Tuesday January 13 Ag News - USDA Crop Production, Stocks, Wheat acres reports - PVC membership meeting - NE NE Crops Update - Master Irrigator Program - IA Ethanol Production Plateaus - and more

 Crop Production 2025 Summary

Corn for grain production in 2025 was estimated at a record high 17.0 billion bushels, up 14 percent from the 2024 estimate. The average yield in the United States was estimated at a record high 186.5 bushels per acre, 7.2 bushels above the 2024 yield of 179.3 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain was estimated at 91.3 million acres, up 10 percent from the 2024 estimate.

Iowa ..........:   210.0 bu/acre     2,772,000,000 bushel production total 
Nebraska ....:   194.0 bu/acre     2,027,300,000 bushel production total

Soybean production in 2025 totaled 4.26 billion bushels, down 3 percent from 2024. The average yield per acre was estimated at a record high 53.0 bushels per acre, up 2.3 bushels from 2024. Harvested area, at 80.4 million acres, was down 7 percent from last year.

Iowa .........:   63.5 bu/acre     595,630,000 bushel production total 
Nebraska ...:   65.5 bu/acre    313,745,000 bushel production total 

Sorghum: Grain production in 2025 was estimated 437 million bushels, up 27 percent from the 2024 total. Planted area for 2025 was estimated at 6.64 million acres, up 5 percent from 2024. Area harvested for grain, at 6.02 million acres, was up 7 percent from 2024. Grain yield was estimated at 72.6 bushels per acre, up 11.3 bushels from 2024.



Grain Stocks 
Corn Stocks Up 10 Percent from December 2024
Soybean Stocks Up 6 Percent
All Wheat Stocks Up 7 Percent

Corn stored in all positions on December 1, 2025 totaled 13.3 billion bushels, up 10 percent from December 1, 2024. Of the total stocks, 8.70 billion bushels are stored on farms, up 14 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 4.58 billion bushels, are up 4 percent from a year ago. The September - November 2025 indicated disappearance is 5.29 billion bushels, compared with 4.58 billion bushels during the same period last year.

State    -   '24 on farm  - '24 off farm - total      -  '25 on farm - '25 off farm - total 
                                                                    (1,000 bushels)
Iowa .......:   1,350,000       828,696     2,178,696    1,450,000    827,129   2,277,129 
Nebraska .:     830,000        532,297     1,362,297    1,000,000    527,152   1,527,152 

Soybeans stored in all positions on December 1, 2025 totaled 3.29 billion bushels, up 6 percent from December 1, 2024. Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 1.58 billion bushels, up 2 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 1.71 billion bushels, are up 10 percent from last December. Indicated disappearance for September - November 2025 totaled 1.30 billion bushels, down 20 percent from the same period a year earlier.

State    -   '24 on farm  - '24 off farm - total      -  '25 on farm - '25 off farm - total 
                                                                    (1,000 bushels)
Iowa ......:   220,000       286,550        506,550           215,000      307,086       522,086 
Nebraska :    68,000        158,175        226,175           83,000        179,757       262,757 

All wheat stored in all positions on December 1, 2025 totaled 1.68 billion bushels, up 7 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 446 million bushels, down 4 percent from last December. Off-farm stocks, at 1.23 billion bushels, are up 11 percent from a year ago. The September - November 2025 indicated disappearance is 459 million bushels, 9 percent above the same period a year earlier.
 
State    -   '24 on farm  - '24 off farm - total      -  '25 on farm - '25 off farm - total 
                                                                    (1,000 bushels)
Iowa .......:        (NA)               2,754          2,754             (NA)                3,159        3,159 
Nebraska .:       3,700             35,688        39,388           3,300             36,520      39,820 

Grain sorghum stored in all positions on December 1, 2025 totaled 268 million bushels, up 26 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 39.7 million bushels, are up 26 percent from December 1 last year. Off-farm stocks, at 228 million bushels, are up 26 percent from a year earlier. The September - November 2025 indicated disappearance from all positions is 209 million bushels, up 27 percent from the same period in 2024.

State    -   '24 on farm  - '24 off farm - total      -  '25 on farm - '25 off farm - total 
                                                                    (1,000 bushels)
Nebraska ....:   3,300            13,444        16,744             2,600               9,587      12,187  



Winter Wheat Planted Acres Down Less Than 1 Percent

Winter wheat seeded area for 2026 is expected to total 33.0 million acres, down less than 1 percent from 2025. Approximate class acreage breakdowns are: Hard Red Winter, 23.5 million; Soft Red Winter, 6.14 million; and White Winter, 3.36 million. 

Winter wheat: Planted area for harvest in 2026 is estimated at 33.0 million acres, down less than 1 percent from 2025 and down 2 percent from 2024. A record low planted area is expected in California and Nebraska. Seeding of the 2026 acreage was underway in early-September. Planting reached 97 percent complete by November 23. Emergence was at 87 percent complete on November 23.

Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat seeded area is expected to total 23.5 million acres, down slightly from 2025. The largest increase in planted acreage is estimated in Oklahoma, while Montana is estimated to have the largest decrease.

Nebraska:  850,000 acres - 89% of the '25 acres       

Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat seeded area totals 6.14 million acres, up less than 1 percent from 2025. Compared with last year, the largest acreage increase is expected in Ohio, while the largest acreage decrease is expected in Tennessee.

White Winter wheat seeded area totals 3.36 million acres, down 5 percent from 2025. Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are expecting decreased acreage.

Durum wheat: Seedings in Arizona and California for 2026 harvest are estimated at a combined 75,000 acres, up 15 percent from 2025 but 11 percent below 2024.



Naig Comments on USDA’s Annual State and National Crop Production Summary

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the 2025 Crop Production Annual Summary released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The national summary and state summaries are released in January each year.

“The 2025 growing season tested Iowa farmers with highly variable conditions, including areas that saw too much rain, others that were too dry, and disease pressure that added to the complexities. Even so, Iowa farmers once again delivered a historic and record-breaking crop. This productivity is coming at a time of real stress in the ag economy, with tight margins driven by high input costs and continued pressure from low commodity prices,” said Secretary Naig. “To reverse this trend, we can start by taking steps to use more of what we grow and raise here at home. We need Congress to deliver a modern, five-year Farm Bill that provides certainty and enact year-round nationwide E15, which would create more than two billion bushels of additional annual demand for corn. The Administration must also work quickly to finalize robust RFS volumes and continue pursuing trade agreements that expand markets abroad. Strong domestic demand, reliable export markets, and clear, predictable policy are essential to supporting our farmers and strengthening Iowa’s ag economy.”

2025 Iowa Corn and Soybean Production Highlights
    2025 was Iowa’s second highest corn yield at 210 bushels per acre.
    2025 was Iowa’s all-time record for corn production at 2.77 billion bushels.
    2025 was Iowa’s all-time record soybean yield at 63.5 bushels per acre.
    2025 was Iowa’s third highest soybean production at 596 million bushels.

2025 National Corn and Soybean Production Highlights
    2025 set the national all-time corn yield record at 186.5 bushels per acre.
    2025 set the national all-time corn production record at 17.0 billion bushels.
    2025 set the national all-time soybean yield record at 53 bushels per acre.
    2025 was the seventh highest soybean production at 4.26 billion bushels.



Corn Growers Alarmed by New Supply Projections

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released its World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate projecting a 17-billion-bushel corn supply in 2025-2026, raising alarms among the nation’s corn growers and triggering an immediate market reaction.  

If the projections prove accurate, this year’s crop will be the largest on record by far.  

The surplus supply promises to keep corn prices low as farmers struggle to pay high input costs.
 
“We need long-term market solutions, and we need them quickly, or this is going to deepen the economic crisis in the countryside,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “The urgency for Congress and the president to open new markets abroad and expand consumer access to ethanol just increased exponentially.”
 
Bower noted that an immediate boost to demand would be the passage of legislation authorizing year-round consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends. He says this solution comes at no cost to consumers, requires no additional infrastructure developments and could use 2.4 billion additional bushels of corn annually at full implementation, according to NCGA estimates.    

NCGA continues to push the administration to quickly broker additional high-volume deals with other countries and finalize details on deals already announced, Bower said.  
 
Corn growers have noted that India, Vietnam and Kenya are all strategically important markets to them.
 
As he took in the news, Bower said that this is only the latest in a series of problems for growers.  
 
“We expect the economic and financial challenges growers are already facing will only worsen with excess supply.”
 



Platte Valley Cattlemen Membership Meeting Jan 19

January is membership month for the Platte Valley Cattlemen and one of the most important meetings of the year.  PVC welcomes any new members who would like to join!  The January 19th meeting will be held at Wunderlich's Catering in Columbus.  Social hour is at 6pm and the meal is at 7pm.  Speakers for the evening will be with Nebraska Cattlemen giving a legislative update.  Sponsors for the evening are Lindsay Co-op and Agri-City Insurance.  They look forward to seeing you Jan 19th!  



Northeast Nebraska Crops Update

Farmers, crop consultants, agribusiness professionals, and others interested in row crop production are invited to attend the Northeast Nebraska Crops Update, a free, one-day educational program focused on current crop issues and management decisions along with industry representatives. 
 
The Northeast Nebraska Crops Update will be February 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost to participants. There is no cost to attend, and lunch is provided, but pre-registration is requested at go.unl.edu/26register-crops-update for meal planning purposes or by contacting Agnes at 402-584-2261. 
 
This update will feature Extension specialists covering a wide range of timely topics relevant to the growing season, including: 
    Corn and soybean diseases 
    Soybean defoliation and insect management 
    Entomology updates affecting Northeast Nebraska crops 
    In-season nitrogen reduction and nutrient management strategies 
    Grain storage management and post-harvest considerations 
    Agricultural policy and economic implications, including discussion of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” 

Certified Crop Adviser CEU’s are pending for program participants.  
 
The Northeast Nebraska Crops Update is designed to provide practical, research-based information that producers can apply immediately to improve decision-making, profitability, and risk management. 
 
Location: Haskell Ag Lab (Main Office), 57905 866 Road, Concord, NE 68728
 
For more information, go to the website go.unl.edu/26crop_update. 



2026 Nebraska Master Irrigator discussions
Crystal Powers - Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Join us for this opportunity to 'talk shop' about the issues on the top of your mind. We invite farmers to join us with business and conservation partners to discuss how we grow more with less. Getting the most out of existing farm investments and strengthening our farms today and the future of Nebraska's soil & water.

Day 1 Theme: Irrigation Challenge
  - Getting the most out of your equipment  
  - Saving water & pumping costs
  - Support tools & new technology    
  - Discussions with TAPS & On-farm research participants
  - Connect with incentive opportunities

Day 2 Theme: Soils Challenge
  - Soil health & regenerative agriculture  
  - Reducing fertilizer losses
  - In-season nitrogen challenge
  - Discussions with TAPS & On-farm research participants
  - Connect with incentive opportunities
 
Save the date! 9am-2pm. Registration opening in January:
    Grand Island: February 25 & March 2
    Beatrice: February 27 & March 18
    Norfolk: March 6 & 11
    North Platte:  Dec 5 & March 13

Industry partners & panelists: 
Arable, Bish, CropX, Delta Plastics, Komet, Lindsey, Nelson, Prairie Fire Ag Solutions, Reinke, Senninger, Sentinel, Valley, T-L, BioAg Solutions, Yield Plus Agronomics.

Thank you to our ag business partners for supporting lunch.

This event is sponsored by University of Nebraska Extension and USDA-NRCS. Any questions, please reach out to Crystal Powers, Water and Cropping Systems Educator.  More information can be found here: https://water.unl.edu/save-date-join-2026-nebraska-master-irrigator-discussions/. 



Iowa Ethanol Production Stagnant Over Three Years at 4.6 Billion Gallons 

Iowa’s ethanol plants produced 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol in 2025, matching its output level from the past two years. Iowa accounts for 28% of total U.S. ethanol production, which hit 16.4 billion gallons in 2025, the fifth straight annual increase. Iowa processed over 1.5 billion bushels of corn into ethanol, corn oil, high-protein livestock feed, and biogenic CO2. 

Over the last three years, while Iowa production levels remained stagnant, national ethanol production increased by 850 million gallons. Media reports have indicated planned and completed ethanol plant expansions in states such as Indiana, Illinois, North Dakota, and Nebraska.. 

“Investment dollars flow to areas with a perceived competitive advantage,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “The states attracting significant investment have one thing in common – the ability to sequester carbon either locally or via pipeline infrastructure. While Iowa remains the largest ethanol-producing state, we are behind in the race to maximize the incentive and market benefits from producing ultra-low carbon ethanol.” 

If Iowa’s 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol production utilized CCS technology, it would bring over $3 billion in 45Z tax credits back to the state and strengthen its competitive position by making its ethanol more attractive to emerging domestic and export markets. 

“There is no reason why Iowa plants won’t grow in the near future if we maintain their access to the tools and technologies to compete,” Shaw added. “Emerging markets like marine fuel and sustainable aviation fuel present huge opportunities. These markets are demanding ultra-low carbon ethanol. Iowa needs carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and conservation-smart agriculture practices to be attractive. IRFA will continue to support legislation that enhances landowner rights, streamlines the permitting process, and maintains a viable path forward for CCS. Our future depends on it.” 



Clean Fuels Conference to Highlight Market Potential, Policy Outlook for Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel and SAF

Leaders from across the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) value chain will gather next week in Orlando for the 2026 Clean Fuels Conference to examine the state of clean fuels markets, emerging policy dynamics and the technologies driving continued growth.

The Clean Fuels Conference runs Monday through Thursday, Jan. 19-22, at the Orlando World Center Marriott bringing together producers, feedstock suppliers, engine and equipment manufacturers, fuel marketers, policymakers and end users from across the globe.

Mainstage sessions will explore:
    Clean Fuels in a Changing Global Scene: Market trends and outlooks for biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF in 2026

    Managing Tight Supplies and Tougher Rules for Vegetable Oils, Fats and UCO: Tightening feedstock markets, regulatory pressures and evolving sourcing strategies are shaping the future of biodiesel and renewable diesel production

    Navigating Marine Opportunities: Growing opportunities for clean fuels in the marine sector, driven by rising demand and emerging mandates

    Aligning with the Liquid Fuels Supply Chain: Where clean fuels fit today, where they could grow, and what both sides need to accelerate progress together

    From Field to Fuel Tank: Purpose-driven leadership and coordinated supply chains are advancing clean fuels from farm fields to fuel tanks nationwide

In addition to mainstage programming, conference breakout sessions will offer in-depth discussions on policy, fuel markets and standards, sustainability reporting and regulatory implementation—providing attendees with a comprehensive view of the clean fuels landscape.

The conference will once again feature a Vehicle Showcase, highlighting heavy-duty vehicles, equipment and technologies powered by biodiesel and renewable diesel.

The Clean Fuels Conference is hosted by Clean Fuels Alliance America, the national trade association representing biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

For more information or to register for the 2026 Clean Fuels Conference, visit cleanfuelsconference.org.