Friday November 07 Ag News - Tri State Beef Tech Conference - Merck Donates to UNL FIC - CHS Reports Yearly Results - Fertilizers Added to Critical Minerals List - and more!

Nov. 14 Tri-State Beef Technology Series at Ithaca, NE

SDSU Extension, ISU Extension, and Nebraska Extension will host a beef technology series on November 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CST at the Eastern Nebraska Research Extension and Education Center, 1071 Co Rd G, Ithaca, NE 68033.

This event is intended to educate producers about precision livestock technologies in the beef industry.

Tentative Agenda
    9:30 a.m. - Registration
    10:00 a.m. - Virtual fencing and wearable ear tags
    11:00 a.m. - Reading the fine print with Precision Livestock Technologies
    11:30 a.m. - SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Trailer demonstration
    12:00 p.m. - Vendor viewing and discussion (with lunch)
    1:00 p.m. - UNL research update with Precision Livestock Technologies & Tour of ENREEC and Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center

Registration
The cost to attend is $30 and includes a meal. Vendor registration is also available and includes two meals.

Sign up and check out here https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/tri-state-beef-technology-series-ithaca-ne.

This series is supported by funds appropriated to South Dakota State University by the Beef Checkoff through the Iowa Beef Industry Council. 



Merck Animal Health Donates $20,000 to the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center 

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced it has donated $20,000 to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Foundation (UNL) Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center to support a sustainability-focused research initiative to better understand nutrient requirements for feedlot cattle. 

     The funds will support ongoing beef feedlot research initiatives at the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. The donation will offset essential research costs and enhance the Center’s ability to deliver science-driven outcomes that inform a more efficient and sustainable beef industry.

     “UNL’s mission to improve production efficiency, resource stewardship, and overall cattle wellbeing aligns closely with Merck Animal Health’s commitment to advancing animal health and sustainable food systems,” said John Hutcheson, director of beef technical services, Merck Animal Health. “We are proud to partner with the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center on this important work and believe the data generated will help inform practical solutions producers can adopt to conserve essential resources while maintaining cattle health and productivity.”

     “Merck Animal Health’s generous support helps offset essential research costs and accelerates our ability to capture detailed, pen-level nutrient use,” said Jessica Sperber, Ph.D., assistant professor and beef feedlot specialist at UNL. “This partnership demonstrates Merck Animal Health’s leadership in supporting forward-thinking, science-based sustainability efforts in the beef industry. This donation better positions us to develop practical recommendations for producers that promote efficient nutrient use, animal wellbeing, and a resilient food system.”

     The Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center is a $7.2 million facility that facilitates world-class research projects, teaching and extension opportunities in a commercial-scale, state-of-the-art feedlot. The facility serves as a one-of-a-kind testbed where industry partners can see how new and emerging technologies work. 



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes Jamie Bearup as Labor Representative

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) welcomes Jamie Bearup to the board as the labor representative. Bearup is a business representative for the Steamfitters and Plumbers Local Union 464, advocating for skilled labor and supporting projects that strengthen local economies and promote sustainable energy solutions. Bearup was appointed to the NEB in September 2025 by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to serve the remainder of Brad Bird’s term, through August 2026.
 
A long-time Nebraska labor leader, Bearup has been a member of Local Union 464 for more than 25 years. He has held several roles with the union. Bearup began his career as a steamfitter and has long worked with the ethanol industry in the labor and workforce areas.
 
“I’m honored and excited to join the NEB at this pivotal time,” Bearup said. “For years I’ve seen how the board promotes and encourages a robust Nebraska workforce in ethanol and agriculture. I’m glad to join the board to provide my firsthand knowledge of the unions and labor arenas. I look forward to supporting the producers and farmers who make Nebraska a leader in ethanol production.”
 
Originally from a farm in central Illinois, Bearup served in the United States Marine Corps before becoming a steamfitter. He has lived in Nebraska for decades and currently resides in Lincoln.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamie to the board,” said NEB Chairman Jan tenBensel. “His experience and expertise in the labor and workforce industries will be crucial to our mission of promoting and developing ethanol in Nebraska. Jamie is a proven leader with a valuable voice, and we’re excited to have that voice on the NEB.”
 
The NEB is a seven-member board that includes four members actively engaged in farming (general farming, corn, wheat and sorghum), one member representing labor interests, one member representing petroleum marketers, and one member representing business. The Board also has three technical advisors. Members of the NEB are appointed by the governor, and confirmed by the Nebraska Legislature, to serve four-year terms. Bearup is still subject to legislative confirmation next spring, although his appointment by Gov. Pillen grants him immediate full voting privileges on the NEB.
 
“Nebraska’s ethanol industry and the labor unions have a long history of working together,” Bearup said. “Our state’s 24 ethanol facilities collectively employ nearly 2,000 individuals, and the total labor impact including contractors and others is almost 9,000 jobs. I myself helped build and worked on several ethanol plants during my career as a steamfitter. I plan to use all my experience to help guide the NEB’s efforts regarding workforce development and strong labor utilization.”
 
Outgoing NEB Labor representative Brad Bird, who resigned for personal reasons earlier this year, served one full term and most of a second on the board.
 
“We sincerely thank Brad for his service to the NEB and the ethanol industry,” tenBensel said. “His expert perspective on labor issues was critical to the NEB during his seven years on the board, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
 
Bearup joins current board members Jan tenBensel, chairman (Cambridge, Neb.); Scott McPheeters, vice chairman (Gothenburg, Neb.); Randy Gard, secretary (Grand Island, Neb.); Tracy Zink, board member (Indianola, Neb.); Taylor Nelson, board member (Jackson, Neb.); Mike Thede, board member (Palmer, Neb.); University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Dr. Hunter Flodman, technical advisor; ADM Corn Processing Columbus Plant Manager Todd Good, advisor representing producers with an annual cumulative production capacity above 100 million gallons; and Trenton Agri Products Vice President of Operations Joe Shanle, advisor representing producers with an annual cumulative production capacity below 100 million gallons.




Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops to Cover Leasing, Financial Strategies and Farm Transition

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a series of landlord/tenant cash rent workshops for landowners and operators at locations across the state beginning in December.

The meeting, titled “Financial Strategies for Effective Agricultural Land Leasing and Management” will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include financial considerations for farm succession and transition and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.

Nebraska Extension agricultural economists with the Center for Agricultural Profitability will lead the meetings, which are free to attend. Registration is requested by calling the host Extension office prior to the meeting.

Schedule and Registration Information:
    Dec. 4, 2025, in Seward, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Seward County, 322 S. 14th St. Lunch included, sponsored by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 3 by calling Nebraska Extension in Seward County at 402-643-2981.
     
    Dec. 9, 2025, in Auburn, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Nemaha County, 1824 N St., Suite 105. Refreshments included, sponsored by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 8 by calling Nebraska Extension in Nemaha County at 402-274-4755.
     
    Dec. 11, 2025, in Scottsbluff, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center, 4502 Ave. I. Dinner included, sponsored by Platte Valley Companies. Register by Dec. 9 by calling the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center at 308-632-1230.
     
    Dec. 12, 2025, in Bridgeport, 9 a.m.-noon at the Prairie Winds Commnunity Center, 428 N. Main St. Refreshments included, sponsored by Platte Valley Companies. Register by Dec. 10 by calling Nebraska Extension in Morrill County at 308-262-1022.
     
    Dec. 16, 2025, in Mead, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, 1071 County Road G. Lunch included, sponsored by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 15 by calling Nebraska Extension in Saunders County at 402-624-8030.
     
    Dec. 18, 2025, in Ord, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Valley County, 801 S St. Lunch included, sponsored by Farmers National Company. Register by Dec. 17 by calling Nebraska Extension in Valley County at 308-728-5071.

Additional meetings will be added here as they are scheduled.

This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award no. 2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.



NCBA Supports Legislation to Expand Local Beef Sales

Thursday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced continued support for the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act. This legislation introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) would increase marketing opportunities for smaller meat processors and give consumers more options to buy local beef. 
 
“The cattle business benefits greatly from expanding marketing opportunities, and the DIRECT Act opens the door to the growing number of cattle producers who seek to grow their market across state lines,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “The increased market exposure for those cattlemen and women who are selling beef direct to consumers adds value and provides tremendous benefit for our farmers and ranchers.”
 
The DIRECT Act would allow state-inspected meat processors to sell beef across state lines, in limited quantities and through e-commerce, direct to consumers. The bill also protects food safety by ensuring a paper trail exists for tracing and containing potential food safety issues. Many of these direct-to-consumer marketing methods have rapidly increased in popularity during the last several years and consumers have recognized the convenience of buying local beef online. 



Registration Open For Next USGBC Trade Policy Academy

The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s (USGBC’s) is working in partnership with National Corn Growers Association, Kansas Corn, Nebraska Corn and Missouri Corn to host a Trade Policy Academy in Mound City, MO. This is free to attend for anyone interested in learning more about trade policy and how it impacts operations. Registration will close on Dec. 5.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at R/Farms Distillery with lunch and an evening reception provided.

Discussion topics will include global agricultural and trade policy updates from experts including USGBC Trade Policy Director Andrew Brandt; USGBC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch; USGBC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman; National Corn Growers Association Director of Trade, Transportation and Animal Agriculture Michael Granché; and leaders from state checkoff organizations.

The full agenda is available to view here and any additional questions can be directed to Zimmerman at ezimmerman@grains.org.



CHS reports fiscal year 2025 net income of $597.9 million

CHS Inc., a global agribusiness and the nation's leading cooperative, today reported net income of $597.9 million for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2025, compared to $1.1 billion for fiscal year 2024.

Key highlights for fiscal year 2025 financial results include:
    Consolidated revenues of $35.5 billion for fiscal year 2025 compared to $39.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 with the decrease due largely to lower commodity prices.
    Despite strong volumes, Energy segment performance declined from the prior year due to reduced crude oil discounts, tighter refining margins and planned maintenance at our petroleum refinery in McPherson, Kan.
    The Ag segment performed well overall with strong volumes in crop protection and crop nutrients, but a decline from prior year is due to less favorable oilseed crush margins and global factors affecting U.S. grain export volumes and competitiveness.
    Equity method investments reported strong results, including strong performance from our investments in CF Nitrogen and Ventura Foods.

“In a year shaped by unfavorable market conditions, including international trade and tariffs, CHS delivered strong volumes across our businesses demonstrating the resilience of our operations and the cooperative system. We had a solid year and it allows us to return $120 million in cash patronage and equity redemptions to our farmer-owners and member cooperatives in fiscal year 2026, reflecting our dedication to sharing profits and empowering agriculture,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO.

"CHS has a strategic path forward and is committed to advocating on behalf of U.S. agriculture while building even stronger supply chains in grain, agronomy and energy to serve our owners," said Debertin. “In a challenging market environment, we're focused on delivering value through operational excellence and cost management to support our growth initiatives on behalf of our owners."

Fiscal Year 2025 Business Segment Results

Energy
Pretax loss of $7.0 million in fiscal year 2025 represents a $436.1 million decrease versus the prior year and reflects:
    Significantly lower discounts on heavy Canadian crude oil due to additional export opportunities for this crude, as well as decreased refining margins due to high U.S. supply and global production of refined fuels
    Planned major maintenance at the CHS refinery in McPherson, Kan., which temporarily reduced the volume of higher-margin refined fuels products produced by CHS

Ag
Pretax earnings of $245.7 million represent a $97.0 million decrease versus the prior year and reflect:
    Decreased margins for both grain and oilseed products due to unfavorable global market dynamics
    Higher global supply of soybean and canola meal and oil, resulting in lower crush margins
    Increased volumes of crop protection and crop nutrients products as a result of favorable growing conditions
    Strong performance in our ag retail business due to strategic investments and solid operational execution

Nitrogen Production
Pretax earnings of $159.5 million represent an $8.3 million increase versus the prior year due to another strong performance by CF Nitrogen, our joint venture with CF Industries, as a result of favorable market conditions for urea.

Corporate and Other
Pretax earnings of $216.6 million represent a $41.8 million increase versus the prior year, which includes strong financial performance by our Ventura Foods joint venture.

CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) creates connections to empower agriculture. As a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, CHS serves customers in 65 countries and employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide. We provide critical crop inputs, market access and risk management services that help farmers feed the world. Our diversified agronomy, grains, foods and energy businesses recorded revenues of approximately $35 billion in fiscal year 2025. CHS is committed to reducing our impact on the planet, finding and developing new solutions in agriculture and energy, and investing in ways to build a better future for our owners, customers, employees and communities.



ASA Applauds Addition of Fertilizer Minerals to U.S. Critical Minerals List

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced its 2025 List of Critical Minerals, adding 10 new minerals, including phosphate and potash - two essential fertilizer components.

“The American Soybean Association thanks the Trump Administration for taking an important step to address rising farm production costs. As we look toward the next planting season, soybean farmers are concerned about the increasing cost of farming inputs, including fertilizer,” said ASA President and Kentucky farmer Caleb Ragland. “By recognizing phosphate and potash as critical minerals, the U.S. Geological Survey has underscored the importance of a reliable domestic fertilizer supply. While more work remains to strengthen supply chains and reduce costs for farmers, today’s announcement is a meaningful step toward greater stability and security for U.S. agriculture.”



NAWG Applauds Decision to Add Potash and Phosphate to the Critical Mineral List

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) commends the U.S. Department of the Interior for its decision to include potash and phosphate on the nation’s updated list of critical minerals. These minerals are vital components of fertilizer and play a central role in ensuring productive, sustainable wheat production across the United States.

“NAWG applauds the decision to recognize potash and phosphate as critical minerals,” said Sam Kieffer, NAWG CEO. “These inputs are essential for maintaining stable, profitable U.S. wheat production. This is a big win for America’s wheat growers. Ensuring access to domestic supply of fertilizer feedstocks is important not only for farmers, but for the resilience and security of our entire food system. This designation represents an important step toward strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign sources, and supporting the long-term sustainability of U.S. agriculture.”



Edge launches farmer-led, whole-farm approach to lowering GHG emissions on dairy farms

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Farmers for Sustainable Food announced today the launch of EmPower+, a program that connects farmer-led innovation directly to environmental goals of the dairy value chain.

EmPower+ offers data support services and a portfolio of production efficiency solutions designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The program pairs on-farm innovation with a robust accounting methodology to measure, report and verify emission reductions at the farm level.

This farmer-led, data-driven initiative creates a practical, transparent path for verified emission reductions to be embedded directly into milk procurement, creating new opportunities to recognize and reward measurable environmental performance across the dairy value chain.

A person in a suit and tie AI-generated content may be incorrect.“Dairy farmers have a long history of innovation and environmental stewardship and are ready to lead the next generation of solutions,” said Tim Trotter, CEO of Edge and its affiliate Farmers for Sustainable Food, which will administer the program.

“Through EmPower+ we are building a collaborative, industry-aligned effort to promote and support farmer-led solutions to meet today’s environmental challenges,” Trotter said. “For too long, sustainability programs have taken a one-size-fits-all approach. But dairy farms are complex ecosystems — lasting progress requires looking at the whole picture, from cow care and nutrition to crop production and manure management. Our goal is to give farmers the tools and metrics they need to deliver verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for the industry.”

The development of this transparent, whole-farm, outcomes-based model positions dairy farmers as leaders in sustainable agriculture by aligning the interests of farmers, processors and food companies. Built on credible data, third-party verification and full-farm GHG performance metrics, in alignment with the global GHG Protocol, the program establishes a foundation for shared value and accountability across the entire value chain.

EmPower+ is a multi-stage program grounded in trusted data collection. Farms participating with their processors are supported in creating a comprehensive data stream with protected information to both the farmer and the processor. Farms can choose to participate independently. In both cases farmers and processors can use the program to meet their business goals:
-    Farmers are empowered to understand how their management practices impact their footprint to make informed decisions that improve efficiency and reduce emissions across the entire farm.
-    Processors use the data to meet value chain reporting requirements and demonstrate measurable Scope 3 GHG reductions. 

“Edge’s vision is to provide the programs farmers need to be the most successful and engaged in the market,” Trotter said. “The EmPower+ program is one more way we are stepping up to bring our members, and all dairy farmers, the tools they need to compete in an ever-changing marketplace.”

To learn more about EmPower+, visit www.edgedairy.com/empower.