Thursday July 31 Ag News - SCAL Field Day - BQA Transport Training - U.S.-Korea Trade Deal announced - USGC meetings underway - and more!

 Aug. 7 South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) Field Day Features Interactive Talks, Demos and Innovation

The University of Nebraska South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) Field Day is on Thursday, August 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. at the SCAL research farm. Through interactive topics, growers will gain insights into practical applications they can consider incorporating into their own operations.  Attendees can tailor their schedule by selecting from various presentations and interactive demonstrations. 

Lunch will be provided, and attendees can earn Continuing Education Units (CCA credits).

Preregistration is appreciated by Thursday, July 31, to assist with lunch planning.

Visit https://go.unl.edu/scalfielddayto register and for program details.
 
Registration, coffee, rolls and visits with sponsor tables begin at 8:30 a.m. with the welcome and opening remarks by sponsors kicking off at 8:45 a.m.

Dan Snow, Director of Laboratory Services at the University of Nebraska Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, is the keynote speaker during lunch and will discuss nitrate challenges in groundwater. This talk will cover findings from a study with the Upper Big Blue NRD and UNL focusing on nitrate and agrichemical levels in the vadose zone across 12 water quality management zones.

Lunch talks also feature a farmer panel discussion, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage and interact at the local level.

Timely topics include:
    Strategies for irrigation scheduling
    Corn and soybean disease management, including tar spot management and white mold
    Cover crops for weed suppression in corn and soybean: planting green and intercropping
    Insect management in crops and tours of conservation features in prairie strips
    Sensor-guided fertigation: Demonstrating real-time Nitrogen management. Fine-tuning Nitrogen: timing and rate strategies for maximum impact.

Growers can also check out AI-Enabled Targeted Weed Management with the "See-N-Till" robot. "See-N-Till" is an advanced autonomous field robot developed to detect, differentiate, and mechanically manage weeds while simultaneously performing shallow tillage. Leveraging cutting-edge AI, computer vision, and precision actuation, it offers a sustainable alternative to chemical weed control and reduces soil disturbance. 

The SCAL Research Farm is located at 851 Hwy. 6 near Harvard, NE. Directions: 13 miles east of Hastings on Hwy. 6 or 4.5 miles west of the intersection of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 6 north of Clay Center. Field day GPS coordinates: 40.575256, -98.137824.  For more information, call (402)762-3536 or email shachtel1@unl.edu.



Beef Quality Assurance Transportation workshops for cattle transporters set for Aug. 21, 27

Northwest Iowa cattle transporters are invited to certify or renew their certification at a Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) workshop in August. Two identical workshops will be offered - Aug. 21 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Le Mars and Aug. 27 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Sac City. Both workshops will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Beth Doran, ISU extension beef specialist in northwest Iowa, said the BQAT certification is separate from BQA certification.

"Commercial truckers and producers who haul cattle with their own semi or trailer are required to present a current BQAT certificate at major packing plants before the cattle may be unloaded,” she said.

The objectives for the BQAT training are human safety, animal comfort and protocols to prevent cattle shrink, bruising and stress – all of which benefit the beef industry.

The workshops are provided at no charge, but registration should be made two days prior to the date of the workshop you plan to attend. Participants may register by calling the Plymouth County Extension office at 712-546-7835 or the Sac County Extension office at 712-662-7131.

If unable to attend an in-person training, BQAT is available online at https://bqatransportation.beeflearningcenter.org, also at no cost.

For more information, contact Doran by phone at 712-737-4230 or by email at doranb@iastate.edu.



Organic Field Day Set for Aug. 26 at Neely-Kinyon Research Farm in Greenfield

Organic growers and those interested in transitioning to organic production can learn more about the latest research from the Iowa State University Organic Ag Program during a field day on Aug. 26 near Greenfield.

The event will be held at Iowa State’s Neely-Kinyon Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm, located at 2557 Norfolk Ave. in Greenfield, from 4 to 6 p.m., and will include a light meal featuring local and organic foods.

Researchers from Iowa State University and the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service will discuss best practices forNeely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day producing organic corn, soybeans, wheat and rye. The topics will include fertilization, weed management and the use of different crop rotations in organic systems.

“We have had a very challenging season, with excess rain and cooler than average temperatures,” said Kathleen Delate, extension organic specialist at Iowa State. “All corn and soybean fields were replanted in June because of poor emergence in the cold spring. This was the first time in the 27-year history of the Long-Term Agroecological Research site that the trial was replanted. With that hurdle behind us, the crops look really good, and we hope for a good harvest.”

The Neely-Kinyon Long-Term Agroecological Research site enters its 27th year of experimentation, which was started in 1998 to examine suitable crop rotations that provide high yields, grain quality and adequate soil fertility for organic farmers.

At the field day, Sabrina Ruis, USDA soil scientist, will share her findings from soil analyses she conducts annually in the LTAR. Organic farmer, Ron Rosmann, of Rosmann Family Farm in Harlan, will share about the resilience of organic systems through diversification, including small grains and livestock.

Participants will also learn about the USDA National Organic Program’s Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program, which will help producers overcome technical, cultural and financial shifts during and after organic certification. Anyone interested in transitioning to organic production can receive free mentorship through this program.

To reach the farm, begin by heading 2 miles south on Highway 25 after the intersection with Highway 92 in Greenfield. Then, turn left onto 260th Street and continue east for 1 mile until you reach Norfolk Avenue. Turn right onto Norfolk Avenue and head north for half a mile. The farm, marked by a red barn, will be on your left.

This event is supported through a grant from the USDA National Organic Program Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program.

This event is available at no cost to those who wish to attend, but online registration is requested https://go.iastate.edu/FBIMII.

For more information, contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu or 515-294-7069.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/25/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 25, ethanol production rose 1.7% to a six-week high of 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.03 million gallons daily. Output was 1.2% lower than the same week last year but 2.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.5% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks shifted 1.1% higher to 24.7 million barrels, the largest weekly volume since May 16. Stocks were 3.1% more than the same week last year and 5.6% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, improved by 2.1% to 9.15 million b/d (140.68 bg annualized). Demand was 1.1% less than a year ago but 3.1% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked up 0.3% to 920,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.14 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.1% more than year-ago levels and 0.3% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports jumped 42.6% to an estimated 154,000 b/d (6.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Average Retail Prices Mixed

Average retail fertilizer prices increased on four fertilizers tracked by DTN, while prices dropped for three others in the final week of July. For the seventh consecutive week, retailers reported no significant move in prices -- designated by DTN as 5% or more.

MAP led the way with a 4% hike in its average price from $846 a ton last month to $881 a ton. UAN28 saw a $6 per-ton increase to $419, followed by potash with a $2 jump from $481 a ton to $483. Retailers reported a small price increase for DAP of $1 per ton to $811.

Three fertilizers reported lower prices led by urea's $11 per-ton drop to $645. The average anhydrous price fell from $770 per ton to $764, while UAN32 fell by $3 per ton to $497.

The average price of 10-34-0 was unchanged at $672 a ton compared to one month ago.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.70/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.78/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP by 8%, 10-34-0 by 5%, DAP 9%, anhydrous 13%, UAN28 24%, urea 28% and UAN32 by 32%. Potash, the remaining fertilizer, continues to be lower in price by 4% compared to last year.



USMEF Statement on Announcement of a U.S.-Korea Trade Deal

President Trump announced Wednesday that his administration has reached a trade deal with South Korea.  U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

USMEF thanks the Trump administration for making trade negotiations with South Korea a top priority, and we are anxious to learn more details about the U.S.-Korea trade deal. As the largest export destination for U.S. beef and a critical market for U.S. pork, Korea provides a great example of what the U.S. red meat industry can achieve in the global marketplace. Under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), Korea eliminated tariffs on U.S. pork and the tariff rate for U.S. beef – which was once 40% – will reach zero at the beginning of next year. As a result, the U.S. industry and Korean consumers have benefited immensely, with U.S. beef exports to Korea exceeding $2 billion annually in each of the past four years, and last year pork exports were record-large at $730 million. Korea’s domestic beef and pork production have also set records under KORUS, as consumption growth has underpinned larger imports and domestic production – a win for producers and consumers.

We remain hopeful that Korea will address the non-tariff barriers it imposes on U.S. beef, bringing market access in line with international standards. USMEF appreciates the tireless efforts by both USTR and USDA to eliminate these restrictions. 



USGC Members Arrive In Michigan For 65th Annual Board Of Delegates Meeting

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members touched down earlier this week for the 65th Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets and trade policy impacts, a celebration of the Council’s 65th anniversary with discussions led by past USGC chairmen and a highlight of USGC program successes.

USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri welcomed attendees with a summary of the Council’s work over the past year and a preview of the meeting’s upcoming content.

“My theme this year, Cultivate the Future, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current environment,” Ulibarri said. “At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains and ethanol around the world.”

The conference started with an address from Jamie Zmitko-Somers, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and an update on U.S. agriculture trade by Daniel Whitley, administrator at the Foreign Agricultural Service with the USDA. Former USGC chairmen reflected on their involvement with the Council and the lasting impacts of their work – celebrating 65 years of the U.S. Grains Council.

“The opportunities for developing markets are absolutely endless if the Council and members are willing to grasp them; they exist worldwide,” said Vic Miller, USGC Chairman from 2007-2008. “That is the strength of the Council.”

Cary Sifferath, USGC vice president; Alicia Koch, USGC director of global ethanol export development; and Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategy discussed USGC global program successes in Mexico and Nigeria and initiatives sponsored over five years of ATP funding.

“The relational aspect of how the Council works is critical to ensuring long-term success,” Koch said. “It is not just a transaction; we have personal connections to the people that we work with, and I think that in light of the current trade environment, our relationships are that much more critical.”

USGC President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand concluded the general session with a State of the Council address.

“We are moving the needle for both coarse grains and ethanol… The Council is focused on engagement and partnerships that help find homes for the corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distillers’ grains that our members produce,” LeGrand said.

The day ended with A-Team meetings where members had the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGC programs and priorities.

The conference will continue Thursday with a presentation on the importance of American agriculture in an ever-changing world from former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. The day will also include breakout sessions on Mexico, India and Southeast Asia featuring the latest developments and challenges in trade policy.

The conference will conclude on Friday with a USGC Board of Delegates meeting, financial, A-team and sector reports and a vote for the new board of directors.

The 65th Board of Delegates meeting runs through Friday in Grand Rapids. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains25. 



CHS Capital and AgVend connect to deliver digital producer financing solutions

CHS Inc., the nation’s leading agribusiness cooperative, through its subsidiary CHS Capital, and AgVend, the leading provider of digital enablement solutions for agribusiness, have deepened their collaboration to make producer financing programs digitally available within the AgVend platform. See more information about the CHS and AgVend collaboration in the August 2024 announcement.

For ag retailers using the AgVend platform , this expansion enables their producer financing program underwritten by CHS Capital to be visible and manageable within a single system. AgVend gives ag retailers a way to manage financing enrollments, view producers’ current loan positions, enable enhanced reporting and track utilization, all while being branded for the ag retailer.

“This offering demonstrates how CHS Capital is evolving to meet our customers where they are digitally and operationally,” said Steve Englund, senior director, CHS Capital. “We’re simplifying the process and enabling a cleaner, more consistent experience. We also see this as the building block for more features to come in the future with AgVend.”

This collaboration brings together trusted local service, integrated financing and simplified digital access. The capability makes it easier for ag retailers and their customers to manage their growing seasons with a single, connected, familiar experience.

“CHS is bringing together product, technology and services to deliver integrated, customer-focused solutions,” said Mark Biedenfeld, vice president, customer success, CHS Inc. “Our collaboration with AgVend gives ag retailers access to financing tools within the platform they already use, simplifying the experience for both ag retailers and the producers they serve.”

The solution is available to any ag retailer using AgVend, who has a financing program in place with CHS Capital. CHS Capital and AgVend teams are coordinating directly with each participating wholesale ag retailer to support implementation, customization and producer outreach.

Wednesday July 30 Ag News - SMFD 2025 - Lindsay Launches TowerWatch - Terminating Verbal Farmland Leases - DAIRY PRIDE Act - Bayer's new Herbicide Mode of Action - and more!

2025 Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Includes Second Year of TAPS Competition

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Soybean Management Field Days. This year marks the second year that the Soybean Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) competition highlights are included in the field days, including lessons from last year’s contest and progress this season.

The field days provide an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge soybean management, production practices and technologies, while networking with fellow farmers and industry experts.

The three-fold focus of the field days is to provide practical information, foster dialogue and showcase collaborative efforts:
    Learn about best practices and strategies to apply in your fields.
    Engage in productive discussions on issues ranging from local to global.
    Explore Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) initiatives in research, marketing and education.

“Our goal is to give growers real value they can take home and use,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “By highlighting programs like TAPS, we’re helping producers evaluate new ideas and learn directly from the results. In addition to TAPS, the field days also focus on timely topics that matter most to growers, including disease management, market updates and practical production strategies.”

Throughout the four-day event, attendees will be able to participate in two different formats, one occurring in the evening and the other during the day. The evening meetings, held Aug. 12–14, will feature presentations on locally relevant topics and engage participants in interactive discussions. To conclude the week on Aug. 15, a field day starting mid-morning will highlight the Soybean TAPS contest with interactive discussions and a plot tour.

Nebraska Extension faculty gather under the main tent to welcome attendees at one of the 2024 Soybean Management Field Days. The event brings together producers, researchers and industry partners to share the latest in soybean production and management.

Soybean Management Field Days is free to attend thanks to support from NSB. To help with a meal count, please pre-register two days in advance of each field day via the online form or by calling 402-624-8030.

Evening Programs
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m.

    Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Ravenna, Nebraska (Lonnie and Scott Bohn farm)
        Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, soybean diseases and market updates.
        Speakers: Dylan Mangel, Jeff Peterson, Talon Muse, Chuck Burr

    Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Concord, Nebraska (UNL Haskell Ag Lab)
        Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, white mold and market updates.
        Speakers: Dylan Mangel, Leslie Johnson, Nicole Luhr, Chris Proctor, Jeff Peterson

    Thursday, Aug. 14 – Weeping Water, Nebraska (Rick Meyer farm)
        Topics: Soybean TAPS competition and gall midge research plots.
        Speakers: Justin McMechan, John Nelson, Chris Proctor

Morning Program
Registration at 10 a.m., program from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Friday, Aug. 15 – Mead, Nebraska (UNL Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center)
        Topics: Soybean TAPS update, tour of competition plots and market updates.
        Speakers: Chris Proctor, Jeff Peterson, Chuck Burr, Dylan Mangel, Aaron Nygren, Justin McMechan

Attendees will also have the chance to hear from MEG Corp about soy biodiesel and connect with representatives from NSB and Nebraska Soybean Association at each location.

Registration and information about the field days, including maps to the event sites can be found on the SMFD homepage https://enreec.unl.edu/soydays/, or by contacting NSB at 402-441-3240 or Nebraska Extension at 402-624-8030. 



Lindsay’s TowerWatch Increases Productivity by Monitoring Tower Issues

Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation equipment and technology, today announces the addition of TowerWatch™ to the company’s suite of innovative SmartPivot™ Solutions. Available on Zimmatic pivots and aftermarket for most existing pivots in North America, TowerWatch is a premier tower alignment monitor designed to save growers valuable time and resources by pinpointing tower faults faster. Growers using TowerWatch may reduce their troubleshooting time by 75% through alerts from FieldNET™ Premier.

“TowerWatch was engineered to help make life easier for growers who irrigate their crops,” said Gustavo Oberto, President of Global Agricultural Irrigation for Lindsay. “With this innovation, TowerWatch monitors the alignment circuit – sending out an alert so growers know which span is causing a problem. Being able to identify a faulted tower without having to walk the field saves growers time and improves precision water application, reducing crop stress and pivot downtime.”

Available as a feature on all new Zimmatic pivots and as an add-on for pivots of any brand already in the field, TowerWatch saves more than time – the technology also allows growers to save on water and energy costs. When a tower fault occurs, growers using Lindsay’s SmartPivot Solutions can expect to:
    Get an instant notification from their FieldNET app
    Immediately identify the location of the fault
    Remotely control water application with award-winning FieldNET to lower the risk of crop stress
    Arrive at the right tower quicker to inspect the issue, reducing time spent walking the system
    Make fewer trips to the field, saving growers time and money

"One of the top features customers have requested with our SmartPivot Solutions was alignment alerts that pinpoint specific tower faults," said Kurtis Charling, Vice President of AgTech Sales and Product Management for Lindsay. "We’re thrilled to now offer this feature in TowerWatch, enabling our customers to identify the exact tower requiring inspection. By addressing issues promptly, growers can help ensure healthier crops, minimize downtime, and ultimately protect their yields and profitability."

For more on Lindsay’s advanced solutions for ag producers worldwide, talk to your local Lindsay dealer or visit Lindsay.com/towerwatch.



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: 03/16/2026 Primary Counties Eligible:
· State: Nebraska: Counties include Butler, Fillmore, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Phelps, Polk, Red Willow, Seward and York

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
· State: Nebraska: Counties include Buffalo, Chase, Clay, Colfax, Dawson, Dodge, Dundy, Franklin, Hamilton, Harlan, Jefferson, Kearney, Lancaster, Lincoln, Merrick, Nuckolls, Perkins, Platte, Saline, Saunders, and Thayer
· State: Kansas: Counties include Decatur, Norton and Rawlins

More Resources On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.




Terminating a Verbal Farmland Lease in Nebraska
Jessica Groskopf, NE Extension Educator 

Some farm leases are not written but are verbal or "handshake" agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For verbal leases in Nebraska, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease. If the lease does not address termination, the lease automatically terminates on the last day of the lease.

Terminating verbal leases
For verbal leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake lease (legally referred to as a "notice to quit") must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than September 1. This rule applies regardless of the type of crop planted. Those with winter wheat should consider providing notice before it is time to prepare wheat ground for planting.

For example, for the lease year beginning March 1, 2026, and ending Feb. 28, 2027, notice from the landlord that the lease will be terminated would have to be received by the tenant no later than Sept. 1, 2025. The lease would then expire Feb. 28, 2026, with the new tenant (or new buyer) able to take over the lease March 1, 2026. If, however, the notice to quit were given (or received) after Sept. 1, 2025, the existing tenant would have the lease until Feb. 28, 2027.

Notice should be provided to the tenant for either lease termination or changing lease provisions. A verbal termination notice might be adequate but could be difficult to prove in court if litigation were necessary to enforce the lease termination. It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™.  This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln does not provide sample lease termination letters. If you need guidance, consult your attorney.

Pasture Lease Terminations
Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season rather than the entire year. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season; however, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect. 

Importance of Good Communication
Regardless of the type of lease — written, verbal, or even multiple year — the landlord should have clear communication with the tenant. By sending a termination notice before September 1, even for written leases, you can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases
In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation before they consult an attorney to draft a lease or review a proposed lease. The Ag Lease 101 site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region but is not a substitute for personal legal advice.



ASA Testifies on Critical Role of U.S. Grain Standards in Global Soy Trade

Brandon Wipf, American Soybean Association director and soybean farmer from Huron, South Dakota, testified Tuesday before the Senate Agriculture Committee during a hearing on reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act.

Wipf emphasized the critical role the law has in supporting U.S. ag exports and protecting America’s reputation as a reliable supplier.

“Our grain standards, backed by the force and weight of the U.S. government, are one of the strongest reputational enhancements available to U.S. soybean farmers,” Wipf said. “The official grain grades provide our international customers with the knowledge that the commodity they receive has been assessed for quality, purity, moisture, and soundness. Should those standards no longer be in place, it would cause chaos in the markets.”

He called on Congress to act swiftly to reauthorize the law before key provisions expire on September 30. He noted that trusted inspection and grading systems are essential for maintaining access to global markets, especially as U.S. soybean farmers go into the 2025 harvest season.



NGFA testifies before Senate committee on Grain Standards Act, building on House momentum

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today continued its push for timely, bipartisan reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA), testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee on the importance of preserving and modernizing the nation’s grain inspection system.

Testifying on behalf of NGFA’s approximately 700 member companies was Nick Friant, Director of Raw Material Quality at Cargill and Chairman of NGFA’s Grain Grades and Weights Committee. His testimony mirrored the remarks delivered to the House Agriculture Committee last month, where he appeared on June 26. The House Committee approved a reauthorization package on July 22 with bipartisan support.

“The U.S. grain inspection system has long set a global benchmark for quality and reliability,” Friant testified. “However, as the international grain market becomes increasingly competitive, our inspection and grading systems must evolve accordingly.”

Friant’s remarks emphasized two industry priorities for reauthorization: investing in modern grain grading technologies and clarifying emergency waiver authorities to ensure export continuity during disruptions. He also voiced support for reforms to advisory committee operations, greater transparency in fee structures, and limiting user fees to regulated commodities.

NGFA applauded the House Committee’s recent bipartisan action and urged the Senate to move quickly so the legislation can be enacted before the current authorization expires.



Introduction of Dairy Pride Act upholds the integrity of dairy products

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the country, welcomed the introduction of federal legislation in the U.S. Senate that would halt the use of dairy terms on the labels of imitation dairy products.

Today, Senators Baldwin (D-WI),  Jim Risch (R-ID), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the bipartisan Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, milk, and cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act (DAIRY PRIDE Act) of 2025. The bill would ensure that plant-based products would be prohibited from using dairy terms such as milk, yogurt and cheese on product labels.

“We applaud Senators Baldwin, Risch, Collins and Welch for the introduction of this important Act to uphold the integrity and trust of American dairy products,” said Edge President and dairy farmer Heidi Fischer. “Preventing the misuse of dairy product names protects and enhances the confidence consumers have in the authenticity of the nutritious dairy products they buy. We encourage timely action on this bill to prevent further misleading product names on our grocery store coolers and shelves.”



Bayer submits registration applications for novel herbicide in four major markets

Bayer advances its blockbuster pipeline submitting registration applications for icafolin-methyl in the European Union, following completed applications in Brazil, United States and Canada, the company announced today. Icafolin is agriculture's first new mode of action for post-emergent weed control for broadacre crops in over 30 years. With estimated peak sales potential around €750 million, Bayer expects Icafolin will be launched from 2028 onward with initial availability in Brazil. The new operating model DSO has been instrumental for advancing Icafolin regulatory submissions ahead of schedule.

Icafolin belongs to a new chemical class providing unique properties that allow for lower dose rates, more targeted applications, and is expected to demonstrate an exceptional safety and sustainability profile. In addition, Icafolin is complementary to existing herbicides, such as glyphosate, adding a novel solution in the fight against weed resistance, a top priority for farmers. Weed resistances have increased globally over the last years and are a threat to food security as resistant weeds are competing with crops on sunlight and nutrients, thus significantly reducing yield and harvest quality.

“Weeds threaten food security and farmer livelihoods, which is why investing in game-changing innovations like Icafolin is so vitally important,” said Mike Graham, Head of Research & Development for the Crop Science division of Bayer. “Access to an entirely new herbicide class that complements the existing toolbox not only helps farmers combat and prevent weed resistance, but it also helps farmers adopt and maintain no-till and reduced tillage practices that improve soil health, which is a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture.”

Icafolin has been developed for initial uses in soybean, cereals, pulses, and oil seed crops, as well as pome and stone fruits, tree nuts, grapes, and citrus. As a novel mode of action, it has unique properties and benefits. Treated weeds become “frozen” in the fields, meaning they stop competing with crops for water, nutrients and sunlight, but the dead weeds remain in the field longer because they largely maintain their structure. This creates a mulch layer that helps prevent erosion and trap moisture in the soil. By providing effective weed control it reduces the need for tillage, supporting regenerative practices in agriculture that can improve soil health.

Additionally, Icafolin's intrinsic properties make it suitable for targeted spray applications and lower dose rates, which allowed Bayer to submit registration applications under reduced risk status. Icafolin is the first product to utilize CropKey, Bayer’s breakthrough R&D approach to developing new crop protection products, which optimized the formulation recipe by considering multiple dimensions including efficacy, safety and sustainability criteria, and farmer convenience. CropKey will continue to accelerate how researchers design instead of screen for new molecules, supporting faster development of future products targeting specific proteins in weeds, pests, and crop diseases.

“With CropKey we're not just responding to current agricultural challenges more quickly, we're being proactive and anticipating future needs,” said Rachel Rama, Senior Vice President and Head of Small Molecules at Bayer's Crop Science division. “Leveraging artificial intelligence greatly accelerates our journey from concept to market, so farmers gain access to the most effective and environmentally responsible crop protection products.”

Following the first expected launch from 2028 onward in Brazil, Bayer anticipates selling Icafolin in the U.S, Canada, EU and other geographies over subsequent years.

Tuesday July 29 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Farmers Pride grants - Nebraska's Blender Pump Grants - I-20 MooU talks Milk Pricing - ISU Drone Program - and more!

 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The U.S. corn crop's good-to-excellent condition rating fell slightly last week while soybeans' good-to-excellent rating increased by 2 points, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 76%, 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 75% and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 77%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 26%, 2 points behind last year's 28% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 24%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 73% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 1 point below the previous week's 74% and 5 points ahead of last year's 68%. Seven percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up 1 point from the previous week and still below 9% last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 76%, 1 point ahead last year's 75% and equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 41%, 1 point behind both last year and the five-year average of 42%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 70% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, up 2 percentage points from 68% the previous week and ahead 3 percentage points to last year's 67%. Six percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, down 1 percentage point from 7% the previous week and 2 percentage points below last year's 8%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead another 7 percentage points last week to reach 80% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 1 point behind both last year and the five-year average pace of 81%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 92% of spring wheat was headed, 1 point behind to last year's pace of 93% and just 3 points behind the five-year average of 95%.
-- Harvest progress: In its first spring wheat harvest report of the season, NASS estimated that just 1% of the crop was harvested as of Sunday, equal to last year's pace and 2 points behind the five-year average of 3%. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 49% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 3 percentage points from 52% the previous week and 25 points below last year's 74% good-to-excellent rating. 



Nebraska Crop Progress Report

In Nebraska, 76% of corn is silking, a big jump from 56% last week—though still a bit behind the 5-year average of 85%. 20% has reached the dough stage, and condition ratings are looking strong: 77% of Nebraska corn is rated good to excellent, with only 6% in poor or very poor shape.

Nebraska’s soybean crop is moving along. 73% is now blooming, which is still below the 5-year average of 85%. Just 29% has set pods, still well behind normal, though up sharply from 16% last week. But the good news is condition: 75% of Nebraska’s soybeans are rated good to excellent, with only 4% poor or worse.

In Nebraska, 46% of pasture and range is now rated good to excellent, up from just 33% last week. Only 8% is rated very poor, and that’s a noticeable improvement from earlier this season.

In Nebraska, 71% of topsoil and 60% of subsoil are now considered adequate to surplus. 

Winter wheat harvest in Nebraska is 79% complete, trailing the five-year average of 85%. 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Another wet and humid week limited Iowa farmers to 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 27, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats, cutting hay and applying fungicide.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 7 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 84 percent, 1 day ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Thirty-four percent of Iowa’s corn has reached the dough stage, 1 day ahead of last year’s pace and 3 days ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 59 percent good and 28 percent excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 81 percent, unchanged from last year, but 2 days behind normal. Fifty-two percent of soybeans were setting pods, 5 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 61 percent good and 21 percent excellent. 

Ninety-five percent of oats were turning color and 49 percent of the oat crop has been harvested. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 67 percent good and 16 percent excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 87 percent complete while 28 percent of the third cutting has been completed. Hay condition rated 86 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Livestock stress from heat and humidity was reported.



Farmers Pride Coop, Land O Lakes fund grants to local organizations

Farmers Pride Cooperative and Land O’ Lakes were happy to present matching grant funds to the Plainview Fire Department.

The funds were put towards the purchase of new rescue scene lights to assist first responds to see scenes more clearly after dark.

Each year Farmers Pride cooperative is able to offer matching grant fund applications through the regional cooperative Land O’ Lakes, and local non-profits are invited to apply. This year, we are happy to announce several area donations being made. Other organizations receiving matching grants in 2025 include: Battle Creek Fire and Rescue, Lutheran High Northeast FFA, Neligh-Oakdale FFA, O’Neill Fire and Rescue, Pierce Volunteer Fire Department, Osmond Volunteer Fire Department, Sons of Clearwater, and the Wayne Community School Foundation.



The Nebraska Corn Board Is Seeking Applications for Blender Pump Grant Program

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) is now accepting applications for the Blender Pump Grant Program. This initiative is designed to increase the availability of higher ethanol blends, including E15, E30 and E85 at fuel retail locations statewide. Retailers are invited to submit applications which could award up to $50,000 per retail location for the installation of equipment supporting mid- to high-level ethanol blends like E15, E30 and E85, in accordance with the guidelines provided in the application.

“This program directly connects Nebraska corn farmers with new market opportunities by growing in-state demand for ethanol,” said Payton Schaneman, director of market development at NCB. “Every pump installed is another step toward building stronger local economies, lower cost fuel for consumers and expanding demand across Nebraska.”

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2025. For further information, visit nebraskacorn.gov/corn-101/corn-uses/ethanol or contact Payton Schaneman at 402-471-2676.



I-29 Moo University webinar On August 12 To Focus On Revision To The USDA Milk Pricing System: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Tuesday, August 12 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT, focusing on revisions to the USDA Milk Pricing system with Dr. Lawrence Jones with FARME Institute.

Investigating the milk market became Jones passion when he was working to predict a farm’s future milk checks.  He applied his programming skills and knowledge of the dairy industry to develop analytical tools incorporating milk pricing data gathered from USDA.  During trading days, the spot market is analyzed and evaluated relative to it’s impact on the futures market. Major USDA reports are summarized on a YouTube channel (Milk Market Tid Bits) and an in-depth analysis is presented in a weekly subscription service.  The in-depth analysis includes predictions of the weekly National Dairy Products Sales Report, Class and Component values along with key elements of the Milk Production, Cold Storage, and Dairy Products reports. I am an avid Phyton Programmer. To “Walk the Talk”, I actively trade milk futures on the CME.

His formal training includes Dairy Science degrees from The Ohio State University (BS) and the University of Illinois (MS, and PhD).  The PhD topic was an early application of Artificial Intelligence (i.e., Natural Language Interface) to dairy management.  This was followed by a six-year stint as a Cornell University faculty position for computer application in Dairy Management. 

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/SOK6PU.

 For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Maristela Rovai, 605-688-5488.



New Training Event Offers In-Depth Look at Drone Spraying in Agriculture

The Iowa State University Digital Ag Innovation Lab and Terraplex are co-hosting a new educational event, offering research-backed insights on drone spraying use in agriculture.

“Drone Spraying Essentials: From Basics to Application” will take place on Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Digital Ag Innovation Lab in Ames, Iowa. The event is designed for a range of attendees, from curious farmers and licensed applicators to agricultural professionals and ag-tech startups.

Doug Houser, digital agriculture extension specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the day will address common questions about the emerging use of drones in agriculture.

“Drone spraying technology is reshaping agriculture across Iowa, and producers, agriculture professionals and entrepreneurs want the knowledge to keep pace with this innovation,” he shared. “This full-day workshop will provide both beginning and advanced knowledge on agricultural drone spraying. It’s a great chance to connect with experts and get your questions answered.”

Attendees will learn:
    How drone spraying is transforming farm practices
    Certification and licensing requirements for drone applicators
    Safe and effective drone operation strategies
    Legal and regulatory considerations
    Expert advice from industry, policy and technology leaders

The cost to attend this event is $225, which includes a complimentary lunch and educational materials. Online pre-registration is required by Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m., and space is limited to 100 attendees https://go.iastate.edu/ATMKGV.

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab is located at 3800 University Blvd., Ames.

For more information, contact Doug Houser at dhouser@iastate.edu or Christina Hicks at cmhicks@iastate.edu.



Smith: Trade Deal with EU Groundbreaking

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee's Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the United States and the European Union announced a deal to lower trade barriers and expand mutual investment.

"This announcement breaks new ground for trade relations with our partners in the European Union. The EU has long posed significant tariff and non-tariff barriers to American goods and services. President Trump and his negotiating team have secured powerful commitments which, if upheld, will unlock meaningful market access for American manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, and digital companies. The deal will also strengthen supply chains critical for shared economic and national security. I salute the work of President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who continue to be relentless in the president's mission to establish a level playing field for our world-leading producers and innovators."  



Council Reacts To New Trade Deal With European Union

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is encouraged to hear that a trade deal between the U.S and the European Union (EU) was announced today by President Trump and the White House.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the EU will purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy, including ethanol.

Although the EU threatened 25% and 30% tariffs on U.S. corn and U.S. sorghum, respectively, early in the negotiations, reports also say the EU has agreed to zero tariffs on some ag products, but the EU has not provided a list of specific commodities at this time.

Previously, U.S. corn and sorghum have been held to a “floating tariff” that has calculated to be zero for the majority of the last five years.

“While we are eager to see the details, the Council thanks President Trump, the USDA and the USTR for continuing their tireless effort to bring about fair trade between the U.S. and the EU,” said USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “This deal promises to build upon long-established trade with our eighth largest grains-in-all-forms trading partner worth more than $1 billion in the 2023-2024 marketing year and our fourth largest ethanol trading partner, valued at more than $320 million dollars during the same period.”



NGFA welcomes U.S.-EU trade agreement framework

President Trump on Sunday announced the framework for a new trade deal with the European Union that reduces tariffs and aims to expand access for U.S. exports, including key agricultural products. The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) released the following statement from its president and CEO, Mike Seyfert:

“NGFA appreciates President Trump’s tireless efforts to expand international markets for U.S. agriculture, and we applaud the announcement of a trade deal framework with the European Union. This is a meaningful step forward in opening one of the world’s most restrictive markets to American producers. We are encouraged by the President’s call to diversify agricultural trade with the EU, and we look forward to ongoing discussions to build on that goal.

“A stable, rules-based framework also creates an opportunity to address longstanding non-tariff trade barriers. NGFA stands ready to work with the administration to ensure the agreement is finalized and implemented in a way that delivers real results for U.S. agriculture.”



NCBA Endorses HELP Act to Support Livestock Haulers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged support for the Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act introduced by Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO). This legislation supports livestock haulers by protecting drivers from burdensome hours of service (HOS) and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates.

“When you are hauling cattle, you are dealing with livestock that must be protected from the elements and cannot be easily unloaded until you get to your destination. Livestock haulers need flexibility to complete their trips free from government mandates,” said NCBA Policy Division Chair Skye Krebs, an Oregon rancher who hauls livestock and holds a Commercial Driver’s License. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, haulers and ranchers like me were granted additional flexibility on hours of service and electronic logging devices. In that time, we proved that we could safely transport our livestock and also support the overall supply chain.”

The HELP Act codifies HOS and ELD exemptions that were issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for about two years during the pandemic. Since then, America’s livestock haulers have been burdened by HOS rules again, but this legislation would reinstate permanent exemptions, providing the flexibility necessary to safely transport livestock.

Last week, FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced they are withdrawing a proposed rule to mandate speed limiters in trucks. This announcement was welcome news for livestock haulers, but HOS and ELD mandates continue to pose a threat to drivers. NCBA strongly supports the HELP Act and thanks Rep. Hurd for introducing it. We urge Congress to pass this legislation. 



USDA to Gather Conservation Data to Assess Trends and Improve Programs and Services

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), in partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is reaching out to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to gather in-depth information about the conservation practices they use.

Nearly 23,000 operators nationwide will receive the 2025 Conservation Effects Assessment Project survey. Data obtained will support the third set of national and regional cropland assessments delivered by USDA’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), a multi-agency effort led by NRCS to quantify the effects of conservation practices across the nation’s working lands.

“Responding to the survey gives farmers the opportunity to provide the most accurate picture of conservation practices on their cropland,” said NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “Information from CEAP – which is made stronger by robust survey response – will help inform programs that benefit producers by protecting the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend.”

Local NASS representatives will visit farmers and agricultural landowners in August and September of 2025 to determine if their operations and properties meet the criteria to be considered eligible candidates for the survey. Eligible farmers and landowners may be contacted between November 2025 and March 2026 and asked to participate in the survey. Typical questions will discuss farm production practices; chemical, fertilizer, and manure applications; tillage; irrigation use; and installed conservation practices. NASS will provide survey data to NRCS, the agency tasked with publishing findings.

CEAP Cropland Assessments quantify the environmental outcomes associated with implementation and installation of conservation practices on agricultural lands. Findings are used to guide conservation program development and support agricultural producers and partners in making informed management decisions backed by data and science.

Specifically, CEAP results may help:
    Evaluate the resources farmers may need in the future to protect soil, water, and habitat.
    Shed light on techniques farmers use to conserve healthy environments.
    Improve and strengthen technical and financial programs that help landowners plan and install conservation practices on agricultural land.
    Support the conservation programs that can help producers’ profits while also protecting natural resources. 

The CEAP survey is conducted through a cooperative agreement between NRCS and NASS. NRCS will couple survey results with modeling to report on trends in cropland conservation – and associated outcomes – from 2024 through 2026.

Information provided to NASS and analyzed by NRCS is kept confidential, as required by federal law. The agencies only publish data in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual respondent or operation can be identified.       

The data from this survey will be published as a report on the CEAP Cropland Assessments webpage at nrcs.usda.gov/ceap/croplands. If you have questions about the survey, please contact us at 888-424-7828.



Hoskins, Hutchins USDA Nominations Advance
NPPC newsletter

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry moved to the full Senate for confirmation the nominations of Dudley Hoskins as undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Scott Hutchins as undersecretary for USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics mission area. Both were put on hold by the committee in May.
 
Hoskins currently is counsel on the Senate Agriculture Committee and previously was senior adviser to then-Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and chief of staff for the MRP mission area in the first Trump administration. The mission area includes the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
 
Also serving during Trump’s first term, Hutchins was deputy undersecretary for the REE mission area, which consists of the Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Office of the Chief Scientist.
 
The MRP undersecretary oversees the agencies that facilitate domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products, protect U.S. plant and animal health, regulate genetically engineered organisms, administer the Animal Welfare Act, and carry out wildlife management activities. They also help set national and international standards.
 
The REE undersecretary oversees programs that ensure a safe, sustainable, and competitive food system through integrated research, analysis, and education. The REE also serves as the conduit between the federal government and land-grant universities.



U.S. Dairy Organizations Testify Before USITC on Global Policies Affecting Dairy Markets 

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) Executive Vice President for Policy Development & Strategy, Jaime Castaneda, and Senior Vice President for Global Economic Affairs, Will Loux, testified today before the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on the need for the U.S. government to hold trading partners accountable for policies that disrupt global markets for nonfat milk solids products and harm U.S. dairy producers and exporters. Chief among those concerns were Canadian dairy policies.

Throughout the hearing, Castaneda and Loux highlighted how trade distorting policies and subsidies from Canada, India, Turkey, the European Union, and others have driven artificially low-priced exports from those competitors onto global markets, undercutting U.S producers. The remarks complemented a set of in-depth comments filed on July 16. 

“The U.S. is an extremely competitive player in world dairy markets,” said Castaneda. “However, Canada’s actions are one of the major policy factors undermining fair competition in those markets. We encourage this investigation to include a focus on the full breadth of trade distorting policies that Canada and other major suppliers employ that can undercut U.S. producers and exporters. It is critical that the United States takes steps to curb these anticompetitive practices during the 2026 USMCA review process.”  

The hearing was part of an ongoing USITC investigation into the global nonfat milk solids market and export competitiveness. As requested by the U.S. Trade Representative, the inquiry and subsequent report will analyze government policies and programs that Canada and other major suppliers maintain that affect the production and exports of nonfat milk solids products from major dairy producing countries. NMPF and USDEC have been urging the U.S. government to take steps to address Canada’s continued attempts to circumvent its trade commitments that were intended to limit the offloading of artificially low-priced dairy proteins onto the global market. USTR’s initiation of this investigation was a key step in that direction. 

“Canada’s exports of protein concentrates and isolates have more than doubled since the implementation of USMCA,” said Loux in his remarks. “India’s subsidized SMP exports were as high as 45,000 metric tons in 2021 and were sold at a 10% discount compared to the global average. Turkey’s whey exports—which have quadrupled in the last two years by selling at roughly half the global average—are increasingly moving beyond the Middle East and into critical export markets for U.S. manufacturers, including Southeast Asia and China. It is essential that the United States push back against dishonest trade practices and ensure that U.S. dairy producers can compete on a level playing field around the world.”

USITC is scheduled to submit its report to USTR by March 23, 2026.

Complementing this effort, NMPF and USDEC are dedicated to working with the Administration and Congress to leverage the investigation’s findings through the 2026 USMCA Review process to ensure that U.S. dairy producers are delivered the market access they were promised and fully benefit from the agreement moving forward.



Mid-Year Cattle
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

The Cattle and Cattle on Feed reports were released after the markets closed last Friday. Last year, the Cattle report was cancelled for budgetary reasons and restored for 2025. The trade was expecting smaller inventory totals as of July 1, generally compared to two years ago. The expectations were also consistent with the contraction that has been occurring for several years. Missing the mid-year data from last year makes some comparisons more difficult or less relevant. Regardless, the overall totals across categories are still valuable for insights into the supply situation. The actual total of 94.2 million head was down 1 percent from last year and was slightly above trade expectations.

Beef cow inventory and calf crop estimates, while down, were not down as much as expected. The number of beef replacement heifers and the number of other heifers are both lower, affirming the continued contraction on the beef side, although not by much. The cattle on feed total across all feedlots, at 13.0 million head, suggests that small feedlots, those with less than 1,000 head capacity, have an inventory level almost unchanged from two years ago. While nothing suggests major contraction, there is also nothing suggesting any expansion.

The trade was also expecting a tighter on-feed total. The actual, at 11.2 million head, continued the typical seasonal trend of lower inventories. Placements in June surprised the trade, coming in at 1.44 million head and at only 92 percent of last year. This was below the low end of trade estimates. While feeder cattle auction volume for June was up from a year ago, the direct sales volume was down sharply. There was no evident pattern in placement weights as the number of head placed across different classes were consistently lower than a year ago. Marketings, at 1.71 million head, were in line with expectations and slaughter volumes for June.

Some regional differences were evident. Relatively high placements offset relatively high placements in Kansas, resulting in a higher on-feed total. Despite relatively low placements, the on-feed total in Nebraska remained relatively high. Texas had relatively low placements and marketings, resulting in a relatively low on-feed total. The continued disruption of feeder cattle imports from Mexico could be showing up there.

The quarterly heifer mix on feed, the ratio of heifers to all cattle on feed, was 38.1 percent as of July 1, 2025. The mix has been hovering around 39 percent for several years. The mix bottomed out at around 31 percent in mid-2015 during the last cattle expansion. The mix had been getting lower, especially last quarter when it reached 37.6 percent. An increase from April 1 to July 1 is consistent over time. The mix is the smallest it has been on July 1 since 2019, and would be the slightest indication that some expansion is being considered.

Monday July 28 Ag News - LENRD Meeting Recap - Soybean Mgt Field Days Returns - CAP Webinars - Smith on the Modern Agriculture Caucus - and more!

 Recap from the July 2025 Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors Meeting

At their July 24, 2025 Board Meeting, LENRD Directors denied a request from the Northeast Nebraska Management Area (Northeast WMA), to provide a cash match of $18,000.00 over three years for their Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) grant application to combat noxious and invasive weed species.

Though the conversation began at the end of 2024, Doug Deck attended the Committee Meeting on behalf of the Northeast WMA earlier this month to explain the goal to combat phragmites in wetlands, waterways and river systems. Phragmites is an invasive species of weed that can quickly overtake native plants altering wildlife habitat, depleting the water supply, and impacting conveyance of water in rivers and streams. Phragmites can be very difficult for farmers and landowners to control without the use of a drone due to overhead cost of using other aerial application methods and, often times, the location of the weed infestation within hard to access locations along waterways.

The Northeast WMA has plans to apply for a 2026 NET Grant that will help cover costs for the spray and treatment of fields where invasive species have taken over. Deck requested $6,000.00 annually, over a three-year period, as the cash match required by the grant. The Northeast WMA covers Antelope, Cedar, Dixon, Knox, Pierce, and Wayne Counties.

Assistant General Manager, Curt Becker, briefed Directors on the upcoming open house for the Battle Creek Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Plan that will be held on Thursday, July 31st, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Battle Creek Jr/Sr High School. The meeting will outline the sources of flooding in the Battle Creek Watershed; share a comprehensive list of alternatives (potential projects) identified to reduce flood risk; and provide an overview of the alternatives evaluation process. Attendees are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed draft alternatives. Written comments about the proposed alternatives will be accepted through Wednesday, August 27th.

In June 2020, the LENRD Board of Directors selected JEO Consulting Group for the development of a flood risk reduction plan for the Battle Creek Watershed, which spans more than 57,000 acres in Madison and Boone Counties. Developed in accordance with NRCS requirements, this plan will document existing flooding issues, evaluate strategies that reduce the risk of flooding, and outline an implementation plan.

Directors approved the recommended changes to the Conservation Cost-Share Program. Updates for this program are conducted annually using information regarding average costs from invoices that were turned in for reimbursement during the previous fiscal year. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) rates for the programs are used if there is not enough information to determine LENRD average costs. Some practices may also be removed if they have not been utilized in recent years. If this occurs, it does not mean the program is gone forever and could be brought back when the demand is there.

For Fiscal Year 2026, no changes were made to the Cover Crop program, but some changes were made to the Agroforestry Program due to LENRD averages. The Chemigation and Domestic Well Treatment System Programs are separate from the programs listed in the Conservation Cost-Share Docket.

At their meeting, Directors also received administrative updates from General Manager, Brian Bruckner, regarding Governor Pillen’s newly created Water Task Force and the Logan East Rural Water System.

Earlier this year, Bruckner was appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of his Water Quality and Quantity Task Force and serves on the Water Conservation and Quantity and Nitrate Legacy and Drinking Water Access Subcommittees. Bruckner provided an update from the Subcommittee meetings that were held this month.

Scheduled to meet monthly over the next 12 months, the Subcommittees will discuss historical events which have attributed to some of the existing challenges as they relate to water quantity and/or quality and will identify successful strategies, programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities to implement action items to ensure the long-term viability of water resources in the State.  The Water Task Force is comprised of 20 individuals who come from varied backgrounds and locations within Nebraska. 

Bruckner also provided a status update regarding the proposed expansion of the Logan East RWS to create connections with the City of Oakland and the Village of Craig.  Discussions with representatives from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, & Environment were recently conducted to discuss possible funding opportunities for the proposed expansion and Bruckner will continue to consult with stakeholders and agency representatives to keep the project moving forward. 

Other items discussed were monthly reports, approval of income and expenses for the Lower Elkhorn NRD, Logan East Rural Water System & Wau-Col Regional Water Systems, and a conservation cost share update. Directors also approved a complete upgrade of the Logan East RWS Scada system at a cost of $78,569.00 over five years. The SCADA system is essential for monitoring water level data within the system, including water levels in the towers. The equipment is 30-40 years old and is no longer operating as effectively or efficiently as it once was. 

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next Board of Directors meeting will be Thursday, August 28th, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live. 



2025 Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Includes Second Year of TAPS Competition

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Soybean Management Field Days. This year marks the second year that the Soybean Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) competition highlights are included in the field days, including lessons from last year’s contest and progress this season.

The field days provide an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge soybean management, production practices and technologies, while networking with fellow farmers and industry experts.

The three-fold focus of the field days is to provide practical information, foster dialogue and showcase collaborative efforts:
    Learn about best practices and strategies to apply in your fields.
    Engage in productive discussions on issues ranging from local to global.
    Explore Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) initiatives in research, marketing and education.

“Our goal is to give growers real value they can take home and use,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “By highlighting programs like TAPS, we’re helping producers evaluate new ideas and learn directly from the results. In addition to TAPS, the field days also focus on timely topics that matter most to growers, including disease management, market updates and practical production strategies.”

Throughout the four-day event, attendees will be able to participate in two different formats, one occurring in the evening and the other during the day. The evening meetings, held Aug. 12–14, will feature presentations on locally relevant topics and engage participants in interactive discussions. To conclude the week on Aug. 15, a field day starting mid-morning will highlight the Soybean TAPS contest with interactive discussions and a plot tour.
Soybean Management Field Days is free to attend thanks to support from NSB. To help with a meal count, please pre-register two days in advance of each field day at go.unl.edu/soydays or by calling 402-624-8030.

Evening programs
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6 to 8 p.m.
    Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Ravenna, NE (Lonnie and Scott Bohn farm)
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, soybean diseases, and market updates.
    Speakers: Dylan Mangel, Jeff Peterson, Talon Muse, Chuck Burr

    Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Concord, NE (UNL Haskell Ag Lab)
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, white mold, and market updates.
    Speakers: Dylan Mangel, Leslie Johnson, Nicole Luhr, Chris Proctor, Jeff Peterson

    Thursday, Aug. 14 – Weeping Water, NE (Rick Meyer farm)
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition and gall midge research plots.
    Speakers: Justin McMechan, John Nelson, Chris Proctor

Morning program
Registration at 10 a.m., program from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Friday, Aug. 15 – Mead, NE (UNL Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center)
    Topics: Soybean TAPS update, tour of competition plots, and market updates.
    Speakers: Chris Proctor, Jeff Peterson, Chuck Burr, Dylan Mangel, Aaron Nygren, Justin McMechan

Attendees will also have the chance to hear from MEG Corp about soy biodiesel and connect with representatives from NSB and Nebraska Soybean Association at each location.

Registration and information about the field days, including maps to the event sites can be found at go.unl.edu/soydays, or contact NSB at (402) 441-3240 or Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8030.



CAP Webinars Upcoming

Livestock insurance Basics Part 3: Umbrella Insurance
Jul 31, 2025 12:00 PM 
With Shannon Sand, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

Are you truly protected if something goes wrong on your operation? Standard farm insurance may not be enough. Join us for an informative webinar on umbrella insurance in agriculture also known as farm or ranch liability umbrella coverage and learn how this extra layer of protection can safeguard your livelihood. We'll break down what umbrella insurance is, how it works, and why it’s a smart addition to your risk management plan. Whether you're facing rising liability risks, growing your operation, or simply want peace of mind, this session will help you understand how to better protect your assets and your future.

Mending the Stress Fence
Aug 7, 2025 12:00 PM 
With Glennis McClure, Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

It is important that we all learn how to manage our stress levels and reduce the effects of unwanted stress. Business owners, managers, farmers, and ranchers are no exception to experiencing stress. In fact, stress seems to be prevalent in rural communities at times. Too much stress can make us more accident-prone, and it can affect our overall health.

This program provides information on identifying common stressors, recognizing stress symptoms, and managing stress.

Program objectives include:
-Building awareness of the signs and symptoms of stress in rural communities.
-Learning the eight dimensions of wellness.
-Learning how to ask open-ended questions to recognize someone’s stress levels.
-Improving awareness of the warning signs of suicide and learn about available resources to help support someone in need.

Big Changes Are Coming – Let’s Talk Taxes!
Aug 14, 2025 12:00 PM 
With Tina Barrett, Executive Director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.

Congress just passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and it’s packed with tax changes that could hit your farm’s bottom line. From deductions and depreciation to how we plan for next year, there’s a lot to chew on. Tina Barrett, executive director of Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., will break it down —what matters, what doesn’t, and what you should be thinking about now to stay ahead. Bring your questions and let’s make sense of it together!

More Than One Big Beautiful Impact for Agriculture
Aug 21, 2025 12:00 PM 
With Brad Lubben, Associate Professor and Extension Ag Policy Specialist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Congress and signed by the president on July 4, reauthorizes and increases federal support for farmers and ranchers in the commodity programs, crop insurance programs, and disaster assistance programs. The reconciliation legislation also includes other increases in federal ag programs for trade promotion, research, and animal disease management among other provisions
 
The increased ag support comes at a cost, primarily though cuts to food assistance programs, straining the fragile farm and food coalition that has historically worked on farm bill reauthorization. What remains of that coalition may be tested soon as the reconciliation legislation left other parts of the farm bill to be addressed before they expire at the end of September.
 
This webinar will cover the farm bill provisions in the reconciliation bill and the implications for farmers and ranchers now and in the year ahead. The webinar will also discuss other provisions affecting agriculture as well as the farm bill components that were not included and remain on the to do list for the weeks ahead.

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. Also, you can use this link to register for the webinars.  



NeFB Seeks Members for the YF&R Committee

Nebraska agriculture is more than a career, it’s a way of life rooted in hard work, a connection with land and livestock, and strong community values. The Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee is here to ensure that the next generation of producers is ready to lead with confidence, advocate effectively and stay connected with others who share their passion.

“We need young producers to be a part of the YF&R Committee. It isn’t just about leadership development, it’s about stepping into your role as a future leader in Nebraska agriculture. This group gives young farmers and ranchers the tools, confidence and connections they need to influence the direction of our industry,” said Audrey Schipporeit, director of generational engagement with Nebraska Farm Bureau.

For young farm and ranch families like Josh and Jill England and Matthew and Riley Erickson, serving on the YF&R Committee has been a game changer. It’s a space where young ag professionals find their voice, develop leadership skills, and make an impact at the local, state and even national level.

“Being part of YF&R gave us the opportunity to step into spaces where big decisions are made and be the voice for young agricultural families,” said Southeast Region representatives Matthew and Riley Erickson, who farm near Sterling and are members of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. “Our voices matter, and this committee gives them strength.” Josh and Jill England, committee chairs and Central Region representatives, agree. The Englands farm near Doniphan and are members of the Hall County Farm Bureau. “As more young people enter agriculture, we need to be at the table advocating for the policies that affect our farms, ranches and agribusinesses. This committee prepares us to do exactly that,” the Englands said.

Committee members don’t just talk, they act. From policy advocacy and event planning to leadership development and public engagement, YF&R members are making a difference. Josh England has served on the Hall County Farm Bureau Board, been a voting delegate at the Nebraska Farm Bureau annual convention and participated in the Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy.

“But my biggest accomplishment,” Josh said, “has been personal growth. I’ve become a stronger leader and more confident speaker.”

Jill England also credits the committee with helping her grow.

“Through leadership roles and competitions like Excellence in Ag, I’ve become more confident in policy and advocacy, skills that directly benefit our operation and community,” she said.

Matthew and Riley Erickson have also made their mark by organizing regional events and planning the flagship conference in the winter for all YF&R members to attend. Matthew even traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Nebraska agriculture on a national level.

“Having the chance to speak up for farmers and ranchers on the national Josh and Jill England Matthew and Riley Erickson level truly showed how important our voice is,” Mathew Erickson said.

At its core, the YF&R Committee is about connection and impact. It brings together young producers and agriculture professionals across Nebraska to ensure their voices are not only heard, but also respected and valued.

“Our organization depends on active members,” said Matthew and Riley. “Being involved at the county level helps shape the policies that protect and support our industry.”

Josh and Jill add, “Farm Bureau’s grassroots approach means that as a member, your voice shapes the direction of the organization. You’re not just involved — you’re essential.”

As Matthew and Riley put it: “We need strong young voices on the YF&R Committee. Today’s members are tomorrow’s leaders.”

Josh and Jill echo that sentiment. “Being part of this committee has changed our lives,” they said. “It’s brought us lifelong friendships, made us more intentional in our work and given us the support of an organization that truly cares.”

Are you ready to lead? To connect? To make a difference?

If you’re a young farmer, rancher or agricultural professional passionate about the future of Nebraska agriculture, consider joining the YF&R Committee.

To learn more or get involved, contact Audrey Schipporeit, director of generational engagement, at audreys@nefb.org.



Smith Launches Modern Agriculture Caucus, Announces Vice Chairs

Friday Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) announced the formation of the Modern Agriculture Caucus and released the following statements.

"I see great opportunity to bring awareness and support to innovative efforts of American farmers and ranchers feeding and fueling the world. As Nebraska’s third district leads the Nation in agricultural production, I’ve seen first-hand the benefit modern agriculture practices provide for both producers and consumers," said Chair Smith. "Through this caucus, we will champion policy which promotes cutting-edge technologies, stewardship of our natural resources, as well as the development and protection of U.S. agricultural innovation and intellectual property. I thank each vice chair for joining in this effort, and I look forward to all we will accomplish for agriculture across America."

The Modern Agriculture Caucus supports and advances cutting-edge practices to increase food production, improve farm efficiency, and strengthen American leadership in global food security. Through effective policymaking the caucus advocates for innovation, education, and responsible legislation for the agriculture industry.

Full list of Modern Agriculture Caucus leadership is as follows:
Caucus Chairman - Rep. Adrian Smith
Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture – Rep. Erin Houchin
Vice Chair of Biotechnology – Rep. Frank Lucas
Vice Chair of Food Affordability – Rep. Rob Bresnahan
Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations – Rep. Brad Finstad
Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation – Rep. Vince Fong
Vice Chair of Automation & AI – Rep. Tracey Mann

Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Flood (R-NE), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Tony Wied (R-WI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Valadao (R-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Ann Wagner (R-MO). 



NCBA Member Shares One Big Beautiful Bill Insights at Congressional Hearing

Saturday, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) member and California rancher Kevin Kester testified at a House Ways and Means Committee field hearing on the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The One Big Beautiful Bill contains numerous wins for cattle farmers and ranchers, thanks to the tireless advocacy of NCBA.

“As a fifth-generation rancher, I feel blessed to raise cattle alongside my wife, children, and grandchildren. I want to see this way of life continue for future generations, which is why it was so important for Congress to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Kester. “I know what it’s like to see your farm or ranch burdened by a massive tax bill, and the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers the tax relief we need to save money, grow our operations, and make sure our children and grandchildren can make a living in the cattle business. I’m proud to deliver this message to Congress and appreciate the opportunity to highlight NCBA’s work to protect the cattle industry.”
 
Over a year ago, NCBA recognized the risk of a massive tax hike on the cattle industry if Congress failed to enact new tax legislation by the end of 2025. NCBA went to work meeting with policymakers, testifying at congressional hearings, and submitting tax comments to make sure that Congress protected family farmers and ranchers from higher taxes. Thanks to NCBA’s hard work, the One Big Beautiful Bill contains numerous pro-agriculture tax provisions, including: 

    Increasing the Death Tax exemption to $15 million per individual or $30 million per couple, adjusted annually for inflation. As land values skyrocket and farms appear to be worth more on paper, increasing the Death Tax exemption protects cattle producers from an additional tax burden when passing their operation on to the next generation. The bill also protects Stepped-Up Basis which helps producers minimize their Death Tax liability.
    Making the Section 199A Small Business tax deduction permanent, allowing family farms and ranches to deduct 20% of their business income, keeping more of their hard earned money.
    Increasing the Section 179 deduction to allow farmers and ranchers to deduct business expenses like equipment purchases up to $2.5 million.
    Making 100% bonus depreciation permanent so farmers and ranchers can deduct the full cost of capital investments like equipment when they purchase them, rather than taking small deductions over several years.
    Extending itemized deductions for losses incurred due to federally declared disasters.

Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill includes several key Farm Bill provisions important to cattle producers like expanding the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, funding the Livestock Indemnity Program, supporting voluntary conservation tools, and bolstering foreign animal disease protections.

Importantly, the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill that was signed into law by President Trump did not include any of the controversial public land sale or eminent domain provisions that previously attracted media attention.

“Stories like Kevin Kester’s are why NCBA fought so hard to get the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law and protect family farms and ranches from massive tax hikes,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein. “The One Big Beautiful Bill will help family cattle operations of all sizes save more of their hard earned money. The Farm Bill provisions in the law will also help protect the cattle industry from a foreign animal disease outbreak, help producers recover from depredation and drought, and offer more resources for voluntary conservation. NCBA thanks Congress for passing this bill and President Trump for signing it into law. This is the type of victory that will strengthen the cattle industry for years to come.”

“The One, Big Beautiful Bill gets a lot right for agriculture. Like many U.S. cattle ranchers, I’m excited about what it delivers and believe we need to keep sharing why these wins are critical to America’s economy and future,” said Rick Roberti, Northern California rancher and president of the California Cattlemen’s Association. “That’s why I greatly appreciate Chairman Jason Smith and the House Ways and Means Committee for hosting this field hearing and giving us the chance to highlight the economic benefits tied to agriculture. Having California cattle rancher Kevin Kester testify and share his story was a powerful way to show how these wins will directly support farming and ranching families across the nation for generations to come—from critical tax provisions (including the death tax exemption) and key Farm Bill programs to major investments in animal health.”



Dairy Market Report JULY 2025
NMPF 

Overall domestic use of dairy has shown good growth in recent months, while dairy exports continue to face headwinds, with bright spots for butter and cheese.

Domestic commercial use of total milk solids grew by 2.2% from a year ago during March-May. U.S. exports of cheddar cheese and total American-types grew by 19% during the period. Butter exports were up by 127%. U.S. milk production is fully in an expansion phase this year, following an unusual four-year period of stable production. Milk solids composition of raw milk continues to grow, together providing adequate supplies for the rapidly expanding cheddar cheese production, which increased by almost 10% from a year earlier in May.

View Full Report https://www.nmpf.org/u-s-dairy-sees-strong-growth-at-home-amid-challenging-trade-conditions/.  

Friday July 25th USDA Reports -----> Cattle on Feed - Cattle Inventory - Cold Storage

United States Cattle on Feed Down 2 Percent
    
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.1 million head on July 1, 2025. The inventory was 2 percent below July 1, 2024. The inventory included 6.88 million steers and steer calves, up 1 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 62 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.24 million head, down 5 percent from 2024.

On Feed, by State   (1,000 hd  -  % July 1 '24)
Colorado ......:                900             93            
Iowa .............:                690            106         
Kansas ..........:              2,270           102         
Nebraska ......:              2,440           102          
Texas ............:              2,570            92           

Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.44 million head, 8 percent below 2024. Net placements were 1.39 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 320,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 235,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 315,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 326,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 165,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 80,000 head.

Placements by State  (1,000 hd - % June '24)
Colorado ......:                    110            76            
Iowa .............:                    57             121           
Kansas ..........:                   360            114          
Nebraska ......:                    360             87           
Texas ............:                   300             82           

Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 1.71 million head, 4 percent below 2024. Marketings were the lowest for June since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 53,000 head during June, 7 percent below 2024.

Marketings by State  (1,000 hd - % June '24)
Colorado ......:                    125             96            
Iowa .............:                    46               82             
Kansas ..........:                   430            106         
Nebraska ......:                    470             95           
Texas ............:                    350             88           



July 1 Cattle Inventory Down 1 Percent

All cattle and calves in the United States on July 1, 2025 totaled 94.2 million head, 1 percent below the 95.4 million head on July 1, 2023.

All cows and heifers that have calved totaled 38.1 million head, 1 percent below the 38.4 million head on July 1, 2023. Beef cows, at 28.7 million head, are down 1 percent from two years ago. Milk cows, at 9.45 million head, are up 1 percent from 2023.

All heifers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2025 totaled 14.6 million head, 2 percent below the 14.9 million head on July 1, 2023. Beef replacement heifers, at 3.70 million head, are down 3 percent from two years earlier. Milk replacement heifers, at 3.50 million head, are unchanged from 2023. Other heifers, at 7.40 million head, are 3 percent below two years ago.

Steers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2025 totaled 13.8 million head, down 1 percent from July 1, 2023.

Bulls 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2025 totaled 1.90 million head, unchanged from two years earlier.

Calves under 500 pounds on July 1, 2025 totaled 25.8 million head, down 2 percent from 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.0 million head on July 1, 2025, down 1 percent from two years earlier. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 85.6 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2025, down slightly from two years ago. The total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots), at 34.0 million head, is down 2 percent from the 34.7 million head on July 1, 2023. 

Calf Crop Down 1 Percent
The 2025 calf crop in the United States is expected to be 33.1 million head, down 1 percent from last year. Calves born during the first half of 2025 are estimated at 24.3 million head, down 1 percent from the first half of 2024. An additional 8.80 million calves are expected to be born during the second half of 2025.



USDA June 2025 Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on June 30, 2025 were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 7 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 6 percent from the previous month and down 11 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 17 percent from last month and down 28 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on June 30, 2025 were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 4 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 8 percent from last month but down 16 percent from June 30, 2024.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on June 30, 2025 were up slightly from the previous month but down slightly from June 30, 2024. Butter stocks were down 3 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on June 30, 2025 were up 2 percent from last month but down 10 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 1 percent from last month and down 9 percent from a year ago.