Tuesday September 23 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Farm Bankruptcies Increase - NE Corn on E-15, Trade & Farm Bill - Aug Milk Prod +3% - and more!

 Nebraska Crop Progress Report

Corn continues to move toward the finish line. In Nebraska, 88 percent of corn is dented, still a little behind the 96 percent average. Forty-six percent is mature, well short of the 63 percent average for this date. Harvest is just beginning at 5 percent complete, about the same as normal. But condition ratings remain strong — 78 percent of Nebraska corn is good to excellent.

Turning to soybeans, leaves are dropping across the Midwest. In Nebraska, 60 percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, compared with 76 percent normally. Harvest is just 2 percent complete, also slightly behind average. Condition ratings are strong, with 76 percent good to excellent.

Winter wheat seeding is also getting underway. Nebraska is ahead of the average at 35 percent planted, though slightly behind last year’s pace.  

Pasture and range conditions continue to reflect better moisture than a year ago. Nebraska pastures are in good shape at 53 percent good to excellent.

Soil moisture is mostly adequate across the region, but there are dry pockets. In Nebraska, 71 percent of topsoil moisture is adequate or surplus. 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Wet conditions for portions of Iowa reduced days suitable for fieldwork to 4.9 during the week ending September 21, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Warm temperatures advanced crop maturity quickly. Fieldwork included the beginning of corn and soybean harvest in many areas.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 18 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Ninety-five percent of corn was dented or beyond. Sixty-six percent of corn has matured, 4 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the five-year average. The corn for grain harvest has begun and was 8 percent complete. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 55 percent good and 19 percent excellent. 

Soybeans coloring advanced to 89 percent. Sixty-two percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 2 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 57 percent good and 17 percent excellent.

Pasture condition rated 60 percent good to excellent.   



Farm Bankruptcies Rising . . .

Chapter 12 bankruptcy provides farmers and ranchers with increased flexibility for paying off debt. It is generally used when all other options to resolve financial difficulties are exhausted. Increases or decreases in filings from one year to the next can be a gauge of the underlying health of the farm economy. Thus, this year’s filings are another indicator of a deteriorating farm economy. Through the first half of 2025, Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies filed in the U.S. totaled 181, a 57% increase over last year during the same period. Filings in Nebraska totaled 11, the same as last year. Filings for all of 2024 in Nebraska equaled 15, more than double the 7 filed in 2023. Still, last year’s filings were the third-lowest since 2016 and remained below the average of 20 filings per year seen since 2001. Nevertheless, the rate of filings thus far this year adds further fuel to concerns over the U.S. farm economy. 



Nebraska Corn Growers Deliver 700+ Signatures to Congress, Urging Action on E-15, Trade and Farm Bill

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) gathered more than 700 signatures during this year’s Husker Harvest Days in support of key legislative priorities for corn growers across the state.  
The signatures advocate for priorities that directly impact growers, including year-round, nationwide access to E-15 fuel, the implementation of vital trade agreements and updates to Farm bill provisions. Given the concerning economic situation our industry is in, NeCGA believes these are high priorities.  

NeCGA Director of Public Policy, Kaitlin Taylor, personally delivered the collected signatures to Nebraska’s congressional offices, reinforcing NeCGA’s ongoing advocacy for policy changes that support rural economies and corn growers. Taylor was in Washington, D.C. as part of a larger advocacy fly-in and visited Nebraska’s congressional offices, United State Department of Agriculture staff and committee staffers.  

“The number of signatures we collected shows how united our growers are around these priorities,” said Jan tenBensel, farmer from Cambridge and NeCGA board member who was in Washington, D.C. “Farmers need action on E-15, trade and the Farm Bill, and they are making their voices heard.”  

NeCGA continues to work closely with lawmakers to ensure the needs of Nebraska’s corn growers remain a priority.   



Annual NARD Conference Focuses on Innovative Technology, Partnerships

Natural resources stakeholders and subject matter experts will be in Kearney for the annual Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Conference Sept. 29-30, 2025.

The conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRD) employees, directors and others integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The event kicks off with the Ron Bishop Memorial Golf tournament on Sunday, Sept. 28, to raise money for the NARD Foundation.

Natural resources partners will open the conference on Monday at 8:30 a.m. with updates from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency as well as the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Topics include an overview and discussion of successful natural resources programs, new technologies and research for future programs. Speakers at the conference will also provide insight into water quality, groundwater management, weed management, grant funding, and natural resources projects.

Recognizing citizens for their conservation efforts, NARD will also present awards during the noon luncheon Monday, Sept. 29. Award winners include:
    2025 Tree Planter of the Year: Matt & Jill Keating, Atkinson, NE
    2025 Community Conservation Award: Nebraska Memorial Forest, Statewide
    2025 Water Conservation Award: Bow Creek Mentor Group, Northeast Nebraska
    2025 Grassland Conservation Award: Jake Miller (7M Ranch), Culbertson, NE
    2025 Soil Conservation Award: James “Hank” McGowan, McCool Junction, NE
    2025 Director of the Year: Mark Seier, Lower Platte North NRD, Newman Grove, NE
    2025 Educator of the Year: Joel Miller, Hampton Public Schools

Monday evening includes a silent auction for the NARD Foundation, which supports natural resources education programs, followed by a dinner banquet. After the banquet, three NRD Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized including:
    Jim Meismer, Paxton, NE (2025 NRD Director, Twin Platte NRD)
    John Miyoshi, Wahoo, NE (2025 NRD Employee, Lower Platte North NRD)
    Martha “Marty” Link, Lincoln, NE (2025 NRD Supporter, Upper Niobrara White NRD)

The annual NRD Conference is presented by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors. Approximately 400 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference.



Syngenta + SCN Coalition Join Forces for Nematode Webinar

With National Nematode Day coming up soon in October, Syngenta Seedcare and The SCN Coalition will be holding Nematode U – a webinar on October 9 at 2 p.m. EST/ 1 p.m. CT.

The webinar will be a chance to learn about key nematode yield threats and how to better protect your bottom line – such as with upcoming management tools. As growers look ahead to the 2026 season, they can see how to defend against the leading yield threat in soybeans.

The webinar will feature:
  - Dylan Mangel, Asst. Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Department of Plant Pathology.
  - Dale Ireland, Ph.D, Syngenta Seedcare Technical Product Lead
  - Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare Product Lead

Please feel free to share this webinar and sign up HERE: https://syngenta.zoom.us/webinar/register/4017555387246/WN_kTjyTG60SEC6m8zoZRA2-Q#/registration. 



Beghin praises real-world focus of trade studies at the Yeutter Institute

John Beghin, a leading expert in global agricultural trade, emphasized a key principle to students during the six years he taught in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The best way to understand international economics, he says, isn’t to focus solely on abstract analytical tools — it’s to dive energetically into studying the real-world conditions facing companies and countries.

“I encourage students to read the Wall Street Journal, industry publications or USDA publications to really look at emerging problems,” said Beghin, who recently retired as a professor and the Mike Yanney Yeutter Institute Chair. The principles and tools taught in applied economics, he said, have the greatest value when combined with a firm understanding of real-world business conditions.

In an interview at the institute’s YouTube channel, Beghin reflects on his academic career, the value of practical instruction, and his experience as the first Yanney Chair in the university’s Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance.

Throughout his career, Beghin held various appointments, worked as a consultant for various organizations and private clients, and published more than 100 articles and book chapters. His areas of interest include non-tariff measures, trade and the environment, global food security, and policy analysis. He is a fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the main professional association of agricultural economists.

As part of his academic work, Beghin advanced the understanding of non-tariff barriers, such as counties’ use of food and plant health standards for imports. His work helped show the difference between trade barriers meant only to protect local producers and those based on other concerns, like health or safety.

Beghin’s work also advanced the understanding of consumer attitudes toward gene editing and food products. He coauthored a study that compared consumer attitudes in France with those in the American Midwest, finding significant opposition toward gene-edited food products in France but much less so in the United States.

Beghin was a key leader strengthening the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s offerings in international trade studies. As one of three faculty chairs with the  Yeutter Institute, he helped shape the institute’s collaborative, multidisciplinary vision encompassing economics, law, business principles and policymaking. The result has been greatly expanded undergraduate opportunities in trade studies, regardless of the student’s major.

For four years, Beghin oversaw a summer research camp in which undergraduate students worked directly with Nebraska companies and stakeholders. In one case, students analyzed new markets for Cargill. In another, they studied trade-related issues for products with natural pesticide attributes.

In another example of practical application, Beghin taught a class in which students learned how to hedge foreign exchange risk between Europe and the United States in ag and food transactions.

Through such study, “students learn to look around the planet at what’s happening and see what is emerging in particular fields,” he said.

In-depth focus on trade studies is a logical fit for the university, given Nebraska’s wide-ranging trading connections worldwide. “We’re naturally export-oriented, so it’s important for young Nebraskans to have a good awareness of the global market conditions we’re in,” Beghin said.
Nebraska agricultural exports in 2023 totaled $7.9 billion and included the No. 1 beef export volume for any state. Although trade frictions led to a $2 billion drop in the state’s ag exports from 2022, the 2023 figure was still the third-highest on record for Nebraska. Overseas markets account for more than half the state’s soybean annual soybean sales.

Beghin is impressed by how the Yeutter Institute emphasizes focused support for students. Jill O'Donnell, the director, helps students connect with scholarships and internship opportunities, learn from guest experts and conferences, and make contacts in the international trade community.

“These connections allow the institute to really assist students,” Beghin said.
The institute’s annual cohort of student fellows come from a variety of majors and pursue advanced study that opens up professional opportunities after graduation, Beghin said. He praised the depth of understanding the student fellows regularly demonstrate.

Beghin credits O'Donnell for her leadership in creating and teaching a course on policymaking, and creating an international trade minor. O'Donnell has promoted a collegial, forward-looking operational culture as the faculty chairs from agricultural economics, business and law work with her to chart the institute’s strategic moves forward.

At his retirement, he expressed gratitude to students and colleagues and said he looks forward to future progress by the Yeutter Institute.

“My biggest reward was to work with bright students and motivated students and colleagues,” he said. “I’ll be interested to see how Jill and my successor and the team take the institute to the next level.”



Fall Manure Application Season: Five Safety Priorities for Farmers

National Farm Safety and Health Week 2025 is Sept. 21–27, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach reminds operators that safety is critical when handling, transporting and applying manure.

Associate professor and extension agriculture engineering specialist Daniel Andersen highlights five key manure safety tips to help farmers, as well as their families and communities, stay safe and healthy.

Equipment and rural road safetymanure spreader on the road
According to Andersen, between 2005 and 2010, more than 7,000 crashes involving farm machinery occurred. In Iowa, rear-end collisions often occur during busy harvest and manure application seasons, and research shows that states with strong lighting and marking standards for agricultural equipment have significantly fewer crashes.

“Make sure that equipment lights work, slow-moving vehicles signs are visible and equipment is properly marked,” he said. “It saves lives.”

Andersen also encourages those sharing the road with farmers operating equipment to allow space, patience and respect, because “40 tons of machinery is not very forgiving.”

Health and wellness
Manure application season demands long hours, early mornings and late nights. Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals provides the fuel needed to handle the stress and unpredictability of fall work. Adequate rest also remains important, as fatigue slows reaction time.

Resources like the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center’s Farm Safety Check on Fatigue and Healthy Habits Checklist provide practical tips to manage stress, eat well and stay alert.

Generations of farming
Farms are great places for kids to grow up, but they can also be dangerous, especially around manure storage and equipment. Youth should never be allowed near manure pits or pumps. Training, supervision and protective gear are essential before letting a young person help with chores.

“Farm safety extends to the next generation. Families can pass on farm skills and a safety culture.”

Confined spaces
Manure pits, tanks and pump rooms are confined spaces. Liquid manures release potentially hazardous gases (hydrogen sulfide, methane and ammonia) as the manure ages and decomposes. Manure movement, such as pumping and agitation, causes the rapid release of these gases.

“Hydrogen sulfide accidents can happen quickly, so alert those on your operation of potential danger zones and share your team’s safety plan,” said Andersen.

Biological safety
Manure carries more than nutrients — it can also hold pathogens. Those working with manure should wear protective clothing, gloves and boots, and practice proper hygiene, including washing hands after handling manure. Preventing exposure helps reduce human and animal health risks by limiting potential spread from barn to barn or site to site.

Fall manure application is a busy season and essential for crop nutrition, but safety cannot be overlooked. Following these guidelines helps farmers protect themselves and their families.



NCBA Responds to Latest Screwworm Development in Mexico

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall responded to the announcement this week from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that a new case of New World screwworm has been detected in the Mexican state of Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border:

“It is extremely concerning for the American cattle industry that New World screwworm has moved so far north in Mexico and now is just 70 miles from the border. The speed that screwworm has moved through Mexico is a reminder that this pest poses a critical and urgent threat to America’s cattle producers.
 
“NCBA appreciates all the resources Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has invested in protecting American agriculture from the New World screwworm. Designating funds for a domestic sterile fly facility, exploring new technologies for sterilizing flies, enhancing fly surveillance, and coordinating with other departments across the U.S. government are all important steps for safeguarding the U.S. cattle industry. We are also encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration’s work to authorize emergency treatments for screwworm, and we look forward to additional product approvals.
 
“With the threat so close, we need more sterile fly dispersal to push this pest back from our border. Now is the time for USDA to expedite construction of the domestic sterile fly facility and eradicate this pest from our doorstep. We also ask USDA to continue holding Mexico accountable and urge them to reduce animal movements that could spread screwworm north. NCBA is also urging the Environmental Protection Agency to authorize new pesticide products to combat screwworm and provide another tool for American cattle producers.

“NCBA will continue working to protect the U.S. cattle industry from New World screwworm.” 


U.S. farmers and ranchers raising more food with fewer resources

The Animal Agriculture Alliance released an updated version of its Sustainability Impact Report as Climate Week NYC kicks off. The report highlights decades of progress made by the U.S. food and farming community to enhance animal welfare practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to a healthy, balanced diet.

“The U.S. farm and food community has been a global leader in sustainability efforts for decades,” said Emily Ellis, director, communications and content, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “We’re incredibly proud of the work being done to innovate and advance food production practices to continue contributing to a sustainable food system – and this report highlights that work.”

Animal welfare priorities
    Nearly every species referenced in the report has specific animal welfare guidelines crafted by animal welfare experts.
    Most farmers and ranchers have a close working relationship with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure good animal health and a well-balanced diet.
    Biosecurity plays a critical role in protecting animal health from disease and illness.

Reduced environmental impact
    U.S. animal agriculture is contributing toward all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    Between 1961 and 2019, the U.S. beef community reduced emissions per pound of beef by more than 40% while also producing more than 66% more beef per animal.
    The pork community has reduced CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 22,410 cars off the road.
    Compared to 1960, egg farmers today are able to feed 72 more people using 50% less feed.
    The veal community has completed its first-ever Lifecycle Assessment to identify baseline environmental data.
    More than 37% of ingredients used in animal feeds are upcycled from other industries, reducing waste and impact on landfills.

Dietary contributions
    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has concluded that meat, eggs, and milk are an essential source of nutrients, especially for vulnerable populations.
    Animal proteins are a superior protein choice for half the number of calories compared to beans, peas, and lentils.

U.S. animal agriculture is committed to furthering progress, which is why several species groups have established industry-wide sustainability goals and reporting frameworks.



August Milk Production in the United States up 3.2 Percent

Milk production in the United States during August totaled 19.5 billion pounds, up 3.2 percent from August 2024. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,050 pounds for August, 
27 pounds above August 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.52 million head, 176,000 head more than August 2024, and 10,000 head more than July 2025.

Iowa Milk Prod in Aug: 501 million lbs. - +1% from Aug '24



Dairy Checkoff Unveils ‘Smart Swaps’ Initiative for Schools

The dairy checkoff has introduced “Smart Swaps,” a dairy-focused initiative designed to help schools meet evolving nutrition standards and student expectations.

The farmer-founded National Dairy Council (NDC) created Smart Swaps for school nutrition professionals to include dairy on breakfast menus and adapt to evolving meal standards. The program offers training resources along with kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring dairy.

“We have reimagined what’s possible with delicious, dairy-centric menu items,” said Alyson Kirchner, senior vice president of youth and schools for Dairy Management Inc. “These menu options are aligned with the new added sugar and sodium guidelines while ensuring students receive the nutrient-rich foods they love and need.”

School meal nutrition standards limit the amount of added sugar from foods such as cereal, yogurt and flavored milk. Additionally, there are upcoming nutrition requirements that will limit added sugars and sodium across all meals served weekly.

Student preferences were included in the development of Smart Swaps recipes with 2,500 students nationwide testing 10 menu offerings. The recipes include Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait, Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl and Broccoli, Egg, and Cheese Pizza, among others.

Nutritional analysis also was conducted to ensure the recipes align with USDA nutrition standards.

“With the changes coming to school meal standards, there is a real opportunity for dairy,” said Katie Bambacht, vice president of nutrition affairs for NDC. “Schools will need to adjust their menus in coming years to meet the changing standards. Our Smart Swaps menus make it easy with compliant breakfast menu offerings, menu efficiency ideas and tips on milk storage.”

State and regional checkoff teams are making Smart Swaps resources available to school foodservice professionals across the country.

For more information about how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.  



NPPC’s Stateler, Zieba Attend WTO Public Forum 2025
 
National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from Ohio, and Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba attended the World Trade Organization Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland recently.
 
The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest outreach event, providing a platform for interested stakeholders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in global trade and propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system. 
 
The main aim of the 2025 forum was to “explore how digital advancements are redefining standards within the international trading system and enhancing global connectivity, innovation, and cooperation.”
 
In addition to participating in other WTO discussions, Stateler and Zieba collaborated with the Washington International Trade Association on outreach efforts to members of the WTO, attended various panel discussions, and met bilaterally with representatives from several missions to discuss ongoing issues and areas of collaboration.
 
Currently made up of 164 member countries, the WTO deals with the rules of trade between nations. Its goal is to ensure trade flows as smoothly and predictably as possible.



Regional Disparities Grow in COF 
David Anderson, Extension Specialist – Texas A&M University

USDA released the latest monthly Cattle on Feed report on Friday, September 19th. While the headline numbers did not differ much from expectations, digging a little deeper indicates some growing regional disparities in on-feed numbers.

Just over 11 million cattle were in feedlots with over 1,000 head capacity on September 1, down 1.1 percent compared to last year. That was the fewest for a September since 2019. States in the Southern Plains and Southwest reported fewer cattle on feed, while states further North reported more cattle on feed. In the Southern Plains of Texas, the state with the most cattle on feed, reported on-feed numbers down 9.1 percent from last year and the fewest for a September since 2016. Arizona, California, Colorado, and Oklahoma all reported fewer cattle on feed than last year.

Clearly, the border closure to cattle from Mexico is taking its toll. Feeder cattle imports from Mexico normally increase seasonally in the Fall, so the disparity in regional feeding inventories is likely to grow, including Nebraska supplanting Texas as the largest cattle feeding state.

More cattle were on-feed in more Northern regions, led by Nebraska and Kansas, up 4.7 and 3.1 percent, respectively. More cattle were also on feed in Iowa and South Dakota. Larger cattle inventories were reported in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Idaho.

August marketings were down 13.6 percent from last year. The decline was due in part to one less slaughter day in the month compared to last year. But, regardless of the number of work days in the month, marketing is smaller as on-feed numbers tighten. Marketings during the month were the fewest in the data going back in their current format to the mid-1990s.

On the placement side of the ledger, 9.9 percent fewer cattle were sent to feedlots in August compared to last year. Texas placements were 18.1 percent fewer than last August. Only Arizona and Washington placed more cattle than last year.

We’re likely to see more of these “records” for marketings, placements, and cattle on feed broken in the coming months. First off, cattle numbers have declined cyclically, leading to fewer cattle to place and market. Historically, each cycle since the mid-1970s has had smaller peaks and troughs in cattle numbers than the previous cycle. So, there are fewer cattle. As herd rebuilding begins, fewer heifers will be placed, pulling down numbers further.