Tuesday August 19 Ag News - Crop Progress Report - Pro Farmer Day 1 - NE Ag Export Update - Fischer receives AFBF award - USMEF Latin Showcase - and more!

 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the nation's corn crop declined slightly, while soybean conditions remained unchanged for the second week in a row, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

NASS also reported that just 6% of winter wheat was left to harvest, while the spring wheat harvest was running 7 percentage points ahead of last year's pace.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 97%, consistent with last year's pace and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 98%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 72%, equal to last year and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 73%. Corn dented was estimated at 27%, 1 percentage point behind last year's 28% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 26%. Corn mature was pegged at 3%, 1 point behind last year's 4% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 71% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 1 point behind the previous week and 4 points ahead of last year's 67%. Eight percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 7% and still below 11% from last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 95%, 1 point ahead of last year's 94% and consistent with the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 82%, 2 points ahead of last year's 80% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and previous year. Eight percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 7% and unchanged from the previous year. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest inched ahead 4 percentage points last week to reach 94% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 2 points behind last year's 96% and 1 point behind the five-year average of 95%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest maintained a steady pace last week, moving ahead another 20 percentage points last week to reach 36% complete as of Sunday. That was 7 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 29% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 50% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 1 percentage point from 49% the previous week and 23 points below last year's 73% good-to-excellent rating. Eighteen percent of spring wheat remains rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and 13 percentage points ahead of last year's 5%. 



Nebraska Crop Progress Report

Topsoil Moisture 9% surplus, 65% adequate, 21% short, 5% very short 
Subsoil Moisture 7% surplus, 61% adequate, 24% short, 8% very short 

Corn Silking 96% - 93% LW - 99% 5YA
Corn Dough 71% - 59% LW - 79% 5YA
Corn Dent 28% - 15% LW - 31% 5YA 
Corn Mature none - 2% 5YA
Corn Condition 27% excellent, 50% good, 19% fair, 3% poor, 1% very poor 

Soybeans in Bloom 94% - 88% LW - 98% 5YA
Soybean Setting pods 80% - 71% LW - 88% 5YA 
Soybean Condition 22% excellent, 55% good, 20% fair, 2% poor, 1% very poor 

Pasture Condition 9% excellent, 31% good, 30% fair, 22% poor, 8% very poor 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Scattered precipitation across the State allowed Iowa’s farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 17, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats and hay and a few reports of fungicide and insecticide applications.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn has reached the silking stage. Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent, 1 day behind last year’s pace and 3 days behind normal. Corn in the dent stage reached 27 percent, 1 day ahead of last year, but 1 day behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 56 percent good and 30 percent excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 96 percent. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were setting pods, 1 day ahead of last year’s pace, but 4 days behind normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 60 percent good and 22 percent excellent. 

Ninety-one percent of the oat for grain crop has been harvested.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 65 percent complete. 

Pasture condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Frequent rains have kept pastures growing and extended grazing periods. Livestock were generally in good condition, with a few reports of stress caused by heat and humidity.



Pro Farmer Crop Tour Results - Day 1 

South Dakota Corn Yield pegged at 174.18 bu/acre on 83 field samples ('24 156.5 - 3YA 144)
South Dakota Bean pod counts 3x3 square 1188.45 on 83 samples (24 1026 - 3YA 970)
Ohio corn yield average 185.69 bu/acre on 116 samples ('24 183 - 3YA 180.5)
Ohio bean pod counts 3x3 square 1287.28 on 114 samples ('24 1230 - 3YA 1204)



Agricultural Exports Pace Lagging...
NE Farm Bureau newsletter

Exports were down 5% in the first quarter compared to a year ago. The second quarter, though, gave bettors renewed hope. Midway through the race exports are still off but have picked up the pace, down just 2% compared to last year. Exports through the first half of the year totaled $85.5 billion against $87.3 billion last year. Still, it’s not an overly impressive pace as U.S. agricultural exports last year slipped 1% compared to 2023. Declining agricultural exports combined with growing imports resulted in a trade deficit of $28.6 billion over the first six months of the year.

A couple Nebraska exports, corn and ethanol, saw growth up 25% and 7% respectively. Increased purchases by South Korea, the European Union, and Japan along with continued healthy purchases by Mexico helped pace corn. Canadian purchases set the pace for ethanol. Other Nebraska exports were down. Soybean exports were down 25%, mostly due to fewer purchases by China, hides were off 13%, animal feeds and oil meal exports were off 10%, and red meats (beef, pork, and lamb) were down 5% with beef exports down 6%. The U.S. Meat Export Federation said beef sales in June were down 18%, the lowest in 17 months. A positive was the volume of bulk commodities exported was up 6%. Shipments of corn (+24%), ethanol (+10%), and wheat (+6%) led the way while soybeans were off 9% and red meats down 4%. 

The outlook for U.S. agricultural exports for the remainder of the year is uncertain at best. Only corn exports seem poised to increase. The USDA’s latest supply and demand estimates increased corn exports to 2.87 billion bushels for the 2025 marketing year beginning September 1, a record volume if realized. Soybean exports, though, are forecast to decline. Strained trade relations with China weigh on soybean exports and the country, the world’s largest soybean importer, has yet to purchase any U.S new crop soybeans. President Trump has pleaded with China through social media to purchase more U.S. soybeans. Time will tell whether China will heed the call. High beef prices, reduced production, and trade conflicts also weigh on beef exports. The USDA forecasts export declines for both this year and next. Unfortunately, the forecasts and current trade climate do not portend of an export surge for U.S. agricultural goods.   



Sen. Deb Fischer Honored with Farm Bureau Golden Plow Award

The American Farm Bureau Federation and Nebraska Farm Bureau today presented Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.

“Senator Fischer understands first-hand what farm families across our nation are facing,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “She’s lived life on the farm, running a cattle ranch while serving the people of Nebraska, first in the state legislature and then the U.S. Senate. Her unique perspective has guided her work in championing issues that impact rural America, including regulatory reform, trade, taxes and a modernized farm bill. She embodies the spirit that the Golden Plow award represents.”

The Nebraska Farm Bureau nominated Fischer for the award in honor of her work in the Senate Agriculture Committee, where she advocates for common sense regulation, increased farm protection tools, year-round E15 sales, and investments in agriculture innovation.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue said, “It has been a privilege to work with Sen. Fischer for many years, first in the Nebraska Legislature and now in the U.S. Senate, and throughout that time, she’s never wavered in her support for farm and ranch families. She understands agriculture at its core because she lives it, and she’s committed to tackling the challenges facing rural communities so future generations can continue to farm and ranch. We are proud to have nominated Sen. Fischer for the well-deserved Golden Plow award in recognition of her significant impact on agriculture.”

AFBF’s Golden Plow award recognizes members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. Recipients are chosen for having a philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau, the private enterprise system, fiscal conservatism and reduced federal regulation of businesses and individuals.



Introductory Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index Workshop Planned for September

A Sept. 25 workshop will provide an opportunity for producers to learn more about the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2), as well as the Iowa Phosphorus Index. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will be held in Ames.

Participants at Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index WorkshopAccording to Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, the RUSLE2 is a tool stakeholders can use to calculate soil loss for a given field and is necessary for determining the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The morning portion of the workshop will focus on installing software programs, performing dominant critical area and predominant area determinations and operating RUSLE2. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral and classical gully erosion, as well as the updated Iowa Phosphorus Index, which can be used in Iowa DNR manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.

Sessions will be taught by Arora; Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State; Chandra Shaw, resource conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture – Iowa NRCS; and Jeremy Klatt, environmental specialist senior, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

This workshop qualifies for six Certified Crop Advisor Credits (five soil and water management, one nutrient management) and three Professional Development Hours. Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

To ensure your spot in the workshop, complete early registration by Sept. 17; the registration fee is $225. If registering after this date, late fees will apply. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and will be held at ISU's Digital Ag Innovation Lab, located at 3800 University Blvd., Ames. A Windows-compatible computer with a USB port and Microsoft Excel Software is required to participate. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, as well as workshop materials. To register, visit the registration site https://go.iastate.edu/T2WOH0.



New Farmer-Led Research Explores Effectiveness of Biological Products

Since 2019, seven farmers in Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Cooperators’ Program have conducted 16 on-farm trials testing various biofertilizer and biostimulant products. These products, derived from living microorganisms or natural substances, are marketed to benefit soil nutrient cycling, enhance soil fertility, stimulate plant growth, improve plant stress tolerance and more.

While these products are promising in theory, the trial results were mixed. Most of the trials (81%) showed no benefit to the use of biological products on the farms that tested them.

“There are countless products marketed toward farmers, and it can be hard to know what’s worth the investment and what’s not,” Stefan Gailans, PFI’s senior research manager, says. “Our members put some of these products to the test and learned what works best for their farms – and what doesn’t.”

Trials included:
    MycoApply Soil Inoculant for Corn and Soybeans – 2019
    Holganix Bio 800+ Compost Tea for Corn – 2023
    Utrisha N Biological Nitrogen Supplement for Organic Corn – 2023
    Biostimulant Effects on Corn – 2024
    Biochar Seed Treatment Effect on Corn – 2024
    Sulfur Fertilizer and Humic Acid Amendment for Soybeans – 2024

However, what works for one farmer may not work for another. That’s why farmer-led, on-farm research has been central to PFI’s mission – helping farmers make informed decisions based on their own conditions.

Keaton Krueger, a frequent cooperator in PFI research trials, says that trials are especially useful to him. “They help me to confirm on my own farm if practices that are shown to elicit a response in the literature hold up,” he says.

Since PFI’s Cooperators’ Program began in 1987, more than 240 farmers have led nearly 1,300 on-farm trials across Iowa and the Midwest, covering topics from cover crops and small grains to horticulture and livestock.

PFI’s farmer-led research empowers farmers to better answer their most challenging farming questions and share that knowledge with others.

To explore the full findings from PFI’s biological product trials, visit practicalfarmers.org/biological-products-for-corn-and-soybean. To view PFI’s Cooperators’ Program Report, visit practicalfarmers.org/2024-cooperators-program-report.

Farmers interested in participating in future trials can contact Stefan Gailans at stefan.gailans@practicalfarmers.org or visit practicalfarmers.org/cooperators-program.



Help Us Honor Iowa’s Best in Agriculture — Nominate a Soybean Leader Today

Do you know a student passionate about supporting agriculture? How about a farmer dedicated to protecting natural resources? If so, now is the time to nominate deserving individuals for one of eight Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Leadership Awards.

Nominations can be submitted on the ISA website and will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 2. A committee comprised of ISA farmer leaders will review all nominees. Recipients will be recognized at the annual ISA Leadership Awards and Industry Celebration Banquet in December.

“Many people are driven to deliver for Iowa soybean farmers,” said Brent Swart, ISA president and farmer from Spencer. “As a farmer-led organization, it’s important to recognize individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and advocacy within our industry. Celebrating these achievements highlights the vital contributions of farmers and industry leaders driving our industry forward.”

Nominations are sought for:
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: ISA farmer member with a history of advancing the goals of the association and demonstrating a passion and longstanding commitment for growing the soybean industry in Iowa, nationally and internationally.

RISING STAR: High school senior or college student taking an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture and intends to remain involved in the industry through future personal or professional activities. The award includes a $2,000 educational stipend for educational expenses. This award requires an application, which can be found here.

NEW LEADER: ISA farmer member who has deepened their involvement in ISA programming while enhancing their commitment and service to the industry and their community.

INNOVATOR IN PRODUCTION RESEARCH: Individual or organization that has shown outstanding leadership in the use of precision agriculture and has worked to validate and effectively manage practices to improve profitability. Nominees with active involvement in ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) are preferred for this award.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER: ISA farmer member improving on-farm environmental performance and leadership in the use of conservation practices and precision agriculture technology. Must be an ISA member with current or past participation with ISA’s RCFI, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund or Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.

FRIEND OF THE IOWA SOYBEAN FARMER: Elected leader, reporter or ISA partner who has shown a deep understanding of issues facing Iowa soybean farmers and has supported them through their actions and efforts.

ADVOCATE FOR IOWA AGRICULTURE: ISA member, individual, organization or company who effectively and accurately shares the story of modern agriculture and actively builds bridges between Iowa farmers and consumers.

POLICY CHAMPION: Recognizes an ISA advocate member who works to advance policy and regulatory issues benefiting the soybean industry. Nominees have a proven track record of engaging with elected leaders as a knowledgeable and trusted resource on soybean industry policy.

View past award recipients and complete a nomination form here... iasoybeans.com.



Product Showcase Connects U.S. Meat Exporters with Buyers from Across Latin America

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) conducted another highly successful Latin American Product Showcase, connecting U.S. red meat exporters with dozens of prospective buyers from Central and South America. Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the 13th edition of the showcase featured 67 exhibitors and representatives from more than 80 USMEF member companies. With prospective buyers participating from 18 countries, total participants exceeded 500.

Through funding support from USDA, the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program, the Nebraska Beef Council and the Indiana Soy Alliance, USMEF’s Latin American Product Showcase has developed into a must-do event for a wide range of U.S. exporters and buyers from throughout the region. Attending for the first time, USMEF Chair Steve Hanson, a rancher, cattle feeder and grain farmer from southwestern Nebraska, said the showcase is a great example of the U.S. red meat industry’s effort to attract new customers and further develop emerging markets.

“There are buyers here who want the top of the line, then we have people maybe wanting that mid cut, and there is also a lot of demand for cuts we don't use in the United States,” Hanson said. “That adds value, and as a U.S. cattleman I see it as a win-win situation.”

These sentiments were echoed by Kevin Rasmussen, an Iowa pork producer who serves on the National Pork Board. He also appreciated the opportunity to personally connect with international customers.

“A cool thing about Central America is they love some of the pork cuts that we don't consume a lot of in the in the U.S., like the loin,” Rasmussen said. “They're a huge fan of the pork loin. They say it's very versatile in their cooking experience, and they enjoy it a lot. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to come to event like this and promote our product – talk to the buyers who are here, and ask them, ‘what do you want to know from a producer from north-central Iowa?’”

Whether they were veterans of many USMEF product showcases or first-time participants, importers found the event very productive. Juan Jose Trujillo is CEO of Frestolu, based in Medellin, Colombia. He attended the showcase for the first time in an effort to expand the scope of his processing business.

“We are a processing company, doing mainly shrimp, and we're looking for another protein,” Trujillo explained. “So that's why we are here, trying to understand more about beef and pork, so we can start selling these two proteins in Colombia.”

Trujillo said he sees the most immediate opportunity in U.S. pork ribs and pork variety meat items.

“Lungs, facemasks, ears, and also ribs,” he said. “There is a lot of rib consumption in our area, so we will start with those products.”

Alejandro Martinez, owner of Medellin-based importing company Inversiones Proteam, regularly returns to the USMEF showcase because it continues to deliver value for his business.

“This is my fifth [USMEF] show, and I think it's the best one so far for me,” Martinez said. “It's a very good opportunity to see all the providers and suppliers in one place.”

Martinez also enjoyed the opportunity to gather information and ideas from the wide range of buyers attending the showcase.

“I was talking to some people from Honduras and Guatemala, and they import basically the same products as my business,” he said. “But they do different things, serve different types of customers, and they process the items differently. So yes, it's good to take some of these ideas and think about how I can implement them in Colombia.”

U.S. ag industry leaders participating in the showcase also took part in a retail tour, visiting a range of local outlets offering U.S. pork and beef.

Nebraska Beef Council member Mark Goes, who raises purebred cattle in southeastern Nebraska, appreciated the opportunity to see how U.S. red meat is merchandised in Guatemala City.

“We were able to visit four tiers of marketing yesterday, starting with a wet market,” he said. “Then we moved up three levels, touring a local grocery store, then a Walmart type of market, then a premium market. As we moved on up to the upper levels, we saw those premium cuts of beef, with U.S. Choice and Prime in great demand. Select, not so much, because they're able to get that type of product locally.”

“When we look at what's in the meat case at Walmart and some of those higher end grocery stores in Guatemala, U.S. pork cuts are very competitive,” Rasmussen added. “In that meat case, our product looks really good. The consumer in Central America is really keyed in on the quality of the product and willing to pay for quality.”

The event also had an important educational aspect, with USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer presenting a comprehensive outlook for U.S. red meat production, consumption and trade. Paulo de Leon, executive director of CABI Economics, gave attendees an economic outlook for the Latin American region. Erick Sosa, Guatemala manager for Microsoft Americas, offered insights on how participants can use artificial intelligence in their business operations.

The next USMEF Latin American Product Showcase is planned for the summer of 2027, with the location and dates to be determined. 



NCGA to USTR: Stop Brazil Now, Fight for Farmers

The president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) submitted comments today on the U.S. Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trading practices, specifically on ethanol.   

In his comments, Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. outlines clear evidence demonstrating that Brazil’s ethanol tariff and other actions are unreasonable, discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce.  
 
“Brazil has enjoyed preferential market conditions while simultaneously erecting barriers that restrict and prevent access for American corn ethanol exporters,” Hartman said. “Brazil was once a top market for American ethanol exports, but their 18 percent tariff has eradicated this market.” 

Section 301 investigation allows USTR to determine if a foreign country has taken unfair trade actions that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Hartman has requested to testify at the Section 301 hearing in early September. 

“Brazil is actively looking to unseat the historic and obvious success of the American corn industry by a series of trade actions that directly and indirectly harm U.S. corn growers,” Hartman said. 

For many years, Brazil has taken measures – both direct and indirect – to siphon market share for American ethanol exports and prevent U.S. access to the global synthetic aviation jet fuel market, which presents an enormous opportunity in the coming decade. Soon after Brazil imposed the ethanol tariff, U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil experienced a 93% decrease, dropping from $761 million in 2018 to only $53 million in 2024.  

If the Section 301 investigation determines that a country’s actions are unreasonable or discriminatory, tariffs or other retaliatory measures can be applied.  



Case IH Unveils Its Highest Horsepower Tractor Yet with Steiger 785 Quadtrac

Case IH is doubling down on power and productivity with the new Steiger® 785 Quadtrac®, increasing the iconic tractor’s horsepower by almost 10 percent over the Steiger 715 Quadtrac. The newest Steiger model offers increased power, 853 peak hp, for farmers who are aiming to get even more done on their operations.

The higher horsepower has a purpose and drives productivity, allowing farmers to handle larger implements or pull the same implements even faster, offering an impressive 40 percent torque rise. Designed to provide more power to the ground, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac also offers a superior operator experience and cab comfort.

​Farmers can get access to subscription-free, integrated precision technology that delivers automation-driven features, such as AccuTurn™ Pro and AccuSync™, along with clear, actionable data through FieldOps™ that helps them meet the unique needs of their operation.

“We understand the demands of farming are only increasing. The Steiger 785 Quadtrac is a workhorse designed to meet those demands with power and productivity,” said Ken Lehmann, customer segmentation lead at Case IH. “With long days in the field, the boost in horsepower and torque allows farmers to do more in a day.”

Even with the increase in horsepower, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac is impressively agile, offering excellent visibility and maneuverability for an optimal driving experience. For those seeking enhanced performance, an optional heavy-duty suspended undercarriage delivers a smoother ride, superior traction and flotation, helping to minimize soil compaction in the field.

The Steiger 785 Quadtrac also holds strong value with Connectivity Included**, a 3-year/2,000-hour warranty and a simplified SCR-only emission system that keeps engine design simple and allows the engine to focus on producing power while emissions are treated after the engine system. With Connectivity Included, farmers can access all the benefits of connectivity without ongoing subscription costs.

Farm Progress Show will be the first public appearance for the Steiger 785 Quadtrac and will also showcase Case IH’s latest upgrades and launches across the tractor lineup and hay segments – purposefully designed solutions to meet the needs of any operation.