Wednesday January 28 Ag News - NE YF&R Conf Recap - NOFRN Meetings - IA Crop Production Costs Up 2-4% - Trump in Iowa and E-15 - SHIC Progress Report - and more!

 Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference Connects Young Leaders Across Nebraska Agriculture 

More than 100 young farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals gathered for the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference to develop leadership skills, discuss industry trends, and tackle the issues shaping agriculture in Nebraska today. The conference was held Jan. 23-24 at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney.

For first-time attendee Nick Birdsley, the conference offered a chance to learn from peers across Nebraska and see new perspectives in agriculture.

“I gained a lot of good insight on different sides of the industry that I’m maybe not super familiar with,” Birdsley said. “One of my favorite takeaways was seeing different technologies and techniques farmers and ranchers use throughout the state that I otherwise may not hear about. I think getting out of the echo chamber to network with some of those other younger members can be a really good experience.”

The conference included guided tours of local agribusinesses, a keynote presentation by Dan Venteicher, known online as the Iowa Dairy Farmer, a Discussion Meet contest, focused breakout sessions on issues facing young farmers and ranchers, and opportunities for networking and relationship-building among peers from across the state.

“Young farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals are the future of agriculture in Nebraska, and this conference is about making sure they have a seat at the table,” said Grant Jones, chair of NEFB’s YF&R Committee. “Getting involved with YF&R means being part of the largest voice for agriculture in the state and helping shape the direction of our industry for generations to come.”

This year, the conference welcomed Nebraska State FFA officers for the first time, highlighting the connection between today’s young farmers and ranchers and the next generation preparing to enter agriculture. Their participation underscored the importance of early engagement and building a strong pipeline of future leaders in Nebraska agriculture.

“I think it’s really important for young people to get involved in agriculture because there’s a decreasing number of people going into agriculture,” said Meredith Ruda, Nebraska State FFA vice president. “It’s important that we have people going in and filling the jobs of not only farmers, but also people who are in charge of all the processes that go from the farm to the table.”

Four finalists were named in the YF&R Discussion Meet contest after competing in two preliminary rounds.

Sheridan Swotek of Buffalo County, Adam Oldemeyer of Adams/Webster County, Nick Birdsley of Douglas County, and Jakob Andreasen of Box Butte County advanced to the final round of the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) YF&R Discission Meet to be held at the 2026 NEFB Annual Meeting and Convention in December.

Sean Krebs of Buffalo County and Carlee Livingston of Holt County were named alternates.

Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to compete in the YF&R Discussion Meet. Instead of debating, contestants work together to develop solutions to a given problem, building on each other’s ideas. Participants must be ready to speak on a variety of agriculture-related topics, with the question announced shortly before each round.

Finalists received a $50 prize sponsored by the NEFB Foundation and a chance to compete for $500 and an all-expense paid trip to represent Nebraska in the American Farm Bureau YF&R Discussion Meet in Charlotte, NC in January 2027.



2026 Nebraska On-Farm Research Results Meetings

The 2026 Nebraska On-Farm Research Results Meetings Dates and Locations have been set. They are as follows:
Feb. 17: York (Holthus Convention Center)
Feb. 18: ENREEC (Near Mead, NE) (Auditorium)
Feb. 24: Kearney (Buffalo County Extension Office)
Feb. 26: Alliance (Knight Museum and Sandhills Center)
March 3: O'Neill (Holt County Extension Office)
March 4: Nebraska City (Kimmel Orchard Event Center)

Meetings will showcase the research results from 2025 and provide insights into putting together research trials for 2026.  

All meetings start at 9 a.m. local time with refreshments and check in available 30 minutes beforehand. It is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. They ask that you please register so we can get an accurate head count.  Register here: https://on-farm-research.unl.edu/about/2026-meeting-information/.  



Nebraska Livestock Sale Barns: Strengthening Rural Communities

Social relationships build a sense of community and belonging. For farming and ranching, one of those communities is the livestock sale barns. Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln examined four Nebraska livestock sale barns to assess the social value these businesses provide to their patrons and surrounding communities. The study explored how social connections formed at sale barns contribute to personal well-being and facilitate the exchange of knowledge that influences farmers and ranchers both within the sale barn environment and beyond.

“Our research team surveyed social interaction between patrons, managers, and their employees at the sale arena, cafes, and open gathering spots,” said Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Nebraska Extension Specialist with the Department of Agricultural Economics. “Following, we conducted more in-depth interviews with some of the individuals who completed the survey.”

Besides the buying and selling of livestock, 60 percent of the study participants said socializing, such as building relationships and offering support to others, was a reason they attended livestock auctions. Additionally, 63 percent said they have made new friends as a result.

These connections provide an outlet for individuals to cope with industry challenges, and range from a simple recognition of hard work and livestock quality to more in-depth, one-on-one conversations about personal life events.

Michelle Krehbiel, professor and Extension specialist for 4-H youth development, acknowledged the importance of these connections to good mental health.

“These social connections and relationships are vital for helping farmers and ranchers ease the isolation and loneliness that often come with the job,” she said.

A place where people gather to share their commonality, the sale barn community builds knowledge and mentoring, which is passed down through generations. Study participants reported learning about herd management practices, market trends, and how to manage the impacts of weather and drought. Sale barn relationships also provide support when a farmer or rancher is dealing with a crisis, such as fire, family illness, or death.

“It’s kind of like the beauty salon of the cowboy world,” said one participant.

The sale barn also allows a diverse group of people in the livestock industry to interact, build business networks, and create new business opportunities. Finally, there are spillover effects on the community. Producers often purchase supplies at the local farm store or visit other businesses while in town. This impacts the community's economic viability and builds social connections between the town and the surrounding farms and ranches.

“A producer who was surveyed told me that the local farm store doubles their sales the day cattle are sold at the sale barn,” said Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator.

“We are very appreciative of the sale barn owners who opened their doors to allow us to research their patrons and discover the unique culture of each location,” said Marilyn Schlake, Extension educator emerita with the Department of Agricultural Economics.

Although livestock sale barns are private businesses that serve as marketplaces for livestock, researchers found that each sale barn has a culture defined by its history, patrons, and established social norms. As economic and community developers consider their economic strengths, these meeting places, also known as “third places,” are vital to building social anchors within a community. They build environments where people can engage in civic and community social life. 



2026 Iowa Crop Production Costs Increase, Limiting Profit Opportunities for Corn and Soybean Farmers

Iowa corn and soybean producers continue to face tight margins heading into the 2026 growing season, according to the newly released Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa – 2026 from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/farm-and-business-management/farm-business-management/fm1712.html.

The 2026 outlook reflects continued challenging economic conditions, with average market prices for corn and soybeans projected to remain below production costs. Opportunities for profit are expected to be limited, underscoring the importance of careful cost tracking and farm-specific planning.

The 2026 estimates show:
    A 4% increase in corn production costs compared to 2025, largely driven by higher fertilizer and chemical expenses
    A 2% increase in soybean production costs
    Slightly lower projected land costs, partially offset by higher labor (1%) and machinery costs (3–4%)

“The Estimated Costs of Crop Production budgets represent statewide average costs for farms in Iowa and should be used as planning benchmarks rather than exact estimates for individual farms,” noted Ann Johanns, Ag Decision Maker program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Farm-level cost data is vital information for producers to track. Actual costs can differ substantially from published budgets due to soil productivity, machinery strategies, land tenure and management choices.”
Tools for farm-specific planning

Producers are encouraged to go beyond statewide averages by using interactive spreadsheet budgets and web-based calculators available through Ag Decision Maker. These tools allow users to enter farm-specific prices, adjust yields, modify machinery and labor assumptions and evaluate different land cost scenarios.

“Accurate cost tracking, realistic yield expectations and use of farm-specific budgeting tools will be critical as producers plan for the 2026 crop year and beyond,” said Johanns.

To view the full publication, download Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa – 2026 from the ISU Extension Store.
Additional resources

The ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Financial Planning Program provides one-on-one financial counseling and a confidential review of a farm’s financial information with trained associates.

No-cost, confidential support to help Iowans navigate stress, legal issues, financial challenges and crisis situations is offered by Iowa Concern. Iowans can talk to someone or get help finding the right resources anytime.



Iowa Corn Growers Thank President Trump for Support of E15 During Speech in Iowa

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump specifically called out and supported efforts to pass nationwide, year-round E15, promising to sign the legislation “without delay” once it reaches his desk. 

Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President and farmer from Knoxville, Iowa, Steve Kuiper, released the following statement: 

“Iowa’s corn growers appreciate President Trump shining light on E15 and recognizing the weight this legislation holds to us as corn growers. Farmers are struggling with low commodity prices, high input costs and lack of markets. Passage of year-round E15 is the lifeline many of us need to be able to continue farming.  

“A recent study by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association shared the positive effects year-round E15 would mean for corn growers. This is a goal we have been working towards for over a decade and getting this issue to the president’s desk and across the finish line is a win we all desperately need. The fact that the President sees this problem and promises a solution is coming is very encouraging and valued by us as farmers.”  



SHIC 2025 Progress Report Highlights Record Research Investment and Producer ROI

The Swine Health Information Center has released its 2025 Progress Report, documenting record producer‑focused research investment, response to requests for proposals, and matching funds. The National Pork Board approved the report on January 14, 2026, and it is now available at swinehealth.org/plan-of-work. Outlined in SHIC’s grant with NPB, the 2025 Progress Report confirms the Center’s ongoing success for pork producers’ benefit.

SHIC was created in 2015 as a five year pilot program with funding provided by the Pork Checkoff, which was renewed in 2021. In 2025, NPB voted to provide $2.5 million to fund SHIC, affirming the Center’s value to producers whose Checkoff investment funds a significant portion of its operation. In 2025, SHIC celebrated a decade of existence working to mitigate emerging swine disease threats on behalf of US pork producers in partnership with NPB, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the National Pork Producers Council.

From 2022 through 2025, SHIC secured $5,041,094 in matching funds and external grants to enhance reach and results. These external funding sources are equal to $0.49 of non‑Checkoff funding for every $1.00 of Checkoff support, directly increasing the return on producer investments and expanding research breadth.

With all funds available, SHIC contracted $4,434,466 across 32 research projects in 2025, the greatest annual research investment in the Center’s history. These funds enable producer‑relevant projects and allow extensive research into swine health-related priorities that fulfill SHIC’s mission. Captured across SHIC’s five pillars, projects encompass domestic and global emerging disease monitoring, targeted swine disease research, swine health data analysis and coordinated communications.

In total, SHIC received 116 research proposals in 2025, requesting $17.7 million. This record number of proposals provides evidence that leading researchers view SHIC as an organization that directly funds and supports impactful swine health research. A competitive review process managed by SHIC staff led to selection of the 32 funded proposals approved by the SHIC Board of Directors, ensuring that Checkoff and matching funds are focused on the highest‑priority, highest‑impact projects for producers.

These projects directly reflect producer and stakeholder input captured through the 2025 SHIC Plan of Work process, which utilized surveys, listening sessions, and Working Group prioritization across five strategic priorities.

SHIC’s domestic and global monitoring systems continued to produce monthly domestic and global disease monitoring reports in 2025, providing early warning on threats such as ASF’s return to Spain after three decades, FMD incursions in Europe and Asia, JEV activity, and the spread of New World screwworm. This near real‑time intelligence guides on‑farm and industry‑level biosecurity decisions.

In 2025, SHIC’s communication platform reached nearly 36,000 individual website visitors, and over 95,000 page views, reached well over 3,000 e‑newsletter recipients, provided more than 60 partner articles, shared five press releases, did over 60 media interviews, hosted three webinars, and published five podcasts, plus targeted outreach to 42 state pork associations with ready‑to‑use swine health content. This broad reach ensures that SHIC-driven science and results move quickly from research to practical adoption across operations of all sizes.

In addition, SHIC is an essential component to a successful National Swine Health Strategy, requested by pork producers in March 2025 with a report on implementation due during National Pork Forum 2026. SHIC has been identified as a critical partner in carrying out the priorities of the NSHS being led by NPB and NPPC.

SHIC continues to do exactly what producers asked it to do—delivering leveraged, producer‑driven, emerging disease preparedness and tools at scale. Building on more than a decade of success and results, SHIC enters 2026 with the same passion and intellectual curiosity it has depended on to serve US pork producers and keep their herds safe. 



NFU Urges USDA to Restore Prevent Plant Buy-Up Coverage

National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted comments today to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore crop insurance buy-up coverage for acres prevented from being planted, warning that recent changes weaken a critical risk management tool for farmers facing mounting economic pressure.

“Family farmers and ranchers are facing some of the most challenging economic conditions in decades. The decision to eliminate the option to purchase additional coverage for prevented planting only deepens that strain,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “When high input costs, volatile markets, and extreme weather converge, farmers need every risk management tool available to protect their operations. We strongly urge USDA to restore prevented planting buy-up coverage so farmers can continue to manage risk and remain economically viable.”

When weather conditions prevent timely planting, buy-up coverage provides critical protection for producers of covered commodities in all 50 states, helping them manage financial losses and maintain stability through increasingly unpredictable growing seasons. USDA released the proposed change in December as part of a much larger set of crop insurance updates.



Bangladesh Imports U.S. Corn For First Time In Eight Years

Last week, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) hosted a corn and sorghum quality rollout event in Colombo, Sri Lanka as a continued engagement with buyers in the region after Bangladesh recently imported U.S. corn for the first time in eight years.

“The vessel of corn that arrived in Bangladesh was a welcome sight for U.S. farmers and exporters,” said Reece Cannady, USGBC regional director for South Asia.

“In-country marketing efforts last July have paid dividends, as we are seeing unprecedented numbers of requests for U.S. corn following that engagement.”

More than 85 attendees, composed of buyers, end-users, U.S. sellers, U.S. farmers and staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Embassy in Colombo came together to hear the findings of the Council’s 2025/2026 Corn Harvest Quality Report and 2025/2026 Sorghum Harvest Quality Report and other updates about U.S. agricultural quality and availability.

The conference began with reviews of the reports, provided annually by the Council as a service to international importers for them to make the best decisions for their customers. Cannady spoke about U.S. corn’s superior performance when compared with competing origins and USGBC Regional Technical Consultant Dr. Budi Tangendjaja presented about DDGS and sorghum applications in poultry diets.

The next session included a roundtable discussion, moderated by USGBC South Asia Consultant Amit Sachdev, that explored farmers’ perspectives on the current corn and sorghum crops. Participants included Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Executive Director Wayne Cleveland, Kansas Corn Commission District Two Commissioner Dennis McNinch and Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller.

A selection of U.S. agribusinesses and USGBC members, including The Andersons, International Feed, POET and Trans Globe then spoke to participants about their services before Kansas Corn Commission CEO Josh Roe offered closing remarks for the first day.

Cleveland kicked off the next morning’s session to expand on sorghum’s ability to efficiently add nutritional value to animal diets. Other topics included an overview of regional supply and demand for feed grains and sessions on improving output and efficiency in dairy, poultry and aquaculture production.

“The demand for feed grains in South Asia is strong, and the challenges faced are mainly in non-tariff trade barriers,” Cannady said. 

“Considering the current regional supply and demand dynamics, it’s paramount the Council stay active and capitalize on these newfound opportunities. South Asian buyers are now able to see that procuring the world’s best agricultural products is a possibility, and we are excited to supply their needs.”