Thursday October 23 Ag News - AgriVision's Next-Gen Tech Expo - CAP Hosts NE LLC's Course - USDA Announces Plan to Strengthen US Beef Producers - Ethanol Production Hits 19 Week High - and more!

AgriVision Equipment and PrairieLand Partners to Host Next-Gen Tech Expo for High School Students 

AgriVision Equipment and PrairieLand Partners, are excited to announce the Next-Gen Tech Expo on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the WeLead Training Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This event provides a unique opportunity for high school juniors and seniors interested in becoming agricultural technicians to showcase their mechanical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all while engaging with industry professionals.

Throughout the day, students will take part in a series of interactive challenges. Top performers for the day, will not only earn prizes but also be considered for a spot in the 2026 class of the WeLEAD Tech Institute, a program dedicated to developing the next generation of highly skilled service technicians.

While students compete, parents will have the opportunity to explore the many ag techeducation and career pathways available through partnerships with AgriVision Equipment and PrairieLand Partners.



New ‘LLCs for Nebraska Farms and Ranches’ Online Course Launches November 1

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, in partnership with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, announced the launch of a new online course, “LLCs for Nebraska Farms and Ranches.” The program is designed to help farm and ranch families make informed decisions about whether an LLC is the right structure for their business and avoid costly mistakes.

“Whether you're exploring LLCs as a new business structure for your farm or ranch or looking to better manage your existing LLC, this course offers practical guidance tailored to the unique needs of Nebraska producers,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program.

Course participants will learn how to:
    Decide whether an LLC is the right entity structure for their operation
    Navigate the steps and costs of forming an LLC in Nebraska
    Identify and avoid frequent legal and tax missteps through better business management

The course includes short video interviews with attorneys, accountants and ag professionals, as well as checklists, worksheets and links to podcasts and articles that address specialized topics.

The cost for the course is $150 per person. Participants will have access to the course for 90 days from the date of enrollment.

This course is supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2024-70027-42470. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender, or any other protected status. 

Visit https://cap.unl.edu/courses for more information and to enroll.




Marshall Faith, Scoular Founder and Omaha Leader, Passes Peacefully at 96

It is with profound sadness that Scoular announces the passing of Marshall Faith, the company’s founder and chairman emeritus.  

Faith passed away peacefully at home in Omaha on Monday surrounded by family. He was 96 years old.

In 1967, Faith purchased a majority interest in Scoular-Bishop Grain. He would go on to grow Omaha-based Scoular into a global agribusiness, serving as CEO for 23 years and chairman for 25 years. At the time of his passing, Faith served officially in the role of chairman emeritus, and unofficially in the role of passionate cheerleader for Scoular’s leadership team, its employees and its culture – the hallmarks of which he was so pivotal in defining. 

“Marshall’s professional achievements and legacy that Scoular stands on today are numerous and will be felt for generations to come,” said Scoular CEO Paul Maass. “He was an exceptional and humble leader.” 

Faith’s influence on the agricultural industry and in the community is vast. In addition to building Scoular to a company of more than $7 billion in sales, he founded the Scoular and Faith Family Foundations, which have distributed tens of millions of dollars in charitable giving, impacting Omaha and many rural communities.  

Faith served in several leadership positions for industry and civic organizations, including the Nebraska Leadership Council, the Strategic Command Consultation Committee, the Aksarben Board of Governors, and the boards of Boy Scouts, Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Joslyn Art Museum, United Way of the Midlands, Youth for Christ/USA, Creighton University, and Bellevue University. He also was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. 

Born on February 5, 1929, in Salina, Kansas, Faith’s life was defined by hard work, a deep Christian faith, and unwavering commitment to family. He graduated from Salina (Kansas) High School, served in the Navy and earned a degree in milling administration from Kansas State University. In 1949, he married his high school sweetheart Mona Dishman, beginning a partnership that was the cornerstone of his life. They raised five children and built a legacy of love, resilience and faith.

Faith was preceded in death by his wife and his daughter, Leslie Faith. He is survived by three daughters, Lynda Schwemmer, Louise Van Court, and Laura Alley, and son, David Faith, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  



Secretary Rollins Announces Plan for American Ranchers and Consumers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a suite of actions to strengthen the American beef industry, reinforcing and prioritizing the American rancher’s critical role in the national security of the United States. Since 2017, the United States has lost over 17% of family farms, more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer demand for beef has grown 9% over the past decade. Because increasing the size of the domestic herd takes time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make these markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers.

“America’s food supply chain is a national security priority for the Trump Administration. We are committed to ensuring the American people have an affordable source of protein and that America’s ranchers have a strong economic environment where they can continue to operate for generations to come,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “At USDA we are protecting our beef industry and incentivizing new ranchers to take up the noble vocation of ranching. Today, USDA will immediately expedite deregulatory reforms, boost processing capacity, including getting more locally raised beef into schools, and working across the government to fix longstanding common-sense barriers for ranchers like outdated grazing restrictions.”

Excerpt from USDA Plan
CHALLENGE: Since 2017, the U.S. has lost over 17% of cattle ranches, more than 150,000 operations. The national herd is at a 75-year low, while consumer demand for beef has grown ~9% over the past decade. Because herd rebuilding takes time, USDA is investing during the downturn so that the next upswing is less volatile for ranchers and more affordable for consumers.

PLAN: This plan to fortify the American Beef Industry focuses on three coordinated priorities:

PROTECTING AND IMPROVING THE BUSINESS OF RANCHING: Strengthening the foundation of U.S. cattle production through endangered species reforms, enhanced disaster relief, increased grazing access, increased access to capital, and affordable risk management tools.

EXPANDING PROCESSING, CONSUMER TRANSPARENCY, AND MARKET ACCESS: Lowering long-term costs, increasing marketing options, and ensuring consumers have clear, truthful information about American beef.

BUILDING DEMAND ALONGSIDE DOMESTIC SUPPLY: Growing the domestic herd while boosting domestic and international demand so that ranchers are not trapped in the boom/bust cycle that has defined past cattle markets.

To view the plan, please click here https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA%20Beef%20Industry%20Plan%20White%20Paper.pdf.



Smith: Beef Industry Needs Certainty

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement calling on the Trump administration to advance policies which support American beef producers and consumers.

"The hardworking families who raise cattle in Nebraska and all across our great country deserve policy which fights as hard as they do to put food on the table. The commonsense initiatives announced by USDA help provide current and future generations with the certainty they need to provide American families with affordable, nutritious protein. Certainly, these policies are welcome. However, our agriculture industry has been hit by historic setbacks in recent years, and policy and statements which unduly influence and undermine the domestic cattle market threaten our domestic food security and are not helpful.

"I am particularly concerned about the announcement regarding Argentine beef, as it appears to contradict President Trump’s efforts to fight tooth and nail to ensure American producers and workers receive fair treatment and prices for their products all around the world."



Ricketts: Instead of Importing More Foreign Beef, Let’s Work on “Market-Based Solutions”

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement urging the Trump administration to prioritize market-based solutions supporting Nebraska beef instead of importing more foreign beef:

“This administration’s efforts to encourage Americans to consume more beef and expand grazing on federal lands are welcome. This helps Nebraska. We should be working on market-based solutions. Moving to import more Argentine beef at this time will set farmers and ranchers back. I urge the administration to reconsider its plans.”



ICA RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S COMMENTS ABOUT U.S. CATTLE PRODUCERS

In response to comments made earlier today by President Trump regarding U.S. cattle producers and the increase of beef imports from Argentina as a way to lower beef prices, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has issued the following statement in response.

“President Trump’s reaction to the cattle industry's comments regarding his plan to import additional Argentine beef is disconcerting. This administration needs to know and recognize that words matter. Through President Trump’s continued rhetoric regarding beef prices, he continues to create undue harm to U.S. cattle producers, inhibiting their ability to make smart marketing decisions that directly impact their long-term profitability. These unnecessary market swings influence the daily lives of those working to raise a safe beef product for consumers, a product still in high demand. Today’s comments from President Trump undermine the hard work of U.S. producers, whom he himself has referenced as the backbone of America. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will continue to work with our partners and legislators in Washington, D.C. to push our message forward -- that government intervention is not the answer.” – Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

Earlier this week, there was speculation about President Trump’s plan following offhand remarks alluding to imports of Argentine beef, but little context or detail was provided at the time. Below are the initial comments offered by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association as we closely monitored the situation and sought to understand the intent.

"President Trump's recent remarks about potentially importing more Argentinian beef are concerning for U.S. cattle producers, and the little detail that accompanied those comments has created unnecessary volatility in the market and led to detrimental results for our producers," said Bryan Whaley, Iowa Cattlemen's Association CEO. "Members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association have been reaching out to express their concerns, specifically the impact on cattle market prices following the announcement. We are monitoring this situation closely, awaiting important details, as well as collaborating with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association to join our members' concerns and voice with other states to elevate this industry issue on a national level. What we know is that consumer demand for the high-quality beef raised by U.S. producers has remained strong, despite the increased costs caused by drought, border closures, and high input costs to producers. Simply put, it is supply and demand economics. The Iowa Cattlemen's Association will continue to work with our partners to communicate the message to President Trump, the USDA, and other leaders to avoid intervention and let the market work."

As this story continues to unfold, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will remain diligent in advocating on behalf of our members and making their voices heard. 



President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers

In a misguided effort to lower the price of beef in grocery stores, President Trump said he plans to increase the volume of beef being imported from Argentina. Efforts to manipulate markets only risk damaging the livelihoods of American cattlemen and women, while doing little to impact the price consumers are paying at the grocery store.

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and its members cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “It is imperative that President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins let the cattle markets work.”

The United States already faces a deep trade imbalance with Argentina, one that is made worse by the President’s plan. During the past five years, Argentina has shipped beef valued at more than $800 million to the U.S., while purchasing only $7 million of U.S. beef. Furthermore, Argentina is a nation with a long history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and USDA has not completed the necessary steps to ensure Argentina can guarantee the safety of the products being shipped here, further endangering America’s cattle herd.

“If President Trump is truly an ally of America’s cattle producers, we call on him to abandon this effort to manipulate markets and focus instead on the promised New World Screwworm facilities in Texas; making additional investments that protect the domestic cattle herd from foreign animal diseases such as FMD; and addressing regulatory burdens, such as delisting of the gray wolf and addressing the scourge of black vultures,” said Woodall. 



AFBF Cautions Against Disrupting Fragile U.S. Beef Supply

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the future of America’s beef supply.

“Farm families are no different from other American families. We feel the impact of higher grocery costs, but don’t get to set the prices. Meanwhile, farmers are suffering through an economic storm – expenses remain high, and cattle farms have been decimated by years of low prices, drought and the threat of the New World screwworm. They are just beginning to experience a fragile recovery.

“This is a pivotal moment for America’s cattle farmers as they make decisions whether to restock their pastures. Farmers know America’s families prefer to buy U.S. beef. If expanded imports push farmers deeper into the red, we face the unintended consequence of increasing reliance on other countries for our food and weakening our ability to rebuild a strong American herd.”



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/17/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 17, ethanol production ramped up 3.5% to a 19-week high of 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.70 million gallons daily. Output was 2.9% higher than the same week last year and 5.8% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 2.1% to 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.34 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks retreated 3.1% to 21.9 million barrels, a 51-week low. Stocks were 1.4% less than the same week last year and 0.2% below the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3), with stocks in the East Coast (PADD 1) falling 7.0% to nearly a 3-year low and the Midwest (PADD 2) down 2.5% to the lowest level since mid-December 2024.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, incrementally declined to a 20-week low of 8.45 million b/d (129.95 bg annualized). Demand was 4.3% less than a year ago and 4.8% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked down 0.4% to 911,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.00 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.4% less than year-ago levels and 0.2% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports bounded 20.4% higher to an estimated 130,000 b/d (5.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Anhydrous Leads Half of Fertilizer Prices Higher

Average retail fertilizer prices were mixed again during the third week of October 2025, with half higher and the other half lower than last month, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Only one fertilizer had a significant price move, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. Anhydrous was 8% higher compared to last month with an average price of $838 per ton. Prices for three other fertilizers were up just slightly from last month. DAP had an average price of $922 per ton, MAP $932/ton and potash $486/ton.

Prices for the remaining four fertilizers were slightly lower than a month ago. Urea had an average price of $595/ton, 10-34-0 $666/ton, UAN28 $414/ton and UAN32 $466/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.51/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

Prices for all eight fertilizers are now higher compared to one year ago. The last holdout, potash, is now 8% higher. Looking back to last year, 10-34-0 is 10% more expensive, MAP is 16% higher, anhydrous and urea are both 20% more expensive, DAP is 25% higher, UAN32 is 29% more expensive and UAN28 is 31% higher.



Register Today for Virtual Stockmanship & Stewardship Event

A virtual version of Stockmanship & Stewardship will be held Nov. 18-19, 2025. Cattle producers can register for this unique educational experience, which will take place 11:00am-2:00pm (Central) each day.

This online version of the popular in-person event provides an opportunity for participants to learn about hot topics such as animal health and succession planning, listen to industry updates, and receive the latest information on cattle handling techniques. The free program brings together cattle producers, stakeholders and key industry members to engage in the discussion of current challenges, consumer-driven trends, and realistic strategies to enhance producers’ commitment to stockmanship and stewardship. The event will also be recorded and available to watch on-demand.

“This free event is open to cattle producers across the country,” said Michaela Clowser, senior director of producer education at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “We want to bring important information and resources to as many people as possible.”

Stockmanship & Stewardship is sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Neogen, and the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program. Stockmanship & Stewardship events give cattle producers access to valuable resources, which aligns with Neogen’s mission to provide innovative solutions to enhance animal care, performance and productivity within the cattle industry.

“To us, it is a relationship that is worth being a part of,” said Dr. Kirk Ramsey, professional services veterinarian with Neogen. “It is an opportunity to promote good cattle handling and be part of making the industry what it needs to be.”

For more information and to register for free, visit www.StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. 



2025 U.S. Crop Quality Report Provides Essential Data for Global Wheat Buyers

Representatives After the collection and analysis of more than 2,250 samples of wheat collected from coast to coast, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) has officially published the 2025 U.S. Crop Quality Report. The report, which is the 46th issued since 1979, provides essential, objective information to help global wheat buyers purchase the wheat they need at the best value possible. 

“We are happy to share the 2025 U.S. Crop Quality Report, a detailed look at the high-quality wheat grown by U.S. wheat farmers and used by millers and bakers around the world,” said USW President and CEO Mike Spier. “This USW report reflects not only the quality of the 2025 crop, but also the hard work and commitment of U.S. wheat farmers. We’re proud to share the results of their efforts with our global partners.” 

The 2025 report is supported by funding from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) export market development programs and USW’s state wheat commission members. The report includes class-specific information, starting with samples collected during harvest. Those samples are then sent to six partner laboratories across the United States, who conduct rigorous testing and analysis. This year’s report includes expanded extensograph testing and additional RVA (Rapid Visco Analyser) flour data for both soft and hard winter wheat. 

The results are then compiled into the Crop Quality Report, which provides grade, non-grade, flour and specific end-product data. For example, this year’s report included additional data on sponge cake performance for soft red winter wheat. Overall, across all classes, global buyers will find U.S. wheat to be a consistent and reliable foundational ingredient for wheat-based food products. 

“The Crop Quality Report provides data to help wheat buyers make informed decisions and to support our millers and bakers in understanding how this year’s crop will perform in their operations,” said Erica Oakley, USW vice president of operations, who oversees the data collection and report production. “A report like this would not be possible without the dedication of American wheat farmers. It would also not be possible without the months-long partnership between USW, state wheat commission members and our partner laboratories. Everyone’s contributions ensure the data we share with customers is accurate, timely and meaningful.” 

The 2025 U.S. Crop Quality Report is now available for download in English on the USW website. Versions in other languages—including Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese—will be available when translations are complete. 

USW also shares more detailed, regional reports for all six U.S. wheat classes and Desert Durum® on its website. There is also a new standalone document on collection and analysis methods. Find all crop quality reports and related information at uswheat.org/cropquality. 

USW staff will now take this data to international customers during the organization’s annual crop quality seminars. This global showcase is expected to include 35 seminars in 30 countries across all regions of the world. 

“This blend of technical, policy and producer perspectives ensures that seminar attendees receive a comprehensive view of the U.S. wheat crop and its quality,” Oakley said. “We look forward to sharing information about this year’s wheat crop and connecting with our partners and customers around the world.”



Global Ethanol Summit Final Day Focuses On Global Trade; Nine Delegations Set To Visit U.S. Ethanol Value Chain

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 (GES), hosted by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) and supported by Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), BASF and USGBC members culminated on Wednesday with a focus on trade and economic growth highlighting the theme “ethanol is affordable.”

“I am excited to see that in the spirit of global collaboration, access to free trade and a commitment to meet environmental targets and improve human health around the world, we have found a common bond that connects each of us – ethanol,” Ryan LeGrand, USGBC president and CEO said.

“The intention of this Global Ethanol Summit was to unite us in the common cause of influencing measurable societal change – to decarbonize transport for multiple sectors, to reduce particulate matter emissions for healthier air and to make positive impacts today that are creating opportunities for future generations.”

Speakers during the last day of the event illustrated numerous reasons why U.S. commodities offer the best advantage to global buyers and how its scalable and transparent export system provides direct access to satisfy grain-in-all-forms needs around the world.

Wednesday’s general sessions, covered by top experts in their fields, included a fireside chat “Ethanol Economics – Affordability and Market Expansion,” with Scott Richman, chief economist at RFA and Kenneth Scott Zuckerberg, director and principal of CHS Market Advisors; and a closing session panel: “Trade, Tariffs and Opportunities for Global Market Access,” featuring Andrea Kent, vice president of government and public affairs at Greenfield Global; David Carpintero, director general at ePURE; Jim Spaeth, managing director and co-founder of Aerovida Biofuels; and Frank Pearl, president of Colombian Association of Petroleum & Gas.

The conference allowed policy makers and buyers of U.S. ethanol and its co-products to network, participate in curated technical discussions and gain a better understanding of the needs of buyers around the world and the caliber of supply the U.S. provides.

As Global Ethanol Summit ends, nine trade teams will continue the momentum and head to corn-growing states to see advanced farming operations, explore ethanol production plants, view terminal and port facilities and more to build their networks with U.S. suppliers, rounding out their time in the United States.

These groups include:
• China delegation: heading to Ohio
• European Union, United Kingdom and Canada delegation: heading to Indiana
• Japan delegation: heading to Illinois
• Malaysia and Indonesia delegation: heading to Missouri
• Mexico delegation: heading to Wisconsin
• Middle East and Africa delegation: heading to Kansas
• Latin America delegation: heading to Michigan
• Latin America delegation: heading to South Dakota
• Taiwan delegation: heading to Minnesota