Friday October 09 Ag News - NE FSA Hosts ARC/PLC Webinar - USDA Announces $1.8B Conservation Payments - Boots in the Barn Series in SW Iowa - New Soybean SCN Ratings out from ISU - Celebrate Porktober! - and more!

Farm Service Agency, University of Nebraska-Lincoln to Host Commodity Crop Safety Net Information Webinar on Oct. 15

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is partnering with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) on a webinar designed to educate commodity crop producers on the 2026 and 2027 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs election and enrollment process. Producers can make elections and enroll for the 2026 crop year from now through Dec. 11, 2026, and for the 2027 crop year from Nov. 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027. Producers can learn about the ARC and PLC options for 2026 and 2027 during the FSA/CAP webinar scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Cathy Anderson, FSA production and compliance programs chief in Nebraska, and Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, will present information relevant for producers, ag professionals and ag stakeholders. Webinar attendance is free. Register on the CAP website at cap.unl.edu/webinars.

ARC and PLC are key USDA safety-net programs that help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. These programs were extended to the 2031 production season through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

“With the 2026 ARC and PLC election and enrollment window now open, we’ll review key points producers need to know as they work with their local FSA office,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Hilary Maricle. “All ARC and PLC program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections and enroll ahead of the deadline. If producers do not make a 2026 ARC or PLC program election by Dec. 11, 2026, they will be ineligible for 2026 program assistance.”

Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist with CAP, said program changes and a different price outlook could shift how producers approach their ARC and PLC decisions for 2026 and 2027.

"After a year when producers automatically received the higher of the two programs, 2026 brings back an active choice between ARC and PLC," said Lubben. "Higher reference prices and changes to ARC shift the math from what producers have seen in past years. Understanding the program mechanics and analysis will help producers make sound enrollment decisions with FSA."

In-person ARC and PLC education meetings also are being planned for several locations across the state and will be announced soon. 



USDA Announces $1.8 Billion in 2026 Conservation Program Payments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and landowners for their participation in key conservation programs for 2026. These payments include Grassland CRP payments that play an important role in the Trump Administration’s Ranchers First Initiative announced by USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins that includes sweeping actions focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd and putting America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply.

This year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted offers on nearly 1 million new acres of Grassland CRP, providing ranchers with rental payments and cost share assistance to maintain rangeland and pastureland as grazing areas. After 2026 enrollment, Grassland CRP acreage is anticipated to account for more than 40% of all CRP enrolled acres.

“Under the Trump Administration we have committed to putting American farmers and ranchers first. As we continue to work to rebuild the American cattle herd, today’s announcement will help continue this effort by protecting nearly one million acres of grazing land for our ranchers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This change will encourage greater growth of our cattle industry, while preserving our nation’s natural resources.”

“These conservation payments play a key role in helping landowners preserve and protect natural resources, while also promoting working lands conservation,” said Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce. “Enrollment in our conservation programs has been a highly competitive process. These payments support landowners with an interest in voluntary land stewardship, helping them drive conservation efforts on their land to keep their operations moving forward while protecting our nation’s natural resources and supporting rural communities across the country.”

Conservation Payments
The $1.8 billion in annual rental payments are being made to agricultural producers and private landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Grassland CRP. These annual rental payments are made to eligible farmers and ranchers who establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative covers. Additionally, annual rental payments provide a steady income stream for participants, helping to stabilize farm income.

CRP helps reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. Grassland CRP is a working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

For fiscal year 2027, a total of 26.8 million acres will be enrolled in CRP after FSA accepts offers on 2.2 million acres through Grassland, General and Continuous CRP signups for 2026.

The following states rank in the top five for CRP payments for 2026: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri.



Cattle Producers Invited to Boots in the Barn Series in Southwest Iowa

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a Boots in the Barn workshop series in southwest Iowa on Nov. 17 and 24 and Dec. 1 and 8. All sessions will be at the Lakin Community Center, 61321 315th Street, Malvern. A meal starts at 5:30 p.m., and the program runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The series features hands-on learning exercises and open discussions led by ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and local veterinarians. Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the series is a valuable opportunity to ask questions and put ideas into practice.

“With cattle numbers at historic lows, producers have a real opportunity to capitalize on the high beef prices, but there is also little room for error," said Lundy-Woolfolk. "Having a game plan in place for things like herd health, pasture management and marketing strategies all affect the bottom line. Boots in the Barn brings together specialists, veterinarians and fellow producers in an open setting where people can ask questions and take home ideas they can put to work right away.”

Each night focuses on a different topic:
    Nov. 17: Feedlot Management, Kristi Drake, feedyard manager at Balance4Ward
    Nov. 24: Farm Management, Tim Christensen, farm management sp. with ISU Extension and Outreach
    Dec. 1: Pasture Management, Aaron Saeugling, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach
    Dec. 8: Herd Health, Fremont County Veterinary Clinic

Registration
Those interested in attending must register online https://go.iastate.edu/OATMLB. The cost is $30 per session, or $100 for all four sessions, a $20 savings. Registration closes one week before each session.

The program is offered by ISU Extension and Outreach offices in Fremont, Mills, Montgomery and Page counties. It is sponsored by the Mills-Montgomery County Cattlemen and Boehringer Ingelheim.

For more information, contact Erika Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu. 



Iowa Pork Producers Celebrate Porktober with Focus on Protein, Flavor, and Farm Values
    
This October, Iowa Producers are celebrating Porktober by highlighting one of pork's biggest nutritional strengths: protein.

With "protein-maxxing" trending among consumers looking to add more protein to their diets, pork offers a flavorful, affordable way to do so, thanks to the farm families and workers who raise it with care.

Pork is one of the most convenient ways to meet your protein needs at the dinner table. A single 3-ounce serving delivers an average of 23 grams of protein, helping you work toward the at least 100 grams of protein per day now recommended for most adults under the updated federal Dietary Guidelines.

Lean cuts like pork tenderloin meet the criteria for the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark (which means they contain less than 5 grams of fat, 2 grams or less of saturated fat, and 480 milligrams or less of sodium per label serving) proving you don't have to sacrifice nutrition for flavor.

Per 3 oz. serving:
    Pork Loin: 23 grams protein
    Pork Sirloin Roast: 26 grams protein
    Pork Tenderloin: 22 grams protein (also leaner than skinless chicken breast!)

And behind every cut is a story of care for the pigs raised responsibly, the Iowa farm families and workers who raise them, and the land and environment they depend on. Porktober celebrates all of it: real nutrition, real flavor, and the people committed to doing it right.

To help home cooks put that protein power to work, IPPA is featuring three recipes this Porktober:
    Street Corn Pork Chops — Juicy, seasoned grilled pork chops topped with a creamy, charred corn salad, finished with lime, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño. With 46 grams of protein per serving, it’s a protein-packed dinner with bold, fresh flavor.
        Sausage Gnocchi — A hearty, one-pan weeknight meal pairing savory pork sausage with pillowy gnocchi for a comforting dish (packed with 32 grams of protein per serving) the whole family will ask for again.
        Pork Tenderloin Pimento Sandwich — Tender, lean pork tenderloin piled high with creamy pimento cheese for a Southern-inspired sandwich that turns a high-protein, lean cut into a satisfying, craveable meal with 37 grams of protein per serving.
    
"Pork is one of the easiest ways for families to get more protein on the table without sacrificing flavor," said IPPA President Dean Frazer, a pig farmer from Conrad. "Whether it's a weeknight sausage gnocchi or grilled pork chops with friends, every recipe this Porktober is built around real nutrition families can feel good about."

Recipes, cooking tips, and more information about pork's nutritional benefits are available at iowapork.org/recipes.



Soybean Cyst Nematode-resistant Soybean Varieties for Iowa in 2027

Growing resistant soybean varieties is key to profitable soybean production in fields infested with the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Available SCN-resistant varieties change from year to year. To help Iowa farmers and those who advise them battle SCN, Iowa State University annually compiles a list of SCN-resistant soybean varieties for each upcoming season. This effort is supported by soybean checkoff funds from the Iowa Soybean Association, and the information is available in ISU Extension and Outreach publication CROP1649, “Soybean Cyst Nematode-resistant Soybean Varieties for Iowa.” 

The publication was recently updated and is available from the ISU Extension Store https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/crops-and-soils/pests-and-diseases/crop1649.html. 

Hundreds of choices, two sources of genetic resistance
There are 796 SCN-resistant varieties across maturity groups 0, 1, 2, and 3 listed in the publication. The varieties are from 30 different seed brands sold by 22 different companies.

All but eight varieties in the list possess resistance from the breeding lines PI 88788 or Peking. The list also contains information on two varieties possessing resistance from both PI 88788 and Peking and six blends, or physical mixtures, of varieties with PI 88788 and Peking resistance.

In addition to company and variety name and source of resistance for each variety, other details provided in the publication include relative maturity, herbicide resistance or tolerance (if any), and iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) tolerance score. SCN is frequently present in alkaline soils, where IDC also occurs, making IDC tolerance an important defensive trait for SCN-resistant soybean varieties grown in such soils. 

In addition to compiling the list of resistant varieties each year, Iowa State University also evaluates SCN-resistant soybean varieties for yield and for SCN control in replicated experiments annually in fields in all nine USDA Crop Reporting Districts in Iowa. This work is supported by soybean checkoff funds from the Iowa Soybean Association. The annual report of results from these experiments is published in ISU Extension and Outreach publication IPM52, “Evaluation of Soybean Varieties Resistant to Soybean Cyst Nematode in Iowa,” which will be available online in December 2026 from the ISU Extension Store. 



USDA Commodity Programs Trigger for 2025 Crop Year

Corn growers are expected to receive $5 billion in payments nationwide this month from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for the 2025 crop year. The two commodity safety net programs are designed to help farmers experiencing sharp crop or revenue declines. 

The payments to corn growers are part of the $13.8 billion in gross payments to eligible agricultural producers that were announced this week by Secretary Brooke Rollins.  

NCGA quickly weighed in on these developments. 

“Corn growers appreciate USDA’s work to implement changes to important farm safety net programs," said Michigan farmer and NCGA President Matt Frostic. “These announcements reflect the challenges growers have faced in the farm economy throughout the 2025 crop growing and marketing year. NCGA continues to work to build demand and strengthen markets for corn.”  

Corn growers have been working on multiple fronts to increase corn demand, Frostic noted. This includes work to pass legislation that would eliminate a dated regulation that prevents the summertime sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15. The U.S. House has passed a standalone bill in May addressing the issue and the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed a farm bill this September containing similar language. 

NCGA is also working to secure additional markets for ethanol beyond on-road use, including maritime fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and biobased products.  
 
On the commodity program front, USDA reminded farmers that the national and commodity specific numbers do not account for payment limitation reductions and the 5.7% sequestration rate required by statute that will be applied to all ARC and PLC payments. 

Corn growers are encouraged to enroll and make elections between the programs for the 2026 crop year from before December 11, 2026, and for the 2027 crop year between November 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027. 

USDA previously announced that 30 million additional new base acres will be added to farms eligibility nationwide starting with the 2026 crop year. According to USDA, growers will receive eligibility for ARC and PLC on over 11.9 million new corn base acres.  

These recent announcements by USDA stem from federal investments provided through last year’s H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.  



Evolve, Engage and Empower: 99th National FFA Convention & Expo Returns to Indianapolis 

More than 70,000 FFA members, advisors and supporters are expected to head to Indianapolis this month for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s event runs from Oct. 21-24 with activities happening at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, local hotels, and several other locations around the state. 

The National FFA Organization is the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country, with more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members come from rural, suburban and urban communities, many of whom are drawn to the organization by the wide range of career opportunities in agriculture, with more than 350 to explore. Over the past 99 years, FFA has evolved alongside agriculture itself, and today it impacts middle and high school students through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and leadership and life skills. The National FFA Convention is the largest annual gathering of FFA members. 

"What makes this convention special is that our members don't just receive recognition – they engage with one another and empower each other,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “Whether they're presenting research on the Student Showcase stage, serving alongside one another in the community or earning their American FFA Degree, they leave Indianapolis ready to lead back home."

Last year's event drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 73,000 people. This year's attendees will engage through award ceremonies, career exploration, hands-on service projects and more.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS
    Members will participate in a variety of competitive events.
    5,816 American FFA Degrees will be awarded to outstanding members for their achievements.
    236 Honorary American FFA Degrees will be awarded to individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education.
    Members and chapters will also receive awards and recognition for various individual and chapter activities. 

ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING
    The Student Showcase stage will feature FFA members and chapters presenting their agriscience fair research and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), giving members the chance to share their experiences and empower one another.
    Members from rural, suburban and urban communities across the country will connect and engage with one another throughout the week as part of the Chapter Connect program.
    An estimated 3,240 delegates and students will serve at 27 local nonprofits to give back to the greater Indianapolis area.

PERSONAL GROWTH
    Members and advisors can attend student and teacher workshops at the Indiana Convention Center and general sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium.
    Keynote speakers include Scott McKain on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, and Reagan Pugh on Friday morning.

CAREER DISCOVERY
    FFA members can explore more than 350 careers in agriculture at the National FFA Expo.
    The School Leaders' Summit will invite superintendents, principals, counselors and career and technical education directors to attend special sessions featuring FFA members, advisors and administrators. Participants will learn about the convention's educational relevance and take a behind-the-scenes tour of select convention sites.

ECONOMIC IMPACT
    The convention is expected to bring an estimated economic impact of $40 million to the city of Indianapolis.
    More than 100 hotels are estimated to be used during the week.
    The National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through 2040.

The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo officially kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 21, when the Expo Hall opens at 9 a.m. and concludes on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 24, with the election of the new National FFA Officer Team. For those unable to attend in person, FFA Live! will provide full streaming coverage. Student hosts and reporters will bring audiences closer to the action with live coverage of key moments, interviews with award winners, and conversations with special guests. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information.

Thursday October 08 Ag News - Using High Oleic Soybeans in Cattle Rations - NE Wind and Solar Conference - NE Organic Conference Nov 4 - Feature: NE Tractor Test Lab - Fall Harvest, Micotoxin, and Pigs - and more!

An update on high-oleic soybeans for cattle
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator
Michael Knobbe, Grain States Soya

University of Nebraska Extension held a meeting on agronomic considerations for growing high-oleic(HO)soybeans along with discussions on their use as cattle feed. High-oleic soybeans were developed independently by University of Missouri and USDA ARS (SOYLEIC®) or by DuPont/Corteva (Plenish®) by different approaches.

The result in either approach is a soybean with similar fat and other nutritional characteristics, which contains a greater concentration of oleic acid. Oleic acid is a fatty acid (a component of fats and oils) believed to have positive health benefits in humans. As a reference, an oil commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil, naturally contains high concentrations of oleic acid. Therefore, most of the oil extracted from HO soybeans is destined for human consumption.

Alternatively, because of increasing demand for spent fats and oils or tallow for biodiesel or renewable fuel production led to price increases for these feed sources, there is increasing interest in growing HO soybeans for animal feed use. Currently, because of contractual growing arrangements, the main uses for HO soybeans are for human consumption or animal feed.

In dairy nutrition, the use of roasted or extruded whole HO soybeans, as replacements for corn and soybean meal, led to increases in milk fat content and milk yield. It is believed that the oleic acid in HO soybeans is less antagonistic to ruminal digestive processes than fatty acids from conventional soybeans.

Some dairies are opting to install on-farm bean roasters. Alternatively, dairies may purchase roasted HO soybeans from a soybean crush plant such as Grain States Soya.

Extrusion is a process by which the beans are forced through a drum, a process that generates high temperature for a short period of time. The resulting bean contains the same nutritive value as raw soybeans, but this process destroys compounds in the raw bean that affect digestion. Additionally, roasted or extruded soybean protein is partially protected from microbial activity in the rumen rendering “bypass” or undegradable protein which delivers amino acid profiles resembling those of the original raw soybean to the small intestine for digestion.

Research on HO soybeans in beef cattle is currently underway. The expectation is that the ruminal environment in feedlot cattle will benefit from the oleic acid content of HO soybeans. This would have the potential to improve fiber utilization and efficiency. Also, in some cases where greater protein quality (balanced supply of amino acids) is required, such as in finishing cattle at the end of their feeding period, conventional soybean amino acids protected by roasting or extrusion led to improved performance.

Key considerations when shifting production of conventional to HO soybeans such as desired plant populations, herbicide type and timing of application, and yield expectations do not change when growing HO soybeans available from DuPont/Corteva (Plenish®). However, there is a specific agreement with Pioneer to grow and market HO soybeans through a local processor (Grain States Soya for example) unless the beans are fed raw or processed on the farm they were produced.

For additional information on growing and/or feeding Plenish® HO soybeans contact your local Pioneer representative. For information on growing and/or feeding SOYLEIC® HO soybeans, please visit (https://soyleic.com/grow/). Contact Michael at Grain States Soya to learn more about their HO grower program and the HO products they offer.



NEBRASKA WIND AND SOLAR CONFERENCE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY

With the 19th annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference just two weeks away, attendees are encouraged to explore the agenda and register. The conference takes place October 20–21, 2026, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel.

A featured session, “The Future of Data Centers in Nebraska,” will examine what data center development means for the state’s communities, economy and resources. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, from 2:25 to 3:10 p.m., the panel will explore energy and water needs, infrastructure, economic investment, renewable energy development and responsible growth.

Panelists include Chris Matos, Energy Market Development Strategic Negotiator, Google; Jonathan Nikkila, Mayor of Kearney; and John Winkler, General Manager of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

Matos helps guide Google’s energy strategy in the Central United States through regulatory and policy evaluations. He brings a decade of electric utility industry experience in wholesale power contracts, regulatory affairs and environmental markets.

The broader agenda connects those issues with Nebraska’s growing electricity demand, regional and Nebraska transmission expansion, and the Southwest Power Pool’s interconnection queue and grid congestion. Sessions will also address renewable siting, property rights and community support, plug-in solar, energy storage and grid innovation, and the future of rural Nebraska.

Policy discussions include legislative updates, a state senators panel and a Nebraska lobbyist panel. Attendees can also hear findings from the Aurora energy study and explore how energy availability, infrastructure and local siting decisions affect Nebraska’s economic future.

Tuesday’s keynote luncheon features Jeff Clark, President and CEO of the Advanced Power Alliance. Wednesday’s public power CEO luncheon brings together Tom Kent of Nebraska Public Power District, Javier Fernandez of Omaha Public Power District and Emeka Anyanwu of Lincoln Electric System.

Public officials, developers, landowners, business and community leaders, and anyone interested in Nebraska’s energy future are encouraged to attend. The conference includes exhibits, networking opportunities and a Tuesday evening reception.

Late registration is $250. Registration closes October 12, 2026, or earlier if the conference sells out.

Attendees should register in advance; on-site registration will not be available. The conference venue is the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th Street in Lincoln.

For the complete agenda and registration information, visit www.nebraskawsc.com.



2026 Organic Conference to Bring Organic Agriculture Experts, Producers Together Nov. 4

Farmers, agricultural professionals and others interested in organic agriculture are invited to attend the 2026 Organic Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Neb.

Hosted by Nebraska Extension, the conference will bring together organic producers, researchers, educators and industry professionals for a day of information-sharing, discussion and networking focused on organic agriculture. 

The conference will feature research-based information and practical perspectives relevant to organic producers and those considering organic production. Topics will address current opportunities and challenges facing Nebraska’s organic agriculture community. 

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is free, with support from the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program and Nebraska Extension. Lunch will be provided. Please pre-register for meal planning purposes and to ensure resource materials are available. Seating is limited.  

The conference is part of Nebraska Extension’s ongoing efforts to support producers through research, education and connections with agricultural experts and peers.

Additional information and registration are available on the 2026 Organic Conference website https://enreec.unl.edu/2026OrganicConference/. 

Topics and Presenters
The 2026 Organic Conference will feature a diverse lineup of researchers, extension educators, industry professionals and growers sharing practical information and experiences related to organic production.

Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University, will open the educational program with a presentation on crop rotations and holistic management, exploring strategies for building productive and resilient organic farming systems.

James Schroepfer, Crop Fertility Services, will discuss soil health’s complementary role with soil fertility, highlighting the relationship between soil health and nutrient management.

A Nebraska grower panel will share firsthand perspectives on organic production, offering attendees an opportunity to hear directly from farmers about their experiences, challenges and opportunities.

Afternoon sessions will allow participants to select from several concurrent group discussions, including: 
    Alfalfa in Organic Rotations — Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension
    Crop Budgets — Shannon Sand and Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension
    Disease Management in Organic Grains — Dylan Mangel, Nebraska Extension
    Grain Markets: What Organic Producers Need to Know — Brian Halweil, Rodale Institute
    Growing No-Till Corn in Living Alfalfa — Ben Miller and Léa Vereecke, Clear Frontier
    Insect Management — Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension
    Keeping Organic Certification Simple — Rodale Institute Consulting

The afternoon format gives participants the flexibility to choose sessions most relevant to their operations and interests, with several topics offered during multiple time slots. 

Conference Schedule
    8:30–9 a.m. — Registration, coffee and vendor exhibits
    9–9:10 a.m. — Welcome, Katja Koehler-Cole, Nebraska Extension
    9:10–10 a.m. — Crop Rotations and Holistic Management, Joel Gruver
    10:10–11 a.m. — Soil Health’s Complementary Role with Soil Fertility, James Schroepfer
    11:10 a.m.–noon — Organic Production: Nebraska Growers’ Perspectives, farmer panel
    Noon–12:50 p.m. — Lunch and vendor session
    12:50–1:40 p.m. — Concurrent group discussions
    1:45–2:35 p.m. — Concurrent group discussions
    2:40–3:30 p.m. — Concurrent group discussions
    3:30–3:40 p.m. — Evaluation and closing, Katja Koehler-Cole
    3:40–4 p.m. — Fellowship and networking




Nebraska’s Tractor Test Lab has helped shape global ag for more than a century
Geitner Simmons, IANR Communications

To most, the sight may look innocuous — a tractor going round a huge oval track on the north side of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus. This familiar activity at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory looks quite simple. In reality, it’s not.

The test lab, in operation since 1920, involves advanced engineering and high-technological science. Its sophisticated test results provide information crucial for industry standards worldwide.

For producers deciding on a tractor purchase, the benefits are straightforward and direct. The test lab’s reports on tractors’ power output, fuel efficiency, mechanical safety and noise levels are all publicly available. Over the decades, the lab has tested more than 2,300 models. Producers and companies around the world follow the test findings. A world map at the university’s Digital Commons shows that over the past year, downloads of the lab’s test reports topped 373,000. These downloads came from countries across the globe, including Brazil, Italy, Kuwait, Ukraine and India.

By checking online to compare models, viewers can make knowledgeable decisions by comparing the numbers directly. Eric Smith, the test lab’s director, said, “You can see what will give you the best return on your inputs for fuel, diesel and diesel exhaust fluid (injected into diesel tractor exhaust to reduce harmful emissions).”

Agriculture equipment manufacturers also benefit, said Smith, who began as director in August 2025 after being employed in engineering roles at John Deere and New Holland. Companies can draw on the test lab’s findings — data which includes power take-off, pulling power, sound levels, hydraulic flow and three-point hitch — and compare their products to their competitors’ products without the cost of buying competing tractors.

Even in this high-technology era, tractors remain an indispensable mainstay in modern agriculture. In present-day tractors, there is large variability in their roles and functions.

“People who are doing broad acre farming will need that 500- to 600-horsepower tractor that is very fuel efficient for 16 hours a day, going back and forth across the field,” Smith said. A livestock producer, in contrast, likely won’t need that scale of horsepower and will be using tractors for uses quite different from row crop field management.

The test lab analyzes a full array of tractors, with an average of 17 per year, split between two testing seasons (March to early June, and late August to November) when outdoor air temperatures are within the acceptable range for proper testing.

In the last 70 years, tractor technology has advanced dramatically and continues to do so.

“For farmers today, there are multiple levels of transmissions — different complexities,” Smith said. A modern row-crop tractor boasts advanced computer power that, among other tasks, constantly optimizes transmission performance and engine load with extraordinary sophistication.

As part of that technological advancement, automation and electrification are reshaping tractor design and performance. The test lab is moving energetically to adapt its work to the emerging technologies, drawing on the world-class expertise of faculty within the university’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

Smith is a research professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and the test lab’s two full-time research engineers, Justin Geyer and Doug Triplett, also are part of the department. They’re helped by Brent Sampson, an on-call worker and retired test engineer who brings institutional understanding from his 41 years of full-time employment at the test site.

Ten undergraduate students are also a key part of the test lab’s work, helping to conduct tests, prepare tractors and prep equipment for the upcoming test season. This experience allows students to learn in real-world situations and deal directly with company representatives.

“The students are getting a chance to see what it's like to be a test engineer, what it takes to do the instrumentation and the data acquisition, to do real engineering,” Smith said. “Being associated with the brand of the Nebraska Tractor Test is a big benefit.” 
Members of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory test a Caterpillar 160 Next Gen Motor Grader at their track on East Campus.

At the end of World War II, Smith noted, the test lab’s reputation was already so strong that European countries recovering from the conflict turned to the lab for guidance on setting their postwar tractor standards.

These days, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, made up by 38 industrialized and emerging-economic countries, regularly draws on the lab’s work as a central resource and model. Smith, who was manager of regulations and standards for agricultural tractors at John Deere before joining the university, is heavily involved in ongoing multilateral discussions to develop and adjust international rules.

The test lab got off on the right foot in 1920 thanks to well-constructed legislation co-written by State Senator Wilmot Crozier of Osceola after he bought an early model tractor that was ultimately inadequate. His frustration mounted when he had trouble getting parts and found that Nebraska lacked tractor maintenance services. The original tractor test lab is still standing on the university’s East Campus and now houses the Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum, where decades of historic tractors and related equipment have been restored and displayed.

It’s common to see visitors to the museum stop and reminisce, Smith noted. For Nebraska producers, he said, “that farm tractor is a place where you spend a significant amount of your life.”

"(In agriculture), you’re not in a cubicle in an office,” he said. “When you’re running the tractor, you’re seeing the countryside. That tractor is the machine you cracked your knuckles on when you had to repair it, and it’s where you saw a herd of deer go across your path.”

For producers, he said, their tractor provides “an emotional attachment to where you have spent your life.”



Mycotoxin Monitoring: How a wet fall could impact future pig performance
Matt Romoser, Iowa State University Swine Field Specialist 

The 2026 growing season in Iowa has seen extremes, from temperatures approaching triple digits in late summer as the corn crop reached maturity, to record rainfall and cool temperatures to begin the fall season. With wet conditions delaying harvest for much of the state of Iowa, the potential for molds and mycotoxins increases and should be monitored as producers begin feeding new crop corn. 

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of certain fungi and are toxic to livestock. It is worth noting that presence or absence of mold at harvest is not a reliable indicator of whether mycotoxins are present.  Therefore, testing grain at harvest and routine monitoring as new crop corn is used in swine diets is essential.

Livestock are challenged with a disease condition, mycotoxicosis, when exposed to certain levels of toxins in the feed. Swine are particularly sensitive to various types of mycotoxins, all which impact production. 

A wet, cool fall favors Fusarium molds. Frequent rain and mild temperatures after the corn matures delays dry down and pushes back harvest. Corn left standing in wet fields gives Gibberella ear rot more time to develop, and with-it comes the potential for DON and zearalenone. Cool conditions that swing between warm and cold are especially good for zearalenone production.

Mycotoxins create challenges that are not always obvious, especially in pigs that may already be challenged with other pathogens. To mitigate the negative effects of mycotoxins in swine, producers can take multiple actions to manage their grain and feed supply. 
    Drying corn to 15% moisture prior to storage
    Testing grain prior to feeding and throughout the year if it is stored for extended periods.
    Testing diet, especially in diets including DDGS as mycotoxins may be 3x the concentration in DDGS compared to corn
    Adding specific flow agents, that can help bind mycotoxins in feed. Certain flow agents may also interact with vitamins and trace minerals in the diet. Consult your nutritionist to confirm sufficient dietary requirements are met.



USDA Announces Record Payments of $13.8 Billion for 2025 Crop Year Revenue and Price Safety Net Programs

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Wednesday announced that the Farm Service Agency’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) will generate approximately $13.8 billion in gross payments to eligible agricultural producers for the 2025 crop year; the largest annual payout by far since these key safety net programs were established in the 2014 Farm Bill.

“President Trump has been the biggest champion for American farmers, and today's announcement delivers nearly $14 billion in funding for rural America,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Last July 4th President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law and today we are acting on it, this will strengthen reference prices to better reflect today’s farm economy. This historic economic support provides producers critical liquidity to cover operating costs, prepare for the next crop year and invest in their operations. Thank you to all the Republicans who unanimously voted for this law and put food security and rural America first.”

The 2025 crop year stands alone in the history of ARC and PLC since Congress created the programs as key components of the commodity safety net in the Agricultural Act of 2014. Since 2015, no previous crop year has generated payments approaching this level. While ARC and PLC payments total $13.8 billion, producers are reminded that this does not account for payment limitation reductions and the 5.7% sequestration rate required by statute that will be applied to all ARC and PLC payments.

Working Families Tax Cuts Act Improvements
The Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) strengthens ARC and PLC beginning with the 2025 crop year, including higher statutory reference prices and improvements to the effective reference price calculation. Additionally, for the 2025 crop year only, producers will automatically receive the higher payment rate of either ARC or PLC, regardless of their program election. The WFTCA also increases the ARC and PLC payment limit from $125,000 to $155,000, starting with the 2025 crop year with annual adjustments based on inflation. The payment limit for the 2025 crop year is $160,000.

The following 16 crops triggered a PLC payment for the 2025 crop year: Chickpeas (small and large), canola, corn, dry peas, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, peanuts, rice (long grain, medium grain, japonica), safflower, seed cotton, soybeans, and wheat. ARC-County (ARC-CO) payments are based on county-level revenue and therefore trigger at the county level. FSA will issue payments to eligible producers as calculations are completed.

2026 ARC and PLC Enrollment
As a reminder, the ARC and PLC election and enrollment period for the 2026 crop year is now open.

The WFTCA added an additional 30 million new base acres to farms nationwide. Because eligible acres exceeded the nationwide 30-million-acre cap, FSA applied an across-the-board, prorated reduction of 3.69% to all newly allocated base acres. These additional base acres impact ARC and PLC starting with the 2026 and future crop years, further improving the farm safety net.

Producers should make an appointment with their FSA county office to complete their 2026 ARC and PLC election and enrollment.

ARC and PLC Safety Net
ARC and PLC protect producers from substantial declines in crop prices or revenues. Producers annually elect and enroll for ARC or PLC coverage for eligible commodities.

PLC provides income support when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its effective reference price. ARC provides income support when actual crop revenue falls below a guaranteed level. Depending on the coverage elected, ARC protection is based on either county-level revenue or the revenue of an individual farm.

Producers with questions about their ARC-CO or PLC enrollment or payments should contact their local FSA county office. Producers who selected ARC‑Individual (ARC‑IC) and want to know which crops on the farm triggered a payment, should contact their local FSA county office. ARC‑IC protects the entire farm’s revenue rather than individual crops.



August Beef Exports above Year-Ago, but Pork Trended Lower

Fueled by a near-record performance in Taiwan and a rebound in South Korea, August exports of U.S. beef increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). August pork exports were lower than a year ago, primarily due to a sharp decline in shipments to Mexico compared to the large totals posted in August 2025.

Taiwan, Korea, Middle East drive strong August beef export value
Beef exports reached 86,362 metric tons (mt) in August, up 4% from a year ago, while export value climbed 13% to $785.9 million. In addition to year-over-year growth in Taiwan and Korea, August exports also trended higher to the Middle East, the ASEAN region, Colombia and Cote d’Ivoire, while volumes were steady to Mexico and Central America. Export value increased to Japan and the Caribbean in August, despite lower volumes. Beef exports to China were above last year’s minimal total, but still reflected ongoing technical trade barriers.

“USMEF expected to see stronger beef exports to Korea in the second half of the year, as reflected in the August data,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “And I cannot say enough about the outstanding demand in Taiwan, which has truly been a star performer for U.S. beef in 2026. As for China, the August increase is just a fraction of what would be possible in that market, especially since Australian beef has faced a 55% safeguard tariff since June 20. But China still needs to relist suspended facilities and the U.S. industry needs further clarity on technical requirements before beef exports to China will significantly rebound.”

For January through August, beef exports were down 7% year-over-year in volume (721,150 mt) and were just 1% lower in value ($6.32 billion). This decline is largely attributable to lower exports to China compared to the early months of 2025, before market access obstacles began to heavily impact U.S. exports. When excluding China from the January-August results, beef exports were 1% below last year in volume but 6% higher in value.

With decline in Mexico, August pork exports were lower year-over-year
U.S. pork exports totaled 222,243 mt in August, down 6% from a year ago, while value fell 12% to $606.3 million. Most of this decline was due to lower shipments to Mexico, where domestic pork production has rebounded and demand for hams has softened in recent months. August pork exports trended higher than a year ago to Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean – growth markets where exports are on a record pace in 2026. But these results were offset by lower shipments to Mexico, Japan, Korea, China, Oceania and the ASEAN region.

“U.S. pork has had a remarkable run in Mexico, though pork variety meat exports suffered a setback during the pseudorabies-related restrictions that heavily restricted shipments from May through July, and we have seen softer demand for pork muscle cuts in recent weeks,” Halstrom explained. “These trends really underscore the importance of market diversification and illustrate why the U.S. industry is constantly working to identify and develop additional destinations for U.S. pork. These efforts are paying tremendous dividends in markets like Colombia, Central America and the Dominican Republic, and it is critical that we continue to strive for similar success in more regions throughout the world.”

For January through August, pork exports remained 1% higher than a year ago at 1.95 million mt, while value was steady at $5.47 billion. Compared to the record pace of 2024, exports were down 2% in volume and were 4% lower in value.

August lamb exports lowest of the year
Despite larger shipments to Mexico and the Netherlands Antilles, August exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 129 mt, down 41% from a year ago and the lowest of 2026, as volumes slowed to other top markets including the Bahamas and Leeward-Windward Islands. August export value fell 29% to just over $900,000.

For January through August, lamb muscle cut exports totaled 1,827 mt, down 11% from a year ago, but remained 1% higher in value at just under $11 million. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/2/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 2, ethanol production climbed 4.6% to 1.05 million b/d, equivalent to 44.23 million gallons daily. Output was 1.7% lower than the same week last year but 3.7% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.0% to 1.05 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.09 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks edged down 0.5% to 23.7 million barrels, the lowest weekly volume since the start of this year. Still, stocks were 4.5% more than the same week last year and 9.8% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across the East Coast (PADD 1) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, improved 0.9% to 8.77 million b/d (134.80 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 1.7% less than a year ago and 1.7% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slid 1.9% to a 26-week low of 897,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.79 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.6% more than year-ago levels but 0.7% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports expanded 16.9% to a 9-week high of 166,000 b/d (7.0 million gallons/day). It has been more than three years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



UAN32 Leads Fertilizer Prices Higher

For the third week in a row, most fertilizers are more expensive compared to last month, according to DTN retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the last week of September 2026. Seven fertilizers were higher looking back to last month while the remaining nutrient was slightly lower. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

One fertilizer had a notable price increase. UAN32 was 6% more expensive compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer's average price was $483/ton. Six fertilizer prices were slightly higher compared to a month ago. DAP had an average price of $934/ton, MAP $974/ton, potash $499/ton, urea $683/ton, anhydrous $979/ton and UAN28 $430/ton.

The remaining nutrient's price was just slightly less expensive compared to last month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $702/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.74/lb.N, anhydrous $0.60/lb.N, UAN28 $0.77/lb.N and UAN32 $0.75/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. DAP, potash and UAN28 are all 3% higher, UAN32 is 4% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 5% higher, MAP is 6% more expensive, urea is 12% higher and anhydrous is 20% more expensive, looking back to last year.

Wednesday October 07 Ag News - Input Costs Top Farmer Conern - Dairy Margin Coverage Enrollment Open - USDA Launches Seed Sovereignty Initiative - EPA Begins Reallocating RFS Volumes - World Without Cows Documentary - and more!

Farmer sentiment drops as concerns about input costs increase

In the September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer survey, 52% of respondents cited higher input costs as their top concern, marking a new record high. Alongside an 18-point drop in the Index of Current Conditions, overall farmer sentiment weakened in September, falling from 135 points in August to 123. Although the Long-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index also reached a new high of 168, up 5 points from August, the Index of Future Expectations fell 9 points, as more respondents expected their operation to be worse off financially (35%) than better off (22%) a year from now. The survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from Sept. 14-18.

“Producer sentiment this month reflects a growing divide between concerns about the near term and expectations for the longer term,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “While higher costs and financial pressures are clearly shaping producers’ views of current conditions, strong expectations for farmland values point to a more positive outlook for some aspects of the agricultural economy.”

Growing pessimism about financial prospects over the next 12 months was reflected in the Farm Financial Performance Index, which fell from 103 in August to 90 in this month’s survey. This negative outlook on current financial conditions coincided with a 6-point drop in the Farm Capital Investment Index to 39.

This month’s survey included three sets of questions for corn and soybean producers, covering expectations for cash rents, cover crop use, and soybean exports and competitiveness. A majority of producers (73%) expected cash rents to remain the same in 2027. Of the 22% who expected cash rents to increase next year, about 47% anticipated an increase of 0% to 5%. A little less than half (46%) of this month’s respondents said they currently plant cover crops, with about one-third of those indicating they have planted cover crops for more than 10 years, and 15% said cover crops are planted on a majority of their acreage. Twenty-two percent of respondents indicated that they have planted cover crops in the past.

When asked about the future of U.S. soybean exports over the next five years, 37% of corn and soybean producers expect U.S. soybean exports to increase, while 10% anticipate a decline. However, competitiveness remains a concern for many producers comparing U.S. soybean production with Brazil’s; just under 20% of respondents said they were not concerned about the U.S. position relative to Brazil.

The Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index fell 1 point to 126 in September, while the Long-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index climbed to a new high of 168. Respondents cited alternative investments, inflation and interest rates as the three factors expected to have the greatest influence on farmland values.

Since July 2025, producers have been asked whether they believe the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” or on the “wrong track.” The share of producers who said the U.S. was headed in the right direction averaged 71% in the final six months of 2025 and 62% in the first six months of 2026. That share fell to between 51% and 54% in July and August before dropping below 50% in September. September marks the first time since the question was introduced that fewer than half of respondents said the U.S. was headed in the right direction.



Dairy Margin Coverage Enrollment Is Now Open
Fred M. Hall, Northwest Iowa Extension Dairy Specialist

Dairy producers have an opportunity to strengthen their risk management plans as enrollment for the 2027 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program is now open through December 18, 2026.

Administered by USDA's Farm Service Agency, DMC provides financial protection when the difference between the national all-milk price and average feed costs falls below a producer-selected coverage level. Producers may elect coverage levels from $4.00 to $9.50 per hundredweight, with the highest coverage level offering the greatest protection against tightening margins.

Current market projections suggest DMC may provide value in 2027. Milk prices are forecast to remain in the low-$20-per-hundredweight range, while feed costs are expected to approach $12 per hundredweight. As a result, average DMC margins are projected at approximately $9.34 per hundredweight, remaining below the maximum $9.50 coverage level for much of the year.

The lowest projected margin is expected in July 2027 at approximately $8.57 per hundredweight, creating the potential for indemnity payments, particularly on Tier 1 production. Producers should carefully evaluate coverage options and consider how DMC fits into their overall risk management strategy.

Recent improvements to DMC have increased program benefits by expanding Tier 1 eligibility from 5 million to 6 million pounds, updating production histories to better reflect current operations, and allowing producers to lock in coverage through 2031 at a 25% premium discount through the multi-year election option.

Producers who previously elected multi-year coverage must still certify milk marketing, sign an annual contract, and pay the $100 administrative fee to maintain coverage.

Dairy producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to review coverage options and complete enrollment before the December 18 deadline.



Bob and Robby Jewell Receive Iowa Leopold Conservation Award

Bob and Robby Jewell of Decorah have been selected as the 2026 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award® recipients.

The $10,000 award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

The Jewells’ 1,600-acre farm, Jewell Enterprizes, in located in Winneshiek County. They grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cereal grains, and raise organic turkeys, pastured pork, and beef cattle. They were presented with the award at an on-farm event.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Iowa, the award is presented with Conservation Districts of Iowa and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Earlier this year, Iowa landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. Applications were evaluated by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Iowa.

ABOUT THE JEWELLS
Father and son, Bob and Robby Jewell, farm amid the unique Driftless Area, a rugged, unglaciated landscape teeming with biodiversity.

Their 1,600-acre farm encompasses large forest tracts, coldwater springs, and riparian habitat along the Upper Iowa River and Ten Mile Creek. With its steep slopes and high erosion potential, the Jewells are acutely aware of their land’s vulnerability, both economically and environmentally.

For the Jewells, farming on this ecologically sensitive landscape has always demanded an adaptive mindset. They utilize no-till practices, diverse crop rotations, and cover cropping to reduce erosion and increase soil health while improving water infiltration and drought resilience.

Their land stewardship is also demonstrated through maintaining buffer zones along waterways and restoring native oak savanna habitat on their forested lands. These practices enhance biodiversity and resilience in one of Iowa’s most threatened ecosystems.

To ensure permanent land protection, the Jewells placed 696 acres under an Agricultural Land Easement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in 2017. It was the largest such easement in Iowa at the time.

They manage an additional 95 acres in Iowa’s Emergency Watershed Program and maintain over 600 acres of forest, creating a powerful mosaic of working lands and permanent habitat. Such efforts not only conserve their own land but also protect public natural resources downstream.

Bob Jewell began transitioning to organic practices in 1996, recognizing that long-term viability meant aligning production with environmental responsibility. Unlike many Iowa farms focused exclusively on corn and soybeans, the Jewells also raise alfalfa and cereal grains -- important for soil health and reducing exposure to market volatility.

Since the 1950s, the Jewell family has raised thousands of commercial turkeys. This year they created a direct-to-consumer revenue stream by raising 2,000 free-range organic turkeys. Robby also has an emerging pastured pork enterprise. He raises hogs within a silvopasture system -- an uncommon approach in Iowa, where conventional confinement production dominates the pork industry. By marketing pork, turkey, and beef directly to consumers, the Jewells emphasize transparency, animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and premium product quality.

Another conservation component to Jewell Enterprizes is grazing cattle on their cropland, which closes nutrient loops, improves grazing management, and reduces reliance on costly off-farm inputs.

Bob and Robby’s forested areas support diverse wildlife including turkey, deer, and numerous migratory bird species traveling the Mississippi Flyway. Springs on the property help sustain trout habitat in Ten Mile Creek, a rare coldwater system in Iowa. Thousands of paddlers pass through this section of the Upper Iowa River each year, experiencing firsthand the Jewells’ commitment to preserving natural beauty.

The Jewells have also developed an innovative partnership with the City of Decorah to compost municipal wood chips for use as livestock bedding. Once enriched with manure, the material is returned to their organic fields, improving soil structure, increasing organic matter, and recycling valuable nutrients.

Bob and Robby are quiet but impactful leaders. They regularly host college students and faculty for soil health field studies, and open their farm to local leadership programs, conservation professionals, and other farmers. Guests see a farm that is not only productive, but inspirational.

With roots deep in the soil and eyes on the future, Bob and Robby Jewell embody the values of the Leopold Conservation Award: ecological awareness, land stewardship and innovation.

ACCOLADES
“The Jewells show us that a working farm can thrive in an ecologically sensitive landscape while taking care of our precious natural resources and feeding our community,” said Sally Worley, Practical Farmers of Iowa Executive Director. “That kind of thoughtful stewardship is something we can all learn from.”

“Bob and Robby Jewell have demonstrated that implementing conservation practices and a successful and profitable farm can go hand in hand. Their commitment to conservation, coupled with their leadership and willingness to share ideas with their neighbors, makes them very deserving of this award,” said Dien Judge, Conservation Districts of Iowa Executive Director.

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

Among the outstanding Iowa landowners nominated for the award were finalists: James Hepp of Rockwell City. Last year’s recipients were Landon and Anne Plagge of Latimer.

Sand County Foundation’s Iowa Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Farm Credit Services of America, Soil Regen, Nancy and Marc DeLong, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Farmers Union, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Leopold Landscape Alliance, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Iowa.



Ricketts Statement on Executive Order on Red-Dyed Diesel

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement on the President’s Executive Order temporarily allowing use of red-dyed diesel on highways:

“I appreciate the Administration’s willingness to find new ways to bring down costs for our farmers and ranchers during harvest. The temporary highway use of red-dyed diesel will help with transportation and supply chain costs, like transporting machines to the field. We will continue working to ensure Nebraskans get the relief they deserve.” 



Naig Thanks President Trump and Gov. Reynolds for Providing Diesel Tax Relief for Iowa Farmers During Busy Harvest Season

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement in response to President Trump and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ actions temporarily allowing farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that support on-road harvest activities. The action will provide some federal and state fuel tax relief for farmers facing high diesel prices during harvest.

“Thank you to President Trump and Gov. Reynolds for taking action to provide temporary fuel tax relief for Iowa farmers during the busy harvest season,” said Secretary Naig. “Diesel is a major expense, especially at a time when farmers are facing tight margins, high input costs, and uncertainty in the farm economy. Allowing farmers expanded use of off-road diesel could lead to significant savings this fall, providing financial relief when they need it most.”



ASA Statement on Emergency Diesel Fuel Tax Relief

The American Soybean Association expressed appreciation following the signing of an Executive Order on Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel. The Order will allow the temporary use of dyed diesel for on-road transportation with the federal fuel tax deferred at this time. ASA is urging the administration to ultimately waive these deferred taxes for farmers.

“As U.S. soybean farmers move the 2026 harvest to market, ASA thanks President Trump for his Executive Order that seeks to address high fuel costs impacting our bottom lines,” said ASA Vice President Dave Walton, a soybean farmer from Wilton, Iowa. “This policy will align with actions taken by many soybean-producing states already, and ASA is encouraged by the administration’s continued focus on agricultural affordability.”

ASA supports today’s Executive Order and urges the administration to ensure farmers do not have to pay future deferred taxes for fuel use and are held harmless for residual dyed diesel that may remain in fuel tanks following the expiration of this Order on December 31, 2026. Farmers should maintain records of their dyed diesel use during this period in the event the deferred taxes ultimately become due. Further, ASA continues to support policies that preserve the integrity and solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and ensure the continued ability to make timely repairs and improvements to our nation’s roads and bridges.   



Iowa Corn Growers Welcome Diesel Fuel Price Relief for Farmers

Tuesday, farmers received welcome news on diesel price relief as harvest kicks off this week across the state. The actions allow farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that temporarily supports on-road harvest activities. The action will provide some federal and state fuel tax relief for farmers facing high diesel prices during harvest. 

“Farmers appreciate President Trump and Iowa Governor Reynolds’ announcement to provide fuel price relief,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Steve Kuiper, who farms in Knoxville, Iowa. “Diesel fuel is a major input cost impacting farmers’ bottom line,  especially when we are facing tight margins in an uncertain farm economy. Allowing farmers expanded use of off-road diesel will help provide financial relief when they need it most during harvest.” 

High input prices are impacting farmer profitability, and Iowa Corn is working to deliver on Iowa corn farmer priorities. Earlier today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the $180 million Seed Sovereignty Initiative to strengthen U.S. Agricultural Security. The announcement was made at Iowa corn farmer Will Cannon’s farm in Prairie City, Iowa, following a panel discussion with local farmers on the future of agricultural innovation.  

“Iowa Corn continually pushes to advance research that enhances our farmers’ ability to grow corn more efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Kuiper. “Seed technology is at the very core of modern agriculture. Investing in research helps ensure Iowa farmers remain sustainable and profitable, while ensuring they have access to a competitive market to purchase their seed genetics. Having Secretary Rollins join us on an Iowa farm to highlight this investment underscores the critical role our corn farmers play in driving national agricultural innovation.”



USDA Announces $180 Million Seed Sovereignty Initiative to Strengthen U.S. Agricultural Security

Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a $180 million investment to launch the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Seed Sovereignty Initiative, a major effort to both strengthen U.S. agricultural security by protecting the plant genetic resources that underpin American agriculture and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agricultural innovation.

This initiative will provide much-needed investments in USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), which houses more than 600,000 accessions representing over 16,000 species. Using this funding, USDA will sequence collections of major crops to unlock the tremendous potential of the plant genetic resources the United States holds and identify critical gaps.

“Since President Trump returned to office, he has made it clear that we are putting American farmers first. For too long, the future of our crops and our seeds has not been a priority. That changes today, because we cannot afford to depend on foreign adversaries for next year’s crop,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Today’s announcement is another example of this administration focusing on the inputs our agriculture industry depends on and ensuring a future where our farmers are the most productive in the world.”

Foreign competitors are actively acquiring and sequencing plant genetic resources from around the world. Meanwhile, the United States has not yet capitalized on the genetic information within U.S. collections, which is not fully sequenced. The Seed Sovereignty Initiative will help close that knowledge gap and reduce the risk of future foreign dependence.

“America’s agricultural resources are a strategic national asset,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. “We need to survey our domestic resources, understand where we are vulnerable, and ensure the United States never has to rely on foreign competitors for critical agricultural resources.”

Over two years, USDA will characterize and sequence numerous NPGS collections and use advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to identify valuable traits. This work will help USDA and American researchers respond more quickly to emerging pests and diseases and support the development of new crop varieties to benefit U.S. farmers and consumers.

“The National Plant Germplasm System contains tremendous untapped potential for American agriculture,” said Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and Chief Scientist. “Modern sequencing will allow us to unlock that potential and put it to work for American farmers, providing them a strong advantage.”

The Seed Sovereignty Initiative will move USDA from preserving America’s agricultural genetic resources to fully understanding and strategically using the resources to strengthen American agriculture.

USDA is also expanding its existing Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Justice to strengthen competition in agricultural input markets, with a continued robust emphasis on seeds. The expanded partnership will help ensure American farmers have greater transparency, stronger competition, and more choices in the seed marketplace.



EPA Begins Process to Restore Lost RFS Demand from Refinery Exemptions

On October 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review its draft rule to reallocate the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes lost due to 29 refinery exemptions granted in August. At the time, EPA stated it would “propose to reallocate 100 percent of the… [exempted volumes]… into the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) before the end of October 2026.”

“IRFA is pleased to see the process move on time,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) executive director Monte Shaw. “Missing the October deadline would send the wrong message at the wrong moment. Earlier this year, the EPA’s robust RFS rule helped spur biofuels demand and prompted idled plants in Iowa to resume production. Any delay would create unnecessary uncertainty and call into question the reallocation commitment. We don’t want to see biofuels plants go back offline. We’re watching this closely and thank the EPA for moving forward.”

Nearly all proposed agency rules go through OMB’s interagency review process before being formally proposed. Once cleared, the agency can propose a draft rule, take public input, and ultimately finalize a rule.

“EPA's decision to fully restore waived RFS volumes was a big win,” added Shaw. “As opposing interests will continue to try to derail the reallocation plan, markets want to see that EPA is on track to get the rule done on time. Farmers and biofuels producers are counting on EPA to provide the market certainty that will power growth opportunities.”



August U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports Build

U.S. ethanol exports expanded 6% in August to a five-month high of 211.8 million gallons (mg), supported by sizable gains across most major markets. Canada remained the leading destination, with shipments climbing 14% to 84.8 mg, accounting for 40% of total U.S. ethanol exports and 58% of denatured fuel shipments. Exports to the European Union increased 2% to 51.6 mg, with most shipments entering through the Netherlands, while the EU remained the principal destination for undenatured fuel ethanol. Shipments to the United Kingdom jumped 52% to 19.5 mg, a 13-month high, and exports to Colombia surged 163% to 12.7 mg. Vietnam pulled back 44% to 10.4 mg following record-high shipments in July. Collectively, these five markets accounted for 85% of total U.S. ethanol exports in August. Other sizable destinations included Peru (8.0 mg), South Korea (6.7 mg), Mexico (5.7 mg), and Guatemala (4.8 mg). Brazil remained essentially absent from the market for the fifth consecutive month. Through August, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.62 billion gallons, running 12% ahead of the same period last year.

No U.S. ethanol imports were recorded in August, leaving year-to-date imports below 500,000 gallons.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed coproduct generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, advanced 18% in August to 1.30 million metric tons (mt)—the highest monthly volume since August 2015. Mexico remained the leading destination, with shipments rising 12% to 214,091 mt. Exports to Indonesia leapt 40% to a record 203,258 mt, while shipments to South Korea increased 13% to 155,816 mt. New Zealand also set a record, taking 143,066 mt. Exports to Vietnam declined 12% to 109,884 mt, while shipments to Turkey surged 234% to 80,820 mt. The remaining 30% of August DDGS exports were distributed across another 30 countries. Through August, U.S. DDGS exports totaled 8.57 million mt, 13% above the same period in 2025.



World Without Cows documentary coming to U.S. theaters 

The World Without Cows documentary is coming to theaters in the U.S this October. After a five-year journey to bring this film to life, this is a big moment to experience it on the big screen.

Find participating theaters, showtimes, ticket information and more about the theatrical release on the World Without Cows website worldwithoutcows.com. The first showing will be Oct. 9 at the AMC River East 21, Chicago, IL and will be attended by filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth, and executive producer, Dr. Mark Lyons. Shows are also scheduled on Oct. 14 at select theatres in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Pennsylvania. Check back often as more theaters are being added daily.

Make a night of it and bring your crew. Bring your family, friends and colleagues to fill theaters across the U.S. with people ready to rethink the role of cows in the future of our planet. Sold-out showings can lead to broader theatrical release and the simple act of you and your network showing up is powerful support of World Without Cows.

Cows are tied to some of the biggest questions facing humanity: how we feed a growing population, protect the planet, and provide adequate nutrition in communities around the world. Against a backdrop of climate change, food insecurity, and rising protein demand, World Without Cows challenges what we think we know about cows, climate, health, and the future of our planet. Through a global journey spanning 22 countries and five continents, the film explores the complex relationship between food, sustainability, biodiversity, and the people whose lives hang in the balance.

Award-winning journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth spent five years filming in more than 40 locations, in conversation with farmers, ranchers, scientists and environmental experts. What they found was far from simple: when it comes to cows, it's not black and white.

“The journey showed us that there is no single simple solution to the world’s greatest challenges,” said filmmaker Michelle Michael. “I don’t think the world wants simple answers. It wants a better understanding of how our global food systems work, and that need has never been more urgent than it is right now.”

“Our hope is that World Without Cows creates a new baseline for how people engage in hard conversations,” said filmmaker Brandon Whitworth. “The film wasn’t made to be an echo chamber. It was made to bring people together to ask difficult questions about complex issues and be open to different perspectives.”

"Cows have become a symbol in the climate conversation, but the reality is far more complex. By exploring this issue from many angles and in such diverse geographies, the filmmakers give us a much more insightful and hopeful outlook than we might have expected," said executive producer Mark Lyons.

For more information, visit https://worldwithoutcows.com. 

Tuesday October 06 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Farm Bill Expired on Sept 30 - Trump's Executive Order to Lower Diesel Prices - USDA Cheese Output Up 1.5% in August - Pig Livability Project Sees Expanded Funding - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress - Week Ending October 4

The rain improved topsoil moisture, though deeper soils remained dry in parts of the state. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 07% very short, 16% short, 58% adequate and 19% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 12% very short, 20% short, 55% adequate and 13% surplus.

Field Crops Report

Corn
Mature: 85% — ahead of 8the five-year average of 84%.
Harvested: 15% — 5behind the five-year average of 24%.

Soybean
Dropping leaves: 90% — 9behind the five-year average of 94%.
Harvested: 9% — behind the five-year average of 34%.

Winter Wheat
Planted: 62% — behind 76% for the five-year average.
Emerged: 38% — behind 40% for the five-year average.

Sorghum
Coloring: 93% — behind the five-year average of 99%.
Mature: 65% — behind the the five-year average of 72%. 
Harvested: 9% — behind the 17% for the five-year average.

Pasture and Range
Condition: 28% very poor, 17% poor, 29% fair, 25% good and 1% excellent.



Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 1.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 4, 2026. Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 45 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 34 percent surplus. 

Eighty-five percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 3 percentage points behind the five-year average. Seven percent of corn has been harvested, which is 13 percentage points behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 72 percent good to excellent. 

Eighty-one percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 9 percentage points behind the five-year average. Five percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 33 percentage points behind the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 70 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 69 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The nation's corn and soybean harvests are both running behind the five-year average, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn mature was pegged at 83%, consistent with the five-year average.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 23% of corn had been harvested nationally as of Oct. 4, 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 27%. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 54% of the crop remaining in fields was in good-to-excellent condition, 3 percentage points lower than the previous week's 57%. Eighteen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 17%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 85%, 2 percentage points behind the five-year average of 87%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 25% of soybeans had been harvested as of Sunday, 8 percentage points behind the five-year average of 33%. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, 1 percentage point lower than the previous week's 58%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting was estimated at 36% complete nationally, 10 percentage points behind the five-year average of 46%. 
-- Crop development: Winter wheat emerged was estimated at 16%, 4 percentage points behind the five-year average 20%.



Farm Bill Expires at End of Fiscal Year

The latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expired September 30. Many Farm Bill provisions were addressed during last year’s budget reconciliation bill (OBBBA), so those remain unaffected, including crop insurance and SNAP.

Additionally, programs such as ones included in the Commodity title and dairy won’t expire until December 31. However, uncertainty remains for programs such as conservation and rural development unless an agreement is passed. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman said producers should not expect an immediate disruption. He said the U.S. Department of Agriculture can take administrative steps to keep programs operating through the end of the year while Congress continues negotiations. That flexibility gives lawmakers additional time, but it does not eliminate the need for Congress to pass a new bill. Producers, lenders and rural communities still need certainty about the programs that will govern the next growing season.

Boozman is hopeful that (Farm Bill) talks will take place over the break that begins later this week and runs through the first week of November. GOP aides from the Senate and House have already started discussions, and bipartisan negotiations should follow, he says.



Pillen Thanks Trump for Presidential Executive Order to Lower Diesel Prices

Governor Jim Pillen is thanking President Donald Trump for taking action to ensure that heartland farmers receive even more relief at the pumps. The President signed an executive order at his much-anticipated rally in Grand Island tonight to further address rising diesel prices and assist farmers during their busy fall harvest.

The order clears the path for the temporary use of red dye diesel for highway use and defers the applicable federal excise tax.
“This action expands on state efforts I enacted by executive order just a few weeks ago. This will greatly assist farmers who are dealing with extraordinarily high diesel prices, impacting everything they do – from field operations to transportation of their products and livestock.

I appreciate that President Trump signed his order today in Nebraska. Agriculture is the tip of the spear in our great state, and we need to continue to do all that we can to feed the world and save the planet. President Trump knows that and we appreciate his support.”

Late last month Gov. Pillen issued a pair of executive orders – one to increase the load capacity of trucks hauling seasonably produced products and livestock. The second order authorizes the use of red dye diesel and provides a state tax refund for using clear diesel in ag operations and vehicles.



Rollins on Trump's Dyed-Diesel EO Signing

Monday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a statement on President Trump’s new executive order to provide relief for our farmers and ranchers by lifting taxes on dyed-diesel. Today’s action expected to represent approximately $640 million in combined federal and state savings across about 224.6 million harvested acres.

“President Trump is the most pro ranching and farming president in our lifetime. Energy dominance is at the core of putting farmers and ranchers first. This administration has unleashed American energy dominance, and we are now the largest energy producer in the world as a result. While the Administration has structurally changed the energy sector to secure the long-term future of agriculture, we are now taking steps to deal with short term pressures impacting our American farmers. Thank you, President Trump for signing today’s Executive Order enacting enforcement discretion on on-road use of dyed diesel, which will better enable our farmers to deliver America’s harvest during this critical time. And I want to thank Vice President Vance for his help shepherding it to the end.”



Farmers Grateful for Diesel Tax Relief 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tonight applauded the executive order signed by President Trump to ease limits on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel to give farmers a break.

"We thank President Trump for recognizing that what happens at the fuel pump directly affects what happens on the farm and therefore at dinner tables across America. Allowing dyed diesel fuel to be used over-the-road will bring welcome relief for farmers because every cent per gallon matters when you're running a fleet of grain trucks or hauling cattle hundreds of miles.

“As we detailed in a letter to the president last week, this effort will bring much needed price relief for farmers as they work to complete harvest across the U.S. The federal highway diesel tax is currently more than 24-cents per gallon, so it’s a big deal to farmers to be able to use tax exempt diesel more broadly to get their harvest to market. We appreciate that the president listened to farmers and responded.”



USDA Dairy Products August 2026 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.25 billion pounds, 1.4 percent above August 2025 but 1.4 percent below July 2026. Italian type cheese production totaled 541 million pounds, 3.7 percent above August 2025 but 1.7 percent below July 2026. American type cheese production totaled 477 million pounds, 0.9 percent below August 2025 and 0.6 percent below July 2026. Butter production was 187 million pounds, 6.3 percent above August 2025 but 0.9 percent below July 2026.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with August 2025)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 132 million pounds, up 9.6 percent.
Skim milk powder - 28.9 million pounds, down 33.1 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with August 2025)
Dry whey, total - 75.1 million pounds, up 8.2 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 94.9 million pounds, down 1.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 42.8 million pounds, up 4.6 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with August 2025)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 64.9 million gallons, down 2.3 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 36.7 million gallons, up 9.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.52 million gallons, down 11.8 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 2.68 million gallons, down 5.2 percent.



FFAR Invests To Reduce Swine Mortality

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), the Pork Checkoff and industry stakeholders are investing $1,643,357 in the Pig Livability Project. The Pork Checkoff and other industry stakeholders are providing an additional $893,357 on top of FFAR’s $750,000 contribution. Led by Iowa State University (ISU) in collaboration with Kansas State University (K-State), the project seeks practical ways to reduce pig deaths in the U.S. pork industry.

Reducing pig mortality is a complex challenge influenced by animal health, management, environment and other factors throughout production. Identifying practical ways to address those factors can improve pig welfare while helping producers protect herd health and productivity.

“FFAR’s continued partnership with the Pork Checkoff, the swine industry and leading swine researchers is generating the science needed to better understand swine mortality and develop practical, cost-effective solutions for U.S. pork producers,” said Dr. Jasmine Bruno, FFAR scientific program director. “With margins under pressure, every pig matters.”

This collaborative project combines research, education and Extension at ISU and K-State. To complement that work and address key questions about pig deaths, the project also issued a competitive call for research. Today, the Improving Pig Livability Project announced $250,000 in funding for seven projects selected through that process: 
    Dr. Alyssa Betlach, Swine Vet Center: Association of periodic whole-herd antimicrobial administration and risk and time to sow mortality, removal, and clinical treatment events
    Dr. Katelyn Gaffield, K-State: Can a simplified, fiber-rich transition diet reduce stillborns and improve pre-weaning livability?
    Dr. Jordan Gebhardt, K-State: Barn Sanitation to Enhance Pig Livability: What do we know and what are we doing?
    Dr. Chris Puls, United Animal Health: Effects of sow and piglet blood hemoglobin and anemia levels on sow and pig performance
    Haley Schwecke and Dr. Alyssa Betlach, Swine Vet Center: Determinants of transport-related mortality in swine production: A multi-system meta-analysis of health, management, and transport-associated risk factors
    Dr. Eric Weaver, South Dakota State University (SDSU): Evaluation of Piglet Skeletal Development in Response to Late-Gestation Maternal Nutrition
    Dr. Eric Weaver, SDSU: Improving Sow and Piglet Resilience Through Multi-Cycle, Biomarker-Guided Optimization of Late-Gestation Nutrition

“The industry aims to improve the lives of our pigs and our people through this practical, collaborative effort to reduce pig mortality," said Dr. Chris Hostetler, Pork Checkoff director of animal science. “A 1% improvement in pig survival rates would add an estimated 1.2 million pigs each year to U.S. pork supply. Marketing these additional pigs could reduce the breeding herd by approximately 46,000 sows, allowing the industry to produce more with fewer environmental resources and less long-term feed and veterinary care.”

The Pig Livability Project initially received $2 million from FFAR and the Pork Checkoff, with each contributing $1 million, to fund swine livability research from 2019 to 2024. The research identified practical strategies to reduce pig mortality, including earlier treatment of sow lameness and improvements in nutrition, feeding and enrichment. It also produced the first free, publicly available tools that use farm-specific data to estimate mortality costs and the financial benefits of prevention strategies. In one trial, early assessment and treatment reduced mortality by 4.9% at a 4,800-sow farm — an improvement the project’s new economic assessment tool estimated could be worth $240,000.

The projects announced today build on these initial findings and focus on solutions producers and veterinarians can use.

“After working as a producer and seeing firsthand the impact of this project, I am now honored to help carry it forward from academia,” said Dr. David Rosero, assistant professor at ISU‘s Department of Animal Science and the Pig Livability Project’s principal investigator. “This project and collaboration are a unique effort that brings multiple organizations together around a shared critical goal of improving pig and sow livability. I believe that this is also a valuable opportunity for experts and producers to work together on research with meaningful impact.”

FFAR is investing in research to reduce swine mortality to improve animal welfare and increase producer profits, which complements the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research and Development Priority of Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers.



Increased Beef Imports Have Not Lowered Consumer Beef Prices
Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

In late August, President Trump issued a proclamation to temporarily expand the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for a period of three months. Beef began entering the U.S. under the lower tariff rate on Sept. 1, 2026. The proclamation “encourages” grocery stores to sell the beef at a 25% discount, without any retailer commitments or enforcement mechanism.

The Aug. 31, 2026, edition of In the Cattle Markets (ITCM) estimated some potential price impacts from the proclamation. These early estimates indicated a drop in prices for fed cattle between 1.5 and 3%, and a drop in cull cow prices from 5 to 10%.

Building on these estimates, data indicate losses for feeder cattle ranging from 300-900 pounds, averaged about 15%, or $300-$400 per head, across the country from June through September. Prices for fed cattle also fell during that period, with the five-area weekly direct slaughter price for all steers and heifers falling about $576 per head or about 14.5%.  

As indicated by Dr. Andrew Anderson’s Aug. 31 ITCM article, there is no clear way to measure how much of the imported beef will enter the supply chain during the 90-day window included in the proclamation. There is also no mechanism requiring retailers to sell beef discounted at 25%.

Imported beef moves through a lengthy supply chain that includes foreign processing and booking, transportation to the U.S., customs clearance, USDA inspections, and distribution to processors for blending. In addition, grocery stores and restaurants typically lock in pricing and promotions months before the product physically arrives. There is no mechanism enforcing who receives the tariff savings from this imported product. This means there is no guarantee the savings will be passed on to the consumer.

American Farm Bureau Federation tracked daily prices of 80% lean ground beef at 41 grocery stores in 22 states starting Sept. 2, the day after the proclamation went into effect. We selected a variety of chain grocery stores and independent grocers across America, in major cities to rural areas, to see how ground beef prices reacted to the additional supply of beef.

Across our sample, the average price of ground beef barely moved, going from $7.29 a pound on Sept. 2 to $7.16 a pound on Oct. 5 – a reduction of 13 cents or 1.8%. The chart above tracks the lowest, highest, and average price across all stores each day. The average line stayed nearly flat for three weeks, never rising above $7.38 or falling below $7.13, even as lower-tariff beef entered the country. Prices ranged from $3.99 to $11.99 per pound with the typical store charging $7.16 per pound.

Conclusion
The data suggests that increased beef imports have not delivered meaningful savings to consumers. While cattle producers experienced significant price declines, retail ground beef prices remained largely unchanged, highlighting that lower import costs do not necessarily translate into lower prices at the grocery store.