Wednesday October 28 Ag News - USDA NASS Corn Yield Correction for NE - Fungal Disease & Grazing Stalks - Corn Groups Urge Fertilizer Investigation - ISU Integrated Crop Mgt Conf - NPB Innovation & Pork Quality Advisory Committee - and more!

Additional Information Regarding September Crop Production Notice
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Following concerns raised after the October 9, 2026, Crop Production report, NASS conducted a comprehensive review of its September and October corn estimation procedures. The review identified a September processing error involving incorrect acreage weights used to combine irrigated and non-irrigated objective yield observations for Kansas and Nebraska.

Specifically, the error affected September corn plant populations and ear counts for both states and the 10-state averages, as well as yield forecasts for both states and the U.S. The corrected September yield forecasts are 118 bushels per acre for Kansas (down 3), 182 for Nebraska (up 5), and 178.8 for the United States (up 0.3). The affected September data and forecasts have been corrected in the Crop Production reports and Quick Stats.

NASS also reviewed and validated the October data and estimation procedures and confirmed that the October yield and production forecasts remain unchanged. Moving forward, we will implement additional pre-publication checks to verify acreage weights and validate objective yield calculations. We are evaluating further improvements to strengthen our quality-control procedures.

We thank the farmers and data users who brought the concerns to our attention. NASS remains committed to providing timely, accurate, and reliable agricultural statistics and to promptly communicating and correcting any errors identified in our published data.



Nebraska Corn Statement on September 2026 NASS Crop Report Correction

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has issued a correction to corn data in its September 2026 Crop Production report after concerns were raised following the Oct. 9 Crop Production report. NASS acknowledged a processing error that affected September corn plant populations, ear counts, yields and production estimates for Nebraska and Kansas. Nebraska’s September corn yield estimate was revised from 177 to 182 bushels per acre.
 
Andy Groskopf, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, and Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, issued the following joint statement:
 
“The corrected September Crop Production report is an improvement, but errors like this have far-reaching effects on farmers and the markets they depend on. We expect NASS to identify the source of the error and put safeguards in place so it does not happen again. Farmers rely on accurate data to make marketing decisions, and mistakes like this undermine their trust in NASS data at a time when they need it most.”



FUNGAL DISEASES AND CORN RESIDUE 
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator 

Fungal diseases have made noticeable impacts on corn fields in Nebraska this year. As these fields open for grazing following harvest, many are wondering — does disease pressure affect how we manage livestock on those acres?

Diseases like tar spot, southern rust, and other fungal leaf diseases create lesions on corn leaves, weakening the plant in the process. Severe infections can cause leaves to senesce earlier, limiting photosynthesis and reducing the amount of leaf material left after harvest. Stalk rots can also weaken plants, increasing the potential for lodging.

So, what does this mean for grazing residue? Overall residue quality may be somewhat lower, but the bigger concern is that there may simply be less leaf material left. Along with husks, leaves are the primary component of residue-based diets. Their loss, therefore, can indirectly lower overall residue feed value. In addition, earlier senescence and existing tissue damage may allow corn leaves to weather and decompose faster than normal — shortening the window of quality grazing even further.

Stalk rots can also increase harvest losses from lodged corn, potentially leaving more ears or grain in the field. This is something to watch for when turning cattle out to graze, especially if excess grain is enough to cause acidosis.

Fungal diseases may not cause large direct changes to corn residue quality, but they can reduce the amount of desirable material available. Monitoring residue condition and adjusting stocking rates or grazing duration accordingly can help make the most of affected fields while maintaining livestock performance.



NDA AWARDED SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FUNDING CYLCE

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) was designed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops- defined as ‘fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.’ Agencies, commissions or departments responsible for agriculture within any of the 50 States are eligible to apply for the SCBGP.

In 2026, USDA’s SCBGP invested over $1 billion in over 12,400 projects with the goal of increasing market access, enhancing food safety, developing new crop varieties, mitigating pests and diseases, increasing knowledge of specialty crops nutrition and improving sustainability and conservation.

For the 2026 funding cycle, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has received $851,946.25. Below is a list of the 13 projects that will be funded through this grant.
    Spring and Winter Pea Productivity and Profitability Under Dryland and Western Nebraska
    Adding A “Preemptive Strike” to the Battle Against Japanese Beetles
    Integrated Management of Herbicide-Resistant Palmer Amaranth and Volunteer Corn in Popcorn: Research & Extension
    Reliable or Risky? Screening Biostimulants for Specialty Crop Transplant Production
    Framework for Farm Sustainability
    Optimizing NPK to Improve Photosynthesis, Yield, and Profitability of Dry Pea
    Kochia Burndown in Confection Sunflower
    High-Yielding Food-Grade Winter Pea Varieties for Dryland Production System in Nebraska
    Cowpea Varieties for Dryland Production System in Western Nebraska
    Evaluation of Sulfur Supplementation on Terminal Drought Tolerance in Dry Pea
    Evaluation of Biopesticides for Seed-Feeding Pests Management in Confection Sunflower
    Developing Rust Resistant Sweet Corn Lines
    Trade Show for Nebraska Specialty Crop Associations

Learn more about the SCBGP at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.



Iowa, Ohio and Texas Corn Grower Associations Urge Trump Administration to Advance Fertilizer Competition Investigation

The Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and Texas Corn Producers Association today sent a joint letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the Administration to support and advance a federal investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the fertilizer market.  

The letter thanked the Administration for its efforts to support farmers, including the recent diesel relief announcement, but explained that high fertilizer prices still outweigh the benefits of those actions and that persistent high fertilizer costs and a lack of meaningful market competition warrant enforcement action by federal regulators.  

Corn growers called on the Administration to support the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in pursuing well-grounded enforcement action to address market concentration and anticompetitive behavior in the fertilizer industry. Their request follows a December 2025 executive order directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FTC to investigate price fixing and anticompetitive behavior in the food supply chain, specifically calling attention to fertilizer markets.  

“Farmers are facing fertilizer costs that simply do not reflect a competitive marketplace,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association Steve Kuiper, who farms in Knoxville, Iowa. “When farmer relief programs are announced and fertilizer prices continue to climb, it raises serious questions about whether farmers are benefiting from a fair and functioning market. Corn farmers work hard to manage risk and control costs, but they need a transparent, competitive fertilizer market to stand a chance of being profitable. That's why we're urging the Administration to move forward with its investigation and ensure farmers have confidence that anticompetitive practices will be thoroughly examined.”  

The letter explains that Iowa farmers have seen ammonia price quotes rise by about $150 per ton shortly after the Administration's diesel relief announcement, and that Ohio farmers have seen phosphate prices decrease to only $5 less per ton than last year, even after suspension of countervailing duties.  

The three organizations stressed that farmers need "more than another statement of concern," but rather "meaningful enforcement action that starts to restore competition and shows farmers they are being heard." 



ICA Applauds $10 Million USDA Investment in Iowa’s Working Lands Program

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for announcing $10 million in funding for Iowa’s Working Lands Program through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The investment will help Iowa cattle producers and farmers implement conservation practices while keeping working lands productive.

“ICA has worked closely with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to help advance this program, and we appreciate their willingness to listen to producers, collaborate with ICA, and develop an approach that delivers meaningful results for Iowa’s cattlemen,” said Craig Moss, ICA president. “The Working Lands Program is a great example of what can happen when we work together to address producers’ needs and develop practical solutions that benefit both agriculture and our natural resources.”

ICA has advocated for Iowa’s Working Lands Program, as listed in our top policy priorities, and is proud to support IDALS and Iowa cattle producers in advancing investments that strengthen livestock production and conservation.

The additional funding comes at a critical time, as strong producer demand has demonstrated the value of programs that help farmers and cattle producers incorporate conservation practices into their operations. The previous round of funding was utilized in just 10 days, highlighting the need for continued investment and expanded opportunities for producers.

ICA believes Iowa’s Working Lands Program can serve as a model for future efforts that help producers maintain productive agricultural land while improving soil and water resources.

“We appreciate IDALS’ partnership and Secretary Naig’s leadership in developing a program that responds to Iowa producers’ needs and has the potential to serve as a model for other states,” said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. “USDA’s investment is a strong signal that the approach Iowa has developed has value beyond our state. We’re proud to see Iowa leading the way with a program that brings livestock production and conservation together, and we hope it can help shape similar opportunities for producers across the country.” For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 




Registration Open for Integrated Crop Management Conference

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will host the 37th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference, set for Dec. 9–10, at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. 

The ICM Conference brings together the latest university research, expert perspectives and practical crop production information for crop professionals and farmers. Participants will spend two days learning from experts, connecting with other crop professionals and gaining insights to apply with customers or on the farm. 

"What makes the ICM Conference unique is the ripple effect," said Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist at Iowa State and one of the conference organizers. “The information shared during these two days doesn't stop with the individuals in the room. Attendees take what they learn back to their customers, colleagues and farming operations, helping improve decisions on acres across Iowa and beyond.”

This year’s conference features 32 workshops covering crop production, pest management, nutrient and soil management and water quality. Invited speakers include: 
    Zach Easton, H.E. and Elizabeth Alphin professor and extension specialist in biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech, will present the keynote, “The Nonpoint Source Challenge: Obstacles and Opportunities for Meeting Nutrient Reduction Goals in Diverse Agricultural Watersheds.” The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Matt Helmers, professor and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State, providing an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about water quality and conservation issues facing agriculture. 
    Morgan Goodnight, Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, will present “Environmental Drivers of Foliar Fungicide Efficacy for Crop Disease Management,” discussing how weather variables, plant physiology and pathogens interact and impact fungicide performance and how growers can better refine application timing. 
    Bradley Miller, associate professor of agronomy at Iowa State, will present “One-Size Fits All Fails Iowa Farms,” introducing a new “Physiographic Regions of Iowa” map and discussing how differences in landscape, soils and hydrology can influence crop management decisions, land values and conservation outcomes.
    Connor Sible, research assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will present “Got Biologicals? What We Know Today About the Market and Field Efficacy,” reviewing different types of biologicals, what they can do and evaluating their effectiveness in the field. 
    Margaret Smith, forage agronomist with Albert Lea Seeds, will present “Growing Oats for Food, Feed or Cover Crop Seed Markets,” sharing insights on producing high-quality oats and market opportunities for oat production. 

New this year, attendees can visit the mobile ISU Extension Store during the conference to conveniently purchase popular field guides, crop production references and other extension publications. Credit card payments only will be accepted. 

Certified Crop Advisers can earn up to 14 continuing education credits by attending. In addition, Iowa commercial pesticide applicators may complete their 2026 continuing instruction courses for categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 4 (seed treatment).

To see the full agenda and register, visit the ICM Conference website https://go.iastate.edu/ICM26.

The early-bird registration deadline is Nov. 16 for $260. Registration from Nov. 17 to Dec. 3 is $310. On-site registration will be available for $350. The commercial pesticide continuing instruction courses are an additional $45 each.

For registration related questions, contact Registration Services at 515-294-6222 or registrations@iastate.edu. For all other inquiries, email crops@iastate.edu. 




Introductory Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index Workshop Planned for December

A Dec. 17 workshop will provide an opportunity for producers to learn more about the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2), as well as the Iowa Phosphorus Index. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will be held in Ames.

According to Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, the RUSLE2 equation is a tool stakeholders can use to calculate soil loss for a given field and is necessary for determining the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The morning portion of the workshop will focus on installing software programs, performing dominant critical area and predominant area determinations and operating RUSLE2. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral and classical gully erosion, as well as the updated Iowa Phosphorus Index, which can be used in Iowa DNR manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.

Sessions will be taught by Arora; Dan Andersen, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State; Chandra Shaw, resource conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture – Iowa NRCS; and Jeremy Klatt, environmental specialist senior, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The workshop qualifies for six Certified Crop Advisor Credits (five soil and water management, one nutrient management) and three Professional Development Hours. Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

To ensure a spot in the workshop, complete early registration by Dec. 11. The registration fee is $225. If registering after this date, late fees will apply. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and will be held at Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab, located at 3800 University Blvd., Ames. A Windows-compatible computer with a USB port and Microsoft Excel Software is required to participate. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, as well as workshop materials. To register, visit the registration site https://go.iastate.edu/QSVI4U. 

For more information, contact Kapil Arora at pbtiger@iastate.edu or visit the workshop webpage https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ageng/rusle2.



Producer-Led, Consumer-Driven Innovation and Pork Quality Advisory Committee Formed to Strengthen Demand

The National Pork Board (NPB) recently formed six producer-led advisory committees tied to its strategic plan. The Innovation and Pork Quality Advisory Committee focuses on improving whole-carcass value and a differentiated position. The input from producers and allied industry members will help build long-term sustainable demand for pork.

“Convening leadership across the pork industry will guide this advisory committee’s work and keep innovation grounded in consumer needs, but actionable among key stakeholders,” said Kiersten Hafer, vice president of business intelligence and innovation at the National Pork Board. “By pairing research with real-world applications, we can help the supply chain create easy, convenient, portable and culturally relevant pork products that younger consumers will choose and enjoy pork more often.”

Committee members include:
    Emily Arkfeld, Chair, NPB Board of Directors, Triumph Foods, Missouri
    Nick Berry, Swine Genetics International, Iowa
    Jennifer Blake, Oregon Pork Producers Association, Oregon
    Peter Brummer, Brummer Farm, Pennsylvania
    Chad Carr, University of Florida, Florida
    Anna Dilger, University of Illinois, Illinois
    Brandon Fields, PIC, Kentucky
    Laura Flemming, Smithfield Foods, Virginia
    Jeff Hansen, Elanco Animal Health, Iowa
    Collette Kaster, American Meat Science Association, Missouri
    Dustin Kendall, Prestage Farms Inc., North Carolina
    Chad Leman, Leman Farms Inc., Illinois
    Connor Livingston, Livingston Enterprises Inc., Nebraska
    Jim Magolski, Perdue Foods, Wisconsin
    Tommie Smothers, Walt Disney World Co., Florida
    Nathan Tentinger, Tentinger Farms, Iowa
    Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois
    Scott Trapp, Wholestone Prestage, Nebraska
    Steve Weiss, NutriQuest, Iowa
    Michael Yeater, The Protein Group, LLC, Texas

The committee elevates meat science expertise and consumer behavior data to advise how to meet consumers’ meal and snack expectations. It will combine expertise and supply chain input to build a shared understanding of how production and processing decisions can improve pork quality and support innovation.

The advisory committee established that the consumer eating experience is critical to pork's future success. They will review pork’s current state and available tools for assessing raw product quality, so NPB staff and board members can establish learning plans and allocate Pork Checkoff funds responsibly. Favorable eating experiences increase household purchases, making pork more prominent in the hearts and carts of Americans.

Last month’s checkoff-funded Innovation Summit outlined a practical blueprint for scalable success to supply chain leaders and producers. Third-party experts and NPB discussed fabricating and marketing new muscle cuts like coppa, presa, Boston butt burgers, coming from the shoulder, and pluma and katsu from the loin.

NPB is uniquely positioned to convene industry leaders. This new committee will identify how science meets consumer preferences and informs conversations that empower key stakeholders. Together, this geographically diverse advisory committee will help NPB identify how to strategically become more relevant with younger consumers and win with pork. 



Strong Dairy Production Growth and $15 Billion in Processing Investments Signal Opportunity for Upper Midwest Producers
Fred Hall, Dairy Field Specialist, ISU Extension 

A combination of rising milk production, record milk component levels, expanding dairy processing capacity, and increasing export competitiveness is creating new opportunities for dairy producers across the Upper Midwest.

Recent USDA data show U.S. milk production reached 18.7 billion pounds across the 24 major dairy states during September 2026, a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Growth has been fueled by both dairy herd expansion and gains in cow productivity, indicating continued confidence in the nation's dairy sector.

At the same time, America's dairy processing industry is investing more than $15 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 23 states. More than 85 dairy processing projects are planned or underway through 2030, reflecting confidence in long-term demand for dairy products both domestically and internationally.

For dairy producers in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and neighboring states, these developments could create significant marketing opportunities. New and expanded facilities will require a reliable supply of milk, particularly milk with higher levels of protein and butterfat that can support production of value-added dairy products.

One of the most significant trends shaping the industry is the continued improvement in milk components. U.S. butterfat levels have climbed to a record 4.32%, while protein levels have increased to 3.34%. These higher component levels are increasingly valuable as processors expand production of cheese, dairy ingredients, whey proteins, yogurt, and other nutrient-dense products that deliver greater manufacturing returns than fluid milk alone.

According to International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes, rising consumer demand for dairy protein, combined with expanding export opportunities, continues to support investments throughout the dairy supply chain. U.S. dairy exports are projected to reach a record $10.5 billion this year, creating additional outlets for growing milk supplies.

The processing investments are concentrated in categories most relevant to Upper Midwest dairy producers. Nationally, more than $5.6 billion is being invested in milk and cream processing, $3.8 billion in cheese manufacturing, and more than $3 billion in yogurt and cultured dairy products.

At the same time, expanding milk production has created abundant supplies of both milkfat and dairy proteins. Domestic cheddar cheese and butter prices have softened relative to competing products from Europe and Oceania, making U.S. dairy products some of the most competitively priced offerings in global markets. While lower wholesale commodity prices can pressure farm milk prices in the short term, they also create opportunities for U.S. exporters to gain market share in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Industry analysts note that growing milk supplies, coupled with favorable exchange rates and competitive commodity pricing, have encouraged international buyers to consider U.S. cheese, butter, and dairy ingredients as cost-effective alternatives to products sourced from traditional exporting regions. This expanding export potential could become increasingly important as new processing plants come online and require additional markets for finished products.

However, challenges remain. Wholesale cheese and butter prices directly influence Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing formulas, meaning prolonged periods of lower commodity prices can reduce milk checks received by producers. As a result, dairy cooperatives and processors continue to utilize risk management tools and market diversification strategies and I recommend producers do the same to protect their returns.

For individual dairy operations, profitability may increasingly depend on producing component-rich milk efficiently. The Iowa Extension Dair Team emphasize the importance of feed efficiency, reproductive performance, herd health, and genetic selection programs that maximize pounds of milk and protein production per cow.

Despite near-term pricing pressures, the long-term outlook remains positive. Expanding processing capacity, strong export demand, continued genetic improvement, and growing consumer interest in high-protein dairy products are industry growth. As new processing facilities begin operations and existing plants expand, dairy producers across the Upper Midwest may benefit from stronger regional milk demand and additional marketing opportunities in the years ahead.



NGFA applauds CFTC plan to expand Commitments of Traders reporting

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today welcomed the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) plan to double the frequency of its Commitments of Traders (COT) reports and reduce the reporting lag, advancing longstanding NGFA recommendations to improve transparency in agricultural futures markets.

Under the plan, the CFTC will begin publishing COT reports twice weekly by the end of 2026. Reports reflecting Monday trading positions will be published on Wednesdays, while reports reflecting Wednesday positions will be released on Fridays, both at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The changes will reduce the lag between data collection and publication from three days to two.

“NGFA has advocated for more frequent and timely Commitments of Traders reporting for many years, and we are extremely pleased the CFTC is moving forward with these improvements,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “These changes will provide commercial hedgers with more timely market information, strengthen transparency and support better-informed risk management decisions. We commend Chairman Michael Selig and the CFTC for their leadership and commitment to modernizing this important tool for agricultural markets.”

NGFA has long supported efforts to enhance the timeliness and transparency of COT reporting, most recently highlighting these priorities in June 2026. The CFTC’s Division of Data is leading implementation efforts through modernization and automation while maintaining the accuracy of the reports.



USDA to Host Educational Event at USDA Cattle & Carcass Training Center

On Thursday, December 17, 2026, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will host an in-person event at the Cattle and Carcass Training Center (CCTC) located at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon, Texas. The event is open to the public and will focus on the grading and marketing of feeder cattle. Participants will have the opportunity to view the latest data-analytic dashboards developed by AMS, hear from subject matter experts on feeder cattle evaluation and marketing, participate in live feeder cattle evaluation, and have the opportunity to view AMS’s prototype for GrAider – Live, a Super Intelligence Model that uses advanced imagery to apply USDA Feeder Cattle Grades to live animals.

Although anyone may attend the events, they are designed for cattle producers, feeders, and other stakeholders seeking to better understand conventional marketing, the factors that influence cattle value, and how these factors can guide marketing and production decisions.  

Pre-registration is required for the event, which is free and open to the public. Information about the event, including how to pre-register, is on the AMS website https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/beef/cattle-carcass-training-centers.

The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to establish the CCTCs to conduct activities that limit subjectivity in the application of cattle and beef grading standards, provide producers with a greater understanding of the value of their cattle, and provide investors more confidence in the CME cattle delivery system.

Tuesday October 27 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - How Weather Impacts Corn & Residue - IA Celebrity Steer Show Proceeds Presented to Sioux City McDondald House - USDA Invests in Conservation, Meat Processing - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress

With 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, Nebraska producers made further harvest progress during the week, though corn and soybean remain behind their usual pace and sorghum harvest is lagging considerably.

Winter wheat planting is also nearly complete and slightly ahead of schedule, with emergence progressing on track.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 18% short, 65% adequate and 10% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 12% very short, 22% short, 62% adequate and 4% surplus.

Field Crops Report

Corn
    Harvested: 55% — behind the five-year average of 64%.
    Condition: 7% very poor, 17% poor, 35% fair, 32% good and 9% excellent.

Soybean
    Harvested: 75% — behind 82% for the five-year average.

Winter Wheat
    Planted: 95% — ahead of 92% for the five-year average.
    Emerged: 80% — equal to the five-year average.

Sorghum
    Mature: 89% — behind 96% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 35% — behind 59% for the five-year average.

Dry Edible Beans
    Harvested: 92% — slightly ahead of 91% for to the five-year average. 

Pasture and Range 
    Condition: 27% very poor, 20% poor, 26% fair, 25% good and 2% excellent.

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



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 25, 2026. Topsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. 

Forty-seven percent of corn has been harvested, which is 20 percentage points behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. 

Seventy-eight percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 6 percentage points behind the five-year average. 

Pasture condition rated 69 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The nation's corn harvest remains behind its five-year average, while soybean harvest is running slightly ahead, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 60% of corn had been harvested nationally as of Oct. 25, 6 percentage points behind the five-year average of 66%. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 56% of the crop remaining in fields was in good-to-excellent condition, steady with the previous week. Eighteen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 17%.

SOYBEANS
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 79% of soybeans had been harvested as of Sunday, 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 77%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting was estimated at 76% complete nationally, 1 percentage point behind the five-year average of 77%. 
-- Crop development: Winter wheat emerged was estimated at 53%, 1 percentage point behind the five-year average of 54%.



Impacts of Wet Weather on Corn Grain and Residue
Connor Biehler, Nebraska Beef Extension Educator

Recent flooding and persistent rainfall across portions of Nebraska created challenges for corn growers and cattle producers. Field conditions have led to questions regarding the feeding quality of corn grain, mycotoxins, and mold presence, and the value of corn residue for grazing cattle. Instances of grain sprouting on ears, moldy grain, and mycotoxin positive grain, have been reported this fall. While these concerns deserve attention, the key is understanding the actual risks, testing when necessary, and making informed management decisions. 

Kernels Sprouting on Ear
One of the more unusual observations this fall has been kernels sprouting while still attached to the ear, which is called vivipary. Unfortunately, extended rainfall, high humidity, and delayed dry down created conditions that caused kernels to germinate before being harvested. 

Not all hybrids have been affected equally, however. Producers frequently report greater issues in hybrids with more erect ears, which retain moisture under excessive moisture conditions. In many fields, sprouting is most severe at the base of the ear where water trickles down and accumulates. 

While sprouted kernels certainly look alarming, small amounts of sprouting do not result in major losses in feeding value of grain. The greater concern is the storage life, harvest losses, and an increased potential for ear and cob rot to develop. In other words, grain may require more attentive management but should not automatically be considered an unsalvageable crop.

Mold ≠ Mycotoxins and Vice Versa 
Mold and mycotoxins are not synonymous. Feed may contain mold without mycotoxins, and mycotoxins may be present without visible mold. The presence of one does not necessarily indicate the presence of the other.

Weather damaged grain that contains acceptable concentrations of mycotoxins may still be a valuable feed resource for livestock. Because tolerance to mycotoxins varies among animal species and classes, particularly between cattle and the more sensitive swine and poultry, grain should be tested before feeding. Laboratory analysis can help determine which livestock are appropriate recipients and whether feeding limitations or inclusion rate restrictions are warranted.

Laboratory testing is the only reliable way to determine risk. If grain, ensiled corn, or residue quality is of question, collect a representative sample and submit it for analysis before making feeding decisions. Moldy grain may still have feeding value, while visually clean grain may warrant caution if field or storage conditions favored mycotoxin development.

Utilizing Damaged Grain
Weather damaged grain may be able to be marketed in multiple ways, such as dry grain for livestock feed or processing markets, or sold as discounted grain. The most common impacts include reduced stability in storage, lower palatability, and market discounts. In general, low mold counts are considered a minimal concern, moderate mold counts warrant caution, and very high mold counts may require dilution or need to avoid feeding altogether. However, mold counts alone do not determine whether mycotoxins are present.

Impacts on Corn Residue Grazing
Grain quality concerns have received most of the attention, but residue quality may also be affected. Tar spot and other fungal diseases, combined with prolonged moisture and warm fall temperatures, accelerated decomposition of residue in affected areas.

Leaves and husks are typically the most digestible and preferred portions of corn residue. Increased weathering and fungal activity may reduce both residue quantity and quality prior to grazing. Producers should evaluate fields individually and recognize that stocking rates and supplementation needs may differ from a typical year.

Summary
The challenges of this growing season emphasize the importance of evaluating feed resources carefully and making decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. Sprouted ears, mold, and residue deterioration warrant attention, but they do not automatically eliminate the value of grain or grazing resources. Careful evaluation and testing can help producers make informed harvest, marketing, and feeding decisions. If you have further questions about grain quality, mycotoxins, feed testing, or corn residue grazing, please contact me at my office (402-624-8007) or by email (cbiehler2@unl.edu).



GOVERNOR’S CHARITY STEER SHOW CHECK PRESENTATION AT LOCAL RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) invite you to celebrate the success of this year’s annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the official check presentation being held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Siouxland Ronald McDonald House in Sioux City (2500 Nebraska St., Sioux City, IA 51104).

The celebration will begin at 10:45 a.m. with the remarks and the check presentation. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show, hosted by Gov. Kim Reynolds and coordinated by ICA and IBIC, highlights the compassionate nature of Iowa’s cattle producers through a fundraising-focused cattle show held at the Iowa State Fair. Twenty-five sponsors, youth participants, and local celebrities work in teams to raise money through donations, and then they exhibit and sell their steer at a live auction. All proceeds from the event go to the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

This year was another record-breaking year, with more than $572,000 raised. The proceeds will be split equally between the three Ronald McDonald House Charities that serve Iowans located in Iowa City, Des Moines, and Sioux City. Since the inception of the event in 1983, more than $6 million has been raised.

We will have Governor Charity Steer Show youth participants attending, available for additional comments. They will also spend time at the house volunteering their time that morning.

Please join us for this celebration that brings together the compassionate nature of Iowa’s cattle industry, showcases our youth, and highlights one of the most important charities in our state, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. To learn more and for the official press release about this year’s Governor’s Charity Steer Show, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.



Significant USDA Investment in Iowa Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today welcomed a new $10 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to build on the success of Iowa's popular Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program.

Awarded through USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the five-year investment in Iowa’s innovative program will continue to help cattle producers and other farmers convert underperforming or highly erodible row crop acres into pasture and hay ground. This approach keeps agricultural land in production while reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, creating more grazing opportunities and supporting growth of Iowa's cattle herd.

“Iowa’s popular Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program demonstrates that we can improve water quality, rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and make the most of every acre of our valuable farmland,” said Secretary Naig. “The Iowa Working Lands Program started out as a pilot project in Taylor County in 2016, and has since grown into a very successful conservation program in Iowa, while creating a model for other states. This RCPP gives us the flexibility to support infrastructure improvements and expand the program to serve livestock producers in more Iowa counties.”

The new Iowa Working Lands Water Quality Project RCPP is a partnership among the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Cattlemen's Association and Ducks Unlimited. Together, the partners will work with farmers and landowners to expand conservation practices that improve water quality while strengthening Iowa's livestock industry and rural communities.

Building on a Decade of Success
The Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program has already demonstrated significant success, with more than 1,800 participants, 20,000 acres of underperforming cropland converted to pasture or hay ground, and more than 300,000 acres of cover crops planted.

The program began as a pilot project in Taylor County in 2016 before expanding into neighboring Page County. With support from a previous USDA RCPP award, the program expanded into Woodbury, Cherokee, Ida, Guthrie and Carroll counties, followed by Adams County. At the 2026 Iowa State Fair, Secretary Naig announced another major expansion into 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines Watershed, made possible by the state-funded Farm to Faucet water quality package approved by the Iowa Legislature earlier this year.

Strong Demand for Working Lands Program
Demand for the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program has been exceptionally strong. The $500,000 in annual state funding made available through the Farm to Faucet water quality package was fully obligated within just 10 days of the State Fair expansion announcement. In response to the overwhelming demand, Gov. Reynolds directed an additional $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support further conversions of underperforming cropland into pasture and hay ground through the end of 2026.

Farmers and landowners interested in learning more about the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program or available cost-share opportunities can visit CleanWaterIowa.org or contact their local USDA Service Center.



USDA to Invest $57 Million to Boost American Meat Processing Capacity and Support U.S. Ranchers

Monday, Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced that ranchers in 40 states are expected to receive $57 million to expand their capacity and create new and better markets through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).

“President Trump is focused on putting American ranchers first, and we are committed to achieving this vision at USDA. Today’s announcement to provide investments in small and medium sized meat processors builds on President Trump’s Executive Order “Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “We are focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd, and providing more local processing opportunities will continue to give confidence to our ranchers to help us fulfill this goal.”

MPPEP is managed by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Services and pending Congressional allotment, will be investing a total of $57,424,130 in 147 tentative awards across 40 states.

USDA’s MPPEP provides grants to help eligible independent processors expand their capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the program to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the United States meat processing sector and improve supply chain resiliency.

Eligible applicants include for‐profit and nonprofit entities, producer-owned cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, Tribes and Tribal entities, state or local government entities, and other business types (regardless of legal structure). Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned.

USDA has awarded more than $200 million to independent businesses under the MPPEP program. These projects have created thousands of jobs across the country. Learn more about USDA’s investments to strengthen the meat and poultry supply chain at usda.gov/meat.



Cattle on Feed Report Implications
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept. of Agricultural & Resource Economics, Colorado State University
    
Last Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed Report continues to communicate rather bullish implications for fed cattle markets in early 2027. Placement of feeder cattle into feedlots during September was down 12% as compared to the same month the prior year. This is after the same measure was down 9% in August, down 11% in July, down 3% in June, and almost 10% in May. This is important news as placements in September and October are usually by far the largest monthly numbers for the year. Fed cattle marketings from now into early 2027 will be constrained. Tighter numbers will be offset by heavier weights, but it is unlikely that weight increases can continue with the prior observed amounts – and weight increases will likely be less than half of the decreases in marketings. Early 2027 will see very tight fed cattle supplies.

As a percent of the prior year, on-feed inventories are down the most in Idaho, Iowa, Colorado, and Texas. And in terms of animal numbers, the decrease is greatest in Texas. Placements since the summer are a strong portion of the current on-feed inventories. More reasonable – but still not much profitable – margins have recently returned to the meatpacking industry. Margins have been closer to breakeven in August and somewhat profitable across September and October. The sell-off in fed cattle prices beginning in June and persistent strength in beef prices since late August made this happen. But the rally in live cattle futures prices since September for contracts in the coming months suggests this strength may be fleeting.

The strength of beef prices will be important to watch for the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Cattle and beef supplies will be persistently tight for this time. So, will beef and beef byproduct prices be high enough to support a packing margin with fed cattle prices as suggested by live cattle prices? Further, pork and poultry outlook suggest potential increases in substitute meat availability, especially well into 2027. Regardless, the lack of beef animal numbers increases the probability of continued supply chain restructuring. And what longer-term ramifications?

The supply and demand story with respect to beef and cattle is clear – tight and strong. In this situation, there is considerable downside risk from substitute meats, the strength of the economy, and structural adjustments.

Monday October 26 Ag News - Cattle on Feed, Cold Storage, Red Meat, & Milk Prod Reports - LENRD Meeting Recap - Main Street Index Drops - NE Sheep and Goat Conf Preview - NASS Error on NE, KS Corn - and more!

United States Cattle on Feed Down Slightly
    
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.4 million head on October 1, 2026. The inventory was slightly below October 1, 2025. The inventory included 7.07 million steers and steer calves, up slightly from the previous year. This group accounted for 62 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.30 million head, down 1 percent from 2025.

On Feed, by State      (1,000 hd  -  % Oct 1 '25)
Nebraska .........:      2,550          100        
Iowa ................:        670           97      
Kansas ...........:      2,380           99     

Placements in feedlots during September totaled 1.78 million head, 12 percent below 2025. Net placements were 1.73 million head. Placements were the lowest for September since the series began in 1996. During September, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 360,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 260,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 385,000 head, 
800-899 pounds were 422,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 255,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 95,000 head.

Placements by State  (1,000 hd  -  % Sept '25)
Nebraska .........:      490            84          
Iowa ................:       70            92            
Kansas ............:      420            90        

Marketings of fed cattle during September totaled 1.52 million head, 7 percent below 2025. Marketings were the lowest for September since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 49,000 head during September, 4 percent below 2025.

Marketings by State  (1,000 hd  -  % Sept '25)
Nebraska .........:      400            90      
Iowa ................:       68            92     
Kansas ............:      350            89       



USDA September 2026 Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on September 30, 2026 were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 9 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 12 percent from last month but up 7 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on September 30, 2026 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 9 percent from last month and down 5 percent from September 30, 2025.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on September 30, 2026 were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 2 percent from September 30, 2025. Butter stocks were down 5 percent from last month but up 16 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on September 30, 2026 were down slightly from last month and down 3 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 17 percent from last month and up 3 percent from a year ago.



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 4 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.32 billion pounds in September, down 4 percent from the 4.51 billion pounds produced in September 2025.

Beef production, at 2.04 billion pounds, was 6 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.30 million head, down 7 percent from September 2025. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,447 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.7 million pounds, 13 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 7,900 head, down 15 percent from September 2025. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from last year, at 359 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.27 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.6 million head, down 3 percent from September 2025. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 287 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 9.8 million pounds, was down 5 percent from September 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 176,000 head, 5 percent below last year. The average live weight was 109 pounds, unchanged from September a year ago.

By State      (million lbs.  -  % Sept '25)
Nebraska ......:     616.7         96       
Iowa .............:     753.6        100       
Kansas .........:     477.4        106       

January to September 2026 commercial red meat production was 38.9 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 23 percent, pork was up slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent. 



July-September Milk Production up 2.3 Percent

Milk production in the United States during the July - September quarter totaled 59.5 billion pounds, up 2.3 percent from the July - September quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.72 million head, 39,000 head more than the April - June quarter, and 172,000 head more than the same period last year.

Q3 Milk Prod by State (mil. lbs. - % Sept '25)
Nebraska ............:       307.0         0.7      
Iowa ...................:     1,527.0         1.3      



LENRD Board approves funding for water projects

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors conducted their October meeting last week and approved the use of funding to move important water projects forward.

The first water related project up for discussion was the consideration of a Scope of Work provided by Long Spring Consulting to conduct a Stream Depletion Sensitivity Analysis for the LENRD’s Groundwater Model. In preparation for the calculation of the next increment of available depletions for the Lower Platte River Management Plan the Nebraska Department of Water Energy and Environment (DWEE) will be using the model to calculate stream depletion factors and boundary locations within the LENRD.

LENRD General Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “There’s a need to better understand and refine the stream depletion analysis to resolve these issues before producing a more reliable final delineation of hydrologically connected areas within the LENRD.”

The primary objectives of this work are to:
• conduct a sensitivity analysis of streambed hydraulic conductivity to address the noise and mass-balance issues observed in the current depletion results;
• analyze the relationship between evapotranspiration and stream depletion in the flagged areas of the model; and
• analyze the pumping layer assignment used in the cycle-well analysis.

District staff offered the recommendation to utilize locally budgeted funds to facilitate this work, but it was decided by the Board to accept the Scope of Work, contingent on the commitment of 50% of the cost from DWEE. Bruckner indicated that he would contact the Director, Jesse Bradley, to ask for financial commitment from DWEE on behalf of the LENRD.

Also discussed, and approved, was the acceptance of a funding agreement between the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) for the implementation of the Village of Craig Regionalization Project. The village approached the Logan East Rural Water System (LERWS), (which is owned and operated by the LENRD), several years ago requesting the option of connecting to LERWS. After several years of effort, a grant funding offer was provided in the amount of $1.5 million which can be used to offset expenses incurred by LERWS in facilitating the connection. The Board authorized the General Manager to sign and accept the agreement on behalf of the LENRD. Bruckner added, “While there are still many important decisions and steps that lie ahead, the availability of these funds is crucial in ensuring that this endeavor can move forward to the next level.”

In other business, the LENRD accepted a bid from Trees Are Us in Hemingford, NE to purchase a new tree planting unit for $9,500, which will be used to replace an older unit. The Board also approved the 2027 meeting schedule, making one change via an amendment to the schedule initially presented by staff.



Supply Chain Disruptions Push Rural Mainstreet Index Lower
Ag Equipment Dealers Under Financial Stress

According to the October survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral for the fifth time in the past six months.  Readings range between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for October fell to 42.5, the lowest reading since July of this year and down from 44.7 in September.

“Supply chain disruptions stemming from the Iran conflict have produced record high prices for diesel fuel and fertilizer, pushing the overall index lower. Almost half of bank CEOs expressed backing for federal farm support programs, such as the recent $8 billion program announced by President Trump,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranchland prices: For the fifth time in the past six months, the farm and ranchland price index climbed above growth neutral. The farm and ranchland index increased to 50.3 from 50.1 in September.

“Farm and ranchland values have been holding up much better than farm and ranching income, due to a more positive long-term economic outlook for U.S. agriculture,” said Goss.

Bankers were asked to name the top non-farmer, non-rancher investor in local farmland. Overwhelmingly, 65% of bankers named local investors, composed of 25% retired farmers/ranchers and 40% other local business investors.

Farm equipment sales: The October farm equipment sales index increased to a weak 36.8 from September’s 25.0.

“This is the 38th straight month that the equipment sales index has fallen below growth neutral. Approximately, 28% of bankers named local agriculture equipment dealers as bearing the greatest financial stress from weakness on the farm/ranch economy,” said Goss.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first eight months of 2026 were $7.6 billion, compared to the same period in 2025 of $7.3 billion, for a gain of 3.6%. Even with the expansion, 2026 regional exports of agricultural goods and livestock were 2.8% below 2024 for the same period. A 60.4% slide in the 2024-26 export of agriculture and livestock to China was the prime factor accounting for the 2024-26 export slump.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The state’s Rural Mainstreet Index for October dropped to 31.6 from September’s 43.3. The state’s farm and ranchland price index for October fell to 39.4 from September’s 48.6. Nebraska’s new hiring index slumped to 41.6 from 48.0 in September. According to trade data from the ITA, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first eight months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, slumped by $178.2 million for a 20.1% fall. The greatest downturn in Nebraska ag exports was to Canada with a 28.7% drop from 2025 to 2026. 

Iowa: October’s RMI for the state rose to 47.6 from 44.6 in September. Iowa’s farm and ranchland price index for October increased to 55.4 from 50.0 in September. Iowa’s new hiring index for October climbed to 57.6 from 49.4 in September. According to trade data from the ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first eight months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, expanded by $124.8 million for a 9.9% gain. The greatest upturn in Iowa ag exports was to Mexico with a 12.3% gain from 2025 to 2026.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Annual Conference Set for Nov. 6–7 in North Platte

Sheep and goat producers will have an opportunity to learn from fellow producers, Extension specialists and industry professionals during the Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Annual Conference, Nov. 6–7, 2026, in the North Platte area.

The two-day conference combines producer tours with educational sessions addressing many of the management and marketing decisions facing sheep and goat operations. Topics include livestock marketing, sheep and goat meat markets, feeder lamb nutrition, feeding ewes and does before kidding, risk management, animal health, fly and lice control, production systems and marketing.

The conference begins Friday, Nov. 6, with two producer tours. The first stop, at 1 p.m., will be Nebraska Prime Lamb LLC near Hershey, operated by the Monheiser family. The second tour begins at 3 p.m. at Back to Grass Nebraska near Brady, operated by Steve and DeAnn Vaughn. Their operation uses holistic and rotational grazing practices and has been rebuilding after the Cottonwood Fire affected their ranch, fencing, stored hay and livestock.

Friday concludes with the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers annual meeting at 5 p.m. at Pals Brewing/North Platte Stockyards.

Saturday's program begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. at North Platte Stockyards. Educational sessions include Randy Fisher discussing factors that help producers market their livestock; Jennifer Lutes, University of Missouri Extension, discussing who buys sheep and goat meat; and Ryan Spurling, South Dakota State University, presenting programs on feeder lamb nutrition and feeding ewes and does before kidding.

Additional presentations will cover risk management protection for sheep and goats, Pipestone production systems, testing for OPP/CAE, Johne's disease and Q fever, and fly and lice control. David Boxler with Nebraska Extension will address fly and lice control in sheep and goats. The afternoon will also include a marketing panel featuring producers and industry representatives.

Saturday activities will take place at North Platte Stockyards and the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Road in North Platte. The program is scheduled to conclude at 4:30 p.m. with evaluations and drawings.

Registration for Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers members is $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Non-member registration is $90 in advance or $100 at the door

For more information, contact Melissa Nicholson at ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com or 308-386-8378. Registration is available through the Nebraska Sheep & Goat Annual Meeting Registration page.

The Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Annual Conference provides producers an opportunity to see local operations, hear from specialists and fellow producers, and gather information they can apply to livestock production, management and marketing decisions. 



NEFB Hosts Thune, Ricketts, and Flood in Washington County

The farm of Washington County Farm Bureau members Greg and Patti Hoegermeyer was the site of roundtable last week focused on growing Nebraska's cattle herd, as well as other agricultural issues. The event was hosted by Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Cattlemen featuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune (SD), Senator Pete Ricketts, and Congressman Mike Flood. The event was largely focused on Sen. Ricketts' "Rebuild the American Cattle Herd" plan, which provides nine policy proposals to build the U.S. cattle herd and protect producer profitability. Congressman Flood also provided an update on his work supporting a new Farm Bill and boosting biofuels production in Nebraska. It was a great opportunity to hear from Leader Thune discuss his efforts in the One Big Beautiful Bill to largely exempt agriculture from federal estate taxes and his work to get a new Farm Bill to President Trump's desk.



Trump Puts Year-Round E15 in the Spotlight During Sioux City Visit

Last week, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for permanent, year-round E15 during a rally in Sioux City, bringing renewed attention to an issue that remains a priority for Iowa’s renewable fuels industry. Speaking to supporters at Sioux Gateway Airport, Trump highlighted his Administration’s emergency waiver easing nationwide summer E15 sales and said he wants to make that access permanent.

“We also gave Iowa an emergency waiver to sell E15 all year round. And with Ashley in the Senate, we will make it year-round E15. We’ll make it permanent. We’ll get it done, right,” Trump said. Link

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) says the next step is turning that commitment into permanent, nationwide access so consumers, retailers and fuel producers can plan for the future without relying on temporary waivers.

“It's encouraging to hear the president reaffirm his commitment to year-round E15, but we need Congress to pass legislation removing the unnecessary barrier to summer E15 sales,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of IRFA. “Iowa has already seen the benefits of expanded E15 sales, and consumers in every state deserve consistent access to lower-cost, American-made E15. We have the ethanol, we have the demand and we have the support to move this forward. Congress needs to get it across the finish line and make year-round E15 available nationwide.”

With the expansion of E15 access in Iowa, sales have been setting records. 2026 E15 sales are on track to set a record by a massive margin to the point where E15 may displace E10 as the number one selling fuel during the year.



Corn Growers Respond to NASS Report Correction

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced today that it corrected corn data in its September 2026 Crop Production report, following concerns raised about the October 9 Crop Production Report. NASS indicated it found a processing error that affected September corn plant populations, ear counts, yields, and production for Kansas and Nebraska. In response to these developments, Matt Frostic, Michigan farmer and National Corn Growers Association president, released the following statement:  

“Recent reports by NASS have cost corn growers BILLIONS of dollars in market value, at a time when profit margins were already marginal, at best, and the cost for fuel and other inputs are at all-time highs. Corn prices dropped in conjunction with the release of recent reports and have only continued to drop. An error of this magnitude is unacceptable, and only further erodes farmer confidence in the agency’s ability to produce statistically sound and accurate reports.  

“NASS needs to seriously examine the processes and procedures that led to this mistake and take immediate action to prevent it from occurring again. We are anxious to meet with the service to understand their plans for improvement and how they intend to rebuild farmer confidence in these reports.”  



Scott Outlines Priorities For Checkoff’s Next Chapter

Corey Scott began her tenure as president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) with a focus on strengthening relationships across the industry, keeping the checkoff relevant to consumers and building on opportunities to grow demand for U.S. dairy.

Scott began her new role Oct. 12, succeeding Barbara O’Brien, who is retiring after 25 years with DMI, including five years as president and CEO. Scott shared her priorities during the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the United Dairy Industry Association, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the National Milk Producers Federation, held Oct. 20-21 in Kissimmee, Fla.

The meeting brought together more than 730 dairy farmers and industry representatives under the theme “U.S. Dairy: Committed. Resilient. Ready.”

Scott emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with farmers and importers, and hearing what is going well, what is challenging and what they want to see from the checkoff.

“Very early in my career, I had the opportunity to engage with dairy farmers, and they welcomed a young lady from the East Coast who knew nothing about agriculture to their kitchen tables, to talk about their way of life – the good, the bad and the ugly,” Scott said.

“It’s still about that kitchen table. What I ask of you going forward is that you continue to share with me what’s impacting your life, what’s going well, what’s challenging and the

things we do that you like or don’t like. I’m here to represent you and all of your neighbors.”

In response to a farmer’s question about what she hopes to accomplish, Scott outlined three goals for the next three years.

Her first is for every farmer and importer to understand and confidently explain at least one valuable element of how checkoff dollars are spent. She wants farmers to be able to share that information with their local boards and neighbors and explain how national checkoff work complements the efforts of local, state and regional organizations.

“I want your neighbors to be able to hear it, understand it and believe in it,” Scott said.

Her second goal is to make DMI a great place to work, with employees who understand the organization’s purpose and are passionate about serving farmers and importers through promotion and research.

Scott’s third goal is to increase dairy consumption.

“I want every person who can consume dairy to be consuming one more serving a day,” she said.

Scott highlighted the importance of understanding what consumers want from food and recognized factors such as taste, texture, clean labels and protein. She said these elements are “natural to dairy” and used a hockey analogy to emphasize the need for having a vision for the checkoff.

“Are we going to where the puck is, or are we going where the puck is going?” she asked. “And that’s a question that I’m hopeful, in three years, I can stand up here and say, ‘We are going where the puck is going.’”

Building on Strong Foundation
O’Brien’s leadership helped guide DMI’s work and she is confident in Scott and the organization’s ability to continue serving dairy farmers and importers.

“Every CEO inherits an organization, and every CEO has the responsibility to leave it stronger,” O’Brien said. “This is not a story about what one CEO accomplished. It is a story about what farmers have built over decades and our readiness for what comes next.”

O’Brien emphasized the importance of aligning checkoff investments around shared priorities, measuring results and directing farmer and importer resources toward the opportunities with the greatest potential.

“Every dollar has an opportunity cost,” she said. “Every new investment means something else receives less. And as the opportunities grow larger, our choices become even more important.”

Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the DMI Board of Directors, said the checkoff remains committed to conducting research, promotion and collaboration across the dairy industry.

Reflecting on the meeting’s theme, Hershey said DMI’s leadership transition represents an important step in continuing that work. She welcomed Scott to the role and expressed confidence in the organization's future.

“Corey, welcome. We are very excited for this next chapter of DMI,” she said.

Hershey also emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in dairy research and promotion, particularly as farmers face changing market conditions and the industry expands processing capacity to meet growing demand.

“The importance of our promotion dollars working remains as critical as ever,” Hershey said.

O’Brien closed her remarks by thanking farmers, the DMI staff, researchers, health professionals, customers and industry partners who will carry the checkoff mission forward.

“To the farmers (and importers) across this country who invest in the checkoff, whether you’ve been in a checkoff meeting or not – thank you,” O’Brien said. “You give this organization its purpose.”



99th National FFA Convention & Expo Brings Nearly 73,000 to Indianapolis, Setting the Stage for the 100th in 2027

The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo welcomed 72,907 FFA members, advisors and supporters to Indianapolis last week for four days of celebrating achievements, exploring careers and serving the host community. This year’s theme, “Evolve, Engage and Empower,” reflected an organization that has grown alongside agriculture for nearly a century and now includes more than 1.05 million student members.

National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA transforms the lives of middle and high school students through a combination of hands-on agricultural education, work-based learning, and leadership and life skills development.

“This week, we watched our members do more than earn recognition,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “They lifted each other up, shared what they’ve learned and gave back to the community. As we head into our 100th year, it’s clear the future of agriculture is in capable hands. These students will carry what they experienced in Indianapolis back to their chapters and communities, and that’s where the real impact begins.”

Throughout the event, more than 13,500 students and teachers attended 154 workshops at the Indiana Convention Center. Those included 115 student workshops with 12,747 attendees and 39 teacher workshops with 788 attendees. At the National FFA Expo, members explored more than 350 careers in agriculture. 

Members also put leadership into action through service. More than 3,200 delegates and students served at 27 local nonprofits across the greater Indianapolis area as part of the convention’s Days of Service. 

The Chapter Connect program also brought together members from rural, suburban and urban communities to learn from one another.

On stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, members were recognized for the work they’ve done in their classrooms, chapters and communities. A total of 5,818 American FFA Degrees, the organization’s highest honor, were awarded. Another 236 Honorary American FFA Degrees went to individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education. Members and chapters were also recognized for individual and collective achievements throughout the week.

During the final session of the convention, the 2026-27 National FFA Officers were elected. This team of six will lead the organization into its centennial year:
    Josie Jennings of Ohio was elected national president. She is a member of the Global Impact FFA Chapter.
    Cameron Addington of Minnesota was elected national secretary. He is a member of the Cannon Falls FFA Chapter.
    Aiden Manley of Kentucky was elected eastern region vice president. He is a member of the Menifee County FFA Chapter.
    Joshua Nelson of Idaho was elected western region vice president. He is a member of the Troy FFA Chapter.
    Jazmin Palma of North Carolina was elected southern region vice president. She is a member of the Uwharrie Charter Academy FFA Chapter. 
    Teagan Erbele of North Dakota was elected central region vice president. She is a member of the Napoleon FFA Chapter. 

The convention brings an estimated $42 million in economic impact to Indianapolis each year. The National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through 2040.

The 100th National FFA Convention & Expo will take place in Indianapolis from Oct. 27-30, 2027. The national convention in 2027 will kick off a yearlong celebration honoring a full century of premier leadership, personal growth and career success through FFA. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information about the next convention, and visit www.ffa.org/100th-anniversary to learn how FFA is celebrating the past and inspiring the future.



Trump Administration Announces $5 Billion SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program to Expand Processing for American Ranchers and Fishermen

Friday, President Donald J. Trump announced the launch of the America First Seafood Strategy (PDF, 8.5 MB) and several actions the Trump Administration is taking to support the American seafood industry. Among these actions is the announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making at least $5 billion available in loans through the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Guaranteed Loan Program to expand, improve, and diversify the processing capacity of American meat, poultry, and seafood.

“From our crabbers in Alaska, to the lobstermen in Maine, to the great shrimpers in the Gulf of America, our nation is blessed with incredible men and women who work to bring this bounty to our plates. The Trump Administration has recognized their incredible efforts and is working to provide all the necessary tools for them to succeed with our America First Seafood Strategy,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Today’s announcement expanding funding opportunities for seafood processing from USDA highlights our commitment to building out the resources needed for American seafood products to be readily available for consumers. We look forward to continuing to serve American fishermen through the USDA Office of Seafood we created earlier this year, building on President Trump’s America First vision.”

Earlier this year, President Trump signed Executive Order 14424, Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers, to support American ranchers by reducing barriers to processing their product for sale to consumers. As directed in the Executive Order, USDA is taking actions to establish the SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program for small and regional beef processors to help continue operations, expand their footprint, and increase diversity of animal proteins being processed.

Additionally, President Trump signed Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, that directed the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to develop and implement an America First Seafood Strategy to promote production, marketing, sale, and export of American seafood and strengthen domestic processing capacity.

In addition to supporting implementation of these two Executive Orders, the launch of the SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program is another step USDA is taking to support small, independent, and regional meat and poultry processing plants and advance the Rancher First Initiative announced last month that puts American ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply.

Further, the inclusion of seafood processing in the SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program is an important step towards integrating the seafood industry into USDA programs following the creation of the USDA Office of Seafood earlier this year.

The SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program will provide a 90 percent loan guarantee to commercial lenders, enabling them to offer financing to eligible borrowers to expand, improve, and diversify their processing capacity for American meat, poultry, and seafood. The maximum amount that a borrower may receive is $175 million and loans under this program may allow for a two-year deferral of principal and interest payments.

This program will be available to federal and state-chartered banks, savings and loan associations, farm credit banks with direct lending authority, and credit unions. The organizations eligible to apply to these lenders for a guaranteed loan are businesses, nonprofits, cooperatives, Indian tribes, and state and local government organizations.

For more information about the SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program, please contact your local USDA Rural Development office. To apply for this program, lenders can follow the instructions at https://www.rd.usda.gov/onerdguarantee.



Secretary Rollins and NASA Administrator Isaacman Sign MOU to Advance USDA Data Modernization Plan

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Jared Isaacman last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NASA that will strengthen USDA’s data quality and help ensure that American farmers and ranchers benefit from and have access to cutting-edge technologies.

Effective immediately, both Departments will work together to guide cooperation on integrating Earth observation, geospatial analytics, and statistical methodologies in support of agricultural statistics and aligned with USDA’s ongoing data and technology modernization efforts.

“American farmers are the best in the world and deserve any solution we can leverage, even when it is out of this world. I am proud to announce that USDA will now work with Administrator Isaacman and NASA to utilize the full power of technology, research, and development to fortify U.S. agriculture,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “With this unprecedented partnership the Trump Administration is committing to a bright future of research and tech opportunities that will enhance USDA acreage and yield estimation and drive profitability for American agriculture.”

The partnership between the two Departments is long-standing, but new opportunities to improve crop performance for Earth and space-based goals were initiated in December 2025, when President Trump issued Executive Order 14369, “Ensuring American Space Superiority.” At that time, NASA and USDA began to explore creative new ways to improve American and global agriculture, observe the environment, and contribute to better human health.

“NASA develops some of the most advanced sensing, computing, and analytical capabilities in the world, and we should put those tools to work wherever they can deliver meaningful outcomes for the American people,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “By combining NASA’s Earth observation data and technical expertise with USDA’s knowledge of American agriculture, we can improve the information available to farmers and ranchers, strengthen our understanding of crop conditions and natural hazards, and pursue new high-risk, high-reward ideas that advance both science and American competitiveness.”

The scope of cooperation under this MOU may include, but is not limited to, agricultural statistics, remote sensing science, modeling, geospatial data engineering, and super intelligence/machine learning (SI/ML) supported by the participants. As priorities evolve, additional areas of cooperation may be identified.

Areas of cooperation include:
    Mission/Data Alignment: Regular technical exchanges to align USDA statistical requirements with NASA Earth science missions and data products (e.g., satellite observations, model outputs, and derived geophysical variables).
    Data Access & Infrastructure: Discussions on scalable access patterns to NASA archives, cloud‑native geospatial formats, application programming interfaces (APIs), and workflow orchestration that enable USDA production operations.
    Methodology & Validation: Joint technical reviews of algorithms for crop condition indicators, yield models, planted/harvested area estimation, and disaster impact assessment, including approaches to bias correction, uncertainty quantification, and validation using statistically sound frames and ground data.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and the participants intend to work together to investigate opportunities for collaboration under this MOU.

This effort supports the USDA Data Modernization Plan (PDF, 5.3 MB) launched by Secretary Rollins last month to put Farmers First, reduce unnecessary burdens on producers, and improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of the agricultural data that inform decisions across American agriculture.

Thursday October 22 Ag News - NE Soybean Bd CASE Celebrates 10 Years - IFBF Annual Convention Registration is Open - Fertilizer Prices Move Mostly Higher - Ethanol Production Hits 5 Week High - USDA, FBI Webinar on Fraud Prevention - and more!

Yardage revisited
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Recently, I was calculating potential returns to retain calves on a backgrounding diet. Hypothetically, calves would be weaned in November and sold sometime in January. Calves would be appraised at $436/cwt as 5-wt and $379/cwt at 7-wt. The gross margin would be $253 per head.

Whenever we think of these options, the first thing that comes to mind is feed cost. Considering recent corn grain price trends and the effects of drought on forage prices, thinking of feed costs first is important. A diet containing (dry basis) 50% corn grain, 15% distillers grains, 32% hay and 3% supplement would cost $255/ton dry matter. At a rate of gain of 2.38 lb., a steer consuming 17.85 lb. dry matter would require $143 return to pay for the feed. That leaves $110 for the rest of expenses to get this steer to 700 lb.

What all goes into yardage then? Facilities depreciation, labor, and equipment costs (one could use rental rates to get a direct figure) and interest.

Using custom rates published by University of Nebraska or other universities, one can get a good idea of the rental rates for equipment needed to feed cattle and manage their pen environment. When the operation has the option to use manure derived from the cattle feeding operation, one can credit the value of manure as fertilizer. Yet, before this is done, the cost of bedding, scraping, and hauling manure must be included.

As the reader may have already determined, determining yardage cost is not easy. This is why I recommend using custom rates and a decent idea of hours involved in various operations around the feedlot to estimate yardage.

A crude example of the potential misconception in determining yardage cost is derived by simply estimating that it takes about one individual to feed and manage 1,000 head in a feeding operation. If we use custom rates to guide our idea of labor rates, then we simply divide the labor cost for an 8-hour day by 1,000 head for a per head daily yardage cost. Assuming that the payrate for general labor at the feedlot is $20, then the daily labor rate per head is $0.16 ($160 a day divided by 1,000 head).

Most tractor-driven equipment including mixers, scrapers, payloaders, etc. with 150 or greater HP costs $150/hour to rent. The implement, whether it is a mixer or even a manure spreader, costs about $3,000 a month to rent or close to $20/hour if operated 40 hours a week. So, nearly every hour operating equipment to feed cattle or manage pens costs $170.

Basing time calculations for feeding or managing pens is not easy for operations feeding fewer than 1,000 head because of the economies of scale. Yet, assuming a 0.25-hour daily feeding schedule and a 0.25-hour cleaning schedule (derived from dedicating 1.75 h a week for cleaning) for every 1,000 head adds $85 daily to yardage or $0.085/head.

Mileage rates for tractors are between 15 to 20 liters per hour. Using the 0.5 hours estimated above to manage 1,000 head daily results in an additional $54 of cost or $0.05/head.

Lastly, but not least, interest rates are affecting yardage calculations significantly. A $2,500 investment in a calf or yearling will cost $0.30 daily in interest at 8% rate.

Additionally, producers should consider adding a depreciation figure to yardage calculations to cover repair or replacement costs. The value of this depreciation cost is dependent on replacement cost not on initial cost of the facility. In most cases, depreciating a facility for 20 years with little to no salvage value results in yardage costs of $0.05 to $0.25 depending on the type of facility.

Adding the components of yardage cost using $0.16 for labor, $0.085 for equipment, $0.05 for fuel, $0.30 for interest, and $0.10 for depreciation results in $0.695 per head. If this value is applied to the example above, then another $44 is subtracted from the remaining margin permitting a net return of $66.

Calculating yardage costs is not easy. Keeping track of hours spent feeding cattle, managing bunks, and using custom rates to determine yardage is a simple alternative to guide this calculation. The alternative to not determining yardage costs is to permit the facility (and ourselves) to be worn out and to lose our capital over the long run. 



Ten Years. 100 Teachers. Thousands of Students.

For 10 years, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) has invested in Nebraska agricultural education through support of Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) teacher professional development. Since 2017, NSB has funded CASE experiences and soybean curriculum development for 100 agricultural educators, creating resources that continue to reach students across the state.

While the investment begins with teachers, the real impact happens in the classroom. CASE-trained educators are developing soybean-focused lessons that help students connect science, technology, engineering and math concepts to Nebraska's most important crops. Through hands- on activities, students gain a deeper understanding of soybean production, food science, agribusiness and value-added products while building critical problem- solving and analytical skills.

Ashley Looper, agriculture educator at Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools, said the CASE experience helped her learn from experienced teachers while gaining classroom-ready resources.

"I learned a lot from attending the Intro to AFNR CASE. As ag teachers, we have a lot of resources available to us, but sometimes it can be overwhelming,"

Looper said. "This CASE institute gave me the chance to work with teachers who have taught this themselves and what works well in their classroom." Looper also appreciated the flexibility CASE provides. "I also appreciate how much it provides for you to use, but you also have the chance to add in your own lessons and
activities," she said.

That flexibility led to the development of several soybean-centered lessons. Students investigate soybean germination by testing how water and temperature affect seed growth and collecting data to determine ideal growing conditions. Through another lesson, students follow the journey from soybean oil to soy wax, creating their own soy candles while learning about value-added agriculture and product development. In a food science unit, students compare chocolate made with and without soy lecithin to understand the role soybean-derived ingredients play in everyday products.

At Hershey Public Schools, former agriculture educator Donavan Phoenix has used CASE training to bring soybean examples into plant science curriculum and make lessons more relevant to students.

"This training equipped me with curriculum, knowledge, skills and so much more on the topic of plant science," Phoenix said."I now feel that I am in the greatest position to teach plant science this school year."

Phoenix said soybean-based curriculum creates a natural connection between classroom learning and local agriculture. "I am also very excited that this professional development has given me the opportunity to teach about soybeans, a crop that my students are very familiar with," he said.

His curriculum modifications help students explore soybean plant anatomy, nutrient management, seed development and crop growth. Students calculate growing degree days, evaluate planting scenarios and use real-world production data to understand how weather and management decisions influence crop success.

"Originally, this lesson used tomatoes as an example; however, tomatoes are not grown on a large scale anywhere near Hershey, Nebraska," Phoenix explained." So, I decided to change tomatoes to soybeans, a crop that is grown and all my students are aware of." The result is curriculum that helps students see the science behind agriculture while better understanding the role soybeans play in Nebraska's economy and communities.

As the Nebraska Soybean Board approaches this milestone anniversary, the impact extends well beyond a single classroom. The soybean-focused curriculum developed through CASE training will continue benefiting educators and students for years to come. 



CAP Webinar: Making Every Acre Count: Connecting Wildlife Science with Agricultural Decisions
Thur Oct 29th - 12 noon

How can conservation fit the practical realities of working farms? The Applied Wildlife Ecology and Spatial Movement (AWESM) Lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln connects applied research, Extension, and partnerships to help landowners support agricultural production and wildlife conservation. 

This webinar will highlight research on perennial grasses for bioenergy and their potential to support grassland birds. With high input costs prompting scrutiny of less productive acres, we’ll explore how precision conservation can help identify where conservation practices may fit and how wildlife monitoring can evaluate their ecological benefits. We’ll also discuss a landscape learning network approach to track changes over time, share lessons, and adjust management based on evidence. 

We’ll focus on reducing barriers to adoption and helping producers evaluate conservation options that fit their land, operations, and goals. 

Presenter: Andrew Little, associate professor, landscape ecology and habitat management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Register here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars/



Registration open for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting & County Leadership Conference

Registration is now open for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) 108th Annual Meeting, Dec. 8-9 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines. Farm Bureau members and leaders can register to gain timely agricultural policy insights, explore practical on-farm uses for artificial intelligence, prepare for successful farm transitions and take part in leadership sessions, networking opportunities and awards recognizing county Farm Bureau achievements. 

“Iowa Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting gives members an opportunity to connect, gain actionable insight for their farms, and celebrate the people and achievements that strengthen our organization,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “We look forward to recognizing our county Farm Bureaus, Ag Leaders graduates and young farmer award recipients whose leadership demonstrates the strength of our grassroots organization.” 

On Dec. 8, county Farm Bureau leaders can attend sessions focused on creating a positive culture, strengthening engagement, building member value and navigating difficult moments with confidence.

Farmer and author Jolene Brown will share real-world lessons to help farm owners transfer knowledge and business assets to the next generation during the educational seminar, “The Positives of Passing It On,” at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8.

During a breakout session at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, Paul Gormley, a growth project manager for Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research, will discuss practical ways farmers can use artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, support decision-making, analyze information and create new farm management opportunities. 

American Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs Brian Glenn will provide an ag policy update covering the latest on farm bill negotiations, how the 2026 election changed the outlook in Washington and what farmers can expect from the 120th U.S. Congress, when it convenes in January 2027. 

A Dec. 8 celebration luncheon will feature graduates of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute, a year-long program focused on building skills and knowledge in agriculture and communication. County Farm Bureaus and members will also be honored for their outstanding service to agriculture and their communities, as well as their efforts in recruiting new members.

Iowa Discussion Meet semi-finalists who advanced from preliminary rounds at the Young Farmer Conference earlier in January will compete in the finals during the afternoon of Dec. 8. The Discussion Meet is a cooperative-style dialogue on agricultural issues. The winner will be announced during the Young Farmer evening reception and will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in January. Three young farmers will be presented with the Young Farmer Leadership Award for their involvement with their local Farm Bureau, community service and commitment to their family farms.

On Dec. 9, Farm Bureau agencies, community partners and Distinguished Service to Agriculture (DSA) award recipients will be honored. President Johnson will deliver remarks, followed by a keynote from U.S. Air Force Veteran Mark Lindquist featuring lessons from his life and career. 

Lindquist’s life journey — from a South Korean orphanage to a Minnesota farm, U.S. Air Force serving during the war in Afghanistan and leading humanitarian missions in Ukraine today — shapes his message about service, perseverance and making a greater impact through life and work. 

A former sergeant in the United States Air Force, Lindquist is a motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed live for over 4 million people in 27 countries and all 50 states. He has been on a self-directed humanitarian mission to Ukraine since March 2022, delivering more than $15 million worth of aid to those in need in eastern Ukraine. He has received a medal for outstanding volunteerism from the chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine, and his work has been featured in major media outlets worldwide. 

“We are honored to welcome Air Force veteran Sergent Mark Lindquist as this year’s keynote speaker,” said Johnson. “His stories of perseverance, humanitarian service and sacrifice will offer a powerful message that resonates.”

The annual meeting will conclude with a voting delegate session at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9, including elections for Iowa Farm Bureau vice president, director in district 5, 7 and 9, AFBF voting delegates and an Iowa Farm Bureau internal study committee member.

For the full agenda and registration details, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.



Cattle Producers Welcome Increased Market Transparency 

This week, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins announced important updates to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) cash cattle reports. These updates serve as an important step in supporting the U.S. cattle industry and addressing ongoing confidentiality challenges in negotiated cattle trade reporting. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association appreciates the efforts of Secretary Rollins and USDA to increase the amount of data that is publicly reported while maintaining confidentiality requirements. This announcement helps improve transparency and provide more market information to cattle producers.  



UAN32, UAN28 and Anhydrous Lead Fertilizer Prices Higher

Fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher, according to prices tracked by DTN for the second week of October 2026. For the third week in a row, seven fertilizers were higher looking back to last month while just one nutrient was slightly lower. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Three fertilizers had a considerable price increase. UAN32 was 6% more expensive looking back a month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $486/ton. Both anhydrous and UAN28 were 5% higher compared to the prior month. Anhydrous had an average price of $987/ton, while UAN28 was $441/ton. The remaining four nutrients' prices were just slightly more expensive. DAP had an average price of $937/ton, MAP $981/ton, potash $503/ton and urea $674/ton.

One fertilizer's price was just slightly less expensive looking back a month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $702/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.73/lb.N, anhydrous $0.60/lb.N, UAN28 $0.79/lb.N and UAN32 $0.76/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. DAP is 2% higher, potash 3% is more expensive, UAN32 is 4% higher, both MAP and 10-34-0 are 5% more expensive, UAN28 is 7% higher, urea is 13% more expensive and anhydrous is 18% higher looking back to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/16/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 16, ethanol production accelerated by 2.7% to a 5-week high of 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.95 million gallons daily. Output was 1.6% lower than the same week last year but 1.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.6% to 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.22 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks sprang 2.6% to 24.6 million barrels. Stocks were 12.0% more than the same week last year and 14.0% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, leapt 6.8% to an 8-week high of 8.98 million b/d (138.07 bg annualized). Demand was 6.2% more than a year ago and 1.1% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slipped 0.9% to 891,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.70 bg annualized and the lowest weekly level since mid-April. Net inputs were 2.2% less than year-ago levels and 2.3% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports increased 9.1% to 132,000 b/d (5.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than three years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Join a USDA and FBI Webinar for the Produce Industry on Fraud Prevention
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is partnering with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to host a webinar on fraud prevention for produce‑industry members. USDA continues to encourage industry members to be aware of sophisticated imposter‑fraud schemes targeting buyers, sellers, and transporters across fruit and vegetable supply chains. Recent allegations reported to USDA’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Division reflect a nationwide pattern of fraudulent procurement attempts involving spoofed identities, falsified credentials, altered email domains, and deceptive trust‑building tactics.

This webinar is part of ongoing coordination between USDA and FBI to strengthen industry awareness and prevention efforts through outreach and information sharing.
Webinar Details

Title: USDA–FBI Produce Industry Fraud‑Prevention Briefing
Presenter: Wade A. Greening, Supervisory Intelligence Analyst & Private Sector Coordinator, FBI Omaha Field Office
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM EST
Webinar Link: https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/join-usda-and-fbi-webinar-produce-industry-fraud-prevention Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 279 834 785 666 187 and Passcode: wM6LK3aD)



Innovation Never Stops Returns for Season 2, Bringing More Industry Insights and Expanded Educational Resources  

Helena Agri-Enterprises announced Wednesday the Emmy-nominated documentary series Innovation Never Stops will return for a second season at the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alongside the new season, Helena is introducing expanded classroom resources and a grant opportunity to help educators bring agricultural innovation into the classroom. Debuting in November, the new season will continue giving teachers and students an inside look at the people and technologies shaping modern agriculture.

“Supporting the next generation of ag innovators starts with educators,” says Bill Smith, National Integrated Marketing Manager with Helena. “Since its launch at the FFA Convention last year, Innovation Never Stops has reached 134 educators across 36 states with classroom-ready agricultural resources.” 

Innovation Never Stops takes viewers on a journey across the country, visiting laboratories, research facilities and diverse growing operations to reveal how Helena products come to life and drive progress. Told through the experiences of farmers and the Helena experts working alongside them, Innovation Never Stops explores agronomic challenges and uncovers solutions to define what it means to innovate. Throughout the series, what starts with an experiment at the Helena Products Group (HPG) Innovation Center in Tennessee goes through years of refinement before finding its place on a livestock operation in California or a fruit and vegetable operation in Michigan.  

Each episode includes companion curriculum designed to take lessons from the field to the classroom and broaden student knowledge of the industry and its impact on their lives. Lesson plans break down episodes into vocabulary, fun facts and discussion topics for youth, with the goal of introducing students to the world of crop science and ag business and the career opportunities they provide. New educator curriculum and interactive activities are now available, providing teachers with engaging, real-world tools to help students experience agricultural innovation firsthand. 

Along with new classroom materials, Helena will sponsor its 2nd Annual Innovation Grant. FFA chapters will be eligible to win this grant by participating in the AI360® simulation at booth 2672 during the FFA Convention this week. AI360 is a data and spatial information management platform, powered by AGRIntelligence®. Through the power of AI360, users can input key field attributes, access state-of-the-art processing technology and produce insights founded in strong agronomic principles and practices.  

Teachers are encouraged to sign up at helenaagri.com/innovation/ffa to claim their free materials before Season 2 of Innovation Never Stops drops in November. The program also extends beyond the classroom guide itself. Educators are invited to stay connected to future Innovation Never Stops resources and request a Helena representative to visit their classroom or FFA chapter to share field insights, lead demonstrations and discuss careers in agricultural innovation. 

Innovation Never Stops is a production of HPG, the research, development and formulation arm of Helena Agri-Enterprises. Season 1 and new episodes will be available on helenaagri.com/innovation.