Thursday November 20 Ag News - I-29 MooU Forage Webinar - ISU Calving Clinics - Most Fertilizer Prices Rise - Strong Pork and Ethanol Exports - and more!

Clean Fuels Elects Governing Board Members at Annual Fly-In

Members of Clean Fuels Alliance America gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for an annual fly-in and Governing Board election. The meeting connected leaders from across the clean fuels value chain providing a unified platform to advocate for stable markets, expanded production and long-term policy certainty. During the meeting, members elected seven board positions, reinforcing the association’s vision to exceed 6 billion gallons by 2030.

“Our governing board reflects the full strength and diversity of the clean fuels industry, bringing together leaders who understand the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. “With their guidance, Clean Fuels will continue driving stable markets, strong demand and smart policies that secure long-term growth for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.”

Clean Fuels members voted on seven board seats to serve two-year terms adding Michael Devine of the National Oilheat Research Alliance and Jeramie Weller of Minnesota Soybean Processors. The following were reelected:
    Kent Engelbrecht, ADM
    Chris Hill, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
    Ryan Pederson, North Dakota Soybean Council
    Harry Simpson, Crimson Renewable Energy
    Dave Walton, Iowa Soybean Association

Continuing to serve on the board for a second year are:
    Greg Anderson, Nebraska Soybean Board
    Bob Haselwood, Kansas Soybean Commission
    Courtney Lawrenson, Ag Processing
    Peter Ostenfeld-Rosenthal, Seaboard Energy
    Tim Ostrem, United Soybean Board
    Mike Rath, Darling Ingredients
    Rob Shaffer, American Soybean Association
    Paul Teta, Kolmar Americas

The board appointed Kent Engelbrecht to serve as Chair, Ryan Pederson as Vice-Chair, Paul Teta as Second Vice-Chair, Courtney Lawrenson as Treasurer and Dave Walton as Secretary.

“The clean fuels industry is entering a pivotal period of growth,” said Engelbrecht following his reelection. “As federal and state policies evolve and new market opportunities emerge, it’s more important than ever for our industry to have a clear, united voice. I’m honored to help guide this organization and work alongside our members and staff to continue building the momentum needed to expand domestic production, support America’s farmers and ensure clean fuels remain a cornerstone of the nation’s energy strategy.”



Forage Webinar Series Continues December 4

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series continue on Thursday, December 4 from 7 to 8:30 pm CST with a variety of forage topics including an overview methods to determine hay supply needs, the decision process to decide if you should quit making hay and a market outlook.

Presenters in December include:

Denise Schwab has spent the past 42 years working for Iowa State University Extension, most of that as a beef specialist based in eastern Iowa. She earned her Bachelors degree in Animals Science at Iowa State University as well as her Masters. She will discuss calculating your forage needs considering intake factors, species and body weights.

Carson Roberts is an Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist for Forage Agronomy at the University of Missouri. Roberts holds a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science from Mississippi State University. He leads an applied research program on forage-livestock systems to support one of the largest beef herds in the U.S. He has a particular interest in regenerative systems that improve drought resiliency. His presentation will suggest four alternatives that could be more economical than growing hay for your animals.

Josh Bendorf is a Climate Outreach Specialist with the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, based at UW-Madison. He has held this position since March 2025. Prior to his time at the SCO, Josh worked for Pheasants Forever and the USDA Midwest Climate Hub. Josh holds a BS degree from UW-Madison and MS degree from Iowa State University. Josh's interest in weather and climate comes from his upbringing on a small dairy and cash crop farm in southwestern Wisconsin. He will offer his insights on the 2025 growing season with an early look at 2026 weather.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/FORAGEDEC2025

 For more information contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Sara Bauder, 605-995-7378; or in Nebraska Ben Beckman, 402-254-6821.



Advanced Beef Cow Calving Clinics to Prepare Producers for Calving Season

The Iowa Beef Center is offering four Advanced Calving Clinics to help Iowa cattlemen and women prepare for a successful calving season and subsequent breeding period. Clinics will be offered at four locations across Iowa: on Jan. 6 in Fayette and Clinton counties and on Jan. 7 in Greene and Montgomery counties.

Session topics will cover essentials from conception to calving, including strategies for managing dystocia with practice using a life-size calving model, beef cow nutrition basics, neonatal calf health and care and calving distribution management. Attendees of previous Advanced Calving Clinics have reported substantial satisfaction with the program, estimating an average benefit of $1,480 per operation.

“Whether you’ve calved 10 cows or 10,000 cows, there’s always a new tip or technique to learn to help you get one more calf born alive,” said Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “These clinics will feature a variety of hands-on and classroom sessions and opportunities to share questions and experiences.”

Local veterinarians Dr. Cody Sacquitne of South Winn Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Michelle Hohrman of DeWitt Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Amy Klauer and Dr. Charles Martin of Fairview Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Aimee Anderson of Anderson Veterinary Services will be present at their respective locations to provide insights on neonatal calf health and common reproductive challenges in the local area.  

“A popular feature of the calving clinics is the life-size calving model,” said Erika Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Dr. Caitlin Wiley from the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine will help participants with tips and tricks for handling difficult delivery situations.”

Additionally, Randie Culbertson, assistant professor and cow-calf specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will present a session on improving rebreeding success. Schwab and Woolfolk will also lead a presentation on pre- and post-calving nutrition.

Because the sessions are designed for individual hands-on learning, attendance is limited to 50 participants per clinic location, and preregistration is required. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a meal.

Those who want to attend should register at least two days in advance of their desired location date by contacting the respective county extension office:
    Fayette County: Jan. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 504 South Vine Street, West Union. To register, call 515-425-3331.
    Clinton County: Jan. 6, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., 512 10th Street, DeWitt. To register, call 563-659-5125.
    Greene County: Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Clover Hall at the Greene County Fairgrounds,601 E. Lincoln Way, Jefferson. To register, call 515-386-2138.
    Montgomery County: Jan. 7, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., White Fair Building at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1809 N 4th Street, Red Oak. To register, call 712-623-2529.

This statewide program is supported through sponsorship of the calving model from Boehringer Ingelheim. Additionally, local sponsors include the Greene and Clinton County Cattlemen’s Association.

For more information, contact Erika Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu or Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu.



6 of 8 Fertilizers Cost More Than a Month Ago

Average retail fertilizer prices continued to be mostly higher during the second week of November 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Prices for six fertilizers were higher once again, while prices for the other two were slightly lower. No fertilizer had a sizeable price move, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. The six nutrients that were higher in price: DAP, which had an average price of $929/ton; potash $490/ton; urea $597/ton; 10-34-0 $667/ton; anhydrous $857/ton; and UAN28 $416/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. MAP had an average price of $930/ton, and UAN32 was $465/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to a year earlier: 10-34-0 by 10%; potash 11%; MAP 15%; urea 20%; anhydrous 21%; DAP 26%; UAN32 28%; and UAN28 up 29%.



Pork Exports Remain Strong in August; Beef Decline Continues; Lamb Exports Trend Higher

USDA has released August red meat export data, which was delayed due to the lengthy government shutdown. As compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), August data showed a relatively strong performance for U.S. pork exports and an uptick in shipments of U.S. lamb cuts. But beef exports were sharply lower than a year ago, impacted heavily by an impasse with China that has effectively locked U.S. beef out of the world’s largest import market.

August pork exports totaled 236,311 metric tons (mt), down 1% from a year ago, valued at $685.9 million (down 2%). August exports were bolstered by another remarkable performance by leading market Mexico, where shipments climbed 8% from a year ago to 102,790 mt, the fifth largest volume on record. Export value reached $252.3 million, up 9% and the second highest on record, trailing only December 2024.

For January through August, pork exports were 3% below last year’s record pace in both volume (1.93 million mt) and value ($5.48 billion). This gap is mostly attributable to lower exports to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory tariffs. This situation was especially disruptive in the spring months, when tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China temporarily escalated and there was growing uncertainty about the continued eligibility of U.S. plants. While this situation has since stabilized, China’s total tariff on U.S. pork and most pork variety meat had been 57% until Nov. 10, when it was reduced to 47%.

August beef exports totaled 83,388 mt, down 19% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value fell 18% to $695.5 million, the lowest since February 2021. While exports to China plummeted, shipments were fairly steady to leading market South Korea and trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean and Central and South America.

For January through August, beef exports were 9.5% below last year at 775,188 mt, while value declined 9% to $6.37 billion.

Mexico and Central America continue to shine for U.S. pork
Pork exports to Mexico continue to reach new heights in 2025, with January-August shipments climbing 3% above last year’s record pace in volume (781,605 mt) and 6% higher in value ($1.78 billion). The leading destination for U.S. pork is increasingly competitive, with Brazil's pork shipments to Mexico (through October) increasing 64% from a year ago to nearly 64,000 mt. However, Brazil still captured less than 5% market share, while U.S. market share is about 80%.

August pork exports to Central America also trended higher, keeping shipments to the region on a record pace. Through August, pork exports to Central America totaled 118,257 mt, up 22% from last year's record. Value soared 25% to $377.5 million, led by robust growth in Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Pork exports to Colombia took a step back in August, falling 29% from last year's very robust totals in both volume (9,418 mt) and value ($28 million). But January-August shipments to Colombia were still on a record pace, increasing 9% to 85,707 mt, valued at $245.4 million (up 11%).

Among other markets, August pork exports trended higher than a year ago to Korea, the Caribbean, Australia and the Philippines. Shipments were below last year to China, Japan, Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Pork export value equated to $67.74 per head slaughtered in August, up 5% from a year ago, while the January-August average was $65.55 per head, down 1%. Exports accounted for 31% of total August pork production, up two full percentage points from a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the ratio exported was about one percentage point higher at 26.3%. For January through August, exports accounted for just under 30% of total production, down slightly from a year ago. The ratio of muscle cuts exported was steady at 26.1%.

Some bright spots for beef, but impasse with China weighs heavily on exports
With U.S. beef facing a multi-layered lockout in China, export results have worsened throughout 2025 as supplies of eligible product were depleted and more plants were suspended in June and August. Exports sank to just 862 mt in August, down 94% from a year ago. For January through August, exports to China were 52% below last year in volume (56,494 mt) and 53% lower in value ($484.2 million). The accumulated decline in exports for January through October is estimated at $832 million, as September and October exports are also certain to be minimal. As USMEF has previously reported, China has failed to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities. But renewing these registrations is just one of the steps necessary to restore access for U.S. beef in China, where 16 U.S. plants have been suspended since June and 30 facilities have been suspended since 2022. For China to return to its commitments under the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement, it must address all of the barriers obstructing access for U.S. beef.

August beef exports to leading market Korea were slightly below last year in volume, falling 1.5% to 16,823 mt. But export value still increased 3% to $168 million. For January through August, exports to Korea increased 8% from a year ago in volume (162,907 mt) and 9% in value ($1.55 billion).

Beef exports to Central America posted another strong performance in August, climbing 5% from a year ago to 1,512 mt, while value soared 50% to $17 million. Led by robust growth in Guatemala and Costa Rica, January-August beef exports to the region are on a record pace, reaching 14,520 mt, up 6% from a year ago, while value climbed 34% to $134.2 million.

Among other markets, August beef exports trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean region, led by growth in the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica, and to South America, led by growth in Chile (where exports have been above year-ago levels in each of the past six months) and a rebound in Colombia. Exports were also higher to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, Europe and Morocco, but trended lower to Japan, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan and the Middle East.

Beef export value equated to $372.10 per head of fed slaughter in August, down 5% from a year ago. The January-August average was $400.16 per head, down 3.5% from the same period last year. Exports accounted for 12.1% of total August beef production and 9.8% for muscle cuts only – each down about one percentage point from a year ago. The January-August ratios were 13.1% of total production and 11% for muscle cuts, down from 13.9% and 11.6%, respectively, during the same period last year.

Caribbean and Canada drive August lamb exports higher
August exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 220 mt, up 58% from a year ago, while value jumped 59% to $1.26 million. Growth was led by larger shipments to the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada. Although August exports to Mexico were lower, January-August shipments to Mexico were still up 60% in volume (879 mt, the highest since 2014) and 75% in value ($3.14 million). For all markets, January-August exports increased 46% from a year ago to 2,049 mt, while value was up 29% to $10.9 million. 



Record Sales to Key Markets Propel August U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports

U.S. ethanol exports surged to 188.8 million gallons (mg) in August, vaulting 15% above July and running 24% ahead of year-ago levels, with momentum anchored by record-setting shipments to Canada and the European Union, which together absorbed nearly two-thirds of total volumes. Canada climbed 11% to 74.4 mg, remaining the top outlet and capturing 73% of all denatured fuel ethanol sold, while exports to the European Union skyrocketed 65% to 47.6 mg—almost entirely routed through the Netherlands, the principal destination for undenatured fuel ethanol. Beyond these markets, trade flows shifted sharply: Colombia climbed 43% to 14.1 mg to become the second-largest buyer of denatured product; India rebounded from 0.5 mg to 13.6 mg; the United Kingdom slid 50% to 10.6 mg; the Philippines eased 16% to 8.0 mg; Mexico jumped 35% to 6.7 mg; Jamaica leapt ninefold to 4.4 mg; South Korea held nearly steady at 3.8 mg; and Peru tumbled 56% to 3.7 mg. Brazil was notably absent from the market after taking 9.2 mg in July. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports reached 1.42 billion gallons, tracking 16% above the same period in 2024.

The U.S. did not record any imports of foreign ethanol in August. Total imports for the first half of the year stand at 3.5 mg.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, rose 10% to 1.17 million metric tons (mt), marking multi-month highs across major destinations and record shipments to Colombia, Honduras, and New Zealand. Mexico, the largest buyer, strengthened purchases by 13% to 206,787 mt; South Korea softened 8% to 145,014 mt; Vietnam increased 9% to 120,743 mt; and Colombia grew 9% to 101,207 mt, with these four markets together accounting for half of all exports. Other notable markets included Indonesia, up 20% to 70,520 mt; New Zealand, rising from zero to 69,867 mt; and Canada, up 10% to 69,137 mt. Year-to-date DDGS exports totaled 7.64 million mt, trailing last year’s pace by 4%.

The U.S. Census Bureau will continue catching up from the government shutdown with September trade data set for release on December 1, followed by October statistics on December 4, returning the trade series to its normal schedule.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/14/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending November 14, ethanol production climbed 1.5% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.82 million gallons daily. Output was 1.7% lower than the same week last year but 3.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.5% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.83 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks inched up 0.4% to 22.3 million barrels. Still, stocks were 1.1% less than the same week last year and 0.2% below the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slumped 5.5% to a 4-week low of 8.53 million b/d (131.09 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 1.3% more than a year ago and 1.4% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol retreated 0.8% to a 10-week low of 888,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.65 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.4% less than year-ago levels and 0.2% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports eased 7.6% to an estimated 145,000 b/d (6.1 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



NGFA applauds Senate Finance Committee for advancing Dr. Callahan’s nomination, encourages swift confirmation by the full Senate

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) applauds the Senate Finance Committee for voting to advance the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Today’s committee action marks an important milestone in the confirmation process, and NGFA is encouraged by continued progress toward securing strong U.S. leadership in agricultural trade.

“Dr. Callahan is the ideal choice at this critical juncture,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “With global markets evolving rapidly and agricultural trade facing growing challenges, her experience and steady leadership will strengthen America’s position around the globe. She is an excellent choice. We applaud the Senate Finance Committee’s action to advance her nomination and urge the full Senate to confirm her swiftly.”

NGFA emphasized that confirming Dr. Callahan will give U.S. agriculture a seasoned advocate to expand market access, remove trade barriers, and reinforce fair, science-based standards in global markets. Her confirmation would provide essential continuity and leadership for the nation’s grain, feed, and export sectors at a pivotal time for U.S. trade policy.

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



NGFA supports Selig for CFTC, commends committee for advancing nomination

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today expressed its support of Mike Selig to be Chairman and Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and applauded the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for advancing his nomination.

Mr. Selig’s thoughtful responses during the hearing reinforced his strong credentials: as Chief Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Crypto Task Force and Senior Advisor to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, and as a former law-firm partner, he is exceptionally well-positioned to guide the CFTC at this pivotal time. With digital assets and derivatives markets evolving rapidly, his commitment to advancing regulatory clarity, in line with U.S. ambitions to remain the global leader in cryptocurrency innovation, is particularly timely.

“End-users across the grain, feed, processing, and transportation sectors depend on efficient, transparent, and resilient futures markets,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “Mr. Selig’s plans to chair CFTC’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and his background in derivative markets give the U.S. agricultural value chain confidence that the CFTC will continue to safeguard traditional markets while standing up new cryptocurrency regulation. We encourage the Senate to move expeditiously to confirm his nomination so the agency can begin focused leadership under his guidance.”