Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - May 3
Very Short Short Adequate Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......: 34 38 28 -
Subsoil Moisture .......: 37 40 23 -
..... Last year Last week This week 5YrAve
Corn Planted ...............: 46 26 43 39
Corn Emerged ............: 7 - 7 5
Soybeans planted .......: 31 19 40 23
Soybeans emerged .....: 2 - 2 1
Sorghum planted ........: 3 1 4 2
Winter Wheat headed .: - 1 6 -
VP Poor Fair Good Excellent
Winter Wheat Condition .: 20 47 22 11 -
Pasture Conditions ..........: 32 40 24 4 -
Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report
There were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 3, 2026, which is 1.0 day more than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 42 percent complete, which is 5 percent behind last year when 47 percent of the crop had been planted. Soybean planting reached 27 percent, which is 9 percent behind 2025 when 36 percent of the crop had been planted. Oats planting reached 88 percent, 2 percent behind last year when 90 percent had been planted.
USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report
U.S. corn planting is ahead of its five-year average, while soybean planting is ahead of both last year's pace and its five-year average, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.
CORN
-- Planting progress: 38% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, equal to last year's pace and 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 34%.
-- Crop development: 13% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 3 points ahead of last year's 10% and 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 9%.
SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 33% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 5 points ahead of last year at this time and 10 points ahead of the five-year average of 23%.
-- Crop development: 13% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 7 points ahead of last year and 8 points ahead of the five-year average of 5%.
WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 37% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor as of May 3, up 19 percentage points from 18% a year ago, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 49% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 12 percentage points ahead of last year's 37% and 17 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 32%.
SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 32% of the crop was planted nationwide as of May 3, 10 percentage points behind last year's pace of 42% and 3 percentage points behind the five-year average of 35%.
-- Crop development: 10% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 2 percentage points behind last year's pace of 12% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 9%.
Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Releases 2025 Results Book
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network hosted six in-person meetings around the state this spring to discuss the 2025 Research Results and are now releasing the book directly into your hands.
This publication, which contains results from 105 studies across 37 counties, covers various topics such as crop production, fertility and soil management, non-traditional products, cover crops, crop protection, and equipment.
With planting season upon us, now is the perfect time to dive into local, real results, to help you make well-informed decisions on your operation this spring. Whether you are thinking about changing your seeding rate this year or are curious about how a product performed on similar field conditions, there is a topic for every interest.
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is a program of Nebraska Extension that partners with farmers to evaluate agricultural practices and provide innovative solutions that impact farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability. It is supported by the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff, the Nebraska Wheat Board and the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission. To learn more about the NOFRN, view past results and access our results finder, visit the website https://on-farm-research.unl.edu/.
UNL Part 107 Drone Training Expands Across Nebraska This Summer
Nebraska Extension continues to expand its Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course to meet growing demand for certified drone pilots in agriculture, public safety and business. The one-day course prepares participants to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Taught by Dirk Charlson, statewide extension educator of digital agriculture, the program has trained more than 300 students from Nebraska and surrounding states. Approximately one in 40 FAA-certified remote pilots in Nebraska have participated in the course. Since 2024, more than 45 training sessions have been delivered statewide.
Charlson brings more than a decade of drone instruction experience, with a background in real estate photography, aerial crop scouting and conservation. He has been teaching drone certification courses since 2016.
“This course is designed to be efficient and effective,” Charlson said. “Our evaluation data shows that 93% of students felt the course helped them prepare, and 85% went on to take the exam within two months.”
According to Charlson, participants typically invest 12 to 15 hours in preparation through a combination of in-class instruction and independent study with final test results ranging from 80–85% — well above the 70% score required to pass the exam.
Program Highlights
One-day (eight-hour) training; no prior aviation experience required
Prepares participants for FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Exam
Includes study materials and step-by-step guidance for exam registration and FAA certification
Covers real-world applications, including airspace authorization and regulatory compliance
Lunch provided
Course participants report benefits across multiple sectors, including new revenue opportunities through drone services, improved efficiency for public safety agencies, and expanded scouting and imaging capabilities in agriculture. Many also note career advancement and increased responsibilities after certification.
The course is designed for a wide range of participants, from agricultural producers, crop consultants and agronomists to entrepreneurs, real estate professionals and emergency responders. It’s also a fit for anyone interested in using drones commercially, whether to expand an existing operation or explore new business opportunities.
Upcoming Summer Training Dates
May 7 — Omaha (Register by May 4)
May 22 — Grand Island (Register by May 18)
June 12 — Grand Island (Register by June 8)
June 19 — Ord (Register by June 15)
June 26 — Lincoln (Register by June 22)
July 10 — Grand Island (Register by July 6)
Aug. 7 — Alliance (Register by Aug. 3)
Aug. 14 — Grand Island (Register by Aug. 10)
Aug. 21 — Lincoln (Register by Aug. 17)
More information is available on the course registration page https://go.unl.edu/Part107Course.
ICGA Highlights Wins from 2026 Iowa Legislative Session
The Iowa legislative session officially adjourned this past weekend, ending a productive term that saw significant movement on several Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) policy priorities advocated for by Iowa’s corn farmers.
“This session proved that when we bring common-sense agricultural solutions to the Capitol, we can move the needle for our members,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller, who farms in Waverly, Iowa. “From easing the tax burden on high-ethanol blends to the increased investments in water quality initiatives, these wins are a direct result of our members showing up and speaking out. This session verified ICGA remains a powerful force in the Iowa legislature, but more importantly, it demonstrated that the collective voice of our 7,000+ farmer-members is what truly enacts real policy change.”
Following the conclusion of the session, ICGA highlighted the following key legislative outcomes:
E85+ Fuel Excise Tax: Establishes a new excise tax exemption for ethanol-blended gasoline exceeding 85% ethanol (E85+) when purchased for use exclusively in agricultural implements of husbandry, reducing costs for farmers utilizing high-ethanol blends in their operations.
Land Restoration for Transmission Lines: New protections require transmission line owners (200+ kV) to restore land post-construction, including deep tillage to alleviate soil compaction, drain tile repair and the removal of construction debris.
Secretary Naig’s Water Quality Initiatives: Secured a long-term commitment of over $130 million over 12 years to go towards nitrate removal system updates for Central Iowa Water Works, increased funding for conservation and water monitoring as well as the creation of the Rural Iowa Infrastructure Bank.
Enhanced Depredation Permits: Expands eligibility for depredation permits to include "economic loss to agriculture" and streamlines the process by allowing tenants to be issued permits with landowner written approval.
Limitation of Liability for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Effects: Establishes a statutory shield against frivolous civil or criminal lawsuits regarding climate effects from greenhouse gas emissions, unless a specific permit violation is proven.
Mineral Rights Modernization: Mandates that cities and counties divest mineral interests if they do not own the surface rights.
Carbon Capture Projects: While no legislation regarding carbon capture pipelines passed this session, ICGA will continue to work towards finding a compromise that ensures long term viability and protects landowner rights.
“The ICGA policy development process is officially underway, starting with our member survey,” said Mueller. “Our next step is a series of regional roundtables, where we invite farmers to share their perspectives before new policies are finalized and debated at our annual Grassroots Summit.”
Appropriations Bill Would Fund Swine Health Improvement Plan
The House Committee on Appropriations approved fiscal year 2027 funding for programs related to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. Included was the NPPC-backed, cooperative state-federal-industry program, the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan, which helps improve the health and marketability of U.S. swine and pork products.
US SHIP sets consistent biosecurity, traceability and surveillance standards for foreign animal diseases and endemic diseases. Participants work to obtain certification that they are free from FADs, outside control areas, and in the case of endemic diseases, a certification declaring a specific health status.
The National Pork Producers Council applauds the House Committee on Appropriation’s passage of the agriculture spending bill, which also increases funds for agricultural research and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and maintains funds for agricultural trade programs.
NPPC continues to urge USDA to establish the federal advisory committee so that producers can be involved in setting the program’s standards and carry that message forward to USDA.
Bill to Improve Coordination on Animal Disease Outbreaks Introduced
Sen. Tammy Baldwin introduced the “Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026,” a bill to increase interagency coordination during wildlife, livestock, and domestic animal disease outbreaks.
The bill will create a program administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The bill would establish a national wildlife health coordinator, a tribal coordinator, and four regional coordinators to help increase communication among agencies on the frontlines of animal and human health. They would share information on existing and emerging wildlife and zoonotic disease outbreaks with states, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, USDA, FWS, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New research finds unprocessed red meat has no effect on obesity and related diseases
Recent Beef Checkoff-funded research adds to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role fresh beef plays in a healthy, sustainable diet. Animal-sourced foods, such as red meat, are often assumed to be associated with obesity risk. However, Texas Tech University researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of available research on the relationship between unprocessed red meat intake and obesity, finding no significant effect of such intake on weight gain or related metabolic issues in adults.
“Beef contains high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, and people enjoy this key source of nourishment – yet they’re often discouraged to consume red meat based on recommendations primarily driven by observational evidence,” noted the lead researcher, Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, PhD, chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences and associate dean for innovation for the College of Health & Human Sciences. “Our study is the first to fully review the totality of causative evidence, which shows no protective or adverse effect of unprocessed red meat intake on obesity.”
Dhurandhar explains that previous related studies are based primarily on observational data, which often rely on self-reported dietary and lifestyle information that can be inaccurate and confound study results and conclusions. Instead, the researchers used rigorous research methods by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 human clinical trials. They focused solely on studies that determined the effect of direct feeding of unprocessed red meat to participants rather than studies that used self-reported data. The result is the most comprehensive evaluation of red meat intake and obesity to date, according to Dhurandhar.
“Protein-rich foods, such as beef, may improve satiety and fullness, which can help support lifestyle and dietary behaviors that promote weight loss and healthy weight maintenance,” Dhurandhar added. “However, the stigma surrounding unprocessed red meat’s role in obesity may keep many from consuming red meat, thus missing out on key benefits which may be important for weight loss and management. This study offers a complete view of the research, so clinicians and consumers can make informed decisions about the role of unprocessed beef in healthy lifestyles.”
Access the full study - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.24322
This research was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Texas Beef Council (TBC), contractors to the Beef Checkoff. NCBA and TBC were not involved in the study design, data collection and analysis, or publication of the findings.
Check in on the Choice-Select Spread
Charley Martinez, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics,University of Tennessee
Over the last few weeks, the choice-select spread has become a topic of discussion in my market outlooks. The Choice–Select spread directly reflects the market value of quality, signaling how much buyers are willing to pay for cattle that grade USDA Choice versus Select. When the spread is wide, cattle that grade choice capture higher carcass prices and grid premiums, making quality-focused production more profitable. Conversely, a narrow or negative spread reduces incentives for higher-quality graded carcasses. If the spread remains narrow or inverts for extended periods, it can pose financial risk by prolonging cattle feeding or incurring higher costs without a clear payoff. Because the spread responds to consumer demand, beef supplies, and economic conditions, it also serves as a decision-making indicator for marketing timing, feeding strategies, and risk management. In short, in the short-term, the Choice–Select spread links consumer preferences back to the feedlot, shaping both profitability and production decisions.
In 2025, the spread began near the upper $20 range, before declining through the early part of the year (end of February) and then recovering to consistently higher values in the mid‑to‑upper teens and low $20s in March and April, indicating a generally strong premium for Choice beef. In contrast, the 2026 spread began the year much lower and more variable, hovering mostly between zero and $10 and even turning negative at several points, which signals periods when Choice carcasses commanded little to no premium over Select.
The persistently low and occasionally negative Choice–Select spread shown in Figure 2026 leaves important questions. Is this due in part to softening beef demand or other market forces at play? Given the recent rise in fuel costs, income for other items, and weekly spending at stores has likely taken a hit, which tends to push consumers toward more price‑sensitive food choices and away from higher‑priced beef items that rely on Choice‑level marbling. As a result, downstream buyers have placed less emphasis on quality premiums, compressing the spread even when supply conditions might otherwise support it. At the same time, higher fuel costs raise transportation and operating expenses throughout the beef supply chain, limiting packers’ and retailers’ willingness to pay up for higher grades. Together, possibly weaker consumer demand for premium beef and rising fuel-related costs help explain why the 2026 spread remains subdued, signaling diminished incentives for quality premiums relative to periods like 2025 when consumer demand conditions were stronger.
No comments:
Post a Comment