Tuesday December 16 Ag News - ARC Payments in Nebraska - CVA Distributes Patronage - Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Passes House - CattleCon Coming in February - and more!

Farm Program Payments Flow to Nebraska 
NeFB Newsletter

University of Illinois and Ohio State University agricultural economists estimate Nebraska corn and soybean producers received $145 million in farm program payments this fall. Payments on corn base acres were estimated at $123 million and payments were estimated to be $22 million on soybean acres. The payments were made for the 2024 crop year under the Agricultural Risk Coverage program (ARC). The program covers the difference between county guaranteed revenue and actual county revenue for a covered commodity. Payments are made on 85% of producers’ base acres of a covered commodity. Base acres are based on historical production and do not reflect planted acres.

Not every Nebraska producer received payments. Figures from the USDA Farm Service Agency website indicate corn and soybean producers in one-third to one-half of Nebraska counties received payments (as of October 22). Producers in—
    26 of 77 counties with irrigated soybean base acres received payments ranging from $1.13-$68.64 per acre.
    32 of 72 counties with non-irrigated soybean base acres received payments ranging from $0.02-$66.20 per acre.
    26 of 85 counties with irrigated corn base acres received payments ranging from $0.26- $124.95 per acre.
    48 of 85 counties with non-irrigated corn base acres received payments ranging from $0.60-$89.31 per acre.

Also, producers of corn and soybeans in a few counties with combined “all” yield classifications received payments, as well as producers of grain sorghum, sunflowers, dry beans, and oats. A few program crops produced in other parts of the country qualified for payments under the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, the other primary farm support program, but covered crops raised in Nebraska did not. More information on the Illinois and Ohio State payment estimates and maps of payment rates can be found at: https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2025/11/estimates-of-2024-arc-co-and-plc-payments.html

The economists estimate ARC payments nationwide will total nearly $2.3 billion. PLC payments are expected to equal $0.3 billion, equating to total farm program support payments of $2.6 billion. The payments are in addition to $42 billion in support American Farm Bureau Federation economist John Newton says was provided to farmers in the form of economic, disaster, and “bridge” assistance this year. The recently announced $11 billion in relief, estimated to be $30-$40ish per acre for corn and soybeans, will be distributed in February 2026. 



Central Valley Ag returns profits to its member-owners

Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative continues to exemplify the cooperative spirit by giving back to its member-owners. Recently, the CVA Board of Directors approved a total of $13.8 million in patronage refunds for Fiscal Year 2025, demonstrating the cooperative's dedication to its members' success and the strength of its business model. 

Of the approved amount, $7.5 million will be distributed in cash, while the remaining $6.335 million will be allocated as non-qualified deferred patronage. This structure allows member-owners to pay taxes only on the cash portion received now, deferring taxes on the non-qualified equity until it is redeemed in future years. The board also approved passing through a portion of CVA's Section 199A(g) deduction of $4.925 million for qualified patrons to use on their tax returns. Amounts will be listed on members 1099-PATR form that will be received in January 2026. 

"This past year has been challenging for everyone in agriculture, and we understand the pressures our member-owners have been facing," said Nic McCarthy, president and CEO of CVA. "That's why returning value through this patronage payout is especially meaningful. It represents the resilience of our members and the dedication of our employees. We are proud to stand with our producers during a difficult economic climate." 

Patronage refunds are calculated based on member volume during CVA's fiscal year, which ran from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Patronage checks were mailed to member-owners on November 26, 2025. 

"In a year where many have felt the strain of a tough economy, the cooperative model has shown its value," McCarthy said. "We remain committed to strengthening CVA for the long term and supporting our member-owners through every challenge." 



CORN STALK QUALITY AFTER WEATHERING 
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture and Forage Specialist 

Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.   One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.

While some parts of Nebraska have been dry this fall, other areas of the state have received some rain and consistent snow over the past several weeks.  Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.  Most easily noticed is how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.

Less noticeable are nutritional changes.  Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.  Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.  These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field.  Then palatability and intake also decline.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.  Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.  This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.

There is little you can do to prevent these losses.  What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.  Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.

Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.  Just supplement them accordingly. 



ISU Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered in February 2026

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry/solid manure operators on five different dates and locations in February. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for confinement site and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification but anyFall manure applicationone using dry or solid sources of manure as a nutrient resource,” said Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.

The workshops are available to attend at no cost and are open to all. Applicators will be required to submit certification forms and fees to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in order to meet the manure applicator certification requirements.

Pre-registration is required and walk-ins are not allowed. To register for a workshop, please call the county office for the specific location at least one week prior to the workshop. All workshops will begin at 1 p.m.

    Feb. 9, Sioux County, Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave NW, Suite 700, Orange City; 712-737-4230.
    Feb. 10, Washington County, Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St., Washington; 319-653-4811.
    Feb. 12, Adair County, Greenfield City Hall, 202 S 1st St., Greenfield; 641-743-8412.
    Feb. 18, Wright County, Wright County Extension Office, 2302 Madison Ave, Clarion; 515-532-3453.
    Feb. 19, Buena Vista County, Buena Vista County Extension Office, 701 Seneca St., Suite 1, Storm Lake; 712-732-5056.

For more information, call a county from the list above or contact Rachel Kennedy at rakenned@iastate.edu.



USDA Launches Final Phase of 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey

Beginning in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers throughout the United States, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS).

“The data will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs that affect farms and farm families.” said Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Lance Honig.

To obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to nearly 40,000 producers nationwide. The 2025 ARMS survey includes a version of the questionnaire focused on farm costs of production and expenditures for cotton, hogs and broiler producers.

“In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those farmers who have not yet responded,” said Honig. “We appreciate their time and are here to help them with the questionnaire so that their information will continue to support sound agricultural decision-making.”

Information provided to NASS is kept confidential, as required by federal law. The agency only publishes data in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual respondent or operation can be identified.      

The expense data gathered in ARMS will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report on July 24, 2026. That report and others are available at nass.usda.gov/publications. Additional ARMS data analysis and reports are available at ers.usda.gov/arms.



NMPF Celebrates House Passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
National Milk Producers Federation President & CEO Gregg Doud

“It’s hard to overstate the significance of congressional passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, not only because it represents major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but also because of what it says about how persistent, long-term effort can still bring bipartisan success in Congress.

“Since 2012, when federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, dairy farmers and their cooperatives have pointed out the flaws in that decision, which wasn’t aligned with consumer choice. What was true then became even more true in years to come, as newer research consistently showed the value of milk at all fat levels and consumers moved even further toward fuller-fat varieties in their purchases.

“And now the day has arrived. We thank Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Kim Schrier of Washington for their critical roles in championing the most recent version of this important legislation to the finish line and the many other congressional leaders who preceded them in their efforts to protect access to nutritious milk in schools . Dairy doesn’t succeed without tireless advocates on Capitol Hill, and it’s been an honor to work with these members and their staffs in this effort.

“The next step, after a presidential signature, is implementation. We pledge our fullest support to federal officials and school districts across the nation to help with implementation of this important legislation. Congress made a positive difference today. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”
 


USDA Dairy Products October 2025 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.26 billion pounds, 3.2 percent above October 2024 and 3.7 percent above September 2025. Italian type cheese production totaled 535 million pounds, 4.8 percent above October 2024 and 3.7 percent above September 2025. American type cheese production totaled 494 million pounds, 2.3 percent above October 2024 and 4.2 percent above September 2025. Butter production was 186 million pounds, 10.1 percent above October 2024 and 3.7 percent above September 2025.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with October 2024)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 123 million pounds, down 1.5 percent.
Skim milk powder - 35.0 million pounds, down 12.1 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with October 2024)
Dry whey, total - 67.7 million pounds, up 2.1 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 90.2 million pounds, down 1.5 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 40.3 million pounds, down 1.7 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with October 2024)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 60.9 million gallons, down 3.0 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 32.2 million gallons, down 2.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.90 million gallons, up 19.3 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 2.91 million gallons, down 2.9 percent.



Land O’Lakes Doubles Down on Hunger Relief Before the Holidays

Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of the nation’s largest farmer- and member-owned cooperatives, today announced a $1 million hunger relief investment aimed at supporting rural communities ahead of the holiday season. Grants will go to 15 Feeding America® partner food banks across Land O’Lakes’ member-owner and employee footprint, as well as to Feeding America. This commitment effectively doubles the cooperative’s 2025 hunger relief impact, building on nearly 4 million meals already provided this year.

Food banks nationwide report increased demand from their local communities and need can rise even further during the holiday season. Rural food banks and food shelves, in particular, face higher rates of food insecurity and have to meet the need across a larger geographic area.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, hunger relief is central to our philanthropic mission,” said Land O'Lakes CEO and President Beth Ford. “While we support these efforts throughout the year, we’re proud to double down on our hunger contributions during the holiday season to do our part to serve families when the need is so incredibly high.”

 "Everyone in our communities deserves to feel the peace of mind of gathering around a full table, especially during the holidays," said Linda Nageotte, Feeding America President and Chief Operating Officer. "With tens of millions of people in the U.S. facing hunger, we are grateful for partners like Land O'Lakes who understand this urgent need. Through their generosity, neighbors facing hunger can bring meals home this holiday season and beyond."

Ending 2025 by Doubling Impact
Between January and September, Land O’Lakes helped provide nearly 4 million meals through cash and in-kind product contributions to Feeding America and the network of 200 partner food banks. With today’s announcement, the cooperative will double that impact by helping provide an additional 4.5 million meals to close out the year. The investment includes:
·        $1,000,000 in grants to 15 Feeding America partner food banks aligned with Land O’Lakes’ member and employee footprint, as well as to Feeding America
·        250,000 pounds of fresh product donations distributed to 10 Feeding America food banks
·        Over 800,000 pounds of additional product donations distributed through the Feeding America network via Spoiler Alert

Funding is designated specifically for programs serving rural communities, such as mobile food pantry distributions, securing product for rural food shelves, or logistics expenses to transport food greater distances.

Supporting Communities During the Holiday Season
Demand for food assistance rises consistently at the end of the year as families prepare for winter and the holidays. This additional support will help regional food banks maintain reliable access to food during a time of year when more households seek assistance.

*$1 can provide 1.7 to 4 meals to households facing hunger through the food banks supported; $1 also provides at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of partner food banks. For product donations, 1.2 pounds is the equivalent of one meal, according to the USDA.



CattleCon 2026 Highlights Not To Be Missed

CattleCon 2026 is just around the corner and there are plenty of “don’t miss” events in store. The largest beef and cattle industry event of the year will be held in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 3-5. 

While CattleCon officially begins on Tuesday, Feb. 3, arrive early for the D.C. Issues Update and NCBA Regional meetings on Monday, Feb. 2. During the D.C. Issues session, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane will share insights about NCBA’s policy work. NCBA Region meetings give cattle producers the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations regarding significant local matters that could potentially influence operations.

A new event at CattleCon 2026 is the Prime Cut Awards: Featuring the National Environmental Stewardship Award and Beef Quality Assurance Awards. This signature event on Tuesday evening brings together cattlemen and women for a night of celebration, connection and industry pride.

The Sustainability Forum on Thursday, Feb. 5, focuses on legacy in action. The engaging discussion brings together producers and experts who have navigated — and are navigating — the challenges of succession planning and generational transfer. Whether producers are just starting to think about the future or actively planning for it, this session will help families build a business worthy of being passed on. Don’t miss this chance to prepare for tomorrow — today.

Also on Thursday, the NCBA Town Hall is an open “state of the industry” forum where producers and NCBA leaders tackle the issues shaping the beef business. Hear updates on key policy priorities, market conditions, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Throughout CattleCon, keynote speakers including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jon Acuff and Jimmy Yeary are sure to inspire and spark innovation. The CattleFax team, including CEO Randy Blach and atmospheric scientist Matt Makens, will also provide a glimpse into what 2026 and beyond have in store for the industry.

This annual convention brings cattle producers from across the country to conduct the business of the industry. Producers will also guide both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will hold annual meetings during the event.

A variety of registration options are available, and all include Cattlemen’s College education sessions and demonstrations. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org. 



Fundamentals & Perspective – The Glass Can Be Half Full
Glynn T. Tonsor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

Here in mid-December of 2025, feeder cattle in Kansas are selling for $400-$700/head (varying by weight class) more than last year (and $900/head higher than December 2023). Yet these mid-December price levels put seller revenues $100-$300/head (again varying by class) below 2025 peak, mid-October levels. Indeed, many cow-calf producers are going to have a strong year and perhaps also wish (with the ever-favorable benefit of hindsight) they locked in sales prices at a different time. Alas, all these statements can be true, even if frustrating in reflecting the nature of 2025, and provide a classic “glass is half full vs half empty” framing opportunity.

While demand fundamentals were unfortunately not acknowledged in most elevated discussions of the sector as 2025 progressed, indeed, the combination of supply and demand fundamentals underpins market dynamics. As in every year and market, one can only identify price-quantity outcomes through intersections of demand and supply. This boring yet critical point must be better appreciated going forward. Simply illustrated, there is much more to industry price, quantity, and net economic viability than just the number of beef cows in the national herd.

Turning to 2026, it seems likely we will start the year with a breeding herd similar in size to January 2025, with mixed interest in expansion, market-ready cattle will continue to provide historically large volumes of beef (including trimmings with clear trade implications) per animal, and stocker-feedlot-packer segments dependent on animal throughput will continue to face physical capacity utilization pressure. Meanwhile, the broader macroeconomic (interest rates, unemployment, and net financial sentiment of residents) and trade policy environment will persist as key consumer demand factors.