Monday May 11 Ag News - Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration - UNL's McMechan Receives NSB Honor - CAP May Webinars - NPB Forms Swine Health Strategy Committee - USDA Implements Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act - and more!

Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Wildfire Damage
 
Friday, Governor Jim Pillen requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration related to severe wildfires that impacted the state from March through April. The funding will assist with covering the cost of damage to public infrastructure that occurred as a result of the Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby and Minor fires. More than 821,000 acres were burned in those four fires.
 
The request includes Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln, and Morill counties and would help cover damage to roads, bridges, and power infrastructure. Power infrastructure was the most impacted, with fires burning through transmission corridors and distribution systems.
 
“As Nebraska faced historic wildfires, the people of our state came together to jumpstart the recovery process,” said Gov. Pillen. “I’m submitting my request for a disaster declaration to the White House and FEMA. We appreciate President Trump’s attention to this matter and his long-standing support of our state when we have requested disaster recovery funding.”
 
Preliminary damage estimates by FEMA and NEMA have reached nearly $9.7 million, with state officials saying federal assistance is needed to support long-term recovery efforts.
 
“Since these fires, we’ve been blessed beyond measure to see the outpouring of support – and load after load of hay – cross county and state lines to support ranching families and communities in the Sandhills, added Gov. Pillen. “Nebraskans are tough as nails, and we’ll get through this moment together.”



McMechan Honored with the 2026 Larry Tonniges Research Achievement Award

Dr. Justin McMechan built his research program around the problems Nebraska farmers were already facing. Receiving the Larry Tonniges Research Achievement Award from the people he works for made it all hit home. He thought he was walking into a room to defend his research proposals. He wasn’t.
At its March 2026 meeting, the Nebraska Soybean Board named Dr. Justin McMechan the recipient of the Larry Tonniges Research Achievement Award—given to individuals whose soybean research creates real, measurable value for Nebraska farmers. The award was established by the family of the late Larry Tonniges, a longtime Nebraska farmer who championed production research as part of his service on the board. McMechan is an Associate Professor of Entomology at UNL with a combination Extension and Research appointment, splitting his time between East Campus in Lincoln and ENREEC near Mead. The surprise caught him at a loss for words. For a researcher who's spent years standing in front of rooms full of farmers, that's saying something.

STILL A FARMER AT HEART
McMechan grew up on a small farm in Manitoba, Canada, where farming was always the plan. He eventually found his way to Nebraska for his education, which didn’t take him far from the field. He plants every research plot himself. He sprays. He harvests. And when it’s time to plant, he’s right there on the farm — his “right-sized” two-row planter running alongside the farmer’s 12- and 16-row equipment, working the same field setting, talking through the same questions. “I’m still kind of a farmer at heart,” he said. “It’s just... I’m farming for education. And it’s honestly more gratifying, because I get to help this whole community.”

SCIENCE AS A SERVICE
McMechan’s research program runs on a simple premise: farmers identify the problem, then he goes to find the answer. Roundtable discussions with farmers, consultants and ag professionals shaped his research priorities from the start. Proposals followed—not because they were interesting to researchers, but because farmers said they mattered. The Nebraska Soybean Board funded them for the same reason. That’s still how it works. “It’s 100 percent the foundation of how I formed my program,” he said. He runs small-plot research at five to 10 farm locations across Nebraska each season, looking for solutions that are practical and don’t add cost. When results come back, farmers recognize them. “If we build it together,” McMechan said, “it fits somewhere on the farming operation already.”

RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
    Pests in cover crop-to-corn systems
    Corn ear abnormalities
    Soybean gall midge biology and management
    Hail damage in row crops
    At-plant tactics like depth, row spacing, tillage

FILLING THE GAPS ON GALL MIDGE
When soybean gall midge was first identified in 2019, the Nebraska Soybean Board pushed for emergency funding within roughly 90 days—a rare move that put Nebraska at the front of the research. That foundation still holds. The pest is unlike anything soybean growers had faced before, and getting answers has been a slow process of filling in gaps. McMechan describes it this way: you put a box on your head  and poke one hole. That’s your entire field of vision. As research advances, more holes get poked, and the picture comes into greater focus. Right now, that focus is on variety selection. Two years of planting farmer-supplied seed in controlled settings revealed mortality rates ranging from 6 to 70 percent, depending on variety. When McMechan asked a group of farmers what that information was worth to their operation, the average answer was $30,000. That kind of impact is exactly what he shows up to find and exactly what the Larry Tonniges Research Achievement Award was created to recognize. 



Nebraska Teachers Invited to 2026 Soybean Science Institute

Nebraska middle and high school teachers are invited to apply for the 2026 Soybean Science Institute, a hands-on professional development program designed to bring agriculture and science to life in the classroom.

Hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in partnership with the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB), the institute will be held July 7-8 and July 14-16, 2026. Sessions will take place at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Ithaca.

The program will select 20 teachers, with priority given to cross-curricular teams, to explore the question: Why do we grow soybeans in Nebraska?

Participants will work alongside content experts from CASNR, NSB and fellow educators to better understand Nebraska’s soybean industry and its role in the state’s economy, environment and daily life. The institute emphasizes inquiry-based learning and systems thinking, helping teachers develop classroom-ready lesson plans that integrate science, math and agriculture.

The Soybean Science Institute is a paid professional development opportunity. Teachers who complete the full program will receive a $1,050 stipend, along with a $250 bonus for implementing a lesson plan developed during the institute. Participants will also receive classroom resources to support continued learning.

Applications for the 2026 program are due May 15, and space is limited.

Teachers interested in applying or learning more can visit the Soybean Science Institute webpage https://agronomy.unl.edu/extension-outreach/field-days-and-workshops/2026-soybean-science-institute/.



CAP Webinar: Agricultural Land Management Quarterly
May 11, 2026 12:00 PM 
With Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, Agricultural Economists, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators, and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season. 

The May 2026 webinar will cover trends in Nebraska cash rental rates for 2026, financial implications for changing commodity prices and adjusting cash rents. Communications issues and strategies for optimal land management for landlords and tenants will be discussed. A Q&A session will also be included.

Register here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



CAP Webinar: Beyond the Auction: The Social Value of Nebraska’s Livestock Sale Barns
May 14, 2026 12:00 PM 
Marilyn Schlake, Emeritus Extension Educator, Agricultural Economics 
Randy Saner, Livestock Systems Extension Educator 
Bethany Johnston, Livestock Systems Extension Educator 

Nebraska’s livestock sale barns do more than provide a place to buy and sell cattle. They also serve as important gathering places where producers exchange information, build relationships and stay connected to their communities.

This webinar will highlight findings from a University of Nebraska–Lincoln study on the social value of livestock sale barns and the role they play in supporting rural wellbeing in Nebraska. Presenters will discuss how sale barns help strengthen community ties, support personal well-being, build trust, and share knowledge across generations. The discussion will also explore what these findings mean for producers, educators and rural communities working to sustain important local gathering places.

Explore the findings at https://cap.unl.edu/salebarns

Register here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



CAP Webinar: Nebraska On-Farm Research: Agronomic and Economic Decisions
May 21, 2026 12:00 PM 
Adam Leise, Extension Educator and Director of UNL On-Farm Research

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is a structured network to allow farmers to test products, practices, and test decision making skills in their own fields, using their own equipment. Working with UNL Extension, farmers conduct trials on a wide array of topics ranging from fungicide, cover crops, Nitrogen, biologicals and even the use of drone imagery to determine what approach works best for their operation. In 2025, NOFRN conducted over 115 projects with reports detailing treatment differences, such as yield and disease pressure, as well as conducting economic thresholds using real application and product cost. NOFRN is farmer driven, and open to testing the many topics of agronomy and how economics affects decision making.

Register here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



National Pork Board Forms Producer-Led Advisory Committee to Advance National Swine Health Strategy

The National Pork Board (NPB) has established a new Swine Health Advisory Committee, which held its inaugural meeting this month in Des Moines, Iowa. The producer-led committee will provide strategic input and guidance to help ensure the National Swine Health Strategy remains aligned with industry priorities and delivers meaningful progress.

“The National Swine Health Strategy is informed by producers and is for producers,” says Dr. Seth Krantz, advisory committee member and NPB board member. “Producers have felt the significant mental and economic stress of swine disease for too long. The time has come for our industry to unite around the long-term mission of improving herd health. It will take daily individual actions and decisions on farms around the nation to make a measurable difference for the entire pork industry, but that is the goal.”

The National Swine Health Strategy aims to reduce the impact of domestic diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), lessen the spread of disease, and keep foreign and emerging diseases out.

“I look forward to collaborating with others across the industry to take this important next step and moving the needle on swine health for the future sustainability of our industry and the well-being of our animals and caregivers,” continues Krantz.

The advisory committee will offer ongoing strategic input and recommendations to NPB staff and board members in three areas of their work:
·       Prioritizing proposed plans to find efficiencies and opportunities across industry resources;
·       Defining clear actions and measurable outcomes to track progress and demonstrate impact on turning research into action; and
·       Addressing both the risk of transboundary diseases and the ongoing burden of disease, including PRRSV and PEDV.

“The formation of this new producer-led advisory committee is an important step in advancing the National Swine Health Strategy and continuing to transform valuable research and resources into practical, slat-level solutions for producers,” says NPB Chief Veterinarian Dr. Dusty Oedekoven. “I am excited and energized at the opportunity to collaborate with this group of engaged, wise and generous producers who are willing to contribute their time and expertise to help improve swine health for the entire pork industry.”

NPB Swine Health Advisory Committee members include, in alphabetical order:
·       Dr. Matt Anderson, Suidae Health and Production
·       Paul Ayers, The Maschhoffs, NPB board member
·       Dr. Alexandra Buckley, USDA Agricultural Research Service
·       Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council
·       Joe Dykhuis, Michigan producer
·       Dr. Anna Forseth, National Pork Producers Council  
·       Scott Hays, Missouri Pork Association
·       Jesse Heimer, Missouri producer, NPB board member
·       Stacy Herr, Indiana Pork Producers Association
·       Nathan Isler, Ohio producer
·       Dr. Clayton Johnson, Carthage Veterinary Services, LTD
·       Dr. Jeff Kaisand, Iowa Animal Industry Bureau
·       Dr. Seth Krantz, Tosh Farms, NPB board member
·       Dr. Joel Nerem, Pipestone
·       Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Swine Health Information Center
·       Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
·       Lawrence Parks, The Parks Companies
·       Brock Pillen, Nebraska producer
·       Jeremy Robertson, Iowa producer
·       Brandon Schafer, Minnesota producer
·       Dr. Harry Snelson, American Association of Swine Veterinarians
·       Dr. Gordon Spronk, Minnesota producer, NPB board member
·       Dr. Matthew Turner, JBS Live Pork
·       Kraig Westerbeek, Smithfield Foods
·       Todd Wiley, Iowa producer
·       Noel Williams, Seaboard Foods
·       Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry

The health of the U.S. swine herd is the foundation of every producer’s livelihood. By working together, the industry is strengthening its ability to protect long-term herd health and improving the lives of pigs and America’s 60,000 pig farmers. NPB supports producers through swine health research and on-farm tools like U.S. SHIP, AgView® and the Secure Pork Supply Plan. Learn more at porkcheckoff.org/strategy.



USDA Implements President Trump’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Friday announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, restoring whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk options in federal child nutrition programs for children and adults ages 2 and older.

The rule advances President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to improving childhood nutrition and supporting America’s dairy farmers by ensuring schools and child nutrition providers can once again offer students nutrient-dense dairy options that align with the latest nutrition science and consumer preference.

“President Trump promised to Make America Healthy Again, and restoring whole milk to schools is a major step toward delivering on that promise,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “For years, outdated federal rules kept nutritious whole milk off school menus, despite growing evidence showing the importance of healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods for child development. USDA is proud to implement the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and give schools the flexibility to serve real, wholesome milk options that help children grow, learn, and thrive.”

Whole milk and other dairy products provide essential nutrients including protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins A, D, and B12. Whole milk is especially important for young children aged 1 to 10 to support energy needs and brain development.

USDA is also continuing the multi-year process to update school meal standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations. In the meantime, USDA is taking immediate action to increase access to real, nutrient-rich foods in schools and child nutrition settings, including local beef and other locally grown foods.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law by President Trump on Jan. 14, 2026.



USDA Clears Path for Whole Milk in Schools

The National Milk Producers Federation today applauded USDA’s Interim Final Rule, “Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs,” which includes whole and 2% milk as options in the school breakfast, Special Milk and Child and Adult Care Food programs.

The rule is an important step in implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 that was signed into law in January.

As the rule was developed, NMPF requested clarification from USDA that schools would have the option to provide whole and 2% milk for school breakfasts as well as school lunches; today’s rule meets that need and benefits schoolchildren by ensuring a full range of milk options at every school meal.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in delivering whole and 2% milk back into schools,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said. “Offering whole and 2% milk in schools helps students meet recommended daily values for many essential nutrients. It's logistically challenging for schools to offer this milk for lunches but not for other meals, which weakens the benefits that whole and 2% milk provide. Today’s rule provides much needed clarification so that schools can offer the same milk options during breakfast and lunch.”

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act gives schools the option of serving whole and 2% milk varieties — in addition to the 1%, fat-free, and flavored options already offered — in federally funded programs for the first time since federal rules in 2012 cut them.

“When the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed, NMPF pledged our fullest support to federal officials and school districts across the nation to help implement this important legislation,” Doud said. “We appreciate USDA’s swift, comprehensive efforts on implementation to ensure that schools have the information they need to make purchasing decisions and whole and reduced fat milk offerings return to school menus.”

The Interim Final Rule takes effect in a month and is now open for public comment to inform a future final rule.



Growth Energy Announces that E15 Is Now Offered at 5,000 Locations across the U.S.

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, announced Friday that the total number of retail locations selling E15—a more affordable fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol—now totals more than 5,000 stores, marking a new milestone in E15 availability.

“More and more fuel retailers across the U.S. are offering E15 because they know it’s a more affordable fuel option that their customers can rely on,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With 5,000 stores now selling E15 across the U.S., more drivers than ever are able to take advantage of E15’s lower prices. We congratulate every fuel retailer that’s made this milestone possible, and look forward to watching the total E15 store count continue to climb as retailers invest in ways to deliver better, more affordable fuel options.”

Since 2020 the number of stores selling E15 in the U.S. increased at an annualized rate of 15%. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of E15 stores jumped from 3,808 to 4,736, a total of more than 900 new stores representing an increase of 24% in that period. This increased rate of adoption was achieved despite the fact that, today, E15 can only be sold all year long if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a waiver for retailers to do so. This is an outdated regulatory requirement that’s still on the books from a 35-year-old law that was enacted before E15 was first introduced as a fuel option.

“We’ve seen robust growth in E15 availability even with these outdated waiver-to-waiver regulations,” Skor added. “At the current rate of E15’s expanding retail footprint, we expect to see more than 1,200 additional retail locations begin to sell E15 in 2026. If Congress can deliver a permanent fix for year-round E15, however, that number would be exponentially higher. This is why it’s so important for Congress to take action and vote in favor of year-round E15 now—more consumers deserve access to E15’s cost savings, and that’s exactly what this greater regulatory certainty would provide.”

Congress is set to vote on a bill that would allow for the year-round sale of E15 on May 13. Supporters of E15 should visit growthenergy.org/E15Now and tell their elected officials to support the measure and finally make E15 available all year long.



New Sorghum Assurances Protocol Supports Buyer Confidence in U.S. Sorghum 

The U.S. sorghum industry today announced the first issuance of Sorghum Assurances Protocol certificates, a major milestone that strengthens the crop’s position in global markets by providing verified documentation of U.S. sorghum production practices.

Developed by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) in partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), the Sorghum Assurances Protocol establishes a standardized framework to document how U.S. sorghum is produced across key areas including production practices, supply chain integrity and traceability. The issuance of the first certificates marks the transition from development to real-world application, allowing verified sorghum to move through commercial channels.

“This is an important step forward for U.S. sorghum growers and the entire value chain,” said Tim Lust, CEO of USCP. “We’ve worked for several years to build a system that clearly communicates the value of U.S. sorghum to our customers around the world. With these first certificates, we’re now delivering that value in a way that is tangible, credible and aligned with customer and market needs.”

The certificates provide buyers and end users with additional confidence in U.S. sorghum, helping support continued access to key export markets and future growth opportunities across food, feed and fuel sectors.

“This achievement reflects strong collaboration across the sorghum industry to develop a program that works for producers, customers and the broader supply chain,” said Kim Baldwin, USCP Board Chair and USGBC Innovation & Sustainability Advisory Team Lead. “Through the Innovation & Sustainability Advisory Team, we’ve worked to build a practical framework that supports producer opportunities while helping position U.S. sorghum as a trusted, sustainable choice in global markets.”

For producers, the milestone represents another step in strengthening demand for U.S.-grown sorghum at a time when global markets are increasingly focused on documented production practices.

“Global customers are increasingly asking for greater transparency and documentation across agricultural supply chains,” said Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of USGBC. “The Sorghum Assurances Protocol helps meet that demand and reinforces the reliability and value of U.S. sorghum in international markets. This is an important step in maintaining and growing market access for our producers.” 

The voluntary, industry-led effort helps communicate how U.S. sorghum is produced and handled while supporting customer requests and strengthening market opportunities for U.S. sorghum. By aligning with globally recognized frameworks, the protocol further positions U.S. sorghum as a reliable, high-quality ingredient across food, feed and fuel markets.

“As global demand evolves, it’s critical that U.S. agriculture continues to lead with innovation and transparency,” Lust added. “This work ensures sorghum remains well-positioned not just today, but into the future.”

More information about the Sorghum Assurances Protocol is available at sustainablesorghumexports.org.