Thursday September 03 Ag News - Nebraska Farm Expences Top $32 Billion - NE Farm Real Estate Values Mixed - Crop Insurance Decisions - IA Lawmakers Recognized Biofuels Support - and more!

Nebraska Farm and Ranch Production Expenses Rise to $32.4 Billion in 2025

Farm and ranch production expenditures for Nebraska totaled $32.4 billion in 2025, up 6% from a year earlier, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Livestock expenses, the largest expenditure category, at $11.6 billion, increased 33% from 2024. Feed, the next largest total expense category at $3.4 billion, decreased 10% from 2024. Rent, the third largest expense category, at $2.8 billion, increased 1% from 2024. 

Livestock expenses accounted for 36% of Nebraska's total production expenditures. Feed accounted for 11%, rent 9%, and farm services 7%.

The total expenditures per farm or ranch in Nebraska averaged $734,127 in 2025, up 7% from 2024. The livestock expense category was the leading expenditure, at $263,039 per operation, 6.6 times the national average. The average feed expenditure, at $77,098, was 2.0 times the national average. Rent expenditures, at $63,946 per operation, were 3.4 times the national average. Farm services expenditures per operation, at $52,834, were 1.8 times the national average. 

These results are based on data from Nebraska farmers and ranchers who participated in USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey. NASS collected the 2025 farm expenditure data from producers between December 2025 and May 2026.



Nebraska 2026 Farm Real Estate Value and Cash Rent

Nebraska's farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, increased from 2025, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farm real estate value for 2026 averaged $4,400 per acre, up $150 per acre (3.5%) from last year. 

Cropland value increased 2.4% from last year to $6,960 per acre. Dryland cropland value averaged $5,650 per acre, $50 higher than last year. Irrigated cropland value averaged $9,200 per acre, $350 above a year ago. Pastureland, at $1,590 per acre, was $180 higher than the previous year.

Cash rents paid to landlords in 2026 for cropland increased 0.4% from last year to $227 per acre. Irrigated cropland rent averaged $283.00 per acre, $3.00 below last year. Dryland cropland rent averaged $168.00 per acre, $2 higher than a year earlier. Pasture rented for cash averaged $29.50 per acre, $1 above the previous year. 



Changing Farm Economics Prompts Producers to Revisit Crop Insurance Coverage

Crop insurance is becoming a more strategic business decision for agricultural producers as tighter margins, high input costs, and ongoing market uncertainty drive renewed focus on risk management heading into the 2027 crop year, according to the Collaborating Associations of AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry), Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), and Frontier Farm Credit.  

The crop insurance landscape has evolved significantly over time, and today's producers have more ways to manage revenue risk than in previous generations. Crop insurance programs have expanded from a basic safety net into a more flexible risk-management tool that can be adapted to the needs of different farming operations.  

“These strategies can provide producers with greater confidence when making operating, investment, and lending decisions during periods of economic uncertainty,” said Tony Jesina, senior vice president of insurance at FCSAmerica.  

AgCountry, FCSAmerica, and Frontier Farm Credit insurance professionals are seeing an increasing number of agricultural operations evaluating crop insurance tools alongside grain marketing, financing, working capital, and debt-management strategies rather than treating coverage as a standalone annual decision.  

The shift comes as many producers face increased financial complexity. Beginning farmers are focused on protecting cash flow and building equity, growing operations are balancing expansion with risk exposure, and producers approaching retirement are working to protect accumulated wealth and support farm transitions. Those differing priorities often require different crop insurance strategies.  

"The best operators know that risk management is not one decision. It's a combination of crop insurance, marketing, working capital management, and debt management," said Troy Andreasen, senior vice president of retail lending at AgCountry. "The producers who are best positioned for the future are looking at how all of those pieces work together."  

 Every farm is different, so what works for one operation may not be the right approach for another.  

“Today's crop insurance decisions should reflect an operation's current financial position, growth plans, transition goals, and tolerance for risk" Jesina said.  

Receiving increased attention from producers is the use of area plans as a complement to traditional crop insurance coverage. As margins tighten and producers seek ways to strengthen their risk-management strategies, insurance professionals are seeing more interest in evaluating whether area plans fit into an operation's broader financial and risk-management objectives. 

"We're seeing more producers take a closer look at all of the tools available to them, including area plans," Jesina said. "They're asking how different coverage options work together and whether adding a supplemental layer of protection makes sense given their operation's financial position and risk tolerance.”  

It’s more imperative than ever that producers understand their balance sheets, take time to review their history, evaluate options, and coordinate decisions across their operations to uncover opportunities to strengthen their overall risk-management strategy.  



New Online Course Helps Farmers Navigate Crop Insurance Options

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is proud to announce the launch of a new online course, "Crop Insurance for Farmers," designed to give agricultural producers the knowledge and tools they need to better understand their crop insurance options and make informed risk management decisions.

Crop insurance is an important part of managing production and financial risk, but selecting the right coverage can feel overwhelming. This course breaks down the fundamentals of crop insurance into practical, easy-to-understand lessons that producers can apply to their own operations.

Participants will learn:
    Understand the roles of the USDA Risk Management Agency, Approved Insurance Providers, insurance agents and adjustors.
    Explore key concepts such as Actual Production History (APH), coverage levels, projected and harvest prices, guarantees, liabilities, premiums and indemnities.
    Compare major policy types, including Yield Protection and Revenue Protection, and explore how different coverage options work.
    Explore real-world scenarios to see how choices such as unit type and coverage level, along with changes in yields and prices, can affect crop insurance protection.

The course is designed to help producers become more confident when discussing crop insurance with their insurance agent and better understand how different choices may fit their operation.

Take advantage of this free online course, launching Sept. 1. Participants receive 60 days of access beginning on their enrollment date. Sign up today: go.unl.edu/cropins.

"Crop insurance can be an important risk management tool, but producers need to understand what they are buying and how their coverage works," said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program. "This course is designed to give farmers the foundation they need to ask better questions and make more informed decisions."

The material is supported by USDA/NIFA Award Number 2024-70027-42470. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender or any other protected status. 



Smith, Moran Lead Letter Urging Admin to Expand Markets for America’s Ranchers

Wednesday, U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03), Chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led 51 of their colleagues in urging President Trump to prioritize policies that expand trade market access and provide certainty for American cattle producers. This comes after the president’s recent proclamation to increase the “other countries” quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for 90 days beginning on September 1, 2026, and indicating that such imports will be sold at 25 percent below market price. 

“American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply,” the lawmakers wrote. “Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.

“As you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders,” concluded the lawmakers. “We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef.”

In addition to Smith and Moran, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Justice (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and John Hoven (R-ND), and U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Max Miller (R-OH-07), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03), Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Warren Davidson (R-OH-08), Gabe Evans (R-CO-08), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-02), French Hill (R-AR-02), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Greg Murphy (R-NC-03), Frank Lucas (R-OK-03), Andy Barr (R-KY-06), John Rose (R-TN-06), Troy Downing (R-MT-02), Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND-AL), Tim Moore (R-NC-14), Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), John McGuire III (R-VA-05), Darin LaHood (R-IL-18), Tim Cole (R-OK-04), and Mark Harris (R-NC-08). 

Read the full letter here or below:

President Trump, 

We appreciate your attention to the issues impacting American consumers, farmers, and ranchers. A strong American agriculture industry leads to greater efficiency, availability, affordability, and security in our food supply chain. American farmers and ranchers face significant headwinds, including years of prolonged drought, devastating natural disasters, animal disease and pest threats, market swings, and burdensome regulations.

As you know, the cattle industry is facing 75-year low inventory yet continues to efficiently raise cattle and produce beef that is unmatched in quality anywhere in the world. This does not happen by accident. American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply. Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.

Long term certainty can be delivered by fostering existing domestic demand and continuing efforts to expand overseas markets for American beef products, building on the successful trade deals you have already secured. As proven through the deals you struck with the United Kingdom and Australia, there is significant opportunity for advancing market access for American beef around the world. These trade deals, coupled with the significant benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts, will drive long-term confidence in the market and create a natural incentive for ranchers to rebuild and expand their herds. Additionally, your support for a modernized Farm Bill would strengthen access to capital and expand flexibility within grazing and conservation programs, providing producers with the tools they need to strengthen and expand the cattle herd.

As you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders. We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef. 



Record Cover Crop Cost-Share Signup in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the initial results of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program during the Farm Progress Show in Boone. The first phase was designed to encourage farmers and landowners in the Greater Des Moines Watershed to plant more cover crops to improve water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The successful program enrolled more than 300,000 acres in the Greater Des Moines Watershed in state cover crop cost-share programs in 2026, up from 109,000 acres of cover crops enrolled in these 22 counties in 2025. For the first time, statewide cover crop cost-share enrollment exceeded 1 million acres, up from 700,000 acres of statewide cover crops enrolled in state cost-share programs in 2025.

Farmers and landowners can continue signing up for cover crop cost-share through their local USDA Service Center until 4:30 p.m./CT on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Secretary Naig also revealed funding for the expanded Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program was fully obligated to Iowa livestock producers within just 10 days of the program expansion being announced at the Iowa State Fair. Because of the overwhelming demand for the program, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is allocating an additional $2.1 million for the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program through the end of the calendar year. The program, currently offered in 28 counties, is designed to improve water quality, keep working lands working, and grow Iowa’s beef herd by helping farmers convert underperforming row crop acres into pasture and hay ground.

“The Greater Des Moines Watershed Program shows what we can accomplish when we have dedicated resources and intentionally focus on fields in parts of the state that can have a significant impact on water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “It also reinforces that farmers are eager to embrace responsible farming practices to protect their land for future generations, and they want to be part of the ongoing work to improve Iowa’s water quality.

Based on the success of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program, I will ask the Iowa Legislature to provide additional funding to expand the Working Lands Program statewide during the 2027 Legislative session. There’s no finish line when it comes to conservation, meaning there’s always more work to do, and we’ve got to keep this momentum going.”

Funding for the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program was provided by the Farm to Faucet package secured by Secretary Naig and Gov. Reynolds and passed by the Iowa Legislature during the 2026 session. Gov. Reynolds also allocated remaining State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to scale up water quality projects in the Greater Des Moines Watershed.

To learn more about the ongoing work to improve water quality in the Greater Des Moines watershed, or to enroll in one of the eligible cost-share programs, visit cleanwateriowa.org or costshare.iowaagriculture.gov.



Iowa Lawmakers Recognized for Their Leadership and Support of Biofuels

Wednesday, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) PAC recognized 12 Iowa state legislators as its 2026 “Champions of Renewable Fuels.” To be eligible, the honorees must be state legislators seeking reelection who have demonstrated strong and consistent support for renewable fuels through their voting records and leadership on biofuels issues. This marks the ninth election cycle in which the IRFA PAC has recognized Iowa lawmakers for their commitment to advancing renewable fuels.

“IRFA PAC is proud to recognize the Iowa legislators who have consistently stood up for renewable fuels and the people who depend on them,” said IRFA PAC Treasurer Chad Kuhlers. “Renewable fuels strengthen the value of Iowa’s agricultural products, create economic opportunities across our state, and help deliver dependable, homegrown energy for Americans. Strong legislative leadership is essential to keeping that momentum going. We are grateful for our many strong supporters in the Legislature, but these Champions of Renewable Fuels have been there for us on each and every vote over the last two years. We’re proud to stand with them.”

Recipients of the 2026 Champion of Renewable Fuels awards are:

Senate Champions
Sen. Annette Sweeney     SD 27
Sen. Carrie Koelker          SD 33
Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen    SD 41

House Champions
Rep. Brent Siegrist          HD 19
Rep. Brian Meyer             HD 29
Rep. Ross Wilburn           HD 50
Rep. Brett Barker            HD 51
Rep. Michael Bergan        HD 63
Rep. Chad Ingels             HD 68
Rep. Norlin Mommsen      HD 70
Rep. Dave Jacoby            HD 86
Rep. Matthew Rinker        HD 99



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/28/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 28, ethanol production decreased 0.2% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.62 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 3.3% higher than the same week last year and 9.7% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked  up 0.1% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.02 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 0.7% to 25.0 million barrels. Still, stocks were 11.0% more than the same week last year and 12.7% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, declined 1.3% to 8.92 million b/d (137.15 bg annualized). Demand was 2.1% less than a year ago and 2.4% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 1.8% to 940,000 b/d—the highest weekly volume in more than 5 years—equivalent to 14.45 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.7% more than year-ago levels and 3.0% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports moderated, down 35.8% to a 7-week low of 104,000 b/d (4.4 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Ethanol’s Contribution to U.S. Gasoline Supplies Is at Record High, Helping Ease Pump Prices

The average ethanol content of gasoline sold in the U.S. surpassed 11 percent for the second consecutive month in June, and the 12-month average blend rate hit a new record of 10.58 percent, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data reviewed by the Renewable Fuels Association.

A large majority of the gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10 percent ethanol, a blend known as E10, and the new EIA data demonstrate that sales of mid-level blends like E15 and flex fuels like E85 have accelerated this year. Ethanol has been priced at a discount of $1 per gallon or more to gasoline blendstock at the wholesale level and Renewable Fuel Standard RIN credits have provided additional value.

“Ethanol’s blending economics have been compelling this spring and summer, and consumers and fuel suppliers have clearly responded,” said RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman. “The response would have been even greater if legislation permanently allowing year-round sales of E15 had already been enacted. The additional volume would have helped hold down prices at the pump even more, at a time when U.S. fuel supplies have tightened and oil refineries have been running near full capacity.”

In an RFA Perspective last month, Richman noted how a significant increase in ethanol consumption would be expected to result in a substantial easing of prices of RIN associated with ethanol. “Refiners who have complained about high RIN prices should welcome this prospect,” he wrote.

California—whose drivers consume over 13 billion gallons of gasoline a year—is preparing to offer E15 for the first time, and legislation is currently in front of Congress that would allow the fuel blend to be sold year-round. If outdated restrictions on E15 are removed, American families will benefit from lower-cost fuel, farmers will benefit from stronger grain demand, and refiners will be able to meet RFS volume requirements more easily.



American Ranchers Need More Support

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Ranchers First Initiative, announced earlier this week:

"We're glad to see the administration focus on the US beef market, and several pieces of this plan are steps in the right direction. Better risk protection tools, expanded credit and new processing loans will help. But they aren't enough on their own. Farmers and ranchers need a durable, long-term commitment to rebuild their herds and compete on a fairer playing field against the corporate monopolies that dominate the cattle market. We're ready to work with the administration to get there.

"One piece is still missing: where the beef comes from. Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, highest-quality beef in the world, but without mandatory country-of-origin labeling, meatpackers can blend imported beef into products marketed as American, leaving both consumers and those who raised that beef shortchanged.

“We urge the administration to build on this plan by backing mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and we urge Congress to move COOL legislation forward without further delay."

Wednesday September 02 Ag News - LENRD Sets Expanded Irrigation for '27 - Pillen, Rollins Cattle Roundtable - ChopLocal Meat Marketing Short-course - Corn, Soybean Crush for July - USDA Ag Data Modernization - and more!

Lower Elkhorn NRD Directors Set Date for New Variance Sign Up, Discuss Funding for Agroforestry and Conservation Programs

A sign-up period to receive applications for standard variance applications was approved at the latest Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors meeting. Applicants who own or operate land in geographically eligible locations in the District will have the opportunity to apply for a variance from October 1, 2026, through October 30, 2026. There will be a fee of $100 per application. The geographic eligibility map and conditions for approval remain unchanged from the 2025 application period – including a minimum soil score of 80.

The 2026 application period will allow up to 267 acre-feet of new depletions in the Hydrologically Connected (1050) Area; up to 2,500 new irrigated acres in the Non-hydrologically Connected (Non-1050) Area; and no more than 474 new irrigated acres in the Quantity Management Subareas.

Directors also approved a series of motions regarding the funding of Agroforestry and other conservation practices utilizing Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP) funding. In early July, the LENRD received notice that all NSWCP funds are on hold and Fiscal Year 2027 NSWCP funds would not be allocated until further notice.

The NSWCP had historically been funded with a cash transfer from the General Fund, but the 2026 Nebraska Unicameral approved using a transfer of funds from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET), as a means of balancing the State’s budget.  NSWCP is allocated to NRD’s and is administered through Nebraska Department of Energy and Environment (DWEE). In recent years, DWEE has allocated approximately $170,000.00 to the LENRD annually. The funding freeze comes from a current lawsuit and court injunction contesting the legality of the cash transfers involving NET.

An overwhelming majority of LENRD tree planting projects, and a small number of other structural conservation practices, are submitted to DWEE for NSWCP funding. Additionally, in June 2024, LENRD approved drip irrigation as a cost-sharable practice when under the stipulation that NSWCP funds are available.

This spring, four applications for tree planting projects were completed and submitted to DWEE for a total of $18,909.53, including $7,354.64 of drip irrigation payments. There were also three applications for tree planting projects, which were also completed this spring, but have not yet been submitted to DWEE, which totaled $64,161.33 including $12,648.48 of drip irrigation. So far, 29 additional applications for tree planting projects, and several other projects, are in the works for the current Fiscal Year, which began on July 1, 2026.

To fulfill current financial obligations, and to continue one of the most successful conservation programs offered by the District, Directors approved the following three motions:
    Staff may utilize local funds to reimburse landowners for expenses associated with the purchase and installation of drip irrigation for conservation tree plantings if NSWCP funds are unavailable
    Staff may utilize local funds, not to exceed $18,909.53, to reimburse the three landowners whose NSWCP reimbursements are currently affected by the NSWCP funding freeze
    Staff may budget local funds, and apply for grant funds as necessary, to facilitate reimbursements to landowners during the 2027 Fiscal Year for conservation practices that would ordinarily be submitted for NSWCP reimbursement, regardless of the NSWCP funding status

Directors gave LENRD staff the green light to begin soliciting artists for the creation of a mural at Maskenthine Lake. In August 2025, the William Hansen Estate generously gifted the LENRD with funds to be used for the general welfare and preservation of Maskenthine Lake. At the August 2026 Committee Meeting, General Manager Brian Bruckner suggested some of those funds be used to have a mural painted onto, or affixed to, the storage container utilized by the Maskenthine Trail Network near the mountain bike trail. To be considered, the bid must be $2,000.00 or less and come from a qualified applicant.

A bid from Vacha Excavating, LLC, in the amount of $1,968.00, was approved to complete necessary maintenance and repairs to the auxiliary spillway at the Scribner Airport West Dam. The Dam, constructed in 1976 by the LENRD to control runoff from the Scribner Airbase, continues to be maintained by the District. During recent inspections performed by Nebraska Department of Energy & Environment, it was determined that the auxiliary spillway doesn’t have the capacity to pass the designed storm event. A height increase in the training dike is needed to adequately mitigate the deficiencies listed with the auxiliary spillway.

After September 15, 2026, producers in the District’s Quantity Management Subareas will be able to utilize an additional 2 acre-inches of groundwater for the establishment of a cover crop – if needed. District staff will also have the authorization to approve use of the additional allocation prior to September 15th on a case-by-case basis.

A public hearing to receive input from the public and a decision by the LENRD Board of Directors on the District’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget was set for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:00PM in the Lower Elkhorn NRD Boardroom. This hearing will take place prior to the regularly scheduled Committee Meeting.

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, September 24, 2026, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



Pillen Hosts USDA Secretary Rollins for Nebraska Cattle Industry Roundtable

Governor Jim Pillen hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Monday evening for a roundtable discussion with Nebraska cattle producers to address key economic and environmental challenges facing the cattle industry. The event followed a visit by the USDA Secretary to the Nebraska State Fair where she announced a platform of initiatives aimed at addressing beef prices for consumers, expanding the nation’s cattle herd, as well as processing capacity.

During the one-hour meeting hosted in the Governor’s Hearing Room at the State Capitol, Gov. Pillen and Sec. Rollins heard from nearly 15 invited ranchers from across the state who offered their perspectives, as well as suggestions for supporting their industry.

“We want to ensure that Sec. Rollins hears directly from Nebraska cattlemen. Agriculture is the lifeblood of our state, and when our cattle industry thrives, all of Nebraska thrives,” said Gov. Pillen. “Agriculture is the top of the spear of our economy and if our producers are doing well, everybody is doing well.”

During the meeting and speaking later to invited media, Sec. Rollins outlined the USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative, a federal effort aimed at rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd, which now sits at a 75-year low.

“We hear this over and over, that if we lose more ranches, if this trend continues, then we will lose freedom in this country. Where there is beef, there is freedom. If we’re not able to feed and fuel ourselves, we will no longer know the American dream,” Rollins said.

The USDA’s actions build on the department’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry and are designed to provide ranchers with additional risk management tools while addressing processing capacity and market concerns. The five-point plan includes expanding support and resources for new ranchers, including veterans; expediting recovery from natural disasters; a heifer retention program for boosting breeding herds; prioritizing the availability of American beef in schools, hospitals, prisons and other institutions; and strengthening small and regional processing facilities.

“I’m grateful to Sec. Rollins for being here to listen directly to our ranchers. I know how hard she is fighting for America’s producers and in particular, Nebraska’s,” said Gov Pillen. “I am proud to partner with her as we plow ahead together to strengthen our ag economy.”



NEBFARMPAC Endorses Sarah Slattery for Secretary of State

Nebraska Farmers Union’s Political Action Committee, NEBFARMPAC announced their enthusiastic and unanimous endorsement of Sarah Slattery for Secretary of State of Nebraska in the general election on November 3rd. 

NEBFARMPAC Secretary and Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen said “Sarah Slattery has the operational and managerial experience required to serve Nebraskans effectively as Secretary of State. Having owned and operated Slattery Vintage Estates alongside her family in rural Cass County for 18 years, Sarah has spent nearly two decades deeply embedded in Nebraska's agritourism and small business economy. She understands firsthand the administrative, supply chain, and regulatory challenges that rural entrepreneurs and agricultural families face every single day. Managing a complex agri-business means she is well-versed in compliance, logistics, budget management, and operational leadership from the ground up.”

“Beyond her success as an entrepreneur, Sarah is a mother, adjunct professor, professional chef, and dedicated community leader who holds a Bachelor's degree from Creighton University and a professional culinary certificate from Metropolitan Community College. Our board previously endorsed her for Legislature in LD2. We know she will be a fair, honest, and hardworking public servant.,” said Vern Jantzen, NEBFARMPAC President.

“NEBFARMPAC sees the Secretary of State’s office as an executive, nonpartisan, and administrative role that oversees vital filings and registrations for our business entities, administers our elections in a fair, neutral, and nonpartisan manner, and also helps represent our state and hosts events for our foreign partners. It requires a proven, steady manager who will carry out the responsibilities for their office in a professional and nonpartisan manner and protect the trust and integrity of the voting process. There must not be any wearing of partisan interests or flags in the Secretary of State position. Sarah will safeguard our democratic processes and run the Secretary of State's office efficiently and fairly on day one. In this election, the choice is clear, Sarah Slattery deserves our support,” concluded NEBFARMPAC Secretary John Hansen.

NEBFARMPAC is the political action committee of the Nebraska Farmers Union, which is a non-partisan, not-for-profit general farm organization founded in 1913 with a mission to protect and enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of family farmers and ranchers and their rural communities.  NeFU is the respected voice of family farm and ranch agriculture with nearly 4,000 family memberships.



ChopLocal University Launches Free “Meat Marketing Mastery” Educational Program to Help Direct-to-Consumer Meat Producers Grow Their Businesses

Ecommerce for direct-to-consumer meat sales presents an incredible opportunity for livestock farmers, but many struggle with pricing and marketing. ChopLocal University’s free Meat Marketing Mastery program helps solve these problems.

The program includes five live webinars, one-on-one coaching, and access to a private producer community. The resources are free for livestock producers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

“This program is different from the educational resources we’ve offered in the past,” says ChopLocal University’s founder, Katie Olthoff. “We’ve found that farmers really appreciate help with implementing the strategies we discuss in our webinars, so we’ve incorporated free one-on-one coaching for participating producers. We’re excited to see the impact this has on participants’ businesses.”

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Five free webinars: Sessions are delivered as live Lunch & Learn webinars, with recordings posted to YouTube for producers who can’t attend live. Topics include: Online store essentials, meat pricing and bundle building, website and SEO setup, ongoing marketing (social, email, promotions), and agritourism and on-farm events. 

Free one-on-one coaching: Eligible participants can receive individualized coaching from experienced direct-to-consumer meat marketing professionals on strategy, website improvements, online sales, pricing, promotions, and business growth.
Private Facebook community: Participants can join a private producer group to ask questions, share ideas, celebrate wins, and stay informed about upcoming training and resources.

Instructors/coaches: Sessions will be led by Katie Olthoff from ChopLocal University, Matt LeRoux from Cornell University, and Victoria Buchanan from Blackrock Highlands. All three have experience teaching and coaching producers involved in direct-to-consumer meat sales.

OUTREACH PARTNERS
ChopLocal is partnering with agricultural organizations to connect producers with the program. Current outreach partners include Practical Farmers of Iowa, a farmer-led nonprofit supporting sustainable agriculture across Iowa, and GrassWorks, a Wisconsin-based membership organization advancing managed grazing education and advocacy. Both organizations are sharing the program with their members and networks. ChopLocal welcomes additional agricultural organizations interested in helping connect producers with this free education.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Meat Marketing Mastery is free and open to direct-to-consumer livestock producers in the Midwest. Producers and partner organizations can learn more and register for upcoming sessions at choplocaluniversity.com/meat-marketing-mastery-erme.

The first webinar, “Build an Online Meat Business that Sells,” is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, and is free and open to producers nationwide. Registration is available at choplocaluniversity.com/meat-marketing-mastery-webinar-1.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.66 million tons (222 million bushels) in July 2026, compared with 6.53 million tons (218 million bushels) in June 2026 and 6.16 million tons (205 million bushels) in July 2025. Crude oil produced was 2.57 billion pounds, up 2 percent from June 2026 and up 6 percent from July 2025. Soybean once refined oil production at 2.03 billion pounds during July 2026 increased less than 1 percent from June 2026 and increased 10 percent from July 2025.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 528 million bushels in July 2026. Total corn consumption was up 2 percent from June 2026 and up 4 percent from July 2025. July 2026 usage included 92.3 percent for alcohol and 7.7 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 4.29 million bushels, up 12 percent from June 2026 and up 54 percent from July 2025. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 475 million bushels, was up 2 percent from June 2026 and up 4 percent from July 2025. Corn consumed in July 2026 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.6 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.85 million tons during July 2026, up 2 percent from June 2026 but down 1 percent from July 2025. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.29 million tons in July 2026, down less than 1 percent from June 2026 but up 9 percent from July 2025.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 250,692 tons during July 2026, down 3 percent from June 2026 and down 2 percent from July 2025. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 210,120 tons in July 2026, up 8 percent from June 2026 and up 10 percent from July 2025.



2025 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
 
As part of the Current Agricultural Industrial Reports (CAIR) program, the 2025 Annual Summary of the Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production contains data and annual totals for January through December 2025.

Total corn consumed for alcohol for 2025 was 5.56 billion bushels, down 2 percent from 2024. Corn for beverage alcohol in 2025 totaled 39.6 million bushels, down 17 percent from 2024. Corn for fuel alcohol was 5.43 billion bushels in 2025, down 2 percent from 2024.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 21.6 million tons during 2025, down 4 percent from 2024. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 14.8 million tons in 2025, up less than 1 percent from 2024. Distillers dried grain (DWG) was 4.51 million tons in 2025, down 1 percent from 2024.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 3.05 million tons during 2025, down 3 percent from 2024. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 2.26 million tons, down 7 percent from 2024.

Dry and wet mill carbon dioxide captured was 2.96 million tons in 2025, up 8 percent from 2024.



Rollins Unveils Plan to Modernize Agricultural Data Collection and Put Farmers First

Tuesday, at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Data Modernization Plan to put Farmers First, reduce unnecessary burdens on producers, and improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of the agricultural data that informs decisions across American agriculture.

Since USDA was established in 1862, collecting and sharing reliable agricultural information has been central to its mission. Today, USDA data informs crop and livestock estimates, risk-management tools, disaster assistance, and critical business decisions made by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our food and agricultural system, and USDA should respect their time while delivering the reliable information they need,” said Secretary Rollins. “This plan puts Farmers First by cutting burdensome red tape, using modern tools, and ensuring producers have a stronger voice in how USDA collects and reports agricultural data. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is bringing agricultural data collection into the 21st century while protecting the privacy and trust of the people we serve.”

In February 2026, Secretary Rollins issued a Request for Information seeking feedback on the opportunities, challenges, and emerging areas in USDA data. Additionally, Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership held a series of data modernization listening sessions at state fairs and farm shows across the country throughout August to hear directly from hundreds of producers and agricultural stakeholders. That feedback helped shape the USDA Data Modernization Plan and its four pillars:
    Modernize the Data Reporting Experience: USDA will expand use of administrative data, improve mobile access to surveys, explore opportunities to use prefilled information where appropriate, and strengthen coordination across the Department. These changes will reduce duplicative requests and limit the amount of time producers spend reporting information.
    Enhance Acreage and Yield Estimation: USDA will conduct a pilot to evaluate the use of improved satellite imagery, geospatial tools, crop models, and other emerging technologies combined with essential producer-reported information to enhance acreage and yield estimations. USDA will also assess the use of optional field inputs to enhance and ground truth yield estimates and continue advancing yield research through collaboration with agricultural partners and land-grant universities.
    Integrate Data and Technology Platforms: USDA will modernize its technology infrastructure, expand secure data-sharing capabilities, and evaluate the responsible use of tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Better integrated systems will improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and allow USDA to produce more timely and useful information.
    Expand Trust and Transparency with Producers: USDA will protect producer privacy, clearly explain why information is requested and how it is used, and create additional opportunities for producers to provide feedback. USDA will also improve communication surrounding reports, methodologies, response rates, and data limitations.

“While American agriculture and USDA look vastly different than they did in 1862, the need for timely, accurate, and useful agricultural statistics remains constant,” said Kip Tom, Special Advisor for Data Modernization. “This plan brings USDA agencies together, breaks down outdated information silos, and applies modern technology to provide producers and rural communities with better service. By improving how information is collected and shared, we can respond more quickly to challenges facing American agriculture.”

The USDA Data Modernization Plan builds on technological advancements already underway across USDA, including satellite-based crop monitoring, geospatial analysis, cloud-based platforms, improved online reporting tools, and more coordinated use of existing administrative data. The Department will also continue working with partners to evaluate new methods and strengthen the scientific foundation of its agricultural statistics.

“USDA’s agricultural statistics are only as strong as the trust and voluntary participation of America’s producers,” said Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. “By combining producer knowledge with sound science and modern technology, USDA can reduce the reporting burden while improving the quality of the information farmers and policymakers rely on. This plan will help ensure American agriculture remains productive and resilient for generations to come.”

USDA will begin implementing actions under the plan immediately and will continue engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural stakeholders throughout the process. The Department will evaluate new approaches carefully, protect privacy and confidentiality, and publish clear methodologies and supporting information to maintain the integrity of USDA’s agricultural statistics.



California Clearing the Way for Year-Round E15 Saves Consumers Money While Opening Up Major New Ethanol Market

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) applauds California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom for passing Senate Bill 795, the E15 Clean-Up Act, in the final hours of their legislative session.

The legislation removes the final technical barrier to year-round E15 sales, clearing the way for California drivers to have access to a lower carbon fuel that will save an estimated 20 or more cents per gallon.

“It’s been truly amazing to see California work in a bipartisan manner to unanimously pass E15 legislation,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “And not just bipartisan, but unanimous. But it makes sense. California drivers can save billions with E15. It will reduce tailpipe and carbon emissions. It will add much needed physical gallons to a constrained market. And, while maybe not California’s motivation, E15 in the state represents 600 to 700 million gallons per year of ethanol market potential.”

California joins seven Midwestern states in taking action to ensure motorists have access to E15 year-round. This move represents another significant step toward expanding the national market for homegrown ethanol. California is one of the nation’s largest fuel markets, and increased access to E15 will create new opportunities for Iowa ethanol producers and corn farmers. Meanwhile, the future of nationwide, year-round E15 remains clouded in Congress.

“It’s almost shocking to say, but the U.S. Congress could take a lesson from California on E15,” said Shaw. “California beat Congress to the E15 punch. All 50 states deserve the right to offer E15 for sale. Consumers deserve the chance to choose E15. I know our Congressional champions are working hard to get E15 across the finish line, but the whole institution needs to wake up.”

After California legislation authorizing E15, known as AB30, was signed into law last October, state agencies moved quickly to implement the unanimous legislation. But after months of work, the California Fire Marshal insisted state law wouldn’t allow E15 through a small part of the existing infrastructure, known as secondary vapor recovery devices, even though the manufacturers certified the equipment was compatible with E15. This technical barrier threatened to delay E15 access by 1 to 2 years. Instead, during the final hours of the California legislative session, a second unanimous bill (SB795) passed, allowing E15 to be dispensed using current equipment if certified by the manufacturer.

During months of behind-the-scenes work to find a path forward, the California Governor’s Office reached out to Iowa for their experience. IRFA helped provide California with over ten years of data and experience offering E15 through existing equipment.

“Iowa may not be the biggest fuel market in the country, but when it comes to E15, we’ve been leading by example for more than a decade,” said Shaw. “We think Iowa played a small but important role in getting California across the finish line. At the request of the California Governor’s Office, IRFA provided California officials with information, data, and rule language drawing on Iowa’s decade-plus of experience successfully selling E15 through existing dispensers and fueling infrastructure. Now, California drivers have the opportunity to benefit from a lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel, while Iowa farmers and ethanol producers gain another major market for homegrown ethanol. That’s a win-win worth celebrating.”

IRFA will continue working with policymakers and renewable fuels stakeholders across the country to build on this momentum, expand markets for ethanol, and support policies that strengthen demand for Iowa-produced renewable fuels.



Farmer sentiment rises again in August as future expectations improve

For the first time since June 2025, respondents in the August Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer survey expect their operation to be better off financially rather than worse off a year from now. The improved outlook raised farmer sentiment from 126 in July to 135 in August. While the Index of Future Expectations increased 11 points, the Index of Current Conditions rose only 1 point. Optimism about export prospects over the next five years also improved this month, reaching 140 — the highest since December 2025. Higher input costs remained the biggest concern this month. The survey was conducted among 402 farmers across the nation from Aug. 10-14.

The Farm Financial Performance Index rose from 90 at the beginning of the year to 103 in August, indicating increased optimism among respondents about their financial outlook for the next 12 months. Despite this increase, the Farm Capital Investment Index declined by 5 points to 45.

This month’s survey featured three questions on operator skills. The first asked respondents to identify the skill with the most return on investment for their farm, with production skills the most valued at 29%, followed by financial management and analysis at 23%, and strategic planning at 22%. The second question asked which skill their farm most needed to improve, with strategic planning at 28%, selling products at 20% and buying inputs at 19%. The third question asked which skills could be improved most through artificial intelligence, with strategic planning at 32%, financial management and analysis at 28%, and production at 18%.

In August, the Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index rose by 8 points to 127. The survey identified alternative investments, interest rates and inflation as the top three influences on farmland values. Periodically, the survey asks respondents to evaluate farmland as an investment. For this month, 65% viewed farmland as a good investment, 17% as medium and 18% as poor.

“Producers are looking beyond the day-to-day management of their operations and thinking more strategically about the skills they need to succeed,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “The emphasis on strategic planning, both as an area for improvement and as a potential application for artificial intelligence, suggests producers see opportunities to use new tools to strengthen decision-making.”

Since July 2025, producers have been asked whether they believe the U.S. is moving in the “right direction” or on the “wrong track.” The average “right direction” response was 71% in the final six months of 2025 and 62% in the first quarter of 2026. Since April, the percentage of producers who feel the U.S. is heading in the right direction has fluctuated between 51% and 57%. In August, 51% of respondents said the U.S. was moving in the right direction.



House of Representatives Votes to Fund Government Through December 11

Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR), to fund the federal government through December 11. The measure passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 370-48. It previously passed the Senate in a vote of 90-6. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature. NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer provided the following statement in response.

“NAWG is encouraged to see Congress take the necessary action to temporarily fund the federal government and avoid another government shutdown. But with a long list of critical priorities still before Congress, there is much more work to be done before the end of the year. Wheat growers are facing sustained economic challenges, including volatile commodity prices, high input costs, and intensifying global competition. Given the severity of conditions across the farm economy, Congress must also consider additional near-term economic assistance to help producers weather continued financial pressures. At the same time, short-term assistance cannot replace the certainty provided by strong federal farm policy. Congress must act with urgency to deliver a comprehensive, long-term farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net and provides wheat growers with the certainty and stability they need to continue producing the nation’s food and supporting a strong agricultural economy.”



ASA Welcomes David Johanson as International Trade Advisor

The American Soybean Association today welcomed David Johanson, former chairman and commissioner of the U.S. International Trade Commission, to its government affairs team as ASA international trade advisor. Johanson has extensive international trade experience, with much of his career focused on agriculture.

“David brings tremendous experience and a deep understanding of both agricultural trade and the soybean industry,” said ASA CEO Stephen Censky. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with David throughout his career and have seen firsthand the expertise and perspective he brings to complex trade issues. We are excited to have him on board as ASA continues working to protect and expand opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers around the world.”

Johanson spent nearly 15 years at the U.S. International Trade Commission, including serving two full terms as chairman. Previously, he served nearly nine years as International Trade Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, where he advised Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and worked extensively on agricultural trade matters, including soybeans. Earlier in his career, Johanson practiced international trade law in the private sector, where ASA was among his clients.

“With more than half of the U.S. soybean crop exported annually, access to global markets is critical for soybean farmers,” Johanson said. “I look forward to working on behalf of soybean farmers to address international trade challenges, strengthen and expand market access, and advance trade policies that create opportunities for U.S. soy around the world.”



Fundamental Price Impacts of Announced Tariff Waiver on Ground Beef
Andrew Anderson, Ph.D.
Extension Specialist in Livestock Economics
Utah State University

The cattle markets have been an eventful topic over the past month or so. The list of market-moving news includes slaughter and processing plant closures, the border reopening to Mexican cattle, a tight Cattle on Feed report, and an announced tariff waiver for ground beef imports. Not surprisingly, cattle prices have been volatile. Each of these events has received much commentary, most of which has lacked grounding in estimates of fundamental price impacts. The ground beef tariff exemption has been particularly controversial. Here I hope to add some substance to the public conversation by giving my own estimates of potential price impacts of the announced tariff waiver.

To estimate price impacts, I assumed a market for ground beef, and another for whole muscle cuts, since the imports would be lean beef trimmings destined for the ground beef market. Using supply, own-price demand, and cross-price demand elasticities from the agricultural economics literature, we can solve the system of supply and demand equations for price and quantity changes. The increase in supply of imported lean beef trimmings enters as a supply shock in ground beef, pushing down the price, and extending to other beef through the cross-price effect. However, it is far from clear that the announced quantity will fully enter the market in the 90-day period that was noted. A lower quantity could result from the logistics and availability of imports, some of the duty-free imports replacing quantity that would have arrived anyway, or some of the imports going into cold storage to enter the market later. So, I have made low (40%), mid (60%), and high (80%) assumptions for the proportion of the announced quantity that will actually enter the market in the 90 days. 

After impacting individual beef markets, as shown above, the price reaction would work its way back to cattle markets. I use a transmission factor from the literature for the price transfer to fed cattle and cull cows, 0.2 and 0.67, respectively. The rates are different primarily because fed carcasses are split about 85% vs 15% between whole muscle cuts and ground beef; while cull cows are split about 10% vs 90% respectively. 

Based on my analysis, the fed cattle price decrease from this policy change would be between 1.5 and 3%, while the cull cow market would see a 5 to 10% price reduction. The impacts are highly uncertain because the logistics of importing and selling that large of a quantity of beef may be prohibitive. In any case, the fundamental impacts in the fed cattle market will be relatively modest. Furthermore, it will likely be difficult to identify the isolated impact of this policy in the market as other factors like reduced packing capacity and cattle supply continue to dominate price determination.

Tuesday September 01 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - UNL ARD Announces Acting Assoc. Deans - NE Corn Board Internships - Edge Dairy Coop Adds Western Territory Mgr - Reaction to EAP RINS Reallocation - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress: Soybean Near Seasonal Pace, Corn Maturity Lags

Nebraska corn and soybean continued advancing toward maturity last week, although corn maturity remains behind its typical late-August pace. Soybean development is tracking closer to average, while crop conditions remain generally favorable for both crops.

Meanwhile, soil moisture continued to decline across the state, and pasture and range conditions remain strained heading into September. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 19% very short, 30% short, 47% adequate and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 27% very short, 32% short, 40% adequate and 1% surplus. 

Producers had ample opportunity for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 30, with 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Field Crops Report:

Corn
    Dough: 92% — ahead of 87% last year and 91% for the five-year average.
    Dented: 63% — ahead of 58% last year but behind 65% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 4% — behind 12% last year and 14% for the five-year average.
    Condition: 6% very poor, 11% poor, 25% fair, 42% good, 16% excellent.

Soybean
    Setting Pods: 95% — ahead of 92% last year but behind 96% for the five-year average.
    Dropping Leaves: 11% — ahead of 4% last year but behind 12% for the five-year average.
    Condition: 3% very poor, 8% poor, 24% fair, 50% good, 15% excellent.

Sorghum
    Headed: 87% — behind 88% last year and 94% for the five-year average.
    Coloring: 43% — ahead of 41% last year but behind 51% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 3% — ahead of 2% last year and the five-year average.
    Condition: 5% very poor, 20% poor, 38% fair, 33% good, 4% excellent.

Oats
    Harvested: 95% — behind 97% last year and 99% for the five-year average.

Pasture and Range
    Condition: 33% very poor, 28% poor, 28% fair, 10% good, 1% excellent.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and other reporters across the state. 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 30, 2026. This is 0.2 days less than last year, when there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. 

Ninety-four percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dough stage, which is 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Sixty-eight percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 8 percentage points ahead of last year. Six percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. 

Soybeans setting pods reached 93 percent, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. One percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. 

Ninety-eight percent of oats have been harvested, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. 

Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Corn good-to-excellent ratings held steady last week, while soybean ratings declined, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 92%, 3 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 89%. Corn dented was estimated at 62%, 6 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 56%. Corn mature was pegged at 13%, 1 percentage point behind last year's 14% and steady with the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, steady with the previous week and 12 percentage points below last year's 69%. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, steady with the previous week and 8 percentage points above the previous year's 9%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 95%, 2 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 93%. Soybean dropping leaves were pegged at 13%, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 10% and 4 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 9%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 58% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, 2 percentage points below the previous week's 60% and 7 percentage points below the previous year's 65%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest moved ahead 15 percentage points last week to reach 77% complete as of Sunday. That was 8 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 69% and 9 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 68%. 



ARD names three acting associate deans

The Agricultural Research Division at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced the appointment of three acting associate deans who will help guide the division in the months ahead.  

The new acting associate deans are:   
    Dr. Nicole Buan, Department of Biochemistry, who will lead efforts to advance innovation and growth in Nebraska's bioeconomy. 
    Dr. Amanda Ramer-Tait, Department of Food Science and Technology, who will focus on precision nutrition and rural health while expanding partnerships with UNMC and other strategic collaborators. 
    Dr. Brian Wardlow, School of Natural Resources, who will focus on spatial sciences and their integration with the bioeconomy, digital agriculture, natural resources, human health and prosperity, and artificial intelligence. 

Together, they will help advance key strategic priorities, leverage existing strengths, and strengthen collaboration across IANR, the University of Nebraska System, and external partners. In addition to advancing strategic initiatives, the Acting Associate Deans will support ARD's operational priorities. Each dean will serve in a 0.3 FTE capacity.  

“I’m thrilled to work alongside these three talented leaders as we continue advancing ARD’s work across IANR and throughout Nebraska,” said interim ARD Dean Tala Awada. “Each brings distinctive strengths, deep expertise and a strong commitment to our land-grant mission. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve in these roles and help guide ARD’s next chapter.” 



Nebraska Corn Board Now Accepting 2027 Internship Applications

Six paid internship opportunities are now open for application through the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), placing students in Lincoln, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. and Denver starting in May 2027. Each position pairs a student directly with NCB or one of its cooperator partner organizations for hands-on, real-world work across the corn and red meat industry.

Four internships run for the summer with partner organizations based outside Nebraska. The remaining two are yearlong positions hosted directly by Nebraska Corn in Lincoln.

2027-2028 Internship Opportunities:

Communications and Event Management Internship
Host: Nebraska Corn
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2027 and/or 2027-2028 School Year

Research and Demand Internship
Host: Nebraska Corn Board
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2027 and/or 2027-2028 School Year
 
Communications Internship
Host: National Corn Growers Association
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Duration: Summer 2027

Public Policy and Analysis Internship
Host: National Corn Growers Association
Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2027

Event Management Internship
Host: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2027

Promotion and International Relations Internship
Host: U.S. Meat Export Federation
Location: Denver, Colorado
Duration: Summer 2027

“These internships give students real experience across the corn industry, from communications and policy to trade and international relations. Every year we see interns come in eager to learn and leave with a genuine understanding of what this industry does for Nebraska,” said Andy Groskopf, chairman of NCB. “We're glad to keep offering these opportunities, and we look forward to meeting the next group of successful interns.”

Internships are open to all college students, with preference given to those enrolled in Nebraska colleges or universities. Apply online at nebraskacorn.gov/internships by Friday, October 9, 2026.



Wheeler joins Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative as Territory Manager – West

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the country based on milk volume, today announced the appointment of Lynne Wheeler to the newly defined role of Territory Manager – West.

In this role, Wheeler will work directly with members to provide support and services needed to meet policy, regulation and sustainability challenges in South and North Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. She will support the development and execution of territory-specific strategies that expand organizational reach, increase member engagement, develop state and regional policy and regulatory priorities and advance the mission of the Voice of Milk organizations.

“As our western territory continues to grow, we’re expanding our team in order to enhance the level of services we provide to our members,” Tim Trotter, Edge CEO, said. “Lynne brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership expertise in the dairy industry. We’re confident that she’ll be a valuable asset to the team, and we look forward to what is ahead.”

Wheeler has over 14 years of leadership experience in dairy operations, genetics and dairy advocacy. She has been a managing partner on her family’s farm, Coldstream Farm in Deming, Wash., since 2011 and currently resides in South Dakota.

“I am committed to advancing the dairy industry through engaging with farmers and advocacy efforts, which starts with building strong relationships and understanding their needs,” Wheeler said. “I look forward to supporting our members and ensuring they have the services needed to tackle the challenges they’re facing today.”



ISA Responds to EPA Refinery Waivers and RIN Reallocation

Iowa Soybean Association President Tom Adam offers the following statement on Monday’s announcement regarding Small Refinery Exemptions and supplemental rulemaking to reallocate record Renewable Identification Numbers.

“The Iowa Soybean Association welcomes EPA’s notice of supplemental rulemaking and their proposal to reallocate all Renewable Identification Numbers associated with newly expanded small refinery exemptions. Complete reallocation of all lost RINs from these newly exempt volumes is the only acceptable solution. Let us be clear, these new waivers will not lower gas prices, and any deviation from EPA’s proposal to completely reallocate is destruction of domestic markets critical to the bottom line of Iowa soybean farmers.

“Protecting domestic demand for soybeans is essential to Iowa farmers and the future of our industry. We appreciate the USDA and Iowa's congressional delegation for their steadfast advocacy on behalf of farmers. EPA must now immediately get to work to ensure their proposal to reallocate 100% of lost volumes is realized.

“ISA joins the American Soybean Association in urging EPA to move forward with supplemental rulemaking and ensure any additional small refinery exemptions for 2025–2027 are fully accounted for in renewable fuel obligations. Any attempt to delay reallocation until 2028 or reallocate less than 100 percent of the lost volumes can only be viewed as a broken promise to farmers. Maintaining a strong Renewable Fuel Standard is critical to protecting domestic markets Iowa farmers depend upon.

“Today’s action by the administration makes it even more urgent that the Senate pass the farm bill, including the E15 provision. Doing so will eliminate future administrations’ ability to use this small refinery mechanism to pull the rug out from underneath farmers and the biofuel industry.”

Biomass-based diesel represents a critical market for Iowa-grown soybeans, supporting soybean prices, farm income and economic vitality in our rural communities. Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of biodiesel and soybean oil. Iowa processes approximately 85% of our soybean crop locally into meal and oil, with most of the soybean oil used in the production of biomass-based diesel.



Secretary Naig Issues Statement on EPA’s RFS Small Refinery Exemption Announcement

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Monday issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) small refinery exemptions and 2026 and 2027 obligations:

“The use of more biofuels strengthens markets for farmers, bolsters American energy security and, at a time when affordability is top of mind, unquestionably helps to save drivers money. EPA’s decision to grant this level of small refinery exemptions today is unfortunate, and unjustified. However, I am encouraged that the proposed reallocation of the waived gallons into the 2026 and 2027 renewable fuel obligations can help minimize the impact. EPA must now follow through on its commitment for full reallocation – and do so quickly – to uphold the integrity of the RFS.”



IRFA Urges EPA to Account for Any Changes to 2026-2027 Refinery Exemptions

Monday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted 29 refinery exemptions (SREs) to Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) blending levels for the 2025 compliance year. The total number of RFS compliance credits, known as RINs, swelled to 1.76 billion, compared to an earlier projection of 990 million. The EPA further stated that by the end of October, the agency will propose to reallocate 100 percent of the difference between projected and actual exempted volumes for 2025 SREs into the 2026 and 2027 RFS blending requirements.

“Every day that passes while these new refinery exemptions are final but the reallocation is hypothetical leaves renewable fuels producers and farmers in the lurch,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “The EPA must act expeditiously to propose and finalize a rule that reallocates 100 percent of the new refinery exemptions. Nearly a billion gallons of renewable fuels demand hangs in the balance.”

President Trump garnered much praise from the agriculture community in March by finalizing the most robust RFS blending levels in history for 2026 and 2027, called the Set 2 rule.

“Since President Trump put the RFS back on track in March, it has been doing exactly what it was supposed to – driving demand for biofuels,” stated Shaw. “In Iowa, we had biodiesel plants that were shuttered or running at very reduced rates. Today they are producing at full capacity, buying soybean oil from our farmers, and hiring back workers that had been let go. It is almost unimaginable to pull the rug out from under this success story by granting what we believe are unjustifiable refinery exemptions. Exemptions should be extremely rare and only granted when a refiner experiences economic hardship due to the RFS. That’s just not happening. While we are disappointed by the exemptions, a swift and full reallocation can preserve every gallon of renewable fuels demand under the RFS.”

The March RFS rule also prospectively reallocated projected refinery exemptions for 2026-2027, similar to the 2025 projections. While EPA has not announced its intentions, if the agency granted similar refinery exemptions in 2026 and 2027 as it did in 2025, an additional 1.6 billion gallons of renewable fuels demand would be in jeopardy.

“The EPA should also make clear the agency will take steps to protect the historic RFS blending levels finalized in March,” stated Shaw. “Reallocating the new 2025 exemptions is important, but so is preventing any backsliding on 2026-2027 blending levels. The market needs certainty. The record-breaking RFS levels don’t mean a thing if they are undermined through unjustified refinery exemptions. IRFA members urge EPA to commit to full reallocation of any 2026-2027 refinery exemptions in excess of the projections formalized in the Set 2 rule.”

Shaw concluded: “We want to thank the Iowa delegation and all the renewable fuel champions for speaking up loudly when exemption rumors first surfaced. While we may disagree with the exemptions, our united voices ensured that 100 percent reallocation was part of the decision. Now we’ll stand united to ensure 100 percent reallocation is expeditiously implemented.”



NCGA Responds to EPA Decision on Biofuel Credits 

The Environmental Protection Agency Monday issued Small Refinery Exemptions equating to almost 1.8 billion credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, to small petroleum refineries. Today’s decision exempts a swath of refineries from blending renewable fuels as required by the Renewable Fuels Standard. EPA will propose to reallocate 100% of the difference between projected and actual exempted volumes for 2025 SREs into the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations before the end of October.
 
In response, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
"While we are disheartened by the high number of SREs that are being granted to exempt small refineries from meeting federal blending requirements, we are thankful that the Trump administration is taking action to offset this development by pledging to reallocate these RINs. Reallocation is essential for protecting farmers, biofuel producers and consumers alike.”  

“We need vibrant markets for our products, particularly when it comes to corn ethanol, and the nation's drivers need affordable fuel. Biofuels are a homegrown solution for increasing our country’s energy supply and reducing fuel costs. Recent history has shown that issuing SREs at this volume does nothing to reduce the price of gas.  
 
“We are appreciative of the White House and our advocates on Capitol Hill for hearing our concerns and acting. We will work closely with EPA and administration officials to ensure our growers' interests are protected as these specific announcements are implemented and as other decisions affecting the biofuels market are being made." 



ASA Statement on Small Refinery Exemptions & RIN Reallocation

The American Soybean Association Monday responded to the administration’s actions on 2025 small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions, which remove approximately 1.8 billion Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) from Renewable Fuel Standard compliance for small refiners but propose to reallocate 100% of those RINs to larger refiners in the current 2026-2027 period, thereby assuring no loss in biofuel demand. Without 100% reallocation in the current period covered by EPA’s Set 2 Rule, ASA had estimated that biomass-based diesel demand would drop by 500 million gallons and soybean farmers would suffer almost a $1 billion loss in revenue.

ASA appreciates the intervention of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and members of Congress, who highlighted the threat of SRE actions to biofuel feedstock producers and identified solutions to protect domestic soybean markets ahead of harvest. ASA also thanks the EPA for outlining the timeline to move forward with supplemental rulemaking before the end of October to hold soybean farmers and biofuel demand harmless by ensuring additional impacted volumes are 100% reallocated back into the historic renewable volume obligations finalized by the Trump administration in April.

“Soybean farmers greatly appreciate President Trump, Senator Grassley along with other biofuel champions in Congress, and USDA officials for sounding the alarm and working around the clock to ensure that soybean farmers and producers of homegrown biofuels are not negatively impacted by today’s SRE announcement,” said Dave Walton, ASA vice president and Iowa soybean farmer. “We appreciate the administration’s commitment to reallocating 100% of these additional exemptions and their intention to enter into supplemental rulemaking soon, but timing is critical. Any delay in reallocation risks undermining the domestic market demand that soybean farmers urgently need as we enter harvest season. EPA must move quickly to fully reallocate these RINs and ensure soybean farmers are held harmless.”

ASA also urges EPA to include 100% reallocation of updated expected SRE levels for 2026 and 2027. EPA proactively accounted for expected exemptions in setting those volumes, but SRE levels are now expected to be higher if new assessment methodology does not change. Addressing updated 2025–2027 SRE levels together would protect the integrity of the RFS and avoid the need for annual supplemental rulemakings.



NFU Statement on Small Refinery Exemptions

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew Monday shared the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency's announcement on 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard Small Refinery Exemptions: 

"We appreciate the administration's decision to fully reallocate the renewable identification numbers affected by these exemptions, protecting a stable market for family farmers. Farmers spoke out about the harm they'd face without full reallocation, and we appreciate EPA listening to those concerns. The uncertainty around potential changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard has not been helpful at a time when farm country needs predictability. We're glad to see the integrity of the program upheld and continued demand for what our farmers grow." 



Farm Rescue Encourages Referrals for Farm Families in Need of Harvest Assistance

As harvest begins across the country, Farm Rescue is reminding rural communities that help is available for farm families facing an unexpected crisis. When illness, injury or natural disaster strikes, the work on the farm doesn’t stop. Crops still need to come out of the field, and for a family already navigating a difficult season, harvest can quickly become an overwhelming challenge.

Farm Rescue provides free harvest assistance to farm families in crisis, bringing together equipment, volunteers and support to help families get their crops safely out of the field. This harvest season, Farm Rescue is asking farmers, neighbors, agricultural professionals, healthcare providers, community organizations, friends and family members to help identify those who may need assistance.

If you know a farm family facing a crisis this harvest season, refer them to Farm Rescue. Families can also apply directly for assistance at Farmrescue.org/need-help. Farm Rescue harvest assistance is available in: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Montana, and Kentucky.

“Farm families are strong and resilient, but when an unexpected injury, illness or natural disaster occurs, it can be a challenge to navigate on top of the needs of the farm,” said Shari Rogge-Fidler, Executive Director of Farm Rescue. “In rural communities, neighbors have always looked out for one another, but during harvest, those same neighbors are often working long days to bring in their own crops. That’s where Farm Rescue can step in. We’re here to help carry the load so families facing a crisis can focus on what matters most: their family and recovery.”



Rollins Announces Ranchers First Initiatives to Rebuild the Great American Beef Herd

Monday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a sweeping package of actions to continue rebuilding the Great American Beef Herd and put America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply. Building on USDA’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry, the Trump Administration is delivering again. 

American ranchers embody the independent spirit that drove the founding of America, 250 years ago. For more than two centuries, their independence, resiliency, and committed stewardship have provided American consumers with the safest and highest-quality beef and lamb in the world, and they remain foundational to America’s national security and to the strength and vitality of rural communities. Yet today the nation’s cattle herd sits at a 75-year low, with ranchers forced out of business by burdensome regulations and an outright war on beef waged at the altar of Green New Deal climate extremism. 

“Until President Trump took office, America’s ranchers were treated as a problem with policy geared toward their eventual extinction. The consequences were devastating: a war on beef, a cattle herd at a 75-year low, and the loss of tens of thousands of family operations,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “President Trump promised to put the American ranchers first, and the Ranchers First Initiative delivers on that promise. We are investing real dollars to rebuild the Great American Beef Herd, giving producers the risk management tools they need, cutting the red tape that has squeezed small and independent operators, and demanding transparency in a marketplace that has been consolidated and foreign-owned for far too long. President Trump will make certain the men and women who raise our cattle can hand their operations to the next generation, and that American families can put safe, high-quality, American-raised beef on the table.” 

Ranchers First Initiative Actions

New Tools to Support Heifer Retention
USDA is going to secure tomorrow's herd through the new Beef Retention and National Development (BRAND) endorsement for Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). The BRAND endorsement will allow producers to insure the economic value of retaining a heifer for breeding over a two-year period. The endorsement would establish a protected value based on the expected slaughter value of the heifer at the time of enrollment. If, at any time during the endorsement period, the heifer’s projected or realized slaughter value exceeds the economic value of retaining her as breeding stock, the policy would provide for the difference.    

ECP and Grassland CRP Maximization
USDA will allow producers to use the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to speed recovery after wildfires and other natural disasters.  This flexibility is a direct investment in rebuilding the Great American Beef Herd by providing ranchers the ability to rebuild critical infrastructure quickly and minimize long-term losses from disaster events. 

Continuing to Revitalize American Local Processing
Following up on the successful Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program to support small and regional beef slaughter facilities, USDA is creating a SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program to help support regional processing, including establishing processor co-ops, expanding small business footprints, and increasing the variety of animal proteins being processed.  

USDA will also establish a Regional Processor Continuity Effort designed to strengthen regional processing capacity and improve business resilience across the agricultural supply chain. With recent processing closure announcements, nearly 20% of beef processing capacity will be available as the herd grows. This is a tremendous opportunity to shift this capacity toward American-owned independent small, mid-size, and new co-ops and keep our critical meat supply out of the hands of foreign control. 

Prioritizing American Beef in Federal Spending
USDA will prioritize federal procurement of locally processed American beef by encouraging purchasing across federal and state institutions—including prisons, hospitals, and related facilities. By strengthening locally processed domestic sourcing requirements, USDA aims to bolster demand for American‑raised beef, support U.S. ranchers, and reinforce integrity and transparency within federal food purchasing programs. This builds on last week's Harvest to Hallways announcement advancing healthy food for schools, and will allow USDA to work with not just Health and Human Services, but also the Department of Justice, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of War in what food they purchase.  

Supporting New Farmers and Ranchers
Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, USDA was able to expand support for beginning farmers and ranchers for the first decade of operations and increase premium assistance during that entire time frame. New ranchers can also access specialized Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans to buy land, livestock, and equipment, receive free conservation and grazing management support through NRCS, gain risk management protection through livestock insurance programs, and connect with state coordinators.   

To help build on these programs, USDA will be establishing an initiative focused on Beginning and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Affairs. USDA will also be working with the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to leverage programs like Department of War’s (DOW) SkillBridge program, to recruit servicemembers departing military service into ranching and farming careers. 

Monday August 31 Ag News - Wisner Farmer/Feeder Appointed to NE Brand Committee - NeExt Rainfall, Soil Moisture Decision Tool - New Grain Marketing Series Launches Sept 1 - Sasse to Keynote Gov's Summit - US Dairy Responds to Protein Demand - and more!

Pillen Appoints New Members to Nebraska Brand Committee

Governor Jim Pillen has appointed new members to Nebraska’s Brand Committee in compliance with this year’s passage of LB 1187. Central to the new law is the formation of a new committee consisting of seven representatives. Previously, the Brand Committee had five members.

Among the appointments announced Friday was one representative from northeast Nebraska. Representing District 5 will be Jordan Feller from Wisner in Cuming County.  Feller will represent district 5, which includes 43 counties in eastern Nebraska in the non-inspection area.  In general, district 1 covers the panhandle to Cherry County, district 2 is southwest Nebraska, district 3 is north-central Nebraska, and district 4 is south-central Nebraska. 

The group now includes five cattle producers, plus the owner or operator of a feedlot and the owner of a livestock auction market. The secretary of state as well as the director of agriculture serve as ex-officio members.
  
Governor’s appointments and initial terms:
District 1 - Ben Holliday, 2-year term
District 2 - Jed Connealy,  3-year term
District 3 - Kraig Freeman,  4-year term 
District 4 - Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, 4-year term 
District 5 - Jordan Feller, 2-year term
Registered Feedlot Owner - Larry (Doug) Sheppard, 3-year term
Livestock Auction Owner - Todd Eberle, 4-year term

The new membership requirements and the Governor’s appointments are effective as of today. The term of appointment for new Brand Committee members will be staggered starting out. Following those initial appointments, members will each serve a four-year term.  Any appointments to the committee are subject to legislative confirmation.

The purpose of the Brand Committee is to protect Nebraska brand and livestock owners from the theft of livestock through established brand recording, brand inspection and livestock theft investigation.



New Nebraska Extension Resource Brings Rainfall, Soil Moisture Data Together for Farm Decisions

How much rain fell on a field — and how much moisture remains in the soil — can influence some of the most important management decisions producers make during the growing season.

Making those decisions requires timely information about field conditions, including soil water content and fertility. When soil water is limited, for example, producers may need to consider irrigation where it is available. Estimating soil water content requires information about recent rainfall and how much water a crop, such as corn or soybean, is using at its current growth stage.

To assist this decision-making process, Nebraska Extension Agricultural Climatologist Steve Hu and Nebraska Extension Irrigated Cropping Systems Extension Educator Steve Melvin have developed a new web resource for producers: Weather and Climate Information for Agricultural Decision-Making (AgWeather.unl.edu). The site provides accumulated precipitation (rainfall and snow) estimates for the previous 24, 48 and 72 hours at a resolution — or level of geographic detail — of 4 kilometers (2.48 miles). While the 4-kilometer resolution is less detailed than the ideal resolution of less than a mile, it provides producers with information they can use to estimate recent rainfall on their crops. Some historical rainfall maps of previous years are also available. In addition, the site provides examples of how to estimate rainfall totals at any location across Nebraska. 

Alongside rainfall, the site has a page displaying calculated soil moisture for the previous day and previous month. The calculated soil moisture represents the amount of water in the crop rooting zone, expressed in millimeters, either for the previous day or as an average for the previous month. The maps also show how current soil moisture compares with the recent 30-year average (1991–2020), helping producers identify areas that are wetter or drier than normal.

One limitation of the soil map is its lower resolution; it describes the average soil moisture over about 30 mile distance. Understandably, soil moisture can vary substantially over short distances due to rainfall variability, topography, soil type and crop or vegetation cover. Nonetheless, the calculated soil moisture provides an indication of background soil water conditions which can be used to estimate the soil moisture at specific farm locations. This background soil moisture conditions can guide decisions for dryland crops and pasture/rangeland.

In addition, the site provides the net gain or loss of soil water at locations over the past week or month. There will be a net loss of soil water if surface evaporation (E) is greater than the rainfall received (P) over a period. The value is calculated by subtracting precipitation from surface evaporation, resulting in a positive number during a drying period (more soil water is lost, shown in yellow-orange on the map). When E is less than P (a negative number in the map), more rainwater is added to the soil than is lost through evaporation, so soil moisture content increases (highlighted in green on the map).

Combined with current soil moisture information, these data can help producers understand whether soil water conditions are improving or declining — an essential element in making management decisions throughout the growing season. 

Unlike many online weather data sources, this resource is supported by Nebraska Extension faculty who can help producers interpret the information and apply it to various landscapes and cropping systems. The site will continue to be updated and improved based on producer needs, with the goal of helping users build confidence in applying weather and climate information to management decisions on their operations. Producers are encouraged to use the contact information below to suggest additional features or information that would make the site more useful to them.



New Grain Marketing Webinar Series Launches September 1

A new live webinar series from the Center for Agricultural Profitability and the Nebraska's Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program aims to help Nebraska producers stay on top of grain markets. 

"Marketing Tips for Corn and Soybeans" is planned to every other week at noon Central time in September and October 2026. Each edition will offer updates on where prices stand and what's driving them, along with marketing tips and strategies to help producers make the most of their plans.

Each session will include a market update on corn and soybeans, then dig into a different marketing topic, from reading balance sheets and stocks-to-use to chart analysis, crop progress data, or basis and cash sale timing. The rotating format aims to help producers build a more complete toolkit for making marketing decisions over the course of the season.

Jeff Peterson, assistant professor of practice in agricultural economics at Nebraska, leads each session.

Schedule and Registration
Subject to change
Registration is only required once. When that's submitted, you will be registered for each webinar in this series and receive reminder emails prior to each session.
    Tuesday, Sept. 1, noon CT 
    Thursday, Sept. 17, noon CT
    Tuesday, Sept. 29, noon CT
    Tuesday, Oct. 13, noon CT
    Tuesday, Oct. 27, noon CT

Register for the Free Marketing Tips Webinar Series - https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tsDIUGCrQheLtLyrGwZJVA

Grain marketing resources developed for the TAPS program, but relevant for all producers, are available at https://cap.unl.edu/tapsmarketing.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Joins Agricultural Advisory Group

Nebraska Farm Bureau has accepted an invitation to join a newly formed agricultural advisory group convened by The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska. The group brings together representatives from agriculture and conservation to help inform the organization's work across the state.

According to The Nature Conservancy, the advisory group is intended to ensure the organization's agricultural initiatives are well-informed by the people actually farming and ranching the land, to identify opportunities for applied research, and to build partnerships that can expand the reach of conservation and stewardship programs for producers.

For Nebraska agriculture, having a seat at this table means Farm Bureau members' perspectives are represented as conservation-focused programs and research priorities take shape, rather than being developed without agricultural input. This includes areas such as soil health, water stewardship, and emerging land-use topics affecting Nebraska farms and ranches.

Nebraska Farm Bureau has not taken a position on any specific initiative through this group. Participation reflects the organization's ongoing effort to stay engaged wherever decisions affecting Nebraska producers are being made. Members can expect updates as the group's work develops.



Senator Ben Sasse to Keynote Governor’s Summit in September

Governor Jim Pillen announced that Ben Sasse, who served Nebraska as a U.S. senator from 2015-2023, will headline the 2026 Governor’s Summit on September 29, 2026 in Kearney.

“Ben Sasse is a model of courage in the face of adversity,” said Gov. Pillen. "He has served our state admirably, and he has inspired millions of people through his faith and grit. I’m incredibly grateful for his willingness to keynote this year’s Summit.”

“I love Nebraska—this incredible state and these big-hearted neighbors mean the world to me and my family,” said Ben Sasse. “I’m grateful for Governor Pillen’s invitation and eager to spend some time with the next generation of Nebraska leaders.”

A Nebraska native, Senator Sasse is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where his work focuses on higher education, innovation, technology, American history and culture, and national security. Before joining AEI, he was the president of the University of Florida, a U.S. senator, the president of Midland University, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He also spent more than a decade advising corporate leadership teams on strategic issues.

Sen. Sasse is the author of national bestselling books Them: Why We Hate Each Other—and How to Heal (2018) and The Vanishing American Adult: Our Coming-of-Age Crisis—and How to Rebuild a Culture of Self-Reliance (2017). He holds a PhD and two master’s degrees from Yale University; a master’s degree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland; and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.

The 2026 Governor’s Summit officially kicks off on Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, with a statewide 6 Regions, One Nebraska update. On Monday evening, the Nebraska Diplomats will host a reception and awards banquet.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a morning keynote from Ben Sasse, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit.

To register for the Diplomats Banquet and Governor’s Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. Students may sign up for the Youth Summit at govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth.



NCBA Opposes Any Effort that Weakens Food Safety

National Cattlemen's Beef Association strongly supports increasing competition in the cattle markets and creating more opportunities for small and regional beef processors. We also support eliminating unnecessary regulations that make it harder for those businesses to compete. However, weakening federal meat inspection and food safety standards, as President Trump has suggested, is not the answer.

For generations, cattle producers have invested in building consumer confidence in American beef and creating the gold standard of food safety systems. Putting that trust at risk in pursuit of a short-term political solution would be a serious mistake. Beef sold to American consumers should continue to meet rigorous, science-based food safety and inspection standards, regardless of the size of the processor.

In just the past week, cattle producers have faced government intervention aimed at increasing foreign beef imports at prices below current levels. Now we are faced with another proposal aimed at changing how beef is processed. Constant government interference creates uncertainty for producers making long-term decisions about their businesses and the future of the cattle herd.

If the Administration wants to help cattle producers, it should focus on reducing legitimate regulatory burdens, lowering fuel and fertilizer prices, protecting the U.S. cattle herd from foreign animal disease, and expanding opportunities for mid-size and regional cattle processors.

America’s farmers and ranchers know how to produce safe, high-quality beef. American consumers trust the beef we produce. Washington needs to stop trying to manage the cattle business and let the market work. 



U.S. dairy industry accelerates push to boost milk protein levels 

The U.S. dairy industry is accelerating efforts to increase protein levels in the nation’s milk supply to align with global demand trends and keep pace with key export market competitors. While butterfat levels in U.S. milk have risen sharply over the last decade, gains in protein content have been comparatively modest. However, that dynamic is beginning to change as milk component pricing formulas and other incentives have shifted the economic premium from butterfat to protein.

A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange shows U.S. milk protein production began outpacing butterfat last August, when protein values surpassed butterfat for the first time in recent years. The report notes that a more balanced composition of butterfat and protein will help keep the U.S. competitive with the world’s other leading dairy exporters in addition to supporting domestic cheesemakers.

“In the U.S., butterfat gains have doubled protein growth over the past decade, driven largely by demand to fill underserved domestic butterfat markets,” said Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist with CoBank. “The dairy industry has successfully met that challenge, and U.S. butter exports are now historically high. At the same time, higher butterfat yields in milk have led to some significant challenges for cheddar and American-style cheesemakers, who rely on a more balanced ratio of butterfat and protein for optimal cheese quality and production yields.” 

Despite recent progress in growing protein content in milk and restoring the ratio preferred by cheesemakers, the U.S. still trails its key export market competitors in overall milk protein levels. The European Union, New Zealand and the U.S. account for two-thirds of global dairy exports, and both the EU and New Zealand have increased protein at a faster pace than butterfat — more closely matching global trends in dairy product and ingredient demand.

Although cheesemaking formulas vary by variety, a protein-to-fat ratio above 0.80 is generally preferred for cheese production. While some cheese types always require added milk protein solids, those additions have become standard for nearly all U.S. cheesemakers as the protein-to-fat ratio tumbled from 0.83 to 0.77 over the past decade.

In contrast, New Zealand and the EU have maintained far more stable ratios. While New Zealand’s ratio has varied slightly, it began and ended the period from 2015 to 2025 at 0.77, and the EU protein-to-fat ratio has held steady between 0.83 and 0.84 over the same period.

For U.S. dairy farmers and processors, butterfat and protein are the most economically important milk components. The solids underpin production of the most widely traded dairy products and ingredients — including cheese, butter, whey and milk powders — and drive farm income, processor yields, domestic sales and global trade.

Protein production is rising, but still catching up
Global demand for protein continues to grow, but increasing protein levels in U.S. milk has proven more challenging than increasing butterfat. Protein gains rely almost entirely on animal genetics, making progress slower. Even so, U.S. dairy farmers have made meaningful strides.

While the U.S. still has a lower protein content than New Zealand and the EU, its growth trajectory has been faster. From 2015 to 2025, American dairy farmers improved protein production by 7.4%, with two-thirds of those gains taking place in the last five years. By comparison, New Zealand and the EU saw slower growth — 2.1% in the first half of the decade and 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively, in the second half.

Abbi Groves, agricultural commodities economist with CoBank, said the renewed emphasis on protein content through pricing formulas and dairy breed association initiatives supports continued momentum, but progress will take time.

“Fully restoring the protein-to-fat ratio of 0.83 from a decade ago will require years of sustained higher protein growth. And until protein production gains catch up to butterfat, the U.S. will need to find more domestic and international outlets for its growing butterfat supply.”