Monday September 08 Ag News - Corn Leafhoppers Confirmed in NE - NeFB Leadership Academy in WashDC - Motorcade for Trade kicks off in NE - Pork exports solid in July - and more!

Presence of Corn Leafhoppers Confirmed in Southeast Nebraska
Tamra Jackson-Ziems - Extension Plant Pathologist
Marina de Val-Hilden - Extension Educator

A new corn pest is creeping into the Midwest, and Nebraska growers may soon have to contend with its arrival.

In 2024, corn stunt disease and its insect vector — the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), which transmits the pathogen — were reported for the first time in Oklahoma and Kansas. Scouting efforts in Nebraska intensified during the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons in response to these detections.

Eleven symptomatic corn samples from Nebraska fields were submitted for testing in 2024, with two Jefferson County samples testing positive by initial PCR tests for corn stunt. An additional sample submitted from Burt County, Nebraska tested positive for corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) (by DNA sequencing analysis), one of the pathogens responsible for causing the disease.

Scouting for the corn leafhopper also expanded, leading to confirmation of the insect’s presence in late summer and early fall 2024 in Adams and Clay counties in southeast Nebraska, Burt County in northeast Nebraska, and Dawson County in central Nebraska (Figure 2).

Sampling during the 2025 growing season confirmed the presence of corn leafhopper in Kansas and, on Aug. 18, in a single field in Clay County, Nebraska (Figure 3). To date, CSS has not been detected in Nebraska this year. 

The Bottom Line
So far, the arrival of corn leafhopper and the corn stunt pathogen(s) it carries has occurred late enough in the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons that economic damage in Nebraska is unlikely. 

We encourage stakeholders to reach out to their local extension office and submit suspicious samples to the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic if they suspect the presence of this disease or its insect vector in their fields. We will continue to monitor and update the sampling map.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy Members Bring Farm and Ranch Voices to Washington, D.C. 

When members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Leadership Academy boarded their flights to Washington, D.C., they carried with them the voices of farm and ranch families from across Nebraska. Over the course of several days, they met with all five members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation and other officials, putting the challenges and priorities of agriculture front and center on Capitol Hill. 

For the Leadership Academy cadet, the trip was about more than policy. It was a chance to see firsthand how grassroots advocacy can shape the future of farming and ranching. 

“Our time in Washington, D.C. gave us a firsthand opportunity to share how policies being debated in Congress directly impact Nebraska farm and ranch families,” said Hannah Pearson of Custer County. “We were able to bring the challenges of high input costs, volatile markets, and rising interest rates right to the people making decisions.” 

The group’s conversations centered on the realities of today’s agricultural economy. With tight margins, uncertain markets, and rising borrowing expenses, increasing both domestic and international sales is critical. Members also highlighted the urgent need for Congress to pass a “Farm Bill 2.0” before the current extension expires in September 2025, asking the delegation to support a federal legislative fix to California’s Proposition 12 and year-round E15.  

“Farmers are operating on razor-thin margins, and programs passed last year won’t provide support until next season,” said Chad Nienhauser of Adams/Webster County. “We need policies that deliver certainty now and keep agriculture competitive in both domestic and international markets.” 

Trade also took center stage. Nebraska farmers depend on export markets for roughly 30% of their income, making strong trade agreements and access to new buyers critical. 

“Trade is absolutely essential,” said Bruce Williams of Saunders County. “We need new markets and fewer barriers. At the same time, it’s important that Nebraska’s farmers aren’t left carrying the cost of trade disputes. 

The Leadership Academy cadets also voiced concerns about the federal “Make America Healthy Again” report, which included sharp criticism of crop protection tools like atrazine and glyphosate. NEFB urged lawmakers to ensure any recommendations are guided by sound science, while at the same time, not making policy changes that put our abundant food supply at risk. 

“As farmers, we care deeply about the health of our families and our communities, but we also rely on proven tools to grow safe, abundant food,” said Halie Groth of Buffalo County. “It’s important that health policy decisions are based on science and facts, not fear.” 

Leadership Academy members that participated in the visit to Washington, D.C. included: 
    Lisa Bousquet (Dakota County Farm Bureau) 
    Bruce Williams (Saunders County Farm Bureau) 
    Kris Rut (Arthur County Farm Bureau) 
    Chad Nienhauser (Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau) 
    Teagan Thode (Keith County Farm Bureau) 
    Joni Titus (Cherry County Farm Bureau) 
    Hannah Pearson (Custer County Farm Bureau) 
    Halie Groth (Buffalo County Farm Bureau) 

Members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors who also participated include: 
    Adam Boeckenhauer (Dixon County Farm Bureau) 
    Mark McHargue (Merrick County Farm Bureau) 
    Lance Atwater (Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau) 
    David Grimes (Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau) 

For the Academy cadets, the trip to Washington, D.C. was part of their yearlong Leadership Academy journey. The program is designed to equip emerging Farm Bureau leaders with the skills to advocate effectively, connect with members, and strengthen the grassroots foundation of the organization.  

“Leadership Academy is a powerful experience for county board members and rising leaders,” said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB’s director of generational engagement and facilitator of the 2025 Leadership Academy. “By visiting Washington, D.C. and engaging directly with lawmakers, these members are learning how their voices can move agriculture forward, not just in Nebraska, but across the country.” 

For this year’s Leadership Academy members, the trip was a reminder of the value of showing up and speaking out, keeping the grassroots mission of Farm Bureau strong. 



New Data Released on Nebraska Farm Exports, Top Markets, Impact of Tariffs

New data released Friday by Farmers for Free Trade reveals current trends impacting Nebraska agriculture trade including top markets, export performance and the impact of tariffs on exports and ag inputs. The report comes at a key moment for Nebraska, the country's fifth largest agricultural exporting state. The comprehensive analysis highlights both opportunities and challenges facing Nebraska farmers as agricultural trade policies continue to evolve.

The data release comes ahead of today's Motorcade for Trade kickoff event at Farmers Cooperative in Dorchester, where Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ag Trade Caucus and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, will join agricultural leaders to discuss trade policy impacts on Nebraska's farm economy.

Major Export Markets Drive Nebraska Agriculture
Nebraska farmers depend on export markets for nearly a third of their agricultural production, with agricultural exports making up about 30 percent of their earnings. Corn, soybeans, and beef remain entrenched as Nebraska's top agricultural exports, accounting for nearly half of total exports.

The data reveals Nebraska's top four export markets and their significance to the state's agricultural economy:

Mexico leads at $1.9 billion (18% of total goods exports), serving as the top export market for corn with 35% of Nebraska corn exports heading south of the border. Mexico is also the top destination for soybean oilcake and other solid residue.

Canada follows at $1.6 billion (15% of total goods exports), representing the top export destination for agricultural machinery, including harvest machinery. Canada is also an important market for Nebraska beef, receiving 14% of the state's beef exports.

China accounts for $1.5 billion (14% of total goods exports), serving as a top soybean export market alongside Mexico and Germany, making up about 30% of Nebraska's international soybean exports. China is also an important market for animal feed preparations.

Japan rounds out the top four at $1.1 billion (10% of total goods exports), representing an important corn and soybean export market that accounts for 23% of Nebraska's international corn exports and 3% of soybean exports. Japan is also the top export market for Nebraska pork.

Mixed Results for Key Commodities in 2025
Analysis of the first half of 2025 compared to 2024 reveals significant trends among Nebraska's key farm exports:

Corn exports surged 70%, driven by rising exports to Mexico, Japan, and Korea, demonstrating strong demand for Nebraska's corn in key international markets.

Soybean exports declined 15%, wholly attributable to a 52% decline in exports to China. Notably, there were no soybean exports to China in June 2025, highlighting the volatility of this critical market.

Fresh, boneless beef exports increased 3%, with growth to Korea and other markets offsetting a 66% decline in exports to China. There were no beef exports to China in April, May, or June 2025.

Sunflower and safflower oil exports to Canada, the sole export market for Nebraska, dropped 50%.

"Based on the China data in particular, the risk to Nebraska farmers will grow if more countries choose to retaliate against U.S. exports in the future," the analysis notes.

Tariffs Increase Input Costs for Nebraska Farmers
The data also reveals how current tariffs are raising costs for essential farm inputs in the first six months of 2025:

Farm Machinery & Equipment: $6.7 million in extra tariffs paid due to Section 301, IEEPA, or other executive authority tariffs

Fertilizer & Chemical Inputs: $3.2 million in extra tariffs paid

Steel & Building Materials: $25 million in extra tariffs paid on products subject to steel and aluminum 232 tariffs

Vehicle & Transportation Costs: $16 million in extra tariffs paid on products on the autos and auto parts section 232 list

Additional tariffs on steel and aluminum could further increase costs for farm machinery, equipment, and building materials, while additional tariffs on automobiles and parts could increase vehicle costs for agricultural operations.

The event launches Farmers for Free Trade's 14-state "Motorcade for Trade" campaign, a 2,500-mile tour across America's agricultural heartland designed to amplify farmer voices calling for open markets and reduced trade barriers. The campaign will conclude with a major event in Washington, D.C. in early November.



Iowa Soybean Farmers Elect New Leadership to Drive Demand, Boost Opportunities in the Year Ahead

Farmer-leaders of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors this week elected Tom Adam of Harper as president during its September board meeting. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Adam was first elected as a District 9 director in 2017. He manages a diversified row crop and beef cattle business near Harper in Keokuk County. Adam has been a long-time participant in ISA research activities and strong advocate for the soybean checkoff and agriculture. He also serves on the American Soybean Association board of directors.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to represent Iowa’s soybean farmers in this capacity,” says Adam, who most recently served as ISA president-elect. “Despite the uncertainties facing farmers, there’s reason to be optimistic about the future of our industry. As stewards of soybean checkoff dollars, the ISA board will continue advancing issues directly benefiting Iowa soybean farmers, including market development, innovative research and more.”

Four farmer-leaders were also appointed to serve on ISA’s Executive Committee, including:
    Lee Brooke, President-Elect – Clarinda
    Sam Showalter, Treasurer – Hampton
    Aimee Bissell, Secretary – Bedford
    Jeff Ellis, At-Large – Donnellson

Directors are chosen by Iowa soybean farmers through the ISA election in July and take office in September. Members voted for two farmers from their crop reporting district and four farmers to serve as at-large directors.

Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board were: Josh Schoulte, Farmersburg (District 3); Joe Sperfslage, Coggon (District 6); Summer Ory, Earlham (District 8); Brian Fuller, Osceola (District 8); and Neil Krummen, Linn Grove (At-Large).

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4) and Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5).



Secretary Naig Extends Sign-Up for Cover Crop Cost-Share Through September 18

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that, due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding so that even more farmers can participate.

“Cover crops are one of the most effective practices in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy that farmers and landowners can use to improve water quality and enhance soil health. We’ve seen incredibly strong demand for cover crops cost-share this summer and fall, to the point that we’ve already set a new record for investment, and our county offices are reporting that requests continue to roll in. I want as many farmers as possible to have the opportunity to participate in this program, so we are extending the deadline to sign up through Sept. 18,” said Secretary Naig. “I welcome both new and returning program participants to take advantage of cost-share to get more acres covered this fall. Visit your local USDA Service Center to sign up before the busy harvest season begins.”

Cover Crop Cost-Share
    Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre.
    Farmers who have already experienced the benefits of using cover crops can receive $20 per acre.
    Cost share funding through this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.

Additional Cost-Share Assistance for First-Time Users Only
    Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre. Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
    Cost share funding for this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.

Farmers may submit applications immediately through their soil and water conservation offices located in their county USDA Service Center. Iowa farmers and landowners are also encouraged to visit with their local Service Center staff to inquire about additional cost share funds and other conservation programs that may be available.

Learn more about conservation in Iowa by visiting CleanWaterIowa.org. 



Strong July for Pork Exports; Another Slow Month for Beef

July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S. beef, with the vast majority of plants still ineligible to ship to China.

Momentum continues for U.S. pork in Western Hemisphere markets
Pork exports totaled 238,922 metric tons (mt), down just 1% from a year ago, while value fell 4% to $680.9 million, largely reflecting the 10% decline in pork variety meat prices due to China’s tariffs. July was another strong month for U.S. pork in leading destination Mexico, while exports increased year-over-year to Central America, Colombia, the Caribbean and the ASEAN region. Pork variety meat demand was strong in July, with exports posting the second largest volume this year.

Through the first seven months of 2025, pork exports were 4% below last year’s record pace in both volume (1.69 million mt) and value ($4.8 billion).

“While July exports to Mexico didn’t match the monster totals from a year ago, demand for U.S. pork remains very robust in our top market,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “July also saw great results in Central and South America, while volumes to the key Asian markets were largely steady with last year and pork variety meat volumes achieved broad-based growth.”

Bright spots for July beef exports include Korea, Caribbean, Central America
U.S. beef performed very well in July in leading market South Korea, as well as in the Caribbean, Central America, Chile, the Philippines and Africa. But with shipments to China nearly halted due to a lack of eligible plants, July beef exports were down 19% from a year ago to 89,579 mt, the lowest in five years. Export value declined 17% to $752.5 million, the lowest since January 2023.

From January through July, exports were 8% below last year in volume (691,800 mt) and down 7.5% in value ($5.67 billion).

The decline was largely due to China’s failure to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, most of which expired in March. China has also suspended 11 U.S. beef facilities since June.

“The plant registration impasse with China unfortunately drags on, and it has left U.S. beef essentially shut out of the market after exporters worked through their eligible inventories,” Halstrom explained. “Demand elsewhere has remained fairly resilient, even in the face of higher pricing, but restoring access to China is clearly the urgent priority. Export value and share of production exported declined in July, reflecting the loss of competing bids from Chinese buyers.”

July lamb exports trend higher
Larger shipments to Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas and Costa Rica pushed July exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts to 239 mt, up 56% from a year ago, while value increased 35% to $1.34 million. For January through July, exports increased 45% to 1,829 mt, valued at $9.6 million (up 26%).

In leading volume market Mexico, USMEF positions U.S. lamb as a premium product with the versatility for use in a variety of dishes featuring cuts such as shoulder and flap meat. January-July exports to Mexico increased 68% from a year ago to 834 mt, while value jumped 81% to $2.94 million – already surpassing the full-year volume and value totals from 2024. 



USDA Dairy Products July 2025 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.21 billion pounds, 2.1 percent above July 2024 and 0.9 percent above June 2025. Italian type cheese production totaled 518 million pounds, 4.1 percent above July 2024 and 1.5 percent above June 2025. American type cheese production totaled 476 million pounds, 2.3 percent above July 2024 and 0.4 percent above June 2025. Butter production was 180 million pounds, 9.8 percent above July 2024 but 4.4 percent below June 2025.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with July 2024)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 130 million pounds, up 7.1 percent.
Skim milk powder - 44.4 million pounds, down 14.3 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with July 2024)
Dry whey, total - 68.3 million pounds, up 0.6 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 96.0 million pounds, up 1.0 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.0 million pounds, up 5.2 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with July 2024)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 69.3 million gallons, up 4.2 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 39.1 million gallons, up 1.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.75 million gallons, down 5.5 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.55 million gallons, down 0.8 percent.



No-Cost Swine RFID Tags for Sows and Exhibition Swine Available for Order in Fall 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announces a new initiative to provide no-cost RFID (radio frequency identification) eartags for swine beginning fall 2025. These tags will be available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Once available, producers and State animal health officials will be able to order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com. 

In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to Merck Animal Health to supply up to $20 million in tags to sow and exhibition swine industry segments, over the next 5 years. Modeled after the no-cost RFID cattle tag program, this effort will supply no-cost RFID tags to swine producers to boost national swine disease traceability, which is vital to supporting the safety and marketability of the U.S. swine herd. Although animal disease traceability does not prevent disease, an efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the response time involved in a disease investigation, limiting the number of farms and animals affected. This, in turn, reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities.

Unique to this program is a direct-from-manufacturer to swine premises distribution model. Merck will receive, process, and ship orders directly to producers and State animal health officials, removing APHIS as intermediaries and expediting getting tags into producers’ hands and pigs’ ears. To order these tags, producers must have a valid premises identification number, provide shipping and contact information, and provide the number of sows onsite (for commercial sow farms) or the number of show pigs on the premises (for exhibition swine). State animal health officials will also be able to order no-cost RFID tags based on the number of sows in their State. 

These RFID tags will need to be applied with a compatible tag applicator, which is not supplied through this program. 

For more information about this program, including the ordering process, requirements, and number of tags that can be ordered based on sow/exhibition swine numbers, check out the web page at www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/swine/swine-identification.



NGFA and agricultural leaders urge Senate to swiftly confirm Dr. Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), joined by 89 agricultural organizations, today voiced strong support for the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

In a letter sent to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the groups emphasized Dr. Callahan’s deep experience in global agricultural trade and her proven record of advocating for U.S. farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.

“Dr. Callahan has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to level the playing field for U.S. agriculture, knocking down unfair barriers and opening new markets for American products,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “Her swift confirmation is vital as trade negotiations intensify with dozens of countries on reciprocal tariffs and market access.”

Dr. Callahan has served at USTR since 2016, overseeing agricultural affairs and commodity policy. The letter highlighted that her leadership and expertise will be a significant asset in strengthening U.S. agricultural competitiveness, reducing unfair trade barriers, and supporting profitability across the agricultural supply chain.

The letter urged the Senate Finance Committee to advance her nomination quickly so she may use her Ambassadorial status to represent U.S. agriculture in current and future trade negotiations.