Wednesday July 29 Ag News - Farmland Value Up 2% Over 6 Months - NE Trade Mission to Japan, Philippines - LENRD Meeting Summary - Ag Land Mgt Webinar - IA Cattlemen Help Move National Policy - USGBC Meeting in Wisconsin - and more!

Cow Size and Efficiency
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Much is written about what it costs to keep a cow in America and how size affects costs. Recently, we reported on cow weight increases over time associated with heavier carcasses from fed cattle.

If cows are getting heavier, at least relative to the weights of cows originally studied in the 1980’s, what are the implications on their energy requirements for maintenance? I had the opportunity to investigate how the requirements of cows resulting from modern genetics changed. In addition, I studied whether breed, region of the country, stage of production, and metabolic activity affected their energy requirements.

The good news is that despite a trend for heavier cows, their energy requirements for maintenance per unit of metabolic size have not changed. Neither region of the country nor whether cows were the product of beef or beef x dairy crosses affected energy requirements. This is good news unless of course as cows got heavy, weaning weight of their calves did not increase to compensate for greater energy needs.

Using data from auction markets reporting to USDA between 2019 and 2026, we determined calf weights for Northwest, Northern Plains, Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southern Plains, and Southeast regions of the country. Except for calves in the Southern Plains, cows in northern states had calves that weighed 40 lb more than cows in other southern states. Yet, cows in northern states were also heavier (they should be weaning heavier calves to compensate for greater maintenance requirements).

Relative to their requirements, however, cows produced calves in either region at the same efficiency. It takes 4,600 to 4,900 lb of TDN (or from 8,300 to 8,800 lb hay) to produce a weaned calf weighing 510 or 550 lb in southern or northern states respectively. Calculating the ratio of weaned calf to TDN results in an efficiency of energy capture of 11%. Data from cows tested in the 1980’s resulted in similar efficiency of energy capture.

We can safely conclude that although cows have gotten heavier, their offspring is also heavier offsetting the net increase in energy requirements of the modern beef cow. Some of us believe this increase in weight was necessary to permit their offspring to reach harvest weights needed to maintain beef production at the current (and perhaps) future cowherd inventories.

Relative to the efficiency of energy transformation of solar panels from solar to electric (around 25%), the humble cow may be considered only half as efficient. Yet, production of calves to weaning (and beyond) incorporates use of forage fiber of little use to other livestock or humans. Therefore, this system relies on energy sources that result from photosynthesis transforming forage nutrients into nutritious and flavorful beef protein and other beef nutrients. 



Tight Margins Haven't Shaken Producer Confidence in the Farmland Market

Despite ongoing pressure from lower commodity prices and tighter margins, benchmark farmland values remained stable during the first half of 2026 across the eight states served by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), AgCountry Farm Credit (AgCountry) and Frontier Farm Credit including Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming, according to the Collaborating Associations' recently released farmland values report. The findings underscore the resilience of the agricultural real estate market and optimistic producer sentiment.  

According to the farmland values report, benchmark farms continue to show stability.  Over the last 6 months, the average percentage change of the benchmarks was an increase of 1.9%.  The 12-month value average change was an increase of 3.5%.  

"What we've seen this year is a farmland market that has remained steady despite a more challenging commodity outlook than many expected," said Tim Koch, executive vice president and chief banking officer for FCSAmerica and Frontier Farm Credit. "Farmland values tend to reflect the confidence producers have in agriculture's future which is based on the long-term earning potential of the land, and what we’re currently seeing is farmland values continuing to reflect the long-term strength of agriculture, rather than short-term swings in commodity prices.”

"What continues to stand out is how steady the farmland market has remained despite a more challenging operating environment." said Mark Vetter, executive vice president business development for AgCountry. "Today's farmland values remain constant at record levels, yet the economics of our marketplace is very similar to what we experienced during 2013-2021. A significant number of producers retained the financial strength they built during the strong years, and they're gradually deploying that capital into farmland purchases when opportunities arise."

Farmers and ranchers continue to be the primary buyers of farmland, while limited supply has helped support values across much of the region. 

Benchmark Farmland Values Trends
The chart below illustrates the average dollar per acre of 61 predominantly cropland benchmark farms across the eight states over the past 10 years.

STATE          SIX-MONTH  ONE-YEAR  TWO-YEAR  FIVE-YEAR  TEN-YEAR 
Iowa (21)             0.0%           -1.4%                -4.3%             31.6%           51.1%
Nebraska (18)      1.2%            3.2%                  1.7%            42.9%            39.2%

Cropland and Pasture/Ranch Benchmarks 
Below is a state-by-state summary of benchmark values for cropland and pastureland over the past 6 and 12 months. 

Nebraska
Cropland benchmark values over the past 6 months showed a 1.3% increase and a 2% increase over the past 12 months. Pasture/ranch benchmark values increased 3.5% over the past 6 months and 16.7% over the past 12 months. The pasture market in central Nebraska has seen a strong increase in demand over the last year, which has been driven by a historically strong cattle market over that time.

Iowa
Cropland benchmark values decreased -0.7% over the past 6 months and -2.6% over the past 12 months. An increase in mixed use tracts (cropland and pasture) offset the slight weakness shown by puritan crop land values. 

Overall, the stability seen in the first half of 2026 demonstrates the continued confidence farmers and ranchers have in the long-term strength of agriculture and the enduring value of productive farmland. To download the full report, visit FCSAmerica Benchmark Farmland Values Report https://www.fcsamerica.com/services/appraisals/land-values. 



Governor Pillen Leads State Trade Delegation to the Philippines
 
Governor Jim Pillen led Nebraska’s trade delegation from Japan to the Philippines on Monday, kicking off the second phase of the state’s trade mission to Asia. The mission to the Philippines follows a busy 24 hours in Osaka, Japan where the Governor promoted Nebraska beef, pork, wheat, and low-carbon energy production.
 
“I am thankful to have Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and businesses joining me on this strategic mission to Asia,” said Gov. Pillen. “They’ve been incredible advocates for Nebraska. In both Japan and the Philippines, companies have shown tremendous interest in purchasing more of the food, fuel, and energy we produce.”
 
On Sunday evening in Japan, Gov. Pillen and the Nebraska delegation met with Marudai, a key buyer of Nebraska beef and pork, to thank the company for being a longstanding, loyal customer. On Monday morning, Nebraska’s trade team met with the Japanese office of the U.S. Meat Export Federation to confer about promotional strategies. The Governor and Nebraska Wheat Board Vice Chair Mary Eisenzimmer then toured Kinki Flour Milling Company on to discuss opportunities to grow Nebraska wheat exports to Japan.
 
The second leg of the trade mission began on Tuesday morning in the Philippines, as Gov. Pillen and State Senator Rita Sanders met with U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton to gain insights on the Philippine economy. Nebraska’s delegation then met with leaders of Gardenia Bakery, the largest breadmaking company in the Philippines, to promote Nebraska wheat. The Philippines purchased an average of $783 million of U.S. wheat per year from 2021-2025, ranking as the #2 export market for American wheat.
 
“It’s always great to connect with customers in person to tell the story of the wheat we grow in Nebraska,” said Eisenzimmer. “Nebraska’s wheat farmers take great pride in what we do. Being able to share this pride during face-to-face meetings is a wonderful way to build relationships that are key to the profitability of Nebraska wheat production.”
 
Participation in an ethanol promotion roundtable was a highlight of Tuesday’s trade activities in Manila. State leaders highlighted the Nebraska’s ability to help Filipino companies meet the country’s E10 fuel mandate and move toward adoption of E20 fuel. The Philippines relies on imports to meet about 50% of the annual demand for fuel ethanol, and U.S. ethanol enjoys tariff-free access to the Philippines market.
 
“The Philippines has tremendous need to import ethanol, and Nebraska is well positioned to supply it,” said John Krohn of the Nebraska Corn Board. “More than a third of the corn grown in Nebraska goes into the ethanol production. By expanding markets for corn ethanol, and for byproducts like dried distillers grains, we’re helping to create tremendous opportunities for Nebraska’s farmers.”
 
“One of the takeaways I’ve had from today was that the products that we provide, not just from the United States, but specifically Nebraska, are sought after,” said DJ Eihusen, president of Chief Industries. “They’re viewed as high quality products.”
 
Tuesday’s full slate of activities also included a visit to Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of more than 17,000 U.S. and Allied service members. Gov. Pillen laid a wreath to honor U.S. servicemen buried at the cemetery, most of whom lost their lives in combat during World War II. After fighting as allies in the Second World War, the U.S. and the Philippines entered into a formal military alliance. This year marks 75 years since the two countries signed their Mutual Defense Treaty.
 
“We enjoy freedoms as Americans because so many brave soldiers have willingly risked their lives to defend them,” said Gov. Pillen. “It was deeply moving to honor the American servicemen who are buried in Manila. We will never forget the sacrifices they made while fighting for our country in the Pacific.”
 
Sen. Sanders said being in the Philippines held special meaning for her. 
 
“My heart belongs to the Philippines and what an amazing country! It’s a developing country and that’s exactly where we want to be to start trade with them early on,” she added. “The Governor’s doing a great job and everyone that’s been here that we’ve crossed paths with today is excited to do business with Nebraska.”
 
The state trade mission will wrap up on Wednesday. The final day’s schedule includes a meeting with San Miguel Corporation, owner of some of the largest food brands in the Philippines. Gov. Pillen will also meet with the Philippines Department of Energy and attend a luncheon with the Philippine Association of Meat Processors. Additionally, the Governor will represent Nebraska at the World Food Expo, the largest food trade show in the Philippines.



Nebraska Corn Board to Meet on August 12, 2026

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Holthus Convention Center (3130 Holen Ave.) in York, Nebraska. The meeting is open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment. The board will conduct regular board business.
 
A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to NCB.info@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of a 1-cent-per-bushel on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.



Meeting Recap from the Lower Elkhorn NRD July Board of Directors Meeting
 
At the monthly Board Meeting held on Thursday, July 23rd, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors heard monthly reports and voted on numerous water-resources and project related items.
 
Directors approved updates to the Average Cost Dockets for the Agroforestry, Cover Crop, and Conservation Cost Share programs. Except for tree planting and cover crops, all practices will increase 5% across the board. Costs for tree planting in Fiscal Year ’27 will be based off the actual expenses in FY ‘26. Directors were presented with two options for the cover crop program: Option 1 – an increase of 5%, but rounded to the nearest whole dollar; or Option 2 – an increase of 5%, which is in line with the other practices. Directors ultimately agreed with the staff recommendation of Option 1 where costs would be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
 
Derek and Austin Becker will once again be tasked with Flow Meter preventative maintenance services in the District. The scope of work for the upcoming year includes 561 meters in Colfax, Platte & Stanton Counties at a cost of $61.00 per irrigation well flow meter for inspection. The Beckers have been conducting flow meter preventative maintenance for the district since 2018.
 
Four contracts for the NET Vadose Zone Monitoring Project were also accepted by Directors at the meeting. The “Observing Water and Nutrient Mobility in the Vadose Zone” study will work closely with producers to help LENRD staff evaluate nutrient and water movement underground and under various farming practices while accounting for weather, soil, and geology. This information will help staff evaluate which best management practices are better with which soil types to protect water quality and maintain or enhance recharge to our aquifers. The contracts approved for the General Manager’s signature include: Study Tasks 2 and 5: University of Nebraska Lincoln, not to exceed $191,423.00; Study Task 3: Vista Clara, LLC, Not to exceed $157,000.00; and Study Task 6: Downey Drilling, $72,590.00. Study Task 1 is contingent on contract negotiations with Surveying and Mapping, LLC.
 
A public hearing for the Certification of Acres was also held at the meeting. Assistant Manager, Curt Becker, also provided updates on the Maple Creek and North Fork WFPO Projects. The design phase of the Maple Creek WFPO for Nickerson was approved by NRCS and Becker received approval from the Board to begin the tasks of engineering/construction as well as permit acquisition for the project. Becker also indicated that he had received a letter of commitment from the community of Osmond to continue to the design phase of the North Fork WFPO project. The community of Pierce is slated to discuss what their next steps will be at their August City Council Meeting.
 
To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be August 27th, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



Ag land management webinar to offer the latest on cash rents, lease arrangements for 2026

The latest trends in 2026 Nebraska cash rental rates and issues related to landlord and tenant communication will be covered during the next Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability at noon Central time on Aug. 17.

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

The August webinar will cover recent findings from the 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, including updates on average cash rental rates, land values and trends in real estate transactions in Nebraska. The presentation will also include a special segment on terminating verbal lease arrangements, communicating crop progress on leased land and considerations for fall harvest. The session will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get live answers to their land or lease questions.

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

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

Registration and past recordings are available at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.



New Century Farmer Conference Explored Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Central Indiana

The National FFA Organization, the nation’s premier school-based student leadership organization with over one million members, recently hosted the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference in Indianapolis, July 18-22. The conference brought together 45 elite FFA alumni from 23 states to advance their leadership and career skills while learning about working in the industry of agriculture. 

“One of the most valuable aspects of New Century Farmer is bringing together young producers from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn from industry experts and one another,” said Emma Slavens, National FFA Program Manager, Alumni and Supporters. “The conversations, mentorship and hands-on experiences inspire participants to think differently about the future of their businesses while building a network they’ll rely on throughout their careers.”

New Century Farmer Conference attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry experts on topics that are relevant to young producers, explore diverse farm business operations, engage directly with leaders in agriculture, communications and business, network with other extraordinary young entrepreneurs and develop a vision statement for the future of their operation.

As part of the conference, participants visited four Central Indiana businesses - Simply From Scratch, Corteva Agriscience, CNH Industrial and Reynolds John Deere dealership. Simply From Scratch, a family-owned farm-to-table business in Noblesville, hosted discussions with Firestone Ag and Tractor Supply Company. Corteva Agriscience held a speed dating and crop protection tour, and CNH Industrial held a tour and discussions. Reynolds John Deere, a premier equipment dealer proudly serving farmers, homeowners, landscapers, and commercial contractors, hosted attendees for a tour. In addition, Farm Credit held a discussion with participants on the financial aspects of getting into or starting a business.  Breakout sessions were also facilitated by National FFA throughout the conference.

The following FFA alumni were selected to attend the conference: 

Nebraska
Ian Schiller, Scribner
Jadyn Tidyman, Chadron

The New Century Farmer Conference occurs annually, and the 2027 conference will be held in Kansas City, MO from July 17-21. Applications will open on December 15, 2026.

The Level 1 Corporate Partners of the FFA New Century Farmer Conference are Case IH, Corteva Agriscience and John Deere. 

To learn more about the National FFA Organization, visit www.ffa.org, and to learn more about the 2027 New Century Farmer Conference, visit www.ffa.org/participate/conference/new-century-farmer. 



ICA LEADS ON CRP REFORM AT NCBA SUMMER BUSINESS MEETING

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association continues to deliver results for Iowa cattle producers, both in Iowa and across the nation.

At the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Summer Business Meeting held in Denver, Colorado, earlier this month, ICA led successful efforts to strengthen national policy in two critical areas:

Conservation & Grazing: ICA led the way on the update and modernization of NCBA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) policy along with Kansas, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The policy amendment focused on giving NCBA stronger direction to support grazing as a primary conservation tool within CRP, driving marginal land to become long-term pasture, and advocating for cost-share tools to be extended to enrollees to ensure grazing infrastructure is supported.

Equipment & Regulations: ICA and the Kansas Livestock Association were the leading drivers behind new NCBA policy directing advocacy for the removal of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems without penalty, eliminating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and opposing any future regulation/legislation that uses Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems.

“These policy victories reflect the priorities Iowa cattle producers have been bringing forward for years," said ICA President Craig Moss. "Whether it's expanding grazing opportunities through CRP or reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on producers, our members are helping shape policies that support the long-term success of the cattle industry. We're proud to lead these conversations and ensure Iowa producers have a strong voice at the national level."

As Congress continues its work on the Farm Bill, the opportunity to advance these priorities has never been stronger. ICA is committed to ensuring CRP benefits both the environment and cattle producers by expanding grazing opportunities and supporting long-term pasture as we rebuild the nation's cow herd. At the same time, our strong relationships with federal agencies and policymakers position us to continue reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens that limit producers' ability to operate efficiently.

These victories demonstrate what a strong, producer-led association can accomplish. ICA members don't just react to policy. They help shape it. And our work is not finished. ICA will continue building on this momentum to ensure the voice of Iowa’s cattle producers remains influential.



USGBC Members Arrive In Wisconsin For 66th Annual Board Of Delegates Meeting

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) members touched down this week for the organization's 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Our primary purpose is to roll up our sleeves and work on planning and executing our organization’s global reach for the future,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGBC president and CEO.

“We still hold tight to our mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives around the world for everyone who needs and wants what we have to offer.”

The meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets, trade policy impacts and strengthening supply chains and highlight USGBC program successes.

The meeting will feature a panel on advancing U.S. trade and agricultural priorities moderated by LeGrand and including U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Julie Callahan and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, a presentation from Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski and global trade policy outlook presentations.

Advisory Team (A-Team) and sector meetings will happen throughout the event where members will have the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGBC programs and priorities.

The conference will conclude on Friday with the Council's board of delegates meeting, financial, A-Team and sector reports and a vote to fill open board of directors positions.

The 66th Board of Delegates meeting runs through Friday in Milwaukee. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains26



USDA Clarifies Wetland Determinations to Provide Certainty to Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting farmers first and supporting government accountability by providing clear guidance around wetland determinations, which helps inform agricultural producers’ decisions for their operations. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published an interim final rule that ensures most determinations made since 1990 are considered certified, and producers can rely on the determinations to work farmland. 

“We want to empower farmers, ranchers and landowners to do what they do best – farm the land,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “Farmers’ direct relationship with the land makes them uniquely qualified to guide its stewardship, and we took action to provide regulatory certainty in order to make operational decisions.” 

Producers rely on certified wetland determinations when making decisions about their agricultural operations, which impacts USDA program eligibility such as farm loans, conservation assistance, crop insurance and commodity programs.  

Through this interim final rule, NRCS addressed inconsistencies in how wetland determinations have been certified and issued in the past. It aligns USDA policy with statutory requirements, protects producer reliance interests, and reduces unnecessary administrative burden by preventing the reinterpretation or replacement of previously certified determinations unless the producer asks for a review. 

Specifically, the interim final rule ensures all wetland determinations issued after Nov. 28, 1990, are certified if:  
    the producer was notified of the determination; and 
    the producer was given appeal rights at the time.  

Farmers can rely on the decision to install drainage, clear land, and conduct other land alternations without risking USDA program eligibility so long as the determination shows the area is not a wetland in accordance with the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985. 

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.      

Tuesday July 28 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Reports - USMCA Roundtable in Omaha This Week - NE FFA Foundation Campaign Kicks Off - ISU Hosts Fertilizer & Finance Wksps - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - July 26

                               Very Short     Short    Adequate     Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......:    30          42            27              01    
Subsoil Moisture .......:    34          38            28              00    

                              .....  Last year   Last week   This week   5YrAve
Corn Silking................:        73            60             79            80
Corn in Dough............:        19            06              18            19
Soybeans in bloom.....:        71            69              85            80
Soybeans setting pods.:        27            23             39            42
Sorghum headed ........:        34           16               25            27    
Winter Wheat Harvested:     74           59              92            80

                                              VP       Poor       Fair        Good       Excellent    
Corn Condition Rating ...:     03          09         28           46             14
Soybean Condition Rating    02          07          30          49             12
Pasture Conditions ..........:    41          25          25           09             00    




Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 26, 2026. This is 2.4 days more than last year, when there were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 9 percent very short, 27 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 28 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. 

Corn silking reached 87 percent, which is 6 percentage points ahead of last year. Twenty-eight percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dough stage, which is 4 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 80 percent good to excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 80 percent, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Forty-eight percent of soybeans were setting pods, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. Soybean condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. 

Sixty-seven percent of oats have been harvested, which is 20 percentage points ahead of last year. Oats condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Crop conditions weakened last week as good-to-excellent ratings for both corn and soybeans fell 3 percentage points, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 78%, 5 percentage points ahead of last year's 73% and 4 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 74%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 25%, 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 24% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 22%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 63% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 4 percentage points below the previous week of 67% and 10 percentage points below last year's 73%. Twelve percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 3 percentage points above the previous week's 9% and 5 percentage points above the previous year's 7%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming was pegged at 80%, 6 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 74%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 47%, 8 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 39%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 63% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, 3 points below the previous week of 66% and 7 points below the previous year of 70%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 7 percentage points last week to reach 81% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 2 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 79%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: Ninety-two percent of spring wheat was headed, 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 91% and 1 percentage point behind the five-year average of 93%.
-- Harvest progress: In its first spring wheat harvest report of the season, NASS estimated that just 2% of the crop was harvested as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's 1% and steady with the five-year average. 
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 53% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, steady with the previous week.



USMCA Roundtable to be Held in Omaha July 29th

On Wednesday, July 29th at 10 AM,  Farmers for Free Trade will host a roundtable discussion with Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Nebraska agriculture leaders on the future of North American trade and what's at stake for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses as the United States renegotiates the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The United States has chosen to move forward with a renegotiation of the agreement, which allows Nebraska farmers to export to its largest markets, rather than renew it. That decision opens a critical window in which farmer voices must be heard. Farmers for Free Trade is hosting the roundtable in Nebraska to ensure the perspectives of local agriculture leaders are front and center as negotiators work to strengthen and extend the agreement.

Featured at the event:  
Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02)
Heath Mello, President & CEO, Omaha Chamber of Commerce
Seth Mitchell, Executive Director, Nebraska Pork Producers Association
Kaitlin Taylor, Director of Public Policy, Nebraska Corn Growers Association
Lucas Miller, President, Nebraska Soybean Association 
Brian Kuehl, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade
 
The stakes for Nebraska are among the highest of any state. Mexico and Canada are Nebraska's two largest export markets, and Nebraska's agricultural exports exceeded $8 billion in 2024, making it the nation's fifth-largest agricultural exporting state. Nebraska leads the country in beef exports and ranks among the top states for corn and soybeans, commodities that depend heavily on duty-free access to North American markets.

At the event, Farmers for Free Trade will release new state-level data detailing USMCA's importance to Nebraska agriculture, including the export markets, farm inputs, and jobs tied to trade with Canada and Mexico. Reporters looking to cover the event can request the Nebraska-specific data.

BACKGROUND:  
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in 2020, includes a mandatory review in 2026 to assess its effectiveness and consider potential modifications. Mexico and Canada represent vital markets for American agricultural exports, with billions of dollars in trade flowing across borders annually. The U.S, has declined to automatically renew the agreement for a 16-year extension, which means that USMCA will go through review periods yearly as negotiations continue.

The Omaha discussion will focus on how USMCA has impacted local agricultural commerce, emerging challenges and opportunities facing producers and agribusinesses, and strategic priorities for the agreement's future. 



Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. Campaign Kicks Off

To those unfamiliar, it may look like a fancy blue corduroy jacket with gold stitching. But to thousands of agricultural students across Nebraska, the iconic FFA jacket is an emblem of opportunity, a symbol of heritage, and a badge of honor. As the Nebraska FFA Foundation kicks off its annual Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. campaign,the focus shifts to a powerful truth: owning this jacket can change a student's story.

Through this program, students are selected to receive a brand-new jacket with their name and chapter on it, along with a tie or scarf, based on an application submitted by students and backed by an advisor statement. A committee of donors, board members, and supporters carefully reviews each submission to select the jacket recipients.

Last year, over 500 students applied for a jacket and only 257 were awarded. The number of jackets that can be awarded each year is directly tied to the generosity of donors. A tax-deductible donation of $150 covers the cost of one jacket, plus a tie or scarf, and the campaign runs from August 1 to September 1, 2026.

If you wore a blue jacket at one time—or simply believe in what the jacket stands for—please consider gifting a jacket to help a young student display their FFA membership proudly. By donating to the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. campaign, you aren’t just buying fabric; you are giving a young leader a lifetime of opportunities, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to step up as the next generation of agriculture leaders. 

To donate, visit the NE FFA Foundation website at www.neffafoundation.org.



Fertilizer and Finance Workshops to be Offered Across Iowa in August

To help producers, crop advisers and agricultural lenders make informed nutrient management decisions amid high fertilizer costs, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering four Fertilizer and Finance workshops across Iowa this August. 

Workshop topics will include understanding fertilizer cost trends; interpreting soil test results to make better phosphorus, potassium and lime recommendations; and fertilizer budgeting strategies to get the most value from every fertilizer dollar. Participants will learn practical strategies to maximize nutrient management while protecting farm profitability. The workshop is designed for farmers, agricultural lenders, crop advisers and other agriculture professionals seeking to evaluate fertility investments from both agronomic and financial perspectives.

"The goal is to help producers make confident decisions about where fertilizer dollars will have the greatest impact," said Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomist at Iowa State. “By combining fertility management principles with financial analysis, participants will gain tools they can use to evaluate costs, manage risk and maximize returns.”

Workshop locations and dates
    Northwestern Iowa: Aug. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Demco Community Center, 714 Main Street, Boyden. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Leah Ten Napel and extension farm management specialist Tim Christensen. To register, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Lyon County office at 712-472-2576. 
    Northern Iowa: Aug. 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Cerro Gordo County office, 601 South Illinois Avenue, Mason City. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Angie Rieck-Hinz and extension farm management specialist Eric Weuve. To register, call the Cerro Gordo County office at 641-423-0844.
    Eastern Iowa: Aug. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office, 3109 Old Highway 218 South, Iowa City. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe and extension farm management specialist Ryan Drollette. To register, call the Johnson County office at 319-337-2145.
    Central Iowa: Aug. 27 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Town Craft Gallery, 1122 Willis Avenue, Perry. The workshop will be led by extension field agronomist Meaghan Anderson and extension farm management specialist Patrick Hatting. To register, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office at 515-993-4281.

Registration is $60 per person. Pre-registration is requested three business days before each workshop.

For more information, call the hosting county office. 



USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of Approaching Deadlines for Safety Net, Disaster Assistance, and County Committees

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding agricultural producers impacted by increased input costs and natural disasters that the deadlines to apply for safety net and disaster assistance programs designed to protect their financial security are coming soon.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind producers that the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), both have deadlines in early August. Additionally, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, eligible landowners have until the end of August to review and consider base acre increases for the first time since 2002 for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.  

“Whether it’s disaster assistance, support for specialty crop growers or the first chance in more than two decades to update base acres, I encourage producers not to wait until the last minute," said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “These deadlines represent real opportunities for producers to recover from market and weather challenges. Reach out to your local FSA office now and make sure you don't leave assistance on the table.” 

Agricultural producers are reminded of these important upcoming deadlines: 
    Aug. 7, 2026 – Deadline to apply for ASCF 
    Aug. 12, 2026 – Deadline to apply for SDRP 
    Aug. 31, 2026 – Deadline to review base allocations through ARC/PLC  

Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers 
ASCF provides payments to specialty crop producers based on reported 2025 planted acres. Pre-filled ASCF applications are available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage for eligible specialty crops. Producers with a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online.  Producers can also request their pre-filled application from their local FSA county office. Eligible crops and payment rates can be found at fsa.usda.gov/ascf. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7, 2026.  

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program  
SDRP provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Producers with indemnified losses can apply through SDRP Stage 1 which leverages Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data as the basis for calculating payments. Producers with non-indemnified (including shallow losses), uncovered (uninsured), and quality losses can apply for Stage 2 assistance. Producers can request an application from their local FSA county office.  Aug. 12, 2026, is the deadline for both Stages 1 and 2. Additional information can be found at fsa.usda.gov/sdrp. 

Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage 
ARC and PLC are cornerstone commodity safety net programs that provide financial protection to farmers when market prices or revenues decline. Landowners have the opportunity to increase base acres in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years as authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Nationwide, up to 30 million new base acres can be added by eligible farms. 

Eligible landowners should review their Base Allocation Summary, which outlines potential base acre increases. These Base Allocation Summaries can be accessed online at fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc using a Login.gov account. Landowners who do not currently have a Login.gov account are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to obtain their Base Allocation Summary and review and take any necessary action by Aug. 31, 2026.

County Committees 
Additionally, Aug. 3 is the last day to submit nomination forms for eligible candidates to serve on their local FSA county committees. County committees are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs. Elections occur each year in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA county committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/coc. 



Understand the New Forage Revenue Protection Program – Live Webinar August 11

Just approved! For the first time, many forage farmers have access to a Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance program providing protection against yield and price losses. With a September 30 sales closing date for most program states, farmers and crop insurance agents are encouraged to learn how the program works in time for this year’s enrollment.

To help farmers better understand the new insurance option and determine how it may help manage risk on their operation, a free educational webinar will be held Tuesday, August 11, at 1:00 p.m. CDT. The webinar is also designed to help crop insurance agents become familiar with the product before the upcoming enrollment deadline.

Webinar presenters include Glenda Blindert, a National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) Board Member working with Blindert Insurance Agency and Brannick Sweetser of AgriLogic Consulting, both members of the product development team for this new program.

The new program leverages the relationship between forage prices and the futures prices of corn, soybean meal, and Class III milk to provide in-season price risk protection and more representative insurable values. During the webinar, you will get a full program overview – learn about eligible forage crops and alfalfa mixtures, coverage options, premium estimates, production record requirements, how projected and harvest prices are determined, important enrollment deadlines, and when written agreements may be available. Using real-world examples, learn how coverage and indemnities are calculated.

Coverage is currently available in California, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin counties. Alfalfa is insurable throughout the program area, while red clover, timothy, orchardgrass, and birdsfoot trefoil are insurable in select states. Farmers in participating states whose county is not already included in the program area may be able to obtain coverage through a written agreement.

Participants attending the live webinar will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the product development team.

Register at bit.ly/AlfalfaRevenueProtectionWebinar to receive your link for the Forage Production Revenue Protection program webinar. To participate in the live webinar or view the on-demand webinar, you must register at bit.ly/AlfalfaRevenueProtectionWebinar. Review USDA’s Risk Management Agency’s Fact Sheet and AgriLogic’s program design overview and price discovery timelines at alfalfa.org/ForageProductionRevenueProtection.php. 



Senate Committee Passes Childhood Diabetes Bill with Problematic Provisions for Meat
 
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions marked up the “Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act,” the aim of which is to reduce childhood obesity and diet-related chronic diseases—but includes provisions problematic for the meat industry. 
 
Among other mandates, the childhood diabetes bill defines ultra-processed foods, and it would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to put labels warning about the health effects of foods that are high in “nutrients of concern” such as saturated fat and sodium. 
 
The National Pork Producers Council has raised concerns about those provisions previously, pointing out in comments to FDA that there is no consensus on what constitutes ultra-processed foods, and coming up with a definition that “incorporates the nuances of food processing and nutrition for the goal of improving public health” would be difficult. NPPC suggested elevating the importance of nutritional composition while protecting processes and ingredients that promote nutrient bioavailability, food safety, and shelf-stability.
 
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) was the lone Democrat to vote against the bill, while Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) voted for its passage.
 
NPPC supports efforts to reduce childhood diabetes and obesity while protecting access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods such as pork. It cautioned that federal labeling of, and “education” on, certain foods should distinguish between ultra-processed, calorie-dense products and foundational, nutrient-dense foods that contribute protein, vitamins, and minerals to healthy eating patterns. Using the term ultra-processed could unintentionally misclassify nutrient-dense foods simply because they are processed and prompt consumers not to eat them.
 
NPPC pointed out that pork can be part of a balanced diet and provides high-quality protein, as well as nutrients such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and choline.
 
Consumer health and safety are priorities of U.S. pork producers, and ensuring Americans have access to nutrient-dense pork will help improve the nation’s nutrition and positively impact health.

Monday July 27 Ag News - Pillen Hosts Trade Mission to Japan, Philippines - Scout Field Borders for Grasshoppers - Soybean Mgt Field Days - IA Mesonet Turns 25 - USDA to Reopen Southern Border to Cattle Imports Aug 24 - '25 Farm Expenditures Up 2% - and more!

Pillen Hosts Trade Mission to Japan and the Philippines
  
Governor Jim Pillen embarked on a trade mission to Japan and the Philippines over the weekend. He is heading a state delegation that includes farmers and ranchers, key leaders from the state’s ethanol industry, and innovators in advanced manufacturing. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is coordinating the trade mission on behalf of the State.
 
In Japan, the trade delegation will promote Nebraska-grown agricultural products and highlight the state’s ability to make low-carbon biofuels and energy products. Japan has been a reliable trade partner for Nebraska, annually ranking among the top international destinations for the state’s agricultural goods. In 2025, Japan purchased more than a half-billion dollars of beef and pork products from Nebraska. Japan has also set a policy to introduce E10 nationwide by 2030, a plan that — when implemented — will dramatically increase its demand for ethanol. Additionally, Japan is seeking suppliers of cleaner energy as it looks to cut greenhouse gas emissions. With annual ethanol production of more than two billion gallons, and an operational carbon pipeline, Nebraska is well-positioned to meet these biofuel and energy needs.
 
With a growing population of more than 112 million people, and strong economic performance over the past 15 years, the Philippines is emerging as a major market in Southeast Asia. While in the Philippines, Nebraska’s trade mission will seek to open new markets for agricultural products such as wheat, beef, and ethanol. The Philippines and Japan rank second and third, respectively, as importers of American wheat. More than 20% of U.S. wheat exports go to the two countries. Beef consumption and demand continue to rise in the Philippines. Beef is especially popular among the country’s young, urban middle-class and is increasingly featured on restaurant menus. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ growth has resulted in increased fuel consumption. Currently, the country can produce only 50-55% of the ethanol required to meet its E10 mandate and relies on foreign ethanol for the rest, primarily importing it from the United States.
 
The United States and the Philippines are commemorating 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. This year, the two countries are also marking the 75th anniversary of a mutual defense treaty signed in 1951. Many Nebraskans fought bravely in and around the Philippines during World War II, serving in combat alongside the nation’s Filipino allies. During the trade mission, Nebraska’s delegation will visit Manila America Cemetery to pay their respects to the courageous troops who perished during World War II.
 
The first leg of the trade mission was Sunday in Osaka, Japan. The delegation will then travel to the Philippines Monday for the remainder of the mission.



2026 Warm Season Annual Grazing Field Day

Join Nebraska Extension on August 4 from 4:00–6:00 PM at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) for a pasture walk featuring current research from University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty and specialists.

This hands-on event will cover topics including matching forage species to grazing goals, turnout and removal timing strategies, optimizing cattle performance and forage utilization, and understanding key agronomic differences among forage species. Participants will also learn about forage selection for grazing, hay, silage, and stockpiling, and explore how different management approaches can impact productivity and profitability.

Whether you're a producer, land manager, or industry professional, this pasture walk offers a great opportunity to see research in action, connect with experts, and gain practical insights you can apply to your own operation.

For more information call Connor Biehler at 402-624-8007 or email at cbiehler2@unl.edu.  



Grasshoppers Return ― It’s Time to Scout Field Borders
Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist 

Populations of immature grasshoppers are being reported in areas bordering crop fields in several parts of Nebraska. If these grasshopper species are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted if high numbers are present. These insects will likely continue to be a present for the rest of the summer.

If they are abundant, it's best to try to control grasshoppers while they are concentrated in the border areas before they spread into the crops and before they become adults and become harder to control.

Only four of the more than 100 species of grasshoppers found in Nebraska normally damage field crops. These species are the
    two-striped,
    red-legged,
    differential, and
    migratory grasshoppers.

(For a detailed guide on identifying these four species, see Nebraska Extension NebGuide EC1569, "Grasshopper Identification Guide for Cropland Grasshoppers Summer Feeding Species.") These species feed on a wide range of plants and are most often found in mixed habitats that include broadleaf weeds.

Because grasshoppers move into cropland generally from untilled areas surrounding crop fields, pay particular attention to field border with abundant broadleaf weeds, scout and, if necessary, treat these adjacent untilled areas first. Sometimes grasshoppers may hatch out from eggs laid in no-till crop fields as well. If grasshoppers have already invaded the field, also sample field areas to determine if control is warranted. The grasshoppers are most likely to move from these areas to adjoining crops when their food supply in these borders dries up or the borders are mowed.

More information about scouting and control measures, including potential insecticide options, can be found here: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2019/grasshopper-management.  



Soybean Management Field Days to Showcase TAPS Results, Production Strategies
Aaron Nygren - Nebraska Extension Educator

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Nebraska Extension’s Soybean Management Field Days. This August, the annual event offers practical insights into cutting-edge soybean management practices and technologies, along with opportunities to network with fellow farmers and industry experts. 

For the third consecutive year, the Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) soybean competition results will be featured during the field days, with updates on lessons learned from last season and progress in this year's contest.

The three-fold focus of the field days is to provide practical information, foster dialogue and showcase collaborative efforts:
    Learn about best practices and strategies to apply in your fields.
    Engage in productive discussions on issues ranging from local to global.
    Explore Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) initiatives in research, marketing and education.

“Our goal is to give growers real value they can take home and use,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “By highlighting programs like TAPS, we’re helping producers evaluate new ideas and learn directly from the results. In addition to TAPS, the field days also focus on timely topics that matter most to growers.” 

Throughout the four-day event, attendees will be able to participate in two different formats: one in the evening and the other during the day. 

The evening meetings, held Tuesday, Aug. 11–Thursday, Aug. 13, will feature presentations on locally relevant topics and engage participants in interactive discussions. 

To conclude the week on Friday, Aug. 14, a field day starting mid-morning will highlight the Soybean TAPS contest with interactive discussions and a plot tour.

Soybean Management Field Days is free to attend thanks to support from NSB. To help with a meal count, please pre-register two days in advance of each field day via the online form https://nuramp.nebraska.edu/ems/event.php?EMSEventUUID=c2528619-2b6b-4f22-b091-0f4ed79ed170 or by calling 402-624-8030. 

Evening Programs
Tuesday, Aug. 11 – West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC), North Platte
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, short updates on western Nebraska soybean topics including weed control, irrigation, insect and disease control, fertility, and an update on the soybean crush facility project
    Speakers:  Nicolás Cafaro la Menza, Milos Zaric, Abia Katimbo, Talon Mues, Todd Whitney, Chuck Burr, Andrea Rilakovic, Walter Cronin from White River Nutrition

Wednesday, Aug. 12 – Herbig Brothers farm, Central City
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, managing iron chlorosis, and soybean irrigation
    Speakers: Dylan Mangel, Steve Melvin, Chris Proctor,  Nicolás Cafaro la Menza

Thursday, Aug. 13 — Mike Gropp farm, Crete
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m. 
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition and soybean gall midge research plot tour
    Speakers: Justin McMechan, Matheus Ribeiro, Chris Proctor, John Nelson

Morning Program
Friday, Aug. 14 — Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), near Mead
Registration at 9:30 a.m., program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS update, avoiding farm financial mistakes, IPM recommendations, and tour of competition plots.
    Speakers: Garrett Ruskamp of Pioneer Farmer, Chris Proctor, Chuck Burr, Dylan Mangel, Aaron Nygren, Justin McMechan 

Attendees will also have the chance to connect with representatives from NSB and Nebraska Soybean Association at each location.

Registration and information about the field days, including maps to the event sites can be found on the SMFD homepage http://go.unl.edu/soydays, or by contacting NSB at 402-441-3240 or Nebraska Extension at 402-624-8030.



The Magic of the Mesonet
Marli Anderson, ISU Ag Communications Intern 

The Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM - https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/) celebrated its 25-year anniversary this summer! IEM helps farmers, researchers, meteorologists and everyone in between make informed decisions using weather and climate data. Daryl Herzmann is a systems analyst at Iowa State University and the person who creates the magic behind the scenes.  

Back in 2001, IEM was created to help people understand publicly available weather data and environmental information. Over time, IEM has become and continues to grow into one of the state's most valuable weather resources. It provides access to observations from airports, National Weather Service stations, Iowa State University Research Farms, and other public monitoring networks. IEM does not collect its own data but instead pulls together information from trusted public sources and presents it in a way that is easy to understand and use. 

One of the biggest challenges with weather data is making sense of it. Many datasets contain thousands or even millions of observations that would take a considerable amount of time to organize. The IEM uses automated plotting tools that allow users to generate charts, maps, and reports that can be used in presentations or articles without the hassle of uploading information into spreadsheets and creating graphs themselves. 

Those tools have become especially valuable to those in Iowa's agricultural industry, where weather is a crucial part of decision making. Anyone can use the IEM to monitor precipitation, temperature, growing degree days, and long-term weather trends while comparing conditions across locations and seasons. Several IEM applications allow users to customize reports based on their own growing season. 
Daryl Herzmann accepting award at IEM 25th anniversary celebration. Daryl Herzmann accepting an award at the 25th anniversary celebration of IEM.

Herzmann says, "Somebody that planted corn one year on April 10 and the next year they planted it on June 1, and so you want to be able to use those dynamically to generate plots." The website also helps users identify the most appropriate weather station for their specific needs. For example, airport weather stations often provide the most reliable wind observations because they are in an open space, as opposed to a more urban area. Choosing the right source matters because not every weather observation represents conditions the same way. 

Although agriculture is one of the IEM's largest audiences, the website was designed to help anyone interested in Iowa's weather and climate. Researchers, educators, businesses, students and weather enthusiasts all use it to answer questions and monitor changing conditions. 

As the Iowa Environmental Mesonet marks its 25th anniversary, Herzmann hopes users continue to explore its tools and ask questions when they need guidance. "Farmers know this already, that you go and talk to your neighbor with the same rain gauge, only different numbers. And they’re probably both right." Herzmann said. 

The Iowa Environmental Mesonet has continued to make weather information more accessible and practical. By turning complex datasets into easy to understand graphs and maps, the IEM helps Iowans make better decisions every day.



USDA Announces Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Trade

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a coordinated, phased reopening of southern cattle ports, contingent on Mexico’s adherence to the Joint Action Plan. Beginning August 24, 2026, USDA will open the Douglas, AZ port of entry to cattle trade, while simultaneously initiating the operational steps necessary for subsequent openings at the Santa Teresa, NM, and Columbus, NM, ports. Every animal entering the United States through these ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it is free of any signs of New World screwworm (NWS).

“Protecting the United States from NWS and pushing this pest out of Mexico and back to the Darien Gap is a top priority at USDA and has the full attention of the Trump Administration,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “The closure of the Southern ports of entry for the last year has been a tough but necessary action to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the American livestock industry. Thanks to the work across the federal government as well as state, local, and industry partners, it is now safe to reopen the Douglas, Arizona, port in 30 days to resume the hundreds year old movement of cattle.”

For many years, Sonora and Chihuahua have maintained a strong animal health infrastructure program, built on the backs of successful animal disease control measures. While the rest of Mexico has not been able to stop the spread of the screwworm or stop legal and illegal movement, Sonora and Chihuahua do have a track record of success in these spaces, giving USDA confidence that they can do the job.

USDA proposes a phased reopening of Southern ports to livestock trade, contingent upon satisfactory progress on priority Action Plan milestones.
    Sonora and Chihuahua are identified as the lowest-risk Mexican states for New World screwworm due to their strong, well-established inspection programs and their geographic distance from southern Mexico, where most cases are concentrated.
    On August 24, 2026, USDA will reopen the Douglas, AZ, port, which borders Sonora, to livestock trade. The closest active case to the Douglas, AZ, port is ~325 miles detected on July 22, 2026. After evaluating the success of the initial reopening and potential impacts or risk assessment changes, APHIS will then consider reopening the Santa Teresa, NM, and Columbus, NM, ports to live cattle, bison, and horses.
    The reopening timeline will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting Action Plan milestones and addressing critical issues.
    The opening of ports may be paused if USDA identifies increased risk in Sonora or Chihuahua via post-opening audits or other observations/information.

For more information about USDA’s New World screwworm response, read here: www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm/usda-continues-lead-aggressive.



NCBA Statement on Reopening of First Port of Entry in Arizona

Friday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement that they will be reopening the port of entry at Douglas, Ariz. to shipments of cattle in 30 days. This is the first part of a phased reopening that will include ports of ‌entry in Columbus and Santa Teresa, N.M. in the second phase, after further biosecurity assessments.

“Secretary Rollins and her team at USDA have been fighting the spread of New World screwworm with an aggressive five-point plan and comprehensive response playbook. Their work – along with the diligence of cattle producers in border states – bought the United States valuable time to improve our domestic readiness. The whole-of-government response has put us in a strong position to begin safely and gradually reopening our southern border to cattle shipments,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “This decision will help normalize business for cattle operations throughout the border states and Southern Plains. We appreciate the continued work of USDA to support American producers and the U.S. cattle industry.”



ASA Appreciates Agricultural Input Exemptions, Calls for More

Friday, the Trump Administration announced new Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, replacing the expired Section 122 tariffs. The new action includes exemptions for certain agricultural inputs, including some products the American Soybean Association and a broad coalition of agricultural organizations identified as critical to U.S. farmers.

"Soybean farmers depend on reliable access to affordable seed, fertilizers, crop protection products, machinery and replacement parts to remain competitive," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer. "We appreciate that the administration recognized the importance of exempting some of these critical inputs and thank the White House and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for listening to the concerns of U.S. farmers throughout the Section 301 investigation. At the same time, additional products essential to farmers now face additional tariffs that will drive up the price of inputs and further exacerbate the rising cost of farming. ASA encourages the administration to continue expanding exemptions to reflect the needs of U.S. agriculture."

ASA continues to urge the administration to exempt countries with which the United States has free trade agreements and that are meeting their obligations under those agreements. Maintaining those commitments provides greater certainty for farmers and strengthens long-term trading relationships. Additionally, ASA is encouraging the administration to use the leverage of tariffs to pursue new bilateral trade agreements that support the U.S. economy and expand market opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

ASA has actively engaged throughout the Section 301 investigation process, submitting joint comments with the U.S. Soybean Export Council and providing testimony before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.   



Corn Growers Applaud USMCA Talks, Urge Trilateral Action

The United States concluded a round of negotiations in Mexico City last week to discuss the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. In response to this development, National Corn Growers Association President and Ohio farmer Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
“We are encouraged by the continued dialogue between officials from the U.S. and Mexico, who are working diligently to renew this agreement that has been so important to American farmers and our communities. President Trump shaped this agreement during his first term, and American growers – particularly corn farmers – have benefitted immensely. The agreement represents 1.8 billion bushels of corn demand and contributes $20 billion to the U.S. economy. We encourage all three countries to engage expeditiously in trilateral dialogue to resolve outstanding issues and secure the long-term future of this critical agreement.”



United Soybean Board Approves FY27 Budget to Sharpen Focus and Maximize Farmer Returns

In the year ahead, the United Soybean Board (USB) will boost demand for U.S. Soy℠, drive on-farm resilience and bring value to the nearly half a million U.S. soybean farmers. Led by its 77 farmer-leaders, USB recently approved a $122.5 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year, strategically allocating funds across vital research, promotion and education investments. This spans the food, feed, fuel, industrial, exports and sustainable production market segments.

“Our farmer-leaders built this budget the same way we manage our own farms, by putting every dollar where it can do the most good,” said Brent Gatton, United Soybean Board Chair from Bremen, Ky. “We're focused on what moves volume and creates value, from protecting the markets we have - to accelerating new uses and opening new doors for U.S. Soy. Times are tough across the countryside, and the Soy Checkoff℠ is the long-term, steady investment working to make sure farmers have strong markets and the innovation to stay competitive for years to come."

The board approved the budget during the organization’s July meeting in Indianapolis, prioritizing strategic investment in the priority areas of Health & Nutrition, Infrastructure & Connectivity, and Innovation & Technology. In addition, the board focuses its communication & education efforts on strengthening the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplifying checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers and partnering with the 30+ state soybean boards on research and outreach.

Key investments USB is prioritizing in the coming fiscal year include:
    Food: Providing science-based evidence supporting the nutritional benefits of soy oil, positioning high oleic and conventional soy oil as the preferred frying solution for foodservice, and accelerating demand for differentiated varieties such as non-GMO and high oleic.
    Feed: Establishing validated energy values for soybean meal in animal diets, quantifying feeding rates that maximize animal performance and returns, and demonstrating how soy-fed animals produce better meat, milk and eggs.
    Fuel: Growing renewable fuel markets across fleet, Bioheat, marine, aviation and rail, supported by record federal renewable fuel volumes of approximately 5.7 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel in 2027, and advancing equipment manufacturer approvals for higher biodiesel blends.
    Industrial: Expanding demand for soybean oil in lubricants, surfactants, coatings, rubber and plastics, developing soybean meal applications including wood adhesives, and commercializing products that remove harmful “forever chemicals”.
    Exports: Growing and protecting demand for U.S. Soy in 90-plus countries, strengthening buyer and value chain relationships, and building demand for soybean meal through poultry, egg, pork and aquaculture export growth.
    Sustainable Production: Protecting yields through pest, disease and stress tolerance research, improving input efficiency and soil health, strengthening carbon intensity modeling, and expanding farmer compensation opportunities from premium markets to ecosystem services.

“This budget is the product of careful, farmer-led decisions about where checkoff dollars go,” said Don Wyss, USB Treasurer from Fort Wayne, Ind., who oversees strategic budget allocation of the FY27 portfolio. “We weighed every market segment and focused on the highest-impact investments, the ones that protect existing markets and build new ones. My focus as treasurer is simple: be disciplined with farmers' money and make sure every investment is working to grow value for U.S. Soy."



USDA Invests $3 Million for Wetland Mitigation Banking Projects to Support Producers and Protect Wetland Ecosystems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $3 million to support the development of wetland mitigation banks for agricultural producers. Through the USDA’s Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP), wetlands are restored, created or enhanced, generating credits that can be purchased by producers looking to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location.  

“Wetland mitigation banks provide farmers and ranchers a clear and efficient compliance pathway, while at the same time helping to restore and protect vital wetlands and all the benefits they provide,” said USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Colton L. Buckley. “Through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, we can help ensure the long-term resilience and productivity of American working landscapes.”  

WMBP awardees work with NRCS to develop a mitigation banking instrument that provides details for developing, establishing and operating a mitigation banking program.  Priority will be given to banks in states with significant numbers of individual wetlands, wetland acres and conservation compliance requests. Based on NRCS data, these states are Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 

City and county governments, organizations, tribal governments and other entities are eligible to apply. See the notice of funding on Grants.gov for a full list of eligible entity types.  

Applications are due by September 8, 2026. Visit the Grants.gov opportunity for additional details and to apply. 

More About WMBP 
To participate in most USDA programs, agricultural producers agree to comply with the wetland conservation provisions, meaning producers will not plant agricultural commodities on converted wetlands or convert wetlands to enable agricultural production. In situations where avoidance or on-site mitigation is challenging, the Farm Bill allows for off-site mitigation through the purchase of mitigation banking credits. 

Purchasing credits from a wetland mitigation bank provides a legal mechanism for agricultural producers to maintain their eligibility for USDA program benefits if they convert agricultural wetlands. 

WMBP award recipients can use the funding to support the costs of developing and establishing a mitigation bank, like costs for site identification, development of a mitigation banking instrument, site restoration, land surveys, permitting and title searches, and market research. WMBP funding cannot be used to purchase land or a conservation easement. 

NRCS awarded the first WMBP grants in 2016. Since then, NRCS has awarded 39 projects supporting the creation or expansion of wetland mitigation banks in 14 states.  

Awardees can request up to $1 million for a project. Projects may last up to four years. 

When a mitigation bank is established, the landowner retains ownership and use of the property, while a conservation easement protects the wetlands from incompatible degrading activities. 

To learn more about the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, and how wetland mitigation banks work, visit the WMBP webpage https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/wetland-mitigation-banking-program. 



2025 United States Total Farm Production Expenditure Highlights 

Farm production expenditures in the United States are estimated at $490.3 billion for 2025, up from $481.3 billion in 2024. The 2025 total farm production expenditures are up 1.9 percent compared with 2024 total farm production expenditures.

The four largest expenditures at the United States level total $245.5 billion and account for 50.1 percent of total expenditures in 2025. These include livestock, poultry, and related expenses, 15.2 percent, feed, 14.5 percent, farm services, 11.2 percent, and labor, 9.2 percent.

In 2025, the United States total farm expenditure average per farm is $263,955, up 3.1 percent from $256,011 in 2024. On average, United States farm operations spent $40,054 on livestock, poultry, and related expenses, $38,223 on feed, $29,610 on farm services, and $24,280 on labor. For 2024, United States farms spent an average of $38,883 on feed, $29,415 on farm services, $28,457 on livestock, poultry, and related expenses, and $27,553 on labor.

Total fuel expense is $15.6 billion. Diesel, the largest sub-component, is $10 billion, accounting for 64.1 percent. Diesel expenditures are up 1.0 percent from the previous year. Gasoline is $2.7 billion, down 2.2 percent. LP gas is $2.0 billion, up 13.3 percent. Other fuel is $930 million, down 7.0 percent.

The United States economic sales class contributing most to the 2025 United States total expenditures is the $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 class, with expenses of $176 billion, 35.9 percent of the United States total, up 0.2 percent from the 2024 level of $175.6 billion. The next highest is the $5,000,000 and over class with $152.8 billion, up 8.6 percent from $140.7 billion in 2024. 

In 2025, crop farms expenditures decreased to $235.3 billion, down 6.6 percent, while livestock farms expenditures increased to $255 billion, up 11.2 percent. The largest expenditures for crop farms are labor at $30.8 billon (13.1 percent), farm services at $30.5 billion (13.0 percent), rent at $28.8 billion (12.2 percent), and fertilizer, lime, and soil conditioners at $28.3 billion (12.0 percent). Combined crop inputs (chemicals, fertilizers, and seeds) are $70.6 billion, accounting for 30.0 percent of crop farms total expenses. The largest expenditures for livestock farms are livestock, poultry, and related expenses at $72.3 billion (28.4 percent of total), feed at $69.2 billion (27.1 percent), and farm services at $24.5 billion (9.6 percent). Together, these line items account for 65.1 percent of livestock farms total expenses. The average total expenditure for a crop farm is $284,017 compared to $247,804 per livestock farm.

The Midwest region contributed the most to United States total expenditures with expenses of $156.5 billion (31.9 percent), up from $149.4 billion in 2024. Other regions, ranked by total expenditures, are the Plains at $121.7 billion (24.8 percent), West at $99.9 billion (20.4 percent), Atlantic at $60.9 billion (12.4 percent), and South at $51.4 billion (10.5 percent). 

Combined total expenditures for the 15 estimate states is $329.1 billion in 2025 (67.1 percent of the United States total expenditures) and $313.9 billion in 2024 (65.2 percent). California contributed most to the 2025 United States total expenditures, with expenses of $43.8 billion, (8.9 percent). California expenditures are down 10.3 percent from the 2024 estimate of $48.8 billion. Iowa, the next leading state, has $37.8 billion in expenses, ($35.87 billion in '24 - 7.7 percent of US total). Other states with more than $26 billion in total expenditures are Nebraska with $32.4 billion ($30.46 billion in '24), Texas with $32.0 billion, and Kansas with $26.8 billion.

Friday July 24 USDA Cattle on Feed, Cattle Inventory, and Cold Storage Reports

July 1 Cattle Inventory Up Slightly

All cattle and calves in the United States on July 1, 2026 totaled 94.2 million head, slightly above the 94.0 million head on July 1, 2025.

All cows and heifers that have calved totaled 38.1 million head, unchanged from the 38.1 million head on July 1, 2025. Beef cows, at 28.5 million head, are down 1 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.65 million head, are up 2 percent from previous year.

All heifers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2026 totaled 14.7 million head, 1 percent above the 14.6 million head on July 1, 2025. Beef replacement heifers, at 3.80 million head, are up 3 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 3.60 million head, are up 3 percent from previous year. Other heifers, at 7.30 million head, are 1 percent below a year
earlier.

Steers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2026 totaled 13.9 million head, up 1 percent from July 1, 2025.

Bulls 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2026 totaled 1.90 million head, unchanged from previous year.

Calves under 500 pounds on July 1, 2026 totaled 25.6 million head, unchanged from a year earlier.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.2 million head on July 1, 2026, up 2 percent from previous year. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 86.1 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2026, up 1 percent from previous year. The total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots), at 33.6 million head, is down 1 percent from the 33.8 million head on July 1, 2025.

Calf Crop Down 2 Percent
The 2026 calf crop in the United States is expected to be 32.5 million head, down 2 percent from last year. Calves born during the first half of 2026 are estimated at 23.9 million head, down 2 percent from the first half of 2025. An additional 8.60 million calves are expected to be born during the second half of 2026.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent

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 July 1, 2026. The inventory was 2 percent above July 1, 2025. The inventory included 7.12 million steers and steer calves, up 3 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 63 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.25 million head, up slightly from 2025.

On Feed, by State      (1,000 hd  -  % July 1 '25)
Colorado .......:                930          103          
Iowa ..............:                680           99        
Kansas ..........:              2,300          101       
Nebraska ......:              2,540          104       
Texas ............:              2,560          100           

Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.40 million head, 3 percent below 2025. Net placements were 1.35 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 325,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 225,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 300,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 309,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 160,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 80,000 head.

Placements by State    (1,000 hd  -  % June '25) 
Colorado .......:                110           100    
Iowa .............:                   59           104       
Kansas ..........:                 305            85      
Nebraska ......:                 355            99       
Texas ............:                 305           102      

Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 1.66 million head, 3 percent below 2025. Marketings were the lowest for June since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 50,000 head during June, 6 percent below 2025.

Marketings by State    (1,000 hd  -  % June '25) 
Colorado ......:                115             92         
Iowa .............:                  57           124     
Kansas .........:                 415            97       
Nebraska ......:                 435           93       
Texas ............:                 345           99     



June 2026 USDA Cold Storge Report Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on June 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 3 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 9 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 3 percent from last month but up 18 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on June 30, 2026 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month and up slightly from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 10 percent from last month and up 5 percent from June 30, 2025.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on June 30, 2026 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from June 30, 2025. Butter stocks were down 1 percent from last month and down 7 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on June 30, 2026 were up 2 percent from last month and up 6 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down slightly from last month and down 8 percent from a year ago.

Friday July 24 Ag News - NE Corn Board 26-27 Priorities - Red Meat Prod Up 4% in June - House Looks to Provide Aid to Farmers - USDA Takes on Feral Swine - and more!

Nebraska Corn Board Enters 2026-2027 Fiscal Year with Expanded Reach, Continued Momentum

A new fiscal year is underway at the Nebraska Corn Board, and with it comes a lineup of new and growing initiatives funded through the corn checkoff for 2026-2027. Every dollar is directed through NCB's strategic plan, which organizes checkoff investments around four pillars: education, promotion, market development and research, with a clear focus on the return those investments generate for Nebraska corn farmers and the state's economy.

NCB continues to collaborate with state, national and international partners like the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation to drive demand and increase the value of Nebraska corn.

Education and Promotion
For 2026-2027, NCB is expanding its partnership with the Omaha Supernovas, continuing for the second year a "Farmers’ Appreciation Night" featured match, season-long court signage and a branded media backdrop activation that deepens NCB's reach with fans across 180-plus Nebraska communities and 40 states through live events and broadcast visibility.

NCB is also continuing its partnership with Agriculture in the Classroom, partnering to extend the program's reach into underserved communities; last year the program reached more than 19,700 students through 1,102 lessons and trained 425 educators.

NCB is also partnering with the Big Ten Network to share the message of homegrown ethanol and E15 with nearly 30 million viewers nationwide. These partnerships and others continue to broaden NCB's reach in support of market development and research.

Market Development
Market development programs continue driving demand for Nebraska corn through ethanol, trade and livestock expansion and emerging market opportunities. Efforts include supporting ethanol infrastructure in Nebraska and key markets such as California, where demand for E85 continues to grow. Last year, these efforts helped 22 Nebraska locations add higher ethanol blends, intending to add 25 more this year. In California, NCB is working with Pearson Fuels to expand its network to 550 E85 locations across the West Coast.

In partnership with the Nebraska Ethanol Board, NCB will continue demonstrations exploring E30 in non-flex-fuel vehicles. The project has used more than 737,000 gallons of E30 to demonstrate vehicles can operate on higher ethanol blends. Additional research is evaluating fuel retail rewards programs to increase E15 purchases, following an initial study that found 41% of participants continued purchasing E15 after the promotion ended.

Beyond on-road transportation, NCB continues to evaluate ethanol opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and maritime shipping, where feasibility work indicates the industry could create demand for more than 5-6 billion gallons of ethanol annually.

Livestock development remains a key priority, with continued support for AFAN and specific projects that expand demand for corn through beef, swine, poultry and dairy sectors. Over the past two years, 24.6 million bushels of new demand have strengthened Nebraska’s value-added opportunities.

As global trade continues to evolve, Nebraska Corn remains committed to engaging with the current trade dynamics at play. Nebraska Corn will be hosting 3 international trade delegations over the next several months to educate international customers overseas and strengthen relationships, in addition to engaging with several other international representatives as they tour Nebraska. U.S. exports of corn and ethanol are on pace to set back-to-back record years.

Research
NCB is actively driving demand and profitability for Nebraska corn and ethanol. Six new end-use projects spanning biobased polymer coatings, industrial chemicals, and human nutrition are in development with the potential to unlock more than 2.5 billion bushels of additional annual demand. On the feed side, today's favorable distillers grain prices create a strategic opening to grow market share in cattle rations, supported by both biological and economic evidence.

For farmers battling rising input costs, two key programs are delivering real ROI. The Nebraska Nitrogen Initiative empowers farmers to conduct N-rate small plot trials, bringing data-driven precision to nitrogen decisions that can vary by as much as 100% from field to field and year to year, turning information into savings. Precision Conservation Management has expanded to two new Nebraska regions. This free agronomic service analyzes farm data to identify exactly which management decisions are profitable and which aren't. Growers even receive $500 in year one for participating.

NCB is committed to being a strategic partner in Nebraska's growing bioeconomy. Six new end-use projects spanning biobased polymer coatings, corn-derived industrial chemicals and precision human nutrition are in development, with the potential to unlock more than 2.5 billion bushels of additional annual demand. Corn-derived industrial chemicals are a particularly active area of research, as these compounds feed into thousands of everyday products in markets currently dominated by petroleum-derived alternatives. NCB is funding research that moves beyond proof of concept to focus on scaling and commercialization.

“This year's investments reflect our commitment to putting Nebraska corn in front of more farmers and consumers in more targeted places than ever before,” said Andy Groskopf, chairman of NCB. “Every checkoff dollar is directed toward programs proven to deliver a return, whether that's building new markets for our grain, strengthening consumer trust, or reaching the next generation of Nebraskans. We're confident these partnerships in promotion, market development and research will keep Nebraska corn, and our farmers, moving forward.”

Learn more about the programs funded by the Nebraska Corn Board at nebraskacorn.gov.



NEBFARMPAC Endorses Dan Osborn for U.S. Senate

Nebraska Farmers Union’s Political Action Committee, NEBFARMPAC Thursday announced its endorsement of independent candidate Dan Osborn for U.S. Senate in the 2026 general election.

John Hansen, NeFU President who serves as NEBFARMPAC Secretary said, “Our farm organization and PAC have always been independent and non-partisan. Our organization partnered with George Norris to create Nebraska’s unique non-partisan Unicameral system and non-partisan public power system. Political Party bosses should not run our state. We support Congress placing real limits on the size of individual campaign contributions and limiting corporations campaign contributions altogether. Our election system has been swamped by the corrupting influence of limitless campaign spending ever since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United v. FEC decision. Dan Osborn’s independent campaign is a breath of fresh air relative to campaign spending and support for campaign financing reforms.”

Vern Jantzen, NEBFARMPAC President from Plymouth said, “Dan Osborn listens to farmers, ranchers, and members of the rural community. He has his “ears” on. We encourage voters to participate in his 93-county tour. Bring your issues and concerns to Dan, and also hear what he has to say. We cannot complain that our public officials are out of touch and are not willing to listen to us, and then not appreciate and support candidates that do listen.”

NEBFARMPAC Secretary Hansen said “Our Board is painfully aware of the fact that agriculture is facing another year of losing money thanks to record high ag input costs and below the cost of production ag commodity prices. Agriculture is facing the worst financial crisis since the 1980’s. Business as usual these days is about farms and ranches losing money, equity, and their generations old farm and ranch operations. Our PAC endorsements this year will reflect our realization that it is up to us as voters to send a strong message this election that we must stop digging the economic hole we are currently in deeper. The status quo does not work for our farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and state as a whole. Our 2026 PAC endorsements will focus on the need for real changes in who we support for public office.”

NEBFARMPAC Jantzen concluded “When our state’s largest single industry is in crisis, so are the rural communities and state as a whole that depends on agriculture. As voters, we owe it to ourselves and our future to positively to vote like we understand we are in a crisis, and we need to support those candidates that represent changes in farm policy, trade policy, anti-trust and competition policies that no longer work. Our PAC Board believes Dan Osborn represents the hopes and dreams of the little guys and gals in our society that work for a living. He represents badly needed positive change. We encourage all voters to give Dan Osborn a listen, and then vote for their own pocketbook interests and change.” 

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



Commercial Red Meat Production Up 4 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.39 billion pounds in June, up 4 percent from the 4.22 billion pounds produced in June 2025.

Beef production, at 2.11 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.38 million head, down 2 percent from June 2025. The average live weight was up 39 pounds from the previous year, at 1,447 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.7 million pounds, 15 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 7,600 head, down 21 percent from June 2025. The average live weight was up 29 pounds from last year, at 387 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.27 billion pounds, up 7 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.5 million head, up 5 percent from June 2025. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 289 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.4 million pounds, was down 11 percent from June 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 175,900 head, 7 percent below last year. The average live weight was 116 pounds, down 5 pounds from June a year ago.

By State     (million lbs - % June '25)
Nebraska ....:     636.0      105       
Iowa ...........:     737.1      109       
Kansas .......:     494.6      108       

January to June 2026 commercial red meat production was 26.2 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 25 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 10 percent. 



Dairy Market Report - July 2026
NMPF 

Component-adjusted milk production grew 3.1% in May on account of a larger milking herd and a rebound in component tests. 

More milk means more dairy products, and healthy domestic demand combined with exceptional export volumes have prevented cheese and butter volumes from becoming burdensome at the CME even as prices are towards the lower end of their historic range. Conversely, exceptional domestic demand for proteins, both in the form of nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrates, has reduced export availability for those products. Beyond the United States, global milk supply may be slowing for the first time in months as heatwaves impact milk production, particularly in the European Union, potentially setting the stage for improved global prices.

Turning toward the farm, the Dairy Margin Coverage margin edged up to $10.62/cwt, up $0.08/cwt from the month before. However, feed costs are expected to increase as heat waves and renewed purchases from China elevate CBOT Corn and Soybean Meal futures, potentially setting the stage for DMC payouts in July and August.
 
View Full Report https://www.nmpf.org/dmr-july-2026/.  



Farmers Applaud Progress to Help Struggling Farm Economy

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Thursday on House passage of a budget framework that includes market relief for farmers.

“We applaud members of the House of Representatives for recognizing the economic toll facing farm country and advancing farm aid as part of their reconciliation package. High production costs and weak commodity prices are expected to drive billions in losses across row crops in 2027, with additional losses facing specialty crop, alfalfa and sugar producers.

“Our attention now turns to the Senate where we hope to not only pass the market relief but also work in a bipartisan fashion to advance other critical priorities for agriculture this Congress including a reauthorized farm bill and year-round E-15.” 



Register to attend a virtual CHS owners forum Aug. 6 or 7

Cooperative owners and leaders are invited to attend a virtual CHS owners forum for business and financial updates, industry trends insights and a report from the CHS Board of Directors. Two virtual forums will be held: 
    Aug. 6, 2-3 p.m. Central time
    Aug. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central time 

Attendees can ask questions of CHS leaders during the livestreamed broadcasts or in advance by emailing questions to questions@chsinc.com. 

Register today to reserve your spot here https://web.cvent.com/event/eef92943-0e44-484b-97eb-df752986a158/summary. Reminders and links to the virtual broadcasts will be sent to registrants prior to each forum. 



USDA Announces $35 Million to Combat Feral Swine on American Agricultural Lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available $35 million for partnerships to respond to the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health. This partnership opportunity is part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working together to target feral swine.

“We are collaborating with our partners at USDA and across the country to help combat feral swine and keep our farms, ranches and landscapes safe,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “These invasive species cause more than $3.4 billion in damage each year, including damage to agricultural landscapes. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, NRCS is able to expand this effort, giving producers and partners more resources to protect working lands and strengthen the long-term resilience of agricultural operations.”

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act delivers the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, including support for this program.  It continued the program for another five years with the $105 million total investment split between NRCS and APHIS, including the $35 million made available through this announcement.

Partners are invited to apply for feral swine eradication and control projects in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. 

About the Pilot Program
Feral swine can have significant negative impacts on plant and wildlife habitats, soils, water quality, as well as other natural resources. Livestock and humans are also susceptible to diseases carried by feral swine.  

Partners selected to participate in the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program will provide landowner assistance for restoration and on-farm trapping efforts and provide related services, like training. Funding for these services will be provided through grant agreements between partners and NRCS.  

All projects will be a collaborative and coordinated effort among the selected partner, NRCS, and APHIS. 

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 ET on September 21, 2026. For more information about this funding opportunity and to apply, visit the notice of funding on Grants.gov.  

More Information  
From 2020 through 2024, NRCS invested $41 million in 34 projects across 12 states. During that time, Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program projects provided assistance to more than 6,700 landowners on almost 9 million acres to help reduce feral swine damage. More than 800 events related to teaching trapping techniques to landowners were conducted.



Joint Statement from Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard

Ambassador Greer met Thursday with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during the third bilateral negotiating round related to the Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Ambassador Greer and President Sheinbaum reviewed the status of discussions during the negotiating round on issues regarding economic security, labor, agriculture, electronic payment services, steel and aluminum and derivative products, and automobiles.

During the meeting, Ambassador Greer thanked President Sheinbaum for her leadership and commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship. Ambassador Greer and President Sheinbaum agreed on the importance of bilateral cooperation and underscored the urgency of growing North American manufacturing, strengthening regional supply chains, and addressing free-riding from non-parties.  

Ambassador Greer and Secretary Ebrard highlighted the continued constructive engagement between USTR and the Secretariat of Economy and directed their teams to convene for the fourth bilateral negotiating round in Washington, D.C. in September 2026.