With the right tools, policies, and support, farmers can continue to lead the way toward a more sustainable and secure future for all.”

Arnaud Rousseau, President, FNSEA, France: “Agriculture and food are not issues of nationality. We share with our colleagues a common goal, competitiveness and guaranteeing our farmers the best possible income. Today, we send a common message to the decision-makers of our countries: in a difficult geopolitical context, agriculture and food security must be at the core of international concerns and policies should ensure a fair trade environment. Farmers provide solutions, for security issues, such as energy, and to fight against climate change. The G7 leaders shall listen to the call of their farmers!”

Joachim Rukwied, President, DBV, Germany: “Canada's G7 Presidency offers an opportunity to highlight the role of global agriculture in enabling more sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems. In the face of multiple challenges – from competitiveness to food security and climate change adaptation – international cooperation is more crucial than ever. Agriculture can and must be part of the solution.”

Ettore Prandini, President, Coldiretti, Italy: “The G7 of Farmers, which brings together the seven leading global agricultural organizations, stands out as a strategic forum for analyzing and shaping the future of agriculture and the agri-food sector, in a context marked by growing geopolitical and trade tensions. Together, we call on governments to place food security and sovereignty at the heart of their agenda, with policies that ensure reciprocity in trade rules, support accessible innovation, and promote healthy, natural diets against the rise of ultra-processed and synthetic products.”

Toru Yamano, President, JA Zenchu, Japan: “On behalf of all the farmers and agricultural cooperatives in Japan, I highly expect the prosperous future of farmers envisioned in the joint declaration to be fulfilled.”

Tom Bradshaw, President, NFU, UK: “Every day, farmers and growers are out in the fields producing food for the global population, while also looking after our planet and supporting economic growth. But with climate change, geo-political tensions and a volatile trading environment, this is becoming harder. That is why we’re urging G7 government to help provide stability and certainty, both in terms of trading systems and enabling policies which support innovation, productivity and efficiency in farming across the world.”