Tuesday November 11 Ag News - Fischer on Gov't Funding Package - NeFB Analysis: Inputs Squeeze Farmers - CAP Ag Land Mgt Quarterly - Forage Webinar Nov 18th - Milk Prod Report - and more!

Fischer Votes For Funding Package to Reopen Government

Monday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) voted for a funding package that would reopen the federal government and allocate $72 million for community projects she secured for Nebraska. The legislative package – which passed the Senate by a vote of 60-40 – includes the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; and the Legislative Branch and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. It also continues current funding levels for the remaining federal agencies through January 30, 2026.

“After voting 16 times to reopen the federal government, I am encouraged that Senate Democrats have finally come to the table. This package delivers results I secured for Nebraska – including crucial funding that will benefit the Omaha VA and over $54 million for mission critical programs at Offutt Air Force Base. It also directs an additional $16 million for UNL’s ARS center, which follows a total investment of over $56 million I’ve helped secure over the last five fiscal years. While this legislation is an important step forward, we still need the House to take up and pass this package swiftly so we can reopen the government and get back to work for the American people,” Fischer said.

Provisions advanced by Fischer in the MilCon-VA Appropriations Act to support our veterans:
    Secures nearly $1.4 billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s major construction account that will provide future funding for the Omaha VA hospital project;
    Directs the VA to purchase essential medical devices, such as needles, syringes, and blood collection products from U.S. manufacturers or allied trading partners. Also, directs the VA to submit a report on ways to reduce dependency on Chinese medical devices while safeguarding against shortages; and
    Directs the VA to report on the success of the External Provider Scheduling (EPS) program while identifying barriers to increased implementation and creating recommendations on how to increase community provider participation.

Funding advanced by Fischer in the MilCon-VA Appropriations Act to support next generation of ‘doomsday’ planes, critical investments at Offutt Air Force Base:
    $42.3 million to plan and design the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) at Offutt;
    $6 million to plan and design a Consolidated Training Complex/Professional Development Center at Offutt; and
    $6 million to plan and design a new dormitory at Offutt.

Funding advanced by Fischer in the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:
    $16 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Innovation Campus; and
    $1.5 million for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL.

Provisions advanced by Fischer in the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:
    Prioritizing ARS research for the beef industry at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska; and
    Requiring the USDA to streamline contracting and procurement services for livestock research facilities to help USMARC with cost overruns on facility improvements.



Rising Costs Squeeze Nebraska Agriculture: New Report Details Mounting Financial Pressure on Farm and Ranch Families

Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are facing mounting financial pressures as interest rates, land values, input prices, and equipment costs continue to climb, according to a new analysis released by Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). The State of Nebraska’s Farm Expenses, prepared by NEFB Economist and Policy Analyst Abygail Streff, outlines how these escalating costs are straining farm budgets and threatening the economic stability of rural communities across the state.

“Farm and ranch families are being squeezed from every direction,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President. “From higher interest rates to dramatic spikes in input and land costs, these aren’t abstract figures, they represent real pressures on family farm operations. Because agriculture drives Nebraska’s economy, when farm families face tighter margins, it impacts every rural community, business, and local government that depends on a healthy agricultural sector.”

Key Findings from the Report:
    Interest Rates at Decade Highs - Agricultural loan interest rates averaged 7.29% in 2025, dramatically higher than in recent years. In 2025 and 2026 corn’s interest is forecast to cost around $8.47 and $7.44 per acre. Soybean’s interest is forecast to be around $4.57 and $3.99 in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
    Land Values and Rental Rates Surge - Real agricultural land values increased by more than 14% between 2024 and 2025, driving up property taxes, insurance, and cash rents. Cedar County now has the highest irrigated cropland rental rate in the state at $355 per acre, more than double the lowest reported rate.
    Equipment and Machinery Costs Climb Sharply - The cost of farm machinery parts has risen over 69% since 2020, with the price of a part that cost $600 in 1982 now approaching $1,930. These increases place added strain on producers’ ability to maintain and operate essential equipment.
    Fertilizer Prices Continue Upward Trend - Fertilizer costs per acre for corn are forecast at $161.59 in 2025, a 44.8% increase since 2020, while soybean fertilizer costs have climbed over 60% during the same period.
    Tightening Margins - While expenses are rising, commodity prices are projected to remain low in 2025 and 2026, leaving producers unable to cover total costs through market returns. Both corn and soybean production are forecast to face negative margins for a second consecutive year.

“These expense increases are interconnected and compounding,” said Streff. “Higher land values lead to higher taxes and rents, increased interest rates make financing those costs more expensive, and spikes in input prices erode producers’ ability to remain profitable. The financial environment for Nebraska producers is tightening, and strategic policy responses will be crucial in the years ahead.”

Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the state’s GDP. Rising farm expenses have implications well beyond the farm gate, affecting local lenders, equipment suppliers, input dealers, and rural main streets. Loan repayment rates have declined sharply since 2023, while loan demand has remained elevated, signaling increasing financial stress in the countryside.

NEFB continues to push for much needed policy solutions to strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

“We need policies that help grow markets for Nebraska commodities, including expanded trade, year-round E15 availability, and support for livestock expansion. These cost pressures are real and persistent. A strong farm and ranch economy benefits all Nebraskans,” said McHargue.

The full State of Nebraska’s Farm Expenses report is available here https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6807c5b6c98c124d4a8a43fd/690cd1e11ef2593bd7a7ff90_FarmExpensesReport_2025.pdf. 



Ag Land Management Webinar Planned on Cash Rents, Farm Programs, Leasing

The latest trends in 2025 Nebraska county-level cash rental rates, ARC and PLC coverage options and leasing considerations will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, at noon CST on Nov. 17.

Each quarter, the webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season. 

The November webinar will cover recent findings from the 2025 USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service county-level cash rent survey and trends in farm programs influencing operations across the state. The presentation will also include a segment on landlord-tenant communication issues related to closing out 2025 leases and review leasing considerations for 2026. The webinar will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get live answers to their land or leasing questions.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements.

Registration and past recordings are available https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement. 



CUTLER TO DISCUSS U.S.-JAPANESE ECONOMIC TIES ON NOV. 19

Wendy Cutler, senior vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute and former acting deputy U.S. trade representative, will discuss “What’s Next for U.S.-Japan Trade?” from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Nebraska East Union’s Arbor Suite.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. The event will also be livestreamed https://yeutter-institute.unl.edu/.

The Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance and the Asia Society Policy Institute are co-sponsoring the event, with the support of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The U.S.-Japan economic relationship remains a cornerstone of our overall bilateral relationship,” Cutler said. “President Trump’s recent visit to Tokyo reaffirmed this, with both nations advancing cooperation on trade, investment, critical minerals and supply-chain resilience.”

Cutler played a key role in U.S. trade negotiations in Asia, including becoming the assistant U.S. trade representative for Japan, South Korea and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. She also served as the chief U.S. negotiator for the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. At the Asia Society Policy Institute, Cutler leads initiatives on trade policy and economic strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

“It’s especially timely to discuss these issues in Lincoln, where Japanese investment and Nebraska’s agricultural exports highlight how global economic ties drive local growth,” Cutler said.

Gov. Jim Pillen recently concluded a trade mission in Japan during an event organized by the U.S. Embassy in Japan and the U.S. Grains Council, at a time when Japan announced plans to increase ethanol blends by 20% by 2040. There are more than 120 Nebraska companies actively involved in trade with Japan. Nebraska established its first international office in the country, the Nebraska Center Japan, in 2006, which serves as the primary contact point for Japanese companies seeking business opportunities in the state.

In 2024, Nebraska exports to Japan totaled almost $700 million, with the country being Nebraska’s fourth-largest export market, top destination for pork and eggs and second-leading foreign buyer of beef and corn. Japan is also Nebraska’s largest foreign direct investor, investing more than $4.4 billion since 2010.

To register for the Nov. 19 discussion or find more information, click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-next-for-us-japan-trade-tickets-1777730362369 or contact Jill O’Donnell at jodonnell2@unl.edu.



Nebraska Wheat Board Announces November Meeting

The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) will hold its next meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Knight Museum in Alliance, NE. The meeting is set to begin at 8:30 AM MT.

During the meeting, the NWB will receive reports from members on committee activities as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Wheat Growers Association.

The board will receive an update from the National Association of Wheat Growers as well as review potential state statute updates and revisions.

The public is welcome to attend any open portion of the meeting. Interested individuals may contact the NWB office for a copy of the detailed agenda or for more information.

The Nebraska Wheat Board administers the excise tax of 0.5% of net value of wheat marketed in Nebraska at the point of first sale. The board invests the funds in programs of international and domestic market development and improvement, policy development, research, promotion, and education.



Forage Webinar Series Continues November 18

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series continues Tuesday, November 18 from 7 to 8:30 pm CST with a variety of forage topics including an overview of using drones to manage pasture and rangeland, water systems for livestock pastures and a market outlook.

Presenters include:
Kapil Arora, Iowa State University Extension Agricultural Engineer will share insights and current research on using pasture watering systems for livestock. Dr. Kapil Arora’s expertise includes composting, water quality, and environmental regulations. Kapil received his Master’s and his Ph.D. from Iowa State University.

Tracy Shane, Ph.D., serves as University of Nevada, Reno Extension State Livestock Specialist and will present “Drones on the Range: forage crop and pasture data to inform land management decisions”. During this presentation attendees will learn about how drones can be deployed to capture information about grazing lands or forage crops and turn that information into products useful for farmers, ranchers and land managers. Examples such as weed detection, vegetation monitoring, and forage production estimates will be presented. Operational challenges for moving drone research into everyday management will be discussed.  

Dr. Shane has over twenty-five years of combined experience as a rangeland management specialist and university lecturer in animal and rangeland sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Her Ph.D. research involved remote sensing of targeted livestock grazing treatments. She has been an FAA-licensed drone pilot for over five years and has trained three additional drone pilots during this time. She combines her years of experience working across Great Basin rangelands with satellite and drone-based remote sensing applications to provide actionable products for farmers and ranchers. She translates advancements in precision agriculture and animal science research into publications and tools useful to land managers. 

Barb Kinnan-Baier, Executive Director of the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association will share her view of the current alfalfa market and insights for the 2026 markets

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/NOVEMBER2025FORAGEWEBINAR

 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.



July-September Milk Production up 3.8 Percent

Milk production in the United States during the July - September quarter totaled 58.2 billion pounds, up 3.8 percent from the July - September quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.54 million head, 82,000 head more than the April - June quarter, and 199,000 head more than the same period last year.

State production 3Q '25
Nebraska .....:       305.0 million lbs. -   down 1.3% 3Q '24     
Iowa ...........:        1,508.0 mil lbs. - up 1.6% 3Q '24    



Agriculture Groups Urge Caution on Making Changes to USMCA
 
In a letter submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the National Pork Producers Council and more than 125 other agriculture and food organizations extolled the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to U.S. producers and urged USTR to be cautious when considering modifications to the trade deal. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to conduct a review of the trade agreement next July.
 
In separate comments, NPPC echoed the larger group’s strong support for the USMCA, noting it has been “instrumental in ensuring long-term success” as shown by the nearly $2.6 billion of U.S. pork exported to Mexico and almost $853 million to Canada in 2024. That made those countries the No. 1 and No. 4 export markets, respectively, for the U.S. pork industry.

The agriculture and food organizations pointed out that the USMCA’s provisions have facilitated and streamlined the flow of commerce throughout the three countries. The one on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, for example, increased regulatory transparency and ensured science-based treatment of agricultural commodities and products, while the USMCA chapter on dispute settlements has provided a mechanism for resolving barriers that otherwise would disrupt U.S. agriculture’s export market stability and growth. Additionally, many U.S. agricultural commodities benefited from new or expanded market access in Canada and Mexico under the deal, so any changes “should be carefully considered,” the organizations said.

The agreement also has helped integrate food and agriculture supply chains in North America, improving regional food security, particularly in rural areas, and further strengthening global competitiveness for food, energy, and industrial products that utilize agricultural inputs. 

The agriculture and food groups have “benefited tremendously from the seamless North American integration” achieved under the USMCA. Agrifood trade among the three countries tripled in value, rising to $285 billion between 2005 and 2023, they pointed out. The United States is the largest trading partner for Canada and Mexico.
 
Maintaining a rules-based agreement with binding commitments protects the U.S. food and agriculture industry, the organizations said. Without the economic might the trilateral agreement affords, farmer incomes would be affected by additional and burdensome costs related to transportation and compliance measures, and without the certainty guaranteed by USMCA, U.S. agriculture would face unreliable markets and its global competitiveness would be weakened.



USDA to Publish WASDE and Cattle on Feed for November
Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

The U.S. Government has now been shut down for 40 days, making it the longest shutdown event on record. Impacts are far reaching and range from halted disaster aid payments all the way to cancelled USDA reports and data products that are used by countless stakeholders all over the world. USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and Cattle on Feed (COF) reports are two monthly reports that have huge impacts on markets and farmer and rancher decisions throughout the country. USDA did not publish either report in October. With harvest for many crops underway, and farmers making decisions about keeping cattle for breeding or sending them to market, this is a critical time for decision makers on the farm to have access to these reports.

USDA’s WASDE is one of the most influential publications in agriculture. This report provides estimates on global crop production, consumption, and trade that markets rely on for price discovery. Similarly, USDA’s COF report provides estimates for the number of cattle on feed, placed into feedlots, and marketed for beef production. These reports provide a real-time snapshot of the national and global balance sheet for crop and livestock supplies and demand. Without these reports, stakeholders are forced to rely on alternative sources of information, adding to market uncertainty.

Reports, such as WASDE and COF, have been missed or delayed in the past. During the 35-day shutdown that lasted from Dec. 2018 to Jan. 2019, the Jan. 2019 WASDE was missed and ultimately released on Feb. 8, 2019, after the government reopened.

On Friday, October 31, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced that it will release several key agricultural reports in November, including the monthly WASDE, Cattle on Feed, Crop Production, and Milk Production reports. USDA will release crop production and WASDE estimates on Nov. 14, while USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report is scheduled for release on Nov. 21. Regardless of whether these reports are bullish or bearish, they could add considerable volatility to markets upon their release. 



Rexing Elected New NMPF Chairman 

Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as NMPF’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting today. 

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing in his first remarks after being named to the position by NMPF’s Board of Governors.  

“I may be stepping into this role, but it isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about who we represent, and the future we’re building together.” 

Rexing and his wife, Ranell, operate New Generation Dairy, near Owensville, IN milking 1,200 cows and farming 3,500 acres of corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer. Brian and Ranell have four children. He is the Vice President of Evansville Young Dairymen and received the Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year award 2010. In 2021, Brian purchased a meat processing plant with a retail store. Brian is a member of DFA’s Executive Committee. 

Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who has served as NMPF’s chairman for the past 17 years. Mooney, who also serves as chairman for Dairy Farmers of America, will remain on NMPF’s Executive Committee, which also was elected today.  

“It is one of the great honors of my life to work alongside so many dedicated farmer-leaders who care deeply about the future of dairy,” said Mooney. “I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing — a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, and integrity that defines NMPF and our entire industry.” 

NMPF’s Officers and Executive Committee will consist of:  
    Chairman Brian Rexing – Dairy Farmers of America 
    1st Vice Chairman Cricket Jacquier – Agri-Mark  
    2nd Vice Chairman Simon Vander Woude – California Dairies Inc. 
    Secretary Craig Caballero – United Dairymen of Arizona 
    Treasurer Pete Kappelman – Land O’Lakes 
    Sheryl Meshke – AMPI 
    Rob Vandenheuvel – California Dairies Inc. 
    Melvin Medeiros – Dairy Farmers of America 
    Randy Mooney – Dairy Farmers of America 
    Joel Eigenbrood – Foremost Farms 
    Brian Hemann – Lone Star 
    Jon Cowell – Maola Local Dairies 
    Doug Chapin – Michigan Milk Producers Association 
    Frank Doll – Prairie Farms 
    Jacob Larson – Southeast Milk Inc.  

Today concluded the first full day of the Joint Annual Meeting held by NMPF and dairy checkoff organizations the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. The first day is devoted heavily to NMPF governance and director discussions on dairy policy and the future of the industry. 

Also at the meeting, NMPF’s Board of Directors approved the organization’s policy positions and elected new members. New board members approved by NMPF delegates, a broader group than the board, include: 
    Amy Humphreys – Northwest Dairy Association 
    Kurt Williams – Lanco Pennland  
    Stephen Mancebo – Land O’Lakes 
    Brian Hemann – Lone Star Milk Producers  
    Will Dyt – California Dairies Inc. 

The members awarded Honorary Directors for Life recognition to former NMPF Board members Jim Werkhoven of the Northwest Dairy Association and Joey Fernandes of Land O’Lakes. 

The meeting of roughly 750 farmers and industry professionals continues through Wednesday, featuring breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to the dairy labor challenges. 

The annual meeting is also held in conjunction with NMPF’s Young Cooperators Leadership and Development program for younger dairy leaders, as well as NMPF’s annual cheese contest, which will announce winners tomorrow.