Tuesday March 10 Ag News - NE Ethanol Bd Mtg - NeFB Endorses Flood for Reelection - IFBF webinar on Nitrogen Plan - Stine hosts Women in Ag Day - Pork Checkoff Report from Forum - AFBF Calls on White House to intervene - and more!

Nebraska Ethanol Board March 23 board meeting to be held in Lincoln

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will convene in Lincoln at 9:00 a.m. Monday, March 23. The meeting will be at Hyatt Place (600 Q Street) in meeting rooms I-III. The agenda includes:
    Technical & Research Updates
    Marketing, Dues & Subscriptions
    Fuel Retailer Update
    Nebraska Corn Board Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    State and Federal Legislation

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature. Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Endorses Rep. Mike Flood for Re-Election

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood has been endorsed by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC). Flood is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District. Rep. Flood earned the endorsement by demonstrating his understanding of agriculture and its impact on our economy, according to Katie Olson, Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) fist vice president and chair of NEFB-PAC.

“Throughout his career in both the Nebraska Legislature and now in Washington, Rep. Flood has been a strong advocate for Nebraska Farm Bureau priorities such as tax reform, working to expand rural broadband access, as well as growing opportunities for economic development in rural areas. We are proud to offer him our endorsement and support as he seeks to continue representing Nebraskans in Congress,” said Olson.

Rep. Flood supported the One Big Beautiful Bill, which extended the lower tax rates established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and advanced key Farm Bill reforms to strengthen the farm safety net, including federal crop insurance, while also consistently supporting year-round E15 use and expanded production and utilization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Furthermore, he maintains his collaboration with NEFB and congressional leaders to increase markets for Nebraska agricultural products throughout the world.

Rep. Flood has also championed efforts to reduce unwarranted regulations on Nebraska farmers and ranchers that needlessly increase the costs of doing business, in addition to pushing back on regulations that would infringe on private property rights.

“We’re pleased to support Rep. Flood as he seeks to continue to serve those in Nebraska’s 1st District. We know he will continue to work every day to protect the freedoms of Nebraska families, grow our economy, and reduce federal overreach. We look forward to working with him for the betterment of Nebraska and the nation,” said Olson.

Rep. Flood earned the NEFB-PAC endorsement based on results of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s grassroots selection process, which involves gathering input from local County Farm Bureaus across the state.



IFBF host ISU modeling Webinar to help farmers cut expenses and fine-tune spring nitrogen

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), in partnership with Iowa State University (ISU), is hosting a farmer webinar, “Why it Pays to Test Your Soil Nitrogen,” on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. The free webinar is designed to provide new data and tools to farmers regarding this season’s nitrate trends that translate into practical, cost-saving tips for planting season. 

The webinar will feature ISU researchers Dr. Matt Helmers, Dr. Mike Castellano and Dr. Richard Roth who will share findings from their recent modeling analysis of soil mineralization and the factors contributing to the unusual nitrogen levels this winter, along with the latest nitrogen fertility support tools available to farmers to reduce input costs and support yield goals while protecting water quality. 

“We continuously strive to provide the latest science and practical solutions to farmers to help them make the best decisions for their farms,” said Shawn Richmond, IFBF conservation and natural resources policy advisor. “This webinar brings credible science together with real-world tools so farmers can make confident nitrogen decisions that help reduce costs at a time when margins are tight and input costs are high – all while continuing to improve soil and water outcomes.” 

“Since 98% of the nitrogen in Iowa’s soil is naturally occurring, the key is understanding how environmental conditions drive its availability. Our new modeling sheds light on that and gives farmers new insight to fine-tune their nitrogen rates so they can balance economic returns with environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Castellano. 

To register for the webinar, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZaEF2Vj1R-O4ah7jaXMHgg 



Stine Seed Company to host 2026 Women in Agriculture Day Reception

Stine Seed Company will host its seventh annual Women in Agriculture Day Reception on March 26 at the Stine Barn in West Des Moines in recognition of Women in Agriculture Day in Iowa. The evening will bring together leaders and professionals from across the agricultural community to celebrate connection and the vital role women play in agriculture and rural communities.

This year’s keynote speaker is Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa and former Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. A longtime advocate for Iowa’s farm families and rural economies, Kenney brings a valuable perspective and powerful voice to this year's event.

“This evening is about shining a light on the women who grow, lead and inspire,” says Ann Clinton, director of communications and branding for Stine Seed Company, who will return as event host. “Women are involved in every part of the agriculture industry, and this event gives us a space to recognize their impact and celebrate the future they’re helping to shape.”

The Women in Agriculture Day Reception aligns with Stine’s ongoing commitment to supporting the people who power agriculture. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, share stories and hear from Kenney, as well as other voices from across the sector.

“At Stine, we believe in empowering growers and leaders in every role,” says Clinton. “This event is about connection, encouragement, and creating a platform where women in agriculture can be heard and celebrated. We’re proud to support that.” 

Stine’s Women in Agriculture Day Reception reflects the company’s continued investment in its core values, including relationships, innovation and performance. As one of the industry’s leading seed companies, Stine is proud to support women in agriculture and recognize the vital role they play in advancing the industry. Registration closes at noon on Friday, March 13. 



Producer Leaders Focus on Swine Health and Enhancing Consumers’ Experiences With Pork

The National Pork Board (NPB) adjourned the National Pork Industry Forum (Forum) last week, where industry leaders passed two producer-developed advisements related to pork quality and swine health. Pork Act delegates also endorsed the Checkoff assessment rate, determined the return-to-state percentage and recommended board members to the U.S. secretary of agriculture for appointment.

NPB President Gordon Spronk and CEO David Newman reinforced the industry’s commitment to the three-year strategic plan, which outlines three priorities:
    Drive and increase the long-term value of pork
    Create a stronger, more resilient U.S. pork industry through collaboration with state pork associations and producers
    Improve the lives of pigs and people

Spronk challenged producers to think beyond improving production at the farm level, pursue understanding today’s consumers and deliver products that align with their values.

“Over the past 40 years, as an industry, we’ve made great strides in productivity,” Spronk said. “But as we look toward the next 40 years, we must take up the challenge to think differently and act differently — ensuring we're delivering pork in a way that consumers will purchase it loyally and repeatedly.”

Swine health was another focus of the meeting, as producer leaders received a progress update on the National Swine Health Strategy, a set of swine health priorities and objectives created by producers for the whole industry to work toward together. Ninety-eight percent of producers who completed NPB’s 2024 producer survey stated that herd health is essential to the future success of the industry. The primary goals are to reduce the impact of domestic diseases and keep foreign and emerging diseases out.

“The National Swine Health Strategy is built on a robust set of insights, industrywide goals and priorities for producers as they work together to address top swine health challenges,” said Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health for NPB. “Continued producer involvement is essential to the success of this strategy, and the producer discussions at Forum provided a strong foundation for the next steps in this process.”   



AFBF Calls for Intervention to Prevent Food Supply Shocks

U.S. farmers are bracing for a system shock resulting from the disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the impact on fertilizer availability and prices. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today urged President Trump to intervene in a letter that lays out several recommendations.

The letter states, “Like oil, global fertilizer markets are highly vulnerable to disruptions in maritime transit routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor for key fertilizer materials and finished fertilizer. Further, the recent energy production halts in the Middle East will affect the price and availability of many downstream products farmers depend upon. These supply chain shocks are expected to drive already record-high input prices even higher at a time when farm margins are already extremely tight and many farmers are underwater.”

An analysis by American Farm Bureau economists reveals the seriousness of the situation, as explained in a Market Intel also released today. It points out that large volumes of urea, ammonia, phosphates, sulfur and petroleum produced in Gulf countries move through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, “Countries exposed to disruption in the region account for nearly 49% of global urea exports and about 30% of global ammonia exports, reflecting the concentration of fertilizer production and export capacity in and near the Persian Gulf.”

The letter to the president goes on to explain in stark terms the potential consequences of inaction, stating, “Without strategically prioritizing the delivery of critical farm inputs such as urea, ammonia, nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur-based products, the U.S. risks a shortfall in crops. Not only is this a threat to our food security – and by extension our national security – such a production shock could contribute to inflationary pressures across the U.S. economy.”

The letter lists seven recommendations to lessen the impact of the expected fertilizer shortage. They range from utilizing the U.S. Navy to provide safe transit for fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to leveraging federal tools such as those available through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to address insurance or financing barriers for vessels transporting fertilizer cargo. 



National Farmers Union Concludes 124th Anniversary Convention

National Farmers Union (NFU) on Monday concluded its 124th Anniversary Convention after the assembled delegates voted to finalize NFU’s 2026 policy priorities. NFU welcomed over 500 family farmers, ranchers and supporters to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the three-day convention.

“The challenges facing family farmers and ranchers continue to grow more complex,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “But through it all, Farmers Union continues to do something Washington too often struggles to achieve: bringing people with diverse viewpoints together, working through tough issues and emerging with solutions they built collectively. That unity is our greatest strength.”

The finalized policy priorities approved by NFU’s delegates include three special orders of business on timely topics: Family Farmers, the Farm Crisis, and the Future of Food and Farm Policy; Family Farming and the Roots of Our Democracy; and Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform.

"NFU’s democratic, grassroots process has united family farmers and ranchers for more than a century,” said NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley. “This year was no exception. We’re leaving New Orleans energized, organized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead with clear purpose and strong momentum.”

NFU announced the launch of Farmers Union Next Generation (NextGen). NextGen is a comprehensive, unified suite of programming, events and development that will serve young, beginning, and early-career farmers and ranchers. NextGen is NFU’s premier opportunity for Farmers Union members ages 21 to 45 to ensure that the future of family agriculture is prepared to meet the challenges ahead.

NFU hosted many prominent speakers to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise, including:
    Dudley Hoskins, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
    Janie Hipp, Native Agriculture Financial Services
    Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois
    Dr. Joe Outlaw, Texas A&M University
    Allison Bredder, NASA Acres
    Dave Turner, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Global Systems Laboratory
    John Sokich, NOAA National Weather Service Congressional Affairs (Retired)
    Pamitha Weerasinghe, Knowledge for a Competitive America
    Jason DeShaw, National Award-Winning Speaker & Musician
    Amy France, National Sorghum Producers
    Devin Mogler, National Oilseed Processors Association
    Andrew Baldwin, CoBank
    Jim Schultz, Open Prairie
    Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

NFU will welcome America’s family farmers and ranchers again at the 125th Anniversary Convention in San Antonio, Texas, March 7–9, 2027.



With Fuel Prices Soaring, RFA Urges Immediate Action on Lower-Cost E15

The Renewable Fuels Association Monday urged the Trump administration to take immediate action allowing broader use of lower-cost, American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply to help blunt the impacts of higher crude oil and gasoline prices.

“Adding larger volumes of low-cost ethanol to gasoline is a proven solution for reducing fuel prices and helping to insulate the U.S. market from global supply shocks,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a letter to Interior Sec. Doug Burgum, who chairs the administration’s National Energy Dominance Council. “A series of simple deregulatory actions could rapidly unleash billions of gallons of additional fuel volume, providing relief at the pump for hardworking American families.”

Ethanol is selling at a significant discount to gasoline, Cooper noted. On March 6, ethanol was selling for $0.84 per gallon less than gasoline at the wholesale level—a discount of 31 percent. In recent days, E15 has been selling for $0.27 per gallon less than standard E10 gasoline. 

RFA urged the following actions, among others:
    As soon as possible, EPA should issue emergency summertime fuel waivers allowing a 1-psi Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility tolerance for E15 nationwide, as well as E10 in certain areas that previously opted out of the 1-psi RVP waiver program.
    EPA should immediately eliminate all E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan requirements and adopt a simple requirement that retail gasoline stations offering E15 for sale must also continue to make E0 or E10 available in at least one clearly marked dispenser at the station.
    Establish a presumption of E15 compatibility for all fuel dispensers, underground storage tank (UST) systems (including piping and all other underground components), and “hanging hardware” (e.g., hoses and nozzles) installed after 2005. 

“The most effective way to prevent additional increases in gas prices across the U.S. is by expanding and diversifying the domestic fuel supply, including ethanol made from our nation’s farm fields,” Cooper concluded. “Knocking down regulatory barriers and allowing E15 to be stored and distributed in existing infrastructure throughout the summer will lower fuel costs for Americans and strengthen the market’s resilience against global supply disruptions.”



USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Advance New World Screwworm Preparedness with New Texas Sterile Fly Facility Contract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) today announced a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. This facility is a key component in Secretary Rollins’ sweeping 5-prong strategy (PDF, 1005 KB) to fight New World Screwworm (NWS), as it will expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, bolstering protection for U.S. livestock, wildlife, and public health.

USACE is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering, and construction of the facility.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is an essential partner in bringing this facility to life and further highlights the Trump Administration’s government wide effort to fight the New World Screwworm threat in Mexico,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “The Army Corps is the best in the business and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come. This first of its kind facility on U.S. soil will ensure we are not reliant on other countries for sterile flies.”

“For more than 250 years, USACE has helped secure America by engineering solutions to our nation’s toughest challenges. We are proud to be partnering with USDA in the construction of the Sterile Fly Facility, a critical investment in our nation’s future agricultural, public and economic health. Combining our engineering expertise with USDA’s mission expertise brings us one step closer to alleviating this biological threat,” said Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general.

A sterile fly production facility is a specialized biosecure complex where New World Screwworm flies are raised and sterilized using irradiation and then released into targeted areas. Female New World Screwworm flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. This method, known as the Sterile Insect Technique, has been a cornerstone of proven screwworm eradication efforts for decades and is recognized worldwide as a highly effective, environmentally responsible approach to insect control. Sterile Insect Technique, when paired with surveillance, animal movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is a proven and effective tool for controlling and eradicating New World Screwworm.

USDA currently produces about 100 million sterile flies per week at the COPEG facility in Panama and disperses them within and just north of affected areas in Mexico. In addition to the COPEG facility in Panama, USDA invested $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa, which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates sterile fly production will begin at this facility in summer 2026. The new facility at Moore Air Base will be the only U.S.-based sterile fly production facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture.

USDA and USACE will break ground on this new facility later this spring, after initial planning and development meetings with the new contractor. By November 2027, the production facility at Moore Air Base is expected to reach its initial goal of producing 100 million sterile flies per week. After that, construction will continue at the facility to increase production with the long-term goal of producing 300 million sterile flies per week.

The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on warm blooded animals, causing severe animal health impacts and significant economic losses if not controlled. The United States eliminated the pest in 1966 and has maintained that freedom through the ongoing sterile fly program and international partnerships.

USACE, a command within the U.S. Army, is one of the world’s premier public engineering, design, and construction management organizations. With more than 35,000 employees worldwide, USACE delivers engineering solutions in support of military construction, water resources infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and federal agency partnerships. USACE provides engineering expertise to strengthen national security, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risk.

For more information about NWS and USDA’s efforts, visit Screwworm.gov.