Monday June 29 Ag News - Soybean Gall Midge update - 2 NE NE RegenAg Field Days - NeExt Youth Crop Scout Contest - Corn/Soy Reaction USDA RegenAg Rule - and more!

Soybean Gall Midge: Wilting and Dead Plants Reported in Nebraska and South Dakota
Nebraska Extension

With adult emergence occurring in late May and early June in Nebraska and Iowa, soybean gall midge larvae have now been detected at all monitoring sites in both states.

In Nebraska, dead and dying soybean plants have been documented at three monitoring sites in Lancaster County and a field in Seward County. While the incidence of dead plants remains low (<3%), it is expected to increase over the next week as hot weather puts additional stress on soybean. To view maps on emergence, larvae, and wilting or dead plants visit www.soybeangallmidge.org.

Although no adult emergence has been detected in South Dakota or Minnesota, larvae have been found in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, where a small number of wilting and dead soybean plants have also been observed.

Now is a good time to scout soybean fields for the presence of larvae in soybean along field edges adjacent to last year's soybean fields. Once significant larval infestations are present, insecticide applications are not recommended because larvae are protected within the stem, making it difficult for insecticides to reach them effectively.  

Scouting for Soybean Gall Midge Larvae - 2026 Season Notes
Adult emergence began May 29 in Nebraska and June 1 in Iowa. No adult detections in South Dakota or Minnesota.

Larvae were first detected June 8 in Lancaster County, Nebraska, June 17 in Dallas County, Iowa and June 26 in Minnehaha County, South Dakota.

Larvae are now present at all monitored locations in Nebraska and Iowa.

Wilting and dead plants were documented on June 22 in Lancaster County, Nebraska and on June 26 in Minnehaha County, South Dakota .




Two Northeast Nebraska Field Days to Showcase Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Producers, landowners, agricultural professionals and community members interested in soil health, profitability and resilient farming systems are invited to attend two upcoming field days focused on regenerative agriculture in northeast Nebraska this July.

Hosted by Bazile Groundwater Management Area, Lewis and Clark NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD, Upper Elkhorn NRD, Rural Affairs, USDA Organic, local partners and producers, these events will showcase practical approaches to improving soil health, integrating livestock, enhancing nutrient cycling, reducing input costs and building resilient agricultural operations.

Regenerative Ag Field Day — July 17
The first Regenerative Ag Field Day will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 17, 2026, near the Highway 81/20 junction. This event is hosted by the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Project and will feature real-world examples of regenerative agriculture practices being implemented on a working operation.

Participants will learn about:
    Regenerative agriculture practices within an operation 
    Adapting management strategies as conditions change 
    Soil health and nutrient cycling 
    Weed management approaches 

Featured speakers include:
    Junior Pfanstiel, Outside the Box Agronomy, discussing the theory, process, and goals of transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices. 
    Zack Smith, The Stock Cropper, discussing how integrating livestock can increase return on investment and convert sunlight into dollars through improved land utilization. 

A complimentary lunch will be available following the event at The Breakroom in Randolph.

Regenesis Acres Field Day — July 18
The 2026 Regenesis Acres Field Day will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at the Atkinson Community Center before moving to Regenesis Acres, located north of Atkinson, for in-field learning opportunities.

The event will explore farming through a regenerative lens, with topics including:
    Building soil health to support resiliency 
    Diverse crop rotations and alternative crops 
    Returning livestock to the landscape 
    Lowering production inputs 
    Increasing local economic opportunities through integrated systems 
    Roller crimping for weed control, soil cover and water conservation 

Featured speakers include:
    Mac Trotter, regenerative farmer 
    Rion Naus, We Grow With LLC 
    Zack Smith, Stockcropper LLC 
    Ed Baumgartner, Bass Hybrids 
    Lynn Hoover, Ocean Blue Ag 
    Blake Merritt, Core Bio Ag 
    Sara Paxton, Nourish Health Coaching 
    Jessie Poessnecker, regenerative farmer 

The family-friendly event will also include activities for children and educational opportunities for attendees of all ages.

Growing Interest in Regenerative Agriculture
Interest in regenerative agriculture continues to expand across Nebraska as producers seek ways to improve soil health, increase water infiltration, enhance nutrient efficiency, diversify operations and build long-term resilience. These field days provide an opportunity to learn directly from producers and industry experts who are implementing regenerative practices in real-world settings.

Both events are free to attend, though advance registration is encouraged by Monday, July 6 due to limited space. 
    Register for July 17 field day - https://bit.ly/BGMAFieldDay26
    Register for July 18 field day - https://go.unl.edu/regenesis26

July 17 field day location: From the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and U.S. Highway 20, travel three miles west on Highway 20, then ¼ mile north on 552 Avenue. View the approximate field location in Google Maps.

July 18 field day locations: Atkinson Community Center, 206 W. Fifth St., Atkinson, NE 68713; Regenesis Acres, 315 W. State St., Atkinson, NE 68713. 

For additional information, please visit the Bazile Groundwater Management Area website https://bgma.nebraska.gov/ or contact Amy Timmerman, Nebraska Extension educator, at 402-336-2760.




UNL TAPS program to host field day July 7 in North Platte 

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program will host a field day July 7 at 3 p.m. at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte.

The TAPS program is a farm management competition and research initiative that allows participants to evaluate management decisions, explore emerging technologies and improve profitability and resource-use efficiency in a low-risk environment.

The field day will provide TAPS participants and those interested in the program an opportunity to view current plot conditions and discuss management strategies and challenges for the growing season.

The event will begin with a field tour featuring plot visits, technology demonstrations and discussions on management strategies, irrigation and nitrogen management. The tour will be followed by a market update and outlook for 2026.

The field day will conclude with a social and barbecue at Pals Brewing Company, 4520 S. Buffalo Bill Ave., North Platte.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to register at no cost at go.unl.edu/nptaps.

For more information, contact Victor Ferreira at 402-326-9213



Free Farm and Ranch Finance Clinic

These clinics are for farmers and ranchers and their families. They are confidential, one-on-one sessions with an experienced Ag Law attorney and Ag finance counselor. These clinics have been offered in Nebraska since 1989. In a roughly hour-long session, you are welcome to bring up whatever issues might be affecting your farm or ranch. In general, clinic discussions often involve estate and succession planning, financial and operational issues, beginning farmer programs, real estate and lease matters, fence law, property rights, farm loans and loan programs, and debtor/creditor law. Here is an opportunity to obtain an experienced outside opinion on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch. Bring your questions!

The FREE farm and ranch clinics will be on these dates in these locations:
Valentine - Thursday, July 9th
Chadron - Tuesday, July 21st
Norfolk - Tuesday, July 28th

To sign up for a clinic or for more information, call Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258.



2026 Youth Crop Scouting Competition: Put Your Agronomy Skills to the Test
Brandy VanDeWalle - Nebraska Extension Educator

Think your team can spot crop problems before they cost yield? Nebraska Extension invites junior high and high school students to test their scouting skills at the 13th annual Youth Crop Scouting Competition, where teams will identify real-world crop production issues, solve field-based challenges and compete for cash prizes.

Youth will step into the field for this year's competition on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2026, at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Nebraska, where teams will go head-to-head in a series of corn and soybean production challenges. Participants will scout crop growth stages, pest infestations, diseases and nutrient deficiencies, with additional challenges covering pesticide safety, herbicide injury and emerging crop scouting technologies.

Not familiar with crop scouting? That’s OK!
Youth don’t need prior experience in crop production to compete, but they will need a basic understanding of scouting corn and soybean fields. Nebraska Extension offers a variety of resources to help all students get up to speed. Visit the CropWatch Youth Crop Scouting Competition page and explore the “Preparing to Compete” section for training tools and guidance... https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/crop-scouting-competition/. 

Teachers and leaders — Invite a local agronomist, extension educator or crop consultant to provide short lessons or Q&A sessions during club meetings. A little expert input can boost students’ knowledge and confidence — and it’s a great way to inspire interest in agronomy and crop-related careers.

This competition offers a unique opportunity for youth to gain practical experience in crop scouting, enhance their understanding of IPM, and explore potential careers in agriculture. By working closely with extension staff and industry professionals, participants will develop valuable skills applicable to various agricultural fields.

Competition Highlights
    Team Composition: Teams of three to five participants, each with an adult team leader, such as an FFA advisor, crop consultant, extension staff or co-op employee. 
    Eligibility: Open to 4-H and FFA members who have completed fifth through 12th grades.
    Prizes: Cash awards of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.
    Advancement: The top two teams will qualify for the regional competition held in Nebraska in 2026.

This competition is limited to the first 10 teams that sign up. Teams must be registered by Wednesday, July 15 https://go.unl.edu/cropscoutingreg. 

For more information, please visit the CropWatch Youth Crop Scouting Competition page https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/crop-scouting-competition/.



Iowa Corn Growers Welcome USDA Regenerative Ag Rule

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) welcomes the release of the USDA’s Regenerative Ag Rule, a significant milestone that recognizes and rewards farmers for their leadership in conservation and sustainability practices. The final rule brings farmers one step closer to being recognized for their innovation through the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit; a priority Iowa Corn has advocated to ensure that every Iowa corn farmer can benefit from conservation practices, new markets and fair recognition of their efforts.

“For years, Iowa corn farmers have led the nation in adoption and implementation of conservation practices, and today’s USDA rule provides a framework to reward conservation-minded farmers who are stewards of the land,” said Mark Mueller, ICGA President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “This new rule is an important step forward, and we believe it will help jumpstart opportunities for growers who are committed to doing what’s right for the land and the environment, while being recognized for their efforts.” 

ICGA thanks Secretary Rollins for her leadership and looks forward to collaborating with USDA to maximize the opportunities this rule creates for farmers across Iowa.  



Corn Growers Respond to Regenerative Agriculture Announcements

The Trump Administration recently released a series of actions designed to strengthen support for regenerative agriculture practices, including an Executive Order signed by the president and the announcement of a new regenerative biofuel feedstock rule by USDA. In response to these developments, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: 

“We appreciate the administration’s recognition of the value biofuels provide for our country’s energy supply and security. For decades, corn farmers have provided a renewable, domestically produced energy source for our nation’s drivers and we are ready to provide even more for many years to come.

“We also appreciate the administration’s recognition that farmers have always cared for their land. This is true of every farmer I know. As noted by USDA, it’s also true we have embraced for years many practices that are considered regenerative, with nearly 70% already implementing at least one practice.

“Thanks to wide-scale adoption of precision agriculture tools by corn farmers, we are more efficient and effective with our resources than ever before. We welcome further investment in this space that will continue our ability to efficiently produce food, fuel and fiber for our world. We additionally welcome expeditious EPA reviews of new pesticide products that will continue supporting our efforts.

“Corn growers have been and continue to be open to ongoing dialogue and engagement on this important topic, and we look forward to closely reviewing the Regenerative Feedstock Rule.”



ASA Welcomes USDA Rule Approving Value-Added Farming for Biofuels Tax Credit

Friday, ASA applauded Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for publishing the Regenerative Feedstock Rule, which provides a framework for farmers to enhance the value of biofuel feedstock crops like soybeans by employing voluntary conservation practices. The final Regenerative Feedstock Rule will supplement forthcoming final tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and increase the credit value for biofuels produced from feedstocks grown using covered conservation practices.

“ASA applauds Secretary Rollins and USDA for finalizing the Regenerative Feedstock Rule, which will unlock a new premium soybean market by empowering farmers to produce value-added biofuel feedstocks using on-farm conservation practices,” said Scott Metzger, ASA President and farmer from Williamsport, OH. “Domestic markets, bolstered by biomass-based diesel industry expansion, improve basis and expand a reliable, local customer base for our soybeans. Soybean farmers fought hard to improve 45Z to support domestic market growth for U.S. soy, and for the first time ever, the USDA Regenerative Feedstock Rule will ensure that the 45Z biofuel tax credit will not only benefit biofuel producers, but the farmers who produce homegrown regenerative biofuel feedstocks.”

ASA has strongly supported the work of USDA to develop the Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator as part of the final rule so that farmers may realize the value-added potential of their crop. ASA appreciates USDA for honoring the commitment to solicit farmer feedback on the new tool, which included individual farmer beta testing and demonstrations at our annual trade show.

Regenerative agriculture practices covered by the rule include cover crops and conservation tillage. According to USDA, 70% of U.S. soybean farmers already employ at least one of these regenerative practices.

Last year, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act made two critical improvements to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit that were championed by ASA:
-    Removing a provision that arbitrarily penalized agricultural biofuel feedstocks based on farming practices overseas and
-    Establishing a North American ringfence to ensure the tax credit benefits fuels produced and sourced from our region rather than incentivizing imports that displace U.S. soybean oil. ASA is urging Treasury and IRS to swiftly finalize 45Z tax guidance that incorporates the improvements.

The domestic biomass-based diesel industry is poised for significant growth this year, with expanded capacity to process an additional 140 million bushels of soybeans expected by the 2026 harvest.

Investments in the biofuel value chain are largely the result of actions taken by the Trump Administration and Congress, including the statutory improvements to 45Z, strong renewable volume obligations released by EPA earlier this year, and today’s publication of the USDA Regenerative Feedstock Rule.

While the final Regenerative Feedstock Rule will expand economic opportunities for farmers located near biofuel production, current traceability standards will prevent farmers in other regions from accessing the benefits. ASA encourages USDA to address this regional disparity as work continues to enhance and expand the rule in the future. ASA will continue working with the administration to complete the final tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and increase the credit value for biofuels produced from feedstocks.



Cost of Fourth of July Cookout Reflects Inflation Increase

Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with a cookout will find that prices at the grocery store closely reflect inflation increases over the last year. An Independence Day cookout will cost $73.82 for 10 guests this year, according to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey.

This is up $2.90 from last year, which is a 4% increase. The overall annual inflation rate in the United States is 4.2% for 12 months ending in May, which is consistent with the findings of the marketbasket survey, even though the survey tracks a much smaller basket of items.

At $7.38 per person, this is the most expensive Fourth of July cookout since Farm Bureau began surveying costs in 2016. However, after adjusting for inflation, cookout costs have remained relatively stable in recent years and remain below the previous peak reached in 2022.

“Families across the country are dealing with higher prices for many expenses including groceries,” said American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Dr. Faith Parum. “As you look at the purchasing power of the dollar, however, it has remained relatively stable when it comes to food. America’s families spend less of their disposable income on food than most other nations and we enjoy one of the most abundant, affordable and safe food supplies in the world.”

The marketbasket survey shows an increase in the cost of 10 of the 12 tracked items including ground beef, pork and beans, strawberries and hamburger buns.

Several factors influence the increased costs. The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 5.5% to $14.06. America’s ranchers continue to rebuild their herds following years of severe drought, which has affected supplies. It will take several years for herds to recover to pre-drought levels.

Strawberries cost $5.27 for two pints, an increase of 12.4%. Strawberries had a price increase, in part, because of a devastating frost in Florida that destroyed many young plants early in the spring. High labor costs for fruits and vegetables are also a factor as well as increased costs for fuel used in refrigeration and transportation.

A 32 ounce can of pork and beans is up 37 cents from 2025 to $3.06. The cost of aluminum drastically increased this year, driving up the production cost of cans used in pork and beans.

Hamburger buns cost an average of $2.53, a 7.7% increase from last year. Increased production, transportation and labor costs contributed to the price increase of hamburger buns.

Two bright spots in the survey were potato salad and chips. The price for potato salad fell 17.8% from 2025 to $2.91. This can be attributed partially to a key salad ingredient – eggs. Egg prices have dropped as flocks recovered from avian influenza. Healthy potato harvests reduced the cost of making potato salad and chips. Chips were down 4 cents from 2025 to $4.76.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Higher prices at the grocery store don’t always translate to more money for farmers. The farmer’s share of the food dollar is around 6% after expenses. Farmers are dealing with natural disasters and higher supply costs while making the same - or sometimes less - money for the food they grow. Still, they’re committed to growing safe, affordable, sustainable and abundant food for our nation.

“Farmers represent less than 2% of the population, but they carry a great responsibility in providing nutrition for the remaining 98% of America. The critical role they play has traditionally been supported by investments in innovation, research and risk management, all made possible by the farm bill. We encourage lawmakers to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and then return to D.C. with a renewed commitment to pass a new, modernized farm bill. It’s an investment in our country’s future.”

The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for all items shows an overall increase of 4.2%, while food shows an increase of 3.1% compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.

The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home.

Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico.

Individual Prices, AFBF 2026 Summer Cookout
    2 pounds of ground beef, $14.06 (+5.5%)
    2 pounds of chicken breasts, $8.06 (+3.5%)
    3 pounds of pork chops, $14.79 (+4.7%)
    1 pound of cheese, $3.60 (+1.7%)
    1 package of hamburger buns, $2.53 (+7.7%)
    2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $2.91 (-17.8%)
    32 ounces of pork and beans, $3.06 (+13.8%)
    16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.76 (-0.8%)
    13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $4.25 (+6.3%)
    ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.99 (+5.3%)
    2 pints of strawberries, $5.27 (+12.4%)
    2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.54 (+3.9%)

Read the full Market Intel on the 2026 Fourth of July Cookout Survey here https://www.fb.org/market-intel/fourth-of-july-cookout-costs-reflect-inflation.