Friday September 25 Ag News - Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report - Pillen Exec Orders on Diesel, Ag - Japanese Influencers Visit Nebraska - Johanns on NE Ag's Future - Red Meat Prod Falls 1% - and more!

United States Hog Inventory Down 2 Percent 

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on September 1, 2026 was 74.3 million head. This was down 2 percent fromSeptember 1, 2025, but up 2 percent from June 1, 2026.   

Breeding inventory, at 5.87 million head, was down 1 percent from last year, and down slightly from the previous quarter.

Market hog inventory, at 68.4 million head, was down 2 percent from last year, but up 2 percent from last quarter. 

The June-August 2026 pig crop, at 34.5 million head, was down 2 percent from 2025. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.89 million head, down 3 percent from 2025. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.96 for the June-August period, compared to 11.82 last year. 

By State        (1,000 hd  -  % Sept 1 '25)
Nebraska ............:    3,650     100  
Iowa ...................:   24,700      97  
Minnesota ..........:    9,300     104  
North Carolina ..:    7,600      95  
Illinois ...............:    5,250      95  
Indiana ...............:    4,300     100  

United States hog producers intend to have 2.85 million sows farrow during the September-November 2026 quarter, down 2 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 2 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for December 2026-February 2027, at 2.80 million sows, are up 2 percent from the same period one year earlier, but down 1 percent from the same period two years earlier. 

Sept Oct Nov 2026 -    Sows Farrowing  - % 2025)
Nebraska ..............:      190,000        103     
Iowa .....................:      450,000         99     
Minnesota ............:      255,000         94      
North Carolina .....:      370,000         96     
Illinois ..................:      275,000         96     
Indiana .................:      125,000        100       

Dec 26 Jan Feb 27 -    Sows Farrowing  - % 25-26)
Nebraska ..............:       185,000        106         
Iowa .....................:       420,000        108      
Minnesota ............:       230,000         96      
North Carolina .....:       375,000        104       
Illinois ..................:       275,000        100      
Indiana .................:       120,000         95     

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 56 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 4 percent from the previous year. 



Pillen Issues Executive Orders to help the Agriculture Community

To combat rising diesel fuel shortages and high operating costs during harvest season, Governor Jim Pillen has issued two executive orders providing immediate, temporary relief to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agricultural transporters across the state.

Under the first executive order, highway-registered vehicles are permitted to hold, sell, or use untaxed, dyed diesel fuel without facing state fines or penalties. Additionally, diesel taxes paid while transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products and livestock on state roads are eligible for a refund by filing Form 84AG with the Nebraska Department of Revenue. This order takes effect immediately and will remain active for 90 days.

To address transportation pressures facing producers, Gov. Pillen signed a second executive order providing weight limit relief for seasonal crop transport. Vehicles transporting seasonally produced products and livestock now operate up to 25% over legal gross and axle group weight limits without purchasing additional permits or paying associated fees.

In addition to state-level action, Gov. Pillen sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting federal intervention through a temporary 90-day pause on U.S. diesel exports to foreign countries. Halting exports would allow domestic diesel reserves to rebuild, lowering costs for consumers and helping producers navigate harvest season without severe financial strain.

“Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state,” said Gov. Pillen. “It’s critical that I do everything in my power to make sure they are supported, especially during this season where they are working day in and day out to get the crops out of the ground.”



Japanese Influencers Experience Nebraska and its Beef to Draw New Audience

Two Japanese social media influencers recently traveled to Nebraska to experience the state’s beef industry firsthand and introduce their audiences to Nebraska beef, ranching and agriculture. 

The visit was organized by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Beef Council, with additional support from Nebraska pork producers, the North Platte Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Diplomats. 

The influencers, Takeda Barbecue, a meat-cooking and outdoor content creator, and Daichi Sugawara, a professional golfer and golf influencer, were selected as part of an effort to connect Nebraska directly with Japanese consumers. The opportunity grew from increased interaction between Japanese and American social media users following the introduction of an automatic translation feature on X. 

With Japan being the platform’s largest user base, American barbecue and meat-related content gained popularity among Japanese audiences. Nebraska worked with a Japanese marketing firm to identify influencers who could help build on that interest and narrowed the list to Takeda and Sugawara. 

During their visit, the influencers began in Omaha, where they learned about different cuts of beef, visited restaurants and had opportunities to prepare and cook steaks. They also met with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Past President Buck Wehrbein to learn more about what makes Nebraska beef unique. The group then traveled west to experience Nebraska agriculture firsthand, visiting Diamond Bar Ranch near Stapleton, golfing at Dismal River Club, where they had prime tenderloins served to them from TD Angus out of the Sustainable Beef packing plant. They also golfed at CapRock Ranch, and visited North Creek Ranch to see its bison herd and participate in a barbecue challenge. 

“We really wanted to identify people who have a large enough audience that they could speak directly to consumers and create a positive image of Nebraska,” said Cobus Block, director of international and business recruitment with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. 

The effort also aims to increase recognition of Nebraska among Japanese consumers who may recognize American beef but not distinguish between individual states. 

“There's a recognition that, oh yeah, this is Nebraska,” Block said.



South Korean Corn Buyers Visit Key Export Cogs In Nebraska, Kansas And Washington

Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) sponsored a group of South Korean feed and food corn importers on a tour of the U.S. corn value chain.

Last week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Director in South Korea Haksoo Kim escorted a 19-member feed and food corn buyer team that visited the U.S. to build closer business relationships with U.S. corn and corn co-product suppliers by showing participants the superior quality of U.S. corn and its transparent export system. 

“U.S. corn accounted for more than two-thirds of South Korea’s corn imports in 2025 and has captured more than 80% of the market so far this year. Despite the strong market share, Korean buyers remain highly sensitive not only to price competitiveness but also to quality, particularly broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) and moisture content,” Kim said.

“Exposing customers to the excellent quality and supply of the 2026/27 U.S. corn crop reinforced their trust in the U.S.’ transparent and efficient grain export network and encouraged continued purchases year over year.”

The team landed in Nebraska and met with Nebraska Corn Board Director of Market Development Payton Schaneman for a welcome to the state and an overview of its agricultural output.

Later that day, the group toured Chief Ethanol and CPI Hastings Elevator to observe distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) production and how U.S. corn is transported through the value chain. A visit to a local farm then gave participants a firsthand look at the current corn crop and the day culminated in a dinner meeting with USGBC Chairman Jay Reiners.

The following day, the participants visited Reinke Irrigation and Sullivans Farm to discuss Nebraska's irrigation systems, technological advancements and precision agriculture.

Nebraska Corn Vice President of Market Development & Grower Services Connie Fischer joined the team as they attended a short course in Kansas, led by Darrell Holaday of Country Futures, about changing corn market trends, grain hedging strategies and general market outlook. The group then visited Nunemaker Farm to assess local corn crop conditions and learn how corn is used in livestock production.

A tour of DeLong’s container transloading facility in Edgerton offered an examination of grain quality control, handling and transportation systems for containerized exports.

The team also visited Blue Water Shipping and the EGT export terminal in Longview, Wash., to discuss recent grain shipment trends at Pacific Northwest ports, quality control for export corn and the status of corn exports.

“In addition to these meetings and tours about the quality and attributes of U.S. corn, continued port-of-arrival quality monitoring and supply chain quality assurance remain essential to defending and growing U.S. corn's position in the Korean market,” Kim said.

“The Council will continue working as a resource for Korean buyers via trade teams and interfacing with logistics stakeholders in South Korea to facilitate further mutually beneficial feed grain trade.”



Johanns recognizes challenges but remains optimistic about Nebraska’s future

Continued investment, strong local leadership and the development of the next generation of Nebraskans will ensure that the state remains an agricultural powerhouse, Mike Johanns told the crowd during the Sept. 22 Heuermann Lecture at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center. The event was hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Johanns said it was no accident that President George W. Bush tapped him to become secretary of agriculture in 2005.

“I was the governor of a state that has everything in its favor when it comes to agriculture, from the grasslands of western Nebraska that we affectionately call the Sandhills, to the corn and soybean fields across the east and central part of our state — we are a powerhouse,” he said.

Johanns, who also served as Nebraska governor and as a U.S. senator, emphasized the importance of Nebraska’s innovations in commodities, including beef, corn, soybeans, pork and popcorn. Continued investment in agricultural education and innovation will not only benefit Nebraska’s economy, he said, but will help the state maintain its position as an agricultural leader in the United States.

Johanns highlighted the extent of Nebraska’s agricultural industry, including millions of acres of crops, ranches and dairy production. In addition to focusing on the state’s food sector — such as $8.3 million in corn production — he noted that Nebraska is second in ethanol production and that ag-related jobs have an estimated  $97 billion economic impact on the state.

Johanns also discussed some of the challenges rural Nebraska communities are facing, including declines in population, the available workforce and the number of farm and ranch families.

“We see in Nebraska … the impact of fewer families in our rural communities,” he said. “That means fewer people shopping. That means fewer people needing the local hospital. And the hard part for all of us is to see fewer kids going to our schools.”

Johanns next focused on four key questions:
    How do we keep young people on the farm and on the ranch?
    How do we position Nebraska to continue to be a leader in agriculture, innovation and technology?
    How do we prioritize investment in agricultural education opportunities for Nebraska youth?
    How do we create other opportunities in rural communities so they continue to be economically strong and vibrant?

“I believe that these questions and how we answer them will define the future of this great state,” he said.

Johanns said effective local leadership and mentorship for younger generations are vital to helping Nebraska continue to prosper. He said when he visited community leaders as governor and saw they were on the same page, he felt hopeful for those communities. That collaborative spirit is integral to the state’s growth, he said.

Johanns said that no matter community leaders’ strengths, a key catalyst for change is investment in local resources on both the local and state levels, through direct economic support as well as educational support.

“I can’t overemphasize how important the university system, the state colleges, the community colleges are to our future,” he said. “I was a 14-year-old kid raising pigs with big dreams. I would become a first-generation college student who went on to get a law degree. That was my pathway. Those in education are really in the youth development business, and that always needs to be front and center.”

Johann’s address was followed by a panel discussion led by Tiffany Heng-Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR and NU vice president, featuring the keynote speaker; Mary Emery, director of Rural Prosperity Nebraska; Brad Lubben, associate professor of agricultural economics; L.J. McElravy, associate professor of agricultural leadership, education and communication; and Jordan Rasmussen, program leader for Rural Prosperity Nebraska.

Each expanded on the challenges facing rural Nebraska communities — from drought to housing to the economy — and shared how residents are overcoming those challenges.

 “One of the key findings of the Rural Poll is that for the last 30 years that we have been asking rural Nebraskans about life in rural Nebraska, they have been optimistic about their future,” Emery said. “That optimism has fueled the energy to seek new opportunities, to renew the entrepreneurial spirit and to tackle some really big challenges like housing, childcare and the workforce.”

During the panel discussion, Johanns said it is important for the United States to “re-engage” constructively in international trade, especially with Canada and Mexico. If the U.S. fails to pursue major export opportunities, the key alternative should be an increased focus on bioeconomy options such as biofuels, he said.

Johanns stressed that what makes Nebraska such a powerhouse is that residents work together to tackle challenges.

“We have so much to offer our nation and world, but here in Nebraska, we can't leave any part behind,” he said. “As we continue to build agriculture in Nebraska, as a world-changing powerhouse, let us build it in all 93 counties. Let’s leave no part of our state behind.”

The Heuermann Lecture series focuses on providing sustainability in the areas of food, natural resources and renewable energy for people, as well as securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.

The series is made possible through a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, Nebraska, as an enduring commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.




Commercial Red Meat Production Down 1 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.10 billion pounds in August, down 1 percent from the 4.15 billion pounds produced in August 2025.

Beef production, at 1.98 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.24 million head, down 4 percent from August 2025. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,441 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.6 million pounds, 19 percent below August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 7,300 head, down 23 percent from August 2025. The average live weight was up 20 pounds from last year, at 373 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.10 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.92 million head, down 2 percent from August 2025. The average live weight was up 4 pounds from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 9.7 million pounds, was down 4 percent from August 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 174,300 head, 1 percent below last year. The average live weight was 109 pounds, down 3 pounds from August a year ago.

By State    (Million pounds  -  % Aug '25) 
Nebraska .......:     597.3         100       
Iowa ..............:     691.1         102       
Kansas ..........:     485.2         113       

January to August 2026 commercial red meat production was 34.6 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 25 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent. 



National Farmers Union Opposes Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Rail Merger

National Farmers Union (NFU) Thursday announced its opposition to the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern (UP/NS) merger, calling on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to reject the application that would give a single railroad company control of nearly half of all U.S. rail traffic and further shrink an already over-consolidated industry.

“History has shown us that when railroads consolidate, family farmers pay the price,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Decades of mergers have left farmers with fewer options, higher rates, and less reliable service. The STB's review of this application is an opportunity to instead put rail competition first and protect American farmers, shippers, and consumers from the harm further consolidation would bring to our transportation network and food supply chain.”

Family farmers are already facing immense financial pressure including high input costs, unpredictable trade policies, and elevated transportation costs. Rail mergers that reduce competition leave shippers paying high rates for unreliable service, adding strain that family farmers cannot afford.

NFU’s grassroots policy priorities call for further reforms:
    Giving the STB the authority to address captive shipping and devise actionable mechanisms that hold railroads accountable for incorporating unreasonable rates increases without appropriate rate change notices.
    Enforcing U.S. antitrust laws to break up monopolistic railroads and prevent any new mergers.
    Establishing reciprocal switching within, and for an appropriate distance outside of terminals to encourage rail-to-rail competition.
    Authorizing a maximum rate for a movement to a captive shipper and authorizing, when petitioned, the removal of agreement provisions that prevent short-line railroads from delivering traffic to any railroad.
    Rail policy that holds railroads responsible for the losses caused by delayed rail car deliveries.



Growth Energy Applauds CARB for E15 Approval

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today after it voted to approve regulations that will allow the state to give its residents access to E15, a 15% ethanol-blended fuel that sells for $0.30 per gallon less on average compared to regular fuel.

“California drivers need relief at the pump and E15 is the easiest way to deliver. With this vote, CARB has cleared the way for consumers to get access to this more affordable fuel option,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “E15 saves consumers money and can be used in the vast majority of vehicles on the road, all while simultaneously lowering emissions.  We commend Chair Lauren Sanchez and the entire board for taking action on behalf of drivers looking for lower prices at the pump. As we’ve said before, our industry is eager to help get E15 into the market and we look forward to continuing our partnership with state regulators and retailers to make this happen as soon as possible.”

The vote comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature of SB 795, a bill that directs the state fire marshal to finalize the rules necessary to increase retail access to E15 in the state. CARB’s approval of these regulations is the culmination of years of collaboration between the agency and the ethanol industry, working through the multimedia evaluation process, which included rigorous testing to demonstrate E15’s environmental benefits. The final steps of this rulemaking were mandated and funded by the 2025-26 state budget.  



ASA Statement on U.S.-China Trade Truce Extension

The American Soybean Association welcomes the two-month extension of the U.S.-China trade truce and looks forward to continued dialogue between the two countries. As this week's summit continues, ASA hopes the discussions will build on that progress and deliver additional positive developments for U.S. soybean farmers and agricultural trade.

“Soybean farmers want to see this momentum continue with strong purchases of U.S. soy and a lasting trade partnership with China,” said ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer Scott Metzger.

ASA looks forward to continued progress that provides greater certainty and long-term market opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

Thursday September 24 Ag News - Harvest Safety and Power Lines - NARD Conference Sept 28-29 - Bruck-Upton interm CEO Midwest Dairy - Ricketts Introduces Ag Data Privacy Act - ICGA on Fuel Prices - Schumer Unveils Fertiizer Reserve Idea - and more!

Look Up and Look Out to Keep Your Harvest Season Safe

When the crops are ready to be harvested, farmers have only a window of time between weather events, equipment breakdowns, and life events—to get the best quality crop out of the field. To make the most of this time, farm workers try to get as much work done as possible. Cuming County Public Power District wants to offer safety tips for farm and ranch workers to help keep them safe during this time.

“The rush to harvest can lead to farmers working long days with little sleep,” cautions Scott Haber, CCPPD Operations Manager. “Make sure before starting, to note the location of power lines.”

One of the biggest hazards for farmers is posed by power lines. To stay safe around overhead power lines, CCPPD urges farm operators and workers to:
• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines. 
• Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. 
• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines—at all times, in all directions.
• Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.
• Always remember to lower extensions when moving loads.
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
• If a power line is sagging or low, call CCPPD immediately. 

“Always remember to periodically look up and be aware of your surroundings,” Haber adds. “If you can’t safely pass under a power line, choose a different path.”

If contact is made with a power line, remember, it is almost always safest to stay in the equipment. Make sure to warn others to stay away, and call 911 immediately. The only reason to exit is if the equipment is on fire. If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, “bunny hop” away.

Additional safety tips from CCPPD:
• Do not use metal poles when breaking up bridged grain inside and around bins.
• Always hire qualified electricians for any electrical issues. 
• Do not use equipment with frayed cables. 
• Make sure outdoor outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• When operating a portable generator, make sure nothing is plugged into it when turning it on, and never operate a generator in a confined area. Generators can produce toxic and deadly gasses like carbon monoxide. 
• Always use caution when operating heavy machinery. 

For more farm and electrical safety information, visit www.ccppd.com or call CCPPD 402-372-2463.



Annual NARD Conference Focuses on Resource Management, Partnerships

Natural resources stakeholders and subject matter experts will be in Kearney for the annual Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Conference Sept. 28-29, 2026.

The conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRD) employees, directors and others integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The event kicks off with the Ron Bishop Memorial Golf tournament on Sunday, Sept. 27, to raise money for the NARD Foundation.

Natural resources partners will open the conference on Monday at 8:30 a.m. with updates from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency as well as the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Topics include an overview and discussion of successful natural resources programs, new technologies, and research for future programs. Speakers at the conference will also provide insight into energy demand, regenerative agriculture, dam projects, groundwater management, grant funding, and conservation.

Recognizing citizens for their conservation efforts, NARD will also present awards during the noon luncheon Monday, Sept. 28. Award winners include:
    Community Conservation Award: Larry Eisenhauer, Sioux City
    Soil Conservation Award: Doug and Traci Steffen, Crofton
    Water Conservation Award: Shane and Beth Lechtenberg, Butte
    Tree Planter of the Year: Doug and Becky Nordhues, McLean
    Director of the Year: Dean Large, Upper Republican NRD, Wauneta
    Educator of the Year: DJ Mottl, North Bend Central High School

Monday evening includes a silent auction for the NARD Foundation, which supports natural resources education programs, followed by a dinner banquet. After the banquet, three NRD Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized including:
    Marcel Kramer, Crofton (NRD Director, Lewis & Clark NRD)
    Jane Kuhl, Elk Creek (NRD Employee, Nemaha NRD)
    Patrick Cowsert, Wisner (NRD Supporter, Lower Elkhorn NRD)

The annual NARD Conference is presented by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors. More than 400 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference.



Midwest Dairy Names Beth Bruck-Upton Interim CEO

The Midwest Dairy Board of Directors has appointed Beth Bruck-Upton, Senior Vice President, Sales and Partnerships, to serve as interim chief executive officer beginning October 12. The appointment follows the announcement that current Midwest Dairy CEO Corey Scott has been named president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), effective October 12.Bruck-Upton will lead Midwest Dairy’s day-to-day operations and work closely with the Board and the organization’s leadership team during the transition. She has over 15 years of experience with Midwest Dairy and has held leadership roles spanning consumer programming, nutrition, youth wellness, regional operations, research, and processor partnerships.

“Corey’s selection to lead DMI reflects her strong leadership and longstanding commitment to dairy farmers and the broader dairy community,” said Charles Krause, chairman of the Midwest Dairy Board. “We congratulate her on this opportunity and are grateful for the leadership she has provided at Midwest Dairy. The Board has full confidence in Beth and our talented staff as they continue advancing our priorities and delivering value to dairy farmers across the region.”

Corey Scott joined Midwest Dairy in March 2024. During her tenure, she led an organizational realignment designed to focus people and resources on Midwest Dairy’s most important strategic opportunities, including concentrating consumer efforts in five key markets. She also strengthened the systems and infrastructure supporting the organization’s work, led development of the proposed 2027–2031 strategic plan, and emphasized talent development, career growth, and a culture that puts people first.

“It has been a privilege to lead Midwest Dairy and work alongside a staff so deeply committed to serving dairy farmers,” Scott said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the organization’s direction. Beth and the leadership team are well positioned to maintain Midwest Dairy’s momentum and continue moving this important work forward.”

Midwest Dairy’s mission, current priorities, and commitments will continue during the transition. The Midwest Dairy Board will determine the process and timeline for selecting a permanent CEO.

“I am honored to serve Midwest Dairy during this transition,” Bruck-Upton said. “Having spent much of my career with this organization, I know firsthand the talent and commitment of our staff and the strength of our partnership with the Board. My immediate priorities are supporting staff, maintaining progress on the work underway, and ensuring Midwest Dairy continues delivering value to dairy farmers.”

Scott will work with Bruck-Upton and Midwest Dairy’s leadership team to support a smooth transition before beginning her new role at DMI.  



Ricketts Introduces Legislation to Protect Farmers’ and Ranchers’ Data

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Agricultural Data Privacy Act. This bill would codify that agricultural producers are the sole owners of the data they produce. It would also prohibit companies from using or selling producers’ data without written consent.

“Excellent agriculture requires excellent knowledge,” said Senator Ricketts. “Farmers and ranchers who work a lifetime to build their knowledge should own it. It is only fair that we protect their data and intellectual property. This bill would do just that.”

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation endorse this bill.

"This is a meaningful step forward for Nebraska farmers. As agriculture continues to adopt new technologies, data has become an essential part of how farmers make decisions and keep our operations running efficiently. This legislation provides clarity and puts common-sense protections in place to ensure farmers maintain ownership and control of their data,” said NeCGA President Michael Dibbern, a farmer from Cairo.

"Nebraska Farm Bureau has been a longtime supporter and leader in pushing policy that protects the massive quantity of data modern farms and ranches produce. The protection of this data is vital both economically and from a national security level. We thank Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts for bringing this conversation to the federal level and we look forward to working with him as this legislation moves forward,” said Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.

The Agricultural Data Privacy Act would:
    Make agricultural producers the sole owners of agricultural data originating from their farm, land, device, or equipment.
    Prohibit companies from using or selling a producer’s agricultural data without written consent from the producer.
    Apply data privacy protections across six categories of data (agronomic, climate and weather, land, livestock, management, and sustainability data).
    Ensure producers retain access to their data for future use.
    Implement the first-of-its-kind national standard to protect producers’ data privacy rights. 

In April 2026, Governor Pillen signed LB 525, the Agricultural Data Privacy Act, into law. Nebraska became the first state in the nation to implement data privacy protections for producers.

Iowa, Colorado, and Missouri have since introduced similar ownership-based legislation modeled after Nebraska’s law.

Senator Ricketts’ bill would codify this law at the federal level and make agricultural data privacy protections a national standard.



Ricketts Urges Trump Administration to Support Nebraska’s Farmers and Ranchers, Hold China Accountable on Trade Agreements

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer expressing the importance of foreign market access for Nebraska’s beef and soybean producers.

The letter was sent ahead of the trade negotiations set to take place during President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping this week. It urges the Administration to ensure that Communist China follows through on its purchasing agreements.

China is the world’s largest importer of soybeans, importing over 60 percent of all available global stocks. Historically, the United States has been a supplier of choice for the Chinese market.

Communist China has failed to follow through on trade commitments with the United States. This uncertainty undercuts market access for American producers. In the 2018 Phase I Agreement, China did not fulfill its soybean purchase commitment. In October 2025, China agreed to purchase 25 million metric tons of soybeans annually. Communist China restored market access to some of our beef processing facilities earlier this year. Many facilities that should have access under the Phase I agreement are still suspended. This letter encourages the administration to expand market access for these agriculture commodities and hold Communist China accountable to its existing trade commitments.

Full text of the letter:

Dear Ambassador Greer,

Thank you for your continued work to expand markets for our agricultural producers by securing historic trade deals that ensure fair market access.  While American producers have spent decades building markets in Communist China, they continue to face unfair trading practices and uncertainty from Beijing.  As bilateral trade discussions continue during Xi Jinping’s visit, I urge the administration to secure additional market access for U.S. agricultural commodities and ensure Communist China upholds its existing commitments. 

Nebraska is the nation’s fifth-largest agricultural exporter, with nearly $8 billion in agricultural exports last year.  We lead the nation in beef and veal exports and are a top exporter of corn, feed grains, and soybeans. Nebraska farmers and ranchers sell these commodities to customers across the globe, including in Communist China.  However, unfair trading practices and unreliable market access have particularly impacted Nebraska’s soybean and beef producers.

Communist China is the world’s largest importer of soybeans, importing over 60 percent of globally traded soybeans.  Historically, the United States has been a supplier of choice for the Chinese market.  Under your leadership, the Trump administration has secured new commitments from Beijing to purchase significant quantities of U.S. agricultural products including soybeans.  In the past, Beijing has repeatedly failed to follow through on its agreements including under the Phase One Agreement.  I urge you to continue monitoring Beijing’s purchases and ensure continued follow-through on their commitments.

The May 2026 deal also made notable progress toward restoring market access for U.S. beef, but there is still work to be done.  Communist China restored some market access by renewing licenses they allowed to expire for more than 400 U.S. beef facilities.  Many facilities are still suspended.  Under the Phase One agreement, Beijing agreed to accept food meeting international standards and provide a clear path towards resolution if a particular exporter demonstrated a pattern of failing to meet standards.  Communist China has not implemented this portion of the agreement.  Instead, Beijing continues to hold U.S. exporters to an unpublished maximum residue limit for certain hormones, and these limits are enforced with an unknown testing regime.  Beijing also suspends licenses based on singular instances of non-compliance with these opaque standards.  The lack of transparency and inconsistent enforcement has directly harmed Nebraskan producers.  The bilateral discussions provide another opportunity to make progress on restoring market access for American beef.

Nebraska farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone in the world when given fair and reliable access to foreign markets.  Thank you for your continued leadership in securing trade deals that expand opportunities for our producers.  More work remains, and I am committed to working with you to give our farmers and ranchers a stable, level playing field to compete and win on.



ICGA Calls on Iowa Congressional Delegation for Immediate Diesel Fuel Relief Ahead of Harvest

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) this week sent a letter to members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation requesting immediate legislative and administrative intervention to help reduce diesel fuel prices as Iowa farmers begin harvest. 

Iowa farmers have seen diesel prices jump $0.40 per gallon over the past week, climbing to nearly $6 per gallon. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), national on-highway diesel prices are up nearly 59% compared to last year, creating a significant concern for farmers who rely on diesel fuel to power their harvest season. 

“This time of year should be positive for Iowa farmers, but the concern of affordability looms large as diesel prices go above $6 per gallon,” wrote ICGA President Steve Kuiper, who farms in Knoxville, Iowa. “This is accelerating the economic and mental stress farmers are feeling. We are asking for your assistance in lowering the cost of a key input, diesel, that every combine, tractor and semi utilizes during the culmination of the growing season.” 

To offer swift financial relief, ICGA urged Congress and the federal government to explore legislative amendments to the Internal Revenue Code or direct the IRS to grant administrative waivers during economic hardship. This action would allow on-road trucks to use tax-exempt dyed diesel without penalty through the duration of harvest. 



Farmers Renew Call to End Increased Beef Imports

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today called on President Trump to roll back plans to import an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef into the United States. An American Farm Bureau Federation analysis shows increasing imports has had little impact on ground beef prices at the grocery store. Meanwhile, cattle prices have weakened, with ranchers experiencing losses up to $300 to $400 per head.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are renewing their call to the president to reverse course on his plan to import foreign-raised beef. While we appreciate Mr. Trump’s goal of reducing grocery costs for America’s families, increasing beef imports has not brought prices down.

“Farm Bureau economists tracked 41 locations since Labor Day and found that, on average, prices have fallen only 16 cents per pound. Most prices were unchanged. Families are still facing historically high prices and the threat of a 60% increase in imports over 90 days caused a sharp drop in the prices paid to ranchers for their cattle.

“To put it simply, the plan undercut a fragile recovery in the cattle industry while failing to benefit consumers. We urge the president to stop importing additional beef and focus on long-term solutions that support rebuilding the U.S. herd, which benefits both farmers and consumers who want home-grown beef.”

Read the Farm Bureau Intel on beef prices here https://www.fb.org/intel/markets/increased-beef-imports-have-not-lowered-prices-for-consumers.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/18/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 18, ethanol production scaled down by 6.5% to 1.03 million b/d, equivalent to 43.18 million gallons daily and the smallest weekly volume since the start of May. Still, output was 0.4% higher than the same week last year and 7.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 1.9% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.66 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 2.1% to 24.7 million barrels, a 7-week low. Yet, stocks were 5.2% more than the same week last year and 10.2% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, inched up 0.6% to 8.85 million b/d (136.00 bg annualized). Still, demand was 1.3% less than a year ago and 1.7% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol decreased 0.4% to a 10-week low of 907,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.94 bg annualized. Yet, net inputs were 0.8% more than year-ago levels and 0.5% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports slowed by 24.2% to 122,000 b/d (5.1 million gallons/day). It has been more than three years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Fertilizer Prices Rise for Six of Eight Major Fertilizers

Retail fertilizer prices shifted mostly higher in the second full week of September 2026. For the fourth week in a row, fertilizer prices have seen only slight moves compared to the previous month. Six fertilizers were higher looking back to last month, while the remaining two were slightly lower. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. For the second week in a row, none of the eight fertilizers had a significant move in either direction.

Six fertilizers were slightly higher compared to a month ago. DAP had an average price of $925/ton, MAP $967/ton, potash $495/ton, 10-34-0 $718/ton, anhydrous $945/ton and UAN32 $458/ton.

The remaining two nutrients were just slightly less expensive looking back a month. Urea had an average price of $659/ton and UAN28 $421/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.72/lb.N, anhydrous $0.58/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N and UAN32 $0.72/lb.N.

Seven of the eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. UAN28 is 1% higher, DAP and potash are both 2% more expensive, MAP is 5% more expensive, urea is 6% higher, 10-34-0 is 8% more expensive and anhydrous is 22% higher looking back to last year. UAN32 is the lone exception, running 3% lower than a year earlier.



Schumer Unveils First-Ever Plan To Protect American Farmers From Price Shocks & Create National Fertilizer Reserve

As farmers across the country face rapidly increasing and punishing costs due to Trump’s war in Iran and ongoing tariff chaos, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Strategic Fertilizer Reserve Act, which would help protect farmers from spiking fertilizer prices by taking preliminary steps towards establishing a Strategic Fertilizer Reserve.

“Thanks to Trump’s affordability crisis, farmers are already operating on razor-thin margins. They shouldn’t also have to absorb a 40% spike in fertilizer costs because Donald Trump plunged the country into another war,” said Leader Schumer. “America’s farmers should be focused on their next crop, not whether the next global crisis is going to blow another hole in their budget. When fertilizer prices spike, farmers get squeezed, planting decisions get harder, and eventually families feel it at the grocery store. A Strategic Fertilizer Reserve would give farmers a real backstop and bring some stability when war or supply shocks send costs soaring.”

“Between the war in Iran and increased tariffs, rising input costs like fertilizer continue to erode farmers' profitability. I’ve been working to increase fertilizer production and price transparency here at home, and that includes determining whether a strategic fertilizer reserve can help us stabilize input markets and improve the resilience of our food supply chain in the long-term. This bill will help identify potential solutions to ensure farmers and agribusinesses have a steady supply of the inputs they need to keep feeding and fueling the world,” said Senator Klobuchar.

The Strategic Fertilizer Reserve Act will:
Instruct USDA to study the feasibility of creating a Strategic Fertilizer Reserve, which would protect farmers from future fertilizer price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

Direct USDA to examine factors such as size, location(s), price stabilization, safety and risk management, withdrawal protocols, and more

Establish, upon a positive finding from USDA, a Board of Directors to oversee the Reserve’s operations, including representatives from across the agriculture community, and require regular reporting to Congress on the functioning of the Reserve.

The New York Farm Bureau has revealed fertilizer prices have skyrocketed since last year, from approximately $400 a ton to $580 a ton, a more than 40% increase, with anhydrous ammonia now over $1,000 a ton. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounted for approximately 30% of the world’s fertilizer-related shipments before February 2026, has created a chasm in the supply chain, reaching close to zero shipments for the past several months.

A recent report from New York State showed the state’s farmers faced increased expenses of $20,000 annually and according to a recent report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee – Minority, the average farmer spent as much as $1,500 more to refill their farm’s on-site fuel tank compared to the same high point during the 2025 season. As they enter the fall harvest and planting season, prolonged high fuel and fertilizer costs are forcing farmers to make tough decisions on how many acres to plant for next year.

These rising costs come at a time of increasing economic difficulty for farmers, particularly small and family farms. In 2025, 315 farmers filed for bankruptcy, a 46% increase from the year before, including nine in New York. In the last four decades, America has lost well over half a million farms and more than 150 million acres of farmland. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), small family farms account for just 14% of agricultural sales, and the number of small family farms shrunk 10% from 2017 to 2022.

The Strategic Fertilizer Reserve Act is endorsed by the National Farmers Union and New York Farm Bureau.



The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe Join Forces to Urge Agricultural Workers to Protect Their Skin During National Farm Safety and Health Week

The Skin Cancer Foundation, a leader in skin cancer public health education and advocacy, and AgriSafe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping agricultural workers healthy and safe, urge outdoor workers to practice sun safety and early skin cancer detection during National Farm Safety and Health Week 2026 (September 21-25). Skin cancer due to UV exposure is an often overlooked occupational health hazard for the 2.9 million farm laborers (includes full-time, temporary and seasonal workers) estimated by the National Center for Farmworker Health and the 3.4 million producers (includes farm and ranch owners and operators) reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. This year, September 25 is focused on cancer prevention, providing an important opportunity to educate workers about occupational sun exposure as a skin cancer risk. 

“Unprotected UV exposure causes nearly 90 percent of all skin cancers. While the immediate effects of sun exposure, like sunburn, may seem temporary, cumulative UV damage significantly raises skin cancer risk,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “If you work outdoors, it’s important to protect your skin from sun damage to reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer. Employers should also educate their workforce about the dangers of sun exposure and support sun-safe practices in the workplace whenever possible.”
 
The health risks associated with occupational UV exposure are significant. Research conducted by the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization found that exposure to UV radiation while working outdoors increases the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer by 60 percent. Additionally, in the U.S., about 50 percent of outdoor workers reported getting sunburn, according to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology. UV exposure that leads to sunburn has been proven to play a strong role in melanoma incidence.

“For farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers, spending long hours outdoors is often necessary, making sun protection especially important,” says Natalie Roy, CEO of AgriSafe Network. “Building sun protection into the workday — through sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, shade and routine skin checks — can help agricultural workers reduce their risk of skin cancer while continuing to feed and sustain our communities.”

Nearly 90 percent of skin cancer cases are preventable with a good sun protection strategy. Outdoor workers should make sun protection a part of their daily routine, just as they would other workplace safety practices. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends
taking the following precautions throughout the workday to limit UV exposure and reduce the long-term risk of developing skin cancer:
• Cover up: Wear a densely woven, long-sleeved shirt and pants with a UPF of 50 or higher when possible. Consider wearing a bandana or gaiter for added protection. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (if your job allows) to protect your eyes. 
• Wear a hat: The bigger the better, but some jobs may have uniform or safety requirements. A hard hat, hoodie or baseball cap can provide protection but still may expose parts of the face and neck.
• Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher on all exposed skin, including the hands. It’s important to use a water-resistant sunscreen, especially when sweating or working in wet conditions. Reapply every two hours or more often when sweating heavily. Don’t forget your face, ears, back of the neck and chest.
• Know the UV Index: Check the UV Index before beginning the workday and take additional precautions when UV radiation is high.
• Seek shade: If shade is available at certain times of day at your worksite or on breaks, use it — or ask about it — particularly during peak UV Index hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Protect your skin regardless of weather: UV rays can damage skin even when conditions are cloudy, foggy or cool.
• Check your skin: Examine your skin from head to toe every month for anything new, changing or unusual, and see a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.

Employers can also help create safer working environments by providing access to shade, educating employees about the risks of unprotected UV exposure and supporting the use of sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe encourage agricultural workers and employers to make sun protection a routine part of workplace health and safety, not just during National Farm Safety & Health Week, but throughout the year. For more information about skin cancer prevention, visit SkinCancer.org. For agricultural health and safety resources, visit AgriSafe.org



Record-Setting Cattle on Feed
Will Secor, Extension Livestock Economist, University of Georgia

Friday’s Cattle on Feed report set a record for the fewest cattle placed and marketed in August since this data series began in August 1996. Amid these record-low figures, cattle on feed remained elevated compared to last year, up around 1 percent. As of this writing, cattle futures moved significantly higher through midday Monday.

Overall, marketings were down around 3 percent year-over-year and 6 percent month-over-month. Regionally, cattle on feed inventories were similar to or below last month’s levels except for Kansas and Oklahoma. Marketings were lower month-over-month for all but a handful of states.

From a placement standpoint, total placements were down by around 9 percent year-over-year. In line with seasonal trends, placements were up month-over-month by around 14 percent. Regional differences in placements were significant. Oklahoma saw an 8 percent increase year-over-year, while all other states saw the same or lower placements compared to last year. Of note, Nebraska (14 percent lower), Kansas (7 percent), Texas (6 percent), and Colorado (18 percent) saw large declines year-over-year. By weight, lower placements were apparent across the board, ranging from around 8-12 percent, with the lightest weight categories seeing placements around 10 percent below year-ago levels.

Together, these indicators point to a few things. First, marketings clearly remain sluggish. Moving forward, the extent that processing plant schedules and feed costs work to change these dynamics will be important. This marketing pace will have further implications on total beef production as a faster pace may likely come at the expense of lighter carcass weights. Second, placements remain even more sluggish than marketings. This month, lower placements helped tighten the gap between cattle on feed inventories when comparing 2026 to 2025 data.

Third, other factors are also at play. The further re-opening of the U.S. border to additional cattle from Mexico could soften tighter domestic feeder cattle supplies to a certain extent. Higher feed costs may incentivize fewer days on feed and potentially lighter weights. Consumer demand during the remainder of the year will also be important. Recent retail price data showed steady to slightly lower beef prices in August compared to July. It is not unusual for retail prices to retreat month-over-month in late summer. However, these price moves are combined with slightly weaker cutout values over the past few weeks compared to 2025 values.

In the months ahead, lower calf crops and tighter feeder cattle supplies outside feedlots will likely start to take their toll. As a result, feedlots will have a tougher time maintaining similar inventory levels year-over-year, especially if feed costs remain elevated.

This creates a bit of a complicated setup. If finishing weights come down and beef production slides, beef prices may move higher on lower supplies. This could support higher prices along the cattle complex, especially when combined with tighter feedlot inventories and lower calf crop figures. However, a potential increased number of head processed (thanks to fewer days on feed) could offset potentially lighter weights and keep beef production steady. In addition, higher feed costs could create headwinds for feeder cattle prices. While fundamentally tighter calf supplies should buoy prices, the coming months will reveal which supply and demand factors will fully materialize and win out.

Wednesday September 23 Ag News - Feeding the Cow Webinar Series - HPAI Returns to Iowa - IA Soybean Assoc Elects Leadership - Aug Milk Prod Up Slightly - Corey Scott to Lead DMI - EPA Launches Subscription Alerts - and more!

Nebraska Extension series to help cattle producers evaluate feed options amid drought, higher hay prices

With drought conditions affecting forage availability and higher hay prices increasing winter feeding costs, Nebraska Extension will offer its Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series this fall to help cattle producers evaluate feed options and make informed nutrition decisions.

The four-session online series will be held Nov. 9, 12, 16 and 19 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT.

Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow is designed to help producers better understand the nutritional needs of beef cows and how those needs change throughout the production cycle. Participants will learn how to evaluate available feed resources, compare alternatives and develop feeding strategies that meet cow requirements while managing costs.

The series comes as drought conditions and higher hay prices are prompting some producers to take a closer look at available forage supplies and consider alternative feeds. Knowing a cow’s nutrient requirements — and how to accurately compare feeds based on nutritional value and cost — can help producers determine which options make the most sense for their operations.

The series will cover four key areas:
    Understanding how a cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the production cycle;  
    Reading and interpreting feed test analyses and feed tags;  
    Comparing feed options and determining the best buy; and  
    Developing cost-effective, year-round feeding plans.  

Nebraska Extension educators Erin Laborie, Troy Walz and Brock Ortner will lead the series. Sessions are designed to provide practical information producers can apply to their own operations, with opportunities for participants to ask questions throughout the course.

More than 185 producers have participated in previous offerings of Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow.

Registration is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. Participation is limited to 40 people, and registration is due Oct. 26.

Register at go.unl.edu/feedingthecow

For more information, contact Erin Laborie at 308-268-3105 or erin.laborie@unl.edu. 



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Multi-Species Backyard Flock in Boone County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in Boone County. This case is Iowa’s seventh detection of H5N1 HPAI in 2026.

About H5N1 HPAI in Birds
H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys.

Heightened Biosecurity 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to continue bolstering their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks. The Department has numerous biosecurity resources to reference on its website.

Suspected Cases in Poultry 
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of H5N1 HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305. 

Clinical signs of H5N1 HPAI in birds may include:  
    Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
    Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
    Decrease in egg production
    Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
    Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
    Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
    Stumbling and/or falling down
    Diarrhea 

Food Safety 
It remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.

Wild and Migratory Birds
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks those who find 5 to 10 or more sick or dead wild birds in a small area to report their findings to local DNR Wildlife Management staff.

Public Health 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

List of Confirmed Cases
As H5N1 HPAI detections are confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, those cases are added to tracking websites located on the USDA APHIS website.



Iowa Farmers Elect New Leadership to Grow Markets and Advance Opportunities for U.S. Soybeans

Farmer-leaders of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors elected Lee Brooke of Clarinda as president during its September board meeting in Aberdeen, Washington earlier this month. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Brooke was first elected as an ISA district 7 director in 2021. He manages a diversified row crop and livestock farm in partnership with his son and son-in-law. He also serves as president of the Southwest Iowa Rural Water Association and has held leadership posts in a local cooperative, church and county cattlemen’s association.

“Soybean farmers are facing new challenges every day to feed a growing population in a cost-effective way,” says Brooke. “The ISA, with the involvement of soybean farmers and industry partners, can positively impact this need through developing new uses, expanding trade and keeping additional regulations in check. I’m grateful to represent Iowa’s soybean farmers in this capacity and look forward to digging in."

Four farmer-leaders were also appointed to serve on ISA’s Executive Committee, including:
    Scot Bailey, President-Elect – Anita
    Sam Showalter, Treasurer – Hampton
    Amanda Tupper, Secretary – Ionia
    Jeff Ellis, At-Large – Donnellson

Directors are chosen by Iowa soybean farmers through the ISA election in July and take office in September. Members voted for two farmers from their crop reporting district and four farmers to serve as at-large directors.

Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board were Josh Blair, Wall Lake (District 4) and Jeff Hedges, Oakville (District 9). Effective Sept. 1, Lisa Obrecht of Zearing (District 5) was appointed by the board to serve a three-year term following the resignation of Corey Goodhue.

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Paul Kassel, Spencer (District 1); Sam Showalter, Hampton (District 2); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); Aimee Bissell, Bedford (At-Large); and Sharon Chism, Huxley (At-Large).

Also serving on the ISA board: Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); Mike Yegge, Lake Mills (District 2); Josh Schoulte, Farmersburg (District 3); Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4); and Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5); Brian Strasser, Homestead (District 6); Joe Sperfslage, Coggon (District 6); Summer Ory, Earlham (District 8); Brian Fuller, Osceola (District 8); Jack Boyer, Reinbeck (At-Large); and Neil Krummen, Linn Grove (At-Large).



August Milk Production in the United States up 1.7 Percent

Milk production in the United States during August totaled 19.9 billion pounds, up 1.7 percent from August 2025. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,049 pounds for August, 1 pound below August 2025. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.71 million head, 167,000 head more than August 2025, and 15,000 head more than July 2026.

Iowa Milk Production - August 2026
  - 505 million pounds - up 0.2% from Aug '25 
  - 243,000 milk cows (down 1,000 from Aug '25)
  - Average milk per cow - 2,080 pounds (up 15 lbs from Aug '25)



Dairy Management Inc. Board Selects New President and CEO to Lead Checkoff

Following a comprehensive national search, the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Corey Scott as president and chief executive officer.

Scott will become the third president and CEO in DMI’s history, succeeding Barbara O'Brien, who will retire following the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association, Oct. 19-21.

The appointment follows a months-long succession process conducted by the DMI Board of Directors to identify the leader best positioned to lead strategies designed to grow dairy sales, strengthen consumer trust and deliver value to the dairy farmers and importers who fund the checkoff.

“We are so excited for the next phase of DMI where Corey will focus on our program areas, strengthen our relationships and bring efficiencies to the incredible work that Barb O’Brien advanced during the past five years,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the DMI Board of Directors. “Corey will bring a positive and effective energy to the federation and will continue the amazing work that is implemented for dairy farmers and importers across the country. The search committee unanimously brought her forward, knowing her leadership skills, industry knowledge and humble service will carry us to the next level and secure strong opportunities for the future of dairy.”

As president and CEO, Scott will oversee more than 150 DMI and National Dairy Council employees on behalf of more than 23,000 dairy farmers and dairy importers. Scott also will serve as president and CEO of the checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Scott comes to DMI after serving as president and CEO of Midwest Dairy, where she led the dairy checkoff across a 10-state region representing 41.8 million consumers and more than 3,600 dairy farm families. Before joining Midwest Dairy in 2024, Scott served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Athian and spent more than 15 years in leadership positions with Land O’Lakes.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from the University of Minnesota and earned an executive MBA from the university’s Carlson School of Management.

“America's dairy farmers have built one of the most respected and successful checkoff organizations in agriculture, and I am honored by the opportunity to serve them,” Scott said. “The work of the dairy checkoff remains critical to growing dairy demand, connecting with today’s consumers and creating new opportunities for the next generation of farmers and importers. I look forward to working alongside the board of directors, our DMI team, state and regional checkoff organizations and our many partners to continue delivering results.”

O'Brien announced her retirement in March after a 25-year career at DMI, serving as president and CEO since 2021. During her tenure, the organization strengthened strategic alignment across the dairy checkoff, expanded innovation initiatives and advanced a unified strategy designed to grow dairy sales and build consumer trust. She is proud to hand the organization to Scott at a time of strength and momentum.

“Serving dairy farmers has been the privilege of my career,” she said. “I have every confidence that Corey and our outstanding DMI team will continue advancing the work of the dairy checkoff while remaining focused on the farmers and importers who make it all possible. The strategy and leadership are strong, and the future of the dairy checkoff is bright.”

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



EPA Launches New Email Subscription Feature to Help Pesticide Users with ESA Requirements

Herbicide applied to a young corn field using a boom sprayer during early post-emergence growth.
Stay current on pesticide use requirements in your area: Sign up for EPA’s new email alerts about changes to Bulletins Live! Two, including new and updated Pesticide Use Limitation Areas.

On Sept. 22, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new email subscription feature to help pesticide users quickly receive updates from the Bulletins Live! Two system, including notifications about new Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULA) and changes to existing PULAs. EPA developed this feature in direct response to requests from pesticide users who asked for better access to Bulletins Live! Two updates. 

With this feature, whenever Endangered Species Act requirements are updated in Bulletins Live! Two, subscribed pesticide users will receive an email with the latest information, saving them time and making their jobs easier. 

Pesticide labels can direct users to the Bulletins Live! Two system for additional, area-specific measures needed to protect threatened and endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitat. Because EPA continually updates the system — including adding and revising PULAs for different geographic areas — a pesticide user might not see restrictions for a product today but could in the future. The new subscription feature will help pesticide users learn about relevant updates in near real time, so they can act quickly and with confidence based on Bulletins Live! Two information delivered directly to them. 

With this new email subscription feature, subscribers will receive: 
    Notifications of major Bulletins Live! Two system updates 
    Announcements of new PULAs 
    Alerts about changes to existing PULAs 

To subscribe, please visit the Bulletins Live! Two page https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins. 



Prices Up but Pressure Remains: Soybean and Corn Growers Still Navigating Tight Margins

A new report co-authored by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) documents ongoing economic pressures across farm country, despite recent price improvements in both commodity markets. The report analyzes and summarizes the results of a survey conducted by Farm Journal of 1,200 corn and soybean farmers across the country.

“What stands out in these results is how little margin for error farmers have right now,” said Scott Gerlt, ASA chief economist. “Even with some improvement in crop prices, the cost of putting a crop in the ground remains high. When nearly half of growers say they are more concerned about their financial situation than they were a year ago, it’s a reminder that stronger markets alone haven’t resolved the economic challenges on the farm.”

Survey results show nearly two-thirds of growers are moderately or very concerned about the farm economy, and 46% are more concerned about their farm financial situation than they were a year ago. Although both measures improved from the comparable 2025 survey, they continue to signal a situation of high concern rather than a return to financial stability.

“It’s an interesting time to receive this feedback from corn and soybean growers,” said Krista Swanson, NCGA chief economist. “Corn prices have improved substantially in recent weeks, which helps grower sentiment. But farm profitability doesn’t reset in one market move or one crop year. We saw a high level of concern in last year’s survey, and even with stronger prices today, this shows many growers are still managing financial pressure that has built over multiple crop cycles.”

Despite recent improvements to grain markets, survey showed farmer expectations for the 2026 crop leave little room to absorb additional cost increases. Not all growers are able to capture the benefits of those improvements equally, or potentially at all. Price improvements also do not address high input costs, which remain a key concern among farmers. This reflects the complex nature of on-farm economics, in which business decisions for a single growing season often stretch across multiple years, from the purchase of inputs through the marketing of harvested crops.

The survey captures a farm economy under pressure even as commodity markets improve. For policymakers and the agricultural supply chain, the survey highlights how sensitive farm profitability remains to pressure from fuel, energy, fertilizer, and other production costs.

Tuesday September 22 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Safety During Harvest - ACEP, CSP, EQIP Deadline Oct 16 - ADM Columbus Enters Carbon Market - NE Ethanol Board Welcomes New Members - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress: Rain Improves Soil Moisture as Harvest Advances

Wetter conditions improved soil moisture across Nebraska but reduced fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20, as corn and soybean harvests began slightly ahead of last year but remained behind their five-year averages. Producers had 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork, down nearly two days from the previous week.

Corn harvest reached 7%, with 54% of the crop mature, while soybean harvest reached 3% and 60% of the crop was dropping leaves. Winter wheat planting remained well behind average at 22%, and pasture and range conditions continued to reflect moisture stress, with 57% rated poor or very poor.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 14% very short, 29% short, 53% adequate and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 24% very short, 30% short, 45% adequate and 1% surplus. 

Field Crops Report:

Corn
    Dented: 94% — ahead of 87% last year and 93% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 54% — ahead of 44% last year but behind 56% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 7% — ahead of 5% last year but behind 8% for the five-year average. 
    Condition: 7% very poor, 11% poor, 30% fair, 38% good, 14% excellent.

Soybean
    Dropping leaves: 60% — ahead of 57% last year but behind 69% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 3% — ahead of 2% last year but behind 6% for the five-year average. 
    Condition: 3% very poor, 8% poor, 25% fair, 49% good, 15% excellent.

Winter Wheat
    Planted: 22% — behind 32% last year and 35% for the five-year average.
    Emerged: 4% — behind 5% last year and 7% for the five-year average.

Sorghum
    Coloring: 84% — equal to last year but behind 93% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 40% — ahead of 25% last year and 32% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 2% — behind 4% last year and near 3% for the five-year average. 
    Condition: 6% very poor, 18% poor, 41% fair, 29% good, 6% excellent.

Pasture and Range
    Condition: 32% very poor, 25% poor, 28% fair, 14% 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 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20, 2026. This 3.2 days less than last year, when there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. 

Nine-five percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Fifty-six percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 7 percentage points behind last year. Four percent of corn has been harvested, which is 3 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. 

Forty-six percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 12 percentage points behind last year. Two percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 70 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Despite heavy rain across much of the Corn Belt last week, the nation's corn and soybean harvests continued ahead of their average paces, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn dented was estimated at 92%, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 90% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 91%. Corn mature was pegged at 58%, 4 percentage points ahead of last year's 54% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 55%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 13% of corn has been harvested nationally, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 10% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 11%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 9 percentage points below last year's 66%. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, equal to the previous week and 7 percentage points above the previous year's 10%.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 62%, 4 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average pace of 58%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 12% of soybeans had been harvested as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 8%
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 58% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 3 percentage points below the previous year's 61%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest reached 96% complete as of Sunday. That was equal to both last year's pace and the five-year average.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting was estimated at 17% complete nationally, 2 percentage points behind last year's 19% and 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 21%.
-- Crop development: Winter wheat emergence was estimated at 2%, 2 points behind both last year's pace and the five-year average.



Nebraska Corn: Safety Today, Success Tomorrow

As harvest season approaches, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are reminding farmers, rural communities and motorists to prioritize safety during National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 21-25. This year’s theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to stay safe during one of the busiest seasons in agriculture.
 
Nebraska's farms and ranches support one in four jobs across the state, yet agriculture consistently ranks among the nation's most dangerous occupations. Long hours, heavy machinery and unpredictable weather put farmers and rural residents at risk every season, making safety a year-round priority rather than an afterthought.
 
"Every harvest reminds us that farming's rewards come with real risks. Taking safety seriously today, whether in the field, on rural roads or around equipment, is what allows our farms and families to thrive tomorrow," said Andy Groskopf, chairman of NCB. "We also want farmers to take care of themselves both physically but just as importantly mentally. Harvest is a time of long hours and can be emotionally taxing, and it's important to check in with each other, ask for help when needed and know that support is available. Looking out for our mental health is just as critical as looking out for our physical safety."
 
Often, the most important thing farmers and motorists can do is slow down, stay aware of their surroundings and make safety part of every decision. With long hours and plenty of responsibilities both in the field and on the road, keeping safety top of mind can help ensure a successful harvest season.
Nebraska Corn reminds those traveling through rural areas to be patient during harvest traffic so everyone gets home safely.

Nebraska Corn encourages both farmers and the public to keep these safety reminders top of mind this fall and beyond:

Equipment and Roadway Safety
    Verify all safety shields and guards are in place before operating equipment.
    Test lights, flashers and warning signals regularly to ensure equipment is visible on the road.
    When approaching harvest equipment, do so from the front to ensure the operator sees you.
    Motorists should slow down and use caution when sharing the road with farm machinery, which often travels well below highway speeds.

Health and Wellness
    Fatigue and stress can impair decision-making; schedule breaks and get adequate rest.
    Stay hydrated and keep water readily available during long harvest days.
    Pay attention to mental health needs, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when stress builds during harvest.

Generations of Farming
    Teach youth safe habits early, including the importance of staying away from running equipment.
    Assign age-appropriate tasks and ensure children are supervised around harvest activity.

Confined Spaces and Grain Bin Safety
    Never enter a grain bin while equipment is running.
    Always have a harness and lifeline and never work in a bin alone.

Fire Prevention
    Remove crop residue and dust buildup from machinery regularly.
    Inspect equipment for damaged wiring and other potential fire hazards.
    Ensure fire extinguishers are charged, accessible and available in combines, tractors and trucks.

Cancer Prevention
    Wear sunscreen, hats and protective clothing during long hours in the field.
    Use proper respiratory protection when working around dust, chemicals or grain particles.
    Schedule regular health screenings, since early detection improves outcomes.

Mental Health
    Fatigue is a leading contributor to farm equipment accidents; treat rest as a safety requirement, not a luxury.
    Stress and distraction reduce reaction time around grain bins, augers and machinery
    Build short breaks into long days. Even 10–15 minutes matters for focus and safety.
    Stay connected: check in with neighbors, family and fellow farmers regularly.
    Maintain sleep and meal routines as much as the schedule allows.
    Share the workload where possible; ask for help rather than pushing through alone.

Nebraska Corn also reminds those traveling through rural areas to be patient during harvest traffic and be aware of Nebraska’s move-over law. The measure requires drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles and vulnerable road users, which includes agricultural vehicles and equipment. Slowing down, staying alert and giving equipment plenty of room can prevent accidents and help keep everyone safe today and tomorrow.



NRCS in NE Accepting Applications for Conservation Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to put Farmers First through a historic investment in conservation on agricultural lands through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a result of the conservation funding provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

“We know that America’s producers know the land the best and are the best stewards,” said NRCS State Conservationist Robert Lawson in NE. “We encourage producers interested in conserving natural resources and keeping their operations productive, profitable and sustainable for future generations to contact their local NRCS office.”

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers in NE should apply by October 16, 2026 to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include:
 · Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): The Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement. The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.
 · Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation.
 · Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides producers with the technical and financial resources they need to address resources concerns on their land including improved water and air quality, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion, improved natural vitality and more. NRCS is also providing additional financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application for EQIP and CSP. RPP is part of USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system. 



ADM Plans Entry into Voluntary Carbon Market with Over 800,000 Tons of Annual Removal Capacity

ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, Monday announced its planned entry into the voluntary carbon dioxide removal market with credits generated by the 800,000+ ton-a-year capacity carbon capture operations at the company’s Columbus, Nebraska, corn processing complex.

The credits are undergoing certification and issuance by Puro.earth, a highly respected infrastructure provider for engineered carbon dioxide removal, under its Geologically Stored Carbon methodology (Edition 2024).

“ADM has more than a decade of experience supporting carbon capture and geologic storage, including operating Class VI wells at our Decatur, Illinois, facility. That experience, together with Tallgrass’ CO2 transportation and sequestration system and the capabilities of other project participants, positions us to connect agricultural production with growing carbon removal markets at scale,” said Kris Lutt, ADM’s vice president of Innovation & Growth. “We’re already working with customers in our own value chains to help them meet their ambitious goals. This substantial carbon removal offering will allow us to expand our efforts to new customers across multiple industries, from technology and finance to aviation and pharmaceuticals.”

Certification and issuance of the initial carbon removal credits is expected by year end. Upon successful completion of the certification and verification process, ADM will begin a 15-year crediting period, positioning the Columbus carbon capture facility to deliver carbon removal credits for years to come.

Jan-Willem Bode, President, Puro.earth, commented, “We are delighted to be working with ADM on this very exciting project. Certifying carbon removal at this scale demands real rigor, and we believe ADM has approached every stage – from measurement and data collection through to third-party audit – with the discipline and transparency that an investment-grade market requires. The audit process has run exceptionally smoothly, which is testament to the team ADM has built around this asset, and the hard work of the Puro.earth team coordinating with them. That partnership is what turns one of the world’s largest bioethanol carbon capture facilities into verified, investable carbon removal, and it sets a replicable benchmark for this sector worldwide.”

ADM, in partnership with leading energy infrastructure provider Tallgrass, inaugurated carbon capture and storage operations in Columbus in 2025. Biogenic CO2 is captured from ethanol fermentation at ADM’s corn processing facility and then purified, compressed, and transported to Tallgrass’s Eastern Wyoming Sequestration Hub for safe, permanent underground storage via CCS wells regulated under a Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Class VI permit.

“Our growth strategy is predicated on smart investments that build on our world-class footprint, and carbon capture is a great example of that. More broadly, we view agriculture as a powerful engine to lower carbon, and our capabilities uniquely position us to help deliver for stakeholders across value chains,” Lutt added. “From our leadership in regenerative agriculture, to our expanding capabilities in renewable natural gas, to our innovative work in CCS, we’re working to advance new ways in which agriculture can drive business results and power emerging lower-carbon solutions.”

ADM has more than 650 employees in Nebraska, and its processing complex in Columbus includes wet and dry mills that transform corn into food ingredients, fuels and animal feed products that are used every day by people around the world.



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes Three Ethanol Producer Voting Members

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) today welcomes three Nebraska ethanol producers to the board as voting members. Todd Good from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Joe Shanle from Trenton Agri Products (TAP), and Brent Hoops from Chief Ethanol were appointed by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to fill the three newly-created ethanol producer seats on the NEB, effective immediately.
 
“We’re very excited to welcome ethanol producers to the NEB, and Todd, Joe, and Brent are all excellent choices,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “All of them are highly respected in the industry, with each bringing vast experience and expertise to the table. Having their voices—and votes—in the room moving forward marks a critical component of the NEB’s long-term goal to deliver maximum value for Nebraska’s ethanol producers. We thank them for their willingness to serve and know they will do a terrific job.”
 
The NEB’s strategic plan legislation, Legislative Bill (LB) 815, passed earlier this year by the Nebraska Legislature with supermajority support and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Pillen, includes provisions adding three ethanol producer seats to the NEB. The seats became open on Sept. 1 and were required to be filled with initial appointees within 30 days. Good, Shanle, and Hoops have immediate voting privileges at NEB meetings with the announcement from the Governor’s office of their appointments.
 
Todd Good is the plant manager at ADM Corn Processing in Columbus. With 24 years of ethanol and oilseeds industry experience, Good has worked in several roles at ADM, including plant engineer, extraction superintendent, and plant superintendent, before assuming his current role in July 2019. Good is widely respected in the Nebraska ethanol industry for his expertise and leadership. He grew up on his family’s farm in Indiana and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Good served as an ex oficio ethanol producer advisor to the NEB from August of 2024 to now.
 
“I’m excited to join the NEB as a voting member at such a critical time in the industry,” Good said. “Having served as an advisor for the past few years, I know firsthand that the NEB is heading in the right direction. As a voting member, I will bring the producer perspective to all board meetings and events, and make decisions with the industry’s best interests in mind. I’m looking forward to helping shape the conversation as we move ahead.”
 
Joe Shanle is the vice president of operations at TAP in Trenton. Shanle has significant experience in ethanol plant management, including past roles as production manager at Flint Hills Resources and senior plant manager at Midwest Renewable Energy before joining TAP as plant manager in 2020 and promoting in 2023 to vice president of operations. Shanle holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hastings College and an MBA from Chadron State College. Shanle also served as an NEB ex oficio ethanol producer advisor from August of 2024 to now.
 
“I’m thrilled to be joining the NEB in a voting seat,” Shanle said. “This industry provides many benefits to our state, and the NEB has been involved in much of its development. As an official member, I will ensure that producer interests are properly voiced and that the NEB’s work continues to show results for the industry. I look forward to working with the Board to make sure that Nebraska continues to lead the ethanol industry in the future.”
 
Brent Hoops serves as the commodities director at Chief Ethanol Fuels, where he leverages his extensive experience in agriculture and commodities trading to enhance the company's operations. His agricultural background includes 15 years as a commercial producer of corn and soybeans in Adams County, Nebraska. He also has worked as a commodities trading adviser, where he assisted farmers with risk management and grain marketing. In his current role, Hoops focuses on optimizing ethanol production margins and exploring the emerging role of carbon markets in both the ethanol and corn sectors. He holds an engineering/industrial management bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
 
“I’m honored to join the NEB as one of the initial ethanol producer appointees,” Hoops said. “The industry is changing, and the NEB is doing its part to change with it. Being one of the ethanol producer voices in the room is a perfect opportunity to represent my colleagues and ensure the NEB remains responsive to producers’ needs. As the ethanol industry continues to develop, I look forward to helping steer the conversation.”
 
Gov. Pillen also reappointed Jamie Bearup to the NEB labor position for a four-year term, and Scott McPheeters was reappointed for another term, now in the general farming position. McPheeters replaces Michael Thede, who retired from the NEB at the conclusion of his term on Aug. 31.
 
“The NEB thanks Mike Thede for his 20 years of dedicated service,” Rhodes said. “Thede’s farming expertise and steady presence was appreciated as he helped navigate the ebb and flow of the ethanol industry over the past two decades. We are thankful for all he did for us and wish him the best in his next endeavors.”
 
The NEB now has nine voting members, each representing a sector of the fuel value chain. Ethanol producers Good, Shanle and Hoops join Chairman Jan tenBensel (wheat), Vice Chairman Scott McPheeters (general farming), Secretary Randy Gard (petroleum marketers), Jamie Bearup (labor), Taylor Nelson (corn), and Tracy Zink (sorghum) as voting members. The Board is also supported by a technical advisor. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Dr. Hunter Flodman holds that position.



ACE 2026 Awards Honor Ethanol Industry Contributors

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) honored a select group of advocates for their contributions to the ethanol industry during its 39th annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month.

The Merle Anderson Award, named after the organization’s founder, was presented to Mike Jerke this year. ACE CEO Brian Jennings presented the award to Jerke during the event’s awards ceremony.

The Merle Anderson Award is presented annually to recognize an individual who has made distinguished and lasting contributions to advancing the U.S. ethanol industry. Jerke retired in 2025 – after many years of active leadership in the industry. Jerke served as CEO of Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP), Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC), Guardian Energy, Corn Plus, and Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). He valued the importance of grassroots advocacy, having participated in several ACE DC fly-ins and other efforts to promote the legislative and regulatory priorities for ethanol.

“I was completely humbled to receive the award,” said Jerke. “Anybody that remembers and knows Merle understands why the award was named for him. Merle is an icon and is legendary for his drive, dedication, and just persistence in pushing this industry forward. He was actively promoting ethanol, encouraging others to get engaged in the industry I think right up until his passing, when he was 96 years old. I’m incredibly honored to receive an award named after him.”

ACE chief strategy officer Ron Lamberty presented the Grassroots Award to Kenton Johnson in recognition of his longstanding dedication to ACE, the ethanol industry, and rural America. As a farmer, founding member, and board member of several ethanol plants, Johnson has consistently supported ACE and the broader industry through his passion, leadership, and commitment to strengthening rural communities and the domestic ethanol industry. Johnson has been a steadfast advocate for the ethanol industry’s grassroots movement for many years. His active participation in ACE and other industry leaders’ conferences, fly-ins, and board meetings reflects his continued commitment to advancing the industry and ensuring the voices of rural America are heard.

“It’s a true honor to receive this award,” said Johnson, “I’ve had a fantastic experience here at ACE. I think I was 22 or 23 years old when I first stepped on the board and went on my first Hill visit and kind of dove into policy with Ron Lamberty and Brian Jennnings and some key board members that have kind of mentored me along the way, and it’s a real honor to win this award. We’ve done a lot of great work around here.”

During a retailer panel discussion, Lamberty presented the Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award to the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association for its sustained leadership in expanding ethanol demand and increasing consumer access to higher ethanol blends. Through its work on infrastructure grants and other program funding, Unleaded 88 fuel pump promotions, consumer education through studies that highlight E15 benefits and use, advocacy for pro-biofuel policies, and coordination of congressional visits with ethanol plants, the Association has played a pivotal role in market development. These efforts have helped fuel retailers successfully offer higher ethanol blends and contributed to Minnesota achieving five consecutive years of record E15 sales.

“It’s really an honor to be recognized with this award from the American Coalition for Ethanol, said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. “They do so much work with grassroots, with ethanol plants, with ethanol plant board members, so it’s really an honor to be recognized for the work that we are also doing at the grassroots level – going out, working with fuel retailers, helping them install new infrastructure that can accommodate higher blends of ethanol like E15, but also doing that consumer education piece.”

ACE has also designated its 2026 Policy and Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN) for her strong leadership on biofuel issues, including her recent leadership in the House Rules Committee and on the House floor, which was instrumental in securing passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346) to ensure nationwide and permanent access to low-cost E15. The Congresswoman joined ACE to speak to attendees and accept her award during the Thursday morning general session.

“It was an honor to receive my award for my work on the E15 legislation,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “But most of all, it’s incredibly important that we passed that E15, and we will continue to fight through the Senate, making sure that we get this done and signed into law.”



EPA Proposes Final ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking defining “Waters of the United States.” The notice addresses legal concerns raised during the review of the previous proposal and requests comments on additional proposed approaches to better align with the Supreme Court’s direction. The public comment period on the supplemental notice regulation ends Oct. 9.
 
Last November, the agency released an interim final regulation on WOTUS, a revision of the 2023 rule enacted by the Biden EPA, which ignored a U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited EPA’s authority over waterways.
 
The Waters Advocacy Coalition supports the Trump administration’s latest WOTUS rule, which makes jurisdictional waters that are “permanent,” defined as those that are perennial; wetlands that touch a jurisdictional water and hold surface water for a required duration year after year; and tributaries that connect directly or have predictable, consistent flow to traditional navigable waters.
 
In comments submitted to EPA in January, the coalition said the interim final rule “better aligns the regulatory definition of WOTUS with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent” – in particular by defining critical terms, providing clarity and transparency, and preserving the states’ primary role in regulating water resources and land use within their boundaries.
 
WOTUS rules under the Obama and Biden administrations included features with even a tenuous connection to navigable waters, such as drains, ditches, stock ponds, and low spots on farmland. Those regulations could have required CWA permits for routine agricultural activities near those features and subjected agricultural producers to civil and criminal penalties for violations of the rule.