Thursday April 30 Ag News - Ag Land Mgt Webinar May 11 - New Series on Land Values - Fertilizer Price Updates - NRCS on Ag Land Easement Opportunities - Seeking a New DMI CEO - and more!

Ag land management webinar to offer the latest on cash rents, changing commodity prices

The latest trends in 2026 Nebraska cash rental rates and land values will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, at noon Central time on May 11.

Each quarter, the webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insights on real estate trends, managing agricultural land and solutions to address challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The May webinar will examine the latest average cash rental rates in the state, as reported in the recently released Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, and offer insight on adjusting rental rates considering current commodity prices this year. It will also cover best practices for communication among landlords, tenants, and family members, and offer advice on short- and long-term decision-making for agricultural land.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics, and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements. 

The webinar is free and will be recorded. Past recordings can be viewed the day after each session, as well as recordings from the entire series. 

Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.



New Series Offers Insight into How Farmland Values are Determined

A new three-part educational series from Ag Decision Maker assists landowners, producers, lenders and investors in better understanding what drives farmland values across Iowa and the Midwest. 

The series, authored by Rabail Chandio, extension economist at Iowa State University, and Emily Oberbroeckling, certified general real property appraiser at People's Company, offers practical insight into the three primary appraisal approaches: income, cost and sales comparison. 

“Understanding how these approaches work helps landowners, producers, lenders and investors interpret farmland markets more clearly,” the authors explained. “While individual sales provide snapshots of market activity, appraisal methods help explain the broader economic forces that shape land values.”

The income approach: earnings and land value
The first article in the series focuses on the income approach, which links farmland value to its ability to generate revenue over time. 

According to the authors, the approach helps explain why land sells for a given price by evaluating expected earnings from cash rent, crop production or appreciation, and comparing those returns to alternative investments. Factors such as interest rates, grain prices, crop insurance guarantees and investor demand all influence these expectations.

“The income approach remains one of the most useful tools for interpreting farmland values because it directly connects price to earning power, risk and long-term economic expectations,” the authors noted. “However, it also has limitations. The approach is sensitive to small adjustments in discount rates or rental assumptions, and its accuracy depends on reliable, localized data.”

The cost approach: investment and land value
The second article examines the cost approach, which addresses what it would cost to recreate a property today, separating the value of the land from the value of improvements, and measuring how construction costs and depreciation affect the overall market value.

“The Cost Approach is based on the premise that a typical buyer will not pay more for a property than the cost to acquire comparable land and construct improvements that provide the same utility,” the authors said. “This approach is applicable to highly improved agricultural, rural and commercial properties because many buildings, such as barns, grain storage, livestock facilities and machine sheds, are specialized for a specific use and are not often sold.”

The sales comparison approach: market evidence matters
The final article highlights the sales comparison approach, which is the most widely recognized and market-driven valuation method. It estimates value by analyzing recent sales of similar properties.

“Appraisers apply this method by analyzing recent comparable sales and applying market-derived adjustments for relevant factors, which can sometimes be derived from these and other sales,” the authors noted. “Physical characteristics typically used for comparison include legal and physical access, annual precipitation or water rights, property or field shape, topography, utilities, zoning, soil characteristics or ratings (CSR2 in Iowa), crop yield history, ease of farm-to-market access and flood zones.”

According to the authors, this method is particularly effective in active farmland markets like Iowa, where sufficient sales data exist. 

While each approach offers a distinct perspective, together they provide a more complete understanding of farmland markets. Landowners, producers, lenders and investors are encouraged to review the articles for further information, including method applications, examples and strengths and limitations.

Additionally, the upcoming Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference https://smlv.card.iastate.edu/ on May 20 is another opportunity to discover more about Iowa’s land market. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/24/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 24, ethanol production slowed by 3.0% to 1.01 million b/d, equivalent to 42.38 million gallons daily and the lowest weekly level since January. Output was 3.0% lower than the same week last year but 0.8% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.6% to 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.46 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks drew down 4.0% to a 7-week low of 25.9 million barrels. Yet. stocks were 1.9% more than the same week last year and 4.6% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ticked up 0.5% to a 7-week high of 9.10 million b/d (139.95 bg annualized). Demand was 0.1% more than a year ago and 3.7% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.4% to 917,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.10 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 1.0% more than year-ago levels and 0.8% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports expanded 86.8% to an estimated 170,000 b/d (7.1 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



10-34-0 Leads Fertilizer Prices Higher

According to fertilizer retailers tracked by DTN for the third full week of April 2026, prices continue to be considerably more expensive compared to last month. Once again, all eight major fertilizers are higher than a month ago. Six of the eight major fertilizers had substantial price increases compared to the prior month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Surprisingly, 10-34-0 led the way higher as the nutrient was 17% higher compared to last month. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $722/ton. UAN28 was 9% higher looking back to the prior month with an average price of $526/ton. Anhydrous was 8% more expensive than last month and had an average price of $1,116/ton. UAN32 was 7% higher compared to last month with an average price of $595/ton. Both DAP and urea were 5% more expensive with an average price for DAP at $901/ton and urea at $866/ton. Two fertilizers were just slightly more expensive compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $939/ton and potash was $492/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.94/lb.N, anhydrous $0.68/lb.N, UAN28 $0.94/lb.N and UAN32 $0.93/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. In addition, all but one are now double digits more expensive. Potash is 5% higher, 10-34-0 is 10% more expensive, MAP is 14% higher, DAP is 15% more expensive, UAN32 is 33% higher, UAN28 is 38% more expensive, anhydrous is 43% higher and urea is now 50% more expensive looking back to last year.



Members of Congress Seek Removal of Phosphate Duties

A bill that would remove countervailing duties from phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco was introduced Wednesday in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.  
 
Sen. Marshall (R-Kan.) sponsored the legislation, entitled the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, and it is co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) sponsoring the legislation in the House.
 
“Corn farmers have been consistently vocal about the negative impact of duties on imported fertilizers,” said Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower. “We applaud these members of Congress – long-time farmer allies – for taking action to address one of the issues that is causing a hike in fertilizer costs.”
 
Phosphate fertilizer is an essential input for modern crop production, used predominantly for growing corn, soybeans, cotton, and other agricultural commodities. In the last five years, corn farmers have paid record and near-record highs to purchase phosphate following government action that cut off imported supplies.  
 
In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition filed by Mosaic Company, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic claimed at the time that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling the products at extremely low prices. The petition was supported by J.R. Simplot.  

Corn growers have been critical of the process used to determine the duties, which led to inaccurate calculations. Further, the outsized impact of restricting phosphate imports has negatively affected farmers across the United States. This year, the duties are being examined under a sunset review process that will determine if the duties should continue.
 
The duties have had major effects on the phosphate fertilizer market. At least one Moroccan company halted shipments of phosphate fertilizers into the U.S., which led to price hikes and shortages, saddling farmers with a hardship that has only worsened in recent weeks with the conflict in the Middle East.



NGFA applauds House agriculture appropriations bill supporting U.S. grain and feed sector

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today applauded the House Appropriations Committee for advancing the fiscal year 2027 agriculture appropriations bill.

The legislation includes several key NGFA provisions that strengthen the reliability, transparency, and global competitiveness of the U.S. grain and feed industry:

    Providing for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and implement a contingency plan to ensure continuity of official grain inspection and weighing services in the event of future disruptions. NGFA strongly supports this directive, which emphasizes clear operational guidance and stakeholder engagement, including input from export elevators and Officially Designated and Delegated Agencies.

    Encouraging improved coordination between USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite approvals for grain reconditioning plans, enhancing efficiency at export facilities when grain lots require corrective action.

    Underscoring the importance of maintaining uninterrupted grain terminal operations as critical to U.S. grain exports.

    Reinforcing the importance of consistent, reliable data by directing USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to maintain key reports and surveys and to provide advance notice to Congress before making significant changes to its data collection programs.

    Recognizing the importance of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the FDA to the nation’s food supply, by ensuring its operations are properly resourced.

“NGFA commends the House Appropriations Committee for advancing an agriculture appropriations bill that addresses several top priorities for the grain and feed industry,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “From safeguarding the continuity of export inspection services to maximizing coordination across federal agencies and preserving essential market data, these provisions help ensure that U.S. agriculture remains competitive, reliable, and resilient in the global marketplace.”

NGFA looks forward to continuing to work with the House of Representatives and the Senate as this process continues.



NRCS Announces Second Application Sign-ups for Agricultural Land Easements 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a second national deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for fiscal year 2026 assistance in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The new deadline for entities to apply is May 29, 2026. NRCS is providing up to $200 million in funding for the application period for agricultural land easements. 

“At NRCS, we are putting Farmers First by actively working to preserve and protect America’s agricultural land for future generations,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “Through voluntary conservation easements, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to slowing the loss of productive farmland and keeping working lands in the hands of farmers and ranchers.” 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, delivers the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, delivering over $4 billion in ACEP funding. NRCS began implementation this year.  

While NRCS accepts applications on a continuous basis, NRCS uses application cutoff periods to assess and rank applications based on their potential conservation impact. NRCS is offering a second national application period for ACEP Agricultural Land Easements with a May 29, 2026, application deadline. A complete Agricultural Land Easement application only requires the following:  
1.     Completed form NRCS-CPA-41A, “Parcel Sheet for Entity Application for an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Agreement”,  
2.      Proof of ownership,  
3.      Written pending offer,  
4.      Map or geospatial boundary of proposed easement (NRCS provides an online tool to help you create this map with a geospatial boundary), and  
5.      Documented access to the easement.  

Landowners are encouraged to complete FSA-related eligibility paperwork with their local Farm Service Agency county office as soon as possible. 

Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to improve natural resource conditions on America’s private lands.    

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) 
ACEP helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands; protect the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agriculture and conservation values; and protect grazing and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land.  

Agricultural land easements provide cost-share assistance to eligible entities to acquire easements from qualifying landowners, preserving agricultural use, including grazing, and protecting associated conservation values on eligible land. 

How to Apply      
Entities and landowners interested in fiscal year 2026 funding should apply through NRCS at their local USDA Service Center. All applications must be received by May 29, 2026, to be considered in the second round of funding for fiscal year 2026. Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS will hold applications received after this date and consider them for subsequent rounds, as funding permits.  Interested applicants can view additional state’s ranking dates online. 

More Information 
To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.   



Dairy Management Inc. Board Launches Search for New CEO

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) today announced the formal launch of its search for a new president and chief executive officer, following the announced planned retirement of CEO Barbara O’Brien later this year.

The DMI Board of Directors has engaged ZRG Partners, a top ten global talent advisory firm, to support a comprehensive and inclusive search process aimed at identifying a dynamic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

The search marks an important milestone in DMI’s leadership transition, which was initiated earlier this year as part of a deliberate and well-planned succession process designed to ensure continuity and long-term success for the dairy checkoff.

“We are approaching this search from a position of strength, with a clear strategy, strong momentum and a deep commitment to delivering results,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the DMI Board of Directors. “The board is focused on identifying a leader who will build on that foundation—someone who can continue to unite the U.S. dairy community, accelerate innovation and drive relevance and growth in both domestic and global markets.”

The next CEO will be responsible for advancing DMI’s mission to increase dairy sales, drive innovation and build trust in dairy products and the farm families behind them. This includes oversight of the national dairy checkoff and its related organizations, including National Dairy Council, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

O’Brien will continue to serve as president and CEO through the completion of her term, working closely with the board and leadership team to support a seamless transition and continued execution of DMI’s strategic priorities.

DMI encourages qualified candidates and industry leaders interested in the role to direct inquiries, nominations and applications to Melissa Oszustowicz, Managing Director at ZRG at moszustowicz@zrgpartners.com.

The board expects to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search process and will provide updates as appropriate.

For more information on how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.



Bunge Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Bunge Global SA (NYSE: BG) today reported first quarter 2026 results.
• Q1 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.35 vs. $1.48 in the prior year; $1.83 vs. $1.81 on an adjusted basis excluding certain gains/charges and mark-to-market timing differences
• Higher results primarily driven by Soybean and Softseed Processing and Refining, reflecting strong execution in a dynamic environment and improved market conditions
• Increasing full-year adjusted EPS outlook range to $9.00 to $9.50 from $7.50 to $8.00

Overview
Greg Heckman, Bunge’s Chief Executive Officer said, "The Bunge team delivered a strong first quarter, executing with the discipline and speed that define this organization, while navigating one of the more rapidly changing market environments in recent years. Amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade flows, our global platform performed as designed, enabling us to capture opportunities, manage risks, and connect farmers to consumers with the products, services, and solutions they need as they face increasing complexity.

Looking ahead, visibility remains limited given ongoing macroeconomic conditions. However, our balanced footprint and diversified value chains position us to adapt. The long-term fundamentals underpinning demand for our products and services remain strong, and we are well equipped to continue serving customers at both ends of the value chain while delivering for all our stakeholders."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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



NCW Announces the 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Advocacy Training

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

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

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

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

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



Naig Thanks Iowa Senate for Unanimous Passage of Iowa Farm Act

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



ASA President Warns Against Broad Tariffs in USTR Testimony

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday April 28 Ag News - Crop Progress Report - Ag equals 44% of NE Economic Output - Schuler Red Angus wins Leopold Conservation Award - UNL Researchers Advance Bird Flu Vaccine - and more!

 Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition Report

Planting progress across Nebraska accelerated sharply during the past week, but the latest USDA Crop Progress report shows dry soil conditions remain the central storyline across the Great Plains. Keep in mind data was compiled as of Sunday, April 26 before a round of rain showers.

Corn planting in Nebraska reached 26 percent complete by April 26, well ahead of the five‑year average of 16 percent. Soybean planting also surged to 19 percent, more than double the normal pace for late April. Producers reported 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing planters to roll across much of the state.

Despite the strong progress, soil moisture remains limited. Nebraska topsoil moisture is rated 43 percent very short and 30 percent short, while subsoil moisture is 40 percent very short and 40 percent short. Those conditions increase concerns for crop emergence and early‑season development if rainfall remains scarce.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 26, 2026, which is 2.0 days more than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 22 percent complete, which is 10 percent behind last year when 32 percent of the crop had been planted. Soybean planting reached 11 percent, which is 12 percent behind 2025, when 23 percent of the crop had been planted. Oats planting reached 74 percent, 5 percent behind last year when 79 percent had been planted.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. corn planting moved slightly ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average last week, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday. Winter wheat conditions remained unchanged from the previous week at 30% good to excellent, NASS reported.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 25% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 3 points ahead of last year's 22% and 6 points ahead of the five-year average of 19%. 
-- Crop development: 7% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 2 points ahead of last year's 5% and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 4%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 23% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 6 points ahead of last year at this time and 11 points ahead of the five-year average of 12%. 
-- Crop development: 8% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 6 points ahead of last year and 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 1%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 35% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor as of April 26, up 16 percentage points from 19% a year ago, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 34% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 9 percentage points ahead of last year's 25% and 13 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 21%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 19% of the crop was planted nationwide as of April 26, 9 percentage points behind last year's pace of 28% and 3 percentage points behind the five-year average of 22%. 
-- Crop development: 5% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, equal to last year and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 4%.



Agriculture’s Contribution to Nebraska Economy  

Production agriculture and food-related industries are responsible for 44% of Nebraska’s economic output, tying Iowa as the most agriculturally dependent state in the U.S. The agriculture and food sectors in Nebraska also contribute around 546,000 jobs and $38.19 billion in wages. The estimates come from the Feeding the Economy Report released by the American Farm Bureau Federation in March. Nationwide, the agriculture and food sectors support nearly 49 million jobs, or roughly 30% of total U.S. employment.

The Feeding the Economy Report captures the contributions of all facets of agriculture and food production and distribution. First, it includes direct economic activity related to farms, ranches, and food-related industries, including manufacturing, wholesaling and retail where agricultural products are processed, distributed, and sold. Second, it captures the industries that supply inputs, like equipment manufacturers, fertilizer producers, transportation providers, and financial services. Finally, it analyzes how wages earned throughout the supply chain are spent in local economies, supporting restaurants, health care, housing, and other services. Capturing all these impacts, the study found food and agriculture are responsible for 20% of the country’s economic output.

Food & Agriculture Share of the Economy - by State
Nebraska - 44%
Iowa - 44% 
South Dakota - 41% 
Kansas - 32%
Minnesota - 25%
Missouri - 24%

The study is another in a long line of analyses which highlight the importance of agriculture to Nebraska. Abygail Peterson, economist for Nebraska Farm Bureau, captures agriculture’s role well when she said, “With nearly half a million jobs impacted by agriculture, this industry is vital to so many families and communities.” As such, it is important to see the sector continue to grow and prosper. Doing so will boost Nebraska’s economic growth and prosperity.



Flood and Neguse Re-Introduce Bill Supporting Precision Ag Research

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) partnered with colleagues in the House to re-introduced the “Precision Agriculture Workforce Training and Development Act.” This bipartisan legislation encourages the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in hands-on, precision agriculture programs for students.

“Nebraska continues to be at the forefront of precision ag research,” said Congressman Flood. “As universities and colleges expand these programs, the USDA should be there to support this growing field. Thank you to Rep. Neguse (CA) for joining this effort to modernize our ag economy and better train the next generation of farmers and ranchers nationwide.”

The Precision Ag Workforce Development Act will add “Precision Agriculutre Workforce Development” to the USDA’s high priority research areas. Additionally, the bill provides special consideration for insitutions that offer cooperative education programs under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).



Ricketts Introduces the Sound Science Act to Increase Transparency, Strengthen Science for Regulated Chemicals

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) Monday introduced the Sound Science Act.  This legislation would strengthen the science used for risk reviews and improve interagency coordination for chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  By strengthening the scientific basis for regulation and expediting the existing chemical review process, Americans can have access to updated and safe chemistries.  Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) is an original cosponsor.

"Nebraska farmers and ranchers depend on the EPA’s chemical review process for ingredients in livestock feed or in irrigation equipment.  Chemical determinations affect supply chains in Nebraska,” said Senator Ricketts.  “Too often, regulatory decisions are made without reflecting real-world impacts.  By using sound science and real-world risk profiles, we can have safer and advanced chemistries in the supply chain.”

The Sound Science Act would:
    Add new requirements to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) risk evaluations including:
        Ensure evaluations are focused on real-world risks and focus on those likely to result in unreasonable risk,
        Require the EPA to use the regulatory levels which have been developed by other Federal departments for issues within their statutory obligations rather than develop their own,
        Assume compliance with existing requirements from other federal agencies like from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
        Subject risk evaluations to interagency review like a regulation and extend public comment period to 60 days,
        Provide that other Federal agencies have a formal commenting period of 30 days to advise EPA of critical chemistries uses and supply chain impacts under their jurisdictions;
    Provide that any scientific assessment values developed by the EPA Administrator are directly subject to judicial review;
    Add new requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act to add new elements to the scientific standards EPA must consider including:
        Evaluating whether any scientific assessment developed by the Administrator meets scientific standards under best available science and weight of the evidence instead of simply being deferred to by the EPA,
        Consulting with other Federal agencies and specialists on whether an EPA work protection standard is needed, and
        Requiring the evaluation of comments from other Federal departments;
    Add a new committee in-person peer review for risk evaluations under EPA’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals.

BACKGROUND
Currently, the Toxic Substances Control Act lacks consistent risk evaluation standards under the existing chemical program, provides limited coordination among federal agencies, and does not ensure timely review of chemicals.  This legislation would speed up the current chemical review process while implementing sound scientific standards.  The Sound Science Act reforms the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by amending the existing chemicals review process under Section 6 and the scientific standards for chemical review under Section 26.



Schuler Red Angus Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Schuler Red Angus of Bridgeport is the recipient of the 2026 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award.

The 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 Butch and Susan Schuler family raise beef cattle and manage 20,000 acres at Schuler Red Angus in Morrill and Banner counties. The Schulers will be formally presented with the $10,000 award later this year.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the award is presented with Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, BASF, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners 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.

“Schuler Red Angus represents the best of Nebraska ranching,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “Across generations, they have remained dedicated to investing in our state’s agricultural community and its future. Our ability to provide world-class beef depends on producers like them, and we are grateful for their commitment to the long-term sustainability of our land and our industry.”

Nebraska landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award last year. Nominations were evaluated by an independent panel of Nebraska agriculture and conservation leaders.

ABOUT SCHULER RED ANGUS
David and Stephanie Schuler have spent their lifetimes watching their parents Butch and Susan make their ranch “more beautiful, efficient, and sustainable for the next generation.” 

Located in Nebraska’s Panhandle, Schuler Red Angus is known for supplying other ranchers with high quality live cattle and genetics. Equally impressive are the conservation efforts that have taken place on this unique landscape, diverse in its topography and ecological communities.

The Schulers have long been committed to improving the health and resilience of their 20,000 acres of pastures and irrigated cropland in Morrill and Banner counties. Investment in extensive water infrastructure has led to better distribution of grazing cattle.

Collaboration with public and private partners has led to innovations in how to combat cheatgrass throughout the region. The invasive species from Eastern Europe found its way to western Nebraska and Wyoming. It chokes out native grasses, and its flammability is of grave concern to ranchers. Cheatgrass seeds are notorious for festering in the eyes of animals. Early each spring, cheatgrass grows, heads out to seed, and dies before livestock and wildlife can derive any nutrition.

Schuler Red Angus is one of the region’s first ranches to demonstrate the effectiveness of a herbicide with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The herbicide prevents cheatgrass from going to seed for a couple of years, during which this time native grasses can get reestablished.

The Schulers treated 1,500 acres with cost-share assistance from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and Mule Deer Foundation, and self-funded treatment of another 1,000 acres. Livestock actively graze the treated areas, while leaving untreated areas with cheatgrass untouched. Schuler Red Angus hosts workshops to educate other ranchers about this research. 

The Schulers conserve water by having proper pressure and shutoffs on pipelines. Dry wells and broken windmills have been replaced with solar wells to provide water for cattle and wildlife on parts of the ranch that the pipeline does not reach. Some solar wells were relocated to create better grazing patterns across the ranch.

After every stock tank was fitted with a metal bird ladder, the Schulers noticed a large decline in bird deaths. At least one water tank is left full for wildlife even when cattle are not grazing that area. Likewise, in the absence of cattle, gates are left open for Mule deer, elk, antelope, and white-tailed deer to pass freely through the range.

Ranch employees and interns are supplied with a tool kit that includes new rubber plungers, floats, chains, and tools needed to fix overflowing stock tanks. Pipelines are set to the correct horsepower and water pressure to ensure minimal energy consumption.

Dead and downed trees near creeks are used to created windbreaks, which provide shelter for animals to live in through hard cold spells. Keeping logs and debris out of the creek’s running water also eliminates log jams and murky, slow-flow zones.

David and Stephanie say their parents have led by example when it comes to caring for the land. While logging thousands of miles aboard an ATV to check, move, and care for cattle, Butch is known to return each time with wire, trash, or a rock that didn’t belong in the prairie.

Through acts great and small, the Schulers demonstrate a land ethic that reflects deep caring for their landscape and community.

ACCOLADES
“Supporting the Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award reflects Cargill’s commitment to responsible stewardship of the land that sustains our food system. We’re proud to partner with Sand County Foundation in recognizing conservation leaders who are helping nourish the world in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Katrina Robertson, General Manger, AVP of Cargill Beef in Schuyler, Nebraska.

“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.”

“Schuler Red Angus is a shining example of environmental stewardship working in tandem with modern innovation. Raising Red Angus cattle while also responsibly managing the land for multiple species of wildlife takes dedication. This multi-generational family works with the land instead of against,” said Laura Field, Nebraska Cattle Executive Vice President.

“Supporting sustainable practices in agriculture helps shine a light on the good work being done by the Schuler family in Nebraska. We applaud their commitment and dedication,” said Jessica Monserrate, Head of Sustainability, BASF Agricultural Solutions.

The 2025 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award recipient was Diamond Bar Ranch of Stapleton. To view profiles of all award recipient since 2006, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/Nebraska.

Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Cargill, BASF, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Cattlemen, Farm Credit Services of America, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service of Nebraska, Audubon Great Plains, Green Cover Seed, Nebraska Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources, and World Wildlife Fund-Northern Great Plains.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.



HUSKER RESEARCHERS DEVELOP PROMISING NEW VACCINE AGAINST BIRD FLU

Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a vaccine approach that shows promise in protecting against highly pathogenic bird flu, demonstrating strong efficacy in both mice and cattle.

Avian influenza, or H5N1, has disrupted agricultural systems globally, leading to the culling of more than 166 million commercial poultry birds in the United States since 2022. In 2024, the virus spread to dairy cattle — an unprecedented interspecies transfer — and subsequently caused illness in about 70 farm workers with close contact to infected animals.

The vaccine research was led by virologist Eric Weaver, professor of biological sciences and director of the Nebraska Center for Virology, along with postdoctoral fellows Joshua Wiggins and Adthakorn Madapong in the School of Biological Sciences. Their findings are forthcoming in NPJ Vaccines. The new vaccine platform is designed to protect against multiple H5N1 strains and to generate immunity in both the bloodstream and the respiratory tract.

The vaccine was tested in mice and dairy calves, producing strong immune responses and complete protection against severe disease in preclinical models. The results suggest the approach could offer protection for livestock, particularly because there are currently no licensed H5N1 vaccines for cattle.

Weaver said the team built on earlier work from his lab when the cattle outbreak began.

“I had started working on this as a potential problem in 2005, but the last publication was around 10 years ago,” he said. “When the outbreak began, my hope was that this would cycle through dairy cattle and be gone, but that didn’t happen. It got progressively worse, and I was worried.”

Working with the Animal Care Team at Nebraska, the researchers obtained calves for testing in early 2025. The calves were vaccinated at one week of age using a combination of intramuscular and intranasal delivery and received a booster four weeks later. In a separate experiment, vaccinated mice were fully protected against lethal infection from multiple H5N1 strains.

“The idea was that if we put it intramuscularly, we can prevent it from spreading in the body, and then a mucosal aspect, intranasally, would prevent it from spreading from animal to animal,” Weaver said.

With these new findings, Weaver is seeking funding and potential partnerships to further evaluate the vaccine, including development of a multispecies option. Protecting cattle from H5N1 could reduce economic losses for producers while limiting opportunities for the virus to adapt and spread to humans.

“We’d like to have a vaccine for the farm and the farmer, and everything shows that this would be an effective vaccine platform for humans, as well,” Weaver said.

As diseases continue to cross species barriers, Weaver said research like this will be critical to protecting Nebraska and the global community.

“Historically, these things will move into other species if there is extended contact long enough for the evolution to occur,” he said. “Influenza A viruses have never been an issue in cattle, but it is now, and it’s not going away.”



More Butter and Cheese In Cold Storage
Fred Hall, Dairy Field Specialist, ISU Extension

U.S. dairy inventories showed mixed movement in the latest USDA Cold Storage report, signaling a market that remains well supplied in some categories while tightening in others. Stocks held in refrigerated warehouses as of March 31, 2026, reflect seasonal shifts in milk production and processor demand as the industry transitions into spring.

The amount of butter inventory at the end of March was 288.8 million pounds, compared to 256.2 million pounds in February.  The March butter stocks were lower than a year ago, when there was 323.1 million pounds in cold storage.

Cheese inventories presented a more balanced picture. Total natural cheese stocks in cold storage increased modestly from February but remained lower than the same period last year. American-style cheese inventories also showed slight tightening on an annual basis, while stocks of other cheese varieties continued to fluctuate with production schedules and export demand. USDA data indicated that total natural cheese holdings were up about 1 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from March 2025.

For dairy producers, lower year-over-year cheese inventories may be viewed as supportive for Class III milk pricing, especially if demand remains steady through spring and early summer. Cheese stocks are closely monitored because they often serve as an indicator of whether production is outpacing consumption. When inventories remain manageable, markets tend to interpret this as a sign of balanced supply.

Dry dairy ingredients continue to play an important role in overall inventory trends. While the Cold Storage report focuses primarily on refrigerated inventories, broader USDA dairy product data suggests milk powder and whey markets remain influenced by export demand and international competition. U.S. processors continue adjusting production to meet shifting global needs for skim solids and protein ingredients.

The March inventory picture highlights a dairy market that is neither oversupplied nor severely constrained. Butter inventories appear available, cheese stocks remain relatively balanced, and demand continues to absorb a large share of production. For producers, these figures suggest that dairy product movement remains healthy despite broader economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, traders and producers will watch upcoming milk production reports alongside future cold storage data to determine whether inventory levels continue tightening into summer. Seasonal milk growth, export performance, and domestic consumer demand will remain key drivers influencing dairy product prices in the months ahead.



Millions-strong Farmer Coalition Urges Prop. 12 Relief in Farm Bill

The National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation, representing more than 5 million members, led a coalition urging Congress to provide regulatory certainty for farmers across the country forced to comply California Proposition 12—and the impending patchwork of differing state laws that could ultimately impact prices for consumers.
 
Taking their concerns directly to congressional leadership, a coalition of nearly 400 agricultural groups sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), detailing robust arguments opposing the extraterritorial state law.

    The massive problems caused by Prop. 12 cannot be solved via regulation or executive order—it is solely Congress’ authority and responsibility to provide a solution, as noted in the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision.  

    Prop. 12 has created uncertainty across rural America, especially on small and medium-sized farms, as they have less financial ability to retrofit barns to comply with the restrictive law. 

    There is significant bipartisan willingness to fix Prop. 12. 
    o    Trump administration Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “[Proposition 12] is not just affecting California. It’s affecting multitudes of other states, multitudes of other parts of the ag community, including our hog family farms.”  
    o    Biden administration Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “California’s Proposition 12 is not a narrow issue, nor is it a regional one. It goes to the heart of whether farmers across the country can operate under consistent, responsible, science-based standards—or be subject to a shifting patchwork of mandates they cannot control and cannot afford. When I served as Secretary of Agriculture the Supreme Court of the United States made clear, resolving these interstate challenges is the responsibility of Congress. I encouraged Congress to act then, and I am again encouraging Congress to act now. The farm bill presents a clear and immediate opportunity to provide that certainty and uphold the principles that have long sustained American agriculture and the affordability of our food supply.” 

    Laws like Prop. 12 do not improve animal welfare and lack scientific evidence.
    o    The American Veterinary Medical Association said, “the arbitrary housing requirements in Prop 12 do not objectively improve animal welfare and may unintentionally cause harm.” 

    Prop. 12 sets the stage for an unworkable 50-state patchwork of laws. 
    o    A proposal in Oklahoma would increase housing requirements beyond Prop. 12. This means that pork producers nationwide, regardless of whether they have converted to be Prop. 12-compliant, would yet again be out of compliance to access another state market.

    Farmers’ costs to house their animals are increasing.  
    o    Multiple university studies show that constructing new, Prop. 12-compliant barns can cost 25-40% more per sow than other housing styles, not including the estimated 15% higher operating costs per pig caused by reduced productivity. 

    Prop. 12 is responsible for declining food affordability as grocery story pork prices are skyrocketing.  
    o    North Dakota State University economists found that since Prop. 12 was implemented, prices for covered products in California have increased nearly 20% on average.  

    Prop. 12 leads to pork industry consolidation, as smaller farms close their doors because of the regulatory burdens and high costs of complying with Prop. 12.

The 2026 House Farm Bill protects everyone’s freedom to farm while also allowing states to act independently by allowing laws that regulate practices and impact commerce within their borders. California’s Proposition 12 goes beyond those protections and dictates practices in other states.
 
NPPC and almost 400 other agricultural groups stand up for the rights of all pork producers, regardless of size, and call on Congress to pass the House Farm Bill with a Prop. 12 fix. 




Fund Ag Export Promotion Programs, Says Coalition
 
The Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports, which more than 130 other agriculture organizations, is urging the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee to include “full, mandatory” funding for two export promotion programs in the fiscal 2027 agriculture appropriations bill.
 
In a letter to Reps. Andy Harris (R-MD) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA), the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, the coalition asked that funding continue for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, “an investment which is making a difference.”
 
The coalition pointed out that private-sector investment through MAP is $2.50 for each $1 in federal funding, while FMD spending is $3.25 for each federal dollar appropriated. “Full funding for these programs is abundantly necessary,” said the coalition.
 
Exports add significantly to the bottom line of every U.S. agricultural producer. In countries around the world, MAP and FMD have helped promote U.S. farm products, which generated economic output of more than $362 billion in 2023, according to USDA. That means for every $1 of U.S. agricultural goods exported, $2.06 of domestic economic activity was generated.



Could Beef-on-Dairy Adoption be Leading to More Heifers on Feed?
David Anderson
Extension Specialist – Livestock and Food Product Marketing
Texas A&M University

Beef-on-dairy remains among the most discussed topics in the beef industry. Questions have been raised about the impacts of beef-on-dairy on beef production, which we discuss in a 2024 Cattle Market Notes Weekly article. A question that has received less attention, but we believe is just as important, is whether growth in beef-on-dairy has the potential to mask changes in cattle inventories in USDA NASS reports. Specifically, the January and July Cattle Inventory reports and the monthly and quarterly Cattle on Feed report. The objective of this article is to explain how beef on dairy could impact cattle inventory reporting. Specifically, we examine scenarios in which growth in beef-on-dairy programs may increase the number of cattle entering the beef supply and change the composition of those cattle.

Beef-on-dairy can affect beef supplies in two ways: the total number of cattle entering the beef supply and the composition of cattle in the U.S. beef supply. First, beef-on-dairy may change the number of cattle entering the beef supply chain by altering the relative value of dairy heifers. Historically, dairy heifers are valued highest as dairy cow replacements. Excess heifers, those in excess of dairy cow replacement needs entered the beef supply chain. However, growth in beef-on-dairy programs can increase the value of dairy heifers and bull calves as part of the beef supply chain. This could potentially influence heifer retention decisions in the dairy sector and affect the share of dairy heifers retained for herd replacement each year. Second, beef-on-dairy alters the composition of cattle by shifting dairy-origin calves that would traditionally enter the system as straight-bred dairy steers and heifers into a distinct beef-on-dairy category. This effectively creates a third class of animal in the beef production system alongside traditional straight-beef breed and straight-dairy cattle breed. Although we might argue that these are simply another cross bred type of cattle.

The data from the January Cattle Inventory report shows that from 2017 to 2026 the dairy cow herd has ranged from 9.34 million to 9.57 million head. At the same time, the ratio of dairy replacement heifers to dairy cows has declined from 50.7% in 2017 to 40.8% in 2026. While the dairy herd has been relatively stable during that time, the pool of heifers being held for dairy replacement has been shrinking. While some of this is likely due to producers more efficiently targeting heifer semen to the right cows, one must also think some of this is due to the potential value of those non-replacement dairy calves, many of which are now beef sired. The proliferation of information for better decision making on dairies has led to fine tuning the number of replacement heifers needed, especially given the cost of heifer development, and freeing up more beef sired calves for the record high calf market.

One industry report that the beef cattle sector pays close attention to, because of its implications for herd rebuilding, is the quarterly Cattle on Feed (COF) report from USDA-NASS. In the quarterly COF, published at the beginning of each quarter, cattle on feed inventories are reported separately for steers and heifers, and the key statistic discussed is heifers on feed as a percent of total cattle on feed. When heifer retention increases for the purpose of beef cow herd expansion, heifers represent a small share of total on-feed inventory. However, the reported number of heifers on feed does not distinguish between beef, dairy, and beef-on-dairy heifers. Higher adoption of sexed semen for dairy replacement heifers, combined with incentives to use more beef semen on dairy cows, has the potential to result in more calves born from dairy cows being placed on feed. A good portion of these are likely heifers, which suggest it could also inflate heifers on feed as a percent of total cattle on feed. If this were occurring, it could mask early signs of beef cow herd rebuilding.

The January 2026 COF reported that heifers on feed totaled 4.435 million head, or 38.7% of total cattle on feed. To estimate the potential impacts of beef-on-dairy and sexed-semen adoption, we subtract the estimated increase in heifers associated with increased adoption of both from total reported heifers on feed. A key challenge is that assumptions about beef-on-dairy and sexed-semen adoption rates are hard to pin down. Our baseline assumes a 50/50 steer-heifer dairy calf crop with no sexed semen and no beef-on-dairy. The increase in heifers is calculated assuming 75% adoption of sexed semen for dairy replacement heifers and 25% adoption of sexed semen for beef-on-dairy steers. Under these assumptions, we estimate that a little over 1.5 million dairy heifers enter feedlots annually, compared to a little less than 940 thousand under the baseline scenario. This implies an increase of approximately 600 thousand heifers entering feedlots each year relative to the baseline. After applying this adjustment, the implied beef breed heifers-on-feed total for January 2026 is 4.186 million head, or 36.6% of total cattle on feed. Even after adjusting for potential beef-on-dairy heifers it is still a relatively large number of beef breed heifers on feed and doesn’t really change drastically implications about herd expansion. For perspective, the estimated increase of roughly 600,000 heifers entering feedlots annually is large relative to recent changes in beef inventories. For example, the beef cow herd declined by about 1%, while beef heifer inventories increased by only about 41,000 head, suggesting these dynamics could meaningfully influence how cattle inventory data are interpreted.

Rather than focusing on any single assumption about adoption rates, Figure 2 calculates the combinations of sexed semen use that would generate the same adjusted heifer share of total cattle on feed. The line in the figure represents combinations of adoption rates that produce a heifer share of approximately 38.7%, which matches the heifer share implied by the January 2026 Cattle on Feed report. Points along the line yield the same implied heifer-on-feed percentage. Combinations above the line result in a larger adjusted heifer share, while combinations below the line result in a smaller share.

For example, if the industry adopts 70% sexed semen for dairy replacement heifers, then adoption of sexed semen for beef-on-dairy steers above approximately 42% would imply an upward adjustment in the heifer-on-feed percentage above 38.7%. Alternatively, adoption below approximately 42% would imply a heifer share below 38.7%.

This approach shifts the emphasis away from identifying a single assumed adoption rate and instead highlights the tradeoff between dairy replacement and beef-on-dairy adoption. Because no comprehensive industry-wide data exist documenting adoption of sexed semen for either dairy replacements or beef-on-dairy programs, presenting the results in this way allows us to evaluate how alternative combinations of adoption rates would affect the implied heifer share, without requiring a definitive assumption.

Beef-on-dairy and the use of sexed semen in the dairy industry both have implications for the beef industry, particularly for how cattle inventories are interpreted in USDA-NASS reports. As an example, we have shown how these changes in the dairy industry might impact the quarterly estimate of heifers on feed in the USDA-NASS COF report. This is something that analysts need to keep in mind when they interpret the gender breakdown from these quarterly reports. An additional issue is that beef-on-dairy cattle are not always easily distinguishable from straight-beef cattle once they enter feedlots. As a result, simply reporting beef-on-dairy cattle as a separate category in existing USDA reports is not a straightforward solution to what we believe is a potential measurement and interpretation problem in these reports. This is a separate issue that is worth having its own article.  

Monday April 27 Ag News - LENRD April Meeting Notes - USDA Moves More Research to US-MARC Clay Center - 2nd SDRP Payments Expected - Cold Storage Summary - and more!

 Collaboration to Keep Battle Creek Flood Conversation Moving Forward Discussed at LENRD April Board Meeting

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District continues to work towards finding a solution for flooding issues in the City of Battle Creek.

At the Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, April 23, Directors agreed with staff’s recommendation to create a committee for Battle Creek flood mitigation. The committee will consist of Directors appointed by the Chairman (less than a quorum) and representatives from the City of Battle Creek. They will work together to define goals and priorities, utilizing the available programs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to be considered in formulating a possible recommendation for flood mitigation for the community.

Directors also heard and voted on Urban Conservation Assistance Program and Recreation Area Development Program applications.

The Urban Conservation Assistance Program provides technical and financial assistance to government entities such as cities, counties, villages, and schools, to help prevent or control erosion, flooding, and related resource concerns in urbanized areas while the Recreation Area Development Program provides financial assistance to acquire land rights, design, establish, develop, and improve public recreation areas.

Ultimately, seven Recreation Area Development Program Applications were approved for funding totaling $150,000.00.

Connor Bladwin, Groundwater Management Area Specialist, gave a presentation on his participation with Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. The Academy, established in 2009, provides learning opportunities focused on cooperative approaches to solving Nebraska’s water issues. It is made up of men and women from every corner of Nebraska who meet in a year-long program to learn the principles of first-rate leadership and about the vital role of rivers, streams and aquifers in Nebraska. It is supported through the Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska with University of Nebraska-Lincoln partnering to provide program curriculum. Bruckner, General Manager, was a member of the inaugural Nebraska Water Leaders Academy.

Baldwin also updated the Board on the status of outstanding Management Area Reports from the 2025 growing season as well as producers who had not yet completed Nitrogen Certification. He explained that staff are more lenient with annual reporting this year due to the change to the new reporting system and bugs encountered during the reporting period. As of the meeting, all producers had secured Nitrogen Certification.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, May 28th, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live. 



Fischer Welcomes USDA Announcement to Relocate Research Project to Clay Center

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement that the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center will be expanding its federal research capabilities by receiving additional employees and projects to the state. Under the plan, Nebraska will gain one research project and a total of 10 employees.  

“This move by the USDA is one that will benefit Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers,” Fischer said. “I welcome this announcement by the department, which is a real effort to place folks in the field, closer to those who are impacted by their work. I look forward to seeing this move finalized. I want to thank Secretary Rollins and Undersecretary Hutchins for their leadership on this issue. I’ll continue working with them to advance Nebraska’s priorities.”

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently announced the relocation of research projects across the country. This is an effort to move projects closer to the stakeholders they serve and allow ARS researchers with more opportunities to engage directly with farmers and ranchers. 



USDA Issues Second Supplemental Disaster Payment to Farmers, Extends Program Application Deadline to August 12

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Friday announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is maximizing disaster assistance support for producers by issuing a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payment to eligible producers who have approved program applications for losses due to natural disasters in calendar years 2023 and 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already provided $6.7 billion in SDRP payments to eligible producers. Additionally, USDA is extending the program deadline to give producers and FSA more time to address any program application changes that could impact payments. The original April 30 deadline has been extended to Aug. 12, 2026, for SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Initial SDRP payments were factored at 35%, but after further analysis, USDA is increasing the payment factor to 70%, meaning producers with approved applications will receive an additional 35% of their calculated SDRP payment. Future SDRP payments will also be made using a 70% payment factor.

“President Trump is the most pro-farmer President of our lifetime, and through his leadership, the Administration is supporting farmers through unprecedented international market access, lowered taxes, and improvements to the farm safety net with the Working Families Tax Cuts. By extending the program deadline and making available this additional payment, we are continuing to put farmers first during this difficult farm economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “To help secure the economic viability of disaster-impacted farmers, we’re taking deliberate steps to provide stronger, more meaningful financial support for our nation’s agricultural producers.”

Over the past year, the Trump administration and USDA, under the leadership of Secretary Rollins, have supported U.S. farmers and ranchers with over $17.9 billion in supplemental disaster assistance mandated by Congress in the American Relief Act, 2025. To date, USDA has provided over $6.7 billion in SDRP payments, $9.3 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and nearly $1.9 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program.

Additionally, through recent efforts to provide economic relief as the Trump administration works to open new markets, FSA has made over $10 billion in payments, to date, through the Farmers Bridge Assistance program with more assistance on the way for specialty crop producers. Since 2025, through permanent programs, FSA has provided over $2.0 billion in disaster assistance, $5.3 billion in commodity price support, $3.1 billion in safety net assistance, and $685 million through conservation programs.

All in all, this administration has put Farmers First with over $39.1 billion in economic support needed to recover from market and weather-related financial hardships beyond their control, protect our natural resources and keep their operations moving forward.

SDRP Stage 1
The first stage, announced in July 2025, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events.

SDRP Stage 2
Stage 2 of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses.

Eligibility
Eligible losses must be the result of natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and/or 2024. These disasters include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions.

To qualify for drought related losses, the loss must have occurred in a county rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) for eight consecutive weeks, D3 (extreme drought), or greater intensity level during the applicable calendar year.

FSA is establishing block grants with Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts that cover crop losses; therefore, producers with losses on land physically located in these states are not eligible for SDRP program payments.

More Information
For more information on SDRP, please visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.



USDA Cold Storage March 2026 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on March 31, 2026 were down slightly from the previous month and down 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 2 percent from the previous month and up slightly from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 5 percent from last month but down 13 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2026 were down slightly from the previous month and down 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 9 percent from last month but down 9 percent from March 31, 2025.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2026 were up 1 percent from the previous month but 
down 2 percent from March 31, 2025. Butter stocks were up 13 percent from last month but down 11 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on March 31, 2026 were down 6 percent from last month but up 4 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 9 percent from last month and down 8 percent from a year ago.



USDA Dairy Products 2025 Production Summary

Total cheese production, excluding cottage cheeses, was 14.8 billion pounds, 4.0 percent above 2024 production. Wisconsin was the leading State with 24.6 percent of the production.

Italian varieties, with 6.33 billion pounds were 5.1 percent above 2024 production and accounted for 42.8 percent of total cheese in 2025. Mozzarella accounted for 79.1 percent of the Italian production, followed by Parmesan with 8.3 percent and Provolone with 6.2 percent. Wisconsin was the leading State in Italian cheese production with 28.4 percent of the production.

American type cheese production was 5.83 billion pounds, 4.6 percent above 2024 and accounted for 39.4 percent of total cheese in 2025. Wisconsin was the leading State in American type cheese production with 18.2 percent of the production.

Butter production in the United States during 2025 totaled 2.39 billion pounds, 6.7 percent above 2024. California accounted for 28.4 percent of the production.

Dry milk powders (2025 United States production, comparisons with 2024)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 1.66 billion pounds, up slightly.
Skim milk powders - 504 million pounds, down 15.9 percent.

Whey products (2025 United States production, comparisons with 2024)
Dry whey, total - 845 million pounds, down 1.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 1.14 billion pounds, up 2.6 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 502 million pounds, up 2.1 percent.

Frozen products (2025 United States production, comparisons with 2024)
Ice cream, Regular (total) - 845 million gallons, down 9.2 percent. 
Ice cream, Lowfat (total) - 381 million gallons, down 21.5 percent. 
Sherbet (total) - 25.0 million gallons, down 5.7 percent. 
Frozen Yogurt (total) - 34.1 million gallons, down 3.9 percent. 



NCBA Members Bring Cattle Industry Priorities to Washington During Legislative Conference

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and its nationwide network of state affiliates, concluded its 2026 Legislative Conference this week, bringing together cattle producers from across the country to advocate for policy solutions that strengthen America’s cattle industry and rural communities. Throughout the conference, producers met with federal officials and engaged directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill to ensure the voice of cattle producers is heard in Washington.

“NCBA’s Legislative Conference is where grassroots policy meets action,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. “Our members traveled to Washington to share real-world perspectives from their operations and reinforce why strong, commonsense policies are essential to keeping family farms and ranches viable for the next generation. From protecting animal health to advancing regulatory reform, NCBA members are leading the charge on behalf of the entire cattle industry.”

During their time in Washington, NCBA members emphasized several top policy priorities, including:
    Delisting the gray wolf and passing the Pet and Livestock Protection Act
    Advancing passage of a new Farm Bill
    Supporting funding for research, management, and control of the Longhorned tick and the diseases it carries

In addition to Capitol Hill meetings, NCBA members participated in discussions with key federal agencies. Producers met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and Agricultural Marketing Service, as well as representatives from the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Environmental Protection Agency. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach addressed attendees, discussing the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts and economic support for rural America. Producers also received a demonstration of new tools from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service designed to enhance transparency and market opportunities within the cattle industry.

The Legislative Conference is a cornerstone of NCBA’s grassroots advocacy efforts, connecting cattle producers through NCBA and its state affiliates with policy makers in Washington, D.C. This producer-led engagement reinforces the organization’s role as the definitive voice of the U.S. cattle industry and ensures real-world perspectives from cattle operations are part of the policy process. 

Friday April 24 Ag News - Investment in 2026 Crops - Beef Value Cuts - USDA FSIS Reorganization - Commercial Red Meat Production Climbs 2% - and more!

Nebraska Corn Farmers Investment Continues to Increase with Higher Input Prices for 2026 Growing Season

According to the March Prospective Plantings report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nebraska corn farmers are expected to plant 10.3 million acres of corn in 2026.

If realized, that would represent an economic investment of nearly $3.8 billion into the state’s economy over a two-month period, based on crop budgets from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The 2026 planting season reflects a 26% increase in investment compared with previous years, despite fewer projected acres.

The estimate includes input costs such as seed, fuel and fertilizer, but excludes land, labor and equipment costs.

“We are not immune to the continued pace of high input prices, fertilizer consolidation and the impact of international conflict, all of which are contributing to negative margins for corn farmers,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Even so, farmers remain committed to planting high-quality crops, which requires a significant investment of time, energy and resources.”

Nebraska farmers typically begin planting corn in mid-April and aim to finish by mid-May, weather permitting. Planting timing and pace can significantly affect crop yields, soil health and overall farm productivity.

The latest USDA Crop Progress report, released April 20, shows Nebraska farmers are in the early stages of planting, with 8% of corn planted, compared with the five-year average of 5%.

“As farmers, our role is to produce the highest-quality product to benefit consumers both domestically and internationally,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Giltner, Nebraska. “Given today’s economic challenges and uncertainty, it’s critical that we remain diligent and thoughtful in our decision-making on the farm.”



Underutilized Beef Cuts That Deliver Value & Flavor
Adam Wegner - Nebraska Beef Council 

When it comes to putting delicious, satisfying meals on the table, beef offers far more than just the familiar steaks and roasts. In fact, some of the most flavorful and economical options in the meat case are also the most underutilized. With a little know-how, these cuts can deliver incredible taste, versatility and value for any home cook. 

Beef Round
Cuts from the round, like Top Round Steak, Bottom Round Roast and Eye of Round, are standout budget-friendly choices. These cuts are typically lean and affordable, making them ideal for everyday meals. While they may be less tender than premium steaks, simple techniques like marinating, slow-cooking or slicing thinly against the grain can transform them into tender, flavorful dishes. 

Sirloin Tips
Another often-overlooked group includes sirloin tip cuts, such as Sirloin Tip Steak and Sirloin Tip Roast. These cuts are not only economical, but incredibly versatile. With minimal knife work, these cuts are perfect for kabobs, stir-fry, sandwiches or roasted and carved for family dinners. 

Less Tender - Big Flavor
For those willing to explore a bit further, cuts like brisket, chuck short ribs and flank steak offer rich, beefy flavor and shine when prepared with the right cooking method. Slow-cooking or braising allows these hardworking muscles to become tender and juicy, while grilling or stir-frying (especially after marinating) highlights their bold taste. 

Something New
Even newer or lesser-known cuts such as the Flat Iron, Denver Steak and Sirloin Bavette are gaining popularity for their balance of tenderness, flavor and value. These “hidden gems” prove that trying something new can elevate your meals without stretching your budget. 

What makes beef truly shine is its versatility. From hearty slow-cooked comfort foods to quick weeknight stir-fries or grilled favorites, one cut can often stretch into multiple meals. Leftovers can easily be repurposed into tacos, salads, sandwiches or pasta dishes making beef a smart and delicious choice for today’s busy families.



USDA Announces Food Safety and Inspection Service Reorganization, Establishes National Food Safety Center in Iowa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday a reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to modernize operations, streamline support functions and better align the agency with the nation’s agricultural landscape.

As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical and support operations.

“This is about building a stronger, more resilient food safety system for the country. By establishing a National Food Safety Center in Iowa and expanding our scientific capabilities, USDA is ensuring that the Food Safety and Inspection Service is positioned where it can best support American agriculture and protect public health,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “This is on top the last year of work at the Department to put science and safety first at FSIS. President Trump is committed to ensuring American consumers have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world. We are ensuring the American people can trust their food is safe and healthy with gold standard processes and inspections. These changes reflect our commitment to modernizing the Department while staying focused on delivering results for the American people.”

“We are taking a hard look at how FSIS operates and making targeted changes to improve how the agency functions day to day,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden. “Consolidating support operations in Iowa, strengthening scientific work in Georgia, and aligning staff with mission needs will reduce duplication and improve accountability. This approach ensures that resources are used efficiently while maintaining the high standards the public expects from our food safety system.”

“FSIS is a field-based public health agency, with the vast majority of our workforce serving on the frontlines in establishments across the country,” said Administrator Justin Ransom. “This reorganization strengthens how we support those employees by bringing key training, policy, and technical expertise into closer alignment with their work. The National Food Safety Center will help us better prepare and support our workforce while also creating new opportunities to attract and develop the next generation of food safety professionals.”

Establishing a Central Hub for Food Safety Operations
FSIS will repurpose existing USDA space in Urbandale, Iowa, to establish the new National Food Safety Center (NFSC), which will become the agency’s largest office in the United States with approximately 200 employees.

The NFSC will serve as FSIS’ primary location for headquarters support functions, including resource management, training, food safety education, financial operations, information technology and administrative services. By consolidating these functions in a centrally located hub, FSIS will reduce duplication, improve coordination and expand access to career opportunities for employees across the country.

The establishment of the NFSC marks a significant shift in the agency’s operational footprint, placing key functions closer to the agricultural and food production systems that FSIS regulates and supports.

Expanding Scientific Leadership in Georgia
FSIS will also establish a Science Center in Athens, Georgia, building on its existing Eastern Field Services Laboratory and expanding its capabilities in microbiology, chemistry and epidemiology.

The Science Center will strengthen FSIS’ scientific leadership and ensure continued access to top-tier academic institutions, a robust public health workforce and key industry partners.

Aligning Workforce and Functions Nationwide
Under the reorganization, FSIS will relocate approximately two-thirds of its National Capital Region workforce to mission-critical locations, including the National Food Safety Center in Iowa and the Science Center in Georgia.

Approximately 200 positions will be relocated from Washington D.C, while roughly 100 positions will remain to support congressional engagement, policy development and interagency coordination.

FSIS will also establish a presence in Fort Collins, Colorado, for staff supporting international activities, further aligning the agency with USDA’s broader geographic footprint.

Maintaining Continuity in Food Safety Operations
The reorganization does not impact FSIS’ frontline inspection workforce which represents 85 percent of employees and operates across more than 6,800 regulated establishments.

All food safety inspection activities and public health protections will continue without interruption, and the reorganization does not include any reduction in force. All FSIS employees will retain positions within the agency.

Delivering on USDA’s Modernization Effort
This reorganization advances USDA’s broader effort to align its workforce with available resources, eliminate unnecessary management layers and bring services closer to stakeholders.

By establishing the National Food Safety Center as a central hub for operations and expanding its scientific capabilities, FSIS is strengthening its ability to protect public health and ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply.



Commercial Red Meat Production Up 2 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.51 billion pounds in March, up 2 percent from the 4.42 billion pounds produced in March 2025.

Beef production, at 2.10 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.34 million head, down 6 percent from March 2025. The average live weight was up 45 pounds from the previous year, at 1,471 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.7 million pounds, 16 percent below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 8,300 head, down 23 percent from March 2025. The average live weight was up 32 pounds from last year, at 359 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.40 billion pounds, up 7 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.0 million head, up 6 percent from March 2025. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 292 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.1 million pounds, was down 6 percent from March 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 197,200 head, 1 percent below last year. The average live weight was 121 pounds, down 6 pounds from March a year ago.

By State          (million lbs.  -  % March '25)
Nebraska .........:     634.9          101       
Iowa ................:     783.7          108       
Kansas ............:     478.9          105       

January to March 2026 commercial red meat production was 13.2 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 24 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent. 




Oil Corporations Attempt to Derail Legislation That Lowers Fuel Prices

The leader of the National Corn Growers Association today called out several major companies trying to derail legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, also referred to as E15. The proposed legislation, which enjoys the support of most of the petroleum industry, would also reform parts of the small refinery exemption program under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
 
“There is a tiny minority of major energy corporations – like Delek U.S. Inc., Cenovus Energy, CVR Energy, HF Sinclair, Parr Pacific Holdings and Suncor Energy Inc. – that are masquerading as small refineries to get Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions they don’t need,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Their greedy actions are holding up legislation that would help farmers who are struggling during tough economic times.”
 
Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, smaller refineries can ask for exemptions from blending fuel with ethanol, if they can demonstrate that compliance causes economic hardship. However, many so-called smaller refineries have sought exemptions over the years while also boasting multi-million or billion-dollar profits.  
 
This statement comes as NCGA and a broad coalition of farm, ethanol, and petroleum groups are pushing for an amendment to the Farm Bill that would remove an antiquated regulatory barrier in the Clean Air Act, allowing for the sale of E15 during the summer months.  
 
Bower also noted that the actions of the corporations are keeping gas prices higher for America’s drivers.  
 
“E15 saves consumers money at the pump, which is particularly important during the summer months,” Bower noted. “So, these billion-dollar companies are putting their interests above hard-working Americans trying to make ends-meet.”
 
The House is set to consider the amendment next week.



Broad Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Year-Round E15, SRE Reforms in Farm Bill

The American Petroleum Institute today issued the following statement from Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman after a broad coalition urged Congress to include a bipartisan Farm Bill amendment led by Rep. Michelle Fischbach to allow year-round sales of E15 and provide targeted reforms to the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) process under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“At a moment when households are feeling the sharp pressure of energy prices, this amendment is critical to promoting affordability, providing clarity for energy producers and fuel retailers, and strengthening America’s farmers,” said Hupman. “It brings long-overdue certainty and predictability to fuel markets and expands fuel choice for American consumers.”

In a letter to lawmakers, a diverse coalition of fuel refiners, ethanol producers, agriculture stakeholders and fuel retailers highlighted the amendment as a pragmatic, market-based solution that advances consumer choice, strengthens fuel supply and provides durable regulatory certainty.

“Maintaining access to E15 year-round empowers consumers at the pump with more options, particularly during periods of tight supply and high fuel costs, while allowing refiners and retailers to meet the demands of the market,” the organizations wrote.

The coalition emphasized that inconsistent application of the SRE process has created unnecessary volatility and undermined confidence across the fuels marketplace. Targeted reforms would help ensure exemptions are granted as Congress intended while improving predictability for all participants.

“A clear and consistent approach ensures that exemptions are applied as Congress intended, while avoiding uncertainty that can disrupt fuel markets, undermine compliance planning and create volatility for producers and consumers alike,” the organizations wrote.

The groups noted the combined reforms would support rural economies, encourage investment across the supply chain and help mitigate price pressures for consumers.

The coalition called on Congress to include the amendment in the final Farm Bill.



Ethanol Policy Meetings In Portugal, United Kingdom Enhance Stakeholder Exposure To U.S. Biofuel

Last week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Canada Stephanie Larson and USGBC ethanol sector members met with public and private representatives in Portugal and the U.K. to improve U.S. ethanol’s market presence.

“In Portugal, the Council is seeking to learn more about the biofuels sector in the country, including the potential for ethanol in the Portuguese market as part of the country’s energy transition,” Larson said.

“This was also the Council’s first mission to the U.K. since the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal was announced in 2025, creating an opportunity to engage more directly with the market and identifying key individuals and organizations that can serve as a catalyst for changes in policy, especially for crop-based ethanol.”

Larson was joined by Kansas Corn CEO Josh Roe and POET Vice President of Corporate Affairs Doug Berven to offer a complete perspective of the U.S. ethanol industry during meetings.

Among the group’s agenda items in Lisbon were meetings with the National Association of Corn and Sorghum Producers (ANPROMIS), the National Entity for the Energy Sector (ENSE) and the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG) to discuss the current state of biofuel use in Portugal.

Portugal is an E5 market but effectively blends at roughly three percent, although there is interest in moving to E10 that could stimulate demand for ethanol and create new market opportunities due to a lack of domestic production in the country.

The focus of meetings in London was sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), on-road applications and the potential for ethanol as a sustainable marine fuel, all points of interest for the U.K. government as it seeks to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.

The delegation first met with the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) to hear updates on its expert working group exploring whether ethanol blending in petrol can be increased beyond E10 there along with the recent call for evidence on crop-derived SAF production under the U.K.’s SAF Mandate. Next, the delegation met with Valero Energy, a USGBC member, to discuss its work in the U.K. and EU and how it is preparing for potential new demand.

Finally, the team spoke to LanzaJet and Fuels Industry U.K. to discuss private sector preparation for higher SAF usage and how the U.S. ethanol industry can support the U.K.’s needs.

“The U.K. is a vital ethanol market for U.S. producers that still has a growing appetite, both in the potential for higher on-road blending rates and expanding demand areas like SAF and maritime,” Larson said.

“With the U.S. industry’s existing relationship with buyers and end-users in the U.K., supporting policy changes encouraging ethanol use will quickly create additional sales for U.S. producers.”



ASA, Soy State Affiliates Join Broad Push for Farm Bill Action

Next week, Congress is expected to take up the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The American Soybean Association, along with soybean state affiliates, has joined hundreds of agricultural organizations urging House leadership to quickly advance a comprehensive, long-term farm bill.

In a letter signed by agricultural groups nationwide, stakeholders highlight bipartisan progress on “Farm Bill 2.0” and stress that a full, five-year bill is critical to maintaining the resilience, productivity, and global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.

The push comes as economic pressures on farmers intensify. Rising input costs, including fuel and fertilizer, along with global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, continue to challenge producers. The letter underscores the urgency for updated policy tools, noting the industry cannot continue to operate under outdated legislation.

ASA encourages policymakers to advance a strong, comprehensive farm bill that reflects current economic conditions and supports soybean farmers through an effective safety net, market opportunities, and long-term investments in U.S. agriculture. 



Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative urges swift action on the Farm Bill in the House

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the second largest dairy cooperative in the country based on milk volume, recently joined over 300 other agricultural organizations calling for swift action by the House of Representatives in moving the farm bill forward. In early March, the House Agriculture Committee approved the legislation with bipartisan action, with a vote of 34 to 17.

Edge and other organizations are urging House members to take timely and bipartisan action on the bill to finalize the remaining portions of the long-awaited farm bill.

“We are asking the House to take action on finalizing the farm bill, which is long overdue,” Heidi Fischer, president of the Edge board, said. “It has been nearly 8 years since a comprehensive farm bill has been passed. Much has changed in our industry since then. We need a comprehensive farm bill in place to provide certainty among farmers in these challenging times.”

The House is expected to take up the farm bill next week. If passed by the House, the next step will be action by the Senate.

“We need our representatives to pass a bipartisan supported bill that addresses the lingering unknowns of programs farmers count on,” Fischer said. “For dairy farmers, the farm bill is the backbone of federal dairy policy. It's important to pass the Farm, Food & National Security Act of 2026, which will give dairy farmers certainty, stability, and a workable safety net in an unusually volatile market.”

Included in the current House version is permanent authorization of the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, an important inclusion Edge brought forth to the House Ag Committee.

“We are pleased to see permanent authorization for this program included,” Fischer said. “Farmers use forward pricing to stabilize revenue for a portion of production, particularly in volatile markets where feed, labor, and energy costs are unpredictable.”