Tuesday September 16 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress - HPAI in a NE Dairy Herd - UNL Beef Tools webinar series - Corn Challenge V winners - and more!

 Nebraska Crop Progress Report

Harvest is just beginning across the Plains, with the latest USDA Crop Progress report showing corn, soybeans, and sorghum moving toward maturity at near-average pace. Conditions remain largely favorable as farmers gear up for the busiest weeks of fall.

In Nebraska, corn progress is tracking close to normal. Eighty-two percent of the crop is dented, 35% mature, and 3% harvested. Crop ratings remain high, with 78% in good to excellent condition.

Nebraska beans are moving quickly, with 39% dropping leaves, 1% harvested, and 78% rated good to excellent.

Nebraska’s sorghum is in strong shape, with 75% coloring, 8% mature, 1% harvested, and 85% rated good to excellent.

Late-summer rains continue to support rangeland and soil moisture. Nebraska reports 50% of pastures in good to excellent condition. Topsoil moisture is 73% adequate to surplus in Nebraska.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Warm, and continued dry conditions allowed Iowa farmers 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 14, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included finishing up the third cutting of hay, harvesting corn silage and preparing for row crop harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 22 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Ninety percent of corn was dented or beyond, 5 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the five-year average. Forty-eight percent of corn has matured, 4 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of average. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 59 percent good and 20 percent excellent. 

Soybeans coloring advanced to 73 percent, 2 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of average. Thirty-five percent of soybeans were dropping leaves. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good and 18 percent excellent.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 96 percent complete. 

Pasture condition rated 63 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The U.S. corn and soybean harvests are both slightly behind last year's pace but running consistent with or ahead of their five-year averages, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn dented was estimated at 85%, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 83% and 1 percentage point behind the five-year average of 86%. Corn mature was pegged at 41%, 2 percentage points behind last year's 43% and equal to the five-year average. 
-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 3 percentage points last week to reach 7% complete as of Sunday. That is 1 point behind last year's 8% and equal to the five-year average. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 1 point from the previous week of 68%. Nine percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week but 3 points below 12% from last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 41%, equal to last year's pace and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 40%. 
-- Harvest progress: In its first soybean harvest report of the season, NASS estimated 5% of the crop was harvested as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's 6% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 3%. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 63% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 64% the previous week and previous year. Eleven percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, up 1 point from the previous week's 10% and equal to the previous year. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest moved ahead 9 percentage points last week to reach 94% complete as of Sunday. That was 3 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 91% and 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 92%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting jumped ahead 6 points last week to reach 11% nationwide as of Sunday, 2 points behind last year and the five-year average of 13%. 



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Nebraska Dairy Herd

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Nebraska. This is the first known case of HPAI in dairy cattle in the state.  The herd is located in central Nebraska and has been quarantined. 

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed that the strain of the virus is very similar to a strain from California.  With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley encourages Nebraska dairy producers to follow strict biosecurity protocols and to contact their veterinarian immediately if their animals are exhibiting any symptoms of the virus.

What are the clinical signs of HPAI in dairy cattle?
HPAI symptoms in dairy cattle mostly affect late-stage lactating cows. Common clinical signs of HPAI in dairy cows decrease in food consumption, clear nasal discharge, drop in milk production, tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and thicker, concentrated (colostrum-like) milk. 

Resources for dairy producers
Resources including biosecurity information are available for dairy producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-livestock. Dairy cattle experiencing signs of HPAI should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe that the threat to the general public remains low.  



Positive H5N1 Case Detected on Nebraska Dairy Farm 
 
The Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) confirms a positive case of the H5N1 avian influenza virus on a dairy farm in central Nebraska. DNA sequencing of the virus indicates it matches the California strain, suggesting the introduction of the virus occurred through the movement of animals into Nebraska from California. 

The NSDA emphasizes that there is no concern for consumers. Pasteurization has been proven to eliminate H5N1 in milk, and therefore, milk from Nebraska farms remains safe for consumption. 

“The safety of Nebraska dairy products is our top priority. Consumers can be confident that milk and dairy products are safe to enjoy, and we are working closely with producers to contain this case and protect our livestock." stated Kris Bousquet, Executive Director of NSDA. 

We also encourage practicing good biosecurity techniques. For more information about biosecurity please visit bigredbiosecurity.unl.edu for more information. To help protect producers and employees, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available free of charge at the following County Extension Offices: 
Hall County Extension Office: 3180 W US Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68801 
Gage County Extension Office: 1115 W Scott St, Beatrice, NE 68310 
Madison Extension Office: 1305 S 13th St Ste 105, Norfolk, NE 68701 

The affected farm is under quarantine until further notice. NSDA urges all farmers to monitor their livestock closely and report any suspected H5N1 cases to their veterinarian. 

For further information or assistance, please contact: Nebraska Department of Agriculture: 402-471-2351 or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): 866-536-7593. 

The Nebraska State Dairy Association remains committed to the health of Nebraska’s dairy industry and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. 



Webinar series to highlight decision support tools for the beef industry

University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientists will play a key role in a national webinar series this October highlighting innovation and application of decision support tools for the beef industry. The webinars are scheduled for Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at noon Central time.

Sessions will be delivered via Zoom and will feature leading beef genetics and animal science experts from across the country. Nebraska faculty will host and present in two of the four sessions, underscoring UNL’s leadership in beef systems research and Extension.

On Oct. 8, Matt Spangler, UNL professor of animal science, will discuss iGENDEC, a tool for both beef × beef and beef × dairy index construction. Spangler will also host the Oct. 15 session, which features USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists presenting on germplasm evaluation research at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center, Nebraska.

“Nebraska is at the forefront of research that directly benefits beef producers,” Spangler said. “This series provides an opportunity to connect producers with tools they can use to improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability.”

Webinar Schedule
Oct. 1 — Beef Industry Selection Tool Updates
Host: Dr. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky
    New opportunities for maternal trait selection in Angus cattle — Dr. Esther Tarpoff
    iGENDEC-based selection indexes at the North American Limousin Foundation and American Gelbvieh Association — Dr. Bob Weaber, Kansas State University

Oct. 8 — iGENDEC: Innovation in Selection Index Development Tools
Host: Dr. Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee
    iGENDEC: A tool for both beef × beef and beef × dairy index construction — Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Educating producers and students using iGENDEC — Dr. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky

Oct. 15 — Application of US-Meat Animal Research Center Germplasm Evaluation Research
Host: Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Producing across-breed EPD adjustment factors from the USMARC GPE program — Dr. Larry Kuehn, USDA-ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (Clay Center, Nebraska)
    Using the across-breed EPD annual reports for making commercial breeding decisions — Dr. Bailey Engle, USDA-ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Oct. 22 — Beef Industry Sustainability and Efficiency
Host: Dr. Bob Weaber, Kansas State University
    Why producers should care about methane — Dr. Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee, and Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State University
    2026 Beef Improvement Federation Annual Symposium invitation — Dr. John Hall and Dr. Benton Glaze, University of Idaho

Registration is free and open to the public. Participants may register at https://ksu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xK9SJR8cR6mxtzYjhbpU3w. After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email with details for joining the webinars.

Those unable to attend live will have access to recordings of each session following the event. 



WAECHTER-MEAD NAMED DIRECTOR OF NEBRASKA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead has been named director of the Beef Quality Assurance program in Nebraska. The nationally coordinated, state-implemented program provides beef producers with science-based practices for raising cattle under optimum management and care.

Waechter-Mead serves as the lead educator at the Webster County Extension Services in Red Cloud. In the new role as director, she will oversee statewide training and certification for beef producers while collaborating with industry partners and Nebraska Extension specialists to promote animal health, welfare and beef quality.

“The Beef Quality Assurance program is a cornerstone of consumer trust in beef,” Waechter-Mead said. “I’m excited to support Nebraska producers by providing tools and training that ensure cattle are raised responsibly and sustainably while maintaining the highest quality standards.”

Nebraska is the nation’s top commercial cattle feeding state and consistently ranks near the top in cow-calf production. The state’s Beef Quality Assurance program certifies thousands of producers annually, ensuring beef raised in Nebraska meets rigorous standards for animal care and food safety.

Waechter-Mead, who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and master’s degree in veterinary science, has worked extensively with livestock producers through Nebraska Extension. Her expertise spans herd health, producer education and on-the-ground collaboration with ranchers and feedlot operators.

“Dr. Waechter-Mead brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to this role,” said Randy Saner, livestock systems program area leader. “Her leadership will strengthen Nebraska’s BQA program and reinforce the state’s reputation as a global leader in beef production.”For more information on the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program, visit https://bqa.unl.edu.




Unrestricted Sales of E15 Would Fuel the Economy
    
A new economic study released today by the National Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association shows that expanding year-round, nationwide consumer access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend would provide a boon to the American economy, benefiting farmers, communities and consumers alike.

The study comes as Congress considers the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would remove an outdated provision in the Clean Air Act that restricts the summertime sales of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15.

“The study findings support what corn growers have been saying all along, and that is that higher sales of corn ethanol are good for the economy, and that is particularly true for rural America,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Given the state of the farm economy and the focus on increasing jobs available to Americans, we would encourage Congress to act quickly and pass legislation that allows consumers to access E15 year-round.”

The study shows that providing consistent access to E15 year-round would provide an additional $25.8 billion to U.S. gross domestic product, boost incomes by $10.3 billion and support 128,000 additional full-time jobs.

Of the $25.8 billion economic impact, $7.3 billion is associated with ethanol production, $13.8 billion comes from the corn needed to produce the ethanol, and the remaining amounts are derived from exports and construction.

 “Ethanol has a proven track record when it comes to boosting rural economics, creating good jobs and opening valuable new markets for farmers,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “But outdated policies—like the summertime barrier on E15—are stifling further growth. This new report shows exactly what’s at stake; thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in economic activity, and the health of the farm economy are all on the line. It’s time for Congress to adopt legislation allowing year-round E15.”

Agricultural groups, including NCGA, have been sounding the alarm on the state of the rural economy. Reports recently released by the Department of Agriculture are projecting that this year’s corn crop will be the largest on record by far, with production 1.5 billion bushels above the record set in 2023 and a 13.1% increase over the 2024 harvest. With the marketplace struggling to absorb this surplus, corn prices, which are already at five-year lows, will struggle to rebound unless new sources of demand are opened.

The study shows that the demand for higher blends of ethanol could help create a home for increased corn production.

The study was conducted by the NCGA and RFA economists using the IMPLAN model with 2023 base year data for the United States and monetary figures reported in 2025 dollars. Economists arrived at the impact numbers by comparing the economic output of three outcome scenarios, not necessarily specific years: establishing a baseline of corn usage for ethanol and the economic impact of the ethanol industry, a scenario of interim E15 adoption as infrastructure and capacity builds up and full E15 adoption.




NCGA Honors Three Winners Driving Innovation in Consider Corn Challenge V

At Monday’s Bio Innovations Midwest Event in Omaha, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge V and the $300,000 prize pool. Three winners were chosen, each with a unique way to improve a product or process using corn to produce biobased materials. 

“The Consider Corn Challenge fosters innovative collaborations between corn farmers and both the public and private sectors, which paves the way for new products, chemicals, and applications. This year’s winners have continued to demonstrate corn’s adaptability,” said Director of Research & Market Development Sarah McKay. “Corn’s versatile applications as an industrial feedstock can be witnessed in the diverse approaches and applications of each of the three winners. This contest continues to highlight the fact that U.S. corn is an extremely flexible feedstock suited for biobased products and crucial to advancing the biobased economy.” 

The three winners for the Consider Corn Challenge V are Aerterra, Terragia, and Arizona State University.

Aerterra is redefining indoor air quality with the first bio-based, renewable air filters made from U.S.-grown corn. Engineered to replace petroleum-based filters, Aerterra delivers high-performance filtration with a fraction of the environmental impact. By turning a traditionally disposable product into a sustainable solution, Aerterra helps homes, businesses, and communities improve air quality while reducing their carbon footprint.

Aerterra’s mission—Clean Air, Healthy Planet—guides every step. Aerterra is more than a product company; it is a bridge to the bioeconomy, proving how renewable feedstocks can replace fossil-based materials in everyday life. This innovation opens a new market for air filtration, aligning consumer health, climate action, and economic growth.

Through a subscription model built for “conscientious convenience,” Aerterra ensures customers never compromise between performance, sustainability, and ease. Positioned at the intersection of climate innovation and consumer health, Aerterra demonstrates the power of corn-based materials to reduce waste and accelerate a circular economy—showcasing how the products we rely on every day can help build a healthier planet.

Terragia is developing technology to enable cost-effective biological conversion of cellulosic biomass to fuels and products – with great potential for value creation for corn farmers across the United States. The first application of this technology is fermentation of stillage from corn ethanol production. For ethanol producers, that means potential for a 10% increase in ethanol production, higher-protein DDGS, more corn oil, and $80 million in added annual revenue for a 105 MGY plant.

Building on groundbreaking research from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College and with the support of the DOE’s Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), USDA, NSF, and private investors, Terragia uses distinctive biotechnological capability to engineer thermophilic anaerobic bacteria for one-step consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of cellulosic biomass. Terragia’s thermophilic anaerobes excel at breaking down biomass, unlocking the energy in feedstocks such as corn fiber and corn stover—without costly pretreatment or added enzymes.

Terragia’s near-term business model is to partner with producers and the agricultural community to co-locate projects at existing facilities.

 Arizona State University’s winning technology is a corrosion mitigation for crude oil pipelines that employs corn-derived inhibitors. About 25% of all crude oil pipeline accidents reported in the year 2024 were due to corrosion, according to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration statistics. The United States has a quarter-million-mile-long crude oil pipeline network and produced 13.5 million barrels of crude oil per day in May of 2025. ASU’s technology is a new corn-derived corrosion inhibitor suitable for use in crude oil pipelines to mitigate internal corrosion. Based on current results, the product adsorbs on the internal surface of the pipeline, forming a film that blocks access to corrosive substances in the pipeline. The product is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and, like other commercial products, it should be added to the crude oil in low dosages at regular intervals to be effective. Building on the preliminary results and past experiences with developing corn-derived products, ASU will perform a range of electrochemical tests on the new Corn-derived inhibitor to quantify its performance and elucidate its working mechanism. This product has the potential to create a new market for corn-producing farmers and contribute positively to the U.S. pipeline infrastructure resilience.

“Finding new uses for corn and additional market demand is a key priority for NCGA,” said Kansas farmer and Research and New Uses Action Team Chair Chad Epler. “The Consider Corn Challenge provides a unique opportunity to harness the potential of corn as a versatile, sustainable feedstock. It not only showcases the ingenuity of participants but also fosters vital collaborations between industry and corn producers, paving the way for innovative, market-driven solutions.”

The total prize pool for the fourth iteration of the contest was U.S. $300,000. Each of the three winners received $100,000 to utilize to get their technologies and products closer to commercialization.  Learn more by visiting ncga.com/ConsiderCorn.



100+ Pork Producers Lobby Lawmakers on Legislative Priorities

More than 100 pork producers from around the country descended upon Washington, D.C. last week for the National Pork Producers Council’s fall Legislative Action Conference, lobbying congressional lawmakers on several issues important to the U.S. pork industry.

Before visiting Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress, producers heard from U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), a member of the House Agriculture and Ways and Means committees. Lindberg discussed expanding and promoting agricultural trade, while Feenstra talked about, among other topics, prospects for a new Farm Bill and fixing California’s Proposition 12. 

On Wednesday, NPPC President Duane Stateler, President-elect Rob Brenneman, Vice President Pat Hord, Immediate Past President Lori Stevermer, CEO Bryan Humphreys, and Vice President of Government Affairs Maria Zieba met in the White House and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative with Trump administration officials.

During visits with their lawmakers, producers:
    Called for passage of a new farm bill that includes a fix to California Proposition 12, which has increased pork prices for consumers and set a precedent for a patchwork of various state mandates on agricultural producers.

    Raised concerns about the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s recommendations related to food production, which stigmatize modern farming.

    Asked that the H-2A visa program, which allows a limited number of foreign workers entry into the United States for temporary seasonal agricultural work, be expanded to allow year-round workers so it can be used by livestock producers.

    Urged support for efforts to grow exports by opening new and expanding existing foreign markets through trade agreements and market access deals.

Wednesday evening, NPPC held its famous Baconfest reception, where 1,000+ guests, including members of Congress and their staff, embassy officials, and industry stakeholders, gathered to discuss pork industry priorities and enjoy a variety of delicious pork products.



Family Farmers Call on Congress to Act During NFU Legislative Fly-In 

National Farmers Union (NFU) last week concluded its annual Legislative Fly-In, which brought more than 250 family farmers and ranchers to Washington to meet with members of Congress and demand quick, decisive action to reverse the crisis in farm country. 

“Family farmers and ranchers can’t wait. Farmers Union members from across the country have made it clear that they need Congress to provide support immediately to reverse the building crisis in farm country,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Many policymakers this week reiterated the importance of farmers’ voices. Our members shared their stories. We now look forward to Congress acting on their behalf, for farmers’ sake.”

Throughout the week, NFU members met with members of Congress as well as officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the White House and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Farmers shared firsthand accounts of the economic, trade and market challenges affecting their operations. 

At USDA, senior leaders from the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service provided updates on programs and initiatives. NFU members called for increased staffing in local offices and stronger investments in farmer-focused programs. 

DOJ’s Antitrust Division hosted members for a listening session with Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater and senior staff. Discussions focused on antitrust enforcement and the need to strengthen competition laws to ensure fairness for farmers and protection from corporate monopolies in the marketplace. 

Farmers also met with senior officials from the White House and USTR to emphasize the importance of stable trading relationships. They expressed concern that ongoing tariff uncertainty and market volatility are putting added strain on family farm operations. 



Farm Income Forecast Shows Big Disparity Between Crop and Livestock Receipts
Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

USDA’s September 2025 net farm income forecast, released Sept. 3, projects net farm income will rise sharply from 2024. While stronger performance in some sectors is a factor in the increase, much of it is tied to continued support from government disaster assistance.

Overall, USDA’s September 2025 net farm income forecast projects a mixed outlook for farmers. Net farm income, a key measure of profitability, is forecast at $179.8 billion in 2025. This is an increase of $52 billion, or 40.7%, from $127.8 billion in 2024, but about $300 million lower than USDA’s February forecast of $180.1 billion.

Livestock and Crop Receipt Disparity
The forecast showed significant disparities between livestock and crop receipts. On one hand, total animal/animal product cash receipts are forecast to increase by $30 billion, or 11.2%, from $268.6 billion in 2024 to $298.6 billion in 2025. On the other hand, cash receipts from crop sales are forecasted to decrease by $6.1 billion, or 2.5%, from $242.7 billion in 2024 to $236.6 billion in 2025

Digging into the livestock sector, higher prices will help push receipts up for all major animals/animal products. Cash receipts for cattle and calves, unsurprisingly, had the largest increase, rising by $17.6 billion, or 16%, to $129.7 billion. If realized, this would be a record high for cash receipts from animal products and receipts from cattle and calves.

Looking at crops, USDA lowered its crop cash receipts projection by $17 billion from the $253.6 billion forecast in February 2025. If this forecast is realized, this would be the lowest cash receipts for crop sales since 2007.

Increasing Farm Debt and Interest Expenses
This will be the third consecutive year of losses for many U.S. farmers, which has led to another alarming statistic in USDA’ s forecast, a rise in farm debt.

Total farm sector debt is forecast to increase by $28.35 billion, or 5% to $591.82 billion in 2025. This is an increase of nearly 20% since 2022 when the Fed began raising interest rates to fight inflation. Interest paid to service this debt is up about $1.6 billion, or 5%, in 2025. More alarmingly, interest expenses have gone up 16% since 2022.

While most of the debt/interest pain is being felt on the crop side of the ag economy, cattle producers are feeling it too. Record cash cattle prices are great for profitability for established cattlemen, but these prices are a major obstacle for anyone looking to get into the cattle business or grow by buying cattle. With tight cattle supplies and strong demand, cash markets are steady and futures are volatile. Volatility on top of the cost of debt is a big obstacle for anyone starting out or trying to expand in the cattle business.