Friday December 05 Ag News - Feeding the Cow Series for Jan - Rural Poll: Biosecurity and the Bioeconomy - T&L Irrigation Introduce Span Disconnects - 2026 ISU Crop Advantage Meetings - and more!

 Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series returns in January

Nebraska Extension will again offer its popular Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series this January, providing cattle producers with practical tools to understand and meet the nutrient requirements of their herds.

The four-session program will run Jan. 19, 22, 26 and 29 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT. Registration is $65 per participant and includes a notebook of Extension resources. Attendance is limited to 24 participants, and registration is due by Jan. 5 to ensure timely delivery of materials. Registration is available at https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow.

“This series gives cattle producers straightforward, real-world strategies for feeding management throughout the year,” said Erin Laborie, Nebraska Extension educator.

“Participants value the flexibility of a Zoom-based course and the opportunity to apply what they learn directly to their own operations.”

More than 165 producers have previously completed the course, consistently rating it among the best educational opportunities available. One participant noted, “I really liked that it is Zoom based. It’s hard to get away to attend conferences. I appreciated the ‘real life’ examples discussed. It made the material easier to apply to our own scenarios.”

Sessions will cover:
    How nutrient requirements shift throughout the cow’s production cycle.
    Reading and interpreting feed test analyses and feed tags.
    Comparing feed options and determining the best buy.
    Developing cost-effective, year-round feeding plans.

For more information, contact Laborie at 308-268-3105 or erin.laborie@unl.edu.



RURAL NEBRASKANS CONCERNED ABOUT BIOSECURITY, HOPEFUL FOR BIOECONOMY, POLL SHOWS

Rural Nebraskans are familiar with the need to protect the health of their land, food and communities. According to the 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll, most are familiar with the idea of biosecurity, and many are concerned about threats from contaminated water and invasive species, cyberattacks and natural disasters. The new report highlights Nebraskans’ opinions on these risks, whom they trust for information and how they see the state’s bioeconomy shaping the future.

Biosecurity
Biosecurity refers to actions taken to protect animal health, farm productivity, export markets and rural livelihoods. Forty-nine percent of rural Nebraskans surveyed say they are somewhat familiar with the topic of biosecurity and 10% are very familiar. Twenty-one percent say they are not at all familiar with the topic.

When asked about specific biosecurity threats, most respondents are concerned or very concerned with the following:
> Contamination of food or water supplies (67%)
> Cybersecurity attacks by foreign entities (65%)
> Natural disasters, including severe droughts and fires (63%)
> Intentional release of biological agents or materials (59%)
> Cybersecurity attacks by U.S. entities (56%)
> Introduction of invasive species (53%)

Less than half of respondents are concerned or very concerned about the spread of infectious human and animal diseases or plant insects and pathogens.

“It’s no surprise that biosecurity concerns are highest around issues people see and experience firsthand, such as drought, wildfires and the safety of their food and water,” said Becky Vogt, Rural Poll survey manager. “These perceptions reflect how closely biosecurity is tied to everyday rural life — from the stability of local agriculture to the health of our communities.”

Though rural Nebraskans are concerned about the possibility of biosecurity threats, only 15% of respondents have heard of incidents or concerns in their community. Seventy-six percent have not heard of any incidents or concerns, and 9% are unsure.

In a similar vein, many respondents are not sure if threats are getting worse:
> 37% are unsure if threats are increasing or decreasing
> 32% say threats are staying the same
> 27% say threats are increasing

Many rural Nebraskans surveyed are confident in the ability of local and regional authorities to respond to biosecurity threats, but slightly fewer have confidence in national authorities. Forty-one percent of respondents are somewhat or extremely confident in local and regional authorities, and 35% are confident in national authorities.

In addition, most respondents agree that both individuals and government regulations are needed to contribute to biosecurity. Most agree or strongly agree that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to biosecurity (71%) and that government regulations are necessary to ensure biosecurity (67%).

However, opinions are mixed on whether information about biosecurity is readily available to the public. Twenty-three percent agree that such information is available, while 31% disagree. About 45% are uncertain.

When looking specifically at the biosecurity information sources they use, most rural Nebraskans trust health care professionals, scientists, university Extension, state and local news media, and government agencies for biosecurity information.

More than half of rural Nebraskans surveyed trust the following some or a lot:
> University Extension (86%)
> Health care professionals (80%)
> Scientists (79%)
> State government agencies (69%)
> Local government agencies (67%)
> State news media (54%)
> Local news media (53%)
> Federal government agencies (51%)

“Even though most rural Nebraskans haven’t seen biosecurity incidents in their own communities, they still recognize the importance of being prepared,” said Heather Akin, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. “But what stands out is how much people trust their local sources — extension educators, health care professionals and local agencies. That trust is a real strength for rural communities and can make all the difference when it comes to sharing clear information and keeping people and resources safe.”

Bioeconomy
The Rural Poll also asked about the bioeconomy — using renewable biological resources to sustainably produce food, energy and bio-based materials. Most respondents think it would be good for Nebraska to develop its bioeconomy. Seventy-six percent believe it would be somewhat or definitely good to develop the state’s bioeconomy, while only 5 percent think it would be bad.

When thinking about the specific impacts of growing the bioeconomy, at least half of rural Nebraskans surveyed believe there would be a positive impact from growing the bioeconomy on the following:
> Jobs and the economy (72%)
> The environment (64%)
> Technology and innovation (61%)
> Local communities (61%)
> Global competitiveness (50%)

“Rural Nebraskans see the bioeconomy as a chance to build on the strengths that already exist in their communities,” said Brad Lubben, associate professor of agricultural economics. “They recognize that using renewable resources to produce food, energy and materials can create local jobs, support family businesses and keep Nebraska competitive while still protecting our environment.”

The “Biosecurity and Bioeconomy” report and its implications for rural Nebraska will be highlighted during a Rural Poll webinar at noon Dec. 11. Vogt will lead the discussion with special guest Meghan Jackson, director for food, agriculture and environment security at the National Strategic Research Institute. The webinar will include a Q&A session with the audience. Register here.

The 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll marks the 30th year of tracking rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life, making it the largest and longest-running poll of its kind. This summer, questionnaires were mailed to more than 6,700 Nebraska households, with 943 households from 86 of the state’s 93 counties responding. The poll carries a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3%. Conducted by Rural Prosperity Nebraska with funding from Nebraska Extension, the Rural Poll provides three decades of data on the voices of rural Nebraskans. Current and past reports are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu. 



Span Disconnect Redesign Results in Lower Cost, Easier Operation

T-L Irrigation is introducing a new version of its Span Disconnect for linear systems and center pivots that is lower in cost and easier to operate than the current version.

The redesigned Span Disconnect utilizes two on-board hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the span off the ball connect and to draw it in and out. Instead of a permanent structure in the field to park the stationary spans, this new design includes a leg set that is attached to the first span being disconnected.

“The newly resigned Span Disconnect is another example of our ongoing commitment to develop innovations that provide our customers more convenience, cost-effectiveness and superior performance,” said John Thom, T-L Irrigation vice president. “Our T-L engineers saw a need and have created a redesign that directly benefits farmers today, from the standpoint of lower costs and ease of operation.”

T-L linear systems and center pivot irrigation are recognized for simplicity, safety and reliability. Featuring the latest technology for convenience and superior performance, the irrigation systems are designed to provide farmers with results and value that last, season after season.

The redesigned Span Disconnect is available for retrofitting on existing T-L irrigation systems and pivots and on new units. 



2026 Crop Advantage Series Meetings to Be Held at 12 Locations in January

The 2026 Crop Advantage Series will take place at 12 locations across the state Jan. 6–29. Each meeting will feature tailored topics selected based on local growing conditions and challenges, presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists.

The meetings are designed to provide farmers and crop production professionals across the state with the latest research-based information to help them make informed decisions for the upcoming growing season. Topics on this year’s agendas include crop market and climate outlooks for 2026, nitrates and drinking water, profitable nutrient management, southern rust, transition planning, robots and drones and more.

Dates and locations for the 2026 Crop Advantage Series include:
    Jan. 22 – Atlantic - Cass County Community Building - 8:30am - 5:00pm      
    Jan. 28 – Le Mars - LeMars Convention Center - 9:30am - 4:30pm    
    Jan. 29 – Carroll - Swan Lake Educational Center - 7:30am - 5:00pm 

“Our goal is always to prepare producers to manage potential issues when they arise, or even before they arise, by sharing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge from Iowa State University researchers,” said Josh Michel, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Each location’s program is unique as content is driven by local needs and production issues.”

Early-bird registration pricing is $75 until the week before each meeting. Late or on-site registration is $100. Registration includes refreshments and lunch, certified crop advisor credits and access to resources. Private pesticide applicator recertification will also be available at each location for a separate fee of $30, which will be collected on-site.

Registration and additional information is available on the Crop Advantage Series registration site https://go.iastate.edu/cropadvantage.



Commercial Manure Applicator Training Scheduled for Jan. 8

Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator Certification training from 9 a.m. to noon at 72 locations across Iowa.

There is no fee for the workshop; however, pre-registration is required and walk-ins are not allowed. Applicators must register by Dec. 30, 2025, with the ISU Extension and Outreach County office where they plan to attend. A complete list of workshop locations can be found online. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.

Live workshop trainings
Eight locations will host live workshops for Commercial Manure Applicator Certification as part of the Confinement Site Manure Applicator Training. Those seeking the Confinement Site certification will be excused after the two-hour session. To obtain the Commercial certification, participants must remain for the additional hour to fulfill the three-hour training requirement.

The dates, counties, workshop locations and phone numbers for the locations hosting a Livemanure application Commercial Manure Applicator Workshop are provided below:
    Jan. 15, Johnson County, 9:30 a.m. Johnson County Extension Office, Iowa City; 319-337-2145.
    Jan. 20, Osceola County, 1:30 p.m., Willow Creek County Recreation, 5945 Hwy 9, Ocheyedan; 712-754-3648.
    Jan. 26, Davis County, 1:30 p.m., Davis County Extension office, Bloomfield; 641-664-2730.
    Jan. 28, Wayne County, 1:30 p.m., Wayne County Extension Office, Corydon; 641-872-1755.
    Feb. 11, Kossuth County, 1:30 p.m., Kossuth County Extension Office, Algona; 515-295-2469.
    Feb. 12, Ida County, 1:30 p.m., Holstein Community Center, Holstein; 712-364-3003.
    Feb. 17, Story County, 1:30 p.m., Story County Extension Office, Ames; 525-337-1601.
    Feb. 23, Clay County, 1:30 p.m., Clay County Extension Office, Spencer; 712-262-2264.

Three live workshop locations are available for Commercial Manure Applicator Certification only:
    Jan. 6, Washington County, 1 p.m., Washington County Extension Office, Washington; 319-653-4811.
    Jan. 8, Sioux County, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.,  Sioux County Extension Office, Orange City; 712-737-4230.
    Feb. 17, Carroll County, 1 p.m., Carroll County Extension Office, Carroll; 712-792-2364

Commercial manure applicators who need to recertify and those seeking certification for the first time should attend the statewide showing or one of the live workshops in their area. All certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2026. To avoid paying late fees, individuals wishing to renew must complete the required training and submit the necessary forms and fees to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources by March 1. The law requires all commercial manure applicators to attend three hours of training annually to meet certification requirements.

Businesses that primarily truck or haul manure of any type or from any source are also required to meet certification requirements.

Those unable to attend the program on Jan. 8 or one of the eight live workshop locations above need to schedule time with their ISU Extension and Outreach county office to watch the training videos. Due to scheduling conflicts, extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these videos, but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

If applicators cannot attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at their county extension office, they will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at their convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the three-hour video is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam. In addition to scheduling an appointment to take the exam, applicators must bring a pencil and a photo ID and should plan to bring a calculator.

Another option for commercial manure applicators is to take their training online at the Iowa DNR MAC Workday site (see “Manure Applicators Certification” > “Certification” > “Online”). Applicators will need to sign in and register for a Workday account.

In addition to the Commercial Manure Applicator training offered on Jan. 8, ISU Extension and Outreach will also offer five dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2026. Information regarding these workshops and locations is available on the online brochure. Program requirements are the same as the regular commercial training program, but this training program is geared toward dry/solid manure issues. 



Strasser Joins Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors

Eastern Iowa farmer Brian Strasser will serve as district 6 director for the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). His appointment was made by the ISA Board of Directors during a November meeting.

Strasser’s appointment to the board follows a seat vacancy in district 6, which includes Benton, Cedar, Clinton, Iowa, Linn, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Muscatine and Scott counties. He will complete the remainder of a two-year term and is eligible to serve three consecutive three-year terms following.

“We are pleased to welcome Brian to our board,” says ISA President Tom Adam of Harper. “He’s committed to our mission of serving Iowa soybean farmers and working for the long-term success of the soybean industry.”

Brian and his wife Vicki are the fifth generation to live and farm the family farm. They grow soybean and corn in a no-till system and own a custom hog finishing facility.

Strasser has been a strong advocate for the soybean checkoff and long-time participant in ISA programming, including ISA’s Soy Leaders Network, Grassroots Fellowship and Experience Class. He is vice president of the Iowa County Farm Bureau and has been involved in his local church. Strasser earned a degree in computer science from Indian Hills Community College and works for Advanced Agrilytics.

“It’s an honor to represent Iowa’s soybean farmers in this role,” says Strasser. “In the next decade, soybean farmers need the strongest leadership we can provide. My basis in agronomy promotes the future of combining conservation agronomy, carbon programs, emerging markets and the fundamentals of farming for a profit.”

ISA is governed by a board of 22 volunteer farmer-directors who meet throughout the year to develop the association’s policies and programs. Directors are elected by Iowa soybean farmers in July and take office in September. Members vote for two farmers from their crop reporting district and vote for four at-large directors.



2025 U.S. Corn Crop Largest On Record With Lowest BCFM In At Least 15 Years

According to the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council’s (USGBC’s) 2025/2026 Corn Harvest Quality Report, the 15th such annual survey published globally this week, the 2025 U.S. corn crop is projected to be the largest on record, coming in a 425.53 million metric tons (16,752 bushels). The crop is also highlighted by the lowest rate of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) in the report’s history, a remarkable accomplishment for the entire U.S. corn value chain.

Generally favorable growing season conditions contributed to the highest projected average yield on record, 11.67 metric tons per hectare (186 bushels per acre), and promoted good grain quality.

The 2025 growing season was marked by warm, dry conditions after planting, wetter conditions during pollination and progressively cooler and drier weather during early grain-fill.

This year’s crop, on average, is entering the market channel with characteristics that met or exceeded each grade factor’s numerical requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade corn. The report showed 87.1 percent of the samples met all grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade, and 97.8 percent met the grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade corn.

“The Council’s annual quality reports are held in high esteem in the international agricultural sector, and it’s used by purchasers and end-users around the world to identify the best options for their operations,” said Mark Wilson, USGBC chairman.

“U.S. farmers will account for an estimated 38.4 percent of global corn exports this marketing year, showing the outstanding production practices of U.S. growers and the strong reputation U.S. corn has with global customer bases.”

The report is based on 621 yellow corn samples taken from defined areas within 12 of the top corn-producing and exporting states. Inbound samples were collected from local grain elevators to measure and analyze quality at the point of origin and provide representative information about the variability of the quality characteristics across the diverse geographic regions.

Average U.S. aggregate BCFM in 2025 (0.3%) was half the level of 2024 and the lowest in the 15-year history of the quality report This year’s corn protein concentration registered at 8.4 percent.

The chemical composition of the crop remained in a healthy range, as 100 percent of the samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for both aflatoxins.

The Council will present its findings to buyers around the world in a series of roll-out events throughout the first quarter of 2026 in China, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Taiwan, offering participants clear expectations regarding the quality of corn for this marketing year. During these initiatives, crop quality information is accompanied by updates on U.S. corn grading and handling, that provides importers and end-users with a better understanding of how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.

A second Council-produced study, the 2025/2026 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, will measure corn quality at export terminals at the point of loading and will be available in early 2026.



Liquid Fuels Groups Announce Progress on E15, Small Refinery Exemption Reform

Growth Energy Thursday joined organizations representing ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel marketers, travel plazas, truck stops and convenience store retailers to express the need for long-term policy certainty across the transportation fuel sector. In a letter to President Donald Trump, the organizations urged policymakers to advance legislation in support of a stable, efficient fuels marketplace.

"Legislation allowing the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 would improve fungibility and substantially reduce many of the complexities that arise for our industries as we operate in a national marketplace," the organizations wrote. 

The letter urges the White House to support legislative action providing lasting certainty to this issue and reforming the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) program.

"The current SRE structure has encouraged a system of winners and losers that distorts the marketplace, creates instability, and ultimately, hurts consumers," the organizations wrote. "A more consistent and narrowly applied SRE structure would create a far more predictable regulatory environment."

Other signatories on the letter included the American Petroleum Institute, National Association of Convenience Stores, NATSO, Representing America's Travel Centers and Truck Stops, Renewable Fuels Association, and SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers.



Multi-Sector Coalition Addresses New World Screwworm Threat Through One Health Approach

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) will host a webinar, "New World Screwworm: A One-Health Perspective," on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST, addressing a parasite outbreak that has spread from Panama through Central America and reached Mexico—now 370 miles from the U.S. border.

The webinar is a collaborative effort with the Animal Health Institute (AHI), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), and the National Pork Board.

The New World Screwworm breakthrough represents the first major threat to U.S. livestock since the USDA eradicated the parasite in 1966. A 1976 outbreak in Texas caused $732 million in losses to livestock producers and $1.8 billion to the state's economy (in 2024 dollars). APHIS estimates its barrier programs have saved the U.S. cattle industry $2.3 billion annually. The parasite infests wounds in warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans. Left untreated, affected animals may die within 1-2 weeks.

After maintaining Panama's Darien Gap barrier for decades, screwworm breached containment in 2021. Cases in Panama surged from around 25 in 2023 to more than 6,500, spreading north through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and El Salvador. In July 2025, Mexico confirmed a case in Veracruz, 370 miles south of the U.S. border. USDA allocated $165 million in emergency funding in December 2024 and is dispersing 100 million sterile insects per week in Mexico.

A One Health Perspective
The webinar demonstrates the One Health approach in action, featuring experts from animal health, public health, and agricultural sectors. Participants will learn how farmers, ranchers, pet owners, veterinarians, and regulators must work together to protect animals and the industry.

Featured Speakers:
    Phil Kaufman, Ph.D. – Texas A&M University (Introduction)
    Julia Herman – National Cattlemen's Beef Association (Moderator)
    Megin Nichols – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Lynne Acebey, D.V.M. – American Veterinary Medical Association
    Michael Schmoyer – USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The program will cover:
    Current medication approaches, including medicines with larvicidal activity, systemic anti-parasite drugs, and antibacterial/anti-inflammatory drugs
    Integrated prevention strategies: wound care, surveillance, insect/pesticide control, and sterile insect technologies
    Regulatory tools for rapid emergency response: Conditional Approval, Emergency Use Authorization, and Emergency Exemptions
    Protocols for importation of cattle, bison, and horses into the United States from countries where screwworm is present
    Species-specific systemic medication with larvicidal activity for pets
    Quarantine and treatment requirements for infested animals

Who Should Attend:
This webinar is essential for livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health professionals, pet owners in affected regions, regulatory officials, and anyone involved in animal agriculture or animal health policy.

Registration: https://streamyard.com/watch/kr9TJwpmwepn. 



FDA Approves of Topical Treatment to Combat New World Screwworm and Cattle Fever Tick

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Thursday praised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for granting conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1, the first topical drug ever approved in the United States to treat and control both New World screwworm and Cattle Fever Tick in cattle. Miller called the decision a landmark achievement for livestock health and a major victory for the nation’s cattle industry.

“The threat posed to our cattle industry by these dangerous pests is substantial. The New World screwworm can destroy an animal in a matter of days, and the Cattle Fever Tick once brought the Texas cattle industry to its knees,” Commissioner Miller said. “This treatment gives our producers the modern, science-backed tools they need to keep herds safe and will help safeguard everything from small family herds to the nation’s major beef operations.”

Commissioner Miller continued: “President Trump has restored a culture of accountability and action in Washington, D.C. Because of his leadership, federal agencies are responding to agricultural threats quickly and decisively. At the same time, Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy understands that livestock health is tied directly to food security and national security. His support for timely review and approval of critical tools like Exzolt Cattle is exactly the kind of results-driven action that rural America has been praying for.”

The FDA’s decision comes at a crucial time. In recent months, New World screwworm has been detected in northern Mexico, including within 120 miles of the U.S. border. Meanwhile, the Cattle Fever Tick quarantine zone along the Rio Grande continues to experience heavy pressure due to wildlife movement, climate conditions, and cross-border livestock transport.

Exzolt Cattle-CA1 represents a significant scientific advancement. The treatment uses a topical formulation that absorbs through the skin and targets both external parasites and systemic infections, reducing stress on animals and improving usability for ranchers. The product is approved for cattle of different ages and production cycles, including calves, replacement heifers, bulls, and lactating cows.



U.S. Soy Begins Market Engagement in Syria

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has announced its commitment to reinstate efforts in Syria, following the removal of certain sanctions and broadening market access for U.S. Soy in international markets.  

Syria and U.S. Soy’s partnership dates to 1995, when initial work began and continued till 2010. During this time, USSEC empowered Syria’s poultry and edible oilseeds industries with technical trainings, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building programs.   

Commenting on USSEC’s expanding footprint in the Middle East, Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO, said, “As we seek to diversify global markets for U.S. Soy, Syria has great potential, and we look forward to getting our feet on the ground and building partnerships with the industry once again.”  

With a population of 23 million and a projected increase of 60% to 37 million by 2050, U.S. Soy can help fulfill the rising demand for protein.   

Commenting on how he sees the future of U.S. Soy in the market unfold,  Ammar Bardan, Chairman of Bardan Import and Export Commodity Trading, Syria, said “With the anticipated growth and revitalization of the Syrian economy, and given that U.S. soybeans and soybean meal are widely recognized for their quality and performance in both the feed and oil industries, we foresee a significant increase in the demand for soy products in the Syrian market in the coming period.”   

Together, U.S. Soy and Syria’s poultry industry are poised to build a resilient, reliable protein value chain that supports food security for the people of Syria.