Thursday August 21 Ag News - Pro Farmer Day 3 - Triticale Mgt Mtg in WP - NE Corn on Brazil Trade - NE Cropping Acres updated - Corn Diseases and Silage Quality - and more!

Pro Farmer Crop Tour - Day 3 Results 

Iowa Corn
District 1 (NW) 197.89 bu/acre - 176.5 LY - 180 3YA
District 4 (WC) 207.258 bu/acre - 195 LY - 181 3YA 
District 7 (SW) 195 bu/acre - 191.5 LY - 183 3YA

Iowa Soybeans - pod count 3'x3' square area 
District 1 (NW) 1279 - 1108 LY - 1112 3YA
District 4 (WC) 1376 - 1254 LY - 1211 3YA 
District 7 (SW) 1562 - 1366 LY - 1253 3YA

Illinois Corn - 199.57 bu/acre - 204 LY - 196 3YA 
Illinois Soybeans - 1479 pods 3x3' square - 1419 LY - 1313 3YA 



Triticale Management in Northeast NE

NU Horizon Genetics is hosting a program on Triticale Management in Northeast Nebraska 
For: Farmers and cattle producers
When: August 28, 2025 from 3:30 to 6:00 pm
Where: West Point Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave, West Point, NE 68788

Agenda:
    3:30 – 4:00 pm – UNL Triticale Breeding Program – Katherine Frels, UNL Assistant Professor/Small Grains Breeder
    4:00 – 4:30 pm – Small Grain Silage Best Management Practices – Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist
    4:30 – 5:00 pm – Triticale Agronomics & Grazing Management -Daren Redfearn – Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist
    5:00 – 5:30 pm – Nu Horizon Genetics & Triticale Varieties for Forage and Cover Crop – Nathan Mueller & Eric Nelson –
    5:30 – 6:00 pm – Local partner updates
        Nebraska Extension – Alfredo DiCostanzo
        Seed Enterprises – Conrad Reeson
        Top Crop – Glen Thoene
    6:00 – Evening meal by MDG Family Catering 

Other Details: No cost to attend, preregistration requested (not required) by contacting Nathan Mueller at nuhorizongenetic@gmail.com or 402-372-1912 (call or text)



Nebraska Corn Leaders Urge USTR to Address Brazil’s Unfair Ethanol Trade Practices

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) and the Nebraska Corn Board submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) this week in support of its Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s ethanol trade practices.

Nebraska’s comments highlighted concerns with Brazil’s tariffs, non-tariff barriers and carbon standards that limit access for U.S. ethanol exports and put Nebraska farmers at a disadvantage.

“Markets like Brazil are important for corn and ethanol, but their policies continue to block fair access,” said Michael Dibbern, president of NeCGA. “For years, Brazil has enjoyed virtually free access to our markets, while U.S. ethanol faces barriers going the other way. We need trade relationships that are balanced and predictable, not barriers that undercut Nebraska farmers.”

The organizations also noted Brazil’s practices make it harder for U.S. farmers to remain competitive in a global biofuels market.

The Section 301 investigation allows USTR to determine if a foreign country has taken unfair trade actions that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. If the investigation finds Brazil’s actions unreasonable or discriminatory, retaliatory measures such as tariffs may be applied.

Nebraska Corn also supported the technical comments submitted by the National Corn Growers Association.



Nebraska Farmers Adjust Acreage with Shifts in Major Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released the 2025 Nebraska Acreage Report, showing notable shifts in crop decisions across the state.

Corn remains Nebraska’s dominant crop, with farmers planting 10.3 million acres for all purposes, up 2.5% from last year. About 96% of those acres used biotechnology varieties, consistent with 2024. Harvested area for grain is expected to reach 9.87 million acres, a 1.7% increase.

Soybean acreage saw a decrease, with 5.0 million acres planted, down 6% from 2024. Nearly all soybean fields, 96%, were planted with genetically modified herbicide-resistant seed. Farmers expect to harvest 4.95 million acres.

Winter wheat plantings declined 4% to 960,000 acres, with only 820,000 acres expected to be harvested, down 11% from a year ago.

For hay, alfalfa acreage increased by 6.5% to 1.6 million acres, while other hay acreage declined 4% to 1.5 million acres.

Sorghum acres dropped 4% to 280,000, with grain harvests projected at 230,000 acres, down 12%. Oats showed mixed results, with 145,000 acres planted (up 19%), but harvested grain acreage dropped 18% to 30,000 acres.

Dry edible beans fell to 125,000 acres, down 4%, with 119,000 acres expected for harvest. Proso millet acreage declined 14% to 95,000 acres.

Sugarbeet plantings rose slightly to 48,000 acres, with 47,500 acres expected to be harvested. Oil sunflower acreage increased 32% to 36,000 acres, while non-oil sunflower acreage surged 74% to 5,000 acres.

Dry edible peas expanded 27% to 34,000 acres, with 30,000 acres expected for harvest.

Potato acreage held steady at 21,000 acres, with 20,900 acres forecasted for harvest, the same as last year.



USDA Issues Opportunities for USGSA Designation Applications in Ten States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) designation opportunities in Ill., Ind., Iowa, Md., Mich., Neb., La., Okla., Texas and Wisc. AMS is requesting comments on the quality of services provided by Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Departments, Inc.; Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc.; Enid Grain Inspection Company, Inc.; Fremont Grain Inspection Department, Inc.; Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry; Maryland Department of Agriculture; and Omaha Grain Inspection Service, Inc.

Designated agencies work under the supervision of USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service and are authorized to provide official inspection and weighing services in a defined geographic area.

Relevant information, a description of the geographic areas, and instructions for submitting applications and comments were published in the Federal Register on Aug. 20, 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/20/2025-15828/designation-opportunities-for-united-states-grain-standards-act.

For more information, contact Candace Hildreth, Quality Assurance and Compliance Division, at (202) 720-0203 or FGISQACD@usda.gov.



18th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference Sessions

The 18th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference (“Nebraska WSC”) will take place October 21–22, 2025, at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. The conference will feature national and state experts addressing the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in renewable energy. This event brings together developers, public officials, utilities, landowners, environmental organizations, and the public to learn, share, and discuss the future of renewable energy in Nebraska. The two-day conference also features a robust tradeshow with exhibitors representing government agencies, nonprofits, vendors, and developers.

“Like most states, Nebraska is facing the largest sustained spike in increased electrical energy base load demand since WWII. That demand spike provides challenges, but also enormous economic opportunities for rural communities and our state if we can work together in a “Nebraska Nice” way to harness our world class renewable energy resources,” said conference chairman John Hansen.  “This year’s conference will discuss both the challenges and opportunities for renewable energy.” 

Conference Highlights
The 2025 program includes sessions on key issues shaping the renewable energy industry:
    Market Changes & Investor Strategies – navigating project development in a post-One Big Beautiful Bill environment.
    Nebraska Battery Projects – updates on storage projects from LES, NPPD, and private developers.
    Local Economic Development Panel – how renewable projects drive growth in Nebraska communities.
    Urban Rooftop Solar – featuring drone footage and case studies of commercial and industrial installations across the state.
    Senator Panel & Lobbyist Panel – policy and legislative discussions with Nebraska lawmakers and industry advocates.
    SPP Queue & Congestion Overview – addressing regional transmission challenges.
    Exciting New Renewable Technologies – highlighting innovations from Olsson, Terracon, and other industry leaders.
    and more....

Luncheon Keynote Speakers Include:
    JC Sandberg, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association, on October 21.
    Nebraska Public Power Utility CEOs – Tom Kent (NPPD), Emeka Anyanwu (LES), and Javier Fernandez (OPPD) on October 22.

The full draft agenda is available at Nebraska WSC Agenda https://www.nebraskawsc.com/2025-conference-agenda-copy.

Registration & Hotel Information
Registration is open now. Early registration is encouraged, as the conference has sold out the last two years.
    General Registration (now through September 30) $175, or until conference attendance is sold out
    Late Registration (October 1 through October 15), $250, or until conference attendance is sold out
    Retired/Student Registration (Open until October 15): $65

A conference hotel room block is available at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel for $129 per night with free parking. Reservations must be made by September 30, 2025, or until the block is full.



ACE Elects Board of Directors During Annual Business Meeting

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) elected and re-elected members to its board of directors during the organization’s annual business meeting on August 20, ahead of ACE’s 38th annual conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Board members re-elected to three-year terms include:
    Absolute Energy – Rick Schwarck
    Chief Ethanol Fuels – Wayne Garrett
    East River Electric Cooperative – Chris Studer
    Golden Grain Energy – Dave Sovereign
    KAAPA Ethanol – Scott McPheeters
    Redfield Energy – Troy Knecht 

Additionally, Zac Griess, Director of Petroleum with Bosselman Enterprises, was elected to serve on the board, succeeding Randy Gard.

ACE also welcomed two new members to its board: Chad Miller, CFO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel, LLC, and Seth Harder, General Manager and CEO of Husker AG, LLC.

“ACE is fortunate to have a strong and diverse board of directors with representation from farmers, ethanol producers, electric cooperatives, fuel retailers, and others,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “We’re grateful for the continued leadership of our re-elected members, are pleased to welcome Chad, Seth and Zac, and are appreciative of Randy’s years of service.”



Corn diseases and silage implications: what to look for as you prepare for harvest

This summer has been both hot and wet, with consistent rainfall across much of the state. These conditions have led to some unusual challenges in corn fields, including wrapped tassels and southern rust. Both have raised questions about their potential impacts on corn silage.

Wrapped tassels
Wrapped tassels are not a common occurrence in Iowa or the Midwest. As noted by ISU extension cropping systems specialist Mark Licht in this recent ICM blog post, “Are you seeing wrapped tassels shedding pollen? We are, too!" he has only observed this phenomenon once in a 20-plus year career. Yet this year, wrapped tassels have been widely reported across the region.

Wrapped tassels are believed to result from a combination of high temperatures, abundant moisture, and nutrient availability. These conditions can cause the tassel to emerge before the flag leaf has had time to fully unfurl, similar to rapid growth syndrome seen in early vegetative stages.

For silage production as in grain production, the main concern lies in potential pollination problems. Starch content, a key component of silage quality, comes from the ear, so poor pollination can lower starch levels in the final feed. While other nutrient components and total yield are not expected to be significantly affected, there is limited research on its implications due to the rarity of this issue.

Southern Rust
Southern rust on the other hand, may pose a more significant risk. Since first being identified in Iowa in July, the disease has spread rapidly under warm, wet conditions. (See more information in this ICM blog post “Southern rust continues to develop across Iowa.”) Southern rust itself does not produce toxins, but it weakens the plant and can open the door for other diseases such as Fusarium and Gibberella stalk rots, which do produce mycotoxins (fumonisin and deoxynivalenol) that are harmful in feed.

These are major concerns of southern rust in silage as outlined in “Effect of Rust Infestation on Silage Quality." https://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/1540/effect-of-rust-infestation-on-silage-quality
    Early dry down. Early dry down can disrupt the ensiling process. When whole-plant moisture is too low, silage becomes more difficult to pack tightly, which prevents the formation of an ideal anaerobic environment. This increases the risk of poor fermentation, including butyric acid formation, and results in higher silage pH levels.
    Yield loss. While yield impacts are often most evident in grain harvest, silage yield and quality can also be reduced as disease severity increases. Disease pressure in the upper canopy is particularly concerning because it affects grain fill. Since grain contributes most of the starch—and therefore energy—in silage, reduced grain fill can translate to lower starch content in the harvested forage.
    Nutritive value. There was an increase in fiber content, with an up to 13% decline in digestibility in the study above.  

Ear rots and other wet-weather diseases
Beyond wrapped tassels and southern rust, the wet conditions this summer have created significant disease pressure overall. Ear rots such as Gibberella, Fusarium, and Diplodia thrive in wet conditions and are especially concerning because of their ability to produce mycotoxins that can impact livestock health.

For more information on identification and management of ear rots, the Crop Protection Network (CPN) provides excellent resources, including the article “An Overview of Ear Rots.” https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/an-overview-of-ear-rots

If you are concerned about disease impacts or potential toxins, getting your silage tested is a smart step to ensure feed safety. The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory offers mycotoxin testing. For more details on sampling and submission, see Iowa State University Vet Med – Mycotoxins https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdl/resources/pathogens-toxins/mycotoxins/. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/15/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 15, ethanol production scaled back 1.9% to 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to 45.02 million gallons daily and a 12-week low. Output was 2.4% lower than the same week last year but 2.6% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.2% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.68 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.2% to 22.7 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 3.8% less than the same week last year and 3.0% below the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2)—settling at the lowest weekly volume since mid-December 2024—and the West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, weakened 1.8% to 8.84 million b/d (135.92 bg annualized). Demand was 3.8% less than a year ago and fractionally lower than the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.4% to 925,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.22 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 0.7% more than year-ago levels and 0.8% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports jumped 39.8% to an estimated 172,000 b/d (7.2 million gallons/day), a 19-week high. It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



MAP Leads Fertilizer Prices Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be somewhat mixed, according to retailers tracked by DTN for the second week of August 2025. For the first time in nine weeks, however, a fertilizer price did move a considerable amount. 

MAP was 6% more expensive compared to last month. The phosphorus fertilizer had an average price of $895/ton. Three fertilizers had slightly higher prices. DAP had an average price of $825/ton, potash $484/ton and UAN28 $421/ton.

Four fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. Urea had an average price of $642/ton, 10-34-0 $669/ton, anhydrous $762/ton and UAN32 $489/ton.

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 $0.76/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. 10-34-0 is 5% higher, MAP is 10% more expensive, DAP is 11% higher, anhydrous is 12% more expensive, UAN28 is 25% higher, urea is 28% higher and UAN32 is 30% more expensive looking back to last year.

The remaining fertilizer continues to be lower. Potash is 3% lower compared to last year.



USDA Delivers on President Trump’s Promise to Put American Farmers First with Enhanced Crop Insurance Benefits Following Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced the rapid implementation of significant enhancements to federal crop insurance programs following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on July 4, 2025. In record time, RMA has delivered these transformative changes, demonstrating the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to putting American farmers first by expanding benefits for beginning farmers and ranchers, increasing coverage options, and making crop insurance more affordable and accessible across multiple insurance programs. 
 
Putting American Farmers First with Enhanced Support for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers 
Under the new legislation, beginning farmers and ranchers will receive substantially increased premium support during their first decade of farming operations, making crop insurance more affordable for the next generation of American agricultural producers. The enhanced benefits mean beginning farmers and ranchers will now receive: 
·                  15 percentage points additional subsidy for the first two crop years 
·                  13 percentage points for the third crop year 
·                  11 percentage points for the fourth crop year 
·                  10 percentage points for years five through ten 
 
These benefits build upon existing support that waives administrative fees and provides base premium subsidies. A beginning farmer or rancher is now defined as an individual who has not actively operated and managed a farm or ranch for more than 10 crop years. 

“These enhanced benefits recognize the critical importance of supporting the next generation of American agricultural producers,” said RMA Administrator Pat Swanson. “By reducing financial barriers during the crucial early years of farming, we’re helping ensure the long-term sustainability of American agriculture.”  

Making Crop Insurance More Accessible with Expanded Coverage Options 
The legislation delivers on the promise to make crop insurance more accessible and affordable through important improvements to area-based crop insurance programs: 
    Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) maximum coverage level increase from 85% to 90%, providing producers with enhanced protection for diversified operations. 
    Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) premium support increase from 65% to 80%, making this valuable gap coverage more affordable. Additionally, producers can now purchase SCO regardless of their Area Risk Coverage (ARC) elections with the Farm Service Agency, dramatically increasing accessibility. 
    Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) and similar programs including Margin Coverage Option (MCO), Hurricane Insurance Protection Wind Index (HIP-WI), and Fire Insurance Protection Smoke Index (FIP-SI) will also receive the increased 80% in premium support, making comprehensive coverage more affordable than ever.  
    SCO coverage will also expand to a coverage level of 90% (from 86%). Producers will have access to this option in 2026 via the ECO product, which has identical coverage at the same cost and premium support levels. USDA will then change the SCO policy for the 2027 crop year. 

Historic Improvements to Premium Affordability  
The legislation delivers unprecedented improvements to premium support rates across coverage levels and unit structures, with particular emphasis on supporting enterprise and whole farm units. The new subsidy structure maintains strong support for higher coverage levels while ensuring maximum affordability across the risk management spectrum, putting more money back in the pockets of American farmers. 

Record-Speed Implementation Timeline 
Demonstrating the Trump Administration’s commitment to swift action for American farmers, these changes will be effective for all crops with sales closing dates on or after July 1, 2025.  

“RMA is committed to implementing these changes before upcoming sales closing dates so that producers can make fully informed decisions about their risk management strategies,” noted Administrator Swanson. “We’ve moved quickly to put American farmers first, ensuring they have the protection they need when unavoidable natural disasters occur. We encourage all producers to work with their crop insurance agent to understand how these historic changes will benefit their operations.” 



Ground Beef Production and the Balance of Lean and Fat Trimmings
James Mitchell, Extension Economist, University of Arkansas

U.S. beef imports help balance domestic lean and fat trimmings supplies. The key shift is not just fewer cows, but also heavier fed cattle carcasses producing more fat trim. Together, those changes tilt the U.S. trim supply toward fat. 

Domestic lean trim supplies are down because of lower cow slaughter. Through June, combined beef and dairy cow slaughter is down 13%, translating to an estimated 10% decline in domestic lean trimmings production. Lean trimmings from cull cows and bulls are the primary source of 85s and 90s used in ground beef. At the same time, fed steer and heifer dressed weights remain historically high. Through June, fed cattle slaughter is down 4%, but dressed steer weights are up 3%, adding more pounds of fat trim. The net result is a trim market with proportionally less lean and more fat. 

With cow slaughter down and fed cattle dressed weights up, imports of lean trim become essential. So far in 2025, imports are sharply higher, up 28% in June and 33% year to date, and most of those imports are lean trimmings. Brazil was the leading source through the first half of the year, accounting for 25% of total U.S. beef imports, though tariff increases will limit volumes going forward. This places more emphasis on other suppliers such as Australia and New Zealand, where year-to-date imports are up 35% and 8%, respectively. 

Imports of lean trim help balance the U.S. beef trimmings market. Otherwise, an adjustment occurs through higher prices that ration limited lean trim across end users. This means higher ground beef prices for consumers.