Tuesday July 22 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress - AGP Soy Crush Plant in David City - NE Corn Growers in DC - Flood's SAF Bill - USB's New Budget - and more!

USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

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

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 56%, 2 percentage points behind both last year and the five-year average of 58%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 14%, 2 points behind last year's 16% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 12%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 74% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged again from the previous week and 7 points ahead of last year's 67%. Six percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up 1 point from the previous week but still below 10% last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 62%, 1 point behind both last year and the five-year average of 63%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 26%, 1 point behind last year's 27% but equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, down 2 percentage points from 70% the previous week and equal to last year. Seven percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, up 2 percentage points from 5% the previous week but 1 percentage point below last year's 8%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead another 10 percentage points last to reach 73% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 2 points behind last year's 75% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average pace of 72%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 87% of spring wheat was headed, equal to last year's pace and just 1 point behind the five-year average of 88%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 52% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 2 percentage points from 54% the previous week and 25 points below last year's 77% good-to-excellent rating. 



Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Report
as of July 20, 2025 

Topsoil Moisture: 8% surplus - 61% adequate - 26% short - 5% very short 
Subsiol Moisture: 4% surplus - 54% adequate - 32% short - 10% very short 
Corn Silking: 56% - 27% LW - 64% 5YA 
Corn in Dough: 10% - 5% LW - 8% 5YA 
Corn Condition: 22% excellent - 56% good - 18% fair - 3% poor - 1% very poor 
Soybeans blooming: 61% - 40% LW - 73% 5YA 
Soybean setting pods: 16% - 9% LW - 31% 5YA 
Soybean Condition: 19% excellent - 54% good - 23% fair - 3% poor - 1% very poor
Winter Wheat Harvested: 47% - 35% LW - 67% 5YA 
Pasture & Range Conditions: 3% excellent - 30% good - 41% fair - 20% poor - 6% very poor



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Iowa had 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 20, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Heavy rain was received in portions of the state. Field activities during the week included fungicide spraying, cutting hay and harvesting oats.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 5 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 62 percent, 1 day behind last year’s pace. Eighteen percent of Iowa’s corn has reached the dough stage. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 59 percent good and 27 percent excellent. 

Sixty-nine percent of soybeans had bloomed, 1 day ahead of last year, but 1 day behind normal. Thirty-three percent of soybeans were setting pods, 4 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 59 percent good and 21 percent excellent. 

Eighty-three percent of oats were turning color and 35 percent of oats have been harvested for grain. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 68 percent good and 16 percent excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay was 79 percent complete while 17 percent of the third cutting has been completed. Hay condition rated 86 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 79 percent good to excellent.



AGP Celebrates Grand Opening of New Soybean Processing Facility in David City, Nebraska

Ag Processing Inc a cooperative (AGP) held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate its newest soybean processing and degumming facility in David City, Nebraska on July 17th. The celebration welcomed state and local officials, agricultural industry representatives, and AGP cooperative members.

The David City plant is AGP’s 11th soybean processing location and is scheduled to begin commercial operations by the end of August 2025. Once fully operational, the state-of-the-art facility will be capable of processing over 50 million bushels of soybeans annually and producing nearly 700 million pounds of degummed oil per year.

“As a cooperative, AGP’s mission is to add value to our members’ soybeans by processing the beans into meal and oil, selling those products in the open market, and returning the earnings to our local owners,” said AGP Board Chairman Dean Thernes. “With so many of our existing members in this area, the David City location is not only a great fit with our mission to serve the cooperative system, but it is also a perfect addition to AGP’s existing midwestern processing platform and, we strongly believe, it will improve our ability to compete in the domestic and international markets.”

Among the event’s speakers was Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, who welcomed AGP to David City and emphasized the importance of agriculture to the state.

“With great people, plenty of land, and abundant water, Nebraska agriculture is second to none,” Pillen said. “AGP’s processing facility is creating fantastic opportunities for our soybean farmers and bringing rewarding careers to David City. This plant will consume more than 15% of the state’s soybeans, and improves the basis for local markets and puts more cash in producer’s pockets. Thank you AGP for strengthening value-added agriculture in Nebraska!”

AGP Chief Executive Officer Chris Schaffer acknowledged the Governor’s leadership and credited local support for helping bring the project to fruition.

“We have a network of members who can supply us soybeans to process,” Schaffer said. “We have marketing and logistics systems in place to sell and deliver the soybean meal to domestic and foreign customers. We have the speed, space, and relations to get our soybean oil to both our food and fuel customers. And we have an experienced and dedicated team to run it all.”

The David City facility enhances AGP’s existing soybean processing and refining operations, reinforcing its role in domestic and international markets. AGP selected the location for its reliable supply of soybeans, skilled workforce, strong local infrastructure, and transportation access. Once operational, the plant will support more than 80 full-time jobs.

“The site encompasses approximately 273 acres with 2.5 miles of paved roads and approaching 13.6 miles of rail tracks providing access to two Class I railroads,” said Lou Rickers, AGP Chief Operations Officer. “With the amount of rail track on site, AGP will load a unit train of 110 cars every three to four days. We will be able to hold a loaded unit train, receive an empty unit train, and continue to build a third unit train of soybean meal. Also encompassed within the total miles of rail, the site will be able to load and build 110 car unit trains of oil. The degumming plant will be able to load that train in just two days as long as the cars are available on site. I want to thank AGP’s team and our business partners for building a facility with speed and space to match any customers’ needs.”

Reflecting on the company’s growth, Thernes highlighted the milestone.

“On this exact same day six years ago, AGP held a Grand Opening in Aberdeen, South Dakota for its 10th processing plant,” Thernes said. “The Aberdeen plant has been a tremendous success, improving marketing opportunities for producers, creating well-paying jobs, and generating additional business opportunities in the Aberdeen area. We are confident this new processing facility will provide the same benefits to David City and the surrounding communities for years to come.”



Ag land management webinar to offer the latest on cash rents, lease arrangements for 2025

The latest trends in 2025 Nebraska cash rental rates and issues related to landlord and tenant communication will be covered during the next Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability at noon on Aug 18.

Each quarter, the webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The August webinar will cover recent findings from the 2025 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, including updates on average cash rental rates, land values and trends in hunting lease arrangements. The presentation will also include a special segment on terminating verbal lease arrangements, communicating crop progress on leased land and considerations for fall harvest. The session will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get live answers to their land or lease questions.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements.

Registration and past recordings are available at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement. 



Nebraska Corn Descends Upon DC

Several members of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Corn Board attended National Corn Growers Association action team meetings, Corn Congress, and hill/ agri-business visits this past week. They joined close to 300 other growers from across the U.S. to discuss key issues important to corn growers. In addition to updating the policy book during Corn Congress, two other key events took place.  

NCGA President Kenny Hartman recognized Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith with his President’s Award. The award recognizes a member of Congress for this unwavering support of the nation’s corn growers. Congressman Smith was critical in advocating to include several tax provisions within the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act and has been a continual supporter of year-round E15. 
    
Finally, delegates elected members to the National Corn Board, of which Nebraskan Jan ten Bensel was elected to a 3-year term. Ten Bensel, who farms near Cambridge with his wife and children, was one of 4 elected to the board.  



NORFOLK CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON DRONES IN AGRICULTURE

Nebraska Extension and Northeast Community College in Norfolk are hosting the third annual Nebraska Agriculture and Spray Drone Conference, Aug. 21-22 at the college.

As the largest agriculture drone-focused conference in the Midwest, the event brings together industry leaders, researchers, legal experts and drone innovators for two days of education, collaboration and cutting-edge insights.

“Nebraska Extension has long been a leader in drone education, hosting seven statewide events since August 2023 featuring internationally recognized experts,” said Dirk Charlson, statewide Extension educator for digital agriculture.

Returning experts include Steve Li, Auburn University; Julius Petri, Pix4D; Jonathan Rupprecht, Rupprecht Law; Al Brunner, Federal Aviation Administration; and Kevin Knorr, Volitant Technologies. New to the lineup are Nathan Stein, AirStrikeAg; Tim Pearson, Taranis; Vaughn Tolbert, VT Insurance; and Joel Jones, Orange Coast College.

This year’s conference introduces a remote attendance option. The first 75 people to register in-person on the first day of the conference will receive a free copy of “The Evolution of Spray Drones, Their Capabilities and Challenges for Pesticide Applications” from Purdue University.

Those with questions can call or text Charlson at 402-460-0742.



Flood Introduces the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act 

Monday, U.S. Congressmen Mike Flood (NE-01) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) announced that they introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act. This bill would direct the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) to include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) more explicitly on their weekly and monthly reports, in line with existing standards and consistent with other fuel types.

“Nebraska remains a national leader in biofuel production and is a driving global leader in advancing the bioeconomy,” said Congressman Flood (NE-01). “SAF represents just one of many promising ways to grow the biofuels sector and boost our rural communities. Our straightforward, commonsense bill requires the EIA to include SAF in its published data, giving industry leaders and stakeholders better insight into production trends. I’m grateful to my colleague for partnering with me once again to support the growth of the SAF industry.”

Congressman Flood has been an advocate for SAF, pushing to expand markets and introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Accuracy Act of 2023 along with gathering widespread, bipartisan support for the Sustain Aviation Fuel Information Act in the 118th Congress.

Supporters of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act include the Advanced Biofuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Cane League, Greater New Orleans Inc., Growth Energy, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Oilseed Producers Association, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Soybean Association, Renewable Fuels Association, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, and the SAF Coalition.

Support for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act

"Sustainable Aviation Fuel offers an enormous opportunity for Nebraska's biofuels industry and thus Nebraska's farmers. Congressman Flood's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act is a commonsense approach to ensure additional market transparency as this new industry continues to evolve. We want to thank Congressman Flood for his efforts as we look forward to helping move this important legislation forward,” Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. 

“Nebraska’s farmers and ethanol producers are all-in on helping supply the world with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). But if we want to prove the projections right by growing the global market for SAF by 100-fold within the next 10 years, we need transparency about where the industry is and where it’s headed. That’s exactly what Rep. Flood’s bill will deliver. We’re grateful for Rep. Flood and his tireless leadership in expanding the SAF industry across Nebraska,” Dawn Caldwell, Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director.

“We appreciate Congressman Flood's work to co-introduce the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act which would provide greater data transparency for the growing corn and biofuels industry. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers a valuable market opportunity for Nebraska corn growers,” Michael Dibbern, Nebraska Corn Growers Association President.

“We appreciate the work of Congressman Flood for introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act. Producing advanced biofuels in the United States promotes economic opportunities for communities across the country and increases market access for Nebraska farmers. Homegrown agricultural feedstocks play an important role in meeting the nation’s goal for clean fuel production,” Kent Grotelueschen, President Nebraska Soybean Association.

“As we work to speed up the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), real-time production and supply updates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration will offer crucial insights. These updates will play a key role in effectively scaling up SAF across the country,” Alison Graab, The Executive Director for the SAF Coalition.

“We applaud Rep. Flood for introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act. This bill will help provide transparency for corn growers and the biofuels industry. In this emerging space, accountability is needed to ensure that American farmers are being properly credited for providing the feedstocks that will drive this new market,” Kenneth Hartman Jr., President for National Corn Growers Association.

“Transparent and timely market data are critically important to help the nascent SAF industry get off the ground. This legislation would ensure SAF producers and users have the information they need to make informed decisions and smart investments. The Renewable Fuels Association thanks Reps. Flood and Carter for their leadership on this issue and we strongly support their legislation,” Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO.

"America's farmers and biofuel producers will only be able to lead in global markets for clean fuels if we have reliable data to help guide investment decisions and measure our progress,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Rep. Flood's bill is common sense and will lay the groundwork for new jobs and new investments, while giving the U.S. a way to track its path toward becoming the world leader in SAF production,”  Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy.

“Building a strong and reliable SAF industry that supports U.S. farmers starts with access to clear, consistent market data. This bill takes an important step toward giving stakeholders the tools they need to plan, invest, and grow with confidence. The National Oilseed Processors Association appreciates Representatives Flood and Carter for recognizing this need and championing a data-driven approach to SAF development,” Devin Mogler, President and CEO of National Oilseed Producers Association.



Iowa Corn Announces Election Results for Board of Directors  

Iowa Corn announced the Board of Directors election results for the Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB). 

Those elected as ICGA directors will continue to bring grassroots policy issues forward and be the collective voice for over 7,000 corn-farmer members lobbying on agricultural issues at the state and federal level. These individuals include: 
District 1: Mike Ver Steeg* 
District 6: Louie Zumbach 
District 8: Kevin Smith 
*For those re-elected 

Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. ICPB directors will continue to promote a thriving Iowa corn industry through research into new and value-added corn uses, domestic and foreign market development and providing education about corn and corn products. These individuals include: 
District 2: Jerry Maier* 
District 5: Eric Weuve 
District 7: Darin Proffit* 
District 9: Dave Vandenberg 
*For those re-elected 

Both ICGA and ICPB are tasked with creating opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. Elected directors will begin serving their districts on September 1, 2025. 



Help Shape the Future of Drone Use in Corn Production 

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in partnership with Stratovation Group, is launching a first-of-its-kind drone marketing research survey. This is a valuable opportunity for corn growers to share their perspectives and help guide how drone technology can better support your operations in the future.

Why Participate?
    Ensure your voice is heard in shaping future drone use in agriculture.
    Help NCGA better advocate for your needs.
    Receive insights—your state office will get a custom snapshot of local grower data.
    Chance to win great prizes like a Traeger Grill, Yeti Cooler, or Turtlebox Speaker!

Survey Details:
    Takes about 20 minutes
    All responses are confidential
    Open to all U.S. corn growers

Your input matters. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help us drive innovation in corn farming.

Find the survey HERE https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DSNCGA.



United Soybean Board Approves FY26 Budget  

In the year ahead, the United Soybean Board (USB) will boost demand for U.S. Soy, drive on-farm resilience and bring value to the nearly half a million U.S. soybean farmers. Led by its 77 farmer-leaders, USB recently approved a $121.3 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year, strategically allocating funds across vital research, promotion and education investments. This spans the food, feed, fuel, industrial, exports and sustainable production market segments.

“Just like we have done on our farms across the country, USB’s farmer-leaders have sharpened their pencils, identifying high-impact opportunities that provide return to America’s soybean farmers,” said Philip Good, United Soybean Board Chair from Macon, Mississippi. “Times are tough right now in the farm economy, and I can speak from experience dealing with the wettest growing season in my farming career. As soybean farmers navigate trade and input uncertainty, along with unpredictable weather, the Soy Checkoff aims to be the long-term, steady hand on the rudder. We’re looking 5-10 years out to ensure that U.S. farmers have viable markets and innovation to protect against weather, weed and disease pressures.”

The board approved the budget during the organization’s July meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, prioritizing strategic investment in several areas such as animal health and nutrition, infrastructure, production research and international trade. In addition, the board focuses its communication & education efforts on strengthening the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplifying checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers and partnering with the 30+ state soybean boards on research and outreach.  

Key investments USB is prioritizing in the coming fiscal year include:
    Food: Expanding high oleic soybeans as a strategic ingredient for the food industry. By leveraging gene editing for faster innovation, this strengthens the domestic supply chain and meets the growing demand from food manufacturers for functional oils that provide heart-health benefits.
    Feed: Advancing and deploying research and marketing to enhance demand of U.S. soybean meal by supporting health, productivity and profitability of livestock and poultry production.
    Fuel: Positioning U.S. soybean oil as the preferred feedstock to meet the renewable volume obligation of 5.6 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel in 2026. USB aims to expand soy’s biofuel footprint through research demonstrating soy’s low carbon intensity and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, investments will increase the overall renewable fuels market through new market development, with soy-based biofuels playing an important role in biodiesel, renewable diesel, Bioheat®, and the marine, air and rail markets.
    Industrial Uses: Furthering the commercialization of new soy-based technologies with the greatest potential to drive soybean demand. This includes expansion of soy oil-based lubricant and surfactant product lines, development of new uses for soy in tires, commercialization of soybean meal wood adhesives, and certification of soy-based firefighting foam to replace PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.” 
    Exports: Growing U.S. Soy exports into more than 80 established markets while diversifying into new markets through the promotion of U.S. Soy’s quality attributes. U.S. Soy provides value through its sustainability, consistency and reliability to downstream customers while demonstrating lower moisture content, superior amino acid profile and greater energy content. Ultimately, this increases animal performance and efficiency, maximizing economic return. Export partnerships also aim to raise consumption of U.S. meat, poultry, and eggs around the globe, which increases the demand for U.S. soybean meal in domestic animal diets. 
    Sustainable Production: Addressing major yield threats and exploring on-farm cost-saving opportunities. Specific priorities include: mitigating soybean yield loss due to drought and soybean cyst nematode, measures to reduce fertilizer inputs, management systems leading to enhanced productivity and profitability, and advancing weed and slug management strategies in partnership with national extension programs. Investments in sustainable production also further greenhouse gas research and carbon modeling updates to ensure U.S. Soy receives the credit and financial opportunities it’s earned in global markets. 

“We’re focused on what moves volume and creates value for our farmers, promoting U.S. Soy as a high-quality, sustainable and reliable product, and making every dollar count that’s invested in the Soy Checkoff,” said Brent Gatton, USB Vice Chair from Bremen, Kentucky, who oversees strategic budget allocation of the FY26 portfolio. “This budget reflects our responsibility to America’s soybean farmers and our drive to continue growing opportunities for U.S. Soy, even with reduced collections. We are being very intentional about investment decisions that deliver the highest return back to the farm.”  



Beef Price Seasonality
David Anderson, Extension, Texas A&M University

The recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) that reported retail beef prices hitting new record highs has prompted a lot of questions about when consumers might see lower prices. Of course, we know tighter beef supplies and very good consumer demand are driving prices higher. But beef prices and different cuts have seasonal wholesale market price trends that suggest prices could decline from recent highs.

Ribeye steaks exhibit a seasonal pattern that peaks with the onset of grilling season but, they tend to decline after Memorial Day. They hit their annual peak price in late Fall as a holiday demand driven item. This year is no exception in that wholesale beef ribeyes peaked in price at $14.18 per pound, $5.09 per pound higher than last year, in May. They have since declined to $10.50 per pound, only slightly ahead of last year.

In contrast, loin strips hit their annual wholesale price peak leading up to July 4th. They hit $11.84 per pound in June and have since dropped to $9.68 per pound. The price remains higher than last year, but wholesale spot market prices are coming down.

Ground beef hit a new record high retail price in the CPI data for June. In the wholesale market, both 90 and 50 percent lean boneless beef prices continued to increase into July. The 50 percent lean price actually declined a few cents last week from an all-time record $2.62 to $2.57 per pound. This product is particularly impacted by fed beef supplies which have been cut due to declining slaughter and seasonally lower weights. Boneless beef prices tend to decline seasonally after mid-year as we get past the grilling season rush in demand.

The Choice boxed beef cutout has been declining since it hit a record high weekly average value of $394 per cwt 4 weeks ago. All of the primal cuts that make up the boxed beef cutout have begun to decline in price in recent weeks.

So, there is an opportunity for a little bit of relief from record high beef prices if we compare only to recent events. Beef prices as measured by wholesale prices are already declining. Seasonality of various cut prices would lead to the expectation of falling prices in coming months. But prices falling below year-ago levels is not likely due to tighter supplies and continued good consumer demand for beef.