Thursday Aug 07 Ag News - NYBLS 2025 - HHD BEEF Showcase - Pork Exports Rebound, Beef Struggles - Fertilizer Prices mixed - and more!

 Nebraska Beef Innovators: Pedro Jota Fernandes brings global perspective to cattle research

Pedro Jota Fernandes, a master’s student at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, is emerging as a prominent scholar and researcher in Beef Systems. Originally from Brazil, he is bringing a medley of skills, determination and grit to the beef scene.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in Brazil, he began to seek the next steps for his education and career in the U.S. A neighbor, who had studied under Galen Erickson, the university’s Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science, praised the instructor and the institution and introduced Fernandes to UNL. While researching the program and possible internship opportunities, he connected with Mary Drewnoski, a Beef Systems specialist.

“She is the reason I am here,” Fernandes noted.

Drewnoski’s enthusiasm, patience and depth of insight drew Fernandes to the Beef Systems program. Paired with Drewnoski’s character, he could foresee the prospect for a long-term position and home.

Passions and Projects
When he first came to Nebraska, Fernandes worked with Drewnoski, aiding her in research coordination as a technician intern. As he sought new avenues to keep him in the Beef State, he found the Beef Systems Master’s program, which he eagerly pursued.

Growing up on his family’s farm in Brazil, where they raised corn and soybeans alongside dairy and beef cattle, instilled a passion for agriculture within his heart and mind. Fernandes notes that the bridge between the information produced in university and the information passed along to producers remains a major disconnect. Intent to promote communication, Fernandes has dedicated his studies to research and information production.  

In 2023, after moving to Nebraska, he dove into his first project with Drewnoski and Yijie Xiong. Using satellite imagery, the team was able to analyze and estimate forage mass through the use of complex technology, mathematical models and biomass sampling.  

Fernandes explains that he has sustained a multitude of benefits from being in the middle of these two experts, forging him into an highly skilled researcher. Drewnoski brings extensive knowledge concerning forage and livestock systems to the table alongside Xiong’s expertise in technology.

“We try to merge the best of the two worlds,” he said.

He continued to work with this team to pursue several other projects. Thanks to one investigation, producers have the ability to estimate forage biomass based on the canopy cover using smartphone imaging.

The team’s latest initiative has focused on a variety of grazing management protocols in relation to carbon sequestration and any correlations to methane production.

Ultimate Objective
In the end, Fernandes is striving to become a reliable source of information. Hoping to enable those in the industry and benefit their lives and operations, he is dedicated to research and innovation.

“My main goal is to help producers.”

Fernandes intends to begin his doctoral degree in January 2026 as he continues to find new solutions in the beef world. He will focus on the relationship between greenhouse gasses, methane emission and cattle, striving to make his name synonymous with progression and innovation. He explains that the cattle industry has been villainized in Brazil and other regions, and he is devoted to pursuing and sharing factual evidence and effective solutions. 



Applications open for Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium

High school students interested in exploring careers in the beef industry are invited to apply for the 21st annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium, set for Nov. 21-23 on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus.

Since its start in 2004, the symposium has welcomed more than 800 participants from across the United States, including Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The event introduces students to a wide range of career opportunities and current issues in the beef industry, while helping them develop leadership skills.

Speakers from the university and industry representatives will share expertise on all aspects of the beef industry, from pasture to plate. The event concludes with participants working in teams alongside a professional chef to create a beef dish and marketing plan.

The symposium is open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. If selected, participants will pay a $75 registration fee, which covers hotel accommodations, meals and materials. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn scholarships from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The application deadline is Oct. 1. To apply or learn more, visit https://go.unl.edu/nybls. 



BEEF Showcase returns to Husker Harvest Days 

The BEEF Showcase at Husker Harvest Days 2025 will feature a new partnership with Ducks Unlimited, bringing enhanced conservation resources to cattle producers across the Western Corn Belt from Sept. 9-11. Located in the Northwest Quadrant of the exhibit grounds, this dedicated space offers innovations, education and networking opportunities for the beef industry.

Ducks Unlimited Conservation Sessions
Ducks Unlimited will present two key educational sessions during the event:
    Sept. 9, 1 p.m., Husker Stage, Hospitality Tent— "Utilizing cost-share programs to improve operations" featuring insights from landowners and conservation specialists.
    Sept. 10, 2:30 p.m., BEEF Building — "Powerful partnerships: Creating value through collaboration," demonstrating how conservation organizations, beef brands and landowners can work together effectively.

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. They provide farmers with financial and technical assistance through soil health initiatives, sustainable grazing systems, rice stewardship programs and conservation easements to protect vital ecosystems.

"Landowners are some of the best stewards. They care about their property. They care about seeing it last for a long time, and that's where we come in," said Benjamin Romans, regional communications specialist at Ducks Unlimited.

Industry-Leading BEEF Education
Beyond the valuable conservation programming, the BEEF Showcase offers producers comprehensive access to cutting-edge innovations and practical education across all aspects of the cattle industry.

"The BEEF Showcase is an opportunity to connect two Farm Progress brands for the benefit of our attendees and exhibitors," says Sarah Muirhead, managing director of livestock publications for Farm Progress. "It's bringing the trusted education from BEEF magazine directly to producers."

Visitors can experience live demonstrations throughout the event:
    Cattle handling equipment demonstrations — Twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., featuring the latest equipment tested under real working conditions
    Horse gentling demonstrations by Ron Knodel — Three times daily, teaching producers effective training methods for livestock work

New for 2025, the BEEF Showcase will feature demonstrations of manure spreading equipment, allowing producers to evaluate the latest technology before making investment decisions.

The BEEF Building will also host additional educational sessions on:
    Feedlot management
    Beef-on-dairy production
    Genomics advancements
    Financing options for beef operations

The BEEF Showcase runs Sept. 9-11, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Northwest Quadrant of the Husker Harvest Days grounds in Grand Island, Nebraska. Complimentary three-day admission is available with online registration at HuskerHarvestDays.com.



Abundant rainfall means it's time to protect your animals from biting insects

Recent and continuing abundant rainfalls across Iowa have resulted in saturated fields and, more importantly, pooled stagnant water, all of which are breeding grounds for biting pests that can cause irritability and carcass impacts to pigs.

That’s why Iowa State University extension swine specialist Colin Johnson said it’s important for producers to act now to reduce those impacts.

“Numerous management steps and biological products should be overlaid to reduce and destroy mosquito and fly populations,” he said. “The most critical locations to control are the respective breeding grounds. For most mosquito species, this is standing water, and for stable flies, it’s decaying material such as manure, bedding, compost, etc.”

Johnson said two resources from ISU’s Iowa Pork Industry Center can help producers learn what to look for, how to address potential issues, and where to go for more information.

“Our new IPIC publication, Integrated Pest Management in Swine Production Facilities, focuses on management practices that can help producers mitigate insects,” he said. “And this spring, Chris Rademacher and I presented an IPIC webinar on preventing carcass damage by insects.”

Rademacher, who is IPIC associate director and ISU extension swine veterinarian, said it’s important for producers to be proactive to avoid negative carcass impacts and protect animal health, and these two resources provide information and considerations for use now and for planning.

“The publication helps producers think through a more comprehensive approach to insect pest management and how it needs to be thought about well in advance of marketing pigs,” he said. “The video shares practical strategies for implementing integrated pest management in swine barns.”

The publication, IPIC 209A, is available to download from the ISU extension store at no charge https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/animals-and-livestock/ipic209a.html. The video is on the IPIC YouTube channel, also viewable at no charge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ky29AESBwo. 



U.S. Pork Exports Rebounded in June; China’s Lockout Weighed on Beef Results

Exports of U.S. pork bounced back in June, finishing the first half of 2025 on a high note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export volume was the lowest in five years, due in part to China’s failure to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. plants.

June pork highlights include value surge for Mexico, variety meat rebound
June pork exports totaled 239,304 metric tons (mt), up 7% from a year ago, while value increased 3.5% to $682.6 million. Export value to Mexico was the second highest on record at nearly $250 million, with shipments to Mexico, Central America and Colombia remaining on a record pace. June exports also increased year-over-year to the Caribbean and Vietnam. Pork variety meat exports increased 10% from a year ago, due in part to a rebound in shipments to China.

For the first half of the year, pork exports were down 4% from last year’s record pace at 1.46 million mt. Export value was $4.11 billion, down 3.5% from a year ago but still the third highest first-half total on record.

“We anticipated a June rebound for pork, following the de-escalation of trade tensions with China after the negotiations held in Geneva in May,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “China still tariffs most U.S. pork items at 57%, but at least the industry can move some pork variety meats at that rate. Elsewhere, June was another terrific month for U.S. pork in Mexico and demand was outstanding in Central America and Colombia. These critical free trade agreement partners continue to shine, as U.S. pork underpins consumption growth across the region.”

June beef exports sharply lower, but bright spots include Korea, Mexico, Central and South America
Beef exports totaled 93,928 mt in June, down 15% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value was $769 million, down 18% and the lowest in 17 months. Shipments to Korea and Mexico were steady with year-ago levels, while exports increased sharply to Central and South America and variety meat demand strengthened in Egypt and in several emerging markets in Africa. But these gains did not fully offset the steep decline in exports to China and lower shipments to Japan.

For January through June, beef exports were 6.5% below last year’s pace at 602,221 mt, while value fell 6% to $4.92 billion.

Lack of access to China not only results directly in lost business and missed opportunities, but the U.S. beef industry is also losing the premiums generated when Chinese buyers compete for cuts that are especially popular throughout Asia, such as short plate, top blade, chuck rolls and short ribs. Without exports to China, USMEF estimates the U.S. beef industry’s lost opportunity at $150 to $165 per head of fed slaughter, or about $4 billion annually.

“The June export results really underscore the urgent need to resolve this impasse with China,” Halstrom said. “China’s tariff rate on U.S. beef is currently 32% – which is too high, but not insurmountable. The problem is, with only a few plants eligible to ship to China, the tariff rate becomes irrelevant. Consistent and transparent plant approvals, without expiration, were among the most important components of the 2020 Phase One Agreement with China, and it’s time for China to return to those commitments.”

While USMEF remains hopeful that access to China will be restored soon, the current situation highlights the importance of diversification and further development of emerging markets such as Central America and Southeast Asia.

June lamb exports above year-ago, but lowest of 2025
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 223 mt in June, up 37% from last year’s low volume, and export value was $905,000, up 21% from a year ago. However, both export volume and value were the lowest this year. Led by growth in Mexico, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward-Windward Islands and Turks and Caicos, January-June lamb exports increased 43% to 1,590 mt, valued at $8.3 million (up 25%). 



Half of Major Fertilizers End July With Higher Prices

Retail fertilizer prices were split with four higher and four lower than a month ago, according to sellers tracked by DTN for the last week of July 2025. No fertilizer was higher or lower by a substantial amount for the eighth week in a row. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Four fertilizers had slightly higher prices: DAP had an average price of $817/ton, MAP $884/ton, potash $483/ton and UAN28 $419/ton. 

Three fertilizers were slightly lower compared to the prior month: Urea had an average price of $645/ton, anhydrous $762/ton and UAN32 $497/ton.

One fertilizer was unchanged in price compared to a month earlier: 10-34-0 had an average price of $672/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.70/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/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: 10-34-0 by 5%, MAP 8%, DAP 10%, anhydrous 13%, UAN28 by 24%, urea 28% and UAN32 by 32%. The remaining fertilizer, potash, continues to be lower -- by 4% compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/1/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 1, ethanol production pared back 1.4% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 1.3% higher than the same week last year and 4.2% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked down 0.1% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.69 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks shrank 3.9% to 23.8 million barrels. Stocks were level with the same week last year but 2.0% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) and West Coast (PADD 5), including a 6.1% drop in the Midwest (PADD 2) to the lowest weekly stocks for the year.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, softened 1.2% to 9.04 million b/d (138.96 bg annualized). Demand was 0.8% more than a year ago but 1.0% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol nudged 0.2% to a five-week high of 922,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.17 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.4% less than year-ago levels but 0.4% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 24.7% to an estimated 116,000 b/d (4.9 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Growth Energy Applauds Introduction of Ethanol for America Act

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the introduction today of the Ethanol for America Act—a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would simplify labeling and infrastructure requirements for fuel retailers seeking to offer E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that saves consumers money and can be used in more than 96% of vehicles on the road today.  

“Consumer demand for E15 grows each year, but onerous labeling and underground tank requirements have prevented many retailers from expanding access to better options at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Senators Ernst and Klobuchar and Reps. Smith and Budzinski for spearheading the push to complete the work that EPA started during President Trump’s first term and eliminate needless barriers standing between U.S. consumers and lower-cost E15. This important effort will put more homegrown energy into the marketplace, reduce prices at the pump, and open critical new markets for U.S. farmers and biofuel producers.” 

The Ethanol for America Act would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize proposed rulemaking from 2021 that would allow existing fuel infrastructure to be used with E15, instead of just regular E10. The bill would also require fuel retailers to use a simplified E15 label on their pumps and allow them to demonstrate partial component compatibility without having to upgrade entire systems, among other provisions. 



Corn Refiners Association Supports Bipartisan Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act to Advance U.S. Bioeconomy

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applauds the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, led by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). A companion house measure is led by Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Angie Craig (D-MN), Mark Messmer (R-IN), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI). This legislation will strengthen America’s leadership in biomanufacturing, expand markets for corn-based bioproducts, and support job creation across rural America. 

“The Corn Refiners Association is proud to support this legislative effort and looks forward to working with Congress, industry stakeholders, and rural leaders to ensure the continued advancement of the U.S. bioeconomy,” said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “This legislation responds to growing consumer demand for American-made, corn-derived bioproducts. It’s a smart investment in manufacturing, rural economies, and our national competitiveness.” The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act strengthens the federal commitment to renewable, plant-based products by updating key USDA programs, improving purchasing standards, and expanding public awareness. It underscores the goal of advancing sustainable technologies, building resilient supply chains, and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing. 

The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act enhances USDA’s BioPreferred Program, promoting wider adoption of renewable, bioproducts made from U.S. agricultural commodities like corn.  

The bill, a key part of CRA’s Farm Bill priorities, will update federal procurement standards to encourage greater use of biobased products, increase public outreach and training for procurement officials, initiate a national economic impact study to evaluate the bioeconomy, and strengthen domestic supply chains.  

These updates will create new market opportunities for corn refiners and help ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in biobased innovation and manufacturing.