Wednesday November 12 Ag News - NE Opinions of Trade - Tips for Winter Grazing - Engler Christmas Catalog - Cook Named ISU President - and more!

Rural Nebraskans & Trade Policy  
NeFB Newsletter

“It’s hard not to hear about trade this year,” observed Jill O’Donell, director of the Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance at the University of Nebraska during a recent webinar on rural Nebraskans perceptions on trade policy. The return of President Trump to the White House and his hyper-focus on trade has amped most Americans’ awareness of the issue including rural Nebraskans. With this increased awareness, the Nebraska Rural Poll conducted annually by Nebraska Extension and Rural Prosperity Nebraska sought to gather rural Nebraskans’ perceptions on trade policy. A recent report details the findings from both this and last year’s surveys.

Overall, rural Nebraskans think protecting American jobs, lowering prices for consumers, and creating new export opportunities for agricultural producers and other businesses are very important considerations in trade policy (Figure 2). Fifty-seven percent think protecting American jobs is very important, slightly less than last year (60%). More respondents this year compared to last year say lowering prices for consumers is very important (56% vs. 51%). Just more than half (54%) say creating new export opportunities for agricultural producers and other businesses is very important. But interestingly, only 28% rate using trade policies to pressure countries that challenge U.S. economic and political priorities as very important.

Perceptions on trade policy differ based on respondent’s age, occupation, and region. Persons with construction or maintenance occupations view protecting jobs as very important (80%), while 42% of persons in management or professional occupations think the same. Younger people (aged 19-to-29) are more likely to think lower prices for consumers are very important (77%) compared to persons 65 and older (49%). Persons in Northeast Nebraska are more likely than those in other regions to say that lower consumer prices are important. Respondents in the Panhandle are more likely to say creating new export opportunities for agricultural producers and business are very important. All respondents who listed agriculture as an occupation say expanding trade is either important or very important. However, those in agriculture are also more likely to support the use of trade to pressure countries that challenge U.S. economic policies.

 Trade policy will continue to be front and center for President Trump. Trade is also an important part of Nebraska’s economy. The findings of Nebraska Rural Poll shed light rural Nebraskans’ views on trade policy and can contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding the issue. The report can be found at: https://ruralpoll.unl.edu/current-reports/. 



WINTER GRAZING 
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist

Grazing stockpiled winter range or pastures has several benefits.  It is much less costly compared to feeding hay.   On native range, there is little risk of damage to the grasses because they are dormant and winter stocking rates can be somewhat higher compared to the summer.  Often times, you will notice that native pastures only grazed during the winter are the most vigorous and productive.

It is important though, that you closely monitor body condition of the cows during the winter grazing period.  Crude protein is generally the most limiting nutrient during winter grazing.  The crude protein content of dormant warm-season grasses will be around 5 to 7% and will slowly decline through the winter months from weathering and as the cattle selectively grazing the higher quality forage in a pasture.

Stockpiled cool-season grass pastures are those that have been only lightly or not grazed during the growing season.  These pastures may have slightly higher crude protein levels, but that quality will also decline as the winter progresses.  Feeding the right amount of protein supplement while winter grazing will allow the cows to effectively utilize that winter forage and maintain the desired body condition. 

A possible grazing management strategy that can be used is to do simple rotational grazing where cattle are periodically moved to a new winter pasture.  This will allow for a more consistent diet quality when winter grazing. 

Whatever your strategy, though, consider carefully what kind of nutrition animals are getting from the pasture so you neither underfeed nor overfeed expensive supplements.  And be sure to provide salt, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A free choice at all times.

Winter grazing is a great opportunity to reduce winter feed costs.  With proper management, it can help you meet many of your feeding goals. 



AgConverge Conference to highlight ag innovation, entrepreneurship

Innovators, entrepreneurs, producers, researchers, corporations and investors will gather in Gothenburg on Nov. 24 for the inaugural AgConverge Conference. The producer-focused event will showcase how agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship intersect to shape the future of food, energy and water. 

Hosted by Spur Ventures in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in partnership with Bayer Crop Science and collaborators across the state, AgConverge will bring together industry leaders, startup founders, faculty and students for a day of conversation, networking and discovery, with the goal of supporting Nebraska producers.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bayer Crop Science Water Utilization Center, 76268 NE-47, Gothenburg. Attendance is free for producers and students, though all attendees are asked to register in advance. Learn more and register here https://www.thespur.org/agconverge.

A highlight of the day will be the formal launch of Spur Ventures, an initiative designed to support entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.

“Spur AgConverge is the right place to introduce Spur Ventures to Nebraska and beyond,” said Ankit Chandra, director and lecturer of entrepreneurship in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering and founder of Spur Ventures. “We’re moving past conversation to implementation, and this event reflects the momentum we’re building.” 

One of the event’s signature features is the Farm Tech Adoption Challenge, a first-of-its-kind, farmer-led competition that flips the traditional startup pitch format. Instead of startups competing for cash prizes, farmers take the lead. Startups present their solutions, and producers evaluate whether those technologies address their real-world challenges, fit their operations and are practical for adoption.

“Spur AgConverge is about building connections,” said Mark Stone, department head of Biological Systems Engineering. “Nebraska is already a global leader in agriculture, but through events like this, we’re building bridges between entrepreneurs, industry, the University of Nebraska and Nebraska producers to grow our state’s largest industry.”

The conference will feature an industry-academia panel discussion and startup and technology showcases highlighting Nebraska’s role as a testbed for agricultural innovation. Entrepreneurs and representatives from startups will have the opportunity to hear directly from producers about how they can better tailor their products or develop new tools suited to the unique needs of Nebraska producers.



ENGLER PROGRAM LAUNCHES 2025 CHRISTMAS CATALOG

Just in time for the holiday season, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program has launched its 2025 Engler Christmas Catalog — a curated shopping guide featuring more than 50 businesses built by Engler students, alumni and founders.

The catalog includes décor; apparel; baked goods; jewelry; candles; skincare products; premium beef and pork; and photography, event and marketing services. The catalog makes it easy to find holiday gift ideas and allows Nebraskans to support Engler entrepreneurs pursuing success.

“Behind every product in this catalog is a dreamer who decided to try,” said Hailey DeMers, chief creative officer of the Engler program. “And when we choose to support those dreamers, we don’t just buy a gift; we become part of the story they’re building.”

The catalog is available as an interactive digital flipbook and will be promoted throughout the holiday season across Engler platforms and partner networks. Here's the link to the digital flipbook... https://englerjourney.com/flipbook/2025-engler-christmas-catalog/.  Print copies are also available upon request by emailing DeMers at hailey.demers@unl.edu.



David Cook named president of Iowa State University

The Iowa Board of Regents Tuesday named David Cook the 17th president of Iowa State University.

Cook, president of North Dakota State University, succeeds Wendy Wintersteen who will retire in her ninth year as Iowa State’s president. Cook, who is an alumnus of Iowa State, will take office on March 1, 2026.

Since 2022, Cook, 55, has led North Dakota State University, a land-grant university with 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and a $971.5 million biennial budget. The institution has five academic colleges, seven agricultural research extension centers and 53 extension offices.

As NDSU’s chief executive officer, Cook has prioritized student success, enriched research and land-grant missions while fostering collaboration to best serve the state of North Dakota. His accomplishments include the launch of a data-driven strategic plan that reversed 10 years of declining enrollment and revenues and invested in student advising and mentoring programs that increased retention of first-year students by 3% and graduation rates by 12%.

During Cook’s time as president, North Dakota State’s research funding and expenditures increased to historic levels. Under his leadership, an NDSU coalition secured a National Science Foundation regional innovation engines grant in agricultural technology, with a potential for $160 million in federal investment. Additionally, Cook helped launch fundraising efforts for initiatives to build leaders in artificial intelligence and drive solutions for modern agriculture. He is a tenured professor in NDSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.

Prior to his time at North Dakota State, Cook served as vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development at the University of Kansas. In this role, he coordinated efforts to align university priorities with federal opportunities, established the first university-wide economic development office and strategic plan and supported the KU Innovation Park. Cook also held several leadership roles at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

As a faculty researcher, Cook was a principal or co-principal investigator on grants totaling nearly $11 million in external funding. He has published nearly 70 articles, book chapters and abstracts.

In his career he has taught more than 25 courses in subjects including: health policy and management; diffusion, adoption and implementation of innovation; business and organizational communication; and strategic marketing.

Cook earned a bachelor's degree in political science and speech communication from Iowa State University. He earned his master’s degree and his Ph.D., both in organizational communication, from the University of Kansas.

Cook’s appointment concludes a four-month national search for Iowa State’s next leader. His annual salary will be $700,000. He also will receive a five-year deferred compensation plan commencing on March 1, 2026 with annual contributions of $100,000. Cook’s contract is for five years.

A 12-member presidential search committee was charged by the Iowa Board of Regents with identifying finalists for the board’s consideration. The committee was co-chaired by Meghan Gillette, ISU Faculty Senate president, and JC Risewick, Board of Regents member. Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search assisted with the selection.



Secretary Naig Congratulates Next President of Iowa State University David Cook
 
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after the Iowa Board of Regents announced it had selected David Cook to serve as the 17th President of Iowa State University. 

“Congratulations to David Cook on being named the next president of Iowa State University. ISU is one of the premier land-grant institutions in the nation, and it’s located in one of the most agriculturally productive places in the world. Strong leadership at Iowa State is critical to the success of our students, farmers and rural communities. I look forward to working with President Cook as he takes on this important role.”



Farm Bureau Applauds Progress to End Shutdown

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the Senate vote to end the government shutdown and urged the House to act quickly.

"Farm Bureau commends the Senate for voting to end the government shutdown, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can continue to rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief to keep their farms running and also ensure Americans maintain access to food assistance programs.

“We also appreciate the Senate’s action to extend the U.S. Grain Standards Act and key farm bill programs, as well as authorizing USDA’s 2026 budget. These actions, along with the improvements to farm programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will provide much-needed certainty for farmers as we work with Congress to pass a modernized five-year farm bill.

“Farm Bureau urges members of the House to act swiftly and pass this legislation so it can reach President Trump’s desk without delay."



ASA and NOPA Urge Action on Biofuel Policies Supporting Farmers

The American Soybean Association and the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) sent a joint letter today to President Donald J. Trump urging swift finalization of key federal biofuel policies needed to strengthen domestic demand for U.S. soy and support farmers facing continued market pressure.

The organizations called for completion of several priority actions, including finalizing EPA’s proposed 2026 to 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, limiting RIN credit generation from foreign feedstocks and imported biofuels, discouraging imports of used cooking oil and beef tallow that displace domestic soybean oil, ensuring full reallocation of waived RVO volumes tied to small refinery exemptions, and issuing timely Treasury guidance for the revised 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to reflect congressional changes that prioritize domestic agricultural feedstocks.

ASA has applauded the Trump Administration for its advocacy to secure American energy dominance and U.S. soybean farmers are eager to support domestically produced biofuels made with U.S. soy. Finalizing the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations and updating 45Z tax guidance to reflect support for domestically-sourced feedstocks is urgently needed to expand domestic market opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

ASA CEO Stephen Censky said the administration’s decisions in the coming weeks will directly influence farmer profitability and future processing investments.

“Farmers need clear and consistent federal policy to expand domestic biofuel production and strengthen the market for American grown soy,” Censky said. “The administration has taken important steps to support U.S. biofuels, and it is essential that these policies are finalized before the end of the year.”

Roughly half of all U.S.-processed soybean oil is used in biomass-based diesel, making biofuels one of the most significant domestic markets for soybeans.



Rollins Touts Trump Administration Milk Action Plan at NMPF Annual Meeting 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins touted the Trump administration’s milk action plan to support American dairy farmers Tuesday at NMPF’s annual meeting.   

“I want to be very clear. We will never stop fighting for those of you in the dairy industry and across rural America we have reached that golden age for our producers,” said Rollins, a Texas native who keynoted the Joint Annual Meeting hosted by NMPF, the United Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. “Dairy farmers have delivered for America for 250 years, and now it’s time for us to deliver for you.” 

Rollins spoke to roughly 750 farmers, cooperative leaders and industry professionals gathered to discuss industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to dairy labor challenges. NMPF, the largest U.S. dairy farmer group, is holding a series of discussions on policy issues throughout the meeting, ranging from the need to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to creating lasting labor solutions for U.S. dairy farmers.  

In her remarks, Rollins outlined USDA’s dairy priorities, outlining the administration’s four-point approach to support the industry, including:  
    Incentivizing dairy consumption through changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, expected in December or early January; 
    Working to drive down input costs; 
    Facilitating investments in American milk processing; and  
    Expanding markets to help milk producers prosper. 

Rollins also noted the importance of farm-labor issues, pledging to seek federal changes to rules and regulations in coordination with the departments of Labor and Homeland Security while noting that broader changes will require congressional action. “We are acutely aware of the unique labor needs of the dairy industry,” she said.

Rollins became the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture earlier this year after serving as the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the America First Policy Institute. During President Trump’s first administration, she was the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House. She also previously served as Director of the Office of American Innovation. In these roles, she developed and managed the domestic policy agenda of the Trump administration.   

Rollins’s remarks kicked off a busy day at the conference, with remarks from immediate past NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, newly elected NMPF Chairman Brian Rexing, and NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud as well as a luncheon featuring awards from the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program and NMPF communications.