Tuesday Aug 05 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Sen Ricketts to hold State Fair forum - NCGA letter to MAHA - USGC name change - and more!

 Nebraska Crop Progress Report

Recent rains across the region have helped recharge the soil and brighten the outlook for pastures, rangeland, and late-season crops.

Nebraska corn silking is now 88% complete, up sharply from last week but still just behind the five-year average of 94%. About 40% of the crop has reached dough stage, and 1% is dented, both pacing close to normal. As for condition, Nebraska’s corn looks strong: 79% is rated good to excellent, including 24% excellent, one of the highest shares in the country.

On the soybean side, Nebraska’s crop is making solid gains. 82% is blooming, still trailing the average, but pod setting made a big leap this week, jumping from 29% to 57%, closing the gap with the five-year average of 65%. 75% of soybeans are rated good to excellent, with 19% in the top tier.

On winter wheat, 92% of the crop is harvested in Nebraska, up from 79% last week and even with the five year average. 

In Nebraska, topsoil moisture is now 72% adequate to surplus, and subsoil moisture is holding at 66%. That’s a modest improvement from earlier in the summer and a welcome trend as crops push through key reproductive stages. 

That rainfall is also making a difference for pasture and rangeland. In Nebraska, 51% of pasture is rated good to excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress Report

Fieldwork activities were limited as rain and wind held Iowa farmers to 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 3, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were scattered reports of crops damaged or down due to storms, with some crops in low lying areas reportedly impacted by overly wet conditions.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 92 percent. Fifty-three percent of Iowa’s corn has reached the dough stage, 2 days ahead of both last year’s pace and the 5-year average. Nine percent of corn reached the dent stage. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 57 percent good and 28 percent excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 89 percent. Sixty-five percent of soybeans were setting pods, 4 days ahead of last year but 1 day behind average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 59 percent good and 21 percent excellent. 

Almost all of Iowa’s oats were turning color and 64 percent of oats for grain have been harvested.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 93 percent complete, while 39 percent of the third cutting has been completed. Hay condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Some grazing acres were affected by standing water in North Central Iowa.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The U.S. corn crop's good-to-excellent condition rating remained steady last week while soybeans' good-to-excellent rating decreased by 1 point, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 88%, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 86% and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 89%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 42%, 2 points behind of last year's 44% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 40%. Corn dented was estimated at 6%, equal to last year and the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 73% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and 6 points ahead of last year's 67%. Seven percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and still below 10% last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 85%, equal to last year and 1 point below the five-year average of 86%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 58%, 1 point ahead of last year's 57% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 69% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 percentage point from 70% the previous week and ahead 1 percentage point to last year's 68%. Seven percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, up 1 percentage point from 6% the previous week and 1 percentage point below last year's 8%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead another 6 percentage points last week to reach 86% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 1 point ahead to both last year and the five-year average pace of 87%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 95% of spring wheat was headed, 2 points behind last year's pace of 97% and 3 points behind the five-year average of 98%.
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest jumped ahead 4 percentage points last week to reach 5% complete as of Sunday. That was equal to last year's pace and 4 points behind the five-year average of 9%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 48% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 1 percentage point from 49% the previous week and 26 points below last year's 74% good-to-excellent rating. 



Ricketts Announces Federal Issues Forum at Nebraska State Fair

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced he will host his second “Federal Issues Forum” at the Nebraska State Fair on August 29, 2025, from 10AM-12PM CT. The event will include a legislative update from Senator Ricketts and two panel discussions on federal issues facing Nebraskans. It comes after Senator Ricketts hosted his first-ever Federal Issues Forum last year on challenges facing Nebraska agriculture.

“This Federal Issues Forum is an opportunity to discuss the progress we’ve made in delivering results for Nebraskans,” Ricketts said. “We’re protecting families, securing the border, and fostering a stronger economy. I encourage Nebraskans to attend.”

The event will be open to the public. The panel discussions will include a moderated question and answer portion. Panels include:
    “Reining In Environmental Red Tape: A Conversation on Improving the EPA” with Senator Pete Ricketts and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
    “Senate Solutions to Get America Back on Track” with Senator Pete Ricketts and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY).

EVENT: Ricketts Hosts Federal Issues Forum at Nebraska State Fair
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT
Where: Raising Nebraska Building, Nebraska State Fair Grounds, Grand Island, NE 68801



Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol: Driving Corn Demand 

Over the weekend, the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race took to the track at Iowa Speedway, in Newton. Over 40,000 fans gathered to see the power and performance of ethanol, a product grown by Iowa’s corn farmers. 

“The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race is an event like no other,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Ralph Lents. “Over half of Iowa’s corn crop is processed into ethanol, making it our largest market. So, the fact that this race not only demonstrates the power and performance of ethanol but also showcases Iowa Corn farmers sustainable practices growing one of the most versatile crops used for fuel, feed, food and 4,000 everyday products.” 

In 2024, ethanol production added $437 million to the value of Iowa’s corn crop, lifting corn prices an average of 18 cents per bushel since 2002. Blending corn-based ethanol into fuel has saved Iowans $11 billion at the pump over the past 15 years and investments in programs, like the Iowa Corn 350, are only working to grow those savings. 

“The fact that NASCAR uses ethanol to power their cars lap after lap, race after race, is a real testament to the high-quality fuel grown by farmers,” Lents said. “Farmers encourage drivers to fuel up like the pros and choose Unleaded 88/E15 for a cleaner burning, homegrown and more affordable fuel." 

When consumers fuel up with Unleaded 88, they average savings of over 10 cents per gallon. Iowa Corn is working to remove barriers to allow nationwide, year-round E15, also known as Unleaded 88, to be sold across the county and accessible to all Americans.  



Bacon Buddies Show Brings Communities Together at the Iowa State Fair
    
One of the most heartwarming traditions at the Iowa State Fair returns for its sixth year on Saturday, August 9. Sixteen Special Olympics Iowa athletes will take center stage in the Swine Barn for the Bacon Buddies® pig show, proudly showcasing their skills alongside Iowa’s 4‑H and FFA youth.

The Bacon Buddies® show is a partnership between the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Special Olympics Iowa. The event pairs Iowans with intellectual and developmental disabilities with 4‑H and FFA mentors, creating a shared experience of showing pigs on one of the state’s biggest stages.

“This is truly one of our favorite events of the year,” said IPPA board member Linda Schroeder, a pig farmer from Remsen. “Caring for our communities is at the heart of what we do, and this event brings pork producers, 4‑H and FFA youth, and Iowans with developmental disabilities together for a wonderful event. The energy in the show ring is incredible, and you can’t help but leave with a smile. It’s a day that reminds us why we do what we do.”

Each Special Olympics athlete is paired with two 4‑H/FFA mentors who guide them through pig handling, showmanship, and interacting with judges in front of a live audience.

“Special Olympics began as a sports organization and over the years has grown to offer many other inclusive programs outside of just sports. Bacon Buddies is the perfect example of one of those programs, teaching Special Olympics Iowa athletes responsibility, leadership, friendship and, above all else, social inclusion beyond the playing field,” said John Kliegl, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa. “We are grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa FFA, and the Iowa State Fair for their continued support and partnership of this program year after year.”

Bacon Buddies® has grown far beyond the Iowa State Fair. This summer, 41 county fairs hosted their own Bacon Buddies‑style events with support from the Iowa Pork Producers Association, making the program a statewide celebration of inclusion.

The Bacon Buddies® show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, in the Swine Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The public is invited to come cheer on these Special Olympic athletes as many of them experience showing pigs for the first time.

For more information about the Bacon Buddies® program, visit iowapork.org.



Corn Grower Leader Emphasizes Importance of Pesticide Access for Improving Soil Health

Without key pesticides corn growers could see a significant reduction in production and  ability to continue conservation tillage and cover cropping practices, which are critical for reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and enhancing soil health, according to one of the nation’s top farmer advocates.
 
The comment, made by Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., comes as the Make America Healthy Again Commission prepares to release policy recommendations to address childhood chronic disease this month.

“Pesticides are a vital component of all types of agricultural production systems (conventional and organic), and without these tools, yields would be compromised,” Hartman said. “For instance, corn yields could be reduced by up to 70% without pesticides to ward off weeds, above and below ground pests, and humidity-loving fungi. Losses of this magnitude would impact food availability and grocery prices, ultimately harming the health of Americans.”

The letter noted that farmers follow the labeling guidelines and instructions that accompany pesticides.

“Proper use of pesticides not only protects humans and the environment from potential exposures but also protects farm economics by preventing waste and unintended crop damage,” Hartman said. “In fact, by following label directions, farmers have been able to dramatically reduce the amount of herbicides used per acre over the past 20 years.”

In the letter, Hartman recommends the MAHA Commission:
    Reinforce the robust, globally respected pesticide review process used by the Environmental Protection Agency.
    Highlight the critical role of precision agriculture in pesticide application.
    Support full congressional funding of EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs at the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act 5 statutory level of $166 million.

The letter also suggested that USDA provide increased funding for independent agricultural-based research that addresses topics such as precision applications, pesticide resistance and integrated pest management.

The letter is the latest of many efforts by NCGA to ensure that the MAHA recommendations rely on the years of science and evaluations showing that pesticides can be used safely for their intended uses.



U.S. Grains Council Transitions To U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council; Maintaining 65 Years Of Brand Equity

Friday morning at the 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, U.S. Grains Council members voted and passed an organizational name amendment to change from the U.S. Grains Council to the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC).

“The Council stands on the precipice, and there is the opportunity for exponential growth with becoming the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council,” said Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council CEO and President. “The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council encompasses both the organization’s grains side and ethanol side to create one global powerhouse organization.”

“This organizational name change will open doors previously closed to us – those in the energy space for which our ethanol team are diligently trying to gain access to so we can spur sales in ways that we haven’t been able to in the past.”

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council was founded in 1960 as the U.S. Feed Grains Council in order to develop new markets for U.S. coarse grains and co-products. Since its founding, the Council has undergone this process once before, when it changed its name to the U.S. Grains Council in 1998.

“We have paid special attention to choosing the right name without abandoning the 65 years of brand equity our members and our past leaders have worked so hard to create,” LeGrand said.

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is a non-profit organization that promotes the global use of U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including ethanol and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

With offices in nine countries, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council supports global economic development through partnerships, enabling U.S. agriculture’s profitability.

To learn more about the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, visit grains.org. 



NCBA Congratulates Luke Lindberg on USDA Trade Under Secretary Confirmation

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement on the confirmation of Luke Lindberg to serve as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

“Trade has been front and center in this administration, and with the sheer volume of deals in progress, it's critical to have a Senate confirmed official leading trade and foreign agricultural affairs for USDA. NCBA is thrilled to see Luke Lindberg confirmed to this post. Lindberg has spent his career expanding trade opportunities for American businesses and fixing unfair trade deals. We look forward to working with him to secure even more trade wins for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.” 



AFBF Welcomes Luke Lindberg Confirmation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commented on the confirmation of Luke Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA.

"Farm Bureau welcomes Luke Lindberg to his new role at USDA, guiding decisions that impact agricultural trade. Rarely has there been such an active time when it comes to trade discussions and impacts to American farmers, so Luke certainly has his work cut out for him.

“Luke's experience working to expand international markets and ensure U.S. farmers get a fair shake will serve USDA and our country well. We look forward to working with him in this new capacity."



U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Congratulates Lindberg, USDA Under Secretary

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand spoke highly of the appointment of Luke Lundberg as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs over the weekend:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council congratulates newly named Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) Luke Lindberg and looks forward to working with him on many ag trade efforts around the world. He will surely be an advocate for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distillers grains in negotiations with many leaders in the markets in which we work to find homes for our products and I’m confident he will help lead the way in opening new markets for which they are sorely needed.”

Before his new role, Lindberg was Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States during President Trump’s first term. He also led South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters. 



Joint Statement from NMPF and USDEC on Senate Confirmation of Luke Lindberg as USDA Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) today applauded the Senate's confirmation of Luke Lindberg to the position USDA Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

Statement from Gregg Doud, President and CEO of NMPF:
"We are excited to get to work with Under Secretary Lindberg, who has a proven track record of advancing American agricultural interests and will help USDA deliver results for American dairy producers and cooperatives. Mr. Lindberg's leadership and understanding of trade policy strengthen the future of U.S. dairy. We look forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg and the entire Trump administration to champion American dairy farmer interests, fight back on unjustified and unscientific barriers to American exports and open markets across the globe."

Statement from Krysta Harden, President and CEO of USDEC:
"The confirmation of Luke Lindberg represents a significant win for U.S. dairy exporters and our industry's global competitiveness. Mr. Lindberg's experience leading trade missions and managing export initiatives position him perfectly to break down trade barriers and create pathways for American dairy to reach global consumers. Last year, U.S. dairy exports reached a historic $8.2 billion, demonstrating the tremendous global demand for American dairy products. This position is critical to advancing America's leadership in international dairy markets. Together we can put more Made in America dairy on more overseas shelves. We are delighted to have a strong advocate for policies that enhance competitive dairy access into international markets.”



Tight Fed Supplies Well into the Year-End
Stephen R. Koontz, Professor, Colorado State University

All cattle markets have continued the march into record-high prices. The weighted average cash fed cattle price in northern markets pushed past $245/cwt, while prices in the southern plains were $235. Live cattle futures contract prices remain at a discount to cash, with August peaking at $233.75 to date.

Cash feeder cattle markets are very strong with prices for 7-8 weight cattle above $345/cwt and 5-6 weight animals above $410. Again, record high prices. These markets have been helped by the weakening feed grain markets and the much softer forage markets. Feeder cattle futures contract prices have closed in on $345/cwt.

Is there any bearish news for the last half of the year? Very little. Returning to the USDA reports from the busy week two weeks ago, the mid-year Cattle report showed no clear sign of expansion. When expansion does come, then supplies will tighten further as heifers are held. And the Cattle on Feed report showed persistence in tight fed supplies and an interesting issue. On feed inventories at the beginning of the month are as tight as they have been since 2017. However, the long-fed inventories are as big as they have been since the same year, except for 2020, of course. The two series of inventories calculated from the report that I follow are cattle on feed over 120 days and over 150 days. These two series are not in the report but can be calculated from placements, marketings, and other disappearance. There is no bearish interpretation of the facts that long-fed inventories are the biggest they have been, and overall inventories are as tight as they have been in seven years. Fed supplies will tighten later in the summer, into the fall, and through the end of the year.

There is clearly a change in the cattle feeding dynamics, though. Cattle are simply fed much longer than historically. There are very few Select grade cattle and substantial Prime grade cattle. Comparing on feed over 150 days across the years misses this change – and will require more sophisticated analysis to draw better conclusions. What does not require more sophisticated analysis is the trouble that is coming for the packing industry. There are noticeably short numbers coming for the beef packing industry – some this year, but continuing over the next several years with herd expansion. High-cost plants and low-volume plants – many of these built or renovated in the past five years – will have economic issues. There will be something or some series of events which will slow the rise of cattle prices, and perhaps it will be this structural change as opposed to less-expensive pork and poultry proteins.