Monday August 04 Ag News - UNL Researchers Recognized on Corn Pest Mgt - NCGA Rings Alarm on Input Prices - USDA Updates Land Values - Comments Open on USDA Reorganization Plan - and more!

UNL researchers contribute to national award-winning project on corn pest management

A team of University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers has contributed to a multistate research initiative honored with the 2025 North Central Regional Excellence in Multistate Research Award from agInnovation.

The NC246 project, "Managing Insect Pests in Corn," unites scientists nationwide to develop strategies aimed at reducing crop losses, lowering production costs, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Nebraska researchers involved in the award-winning effort include Julie Peterson, Jeff Bradshaw, Ana Maria Velez Arango, Justin McMechan, Robert Wright, Thomas Hunt, and Lance Meinke. This collaboration is funded by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Multistate Research Fund.

“We’re proud to be part of a national team delivering practical solutions to one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges,” said Peterson, professor of entomology and interim director at the West Central Research & Extension Center.

“This award demonstrates the national impact of IANR faculty and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration across institutions in advancing resilient, science-based solutions for agriculture,” said Derek McLean, Dean of the Agricultural Research Division.

The project was selected from among hundreds of active multistate collaborations addressing critical issues in food production, agriculture, and natural resources.

For more information, visit: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/single-post/managing-insect-pests-in-corn-crops. 



IOWA CATTLE INDUSTRY RAISES MONEY FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF IOWA THROUGH THE ANNUAL IOWA GOVERNOR’S CHARITY STEER SHOW

The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching and the anticipation of the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show is building. The Iowa beef cattle industry is again partnering with the governor in this fundraising event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. 

Hundreds of fairgoers will attend the August 9 event, featuring youth, industry supporters, local celebrities, and of course, steers. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity selected by the sponsor of the steer. Twenty-five steers will be shown this year. 

Along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, we have other notable celebrities showing this year ranging from industry favorites to college athletes (see list of sponsors, exhibitors, and celebrities below).  The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC).

“The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show showcases the good that can be done by one industry when producers, industry supporters, and community namesakes collaborate,” said Jenna Smith, ICA member services and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “The cattle industry is full of people that care, and it is an honor to work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, who provide a crucial service to families in need.”

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised nearly $6 million for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa since the show’s inception. Last year, the show raised more than $568,000, the fourth year in a row that the fundraising record has been broken. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show.

All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, too.

“The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a worthwhile charity and great partner,” said Casey Anderson, IBIC director of industry relations and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “The houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill or hospitalized children. It isn’t hard to imagine the burden lifted, during an already difficult time, knowing you have a place to stay near your child, thanks to Ronald McDonald Houses.”

If you are interested in supporting the Governor’s Charity Steer Show, consider donating online or attending the show/auction to contribute. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 9, at 4:30 p.m. Then follow us to the Penningroth Center for the live auction, where additional funds are raised and records are broken. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.



Corn Grower Leaders Raise Alarm over High Input Costs

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), along with 25 state-based corn grower groups, sent a letter to Trump administration officials today detailing the worsening economic situation caused by elevated prices for fertilizers and other inputs that are critical for growing corn.

The letter, sent to the U.S. trade representative, secretary of commerce and secretary of agriculture, painted a grim economic picture in the American countryside. Signatories pledged to work with the officials to help address concerns with input costs, implement new trade deals and remove trade barriers.

“Unfortunately, the combination of the low corn prices, trade uncertainty, and consistently high costs for fertilizers and inputs, including relevant countervailing duties, have resulted in a calamitous environment for farmers who are trying to plan for harvest and next season,” the letter said. 

The letter noted that farmers buy products from a variety of different supply chains – both domestic and imported – and placing penalties on imports can negatively impact corn growers.

“When imports are subjected to antidumping and/or countervailing duties, the resulting duty contributes to higher prices that is ultimately paid by farmers,” the letter noted. “The current forecast for 2025 shows fertilizer alone accounting for 36 percent of a corn farmer’s operating cost.”

The letter noted that fertilizers crucial to corn growth have become exponentially costlier. Phosphates, for example, which play an important role in root development and plant growth, have seen a dramatic increase of more than 60 percent over the past decade. At the same time, current corn prices are extremely low, dropping by 14 percent from the beginning of 2025 and 50 percent since 2022.

The letter cited other fertilizers that have increased in costs, including one called urea ammonium nitrate, which has increased by 37 percent since the beginning of the year.

The signatories said the price hikes couldn’t come at a worse time.

“After several years of sustained high prices for fertilizers and inputs, projections for calendar year 2025 show negative profit margins across the country, due to high input costs that exceed grain revenue by more than $100 an acre. Going forward, we will be closely coordinated with your agencies as farmers grapple with these financial conditions in order to stay in business.”

The letter said the grower groups would continue to work closely with administration officials to address the high input prices.



USDA Agricultural Land Values Highlights

The United States farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $4,350 per acre for 2025, up $180 per acre (4.3 percent) from 2024. The United States cropland value averaged $5,830 per acre, an increase of $260 per acre (4.7 percent) from the previous year. The United States pasture value averaged $1,920 per acre, an increase of $90 per acre (4.9 percent) from 2024.

Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre 
           (dollars per acre - % change from 2024)
Nebraska ......:  4,250       +4.2  
Iowa .............:  9,790      +3.9  

Cropland
Nebraska, all cropland ....:   6,800       +4.0  
              Irrigated ..............: 8,850       +3.5  
              Non-irrigated ......:   5,600       +4.7  
Iowa .............:  10,300       +5.1  

Pasture
Nebraska ......:  1,510       +7.9 
Iowa .............: 3,650       +4.3  

Value of Farmland and Buildings
(million dollars - % change from '24)
Nebraska ......:    179,520     +6.8   
Iowa .............:    282,600     +1.8



USMEF Statement on Senate Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as USDA Under Secretary for Trade

The U.S. Senate confirmed Luke Lindberg to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF applauds the U.S. Senate for confirming Luke Lindberg with a strong showing of bipartisan support. This is a critical time for agricultural trade and Mr. Lindberg brings great passion and extensive experience to this role. He has a proven track record as a champion for U.S. agriculture and USMEF looks forward to working with him to expand global demand for U.S. red meat. 



Secretary Rollins Statement on Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins applauds the Senate confirmation of Luke J. Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), marking another milestone in the Trump Administration’s efforts to put America first and increase opportunities for American agricultural trade.

“President Trump is reorienting our global trade relationships to put America First. Over the last four years, our trade agenda favored foreign competitors over America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. This led to a $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, when under President Trump we had a surplus. Our farmers, ranchers and producers feed, clothe and fuel the world, and they deserve a strong advocate in every trade negotiation and in every market promotion. We are thrilled to have Luke join our team and I have full faith that his drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “At USDA we are ensuring American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient by safeguarding our food supply, strengthening critical infrastructure, and defending U.S. agricultural innovation from foreign adversaries. Luke will be critical to this core mission.”

Luke Lindberg previously served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States during President Trump’s first term. Most recently, he led South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters. Lindberg holds degrees in Government & Politics, Public Policy, and Business Administration from the University of Maryland.



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 498 million bushels in June 2025. Total corn consumption was up less than 1 percent from May 2025 but down slightly from June 2024. June 2025 usage included 92.1 percent for alcohol and 7.9 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.06 million bushels, down 20 percent from May 2025 and down 24 percent from June 2024. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 448 million bushels, was up 1 percent from May 2025 and up less than 1 percent from June 2024. Corn consumed in June 2025 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.0 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.88 million tons during June 2025, up 6 percent from May 2025 and up 4 percent from June 2024. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.21 million tons in June 2025, down 2 percent from May 2025 but up 8 percent from June 2024.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 249,867 tons during June 2025, down 6 percent from May 2025 and down 8 percent from June 2024. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 187,424 tons in June 2025, down 7 percent from May 2025 and down 5 percent from June 2024.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.91 million tons (197 million bushels) in June 2025, compared with 6.11 million tons (204 million bushels) in May 2025 and 5.50 million tons (183 million bushels) in June 2024. Crude oil produced was 2.35 billion pounds, down 3 percent from May 2025 but up 8 percent from June 2024. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.80 billion pounds during June 2025 decreased 6 percent from May 2025 but increased 4 percent from June 2024.

Flour Milling Products 
All wheat ground for flour during the second quarter 2025 was 223 million bushels, down 2 percent from the first quarter 2025 grind of 227 million bushels and down 1 percent from the second quarter 2024 grind of 226 million bushels. Second quarter 2025 total flour production was 103 million hundredweight, down 2 percent from the first quarter 2025 and down 2 percent from the second quarter 2024. Whole wheat flour production at 4.21 million hundredweight during the second quarter 2025 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the second quarter 2025 was 1.60 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the second quarter 2025 was 1.59 million hundredweight.



USDA Opens Public Comment Period on Department Reorganization Plan

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today the opening of a 30-day public comment period for stakeholders to provide feedback on the Department’s reorganization plan, as outlined in the Secretary’s memorandum (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-015.pdf) issued on July 24, 2025.

“As committed, we are continuing to hear stakeholder feedback on the USDA Reorganization. All stakeholders – including Capitol Hill offices, USDA employees, and members of the agricultural community – are encouraged to share their input during the open comment period. We value your perspective as we work to ensure that USDA is best positioned to serve America’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and rural communities,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.

"President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region," Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said in his Capitol Hill testimony on July 30, 2025. "The department's July 24 memorandum begins to deliver on this promise and does so in a way that right-sizes the USDA footprint, eliminates unnecessary management layers, consolidates redundant or duplicative functions, and, most importantly, allows USDA to deliver on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its available financial resources."

The reorganization proposal reflects President Trump’s commitment to relocate federal agencies beyond the national capital region, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen USDA’s presence in key agricultural regions across the country. As part of the plan, USDA will consolidate operations, close the South Building, and relocate approximately 2,600 Washington-based positions to five regional hubs: Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT.

USDA is conducting the reorganization under its authority established in the Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.; 7 U.S.C. 2201 note) and The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354). The secretarial memorandum delegates authority to the Deputy Secretary and underscores USDA’s focus on efficiency, geographic diversity, and long-term sustainability.

How to Submit Comments
All stakeholders, including USDA employees, members of Congress, and agricultural and nutrition partners, are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing reorganization@usda.gov. The comment period is open through August 26, 2025.



Farm Bureau Shares MAHA Recommendations

The American Farm Bureau Federation today sent a series of recommendations to the Make America Health Again Commission that will benefit health outcomes and ensure farmers can continue growing safe, healthy and affordable food for America’s families.

“Farmers and ranchers share the goal of advancing health in America,” said Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “Healthy meals start with healthy farms, which is a responsibility farmers take seriously. Investing in research, rewarding innovation and alleviating overregulation helps them reach that goal. We appreciate the opportunity to share these policy recommendations that can directly and positively improve farmers’ ability to meet the needs of a healthy America.”

Farm Bureau’s letter highlights four areas of recommendations to the MAHA Commission, including;

Advancing American Innovation and Sustainability
    Promote the adoption of precision application technologies
    Dedicate funding to improve mechanization and automation
    Support plant biostimulants and biologicals as promising tools
    Support a thoughtful and iterative public comment process on shared understandings of regenerative agriculture

Smart Regulatory Reform and Program Enhancements to Support Farmers and Ranchers
    Modernize current agriculture labor workforce programs
    Protect domestic markets from being flooded by foreign foods
    Reintroduce whole milk into school meal programs
    Enable schools/food banks to directly purchase food from farms
    Make it easier for small- and medium-size farms to serve local market

Public Investment in Agricultural Research
    Invest in USDA agencies focused on research and innovation
    Invest in projects which would help fruit, vegetable and nut crop growers

Pesticide Tools
    Process improvements in the regulatory system to support the innovation pipeline for new discoveries
    Increased resources for pesticide regulatory offices and programs

Farm Bureau is also a founding member of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, which sent a report earlier this week to the MAHA Commission. FACA’s recommendations focused on three key pillars to help agricultural producers and forest owners keep soil healthy and air and water clean.



Mark Wilson Elected U.S. Grains Council Chairman During Annual Summer Meeting

The delegates of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) elected Mark Wilson of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board as chairman of its USGC Board of Directors at its 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held in Grand Rapids, MI, today.

“I am humbled for the opportunity you have given me to represent you around the world, and I want to thank you for the confidence that you have in me,” Wilson said. “I want to thank all of the past chairmen for their leadership and dedication that they have given to this organization who have encouraged and inspired me to get more involved with the Council.”

Wilson operates a farm in Toulin, Illinois, where he grows corn and soybeans and has farmed full-time since 1988. Wilson has served as a Council delegate for 10 years and is a member of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. He previously served as the corn sector director, Innovation & Sustainability A-Team lead, Asia A-Team lead, Farm Progress Show manager for USGC and chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board.

In addition to Wilson, the delegates elected Jay Reiners of the Nebraska Corn Board as vice chairman and Jay Fischer of the Missouri Corn Growers Association as secretary-treasurer. Dylan Rosier of the Missouri Corn Merchandizing Council and Greg Alber of Iowa Corn Growers Association were also elected as at-large directors. The newly elected sector directors are Sean Broderick from CHS as the agribusiness sector director, Jolene Riessen of the Iowa Corn Growers Association as the corn sector director and Matthew Horlacher of Washington Grain Commission and Cold Stream Malt & Grain as the barley sector director.

The USGC Board of Directors now includes:
    Mark Wilson, Illinois Corn Marketing Board: Chairman
    Jay Reiners, Nebraska Corn Board: Vice Chairman
    Jay Fischer, Missouri Corn Growers Association: Secretary-Treasurer
    Verity Ulibarri, United Sorghum Checkoff Program: Past Chairwoman
    Jennie Schmidt, Maryland Grains Producer Utilization Board: At-Large Director
    Curt Mether, Iowa Corn Growers Association: At-Large Director
    Dylan Rosier, Missouri Corn Merchandizing Council: At-Large Director
    Greg Alber, Iowa Corn Growers Association: At-Large Director
    Sean Broderick, CHS: Agribusiness Sector Director
    Craig Willis, Eco-Energy: Ethanol Sector Director
    Jolene Riessen, Iowa Corn Growers Association: Corn Sector Director
    Adam Schindler, United Sorghum Checkoff Program: Sorghum Sector Director
    Josh Roe, Kansas Corn Commission: State Checkoff Sector Director
    Matthew Horlacher, Washington Grain Commission and Cold Stream Malt & Grain: Barley Sector Director
    Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains Council: President and CEO

Wilson shared his goals for the year and unveiled his chairman’s theme, The Time Is Now, during his incoming remarks.

“To assure you that the Council understands the urgency of the current trade climate, I want to reveal my chairman’s theme for the year, The Time Is Now,” Wilson said. “I promise that I will do everything that I can to keep your crops and products moving because I know how important this is for you.”

For additional information around the 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, please visit www.grains.org. 



USDA Announces August 2025 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for August 2025, which are effective Aug. 1, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.       
       
Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.      

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for August 2025 are as follows:        
     Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.000%  
     Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 6.000%  
     Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 4.000%  
     Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 2.000% 
     Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.        

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans      
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.    
    Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 5.000%       
     Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
        Three-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Five-year loan terms: 3.875%  
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.125%  
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.375% 
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.500%  
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.750%         

More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.