Wednesday April 29 Ag News - Pillen Promotes Beef, Ethanol in London - LEAD Group 45 Applications Open - NCW Beef Ambassador Contest - IA Swine Day is June 25 - and more!

Pillen on Transatlantic Visit to Tout Nebraska Beef, Ethanol and Energy Production

A short trip to London this week will provide Governor Jim Pillen an opportunity to tout Nebraska beef, ethanol production, and discuss business opportunities related to energy production.  The Governor’s transatlantic visit kicks off Wednesday and will wrap up Thursday night. During that time, he will meet with members of the U.S. Embassy and others, including the UK’s chief trade negotiator, Graham Floater, to discuss bilateral trade opportunities.

“Given the recent trade framework that exists between the U.S. and the UK and the favorable conditions for exporting more beef, ethanol and other American products, this is a good time to build relationships and understand better how Nebraska can play a role in meeting the short and long-term needs of that nation,” said Gov. Pillen.

The first scheduled event of the trip is a dinner hosted by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which will feature beef from Nebraska. During the event, attended by importers from the UK as well as chefs and others in the culinary industry, Gov. Pillen will have an opportunity to share what goes into raising Nebraska’s cattle, including insight into the state’s natural resources, sustainable practices and the generations of producers who work tirelessly to create a quality product.

Gov. Pillen will also have an opportunity to meet government representatives, and those in private industry interested in taking advantage of new trade opportunities around increased ethanol quotas. Under the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), finalized in June 2025, the United Kingdom implemented a duty-free quota allowing 370 million gallons of U.S. ethanol to be imported annually, eliminating previous tariffs of approximately 20%.

Prior to his return, the Governor will have another chance to promote U.S. beef during a dinner event at Smith & Wollensky, an upscale steakhouse in London. The invited crowd includes more than 100 importers, distributers and others in the British foodservice and retail industries.  For the first time in nearly six years, duty-free shipments of U.S. beef are now being sent to the UK, thanks to the new trade framework implemented last year.



Applications Now Open for Nebraska LEAD Program’s 45th Cohort

Individuals with a passion for agriculture, leadership and shaping the future of Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program’s 45th cohort. Applications for the state’s premier agricultural leadership development program are now being accepted through June 15, 2026.

For more than four decades, the Nebraska LEAD Program has developed leaders who are making a lasting impact across Nebraska’s agricultural industry, rural communities and beyond. Through an immersive two-year experience, Nebraska LEAD Fellows participate in dynamic seminars, in-state and national study travel, and a transformative international study seminar — all designed to strengthen leadership capacity, expand perspectives and prepare participants to address the complex challenges facing agriculture and rural America.

“Nebraska agriculture needs leaders who are prepared to think strategically, communicate effectively and lead with purpose in an increasingly complex world,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program Director. “Nebraska LEAD equips Fellows with the perspective, skills and network to lead confidently in their businesses, communities and industry. For those ready to grow personally and professionally while making a greater impact, this program can be truly transformational.”

Individuals involved in production agriculture, agribusiness or professions closely connected to the agricultural industry are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities and industry.

Application packets can be requested online at lead.unl.edu. Individuals may also nominate someone they believe has strong leadership potential to receive application materials.

The deadline to submit applications for Nebraska LEAD Class 45 is June 15, 2026.  For more information about the Nebraska LEAD Program, including eligibility requirements and program details, visit lead.unl.edu.



NCW Announces the 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Advocacy Training

Nebraska Cattlemen’s (NC) NCW – Consumer Education and Promotion Committee is pleased to announce the 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Advocacy Training will take place in conjunction with NC’s 2026 Annual Midyear Meeting. The contest and advocacy training will take place on Wednesday, June 10 at the Dawson County Extension office in Lexington, Neb., beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT.

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Beef Advocacy Training provides an opportunity for future beef industry leaders, ages fourteen to twenty-four years old, to sharpen their advocacy skills and strengthen their knowledge of the key issues facing the number one industry in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest requires participants to address current issues facing the beef industry with both a written response and a mock media interview. The contest is separated into two divisions, senior and collegiate. Cash prizes will be awarded, and the two first-place division winners will receive a belt buckle. The first-place senior and collegiate winners will become official Nebraska Beef Ambassadors for a full year. They will work to educate consumers and students on the importance of beef. At the end of their one-year term, the collegiate Nebraska Beef Ambassador will be awarded a scholarship on behalf of the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation.

Registration and additional details can be found on the Nebraska Cattlemen website at www.nebraskacattlemen.org. For more information, please contact Bonita Lederer at blederer@necattlemen.org or call (402) 450-0223.

The 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Competition and Advocacy Training is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America and Purina Animal Nutrition. 



Naig Thanks Iowa Senate for Unanimous Passage of Iowa Farm Act

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Tuesday thanked the Iowa Senate for its unanimous passage of the Iowa Farm Act, Senate File 2465, by a vote of 47-0.

“I appreciate members of the Iowa Senate for their support in advancing the Iowa Farm Act with a strong bi-partisan vote. Thank you to Sen. Annette Sweeney and Sen. Tom Shipley for managing the bill through the process, Sen. Dawn Driscoll for her leadership of the Agriculture Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh for his work to move this legislation forward. This comprehensive legislation reflects input from farmers and stakeholders across the state and includes real steps to strengthen Iowa’s agricultural economy and support rural communities. I’m encouraged to see the bill continue to move forward through the legislative process, and we hope to get a unified version to Gov. Reynolds for her signature soon.”

About the Iowa Farm Act
The Iowa Farm Act is a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive legislative package introduced by Secretary Naig. It is designed to support Iowa farmers, strengthen rural communities, and position the state’s agricultural economy for long-term success. The bill reflects priorities identified by farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders and delivers practical solutions to today’s challenges while preparing for the future. The legislation expands economic opportunities by supporting value-added agriculture, agritourism, and new market access. It also provides targeted tax relief and regulatory clarity to reduce costs, promote fairness, and support farm succession. The package invests in the next generation of agriculture by prioritizing beginning farmers and strengthening the rural veterinary workforce. Additionally, it enhances Iowa’s biosecurity and foreign animal disease preparedness while protecting farmer confidentiality during emergencies. Finally, the Iowa Farm Act modernizes state operations and improves efficiency to better serve farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.



15th Annual Iowa Swine Day to Be Held June 25 in Ames

The 15th annual Iowa Swine Day is set for Thursday, June 25, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. Hosted by the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, Iowa Swine Day is a one-day conference focused on topics vital to the U.S. pork industry. 

Iowa Swine Day speakers are chosen by a planning committee of swine producers and allied industry representatives to ensure the program’s content is focused on current issues in today’s swine industry. 

This year’s agenda includes sessions on gene editing, artificial intelligence and innovation in pork production, along with research updates and applied talks from university and industry experts.

The program will kick off with a keynote address on innovation and leadership by Steve Lerch, former Google executive and president of Story Arc Consulting. This will be followed by the Lauren Christian Lecture on Swine Management and Genetics, given by Mike Paustian, who will address gene editing from a producer’s perspective. 

Additional morning sessions feature Dhamu Thamodaran, retired executive of Smithfield Foods, sharing insights from four decades of working in the swine industry, and Todd Thurman, CEO of Swine Insights International, discussing practical applications of artificial intelligence in swine production.

In the afternoon, participants can choose between two concurrent sessions. One track will feature applied, production-related topics, and the other will highlight recent research from Iowa State University experts. Themes include facility management, nutrition, labor, digital technology and more. 

All attendees registered for Iowa State Day are welcome to attend a pre-conference swine networking social held the evening prior. The social will be on Wednesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Road in Ames.   

The cost to attend is $100 through June 7 and increases to $115 on June 8. Registration will be limited to the first 450 registrants. No on-site registration will be allowed. 

The full program, registration information and directions to the venue are available on the Iowa Pork Industry Center website https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/iowaswineday. For more information, contact Stacie Matchan at sgould@iastate.edu. 



Over 30 Groups Representing Farmers and Renewable Fuels Tell U.S. House to Pass Year-Round E15

Tuesday over 30 groups representing farmers and renewable fuels producers from across the country sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson urging inclusion of a year-round, nationwide E15 fix in the Farm Bill.

“As organizations representing renewable fuel producers and feedstock growers, we are writing to express our strong support for a bipartisan amendment proposed to the House Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) that would permanently allow retail gas stations the option to sell gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol (E15) year-round,” the letter stated. “Year-round E15 has been a top priority – if not the top priority – for our organizations for many years… We have undertaken these efforts because year-round E15 access is a critical component to providing enhanced agricultural market support to rural farm economies, creating jobs through rural economic development and biomanufacturing, reducing harmful emissions through the use of cleaner fuels, and helping blunt the impact of high energy costs on consumers in a more dangerous geopolitical world.”

While floor debate has not been set, the deadline to submit amendments to the House Farm Bill has passed. The E15 amendment is the result of the work of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, co-chaired by Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra. Backers of E15 hope the amendment will be made in order by the House Rules Committee.

“IRFA is proud to be part of this letter that spans farmers from Texas to North Dakota, and from Nebraska to Ohio,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “We are confident of bipartisan support on the House floor if E15 is allowed a vote. One way or the other, it is beyond time to unleash E15 to reduce gas prices while boosting farmer income and enhancing U.S. energy security.”



ASA President Warns Against Broad Tariffs in USTR Testimony

American Soybean Association President and Ohio soybean farmer Scott Metzger testified today before the Office of the United States Trade Representative during a Section 301 hearing, highlighting the importance of international trade to U.S. soybean farmers and the risks of broad tariff actions.

Metzger said soybeans are the nation’s largest agricultural export, with 68.7 million metric tons exported in the 2024 to 2025 marketing year. Those exports were valued at $29.6 billion and accounted for 58% of total production.

He pointed to the impact of past tariff actions caused in retaliation to Section 301 investigations, including a 76% drop in the value of U.S. soybean exports to China from 2017 to 2018, and warned against policies that could trigger renewed retaliation.

He also noted rising input costs, as farmers rely on global supply chains for essential inputs such as fertilizer, crop protection tools, and seed.

“We are concerned this investigation could lead to remedies that will set back ongoing negotiations and result in even higher tariffs against U.S. soybeans by China,” Metzger said. He also cautioned that sweeping remedies could increase the cost of production for U.S. soybean farmers due to increased input costs at a time when farmers are already facing significant economic pressures across the board.

Metzger urged USTR to take a targeted approach to any potential remedies, including expanding exemptions for critical agricultural inputs and maintaining stability in North American trade by exempting Canada and Mexico from this and additional Section 301 investigations.



NPPC Applauds House Rules Committee for Keeping Key Farm Bill Provision Intact

The National Pork Producers Council, representing America’s 60,000-plus pork producers of all sizes, applauds the House Rules Committee for keeping intact the Farm Bill 2.0, specifically language that provides regulatory relief for farmers across the country. 

“Pork producers thank Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Chairman GT Thompson for standing up for our livelihoods,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington, Iowa. “We will continue to fight for our freedom to farm, and we urge the full House to support the Farm Bill 2.0.”



USTR Seeks Public Comment on the Modernization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) invites public comments on the modernization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is authorized through December 31, 2026.

“A modern AGOA must build on its 25-year foundation to further deepen the economic ties between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa by benefitting American workers, eliminating barriers to trade, and creating new opportunities for U.S. businesses,” said Ambassador Greer. “We welcome comments from interested partners to help improve the program, ensuring more reciprocal trade with our sub-Saharan African partners to strengthen America’s global competitiveness.”

The deadline for submission of comments is May 15, 2026.



Halter launches world-first virtual fencing via satellite, unlocking ranch management anywhere

Halter, the leading digital operating system for pasture-based ranches, today announced the launch of direct-to-satellite connectivity for its smart cattle collars, a world-first that removes the need for cell towers or on-ranch infrastructure. 

Using Starlink, the new technology enables ranchers to manage cattle anywhere they can see the sky. Combined with a suite of new tools for reproduction, animal behavior, and precision pasture management, the release significantly expands what is possible for cattle ranch management. Beef ranchers in remote and rugged regions that were limited by connectivity can now turn to virtual fencing to run more productive and sustainable operations - at a time when they face rising fuel costs, labor shortages, and an aging workforce pressures. 

Halter’s internal modelling estimates direct-to-satellite capability expands coverage of the U.S beef cattle market by 2.5x.

Until now, Halter’s solar-powered, GPS-enabled collars relied on Halter’s proprietary long-range radio towers. With direct-to-satellite, the collars can communicate via Starlink, eliminating ground infrastructure entirely.

“Connectivity has been the final barrier to bringing virtual fencing across remote and expansive ranches,” said Craig Piggott, CEO and founder of Halter. “Direct-to-satellite allows ranchers to manage hundreds of thousands of acres in the most remote terrain on the planet. Combined with our new suite of product features, these ranchers can be even more productive.” 

Lloyd Calvert, livestock and agriculture manager at High Lonesome Ranch in western Colorado, has been among the first to deploy the satellite-enabled system across the ranch’s 225,000 acres of complex terrain.

“Halter has changed the game completely,” said Calvert. “Satellite unlocks the ability to run very remote country while still seeing what the cattle are doing, without needing someone with them all the time. We call ourselves Halter junkies now because we can check to see where the cows are any time of day, no matter where I am. It gives me a great deal of assurance and that’s irreplaceable.”

Alongside the launch, Halter is announcing its largest-ever product upgrade for beef cattle ranchers. This update will include an all-in-one heat detection tool to identify cycling animals before and through breeding, behavioral monitoring providing near real-time insight into grazing, rumination and other indicators of cattle performance, and more advanced pasture and grazing features including satellite-based forage insight, grazing plans and templates, the ability to calculate and track animal demand and comprehensive grazing records.

Halter direct-to-satellite will be available to beef operations in the United States, New Zealand, and coming soon to Australia and Canada. Interested ranchers can learn more at halterhq.com/beef.