Wednesday June 18 Ag News

USDA Designates 12 Nebraska Counties as Natural Disaster Areas Due to Drought

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

Impacted Area: Nebraska
Triggering Disaster: Drought (Fast Track)
Application Deadline: 02/02/2026
Primary Counties Eligible:
· State: Nebraska: Counties include Blaine, Brown, Dawson, Deuel, Hooker, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Platte, Rock and Thomas

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
· State: Nebraska: Counties include Arthur, Banner, Boone, Boyd, Buffalo, Butler, Cherry, Cheyenne, Colfax, Custer, Frontier, Garden, Gosper, Grant, Hayes, Holt, Keith, Keya Paha, Loup, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Perkins, Phelps, Polk, and Stanton
· State: Colorado: Counties include Logan, Sedgwick, and Weld
· State: Wyoming: Counties include Laramie



Nebraska remains among world's best for earning patents

Strengthening its role as a driver of research, innovation and economic growth, the University of Nebraska remains one of the world’s top institutions for earning patents.

In the latest report from the National Academy of Inventors, the NU system climbed six spots to No. 49 nationally and remained among the top 100 globally after securing 47 U.S. utility patents in 2024. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the combined research efforts of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Omaha have earned the global distinction.

“At the University of Nebraska, innovation is part of our DNA,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Our ability to move ideas from the lab to the marketplace is a clear measure of our impact, and this recognition reflects our sustained dedication to advancing science and ultimately improving lives. I’m grateful to our faculty, students and staff whose creativity and collaboration continue to drive discovery, economic growth and progress for our state and the world.”

Utility patents, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, are awarded to the university’s technology transfer offices — NUtech Ventures at UNL, and UNeMed Corp. at UNMC and UNO. These patents protect new and useful inventions or discoveries, specifically covering how an invention works, what it does and how it is used.

The patents earned across the NU system are delivering real-world innovation in key areas including health care, agriculture, engineering and biotechnology. They help launch start-up companies, create jobs and generate university-licensed products that grow the Nebraska economy and improve quality of life worldwide.

“This ranking demonstrates that our faculty and research teams are among the best in the world at turning big ideas into solutions that address some of the most complex global challenges, said Rodney D. Bennett, chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “Every patent tells a story of innovation, and it is inspiring to see our research making a difference in Nebraska and beyond.”

Ongoing collaboration between UNL and UNMC researchers remains a key driver of Nebraska’s strong patent ranking. Of the 47 patents earned across the NU system in 2024, seven were awarded to Virtual Incision — the faculty-led startup behind the MIRA surgical robot. The company was founded in 2005 by UNL’s Shane Farritor, David B. and Nancy K. Lederer Professor of Engineering, and Dimitry Oleynikov, a former UNMC faculty member.

Virtual Incision recently received FDA approval for its surgical robotics platform, which is now available for use on the open market.

Another 29 patents were awarded to projects led by UNL researchers. Highlights include:
    A next-generation memory device developed by Peter Dowben, Charles Bessey Professor of Physics and Astronomy;
    A method to improve the accuracy of direct-injection irrigation systems by Joe Luck, professor of biological systems engineering, and Chandler Folkerts, a graduate research assistant; and
    A process to generate a universal influenza vaccine by Eric Weaver, professor of biological sciences.

A key patent for UNMC relates to the work of Dr. Howard Gendelman and Benson Edagawa, co-founders of Exavir Therapeutics. Their patented technology relates to long-acting formulations for the treatment of HIV.

Dele Davies, M.D., interim chancellor of UNMC, said innovation was a critical factor in the university’s mission to improve the lives and health of people in Nebraska and beyond.

“This ranking demonstrates UNMC and the University of Nebraska’s commitment to fostering new ideas and seeking creative solutions that enhance the lives of our fellow Nebraskans and the people we serve,” he said. “We are especially gratefully to our faculty innovators whose dedication is translating ideas into real-world impact.”

Three patents related to UNO innovations, including new anti-parasitic compounds; an NCITE-created chatbot for reporting possible terrorism threats; and a self-pacing treadmill that is the cornerstone technology behind Impower, an Omaha startup.

“At UNO we strive to translate fundamental research to useful technologies that make a difference in individuals lives and society,” said Sara Myers, Ph.D., UNO’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activity. “Congratulations to our faculty innovators and thank you to our technology transfer team who facilitates the idea-to-patent process.”

Additional patents UNeMed secured will protect University of Nebraska innovations related to shielding clinicians during fluoroscopic procedures; a tracking system for surgical saws used during implant procedures; and several other medical devices and discoveries.



CAP Webinar: Well & Wastewater System Maintenance and Responsibilities
Jun 19, 2025 12:00 PM 
Becky Schuerman, NE Extension Associate, Domestic Water, Wastewater Managementb

When a property with a private well or onsite wastewater system changes hands, it’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with it. In this webinar, Nebraska Extension’s Becky Schuerman will cover key considerations for maintaining private wells and onsite wastewater systems. She’ll walk through what new owners need to know, common maintenance issues, and best practices for protecting water quality. Whether you’re a landowner, real estate professional, or simply interested in rural water systems, this session offers essential guidance.

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 the webinars.  



Iowa Soybean Association Launches Partners+ Program with AGI

In an innovative move to support Iowa farmers amid tightening margins, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is launching a Partners+ Program with Ag Growth International (AGI) as its first participant.

AGI is a global leader in grain storage, handling, and conditioning systems. As an ISA Partners+ participant, AGI will provide ISA farmer-members discounts on in-bin digital monitoring systems and grain conditioning and handling solutions.

“This partnership is about equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to be more successful while saving them money,” said Brent Swart, ISA president and soybean farmer from Spencer. “By aligning with AGI, we’re helping deliver opportunities that could help our members make smarter decisions, reduce risk and maximize the return on every bushel stored.”

AGI’s digital retrofit solutions — including smartphone-operated in-bin monitoring systems — offer farmers real-time visibility into grain conditions, helping prevent spoilage, reduce stress, and generate year-over-year performance data.

“We are delighted to partner with ISA, especially from a digital perspective,” said David Postill, senior vice president of AGI Digital & Global Marketing. "The goal is to help soybean farmers save or make money through operational upgrades while deepening our relationship with an association that does so much to advocate for the industry and agriculture.”

An in-bin monitoring system retrofit to an existing bin could transform how a farmer manages grain in the bin — ensuring quality, increasing safety, providing real-time visibility, and preserving the value of their hard-earned crop.

“In a challenging ag economy, producers are seeking affordable upgrades that streamline grain storage, handling and conditioning,” Postill added. “This program delivers exactly that — providing additional insights that can make a farm more profitable.”

Discounts are available to active ISA farmer-members. Verification of membership status will be confirmed before program benefits and discounts are applied.

Additional ISA Partners+ Program participants will be announced this fall.

To activate your ISA Farmer Membership or validate membership status and take advantage of this offer and more, visit iasoybeans.com/PartnersPlus.



250+ Food & Ag Groups Call for Greater Transparency, Input in MAHA Commission

258 food and agriculture groups representing millions of American farmers, ranchers, producers, and manufacturers sent a letter calling on the Make America Healthy Again Commission to create greater transparency and input in the commission’s activities. The groups raised concerns that the erroneous representations about food and agriculture, as well as the poor evidence used to support those findings, could have been avoided if there had been greater opportunities for stakeholders to participate and provide input to the commission.

“The unintended consequences of making uninformed decisions for U.S. food production based on misinformation or unproven theories would be sweeping for our nation’s farmers,” the groups warned. “It has been discovered many of the studies referenced to support erroneous claims significantly misrepresented their findings or in some cases are entirely nonexistent.”

To prevent future misrepresentations and errors, the groups specifically call for formal inclusion of food and agriculture representatives in the commission’s processes moving forward, as well as the opportunity for public comment on all future reports and activities.

The groups appreciate the administration holding ongoing listening sessions with some food and agriculture groups, which is a step in the right direction. However, it remains unclear how these listening sessions will instruct the commission’s work, or if there will be opportunities for stakeholders to provide additional ideas or evidence to help improve health outcomes for Americans.

The MAHA Commission currently has a report on policy recommendations based on the first report due in mid-August. The groups are hopeful there will be more formal processes for input established prior to the next report’s development and release.



Soybean Farmers Deeply Concerned with Senate Proposal to Reward U.S. Tax Credits to Foreign Biofuel Feedstocks

The American Soybean Association expressed disappointment in the Senate Finance Committee’s budget reconciliation text that made significant modifications to the House-passed Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit language. The Senate Finance Committee text reverts on the progress made in the House to support U.S. farmer-driven domestic biofuels by removing a key provision to ringfence North American feedstocks and prevent foreign feedstocks from benefitting from U.S. taxpayer dollars.

“The Senate 45Z proposal turns its back on the Trump Administration’s farmer-first American energy dominance agenda, which was highlighted through EPA’s strong renewable volume obligations proposal that U.S. agriculture applauded,” said Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association President and farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky. “RVOs and the 45Z tax credit should be seeking to achieve the same goals for U.S. farmers and domestic biofuel production, and instead the Senate budget reconciliation language seeks to provide U.S. taxpayer dollars to foreign feedstock competitors at the expense of soybean farmers.”

ASA applauded the inclusion of key 45Z revisions in the House-passed budget reconciliation that will support U.S. farmers and expand market opportunities domestically. For years, soybean farmers have watched used cooking oil and tallow imports take U.S. biofuel market share from soy because of policy incentives that did not promote a fully domestic value chain for biofuels. Both the House of Representatives and the EPA have sought to change course and promote farm-first energy policies, and ASA urges the Senate to follow suit as it continues to negotiate a budget reconciliation package. 



Refreshed Website Offers New Biosecurity Resources

The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) website, www.securebeef.org, has been redesigned to better serve the growing number of users seeking new, updated and classic biosecurity resources. 

“Producers can use these new Secure Beef Supply Plan resources to be proactive and customize their biosecurity strategies and plan before a disease outbreak – when time and resources are limited,” said NCBA’s Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian Julia Herman. “It’s a valuable addition to any risk management plan and should be developed in collaboration with veterinarians and other team members.”

Thanks to funding from USDA’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), led a collaborative effort to increase awareness of SBS and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). In 2023, an advisory group was formed to guide this initiative, incorporating feedback from nearly 50 stakeholders—including producers, veterinarians, state officials, BQA State Coordinators, Secure Food Supply (SFS) Coordinators and SBS trainers. Their input shaped the website’s reorganization, resulting in a more intuitive layout, simplified language and streamlined navigation. Users can now easily access more than 100 resources, including enhanced and daily biosecurity tools, at www.securebeef.org/biosecurity. The grant also supported the development of new educational materials, including bilingual handouts (English and Spanish) and engaging training videos. 

The website overhaul was executed by Iowa State University’s Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle of Preventalytics, with support from NCBA. To ensure alignment with other SFS commodity groups (pork, milk, sheep and wool), updates were coordinated and implemented with consistency and transparency.

Producers and livestock transporters interested in working with an SBS trainer can email producered@beef.org. States with officials available to develop or review biosecurity plans are listed at www.securebeef.org/state-contacts/. 



Secretary Rollins Cuts Millions in Woke DEI Funding

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will terminate more than 145 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focused awards, totaling a maximum savings of $148.6 million.

“Putting American Farmers First means cutting the millions of dollars that are being wasted on woke DEI propaganda. Under President Trump’s leadership, I am putting an end to the waste, fraud, and abuse that has diverted resources from American farmers and restoring sanity and fiscal stewardship to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Secretary Rollins.

Programs that will be terminated include:
    Educating and engaging socially disadvantaged farmers on conservation practices: $575,251
    Creating a new model for urban forestry to lead to environmental justice through more equitably distributed green spaces: $192,246
    Expanding equitable access to land, capital, and market opportunities for underserved producers in the Bay Area: $2,500,000



Farm Bureau Statement on Immigration Enforcement on Farms

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today expressed concern over reports that immigration enforcement focus will resume on farms and ranches.

“President Trump recently emphasized agriculture faces unique circumstances that warrant a different approach to enforcement practices. Agriculture is inherently labor intensive – farmers cannot care for crops and animals without the contributions of the men and women willing to do the hard work. These are dedicated employees who work alongside farm families every day.

“Current agriculture workforce programs are broken. They do not meet the year-round needs of farmers, and they’ve become so expensive they are out of reach for many farmers. Unfortunately, domestic workers do not apply for farm jobs, despite aggressive hiring efforts. Without farm workers, vegetables will be left in the fields, fruit will remain unpicked, and cows will go unmilked. The end result is a reduced food supply and higher grocery prices for all of America’s families.

“Congress must prioritize fixing the farm labor crisis that the President identified. Outdated systems must be modernized so farmers can find enough workers to help plant and harvest crops and care for livestock. America can have both a secure border and a labor program that provides a desperately needed and dependable farm workforce.”