Tuesday August 19 Ag News - Crop Progress Report - Pro Farmer Day 1 - NE Ag Export Update - Fischer receives AFBF award - USMEF Latin Showcase - and more!

 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the nation's corn crop declined slightly, while soybean conditions remained unchanged for the second week in a row, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

NASS also reported that just 6% of winter wheat was left to harvest, while the spring wheat harvest was running 7 percentage points ahead of last year's pace.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 97%, consistent with last year's pace and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 98%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 72%, equal to last year and 1 percentage point below the five-year average of 73%. Corn dented was estimated at 27%, 1 percentage point behind last year's 28% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 26%. Corn mature was pegged at 3%, 1 point behind last year's 4% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 71% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 1 point behind the previous week and 4 points ahead of last year's 67%. Eight percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 7% and still below 11% from last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 95%, 1 point ahead of last year's 94% and consistent with the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 82%, 2 points ahead of last year's 80% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and previous year. Eight percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 7% and unchanged from the previous year. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest inched ahead 4 percentage points last week to reach 94% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 2 points behind last year's 96% and 1 point behind the five-year average of 95%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest maintained a steady pace last week, moving ahead another 20 percentage points last week to reach 36% complete as of Sunday. That was 7 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 29% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 50% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 1 percentage point from 49% the previous week and 23 points below last year's 73% good-to-excellent rating. Eighteen percent of spring wheat remains rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and 13 percentage points ahead of last year's 5%. 



Nebraska Crop Progress Report

Topsoil Moisture 9% surplus, 65% adequate, 21% short, 5% very short 
Subsoil Moisture 7% surplus, 61% adequate, 24% short, 8% very short 

Corn Silking 96% - 93% LW - 99% 5YA
Corn Dough 71% - 59% LW - 79% 5YA
Corn Dent 28% - 15% LW - 31% 5YA 
Corn Mature none - 2% 5YA
Corn Condition 27% excellent, 50% good, 19% fair, 3% poor, 1% very poor 

Soybeans in Bloom 94% - 88% LW - 98% 5YA
Soybean Setting pods 80% - 71% LW - 88% 5YA 
Soybean Condition 22% excellent, 55% good, 20% fair, 2% poor, 1% very poor 

Pasture Condition 9% excellent, 31% good, 30% fair, 22% poor, 8% very poor 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Scattered precipitation across the State allowed Iowa’s farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 17, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats and hay and a few reports of fungicide and insecticide applications.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn has reached the silking stage. Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent, 1 day behind last year’s pace and 3 days behind normal. Corn in the dent stage reached 27 percent, 1 day ahead of last year, but 1 day behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 56 percent good and 30 percent excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 96 percent. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were setting pods, 1 day ahead of last year’s pace, but 4 days behind normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 60 percent good and 22 percent excellent. 

Ninety-one percent of the oat for grain crop has been harvested.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 65 percent complete. 

Pasture condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Frequent rains have kept pastures growing and extended grazing periods. Livestock were generally in good condition, with a few reports of stress caused by heat and humidity.



Pro Farmer Crop Tour Results - Day 1 

South Dakota Corn Yield pegged at 174.18 bu/acre on 83 field samples ('24 156.5 - 3YA 144)
South Dakota Bean pod counts 3x3 square 1188.45 on 83 samples (24 1026 - 3YA 970)
Ohio corn yield average 185.69 bu/acre on 116 samples ('24 183 - 3YA 180.5)
Ohio bean pod counts 3x3 square 1287.28 on 114 samples ('24 1230 - 3YA 1204)



Agricultural Exports Pace Lagging...
NE Farm Bureau newsletter

Exports were down 5% in the first quarter compared to a year ago. The second quarter, though, gave bettors renewed hope. Midway through the race exports are still off but have picked up the pace, down just 2% compared to last year. Exports through the first half of the year totaled $85.5 billion against $87.3 billion last year. Still, it’s not an overly impressive pace as U.S. agricultural exports last year slipped 1% compared to 2023. Declining agricultural exports combined with growing imports resulted in a trade deficit of $28.6 billion over the first six months of the year.

A couple Nebraska exports, corn and ethanol, saw growth up 25% and 7% respectively. Increased purchases by South Korea, the European Union, and Japan along with continued healthy purchases by Mexico helped pace corn. Canadian purchases set the pace for ethanol. Other Nebraska exports were down. Soybean exports were down 25%, mostly due to fewer purchases by China, hides were off 13%, animal feeds and oil meal exports were off 10%, and red meats (beef, pork, and lamb) were down 5% with beef exports down 6%. The U.S. Meat Export Federation said beef sales in June were down 18%, the lowest in 17 months. A positive was the volume of bulk commodities exported was up 6%. Shipments of corn (+24%), ethanol (+10%), and wheat (+6%) led the way while soybeans were off 9% and red meats down 4%. 

The outlook for U.S. agricultural exports for the remainder of the year is uncertain at best. Only corn exports seem poised to increase. The USDA’s latest supply and demand estimates increased corn exports to 2.87 billion bushels for the 2025 marketing year beginning September 1, a record volume if realized. Soybean exports, though, are forecast to decline. Strained trade relations with China weigh on soybean exports and the country, the world’s largest soybean importer, has yet to purchase any U.S new crop soybeans. President Trump has pleaded with China through social media to purchase more U.S. soybeans. Time will tell whether China will heed the call. High beef prices, reduced production, and trade conflicts also weigh on beef exports. The USDA forecasts export declines for both this year and next. Unfortunately, the forecasts and current trade climate do not portend of an export surge for U.S. agricultural goods.   



Sen. Deb Fischer Honored with Farm Bureau Golden Plow Award

The American Farm Bureau Federation and Nebraska Farm Bureau today presented Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.

“Senator Fischer understands first-hand what farm families across our nation are facing,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “She’s lived life on the farm, running a cattle ranch while serving the people of Nebraska, first in the state legislature and then the U.S. Senate. Her unique perspective has guided her work in championing issues that impact rural America, including regulatory reform, trade, taxes and a modernized farm bill. She embodies the spirit that the Golden Plow award represents.”

The Nebraska Farm Bureau nominated Fischer for the award in honor of her work in the Senate Agriculture Committee, where she advocates for common sense regulation, increased farm protection tools, year-round E15 sales, and investments in agriculture innovation.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue said, “It has been a privilege to work with Sen. Fischer for many years, first in the Nebraska Legislature and now in the U.S. Senate, and throughout that time, she’s never wavered in her support for farm and ranch families. She understands agriculture at its core because she lives it, and she’s committed to tackling the challenges facing rural communities so future generations can continue to farm and ranch. We are proud to have nominated Sen. Fischer for the well-deserved Golden Plow award in recognition of her significant impact on agriculture.”

AFBF’s Golden Plow award recognizes members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. Recipients are chosen for having a philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau, the private enterprise system, fiscal conservatism and reduced federal regulation of businesses and individuals.



Introductory Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index Workshop Planned for September

A Sept. 25 workshop will provide an opportunity for producers to learn more about the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2), as well as the Iowa Phosphorus Index. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will be held in Ames.

Participants at Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index WorkshopAccording to Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, the RUSLE2 is a tool stakeholders can use to calculate soil loss for a given field and is necessary for determining the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The morning portion of the workshop will focus on installing software programs, performing dominant critical area and predominant area determinations and operating RUSLE2. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral and classical gully erosion, as well as the updated Iowa Phosphorus Index, which can be used in Iowa DNR manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.

Sessions will be taught by Arora; Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State; Chandra Shaw, resource conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture – Iowa NRCS; and Jeremy Klatt, environmental specialist senior, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

This workshop qualifies for six Certified Crop Advisor Credits (five soil and water management, one nutrient management) and three Professional Development Hours. Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

To ensure your spot in the workshop, complete early registration by Sept. 17; the registration fee is $225. If registering after this date, late fees will apply. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and will be held at ISU's Digital Ag Innovation Lab, located at 3800 University Blvd., Ames. A Windows-compatible computer with a USB port and Microsoft Excel Software is required to participate. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, as well as workshop materials. To register, visit the registration site https://go.iastate.edu/T2WOH0.



New Farmer-Led Research Explores Effectiveness of Biological Products

Since 2019, seven farmers in Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Cooperators’ Program have conducted 16 on-farm trials testing various biofertilizer and biostimulant products. These products, derived from living microorganisms or natural substances, are marketed to benefit soil nutrient cycling, enhance soil fertility, stimulate plant growth, improve plant stress tolerance and more.

While these products are promising in theory, the trial results were mixed. Most of the trials (81%) showed no benefit to the use of biological products on the farms that tested them.

“There are countless products marketed toward farmers, and it can be hard to know what’s worth the investment and what’s not,” Stefan Gailans, PFI’s senior research manager, says. “Our members put some of these products to the test and learned what works best for their farms – and what doesn’t.”

Trials included:
    MycoApply Soil Inoculant for Corn and Soybeans – 2019
    Holganix Bio 800+ Compost Tea for Corn – 2023
    Utrisha N Biological Nitrogen Supplement for Organic Corn – 2023
    Biostimulant Effects on Corn – 2024
    Biochar Seed Treatment Effect on Corn – 2024
    Sulfur Fertilizer and Humic Acid Amendment for Soybeans – 2024

However, what works for one farmer may not work for another. That’s why farmer-led, on-farm research has been central to PFI’s mission – helping farmers make informed decisions based on their own conditions.

Keaton Krueger, a frequent cooperator in PFI research trials, says that trials are especially useful to him. “They help me to confirm on my own farm if practices that are shown to elicit a response in the literature hold up,” he says.

Since PFI’s Cooperators’ Program began in 1987, more than 240 farmers have led nearly 1,300 on-farm trials across Iowa and the Midwest, covering topics from cover crops and small grains to horticulture and livestock.

PFI’s farmer-led research empowers farmers to better answer their most challenging farming questions and share that knowledge with others.

To explore the full findings from PFI’s biological product trials, visit practicalfarmers.org/biological-products-for-corn-and-soybean. To view PFI’s Cooperators’ Program Report, visit practicalfarmers.org/2024-cooperators-program-report.

Farmers interested in participating in future trials can contact Stefan Gailans at stefan.gailans@practicalfarmers.org or visit practicalfarmers.org/cooperators-program.



Help Us Honor Iowa’s Best in Agriculture — Nominate a Soybean Leader Today

Do you know a student passionate about supporting agriculture? How about a farmer dedicated to protecting natural resources? If so, now is the time to nominate deserving individuals for one of eight Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Leadership Awards.

Nominations can be submitted on the ISA website and will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 2. A committee comprised of ISA farmer leaders will review all nominees. Recipients will be recognized at the annual ISA Leadership Awards and Industry Celebration Banquet in December.

“Many people are driven to deliver for Iowa soybean farmers,” said Brent Swart, ISA president and farmer from Spencer. “As a farmer-led organization, it’s important to recognize individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and advocacy within our industry. Celebrating these achievements highlights the vital contributions of farmers and industry leaders driving our industry forward.”

Nominations are sought for:
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: ISA farmer member with a history of advancing the goals of the association and demonstrating a passion and longstanding commitment for growing the soybean industry in Iowa, nationally and internationally.

RISING STAR: High school senior or college student taking an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture and intends to remain involved in the industry through future personal or professional activities. The award includes a $2,000 educational stipend for educational expenses. This award requires an application, which can be found here.

NEW LEADER: ISA farmer member who has deepened their involvement in ISA programming while enhancing their commitment and service to the industry and their community.

INNOVATOR IN PRODUCTION RESEARCH: Individual or organization that has shown outstanding leadership in the use of precision agriculture and has worked to validate and effectively manage practices to improve profitability. Nominees with active involvement in ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) are preferred for this award.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER: ISA farmer member improving on-farm environmental performance and leadership in the use of conservation practices and precision agriculture technology. Must be an ISA member with current or past participation with ISA’s RCFI, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund or Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.

FRIEND OF THE IOWA SOYBEAN FARMER: Elected leader, reporter or ISA partner who has shown a deep understanding of issues facing Iowa soybean farmers and has supported them through their actions and efforts.

ADVOCATE FOR IOWA AGRICULTURE: ISA member, individual, organization or company who effectively and accurately shares the story of modern agriculture and actively builds bridges between Iowa farmers and consumers.

POLICY CHAMPION: Recognizes an ISA advocate member who works to advance policy and regulatory issues benefiting the soybean industry. Nominees have a proven track record of engaging with elected leaders as a knowledgeable and trusted resource on soybean industry policy.

View past award recipients and complete a nomination form here... iasoybeans.com.



Product Showcase Connects U.S. Meat Exporters with Buyers from Across Latin America

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) conducted another highly successful Latin American Product Showcase, connecting U.S. red meat exporters with dozens of prospective buyers from Central and South America. Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the 13th edition of the showcase featured 67 exhibitors and representatives from more than 80 USMEF member companies. With prospective buyers participating from 18 countries, total participants exceeded 500.

Through funding support from USDA, the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program, the Nebraska Beef Council and the Indiana Soy Alliance, USMEF’s Latin American Product Showcase has developed into a must-do event for a wide range of U.S. exporters and buyers from throughout the region. Attending for the first time, USMEF Chair Steve Hanson, a rancher, cattle feeder and grain farmer from southwestern Nebraska, said the showcase is a great example of the U.S. red meat industry’s effort to attract new customers and further develop emerging markets.

“There are buyers here who want the top of the line, then we have people maybe wanting that mid cut, and there is also a lot of demand for cuts we don't use in the United States,” Hanson said. “That adds value, and as a U.S. cattleman I see it as a win-win situation.”

These sentiments were echoed by Kevin Rasmussen, an Iowa pork producer who serves on the National Pork Board. He also appreciated the opportunity to personally connect with international customers.

“A cool thing about Central America is they love some of the pork cuts that we don't consume a lot of in the in the U.S., like the loin,” Rasmussen said. “They're a huge fan of the pork loin. They say it's very versatile in their cooking experience, and they enjoy it a lot. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to come to event like this and promote our product – talk to the buyers who are here, and ask them, ‘what do you want to know from a producer from north-central Iowa?’”

Whether they were veterans of many USMEF product showcases or first-time participants, importers found the event very productive. Juan Jose Trujillo is CEO of Frestolu, based in Medellin, Colombia. He attended the showcase for the first time in an effort to expand the scope of his processing business.

“We are a processing company, doing mainly shrimp, and we're looking for another protein,” Trujillo explained. “So that's why we are here, trying to understand more about beef and pork, so we can start selling these two proteins in Colombia.”

Trujillo said he sees the most immediate opportunity in U.S. pork ribs and pork variety meat items.

“Lungs, facemasks, ears, and also ribs,” he said. “There is a lot of rib consumption in our area, so we will start with those products.”

Alejandro Martinez, owner of Medellin-based importing company Inversiones Proteam, regularly returns to the USMEF showcase because it continues to deliver value for his business.

“This is my fifth [USMEF] show, and I think it's the best one so far for me,” Martinez said. “It's a very good opportunity to see all the providers and suppliers in one place.”

Martinez also enjoyed the opportunity to gather information and ideas from the wide range of buyers attending the showcase.

“I was talking to some people from Honduras and Guatemala, and they import basically the same products as my business,” he said. “But they do different things, serve different types of customers, and they process the items differently. So yes, it's good to take some of these ideas and think about how I can implement them in Colombia.”

U.S. ag industry leaders participating in the showcase also took part in a retail tour, visiting a range of local outlets offering U.S. pork and beef.

Nebraska Beef Council member Mark Goes, who raises purebred cattle in southeastern Nebraska, appreciated the opportunity to see how U.S. red meat is merchandised in Guatemala City.

“We were able to visit four tiers of marketing yesterday, starting with a wet market,” he said. “Then we moved up three levels, touring a local grocery store, then a Walmart type of market, then a premium market. As we moved on up to the upper levels, we saw those premium cuts of beef, with U.S. Choice and Prime in great demand. Select, not so much, because they're able to get that type of product locally.”

“When we look at what's in the meat case at Walmart and some of those higher end grocery stores in Guatemala, U.S. pork cuts are very competitive,” Rasmussen added. “In that meat case, our product looks really good. The consumer in Central America is really keyed in on the quality of the product and willing to pay for quality.”

The event also had an important educational aspect, with USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer presenting a comprehensive outlook for U.S. red meat production, consumption and trade. Paulo de Leon, executive director of CABI Economics, gave attendees an economic outlook for the Latin American region. Erick Sosa, Guatemala manager for Microsoft Americas, offered insights on how participants can use artificial intelligence in their business operations.

The next USMEF Latin American Product Showcase is planned for the summer of 2027, with the location and dates to be determined. 



NCGA to USTR: Stop Brazil Now, Fight for Farmers

The president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) submitted comments today on the U.S. Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trading practices, specifically on ethanol.   

In his comments, Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. outlines clear evidence demonstrating that Brazil’s ethanol tariff and other actions are unreasonable, discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce.  
 
“Brazil has enjoyed preferential market conditions while simultaneously erecting barriers that restrict and prevent access for American corn ethanol exporters,” Hartman said. “Brazil was once a top market for American ethanol exports, but their 18 percent tariff has eradicated this market.” 

Section 301 investigation allows USTR to determine if a foreign country has taken unfair trade actions that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Hartman has requested to testify at the Section 301 hearing in early September. 

“Brazil is actively looking to unseat the historic and obvious success of the American corn industry by a series of trade actions that directly and indirectly harm U.S. corn growers,” Hartman said. 

For many years, Brazil has taken measures – both direct and indirect – to siphon market share for American ethanol exports and prevent U.S. access to the global synthetic aviation jet fuel market, which presents an enormous opportunity in the coming decade. Soon after Brazil imposed the ethanol tariff, U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil experienced a 93% decrease, dropping from $761 million in 2018 to only $53 million in 2024.  

If the Section 301 investigation determines that a country’s actions are unreasonable or discriminatory, tariffs or other retaliatory measures can be applied.  



Case IH Unveils Its Highest Horsepower Tractor Yet with Steiger 785 Quadtrac

Case IH is doubling down on power and productivity with the new Steiger® 785 Quadtrac®, increasing the iconic tractor’s horsepower by almost 10 percent over the Steiger 715 Quadtrac. The newest Steiger model offers increased power, 853 peak hp, for farmers who are aiming to get even more done on their operations.

The higher horsepower has a purpose and drives productivity, allowing farmers to handle larger implements or pull the same implements even faster, offering an impressive 40 percent torque rise. Designed to provide more power to the ground, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac also offers a superior operator experience and cab comfort.

​Farmers can get access to subscription-free, integrated precision technology that delivers automation-driven features, such as AccuTurn™ Pro and AccuSync™, along with clear, actionable data through FieldOps™ that helps them meet the unique needs of their operation.

“We understand the demands of farming are only increasing. The Steiger 785 Quadtrac is a workhorse designed to meet those demands with power and productivity,” said Ken Lehmann, customer segmentation lead at Case IH. “With long days in the field, the boost in horsepower and torque allows farmers to do more in a day.”

Even with the increase in horsepower, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac is impressively agile, offering excellent visibility and maneuverability for an optimal driving experience. For those seeking enhanced performance, an optional heavy-duty suspended undercarriage delivers a smoother ride, superior traction and flotation, helping to minimize soil compaction in the field.

The Steiger 785 Quadtrac also holds strong value with Connectivity Included**, a 3-year/2,000-hour warranty and a simplified SCR-only emission system that keeps engine design simple and allows the engine to focus on producing power while emissions are treated after the engine system. With Connectivity Included, farmers can access all the benefits of connectivity without ongoing subscription costs.

Farm Progress Show will be the first public appearance for the Steiger 785 Quadtrac and will also showcase Case IH’s latest upgrades and launches across the tractor lineup and hay segments – purposefully designed solutions to meet the needs of any operation.

Monday August 18 Ag News - UNL NCTA Introduce Prime Education - Silage SAFE meeting - Fall Irrigation Scheduling - Drone Workships this week - and more!

UNL and NCTA Partner in Online 'Prime Education' Course to Boost State Meat Processing Industry

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) will open enrollment to the public on Aug. 18 for “Prime Education: Introduction to Butchery and Meat Processing”, a self-paced, online curriculum aimed at anyone interested in exploring a career in the meat processing industry.

Funding for the project was awarded to NCTA by a USDA-NIFA grant in 2023 to provide a training curriculum for workers in Nebraska’s meat processing industry. The college in Curtis, Nebraska, partnered with both the Department of Animal Science at the university and private industry to develop the eight-part online curriculum. Enrollees will learn about safety, tools and equipment, sanitation and inspection, humane harvest, fresh meat fabrication, processed meats, and product packaging and labeling.

Jordan Wicks, an assistant professor and meat extension specialist at the university, has collaborated with faculty members, graduate students, and industry representatives from around the country to develop the curriculum. Before coming to Nebraska, she spent 10 years leading hands-on processing trainings with students.

“This program is based on what people need to know when starting in the meat processing industry, with an emphasis on safety,” Wicks said. “The ability to learn these foundational principles at your own pace and entirely online will lead to a much quicker onboarding process for processors when hiring and to a higher retention in the industry workforce.”

The topics covered serve as an introduction to the meat processing industry not only for those doing the processing, but also those in related industry positions. This also makes the course a valuable option for high school teachers, advisors, and students as a method to showcase the array of career options throughout all facets of the meat processing industry.

“There are endless career opportunities within the industry that may not be on the processing floor day-to-day,” Wicks said. “No matter if you’re interested in sales, marketing, engineering, research, or product development, there is a career for you in the meat processing industry. This curriculum will help you learn about the foundation of the industry to help you build your career path in it.”

Registration for the course is $50, but will be discounted to $10 using code HIUGVR at checkout during the Aug. 18-25 enrollment period. To register, please visit https://go.unl.edu/prime-education. The online course must be completed by Dec. 19, 2025, to receive the digital badge recognized by the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors (NAMP). An additional, optional in-person training for those who complete the online course will be offered in 2026.



Silage S.A.F.E. – Safety, Application, Feed and Employees

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Riverside Headquarters, 106 S Main Street, Beemer
Meal:  6:30 pm
Program:  7:00 pm

Speakers:  Evan Weborg and Aaron Yoder 
Evan will talk about safety, new silage technologies, testing capabilities and drone usage for measurement. 
Aaron will update you on the Feedyard 15 Program, a free safety training curriculum that is available to cattle feedyard operations. The program addresses critical safety issues commonly found in feedyard operations.

Sponsored by:  TH4AJ Enterprises | Travis, Heidi and Jaleigh Hallste 

RSVP to Bonita 402-450-0223 or blederer@necattlemen.org
 

 
August Irrigation Scheduling Should Focus on Using Remaining Stored Soil Water
Steve Melvin - NE Extension Educator Irrigated Cropping Systems

The last few irrigations of the season require some of the most important water management decisions of the year.

An unneeded irrigation may mean wasting 1 to 3 inches of water and 2 to 5 gallons of diesel fuel per acre. Even if your irrigation costs are only $10/ac-in, each inch reduction is worth about $1,300 for each quarter-section pivot. For example: If a field of silt loam soil is left at field capacity, it’s missing out on 5.5 inches of off-season storage, worth about $7,200 — not even accounting for the leaching loss of nutrients. Nitrogen loss has been shown by research to be about 5 to 10 lbs/a for each inch of water that moves through the profile.

Across Nebraska, during most years, enough precipitation will be received from October through May to refill the soil profile on irrigated fields. For example, the Grand Island area gets about 14.2 inches during this timeframe, and even the Scottsbluff area will receive about 8.6 inches on average.

The final decisions on furrow-irrigated fields need to be made sooner due to the typical higher application amounts with flood, while the final decisions on the pivot or subsurface drip irrigated fields can be delayed to take advantage of any rainfall that may occur. With this in mind, the publication "Irrigation Scheduling Strategies When Using Soil Water Data," (Nebraska Extension NebGuide EC3036), and the video series "How to Schedule Irrigations with Soil Water Data" were developed. The resources focus on season-long irrigation scheduling and wrap up with end-of-season scheduling.

Many irrigators apply more water than necessary toward the end of the irrigation season because irrigation applications continue at a rate they have grown used to during the middle of the summer, even though the crop is using less water per day. Water use goes down because the crop is getting more mature and the days are getting shorter and cooler. The average crop water use rate for corn drops from around 2.1 inches per week at silking to only about 1.2 inches per week by the full dent stage. This 40% reduction requires irrigators to adjust their thinking about how much water needs to be applied each week.

So, calculating the amount of water needed from rain and irrigation for the crop to reach maturity becomes important starting in early August.

Method to Estimate Late-Season Crop Water Needs
To determine how much water from rain and irrigation will be needed to mature the crop, use the method described below and information from Table 1 (below).

Step 1. Based on the current crop growth stage (identified in columns 1 and 2), look up the approximate days to maturity in column 3 and the water use to maturity in column 4.

Step 2. Add the approximate days to maturity to today’s date to estimate the crop maturity date.

Step 3. Subtract the water use to maturity from the remaining available water (as determined by soil water sensors or monitoring). If the number is positive, it indicates adequate soil water to mature the crop; however, if the number is negative, it indicates the additional amount of water the crop will need from rain and irrigation to reach maturity.

Read more on this topic here: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2024/time-consider-using-remaining-stored-soil-water-irrigated-corn-and-bean-fields/



CHS invests in Holdrege, Neb. grain facility 

CHS Inc., the nation’s leading farmer-owned cooperative, has agreed to purchase the Scoular grain facility in Holdrege, Neb. The sale is tentatively set to close before the end of August 2025. The acquisition of this facility is part of a larger strategy to invest in assets in key geographies to provide increased market access and maximum efficiency to CHS owners.

“This acquisition in Holdrege reflects our ongoing strategy to optimize the CHS supply chain and invest in the long-term success of our farmer-owners,” said Kent Mulder, vice president of operations for CHS.

Scoular’s Holdrege location will serve primarily as a seasonal overflow facility for the existing CHS location in Holdrege.  Together, the Holdrege facilities will strengthen the grain origination and transportation capabilities for CHS, creating end-to-end value while enhancing market access for growers.

“These changes are designed to create a stronger, more efficient network that benefits growers, said Mulder. “The enhanced speed and space of the Holdredge facility create global market opportunities for Nebraska farmers.”

As part of this strategic alignment, CHS is selling its Roseland and Bladen, Neb., facilities to Cooperative Producers, Inc. (CPI), a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in Hastings, Neb. CHS is working closely with CPI to ensure a smooth changeover of the Roseland and Bladen locations.

“We are confident these facilities will provide strategic value for CPI given the alignment with their trade territory. This realignment also creates additional opportunities to strengthen and maximize efficiencies for the cooperative system in Nebraska,” said Mulder.




Nebraska Continues to Lead the Midwest in Agricultural Drone Innovation

Nebraska Extension and Northeast Community College are proud to present the third annual Nebraska Agriculture and Spray Drone Conference, held at the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast Community College campus in Norfolk, Nebraska. Widely regarded as the Midwest’s premier agriculture drone event, the conference offers two full days of cutting-edge education, policy updates, and entrepreneurial networking centered around drone technology in agriculture.

Takeaways for Attendees
    Regulatory Clarity:
    Constantly evolving drone regulations require operators to hold FAA Part 107 certification and a commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicator license (Category 12). Compliance with FAA Part 137 and Nebraska aerial pesticide laws is also necessary for drone-based chemical application.
    Industry Innovation:
    From lightweight UAVs to swarming, heavy-lift systems, spray drone technology is rapidly transforming crop protection, input delivery, mapping, and labor efficiency.
    Economic Opportunity:
    With a 2025 theme of “Entrepreneurship Opportunities with Drones,” this year’s event focuses on how to launch and scale drone-based services like precision applications, crop scouting, mapping, and aerial imaging across Nebraska and beyond.

Attendees will gain valuable insight into starting or expanding drone-related businesses. The business expo will feature emerging AgTech companies and service providers at the forefront of agricultural drone innovation.

Conference Highlights
    Speakers: 24 experts from across Nebraska, the U.S., and internationally — including Germany — will present on various drone-related topics.
    Exhibitors: 13 exhibitors and growing.  

For Certified Crop Advisors and Agronomists
Attendees can earn four CEUs in precision agriculture per day, making this a valuable continuing education opportunity for CCAs and agronomic professionals.

Join Us In-Person or Virtually
    Dates and Times:
    Aug. 21 — 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Aug. 22 — 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Location:
    Lifelong Learning Center
    Northeast Community College
    801 East Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701
    Virtual Attendance:
    A fully remote attendance option is available for those unable to join in person.

Don’t Miss This Event                             
The third Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference is a must-attend for anyone involved in modern agriculture — farmers, drone operators, ag entrepreneurs, educators, and policy leaders alike. With a dynamic lineup of speakers and exhibitors, and opportunities to network with leaders in the drone industry.

For more information, check out the conference website https://cropwatch.unl.edu/nebraska-ag-drone-conference/. 



Bonus Workshop: Mapping Drone Bootcamp Master Class to Follow Ag Drone Conference

Attendees of the third annual Nebraska Agriculture and Spray Drone Conference won’t want to miss a special bonus opportunity on Saturday, Aug. 23. The Mapping Drone Bootcamp Master Class, hosted at the Madison County Extension Office (1305 S. 13th St., Norfolk, Nebraska), offers a full-day, hands-on learning experience focused on drone mapping, image processing, and agricultural data interpretation.

Led by Airstrike Ag and Pix4D Agriculture, this intensive workshop is designed for producers, consultants, ag tech enthusiasts, and drone operators at any experience level. Whether you're just starting your drone journey or looking to take your mapping skills to the next level, this bootcamp provides the tools and techniques to make smarter, data-driven decisions in the field.

What You’ll Learn
By the end of the day, participants will be able to:
    Navgate FAA legal requirements for ag drones.
    Choose the right drone for different mapping applications.
    Conduct offline field mapping — no internet required.
    Analyze satellite imagery for real-time and historical insights.
    Identify crop health issues using Pix4D’s Magic Tool.
    Create Variable Rate and Targeted Application Maps.
    Generate and share professional scouting reports.
    Integrate collected data with John Deere Operations Center and spray drone platforms.

A Day of Practical Learning
The workshop blends classroom instruction with real-world application. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop for hands-on practice — some drones and shared equipment will be available on-site.

Included in the day:
    Light breakfast and a hearty lunch.
    Indoor instruction and hands-on activities.
    Comfortable, casual atmosphere designed for learning by doing.

FAQs
    Do I need experience with drones or software? No — this workshop welcomes all levels!
    Don’t own a drone or laptop? No problem — we’ll have equipment to share.
    What’s the benefit to my farm? You'll gain the precision tools to optimize inputs, monitor crop health, and boost yields.

Registration
Spots are limited. More details and registration are available online https://go.unl.edu/pix4D-workshop or by contacting Nathan Stein at 515-417-7247.



Dairy Zone Wins “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” Contest at the 2025 Iowa State Fair

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today congratulated Dairy Zone for winning the second annual “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” contest during the 2025 Iowa State Fair. 

The “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” contest, an officially recognized competition hosted by the Iowa State Fair, highlights and celebrates fair food menu items made using ingredients sourced from Iowa. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, made, and raised food, beverages, and ag products. Dairy Zone's The Butter Cow Tornado was selected by popular vote of fairgoers.

“The Iowa State Fair showcases the best of our state, and the ‘Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food’ contest celebrates the culinary creativity of our vendors who proudly use Iowa-sourced ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. I congratulate Dairy Zone for winning this year’s contest with The Butter Cow Tornado,” said Secretary Naig. “Through Choose Iowa, we’re building an even stronger connection between consumers and those who grow, raise, and make local food and beverages. I encourage everyone to seek out locally sourced options while enjoying the fair and look for local options from Choose Iowa members in your community throughout the year.”

This year, 30 vendors entered the contest, up from 20 vendors the first year. This accounts for approximately 15 percent of the food stands at the Iowa State Fair. This year’s participants include all of Iowa’s commodity groups that produce protein and have a stand at the fair. Additionally, the Iowa Honey Producers, the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers and Iowa Brewers Guild, in collaboration with Iowa Corn, all submitted entries for the Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food contest.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters’ Hot Beef Sundae took home top honors in 2024, the first year of the contest.



USDA Announces Sweeping Plans to Protect the United States from New World Screwworm

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Friday at the Texas State Capitol alongside Governor Greg Abbott and stakeholders from across the country announced the largest initiative yet in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS). This announcement builds upon USDA’s five-pronged plan issued in June to combat the northward spread of NWS from Mexico into the United States.

NWS is a devastating pest. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. It is not only a threat to our ranching community — but it is a threat to our food supply and our national security.

While USDA is coordinating efforts to combat NWS, it will require continued collaboration between Federal agencies, State governments, and the private sector. That is why USDA is working alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to encourage animal drug development and prioritize approvals for prevention and treatment of the pest, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy on new innovations to enhance our ability to combat the pest with technologies, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the United States border. The United States government will also work alongside Governors, State Agriculture Commissioners, State veterinarians, and others to combat this pest.

As part of this comprehensive approach, USDA is taking the following immediate actions:

1.) Innovate Our Way to Eradication
While sterile flies are currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of NWS, technology continues to evolve and as such USDA will provide up to $100 million to invest in viable innovations which could show rapid advancement of promising technologies that will augment the United States facility and accelerate the pace of sterile fly production if proven successful. USDA will support proven concepts that only require funding to scale and implement as well as a number of longer-term research projects focused on: new sterile NWS production techniques, novel NWS traps and lures, NWS therapeutics that could be stockpiled and used should NWS reach the United States, and any other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS.

2.) Protect the United States Border – Construction of a Domestic Sterile Screwworm Production Facility
USDA will construct a sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, TX, at Moore Air Force Base, an ideal location due to the existing infrastructure and proximity to the United States-Mexico border. Built with the Army Corps of Engineers, the facility will produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week to combat NWS. This will be the only United States-based sterile fly facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture.

Why it matters:
    National Security & Economic Impact – NWS threatens over $100 billion in United States economic activity tied to the cattle and livestock industry alone.
    Proven Technology – Uses sterile insect technique (SIT)
    Strategic Coverage – Complements Panama’s facility (100M flies/week) and Mexico’s upcoming facility (100M flies/week) to push NWS back toward the Darien Gap.
    Reduced Vulnerability – Ends the United States-based reliance on foreign facilities for sterile fly production.

3.) Wildlife Migration Prevention
Animals don’t know borders, and that leaves the U.S potentially vulnerable to NWS from wildlife migrating across the border. USDA is working aggressively to ramp up the hiring of USDA-employed mounted patrol officers, known as “Tick Riders,” and other staff who will focus on border surveillance. The Tick Riders, who are mounted on horseback, will be complemented by other animal health experts who will patrol the border in vehicles and will provide the first line of defense against an NWS outbreak along the United States-Mexico border.

USDA will also begin training detector dogs to detect screwworm infestations in livestock and other animals along our border and at various ports of entry. These dogs will be essential to help control the spread of the NWS. USDA is working closely with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S Customs and Border Protection to monitor the border for NWS-infected wildlife that could pose a threat to the United States.

4.) Stop the Pest from Spreading in Mexico and Ensure We Are Full Partners in Eradication
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working in collaboration with the National Service of Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) in Mexico to help them contain the pest south of the United States border by enhancing United States oversight, surveillance, improving case reporting, locking down animal movement to prevent further spread, providing traps, lures, training, and verification of Mexican NWS activities. Successful implementation will inform any future trade decisions impacting cattle movements on the southern border including the potential reopening of border areas.

5.) United States Food Safety is of Utmost Importance
To date, NWS has not been reported or detected in the United States in animals. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service inspects animals and carcasses at slaughter, including for NWS to keep the food supply safe.

“We have assessed the information on the ground in Mexico and have determined we must construct an additional sterile fly production facility in the United States to stop the northward advancement of this terrible pest that is threatening American cattle production. President Trump has made it clear that we must take all necessary steps to protect our country from foreign pests and diseases that threaten our economy and way of life. Today we are announcing a major investment to further America’s existential role in protecting our country and secure our borders from this national security threat,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The construction of a domestic sterile fly production facility will ensure the United States continues to lead the way in combating this devastating pest. If our ranchers are overrun by foreign pests, then we cannot feed ourselves. USDA and Customs and Border Protection are constantly monitoring our ports of entry to keep NWS away from our borders. We are working every day to ensure our American agricultural industry is safe, secure, and resilient.”

“As a livestock veterinarian by trade, I understand the risk posed to our food system by foreign animal diseases. As a livestock producer and Governor of America's leading beef producing state, I know that food security is national security. I commend Secretary Brooke Rollins and her team for their extraordinary leadership on fighting foreign animal diseases. They have been at the tip of the spear from the start, and this plan is another example of their diligence and leadership,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen.

“It took decades to eradicate this parasite from within and adjacent to our borders more than a generation ago, and this is a proactive first step. Cattle markets are already volatile and the introduction of New World screwworm within the U.S. would only increase that volatility. We thank USDA and Secretary Rollins for her leadership protecting the domestic cattle industry and we stand ready to help ensure the speedy and efficient construction of this facility and implementation of the updated plan,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.

“American cattle producers are thankful for Secretary Brooke Rollins’ leadership and diligence in combatting the spread of New World screwworm. This deadly pest has negatively impacted the cattle industry before but with swift action from Secretary Rollins, we are on our way to stopping it again. USDA’s work in building a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base will greatly help to stop the spread of screwworm and protect the American cattle herd for years to come,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall.

Friday August 15 Ag News - Pillen on Gov Summit - Prep for Corn Silage - Ag Land update - Iowa Environmental Leaders recognized - Red Meat and Obesity - and More!

 Gov. Pillen Hosts ‘Growing Nebraska’ Summit, Inaugural Youth Summit in Kearney

Governor Jim Pillen welcomed more than 900 participants to Kearney this week for the 2025 Governor’s Summit: Growing Nebraska and the first-ever Governor’s Youth Summit.

The annual Governor’s Summit, co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), convenes the state’s economic development community to discuss shared strategies to grow Nebraska. This year’s event featured breakout tracks on manufacturing, workforce development, agriculture and the emerging bioeconomy.

The inaugural Youth Summit facilitated one-on-one interactions between high school students and business, college, and military leaders. Throughout the day, employers and educators presented student attendees with internship, scholarship, and job offers in Nebraska.

“Our state’s family farms and multi-generational manufacturers can compete with anybody, anywhere,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today was all about connecting youth to the great careers being created by our homegrown businesses. The message to our kids is clear: you can achieve your dreams here in the Good Life.”

Husker football coach Matt Rhule kicked off Thursday’s activities with keynote remarks. He was then joined by current Cornhuskers—and Nebraska natives—Derek Branch (Lincoln), Heinrich Haarberg (Kearney), Carter Nelson (Ainsworth), and Luke Lindenmeyer (Papillion) for a special session of the Youth Summit. Speaking to student attendees, the Husker players shared why they’ve chosen to spend their college careers in Nebraska.

Gov. Pillen moderated a lunchtime panel of state agency directors. The panelists spotlighted system improvements within state government that are resulting in better outcomes and savings for Nebraskans. The lunch session also featured guest speaker Stephen Vaden, deputy secretary of USDA. He provided an update on the Trump Administration’s work to advance American agriculture and grow the ag economy.

The Governor’s Summit concluded with an afternoon plenary session headlined by Eric Gehringer, Executive VP of Operations for Union Pacific (UP). He highlighted the company’s work to become America’s first transcontinental railroad and detailed UP’s commitment to Nebraska, which dates back more than 160 years.

At the conclusion of the event, CareerPathway.com, primary sponsor of the Governor’s Youth Summit, reported metrics from the inaugural event. During Thursday, students made 918 connections with employers/educators and submitted more than 250 scholarship, internship, and job applications.



 NEBRASKA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC CENTER RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S AWARD

The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center has received the Governor’s Excellence in Ag Partnership Award for its scientific excellence and support of Nebraska agricultural stakeholders. Gov. Jim Pillen presented the award at the 2025 Governor’s Summit in Kearney on Aug. 13.

“Family farm security equals food security, which equals national security. Having the ability to detect, research and address animal disease is paramount,” Pillen said. “The Veterinary Diagnostic Center at UNL is critical to that work, and it’s a privilege to highlight the role it plays in keeping our food supply safe.”

Part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the diagnostic center provides “a scientific and technical anchor” for the university’s veterinary education and disease diagnostics, as well as research support.

The center also supports all Nebraska citizens by enhancing the supply of available safe and secure food, and by improving the health of people and animals, said Scott McVey, professor and director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

At 65,000 square feet, the laboratory annually analyzes 300,000 samples to monitor for common animal diseases, as well as high-consequence threats such as avian influenza. The lab’s work also supports high-level veterinary and disease research.

“The laboratory provides daily support for practicing veterinarians and the many clients it serves,” McVey said.

Through diagnostic testing and case summaries, the center provides prompt and expert reports for Nebraska veterinarians and helps them connect with resources for disease response and future prevention.

Through the work of faculty and staff, the diagnostic center is a central resource for the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and “has provided excellent and efficient service for the state and veterinarians,” McVey said.

“It is especially noteworthy that the laboratory is a critical resource for Nebraska in managing emerging diseases of agricultural and public health significance,” he said.

The laboratory’s diagnostic testing has proved vital in detection of animal diseases including avian influenza and rabies.

Providing timely test results within hours to veterinarians and other stakeholders is a priority.

“For a lot of these diseases, every hour is an opportunity for it to spread or for more mortality to occur,” said Dustin Loy, the center’s director and professor of veterinary microbiology.

The center honed that capacity during the COVID crisis of 2020-21, when the facility scaled up to handle the heavy volume of campus community samples to test for SARS-COV-2 and deliver results promptly.

The lab’s continuing partnerships with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network enable scientists and technicians to receive the highest levels of training in cutting-edge diagnostic techniques to rapidly deliver results so that outbreaks can be rapidly controlled and markets restored.

“Minimizing that delay is something we work on, so we do a lot of drills,” Loy said. “We want to make sure we’re constantly ready.”

The facility is Nebraska's only veterinary diagnostic lab accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The USDA leverages many of the lab’s services through the diagnostic center’s partnership as a Level 1 National Animal Health Laboratory Network member. Scientists working in the lab have expertise in disciplines including bacteriology, histology and immunohistochemistry, pathology, molecular diagnostics, serology and virology.

“We would like to thank Gov. Jim Pillen and the State of Nebraska for this award,” McVey said. “It truly recognizes the outstanding dedicated staff and faculty that deliver excellent diagnostic service and work daily to ensure the health and safety of Nebraska’s food, animals and people.”



Inoculants for Corn Silage
Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator 

Corn silage harvest success rests on proper harvest, packing, and storage practices. When we need a boost, adding an inoculant at harvest time can help improve fermentation and storage, but we need to know what products to use to get the best result.

Silage inoculants are simply bacterial cultures that help manage pH in the pile by converting sugars to acids which reduce molds, fungi, and unwanted bacteria such as clostridia.

When selecting an inoculant, the first step is deciding if up-front fermentation or pile stability are needed, or maybe both. Up front fermentation helps if most of our issues center around harvest and packing. If problems are more centered on storage and feed out, stability is where we should spend our money. Sometimes, a mix of both is needed.

Inoculants primarily reduce storage losses. Silages that contain homolactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum help fermentation start and end quicker by dropping the pH fast. This allows more silage to remain for feeding. Other inoculants, like heterolactic acid bacteria Lactobacillius buchneri, can improve aerobic stability by reducing spoilage losses when silage is re-exposed to air. These bacteria are especially useful at reducing spoilage on the face of bunker silos if the face is too wide to keep fresh or if producers take out several days’ worth of feed from the pile at one time.

The purpose of inoculants is not to fix a train wreck or improve a perfect silage year, but they can help when things aren’t ideal. Inoculants can be used as an insurance policy to reduce the risk of spoilage and maintain quality.



Agriculture Land Market Remains Resilient Amid Economic Uncertainty
 
Despite ongoing challenges in commodity markets and uncertain farm profitability, agricultural land values have remained remarkably stable through mid-2025, according to Farmers National Company. This resilience is mainly driven by the basic economic principle of supply and demand; there are simply more motivated buyers than willing sellers. 
 
While producers remain the main buyers of ag land, interest from individual and institutional investors cannot be ignored, Farmers National Company noted. As land values stabilize after reaching peaks within the past five years, investors are increasingly attracted by both annual returns and long-term appreciation. According to Farm Credit Services of America, benchmark Midwest farmland values have increased 56.9% over the past five years and 38.3% over the past decade, reinforcing land’s appeal as a long-term asset. 
 
Inventory remains limited, with listings down 20–25 percent from the peak in 2020–2021. Many long-term landowners are choosing to hold onto their properties, recognizing the stability and value appreciation land offers compared to more volatile investments. 
 
According to Paul Schadegg, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Farmers National Company, farm profitability will be a key factor affecting land values in the future.  
 
“The USDA forecasts 2025 net farm income to be the lowest since 2020. This will likely influence producer purchasing power and investor returns, especially as input costs, commodity prices, and interest rates fluctuate,” says Schadegg. “While balance sheets generally remain strong, any negative movements in the ag economy could quickly impact the land market.” 
 
Geopolitical developments also influence the market. Trade policies, tariffs, and global unrest create uncertainty, impacting both domestic and international markets. While renegotiated trade agreements may present future opportunities, current tariffs could decrease demand for U.S. agricultural exports as other countries expand their production and infrastructure. 

Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa - Chanda Scheuring, Area Sales Manager
Land values in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa have stayed fairly steady over the past couple of years, despite challenges from lower commodity prices and rising input costs. But the big question on everyone’s mind is whether this market can be sustained.

As the agricultural economy has less readily available cash than in previous years, some farmers are or already have started to feel pressure from their financial lenders. Discussions about tightening budgets and even selling a quarter of their land have been topics some local loan officers have suggested to a few of their clients.

Still, some top producers want to, and have the financial ability to, expand their operations over the coming year by buying more farmland. But that pool of buyers is shrinking. 

With the changing market, it’s important to partner with a local real estate professional to not only understand the current value of your farm property but also the best way to market it in a shifting economy. 
 
Looking into the second half of 2025, those with solid financial positions—both producers and investors—will be best equipped to pursue land purchase opportunities. During periods of volatility, Farmers National Company sees strong demand for real estate and management services as landowners seek answers in today’s market.    
 
Farmers National Company has successfully marketed more than $450 million in land value in the first half of 2025.  
 
“We have had a strong start to the year and will continue to adapt to the global elements that impact the land value market,” Schadegg says. 



Seven Farmer-Leaders Elected to Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors

Seven farmers, including two incumbents, have been elected to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board were: Josh Schoulte, Farmersburg (District 3); Joe Sperfslage, Coggon (District 6); Summer Ory, Earlham (District 8); Brian Fuller, Osceola (District 8); and Neil Krummen, Linn Grove (At-Large).

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4) and Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5).

“Whether as a voter, candidate or both, we thank Iowa soybean farmers for engaging in this important process,” said Brent Swart, ISA president and soybean farmer from Spencer. “As a farmer-led association, their participation contributes to the success and longevity of ISA and our industry.”

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. The seven directors elected join 14 full-time soybean farmers in developing ISA’s policies and programs each year.

Those continuing their service as directors are: Paul Kassel, Spencer (District 1); Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); Sam Showalter, Hampton (District 2); Mike Yegge, Lake Mills (District 2); Amanda Tupper, Ionia (District 3); Jeff Frank, Lake View (District 4); and Corey Goodhue, Carlisle (District 5).

Also: Matt Willimack, De Witt (District 6); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); Lee Brooke, Clarinda (District 7); Jeff Ellis, Donnellson (District 9); Tom Adam, Harper (District 9); Aimee Bissell, Bedford (At-Large); Jack Boyer, Reinbeck (At-Large); and Sharon Chism, Huxley (At-Large).



Iowa Soybean Assoc. hosts Summer Soy Series

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) invites you to join fellow farmers, industry experts and association leadership at ISA’s Summer Soy Series coming to a community near you!

The "Farm Futures" panel will explore key policy and trade issues shaping the future of Iowa soybean farming. Topics include global trade challenges, biofuels , state and federal policy developments and other timely challenges and opportunities facing growers.

Join us for expert insights and practical discussion on how these issues impact your operation. Scott Shellady, host of The Cow Guy Close on RFD-TV, will be joining and will serve as both keynote speaker and panelist at these events.

Register by August 15, 2025 to be entered for a chance to win one of five ISA branded coolers. Meeting attendees will be entered to win a selection of door prizes at each location.  Stops include:

Wednesday, August 27
Holstein: Cobblestone Inn & Suites (2011 Indorf Ave, Holstein, IA 51025)
10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Atlantic: Cass County Community Building (805 W 10th St, Atlantic, IA 50022)
5:30 - 8:05 p.m.

This meeting is valued at $125. Registration is available to soybean farmers at no additional cost courtesy of their soybean checkoff. Registration cost for industry members to attend is $40. Register here:  https://www.iasoybeans.com/programs/summer-soy-series. 

For additional information or assistance, contact Bre Wagner at 515-669-7963 or bwagner@iasoybeans.com.



Monthly Dairy Webinar On September 12 To Focus on Immigration Enforcement For Iowa Livestock and Dairy Producers

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Friday, September 12 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT. This program will be presented by Kristiana Coutu who will review common reasons federal immigration officials may contact an employer or arrive at the farm.

Kristiana Coutu is an attorney and CPA with the Center for Agricultural Taxation at Iowa State University. Agricultural employers are increasingly concerned about immigration enforcement and have questions about how it may directly impact their farm. This webinar will cover common reasons federal immigration officials may contact an employer or arrive at the farm, along with key compliance areas every agricultural employer should understand and have in place. The goal of this webinar is to provide practical, educational information to help producers know what to expect and how to prepare for potential interactions with immigration enforcement officials.

Kristiana focuses her work at the Center for Agricultural Taxation on researching and educating on current legal and tax issues impacting agriculture.  As director of the Beginning Farmer Center, Kristiana brings her passion and commitment to supporting new farmers and providing resources for farm succession planning. Kristiana enjoys interacting with producers and agricultural organizations across the country.  Before joining Iowa State University, Kristiana was a practicing agricultural attorney. She is also a fourth-generation dairy farmer and farmed full-time for many years. 

Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12 by registering at least one hour before the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/IMMIGRATIONISSUES

For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu. 




Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards Presented to 40 Farm Families at the 2025 Iowa State Fair

Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon today recognized 40 Iowa farm families with Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The award recognizes farmers and farm families who go above and beyond to take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, while serving as leaders within their communities.

These farm families implement practices like cover crops, wetlands, bioreactors, saturated buffers, grass waterways, buffer strips, terraces, no till and many other proven conservation practices that improve water quality, enhance soil health and support the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These worthy recipients recognize that the benefits of conservation practices extend beyond their farms, and their leadership encourages others to adopt similar conservation practices.

"Here in Iowa, we know that agriculture and conservation go hand in hand," said Gov. Reynolds. "Our farmers feed and fuel the world - and they also lead the way in protecting soil, improving our water quality, and adopting innovative practices that will keep our state striving for generations to come."

"Iowa’s farm families continue to be the driving force behind building a lasting culture of conservation within our state. Farmers are voluntarily adopting practices like cover crops, no till, buffer strips, wetlands, bioreactors and many more, and are helping us set conservation adoption records year after year,” said Secretary Naig. “The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award winners are shining examples of community leaders who are taking action on their own land and inspiring others to do the same. This creates a ripple effect and helps drive conservation progress across Iowa."

"We take great pride in recognizing these leaders in our farming communities throughout our state who put sound conservation practices at the forefront of their operations,” said Director Lyon. “Their conservation practices are leading the change and setting an example for future generations and other farmers."   

The winners were chosen by a committee representing conservation and agricultural groups. A total of 861 Iowa farm families have been recognized since the creation of the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2012. 

The 2025 award recipients include:
Ross Havens, Nichols Farms, Adair County
James and Jenny Adams, Buena Vista County
Ryan Bowman, Ryan and Kelsey Bowman Family, Carroll County
Bruce Husman and Cindy Husman, Husman Farms, Cherokee County
Chris Lee, Ida County
Terry Gleaves, Pottawattamie County
Wesley Henry, Pottawattamie County
Tom and Kaitlin Geake and John and Cathy Geake, Sac County

A list of previous recipients is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. High-resolution photos will be available within one month of the ceremony on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Flickr page. 



New Research Finds Unprocessed Red Meat Has No Effect on Obesity and Related Diseases 

Recent Beef Checkoff-funded research adds to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role fresh beef plays in a healthy, sustainable diet. Animal-sourced foods, such as red meat, are often assumed to be associated with obesity risk. However, Texas Tech University researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of available research on the relationship between unprocessed red meat intake and obesity, finding no significant effect of such intake on weight gain or related metabolic issues in adults.

“Beef contains high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, and people enjoy this key source of nourishment – yet they’re often discouraged to consume red meat based on recommendations primarily driven by observational evidence,” noted the lead researcher, Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, PhD, chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences and associate dean for innovation for the College of Health & Human Sciences. “Our study is the first to fully review the totality of causative evidence, which shows no protective or adverse effect of unprocessed red meat intake on obesity.”

Dhurandhar explains that previous related studies are based primarily on observational data, which often rely on self-reported dietary and lifestyle information that can be inaccurate and confound study results and conclusions. Instead, the researchers used rigorous research methods by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 human clinical trials. They focused solely on studies that determined the effect of direct feeding of unprocessed red meat to participants rather than studies that used self-reported data. The result is the most comprehensive evaluation of red meat intake and obesity to date, according to Dhurandhar.

“Protein-rich foods, such as beef, may improve satiety and fullness, which can help support lifestyle and dietary behaviors that promote weight loss and healthy weight maintenance,” Dhurandhar added. “However, the stigma surrounding unprocessed red meat’s role in obesity may keep many from consuming red meat, thus missing out on key benefits which may be important for weight loss and management. This study offers a complete view of the research, so clinicians and consumers can make informed decisions about the role of unprocessed beef in healthy lifestyles.”

This research was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Texas Beef Council (TBC), contractors to the Beef Checkoff. NCBA and TBC were not involved in the study design, data collection and analysis or publication of the findings.

For more about the latest Beef Checkoff efforts, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. 



NGFA launches 2025 Harvest Safety Week: “Safety First. Harvest Ready.”

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) will host its sixth annual Harvest Safety Week on Aug. 18-22, with the 2025 theme, “Safety First. Harvest Ready.” The week will feature new recorded presentations and materials designed to help grain, feed, and processing facilities, and their farmer customers, prepare for a safe and productive harvest season.

“Safety is one of our cornerstones, and we have always worked to ensure that it remains a primary area of effort as we strive to cultivate healthy workplaces in agriculture,” said Jess McCluer, NGFA Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory. “Each year, we dedicate a week to sharing safety resources, and NGFA’s sixth-annual Harvest Safety Week is Aug. 18 through the 22.”

The 2025 program will include four recorded presentations led by industry safety experts:
    Safety Around Ground Storage Piles: Key practices for vehicle traffic control, machine guarding, fall protection, and electrical safety.
    Safety Around Moving Vehicles: Best practices for truck receiving areas, traffic control plans, and mobile equipment operation.
    Hazardous Weather Conditions – Extreme Heat & Cold: How to prevent heat and cold stress and dress appropriately for changing harvest weather.
    Preventing Worker Fatigue During Harvest: Strategies for recognizing and reducing fatigue, plus effective sleep practices. 

The Association encourages anyone in the industry to sign up for Harvest Safety Week emails at www.ngfa.org/safety, share the resources on social media using #HSW25, and tag NGFA.

“The goal of Harvest Safety Week – like our other safety-related content – is to make agriculture a safer industry,” McCluer said. “We’re committed to doing whatever we can to boost effective safety awareness and practices. That’s why our theme is ‘Safety First. Harvest Ready.’”

Many of the materials will remain available year-round, thanks to the support of the National Grain and Feed Foundation.

“The more we can boost our awareness and encourage the use of safety best practices, the more our workers will arrive home safely at the end of the day,” McCluer concluded. “And that has always been our industry’s top priority.”



New CLAAS JAGUAR 1000 Series Forage Harvesters Offer Unmatched Throughput, Efficiency 

CLAAS just unveiled the new JAGUAR 1000 series forage harvester to a select audience of dealers, producers and members of the media gathered in California dairy country near Visalia. The new self-propelled forage harvester line features greater throughput, power and operator comfort. Four best-in-class models — the JAGUAR 1080, 1090, 1100 and 1200 — range from 850 to 1,110 hp with throughput rates of up to 500 tons per hour.  

Simply put, the JAGUAR 1000 series forage harvesters are the most capable in the market. CLAAS designed the machines in partnership with North American growers to deliver top-tier chop quality and unbeatable efficiency.   

“We didn't just tweak the old platform — we reimagined everything,” said Matt Jaynes, Product Manager at CLAAS of America. “These machines feature a truly ground-up engineering approach, with wider crop flow, a more intelligent drive system, and significant advancements in chop quality and cab comfort.” 

Widening the Gap 
The JAGUAR 1000 series machines feature the widest crop flow channel on the market. Its new pre-compression system and four pre-compression rollers guarantee uniform feeding of the V-FLEX knife drum for maximum throughput with consistent chop quality and optimum overall machine efficiency.   

The nearly 36 in (910 mm) wide V-FLEX knife drum is wider than previous models, offering more space and inertia for maximum throughput. Growers can fit the knife drum with various knives for a wide range of cutting lengths.  

At the heart of the JAGUAR 1000 series is a transversely mounted 24-liter V12 MAN engine, delivering immense torque and reliable power across all harvesting conditions. With intelligent engine load management via CEMOS AUTO PERFORMANCE and all-wheel drive, the machine adapts in real time to changing field demands. 

The JAGUAR 1000 also features the new MULTI CROP CRACKER XL, a 12.2 in (310 mm) diameter roller conditioning system that ensures optimal grain and stover processing, even at high throughput rates. It’s available in both CLASSIC and SHREDLAGE® configurations, which respectively add 40% and 50% faster processing speeds. Operators can verify processing levels instantly using the new CLAAS connect Chop Quality Analysis feature, which uses artificial intelligence to deliver Corn Silage Processing Score (CSPS) feedback directly to a smartphone. 

These core upgrades allow for faster processing, more uniform feeding, consistent chopping, and reduced wear over time, especially in thick swaths or corn silage.

According to Jaynes, customer trials showed a 20% increase in daily capacity compared to previous models, even when horsepower remains the same.  

“With this machine, everything is designed to move more crop, more efficiently, front to back, start to finish. Our belt-driven system keeps losses around 1%, giving operators more usable power where it counts — at the drum,” he says. 

Next-Level Attachments 
The new line of forage harvesters comes with new attachments, including the PICK UP 3800 and 4500 heads for grass and hay, and ORBIS 9000 and 10500 heads for corn.  

CLAAS integrated independent variable drives for both PICK UP and ORBIS headers, which enables fine-tuned header speeds based on crop and conditions. This system eliminates the need for traditional chain drives and clutches, reducing maintenance demands, increasing reliability and maximizing uptime in the field. 

Operator Comfort and Convenience 
The JAGUAR 1000 series extends its technology and efficiency to the cab, which is custom-made for forage harvesting. A premium leather seat with heating, cooling and rotation comes standard, along with joystick steering option for fingertip control during tight headland turns. Enhanced visibility, intuitive controls, sound reduction, and intelligent features like AUTO FILL and CEMOS AUTO PERFORMANCE further reduce operator fatigue and increase daily productivity. 

The JAGUAR 1000 series features the latest generation of NUTRIMETER with advanced NIR sensor technology. Growers can use this to measure dry matter content in real time and adjust cut length based on crop conditions. The result is optimal feed quality and silage compaction, plus precise yield mapping and area-specific data collection. 

Large tire options, differential locks, and tire pressure control systems ensure traction and reduced soil compaction, even on slopes and in mud.  

Real Results, Backed by Real Listening 
The JAGUAR 1000 series is truly inspired by the best, delivering feedback from forage harvester customers around the world who rely on high-performing equipment to drive their bottom line. Jaynes emphasizes that this machine wasn’t just built for specs — it was built from farmer feedback.  

“We asked our customers what they needed, and they told us: more capacity, less downtime, better spout flexibility and less maintenance,” Jaynes says. “This is a system where every component was engineered to work in sync — not just to perform, but to outperform.” 

JAGUAR Heritage 
More than 50 years of experience in the development and construction of forage harvesters and global market leadership for more than 25 years: The JAGUAR from CLAAS is synonymous with performance, efficiency and reliability among customers all over the world. With the new JAGUAR 1000 series, CLAAS is continuing this success story and adding a new chapter. "Inspired by the best" not only stands for throughput capacity, chopping quality, comfort and efficiency, it also stands for the valuable, thousand-fold feedback from forage harvester customers all over the world, whose demanding requirements for top-class forage harvesters played a key role in the development process. 

Thursday August 14 Ag News - Managing Stock Tank Algae - Fall Armyworm Potential - SDS and Suthern Rust in IA - and more!

 What does it take?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Extension Beef Systems Educator

The 103rd edition of the Cuming County Fair closed Sunday under a sunny sky with temperatures in the 80’s. If you would ask anyone, fairgoer, exhibit participant, vendor, volunteer, or organizer, how they think the fair went, I believe the answer would be a resounding “darn good” to “extremely well.”

Might there have been glitches, setbacks, failures, etc.? Of course, the answer is yes. There always are.

Yet, despite this, everyone was in a good mood, likely tired but extremely satisfied with their role in it.

From any angle you look at it, the Cuming County Fair is every bit like the most successful state fairs, yet it is scaled to the size and reach of a county of only 9,000 people. Though statistics are not in for 2025, the Cuming County Fair regularly sees 30,000 people come through its entrance. In a short four days, the population of the county increases more than three times.

So, the question is: what does it take to have a successful county fair?

The simple answer is an unimaginable amount of love. Because it is love for many things, including family, neighbors, and the place we call home that drives everything.

The proof is in the dedication, effort, and hard work children and their families have done for nearly a year preparing their 4-H exhibit. It is also evident in the organization and work fair board members and other volunteers do before, during and after the fair.

If anyone wishes to see evidence of this, I ask them to think for a minute how it is possible that a 1,300-lb steer is led by a 75-lb 4-H exhibitor in front of a large and loud crowd, and yet, this young person manages to keep their animal on task and tend to the judge’s evaluation during shows that might extend over hours.

Who is not wowed by watching shows where young people compete by demonstrating skills, they trained their horses or dogs? It does not take much to recognize the time and effort it took these young people to get these animals to respond to their commands.

These children could not have done all of this by themselves. Their parents, siblings and extended family, their club volunteers and even neighbors and friends all have supported this endeavor in one way or another. A minute at the fair watching their support network brings a smile and the satisfaction that life is as it should be.

Beyond the shows, volunteers keep the fair running smoothly and on time. Without their dedication and hard work, concerts, rodeo, tractor pull, turtle races, polka dance, 4-H shows, 4-H Country Kitchen, fair events, vendor sales or parade would not take place.

Volunteers give their time for the whole Cuming County Fair to exist.

So, I am not sure what other response to give to what it takes to run a successful County Fair other than love. For only from love we can draw the dedication and devote time to making the Fair a gem of Cuming County.



Stock Tank Algae
Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Keeping clean water in front of animals during the summer is important. However, sunlight and warm temperatures can often lead to stock tanks overrun by algae. Let’s look at how we can address these issues.

The first step to stopping algae growth in a tank is preventing a habitat algae will love. Keep animals from getting into larger tanks to limit unwanted nutrient loading. When possible, keep water from becoming warm and stagnant by matching tank size to herd demands. Finally, shade the tank to reduce sunlight, which algae needs to grow.

One control method that often gets lumped in with options that kill algae is barley straw. While studies have shown barley straw does not kill algae, 0.75 oz of straw per square yard of tank area submerged in a loose bag or container should be enough to limit growth up to 6 months.

Sometimes, algae growth can still become an issue despite our best efforts. If your tank is small enough, regular scrubbing can keep algae at bay. For larger tanks, commercial algicides, most using copper sulfate, can be effective. Just follow instructions carefully, especially when sheep are involved which are sensitive to copper.

Other often cited control options are goldfish and bleach. North Carolina State researchers recommend up to 2 oz of bleach per 50 gallons of water mixed well. Keep animals away while mixing to ensure no concentrated areas remain. Or you can try 4-6 goldfish per 100 gallons of water – just provide them with cover and cool water.

Clean water is vital for animal health, especially during summer. Prevent algae growth through proper tank placement, cleaning, and options like barley straw. If needed, consider copper sulfate, bleach, or goldfish.



Fall Armyworm Awareness
Samantha Daniel, NE Extension Educator

In previous years, portions of eastern Nebraska have seen significant numbers of fall armyworm caterpillars feeding on alfalfa, brome regrowth in pastures, and newly seeded small

grain crops such as wheat, triticale, and rye. While reports of armyworm damage have not been received so far this year, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for this insect.

Fall armyworm caterpillars can be distinguished from other Lepidopterans by markings on the head that resemble an inverted “Y” and four spots on the last abdominal segment that form a square. This insect does not overwinter in Nebraska, but rather migrates north from Texas, Florida, and Mexico when populations build up in late summer. Once caterpillars are ¾ inch, they can do considerable damage in a few days. Because of this, it is important to scout fields and pastures in the early morning and late afternoon, when caterpillars are most active, to spot them when they are small.

A reasonable treatment threshold is finding 3 or more caterpillars per square foot within a field or pasture. The application of a pyrethroid insecticide, given the larvae are smaller than ¾ inch, will provide adequate control. For forage crops be sure to check the grazing restriction and post-harvest interval. Keep in mind, caterpillars ¾ inch or longer are close to maturity and can be harder to control with an insecticide.

Fall armyworm feeding declines with cooler temperatures and the adult moths eventually migrate south. In the meantime, plan to keep an eye on your pastures and newly seeded fields for any sign of infestation.



Sudden Death Syndrome Showing Up Across Iowa
Daren S Mueller, ISU Extension Plant Pathologist 

We are seeing sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybean fields across Iowa. Caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium virguliforme, SDS is among the most destructive soybean diseases in the state. There are no in-season management options, but documenting where the disease occurs and noting how different cultivars perform will be valuable for making future management decisions.

It’s important to confirm that symptoms are SDS and not a look-alike disease such as brown stem rot(BSR) or red crown rot (RCR).
    BSR can look similar to SDS from above, but splitting stems will reveal a brown discoloration in the pith, which does not occur with SDS.
    RCR causes reddish discoloration at the crown and small red structures (perithecia) on the lower stem.

Important: Red crown rot has not been identified in Iowa. If you suspect RCR, please contact Daren Mueller at dsmuelle@iastate.edu and/or send a plant sample to the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic for confirmation.

Correct diagnosis is essential for tracking disease distribution and making future management decisions.



Southern rust continues to develop across Iowa
Alison Robertson, ISU Extension Field Crops Pathologist 

Southern rust has continued to spread across Iowa and increase in severity since the disease was first reported in mid-July. This is not surprising considering the weather we have been having. July was warm and extremely wet across the state, and the precipitation has continued through this first 10 days of August.

Southern rust thrives in warm (77-82°F), wet (dew, rain) conditions. At least 6 hours of leaf wetness is required for infection to occur. Under these conditions, the time between a spore infecting a leaf to the production of a pustule filled with new spores is 7 to 10 days. Compare this to tar spot (14-21 days) and gray leaf spot (14 days).  Consequently, southern rust epidemics can develop very quickly. Once we get into the cooler days of fall, southern rust development should slow.

Is it too late to apply a fungicide? 
According to this resource from the Crop Protection Network, applying a fungicide through R3 (milk) is likely to be beneficial. Only with severe disease pressure would a fungicide application be recommended at R4 (dough). I would consider severe southern rust disease pressure to be southern rust present on the ear leaf or in the upper canopy on most plants in the field at approximately 1% disease severity.  I’ve heard lots of chatter that southern rust is severe in the lower canopy.  Remember that the ear leaf and canopy above are filling grain. These are the leaves we need to apply a fungicide to and protect yield.

For folks who have already applied a fungicide, a second application is likely unnecessary. Your decision should depend on the product you used, the amount of disease in the upper canopy and the growth stage of your crop.  It goes without saying that at today’s grain prices, a second application of fungicide input is unlikely to result in an output (ROI).

How effective are fungicides against southern rust?
Fungicides vary in their efficacy against southern rust based on observations from corn pathologists across the U.S. Newer products, with VG-E efficacy, will protect leaves from new infections for 35-42 days, based on my experience. Older products and generics are likely protecting the leaves for 21 days.

Is southern rust going to be another disease we need to manage every year?
The southern rust pathogen is different from the pathogens that cause tar spot, gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight in that it will not survive the winter in Iowa.  All rust pathogens are obligate parasites, which means they can only survive on a living host. Rusts are, in a way, “snowbirds”. They survive on living hosts in Central America during our winter. Then each growing season, their spores are blown up to Iowa on southerly winds. Consequently, each new growing season starts with a clean slate when it comes to southern rust.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/8/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 8, ethanol production picked up 1.1% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.91 million gallons daily. Output was 2.0% higher than the same week last year and 5.0% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked up 0.1% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks retreated 4.7% to 22.6 million barrels, the lowest volume since mid-December 2024. Stocks were 3.0% less than the same week last year and 3.3% below the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4), which remained even with the prior week.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ebbed 0.4% to 9.00 million b/d (138.35 bg annualized). Demand was 0.5% less than a year ago and 0.9% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 0.8% to an 11-week high of 929,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.28 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 0.3% less than year-ago levels and even with the three-year average.

Ethanol exports expanded 6.0% to an estimated 123,000 b/d (5.2 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Fertilizer Prices Continue Mixed

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of August 2025 were mixed. No fertilizer price was substantially higher or lower than a month ago for the ninth week in a row. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Four fertilizers had slightly higher prices. DAP had an average price of $822/ton, MAP $892/ton, potash $484/ton and UAN28 $421/ton. 

Four fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. Urea had an average price of $646/ton, 10-34-0 $669/ton, anhydrous $765/ton and UAN32 $498/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.70/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.78/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. 10-34-0 is 5% higher, MAP is 9% more expensive, DAP is 11% higher, anhydrous is 13% more expensive, UAN28 is 25% higher, urea is 28% higher and UAN32 is 32% more expensive looking back to last year. 

The remaining fertilizer price continues to be lower. Potash is 4% lower compared to last year.



BASF, Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. sign agreement to bring industry-first soybean trait stack to market 

BASF, Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. today announced that they have entered into a trait licensing agreement to bring BASF’s novel nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait with Enlist E3® soybeans and Conkesta E3® soybeans to farmers in Brazil. The NRS trait offers the first ever biotech solution for effectively managing root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and soybean cyst nematodes – difficult-to-control microscopic pests that damage soybeans and threaten yields. 

“This novel trait has demonstrated more than 90% control of root lesion nematodes in more than 160 field trials over the past seven years,” said Adolfo Vitorio Ulbrich, Regional R&D Seeds Director at BASF Agricultural Solutions in Latin America. “We are excited to cooperate with Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. to bring to Brazilian farmers the first commercially available biotechnology trait for soybeans to provide a critical management tool against nematodes.” 

The Enlist® weed control system is a U.S. industry-leading system for soybeans, corn, and cotton. Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides, giving growers additional herbicide options to manage resistant and hard-to-control weeds. Conkesta E3 soybeans additionally incorporate two Bt proteins (Cry1F and Cry1Ac) for the management of the main caterpillar pests in soybean crops, a tailored option for farmers in Latin America.  

“We’re pleased about the opportunity to combine our Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 soybean technology with the nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait from BASF to offer growers across Brazil a critical new tool to help protect against Pratylenchus brachyurus and soybean cyst nematode,” said Christian Pflug, Licensing Director, Brazil and Paraguay, Corteva. 

The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. 

“Since the beginning, M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. has been focused on developing the industry’s highest-performing soybean genetics,” said Joe Merschman, president of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. “Pairing Enlist E3 and Conkesta E3 genetics from M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. with this new NRS trait developed by BASF represents a step change in value protection for soybean growers in South America.” 

BASF, Corteva, and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. anticipate commercial varieties containing BASF’s innovative NRS trait in Enlist E3 soybeans and Conkesta E3 soybeans will be available to farmers in Brazil by the end of the decade or early next decade, pending applicable regulatory reviews and completion of field testing. Additional countries remain a possibility. 

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.