Monday June 08 Ag News - Pillen Signs Bill Protecting Ag Data - PFI Farm Conservation Day June 23 near Craig - Custom Rates Insights webinar June 11 - 2nd Screwworm Case in Texas - Nominees for Cattlemens Beef Board - and more!

Pillen, Farmers, Ranchers and Ag Industry Supporters Celebrate Passage of LB 525

Saturday, Governor Jim Pillen, Senator Mike Jacobson, and Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, joined members of Nebraska’s agricultural industry at the Machine Shed near Gothenburg to celebrate passage of a first of its kind bill for protecting agricultural data. LB 525 was introduced initially in the 2025 legislative session by Sen. Jacobson on behalf of Gov. Pillen and was passed this year. It establishes clear rules for the collection, processing and use of agricultural data in a way that best protects the privacy of farmers and ranchers who own the data.  

“Nebraska has always been a leader when it comes to agricultural innovation. LB 525 represents critical, forward-thinking policy when it comes to preserving the future of our family farms,” said Gov. Pillen. “Who better to lead the country in this space than us? Again, Nebraska is setting the standard – one that will add value and protect our state’s key economic engine -- agriculture.”

Over the past 30 years, agricultural production has been significantly transformed through advances in technology, just like many other industries. Farmers rely on GPS-guided steering in tractors, sprayers and combines, computerized seeding rate systems, variable-rate chemigation and irrigation technology, and real-time yield data captured during harvest. Every season, an incredible amount of information is collected that farmers and producers can capitalize on if properly it’s protected.  

“Agriculture is Nebraska's largest industry, and modern operations generate significant amounts of proprietary digital data that our producers rely on. I was proud to partner with Governor Pillen to pass LB 525 to establish clear legal protections for this valuable operational data, explicitly prohibiting its unauthorized sale and requiring reasonable security standards,” said Sen. Jacobsen. “As the first state in the nation to enact these specific digital privacy safeguards, Nebraska is not waiting for federal regulations to address this issue. Instead, we have enacted a practical, state-level framework that protects the private business records of our farmers and ranchers while ensuring technology providers respect the privacy rights of our producers.”
 
LB 525 addresses this digital evolution by clearly defining ‘agricultural data’ – a definition that previously did not exist in state statue. The legislation ensures that the unique expertise and production practices farmers develop through years of decision-making are legally protected under clear data ownership laws.
 
“This legislation brings important clarity for Nebraska farmers and ensures they maintain control of their data as agriculture continues to evolve,” said Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “It is an important step in supporting producers as they adopt new technology and make decisions for their operations.”

The heart of the legislation explicitly states that ag producers own the data originating from their farms and ranches. This puts them in the driver’s seat, permitting them to decide how to use their data, whom to share it with, and how to derive further value from it. Additionally, the law mandates clear, conspicuous disclosure, requiring written consent from the producer before a third party can sell the data.  
Under LB 525, all contracts and agreements involving agricultural data must be updated by January 1, 2027, to reflect these new statutory changes.

“Nebraska feeds the world and saves the planet,” added Gov. Pillen. “It’s a privilege to join the farmers and ranchers who do this work every day. By securing these data rights, we are securing the future of Nebraska agriculture.”



PFI Whole-farm Conservation Field Day in Craig, NE

Ed & Leta Olson of Craig will be hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) field day. The event is free to attend and open to the public. 

Improving Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat Through Farm-Wide Conservation Practices
Ed and Leta Olson's goal is to make sure the water that runs off their corn, soybean and alfalfa farm is as clean as possible. They have implemented many conservation practices and used available conservation programs to help them achieve their goal while also decreasing inputs, like nitrogen. They have practiced no-till for over 25 years and are 10 years into their cover crop journey, planting grasses, small grains and legumes. Ed and Leta have also increased the wildlife habitat on their land through various conservation programs.

At this field day, we will visit a filter strip, shelter belts and a grassed waterway the Olsons have installed. You'll also learn about programs available to farmers and landowners to create habitat and reduce water runoff.

Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: 1510 County Road A, Craig, Nebraska 68019
RSVP: Attendees can RSVP by visiting the event page or calling PFI at (515)-232-5661

For more information about PFI field days, visit our Field Days webpage https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/improving-water-quality-and-wildlife-habitat-through-farm-wide-conservation-practices/.



What Are Custom Operators Charging? 2026 Nebraska Custom Rates Insights
Jun 11, 2026 12:00 PM 
Glennis McClure, Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

This webinar will present key findings from the newly released 2026 Nebraska Agricultural Custom Rates Report. It will provide insights into current custom service rates across Nebraska and discuss how the information can be used by custom operators, farmers, ranchers, agricultural lenders, and industry professionals.

Conducted every two years, the Nebraska Custom Rates Survey gathers information from agricultural custom operators throughout the state regarding rates charged for machine hire and related agricultural services. The 2026 report includes statewide summaries and detailed information for common field operations, harvest activities, and other agricultural custom work.

During the webinar, participants will learn:

-Key trends and findings from the 2026 survey
-Factors influencing custom service rates across Nebraska
-Considerations for both hiring and providing custom services

Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day
Friday, July 17, 2026
Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center
1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE

Register Now: https://agronomy.unl.edu/extension-outreach/field-days-and-workshops/nebraska-4rs-nutrient-stewardship-field-day/4rs/

This FREE event on 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship features knowledge and tools to improve nutrient management, soil health, crop yields and water quality. This is a great opportunity to learn about 4Rs strategies to improve crop yield and profits while protecting the environment.

Earn 4.5 CEUs on Nutrient Management.

Attendance counts toward Lower Platte North NRD Nitrogen Certification.

2026 Agenda
8:30 – 9 am: Registration and light breakfast (provided)
9 am – Noon: Morning Sessions
9 – 9:05 am: Introduction – Javed Iqbal, Associate Professor of Soil Nutrient Management and Water Quality, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
9:05 – 9:20 am: Remarks on 4Rs Practices
9:20 – 9:30 am: Scratch Card Questions (pre-session) – Aaron Nygren, Water & Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
9:30 – 10 am: Are We Managing Phosphorus Right? Insights for Corn and Soybean Production – Javed Iqbal
10 – 10:30 am: How Much Do We Know About Potassium in Nebraska Corn and Soybean Fields? – Patricio Grassini, Professor of Agronomy, and Lucia Bonfanti, PhD Student, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
10:30 – 10:40 am: Break
10:40 – 11:10 am: Global 4R Nitrogen Management: Cutting Nitrate Losses Without Sacrificing Corn Yield – Javed Iqbal 
11:10 – 11:40 am: Efficiency and Reduction, Nebraska Statewide Programs Around Nitrogen and the Lessons Learned – Alexa Davis, Soil and Water Programs Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, and Tyler Goeschel, General Manager, Little Blue Natural Resources District
11:40 am – 12:10 pm: Sulfur Management in Midwest Cropping System – Gurbir Singh, Assistant Professor of Soil Science, University of Missouri
12:10 – 12:20 pm: Scratch Cards Questions (post-session) – Aaron Nygren 

12:20 – 1 pm: Lunch (provided)

1 – 3 pm: Afternoon Session – Demonstrating Nutrient Management Impacts on Corn Yield and Profitability
Location A (1hr): Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) Management – Field Demonstrations 
Location B (1hr): Sulfur (S) and Nitrogen (N) Management – Field Demonstrations

3 pm: Adjourn



Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association Scholarship Program Surpasses $1 Million since 2008

The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is pleased to share that it has awarded $100,000 in matching scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year to 85 students pursuing careers with Iowa and Nebraska equipment dealerships.

“The Andrew Goodman Scholarship is a valuable partnership that supports K.C. Nielsen team members pursuing a technical education,” said Jamie Wubben, HR Manager of K.C. Nielsen LTD. “It plays a key role in their growth and development by helping them gain essential mechanical and hands-on skills for future careers as service technicians. This scholarship also demonstrates our strong commitment to education and the long-term success of our future leaders.”

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship program, created in 2008, helps address the technician and employee shortages and helps dealers attract and nurture homegrown talent. Since 2008, INEDA has awarded more than $1,034,129 to 895 students through the program.

“Technical education lays a strong foundation for numerous career paths, and an equipment dealership is the ideal place for those dreams to take shape,” INEDA President and CEO Mark Hennessey. “The investment of our dealer members to recruit, equip, and educate a highly talented and qualified workforce is a testament to their commitment to their business and their customers. We are honored to partner with them in this vital endeavor.”

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship is an annual matching scholarship program available to all employees/potential employees of members of INEDA in good standing. INEDA matches scholarship amounts awarded by dealers to eligible applicants up to $1500 per applicant per year. Applications are due annually by April 15.

This year, the following dealers provided matching awards: 21st Century Equipment LLC, AKRS Equipment, Belzer Equipment, Inc, Bodensteiner Implement Company, Butler Machinery Co, Deitering Bros., Inc, Haley Equipment, K.C. Nielsen, LTD, LandMark Implement, O'Brien County Implement, Inc., Platte Valley Equipment, Sinclair Tractor, Titan Machinery, True Ag And Turf, Van Wall Equipment, and West Point Implement. 



Second Detection of New World Screwworm in the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Friday confirmed a second detection of New World screwworm (NWS) after testing a number of suspect cases. The confirmed case was found in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, approximately 5.6 miles away from the first confirmed detection. APHIS and our Texas partners continue to collect and test other samples from the surrounding area which have come back negative. 

NWS is a serious pest that threatens livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people. The larvae burrow into the living tissue of animals, causing severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic losses.

“USDA has responded expediently with respect to this second detection, demonstrating our utmost preparedness. This second detection is within the established movement control zone and enhanced sterile insect dispersal area.” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “Many models projected this pest would reach the United States last year, but thanks to USDA’s phenomenal work and our cooperation with state, federal, and industry partners, we’ve held it off until now—when we are far more prepared to respond. USDA has not wasted any time in this fight, we have defeated New World screwworm before, and we will do it again."

USDA Strike Team and Rapid Deployment Capacity
An APHIS strike team is already on-site in Texas. This team includes veterinary medical officers and animal health technicians – experienced experts who serve as USDA’s boots on the ground response force. APHIS is fully positioned to surge additional trained personnel as needed. 

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has deployed an entomologist to the USDA Agricultural Research Service laboratory in Kerrville, Texas, to expedite confirmation processes by positioning NVSL diagnostic assets in the area.

APHIS has also deployed two dedicated NWS response cargo trailers. Each 24-foot trailer serves as a mobile preparedness and field operations center. Once unloaded, the trailers convert into operational and laboratory space, providing USDA personnel with the equipment and environment necessary to mount a rapid, efficient response.

Treatment Resources and Supplies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorizations for several NWS treatments for different species. Currently, there are treatments available to support cattle, horses, swine, goats, captive exotic animals, and wildlife.

The National Veterinary Stockpile is actively procuring additional tools to treat and prevent NWS. USDA is working with federal and regulatory partners, and within federal purchasing processes, to secure more treatment options that are flexible, safe, and effective.

The National Veterinary Stockpile has relocated NWS treatment supplies to Texas to better support affected producers in the infested zone. If you or anyone you know needs access to these treatment supplies, they are now available and can be obtained by reaching out directly to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC).

Intensified Sterile Fly Operations
As part of the established NWS eradication strategy, USDA began releasing sterile flies over the area on June 4. These missions will disperse 2 million sterile screwworms twice a week to disrupt the pest’s lifecycle.

In addition to aerial releases, USDA is shipping another 4 million sterile flies per week to Texas. These will be deployed using 24 ground release chambers, strategically placed in and around the detection zone to maximize impact.

Unified Response Actions in Texas
USDA and TAHC remain in unified incident command and are implementing actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook, including:
    Maintaining a 20‑km infested zone with quarantines, movement controls, and heightened surveillance around the initial detection and establishing a new 20-km infested zone around the latest detection 
    Increasing trapping along the border and outside the dispersal zone
    Conducting surveillance and management strategies in wildlife
    Implementing targeted outreach to local producers, veterinarians, and communities

Guidance for Pet and Livestock Owners
USDA urges everyone in the area to check animals for:
    Draining or enlarging wounds
    Maggots or egg masses
    Signs of discomfort
    Lesions in body openings (nose, ears, genitalia, umbilical area)

Anyone who suspects a screwworm infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA.

Though rare in people, anyone who notices a suspicious lesion should seek immediate medical care.

Food Safety
The U.S. food supply remains safe. Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food products. Any affected animal would be identified during USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection, and no contaminated product would enter commerce.

Continued Federal Leadership
For more than a year, USDA has led a unified national response effort, deployed enhanced surveillance, strengthened its border defense strategy, and supported cross-border operations in Mexico and Central America. These efforts have bought critical time and ensured the United States is better prepared to respond to these detections.



UNL experts monitoring New World screwworm following Texas detection

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is aware of the confirmation of New World screwworm in Texas earlier this month and is monitoring developments related to the parasite.  

Screwworm, the larval stage New World screwfly, has not been detected in Nebraska. University experts are working with partners including the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to stay informed and support ongoing efforts to monitor the pest.   

"The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is prepared to support efforts to detect and understand New World screwworm in Nebraska," said Tiffany Heng-Moss, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR.

"Early and effective coordination among agencies is key to responding effectively to pest and disease threats. The university is already working closely with local, state and federal partners and will continue to do so."  

The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at UNL is coordinating with the USDA and other partners to provide diagnostic support. Lab faculty and staff are also available to provide input on the diagnostic cases or to answer questions from Nebraska veterinarians.

Nebraska Extension, the UNL Department of Entomology and the UNL Department of Animal Science are also monitoring New World screwworm and are prepared to provide information and support to Nebraska producers as needed.  Cattle producers should follow guidance shared by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the USDA.  

If you encounter a fly or larva that that you think may be New World screwfly or screwworm, you can reach to the your local veterinarian, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, USDA, or your local Nebraska Extension office.  



Beef Checkoff Develops New World Screwworm Resources

Following the announcement that New World Screwworm (NWS) has been found in the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging producers to be vigilant and prepared. To ensure producers have access to the resources needed, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Checkoff-funded Issues Managment and Public Relations team has developed a suite of resources to prepare producers for prevention, identification and treatment, should it be needed.

Producers are encouraged to visit BQA.org/Screwworm/Producer to access and download identification resources and on-farm posters in both English and Spanish. This webpage also provides links to treatment information and additional information resources from the USDA.

About New World Screwworm:
NWS is a devastating pest that affects livestock and other mammals. The screwworm fly larvae, or maggots, burrow into the flesh of living mammals causing serious and sometimes fatal damage to the host. Infestations occur when screwworm flies are attracted to an open wound and lay their eggs in the tissue. NWS can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, birds and, in rare cases, people.

In 2023, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed an unprecedented number of NWS cases in Panama. Since then, NWS has moved northward with cases detected in every South American country, Mexico and now, the United States.

NWS is not a food safety threat and is not transmitted though meat or other food products. Beef is safe for human consumption according to the USDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Any evidence of a screwworm infection would be identified during the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection processes, and adulterated product from the affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply.

Any suspicious wounds, maggots or infestations on livestock should be reported to a local accredited veterinarian, State Animal Health Official or USDA. All wounds should be treated immediately with approved insecticides.

For more information on New World Screwworm identification, treatment and eradication efforts visit: BQA.org/Screwworm/Producer or Screwworm.gov.



USDA Seeks Nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board to succeed 25 members with 3-year terms that expire in February 2027 who represent the following states and units:
    Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.
    Southwest Unit: California and Nevada.
    Importer Unit.

The deadline for nominations is July 24, 2026. Individuals appointed to the board will serve three-year terms beginning in February 2027.

The Cattleman’s Beef Board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 99 members representing 34 separate states, four units of geographically grouped states and one importer unit.

Beef producers within the United States who own cattle or any importers that import cattle or beef may be nominated. Producers and importers must be nominated by a certified producer organization and submit a completed application. The Secretary of Agriculture will select individuals from the nominations submitted.

A list of certified producer organizations, the nomination form and information about the Cattlemen’s Beef Board are available on the AMS Cattlemen’s Beef Board web page and on the board’s website, https://www.beefboard.org/. For more information, contact Kinley Hartman at (816) 618-4266 or Kinley.hartman@usda.gov.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 21 boards. Oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.

Friday June 05 Ag News - Local Reaction to Screwworm - Farm & Ranch Estate Planning - USDA Launches Remote Beef Grading App - FARM Program Updates Drug Residue Prevention - AFBF FARM 205 Initiative - and more!

NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STATEMENT ON NEW WORLD SCREWWORM CASE IN THE U.S.

In response the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) confirmation of a New World Screwworm (NWS) case in Texas, Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) released the following statement: 

“Nebraska Cattlemen, the NC Animal Disease Threats Working Group, and the NC Animal Health and Nutrition Committee have been preparing for New World Screwworm almost two years. Although the only confirmed case in the U.S. at this time is in Texas, Nebraska producers should remain vigilant and report any cases immediately, as early detection and treatment will be highly effective in eradicating NWS. We have eradicated this parasite before and we will again.”



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding New World Screwworm Case in U.S.

"Now that the New World Screwworm (NWS) has been found on U.S. soil for the first time in 60 years, it is time for diligence, not fear. Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) is confident in USDA's tireless work to mitigate the impact of this pest and appreciates all of the work that has been done to try to stop its spread. To producers, we advise everyone to familiarize yourselves with the signs of NWS and follow state and national animal health protocols. To consumers, know that the NWS is not a threat to food safety, and the U.S. continues to have the safest food supply in the world. NEFB remains very optimistic that NWS will be eradicated once again."  



Farm and Ranch Estate Planning Workshop to Help Families Navigate the Future of Their Operation

Families planning farm or ranch transitions and preparing for the future of their operation can get practical guidance on succession and estate planning during an upcoming Nebraska Extension workshop in Lincoln.

The program, Returning to the Farm or Ranch, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26 at the office of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 444 Cherrycreek Road. A pre-workshop focusing on family communication will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. June 25. The workshops will be presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Anastasia Meyer, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, said participants will hear from agricultural law, tax and financial professionals, while also engaging in activities focused on communication, goal setting and long-term planning.

"Transition planning in agriculture often involves more than legal documents and financial decisions," Meyer said. "It also requires families to communicate openly about goals, expectations and the future of the operation. This workshop will provide practical guidance for those beginning the process, as well as those looking to strengthen an existing plan."

Topics will include:
    Estate and transition planning 
    Family communication strategies 
    Goal setting for the operation and family 
    Building a professional transition team 
    Financial and legal considerations 
    Identifying next steps for succession planning

Returning to the Farm or Ranch is intended for farm and ranch families at all stages of the transition process, including operations without a formal succession plan already in place.

The event is part of ongoing efforts by the Center for Agricultural Profitability and the Nebraska Land Link program to support agricultural producers, landowners and beginning farmers across Nebraska.

Families are encouraged to bring all relevant stakeholders to the workshop. The registration fee is $85 per person if pre-registered, or $100 at the door. Lunch will be provided. Registration is open through June 26 on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/rtf26.



USDA’s Remote Beef Grading Program Launches App – Offers Marketing Benefits to Processors and Cattle Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) launched a new mobile app to make access to the Remote Grading Program for Beef (RGP) even easier. 

“While more than 90% of fed beef is officially graded by USDA – predominantly at larger plants – the Remote Grading Program for Beef (RGP) extends those market benefits, especially to small processors, by providing low-cost grading services that afford them access to new markets using USDA grades like Prime, Choice, and Select,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins. “This new app is another enhancement supporting producers and processors participating in the program with improved responsiveness, streamlined workflows, and assurance grading services remain accurate and reliable. Programs like RGP and its continued improvements reflect USDA’s commitment to expand opportunities for producers to market their high-quality American beef.”

The RGP provides processors with access to USDA beef grades (Prime, Choice, and Select) at a lower cost than traditional onsite graders. The RGP utilizes mobile app imaging, supported by robust data management and oversight, to assess carcass characteristics remotely and assign official grades that buyers and consumers rely on to signal quality. With the new app, customers will experience more secure image submissions, fewer upload mistakes, clearer status visibility, and reliable tracking of assigned carcass grades.

Since its launch, the RGP has registered 88 facilities – many are considered small or very small – in 32 states. Most plants received grades within 24 hours of submission. Farmers and ranchers also benefit from having official USDA quality grades, which allow them to use this information in direct-to-consumer markets, or simply to use carcass data to continue improving genetics, growth, and quality.



FARM Program Publishes 2026 Drug Residue Prevention Manual

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program today released its 2026-2027 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual, equipping farmers with an educational tool that promotes best management practices for responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials in dairy cattle.

The updated manual has timely information about the FDA’s conditionally approved and emergency use authorizations of drugs to combat New World screwworm. It also includes the Food and Drug Administration’s Guidance for Industry No. 273: “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals” (GFI No. 273), finalized and announced in February.

“The U.S. dairy industry is committed to antibiotic stewardship and judicious use of all medications used for dairy cattle,” says Dr. Jamie Jonker, National Milk Producers Federation’s chief science officer. “The Drug Residue Prevention Manual continues to be a trusted resource for dairy farmers when making educated choices with their veterinarians to care for their animals.”

When dairy animals get sick or injured and treatment is necessary, producers and veterinarians use antibiotics and other drugs prudently. The manual serves as a resource for producers and veterinarians, and includes information on:
    Residue prevention best practices
    Record keeping and herd health
    Drug administration
    Culling of animals
    Residue testing
    Drug classes
    Approved drugs and screening tests

The Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual and the associated pocket guide are sponsored by Zoetis. Their sponsorship supports the development of on-farm resource development for U.S. dairy farmers.

The manual is available for download on the FARM Program website. The pocket guide will be available later this month. Through educational resources and training, the FARM Program advances its mission of fostering a culture of continuous improvement by demonstrating U.S. dairy farmers are committed to producing high-quality, safe milk with integrity.



USDA Dairy Products April 2026 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.27 billion pounds, 1.7 percent above April 2025 and 0.3 percent above March 2026. Italian type cheese production totaled 556 million pounds, 4.2 percent above April 2025 and 2.5 percent above March 2026. American type cheese production totaled 490 million pounds, 1.2 percent below April 2025 and 0.4 percent below March 2026. Butter production was 224 million pounds, 4.5 percent above April 2025 but 1.8 percent below March 2026.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with April 2025)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 181 million pounds, up 11.4 percent.
Skim milk powder - 35.5 million pounds, up 0.2 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with April 2025)
Dry whey, total - 76.9 million pounds, up 7.8 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 92.0 million pounds, down 3.2 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 38.8 million pounds, down 11.0 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with April 2025)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 67.0 million gallons, up 5.5 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 37.8 million gallons, down 0.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.87 million gallons, up 12.7 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 2.81 million gallons, up 0.9 percent.



NGFA thanks House for adopting agriculture appropriations bill that supports U.S. grain and feed sector

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today thanked the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the fiscal year 2027 agriculture appropriations bill.

The bipartisan legislation includes several key NGFA provisions that strengthen the reliability, transparency, and global competitiveness of the U.S. grain and feed industry:
    Providing for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and implement a contingency plan to ensure continuity of official grain inspection and weighing services in the event of future disruptions. NGFA strongly supports this directive, which emphasizes clear operational guidance and stakeholder engagement, including input from export elevators and Officially Designated and Delegated Agencies.

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

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

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

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

“The House’s passage of the agriculture appropriations bill marks an important step forward for America’s grain and feed industry,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “By safeguarding export inspection services, improving federal coordination, and preserving critical market data, the bill supports the industry’s ability to sustain more than one million U.S. grain and feed-related jobs and drive economic growth in America.”

NGFA looks forward to continuing to work with the Senate as the appropriations process continues.



Farm Bureau Celebrates Farmers and Ranchers Who Helped America Reach 250 Years

The American Farm Bureau Federation today launched a photo contest to celebrate the contributions of America’s farmers in growing America into the nation it is today. The contest is part of Farm Bureau’s FARM 250 initiative, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The winner of the contest will receive a trip to the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, courtesy of AFBF, and an iPhone 17, provided by T-Mobile.

“The history of the United States is rooted in every crop, pasture and dairy barn from coast to coast,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “America’s ability to grow enough food, fuel and fiber helped shape our nation and continues to ensure its security. Add to that generations of innovation and the commitment of farmers, and the United States has become a leader in agriculture around the world.

“Our photo contest is a great opportunity for farmers to share the images of what means the most to them on their own farms and ranches, and will showcase the beauty of agriculture across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.”

The photo contest runs through Sept. 9, 2026. The winner must be a Farm Bureau member.

FARM 250 is a year-long initiative focusing on four pillars in agriculture.
    F is for Feeding Families
    A is for Advancing Innovation
    R is for Rural Resilience
    M is for Mindful Stewardship

Learn more about FARM 250 and the photo contest here https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm250.

Thursday June 04 Ag News - New World Screwworm Confirmed in Texas - SGM Emergence in Landcaster County - PVC Summer Tour - New Wheat, Triticale Varieties Developed in NE - and more!

USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses. 

The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections.

“All models showed New World Screwworm entering the country in 2025; however, thanks to the hard work across the entire Trump administration and our industry, state, and local partners, we were able to buy time for this moment. Protecting our livestock industry is a national security issue of the utmost importance, and USDA is wasting no time in taking action,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “USDA invested heavily in the tools needed to eliminate NWS ever since cases started increasing in Central America and Mexico. The United States has defeated this pest before, and we will do it again.”

USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the United States, following the strategies and actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook. This includes: 
    Forming a unified Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission and deploying response personnel to the area;
    Establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection and implementing quarantines, movement controls, and surveillance in this area;
    Expediting targeted release of sterile NWS flies by immediately deploying ground release chambers in the area, in addition to the 4 million sterile flies per week already being released aerially in the area; 
    Increasing trapping for NWS flies along the border and just outside of the dispersal area;
    Implementing NWS surveillance and management strategies in wildlife; and
    Conducting targeted outreach in the local area.

Additionally, USDA’s National Veterinary Stockpile stands ready to assist, and will provide resources including treatments, equipment, and logistics support the response as needed.

USDA will continue to work with state departments of agriculture, animal health officials, industry, and producers to mitigate economic impacts of restrictions as much as possible, including negotiating with our trading partners to regionalize any trade restrictions on live animals, limiting them to defined geographic areas.  

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including in rare cases people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.  

USDA urges residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge immediately. 

While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention. 

The U.S. food supply is safe. Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food sources. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.

Any evidence of screwworm infestation in an animal would be identified during these inspections, and any contaminated product from an affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply. 

For more than a year, USDA has led a unified response to NWS. As the lead coordinating agency, USDA has deployed advanced surveillance systems and supported robust cross-border response efforts in Mexico and Central America to combat the pest and push NWS away from the United States. These efforts have bought time for USDA to increase domestic preparedness efforts. 

Learn more about New World screwworm at Screwworm.gov.



New World Screwworm Case Discovered in the U.S.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that the first case of New World screwworm (NWS) has been reported in the United States.

“The re-emergence of New World screwworm in the United States after 60 years will have an immediate impact on farmers and ranchers in the affected areas. We are confident that the longstanding coordination between the states and USDA will enable a quick response and hopefully limit the negative impacts and resulting market volatility.

“We encourage farmers, ranchers and pet owners to familiarize themselves with the signs of NWS and notify a veterinarian if infection is suspected. It is important to be clear about the fact that this re-emergence does not threaten the safety of our food supply. We are fortunate to have one of the safest food supplies in the world, which includes multiple layers of protection.

“We knew the screwworm could one day migrate north, and we appreciate USDA and Secretary Rollins for the coordination and mitigation efforts that have already occurred. Farm Bureau is committed to working with USDA and the affected areas in any way to eliminate this pest once again from the U.S.”



NCBA Responds to USDA Detection of Screwworm in the United States 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall Wednesday responded to the announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that one case of New World Screwworm has been detected in a calf in South Texas:
 
“NCBA and our state partner organizations have been working for more than a year to combat the incursion of the New World Screwworm, and we are doing everything possible to protect the interests of American cattle producers. We appreciate USDA and other agencies for working rapidly to bolster critical resources that protect producers, including building a domestic sterile fly facility, increasing fly surveillance, and expediting the availability of necessary drugs and treatments for cattle. We defeated this harmful pest before in the 1960s by investing heavily in sterile fly dispersal and NCBA will continue using every tool in the toolbox to ensure Screwworm is eradicated in the U.S. once again.” 



NMPF Statement on the Return of New World Screwworm
President & CEO Gregg Doud

The return of New World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have been preparing for more than a year, in collaboration with USDA and across agriculture. It’s important to remember that this development has no effect on food safety, and that measures to combat both the screwworm and its spread are in place and time-tested. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges. 

Now that USDA has confirmed that screwworm is here, dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge close collaboration with USDA, state and local officials, and producer organizations to mitigate any harmful effects and educate farmers on how to protect their herds. We have been creating resources to guide farmers in their responses, and we will keep our members well informed of any important screwworm developments.  

We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself. We also ask that adequate resources be provided to combat this problem, which causes suffering in animals and creates risk for producers. 



Meat Institute Issues Statement on Confirmation of New World Screwworm in Texas

The Meat Institute today released the following statement regarding the confirmation of a case of New World Screwworm in Texas:

“American consumers need to know that New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern.  Meat and poultry products are safe to consume,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Our first priority is to protect the health of the nation’s livestock. We are encouraging members of the Meat Institute to work with local, state and federal authorities to detect and irradicate the pest.

“USDA has been working hard to prevent and respond to New World Screwworm. For a year now they have improved biosecurity by investing in protections and treatments and coordinating rapid response. We will look to USDA to brief industry stakeholders and call on them to consider allowing low risk terminal movements for slaughter to ensure animals continue to be processed. It is important for state animal health organizations to follow USDA’s NWS Response Playbook.”



First Adult Emergence IA, Continued Emergence in NE.
soybeangallmidge.org

The first soybean gall midge adult emergence was detected in Iowa on June 2 near Dexter in Dallas County, where a single adult was collected. In Nebraska, continued adult emergence was detected at two monitoring locations in northern Lancaster County, with a single adult collected at each site on June 1. No adult emergence has been detected in South Dakota or Minnesota at this time.

As a reminder, depending on the planting date in May, some soybean fields may not yet be at the V2 growth stage when stem fissures begin to form, and plants become susceptible to soybean gall midge infestation. See soybeangallmidge.org for soybean staging information and examples of stem fissures.

Before considering an insecticide application, use the following checklist:
 • Is the field adjacent to a soybean field with soybean gall midge pressure from the previous year?
 • Are soybean plants at the V2 growth stage?
 • Is adult emergence occurring in your area based on the emergence map and alerts?

If an application is being considered, use a product containing a pyrethroid active ingredient. Applications only need to target the current year’s soybean field edge, generally within the first 60–100 feet of the field adjacent to soybean with plant injury observed in the previous year. However, foliar insecticide efficacy for soybean gall midge has been inconsistent across locations and years.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Summer Tour June 15 
Joey Kratochvil, PVC President

It's almost time for our Summer Cattlemen's Tour. This year, we will meet on Monday, June 15, at Reg's 7 Mile Steakhouse at 8:00 AM. Then we will load onto a charter bus and head out to Hastings.

Our first stop will be T-L Irrigation Company, known for manufacturing hydraulically driven center pivots. It will be a walking tour of their facility to see how the pivots are made.

Next, we will head over to the Western Reserve Beef Packing plant. We will learn about the Kosher Slaughter process and the construction underway for adding more capacity in the future. 

*Note: Closed-toe shoes are required for all tours.

After the second tour is finished, we will head back to Reg's for steak and beverages. We would like to thank Kyle Pratt with Zoetis for sponsoring the social hour, and Bank of the Valley for sponsoring the meal.

Please respond and RSVP to Hallee Held 402-270-2686 Joey Kratochvil 402-380-6349, by June 11th so we can get a head count for the tour. If you prefer, you can email: jkratochvil9330@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting you at Reg's Steakhouse @ 8:00 AM on June 15th!



National Sorghum Month highlights strong future for Nebraska growers

June is National Sorghum Month, a time to recognize Nebraska sorghum growers and highlight the crop’s contributions to agriculture across the state and the United States.

“Nebraska’s sorghum industry continues to benefit from the dedication of growers, researchers and industry partners who are helping move the crop forward,” said Tracy Zink, chair of Nebraska Sorghum Producers. “Sorghum continues to be a strong, reliable choice for Nebraska farmers. Its adaptability, efficiency and expanding market opportunities position it as an important part of our state’s agricultural future.”

As National Sorghum Month is observed, Nebraska’s sorghum industry is being recognized for the crop’s resilience and versatility in modern production systems. Sorghum continues to be valued for its drought tolerance, efficient use of inputs and wide range of end uses.

The crop plays an important role in livestock feed, renewable fuels, export markets and food products, reinforcing its place in a diverse agricultural economy.

Nebraska growers continue to maintain strong sorghum acreage, reflecting confidence in the crop’s agronomic performance and market opportunities. That stability is especially notable as producers navigate variable weather conditions and input costs.

“Sorghum’s value extends across the entire supply chain, from the farm gate to end users in feed, fuel and food markets,” said Scott Nelson, chair of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. “That broad demand helps reinforce its long-term role in Nebraska agriculture.”

National Sorghum Month highlights those contributions while recognizing the farmers who produce the crop and the markets that continue to support its growth.

Individuals interested in helping shape the future of Nebraska's sorghum industry are encouraged to consider serving on the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. Those interested in learning more about board service or the nomination process can contact the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board office at sorghum.board@nebraska.gov for additional information.



NEW HUSKER-DEVELOPED WHEAT, TRITICALE VARIETIES SUPPORT NEBRASKA PRODUCERS

The warm winter, prolonged drought and spring freezes have combined to make this a punishing year for western Nebraska wheat growers. The challenges are steep, but new wheat and triticale varieties developed by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with producer input provide hope for future seasons.

NE Daybreak, a hard red winter wheat, features a helpful spread in crop maturity and has strong yield. NE Fenster, also a hard red winter wheat variety used for bread-making, has updated genes for hardiness and expands the maturity spread. NT Pronto, a forage triticale, stands out for notably early maturing.

Having crop varieties with different maturing rates helps producers by reducing the risks from weather events, said Nathan Mueller, executive director of Nu Horizon Genetics, a 501c5 nonprofit organization that markets the university’s wheat varieties through a farmer-driven marketing group with 18 members across Nebraska and Colorado.

Those and other varieties developed by the university with producer input will be prominent in this year’s wheat variety tours, set for June 10-18 at seven Nebraska locations. Extension specialists will be on site to discuss performance, disease considerations and management approaches. The field day schedule is subject to change and can be checked at the wheat tours extension site https://preec.unl.edu/2026-wheat-variety-tours/.

The tours are part of the university’s decades-long collaboration with Nebraska wheat producers dating from the 1950s when Husker small grains breeder John Schmidt developed 28 new wheat varieties. His successor, Stephen Baenziger, continued the tradition, producing more than 40 wheat cultivars. Following his retirement in 2021, Katherine Frels, assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture, is carrying the mission forward.

Success with the new varieties involves not only advanced science and breeding precision, Frels said, but “getting seed increased to the right levels, planning release sequences and making sure that we are filling the right gaps in available germplasm.”

Close collaboration among key partners — the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Husker Genetics, NUtech Ventures and Nu Horizon Genetics — “has helped us turn these challenges into strengths,” she said. “Together, we are getting the right varieties to the right place at a much faster pace than under our previous capacity.”

Chris Cullan, a fourth-generation farmer in Hemingford, Nebraska, tried Fenster and Daybreak as part of the university’s coordination with growers and said both varieties demonstrated hardiness in enduring the past winter’s significant temperature swings.

“I felt Fenster had great fall growth and ground covering ability. It also just had a healthy color to the plant — a dark, robust green,” said Cullan, who works closely with the university’s Husker Genetics to test new wheat varieties. “The Daybreak I raised was side by side of my Ruth production, and it was very similar in appearance and ground cover last fall, which is good.”

Mueller noted that Fenster has greater height in addition to its updated genetics. As a result, producers can plant a little deeper, and the variety’s late-maturing quality can help growers avoid problems from spring freezing.

Cullan, who collaborates regularly with the specialists and educators at the university’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff, cautioned that this year’s crop data will be far from the norm, given the extreme drought conditions in western Nebraska.

The new Fenster variety is named after the late Charles R. “Charlie” Fenster, a longtime Husker dryland farming specialist whose research and outreach helped Panhandle producers achieve notable improvements in wheat management, including soil and water conservation.

Eric Nelson, a fifth-generation farmer near Mead, Nebraska, said Pronto, the university’s new triticale variety, was developed decades ago by Baenziger on an organic farm in eastern Nebraska as he looked for an early maturing, rapid developing triticale to be used primarily as a ground cover.

Pronto, sitting in cold storage, subsequently garnered the attention of Jeff Noel, the now-retired director of Husker Genetics, part of the university’s Agricultural Research Division, which takes experimental plant varieties and hybrids from the lab and grows them into commercial quantities. Nelson tested Pronto repeatedly and found it stands out for a robust early-maturity quality. In partnership with Frels, he developed significant seed volume for sales across Nebraska.

“Its early maturity allows producers who want to hay or chop it, then double-crop behind it,” Nelson said. “They will have the option to grow almost anything they want as their second crop and still have enough growing season left.”

Growers can learn more about the three new varieties at https://nuhorizongenetics.com.

The university is achieving important breeding progress through increasingly sophisticated science and technology encompassing high-level genetic science, massive amounts of sensor data and advanced analytical tools to crunch that information.

“The innovation in science is not stopping,” Mueller said. “It’s continuing to progress and succeed, and it’s a whole new world with data and data management.”

Breeders were previously limited to a few datapoints on disease resistance, yield and agronomic performance each year, Frels said. But now the university “has access to high-throughput phenotyping data from UAVs (drones) or other tools in addition to thousands of DNA datapoints on each of our experimental lines.”

Frels and colleagues work to combine that extensive data with traditional selection metrics to make selection decisions efficiently, on time and with better accuracy for the lines’ actual yield potential.

In looking at the university’s multi-faceted support for Nebraska’s wheat sector, Cullan said he especially appreciates the wheat variety testing.

“These real-life trials help to make an educated decision regarding varieties for your specific area of production and in the case of rainfed versus irrigation,” he said.

The resulting multi-year data provide vital, practical information for producers about specific varieties’ long-term reliability.

“That prevents a variety from becoming a ‘one hit wonder’ and having a low term in production years on our farms,” Cullan said.



RFA Congratulates 2026 FEW Award Honorees

The Renewable Fuels Association applauds the four industry leaders who received recognition at the 2026 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo today in St. Louis—all of whom represent RFA member companies.

“Every year, the Fuel Ethanol Workshop honors men and women whose drive and dedication helped move the U.S. ethanol industry forward to new heights,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “As the leading trade association for our industry, we’re pleased to see that the companies they represent are all producer or associate members of RFA. We congratulate them, thank them for their outstanding service, and wish them every future success. We’re especially happy to see former RFA Chairman Chuck Woodside honored for his strong leadership as a respected voice and thoughtful innovator for U.S. ethanol.”  

Recognized by BBI International at its annual event were:
    Chuck Woodside, CEO of KAAPA Ethanol LLC, who received the High Octane Award for his decades of leadership and service to the ethanol industry. Woodside served as RFA chairman from 2011–2012. Woodside has served as CEO at KAAPA for 25 years, and KAAPA has grown into the largest farmer-owned ethanol producer in Nebraska, with a grain elevator and three ethanol plants producing over 350 million gallons annually. In addition to RFA, Woodside has also served in leadership roles with Renewable Fuels Nebraska and Renewable Products Marketing Group.
    Jenny Forbes, vice president of sales and service at Phibro Ethanol, who received the Women in Ethanol Award for her more than 20 years of leadership, technical expertise and dedication to ethanol producers.
    Pauline Teunissen, global application director for grain processing at IFF, who received the Award of Excellence for her longstanding contributions to innovation in ethanol production.
    Jim Ramm, who co-founded and served as vice president of U.S. biofuels at EcoEngineers, and received the Distinguished Service Award for his pioneering work in low-carbon fuel compliance and carbon markets. He retired last year. 



Summer Field Day at Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Is June 25

Crop farmers and agronomists looking for the latest in herbicide and crop production are invited to join the Summer Field Day at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm on June 25.

Hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the educational field day offers an opportunity to increase knowledge of herbicide practices, fungicide treatments and sulfur effects in row crops and other timely crop production topics. 

Attendees will hear from extension and industry professionals. Field day topics and speakers are:
    Effects of sulfur on corn and soybeans – Richard Roth, assistant professor and extension nitrogen specialist at Iowa State
    Fungicide efficacy and disease pressure update – Alison Robertson, professor of plant pathology and microbiology and extension field crops pathologist at Iowa State
    Soybean herbicide demonstration – Wesley Everman, assistant professor and extension weed scientist at Iowa State
    A systems approach to adopting cover crops – Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State
    Best herbicide management practices – Bill Backhaus, senior agronomic service representative at BASF, and Nate Quam, technical service representative at BASF

"The field day will cover timely information on foliar fungicides and an early outlook on potential disease pressure this growing season, while also addressing bigger-picture topics like herbicide challenges, which are becoming more frequent,” said Aaron Saeugling, extension field agronomist at Iowa State. “Our goal is to provide practical, research-based information that attendees can take back and apply in their own fields.” 

The field day will take place at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm, located at 53020 Hitchcock Avenue, Lewis. On-site registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the field day running from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and Certified Crop Advisors can earn 0.5 crop management, 1.5 pest management and 0.5 nutrient management credits. 

To assist with the lunch count, pre-registration is encouraged by contacting Aaron Saeugling at 712-254-0082 or clonz5@iastate.edu. This event is open to the public at no cost, thanks to the support from ISU Extension and Outreach, ISU Research Farms and the Wallace Foundation. 

For more information, contact Aaron Saeugling at 712-254-0082 or clonz5@iastate.edu.



Expert Panel Discusses How Strategic Advocacy Delivers for Pork Producers
 
Advocacy experts from the National Pork Producers Council explained how targeted strategies deliver policy wins, beneficial regulatory reforms, and better market access for producers during a live panel discussion at the 2026 World Pork Expo today.
 
From Washington, D.C., to our states’ capitals, the panel unpacked how policy work gets done in support of the pork industry, with the backdrop of regulatory and legislative issues affecting pork production at the federal and state levels.

“Times are changing, and we are seeing pressure on our industry like we have not seen before. It takes a strong and respected voice to cut through the noise and ensure policymakers and regulators understand how their decisions impact our farms,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC president and Iowa pork producer. “NPPC stands up for what producers need back home by combatting misinformation, ensuring legislative and regulatory decisions are grounded in science, and sharing transparent, factual information about agriculture.”

Brenneman was joined by Bryan Humphreys, NPPC chief executive officer; Maria C. Zieba, vice president of government affairs; and Pat McGonegle, Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO, to share insights about effective, strategic advocacy at every level of government.

Zieba offered a behind-the-scenes look at advocacy, underscoring how NPPC has successfully secured a seat at the table where key issues are being discussed to ensure producers’ voices are heard. 

“Timely engagement is important if we want to succeed. We are engaged—in many cases—well before legislation and regulations are formally proposed, ensuring producer perspectives are considered early—and often,” Zieba said. 

Zieba singled out the One Big Beautiful Bill as an example of how NPPC utilizes its position to proactively remain ahead of ever-evolving issues.

“Congress made a lot of cuts in the reconciliation bill, but when it came to animal health, they preserved the necessary funding NPPC requested,” she said. “This funding is an investment for the health and safety of animals and rural America, and Congress saw the value in this.”

Additional topics included the 2026 Farm Bill, California Proposition 12, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, animal health preparedness, and more.

As the pork industry’s largest annual event, World Pork Expo brings together more than 10,000 U.S. producers, global visitors, and industry professionals, making it an ideal forum for discussing pressing policy challenges and opportunities.



Urea Moves Lower; 6 Fertilizers Continue To Be Slightly Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth full week of May 2026. Six fertilizers were slightly more expensive, while two fertilizers were less expensive than a month ago. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. 

Urea cost 5% less. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $823/ton. UAN32 was just slightly lower in price, with an average price of $585/ton.

The six fertilizers slightly higher compared to last month were DAP with an average price of $914/ton, MAP $953/ton, potash $494/ton, 10-34-0 $723/ton, anhydrous $1,118/ton and UAN28 $530/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.90/lb.N, anhydrous $0.68/lb.N, UAN28 $0.95/lb.N and UAN32 $0.91/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier by the following amounts: Potash (4%); 10-34-0 (8%); both DAP and MAP (15%); UAN32 (18%); urea (24%); UAN32 (27%); and anhydrous (44%).



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/29/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 29, ethanol production expanded 1.7% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.54 million gallons daily. Output was 0.3% higher than the same week last year and 4.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 2.0% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.86 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks receded 1.4% to a 20-week low of 24.6 million barrels. Still, stocks were 0.7% more than the same week last year and 7.9% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, plummeted 7.2% to an 8-week low of 8.59 million b/d (132.11 bg annualized). Demand was 4.0% more than a year ago but 2.6% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol dropped 4.1% to a 7-week low of 899,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.82 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.3% less than year-ago levels and 0.1% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports improved 32.4% to 135,000 b/d (5.7 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



USDA Announces Improved Support, Reduced Burdens, and $60 million in Investments to Support Small Meat and Poultry Plants

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Wednesday launched the Small Processors Action Plan, a new set of actions to better support small and very small meat and poultry processing plants, improve customer service, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers. Additionally, Secretary Rollins announced that USDA is accepting applications for the fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand American meat and poultry processing.

“Today’s announcement marks another step toward rebuilding our domestic beef industry, the actions contained in the new Small Processors Action Plan modernize USDA’s approach to the people and small businesses who process American locally grown beef and protein. We are removing overly burdensome red tape, improving service, and giving small plants the clarity and support these business need to operate safely, grow, and compete,” said Secretary Rollins. “By expanding local processing capabilities, we’re continuing to bolster our domestic producers, which are central to the President’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.”

“President Trump ended the war on protein. Real American beef is back on the menu,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “USDA’s Small Processors Action Plan will strengthen our food supply, expand access to high-quality protein, and support American farmers and ranchers. That’s how we Make America Healthy Again.”

Both the Small Processors Action Plan and the additional $60 million in funding for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program build on USDA’s Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry.

Small Processors Action Plan:
Small and very small plants make up the majority of Federally inspected establishments and play a critical role in local economies, rural communities, and the resilience of the nation’s food supply. These actions being announced by USDA are designed to make it easier for these businesses to interact with the agency, get timely answers, and resolve issues, without weakening inspection or food safety standards.

Improving customer service and responsiveness
    Creating clearer, easier ways for small plants to submit and track appeals and requests
    Establishing dedicated support to help small businesses navigate processes and get timely responses
    Expanding access to assistance for plants with limited technology or connectivity

Making requirements clearer and easier to navigate
    Updating and expanding plain-language guidance by FSIS, tailored to small and very small plants
    Improving visibility of available support, escalation paths, and points of contact
    Launching simpler tools to help plants engage with USDA systems

Reducing unnecessary burden while maintaining food safety
    Streamlining processes related to FSIS inspection staffing concerns and appeals
    Improving consistency and clarity across the field through targeted training and guidance
    Strengthening coordination with the Small Business Administration to ensure small plants are aware of available resources

USDA will begin rolling out these improvements immediately and will continue engaging with small and very small plants to ensure the changes are effective and responsive to real-world needs.

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program:
The USDA Rural Business and Cooperative Service published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $60 million to fund a fourth phase of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity, encourage competition and sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and to help improve supply chain resiliency. Available funding will be divided equally into two separate competitions: one for Small and Very Small Processors and one for Intermediate Processors.

Eligible applications include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. Privately-owned entities must be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned. Additionally, the applicant’s processing facility must be physically located and operating in the United States or its territories. The applicant’s facility must primarily process cattle in order for the project to be eligible for the program; however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility.

Wednesday June 03 Ag News - LENRD Board Meeting Summary - North American Manure Expo Registration Open - USTR on China, Brazil Trade - Women Leadership in Ag - and more!

Lower Elkhorn NRD May Board of Directors Meeting

At the May 28th Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board Meeting, Water Resources Manager Doug Hallum provided an update on the Nebraska Environmental Trust vadose zone study.

The “Observing Water and Nutrient Mobility in the Vadose Zone” study will work hand-in-glove 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 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.

As of the meeting, six Requests for Proposals and one Request for Quote were published with a deadline of June 19th for interested parties to respond. Ten courtesy emails have also been sent to area partners. So far, there have been two requests seeking additional information and two letters of declination due to the scope of work. Soon, staff will begin seeking producers operating on various types of farms to participate in the study.

Directors also heard from Katie Cameron, ENWRA Project Coordinator; and Dr. Jesse Korus, UNL; about the Plainview geophysical investigation. The City of Plainview recently began exploring new sites for an additional municipal well. An engineer, hired by the City, selected an area to dig a test hole based on a community driven effort. The city, through their relationship with Source Water Protection Specialist Jim Olson, recommended having UNL come in and evaluate groundwater flow. This brought Dr. Korus into the picture to conduct a tow TEM (tTEM) study.

Dr. Korus used a tool with technology similar to that of an AEM study, to measure resistivity in the ground around the area of the new test well. Though Dr. Korus often gets involved before a test hole has been dug, his findings showed that the City and engineer had coincidentally picked the perfect spot due to the underground water flow in that specific area and a low nitrate concentration.

A committee of seven LENRD Directors, two Battle Creek Council members, the Mayor of Battle Creek, Economic Development Consultant, and a Madison County Commissioner have been assembled to begin a new phase of flood mitigation efforts for the City of Battle Creek.

After Directors ultimately rejected the final plan document of the NRCS Battle Creek WFPO Plan earlier this year, staff believe this is necessary to keep the conversation going regarding flooding challenges Battle Creek faces while also taking the time to make sure all parties are on the same page with how to move forward.

In other action, a public hearing for the certification of new irrigated acres was held, and the FY 2026 Auditing Agreement with Dana F. Cole was approved.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next Board of Directors meeting will be Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live. 



Nebraska Wheat Board to Hold June Budget Meeting

The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) will hold its next meeting Tuesday, June 09, 2026 at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, Nebraska. The meeting will be held from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST.

The meeting will include first and second readings of funding proposals and establishment of the budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. It will also include a current fiscal year financial review, committee reports from NWB members, contractor reports, and a review of upcoming events and travel.

The public is welcome to attend any open portion of the meeting. Interested individuals may contact the NWB office for a copy of the detailed agenda or for additional information.

The Nebraska Wheat Board administers the wheat checkoff at 0.5% of net value of wheat marketed in Nebraska at the point of first sale. The board invests the funds into programs of international and domestic market development, policy development, research, promotion and education. 



NE Corn Board to Meet on June 18, 2026

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Bruning Bank (601 North Webb Road) in Grand Island, 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 one-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.



Registration open for North American manure expo

Registration is now open for the North American Manure Expo that will be held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wayne, Neb., July 28 through 30.  

Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management team is hosting the event with Leslie Johnson, animal manure management Extension educator, leading the charge. Professors, educators, and others from across Nebraska have been heavily involved with the local planning of the event, including choosing the location and determining the education sessions and tours.  

Participants can choose from five tour options on July 28, with the first one leaving the grounds at 7:30 am CT. Registration for tours is required, but you do not have to attend the tours to attend the trade show days. 

Tour options include: 
    Composting, Renewable Energy and Modern Cattle Care
    Research, Technology and Regenerative Farming
    Poultry Production and Manufacturing
    Innovation in Livestock and Manure Equipment
    Family Fun: Ag, Wildlife and Nebraska History 

On July 29 and 30, participants can spend time with exhibitors at a trade show with manufacturers of manure management and handling equipment, see demonstrations of some of that equipment, learn more about manure safety, and attend educational sessions and panel discussions on various manure-related topics. 

Sessions include (but are not limited to): 
    Minding Your Manure Manners
    Sampling Techniques & Tips
    Comparison of Manure Regulations Across State Lines
    Manure Gas 101: Don’t Trust Your Nose
    Weed Seeds and Other Manure Contaminants
    Filling the Soil Health Gap with Manure
    Dynamic Manure Crediting with In-Season Nitrogen Management 

Panel discussions are new to the North American Manure Expo, which has long held the mission of “Professionalism in Manure Management.” This year will feature audience-led discussions on two very important topics in the industry: Careers in Manure and Plastic Pathways.  

The North American Manure Expo was originally developed and continues to be organized as a partnership between Extension organizations across the United States and Canada, and manure industry partners, including manufacturing and manure handling. It is overseen by a national board that continues to work for the industry and meet high standards of education for all people working in the manure industry.  

Early bird pricing is available through June 30. Registration is now open at http://manureexpo.com. 



Nebraska Grazing Conference set for Aug. 4–5 in Kearney

Ranchers, land managers, educators and students from across Nebraska are invited to attend the 2026 Nebraska Grazing Conference, scheduled for Aug. 4-5 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

The theme of the 2026 conference, “Celebrating Grazing on Nebraska’s Grasslands,” aligns with the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, recognizing the role of grazing systems in environmental stewardship, agricultural productivity and rural communities.

The conference will be preceded by a Grassland Alliance meeting from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 4. Conference programming will begin at 3:30 p.m. with tradeshow and educational sessions focused on grazing management innovations, including virtual fence technology. An evening celebration will follow, recognizing the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

A full day of programming on Aug. 5 will begin at 8:30 a.m. and feature expert speakers covering regenerative grazing management, grazing on cropland, small ruminant systems, grazing practices, stockmanship, carbon market opportunities and producer experiences using virtual fencing.

Keynote speakers include Gail Fuller, who will present regenerative grazing practices, and Tom Noffsinger, who will discuss the role of stockmanship in effective grazing management.

Student registration fees for high school and university students will be waived for those who register online by July 31. Registration is open at the Nebraska Grazing Conference website (https://go.unl.edu/grazing_conf_2026) 



Naig Applauds Signing of Bipartisan Iowa Farm Act

Following the signing of the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act by Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement:

“The signing of the first-ever Iowa Farm Act is an important step forward for Iowa agriculture. I appreciate the strong support this legislation received from both Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa Legislature, as well as the leadership of Gov. Reynolds in getting this comprehensive bill across the finish line," said Secretary Naig. "The Iowa Farm Act reflects the priorities and feedback I’ve heard directly from farmers and rural communities across the state. It expands opportunities for Iowa agriculture, reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens, and helps strengthen the long-term vitality of rural Iowa. This legislation positions Iowa agriculture for continued growth and success while ensuring farmers have greater certainty and tools to plan for the future.”

About the Iowa Farm Act:
The Iowa Farm Act is the first-ever comprehensive agriculture policy package advanced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. The bipartisan legislation supports Iowa farmers, expands economic opportunities, strengthens rural communities, modernizes state government operations, and improves Iowa’s preparedness for animal disease outbreaks.

Key provisions in the final legislation include:

Expanding Economic Opportunities for Iowa Farmers
    Modernizes Iowa’s farm zoning exemptions to clarify that value-added processing, direct-to-consumer marketing, agritourism activities and events, and other farm-supporting operations are included under Iowa’s farm exemption.
    Strengthens Iowa’s agritourism framework by updating the definition of an agricultural experience to reduce regulatory barriers and encourage farms to welcome more visitors, customers, and educational opportunities.
    Supports Iowa’s Christmas tree industry by explicitly including tree farms in Iowa’s agritourism liability protections, providing certainty for these family-owned operations.
    Expands local food markets by making the Choose Iowa School Purchasing Pilot Program permanent, helping connect schools with Iowa farmers and food producers.

Delivering Tax Relief and Fairness and Supporting Iowa’s Beginning Farmers and Agricultural Workforce
    Supports growth in Iowa’s honey industry by exempting the purchase of honeybees from sales tax, reducing input costs for beekeepers and strengthening pollination services.
    Prioritizes young and beginning farmers in Choose Iowa grant programs, helping new producers access capital and build viable operations.
    Strengthens rural veterinary services by exempting rural veterinarian loan repayment grants from state income tax to improve recruitment and retention in underserved areas.

Strengthening Biosecurity and Protecting Producers
    Safeguards producer confidentiality during a foreign animal disease or major disease outbreak to encourage early reporting and rapid response.
    Authorizes the Department to lease space for storing foreign animal disease response equipment to improve preparedness and response capabilities.

Modernizing Department Functions and Improving Government Efficiency
    Modernizes agricultural equipment transportation standards to improve safety and efficiency for ag equipment dealers and manufacturers.
    Clarifies Grain Indemnity Fund updates through technical clean-ups to improve readability and consistent application of the law.
    Provides additional flexibility to expand marketing opportunities and grow demand for Iowa-made, Iowa-raised, and Iowa-grown products through the Choose Iowa program.
    Improves flexibility in large-scale inspections by allowing alternative inspection methods and scheduling discretion for the IDALS Weights and Measures Bureau.
    Streamlines and updates Iowa Code through technical clean-ups that eliminate outdated language, reduce duplication, and improve efficiency across Department operations.



USTR Seeks to Promote Balanced and Reciprocal Trade with China

Tuesday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced a public comment process regarding the development of a new government-to-government mechanism—a U.S.-China Board of Trade—intended to manage bilateral trade between the United States and China on an ongoing basis. Public comment is also being sought on specific types of non-sensitive products that could potentially benefit from tariff modifications on each side with the objective of achieving balance and reciprocity in our trade relationship.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States and China have established a Board of Trade to ensure that trade with China is more balanced and beneficial for Americans,” said Ambassador Greer. “The Trump Administration will work with stakeholders to identify non-sensitive goods trade that can deliver results for American farmers, ranchers, fishermen, small businesses, manufacturers, and workers. We welcome comments from interested parties on effective ways to facilitate mutually beneficial trade with China while continuing to use tariffs to defend American economic and national security and promote balanced and reciprocal trade.”

The deadline for submission of comments is July 10, 2026. Any rebuttals or responses to those comments may be submitted to a separatee public docket by July 27, 2026.



Growth Energy Welcomes USTR Section 301 Determination on Brazil’s Unfair Trade Practices

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today after the agency released the initial findings of its Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair treatment of American ethanol. 

USTR specifically referred to Brazil’s failure to allow U.S. producers to compete in its market, noting that “in 2017, Brazil abruptly discontinued its previously balanced tariff treatment of ethanol and has since failed to provide reciprocal tariff treatment for U.S. ethanol exports.” 

"American ethanol producers have been sounding the alarm on Brazil for years," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "This is a country that has unfairly used tariff and non-tariff trade measures to severely restrict imports of U.S. ethanol, while enjoying complete and unfettered access to American markets. We appreciate USTR recognizing Brazil’s unfair trade advantage arising from its insufficient action on deforestation. We applaud USTR for continuing to press Brazil on the issue of fairness and we look forward to reviewing the determination in detail and providing further comments to support the ultimate goal of delivering a level playing field for ethanol in the western hemisphere."  



ASA Statement on Reduction of Tariffs on Agricultural Machinery

The American Soybean Association welcomes the administration’s decision to reduce tariffs on agricultural machinery.

“Lowering costs on critical equipment and parts is a positive step for soybean farmers and all of agriculture at a time when producers continue to face significant financial pressure from rising input costs and tight margins,” said Scott Metzger, ASA president and Ohio soybean farmer.

ASA appreciates the administration’s recognition that tariffs on essential agricultural inputs directly impact farmers’ bottom lines and looks forward to continued engagement on additional opportunities to reduce costs across the agricultural supply chain, including further reductions on machinery, replacement parts, and other critical farm inputs.



New Study Finds Women in Agriculture Ready to Lead, More Support Needed

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee, with support from JBS and CoBank, is unveiling the results of a new national study intended to guide programming dedicated to women in agriculture for the next five years.

Conducted via online survey and focus groups, the study provides a comprehensive look at women in agriculture in the United States. It also identifies the essential roles women currently play in building a sustainable future for agriculture as well as opportunities for growth, improvement and additional support.

“Agriculture around the world has flourished with the full support of women — oftentimes behind the scenes — but increasingly in leadership roles,” said AFBF Women’s Leadership Chair Isabella Chism. “As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer along with the 250th anniversary of the United States, this is the perfect time to make sure everyone has a seat at the table in agriculture. This study allows us to take a closer look at the role women play in raising crops and tending livestock but also balancing off-farm jobs, caring for children, volunteering in their community, and so much more. This study provides a comprehensive look at the many hats worn by women in agriculture as well as opportunities to better support them.”

A key finding from the study is that women in agriculture have strong confidence in their ability to balance farm work and family responsibilities. Most respondents also have a high level of confidence in their ability to represent agriculture in public or professional settings. In fact, 9 out of 10 women report feeling confident speaking at community meetings about agriculture, and an impressive number — nearly 90% — of women surveyed are interested in taking on leadership roles now or in the future.

Conversely, the study also identifies five key areas where the agriculture sector could increase support: time and caregiving; skill development; leadership involvement; financial future; and overall wellbeing.

For example, almost half (44%) of women surveyed reported interest in gaining equipment or technical skills training, while nearly 6 in 10 respondents (56%) expressed interest in business and financial management training.

“As a grassroots organization and committee, we have long built our programming based on feedback from members,” Chism said. “For example, we doubled the number of communications boot camps we host. This survey gives us contemporary data that will help us develop future workshops, online engagements and peer-support networks for women.”

Encouragingly, several data points reinforce existing Farm Bureau programming. For example, 45% of respondents expressed interest in policy or civic engagement training, and 42% expressed interest in community involvement or advocacy training. This aligns with the focus of Farm Bureau’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp, which has trained more than 350 women in agriculture in communications and advocacy.

Furthermore, the Women’s Leadership Committee has continually focused on the importance of mentorship among women in agriculture, an interest identified by 45% of survey respondents. Programs such as AgConnectHER serve to inspire and equip women in agriculture to succeed in leadership, not just in the agricultural industry but well beyond.

More than half (52%) of all respondents reported interest in training related to farm succession or ownership transition. Farm Bureau has featured workshops on succession planning at eight of the last 10 most recent Farm Bureau Conventions and nine of the 10 most recent Young Farmers & Ranchers or FUSION conferences.

More than 4,300 women in agriculture from all 50 states and Puerto Rico responded to the survey. A strong majority (61%) described their operation as a family farm, and more than 25 different crops and commodities were represented. AFBF and its research partners will continue analyzing the study results to gain additional insights.

Farm Bureau is appreciative of CoBank and JBS for their support of this study in order to recognize the essential roles women play in agriculture.



FFA Members Head to Nation’s Capital for Premier Leadership Experience as DC Celebrates 250 Years Since Founding of United States

This summer, thousands of FFA members from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., for the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), a premier leadership experience for students that exposes them to the rich history of our nation’s capital. This year’s conference will take place between June 2-July 10, with five week-long blocks. Over 1,800 members and 250 chaperones have registered. The conference in our nation’s capital comes at a meaningful time as the country reflects on the enduring principles established at the founding of the United States nearly 250 years ago.

WLC inspires FFA members to become changemakers in their communities. Each day of the conference focuses on a different principle taught through the context of our nation’s capital. These principles include exploration, encouragement, advocacy and service. At the end of the week, members leave with a Living to Serve Plan they can implement in their communities.

Each day of the conference has a different theme, with the first day being focused on what WLC is and what goes into a Living to Serve plan. Day two explores leadership, introspective values, recognizing the power of local service and wraps with a tour of seeing the National Monuments. The third day includes a visit to Capitol Hill and group work on Living to Serve Days. WLC concludes with a tour to Arlington National Cemetery or the National Mall Museums and a reflection on the WLC experience. Several students from last year’s conference saw successes from their experience, including:

CALIFORNIA - Abby Woods of the Galt-Liberty Ranch FFA Chapter attended WLC in 2024. Her Living to Serve Plan, the Elementary School Revitalization Project, supports local schools by creating engaging and educational spaces for young students. In early 2025, Abby received a $375 Mini-Living-to-Serve Grant to expand the project, which includes building an outdoor area for one-on-one learning, planting greenery and adding bird feeders. The experience has shown Abby the power of service and the impact one person can have in creating a better environment for learning and growth.

IOWA - Blake Van Der Kamp attended WLC in 2019, and focused his Living to Serve plan on creating the Samson-Curtis Drive School Supply Drive. To make the plan a reality, Blake set up collection boxes around the local community. Once received, he and volunteers sorted materials, put them into backpacks and dropped them off at a local food pantry and clothing closet. To date, the project has supplied an estimated $25,000 in school resources to families in need. The school supply drive celebrated its sixth year in 2024!

WISCONSIN - Sam Mell of the DeForest FFA Chapter attended WLC in 2023. To help farmers and other agriculturists with disabilities in Wisconsin, Sam decided to strengthen FFA Alumni Family Fun Night, an event that he had been part of the previous year. Sam’s sister was involved in a farm accident in 2022 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. At the fundraiser, Sam gathered a diverse array of handmade foods, objects and experiences donated by businesses and individuals and auctioned off the basket to benefit AgrAbility of Wisconsin and the DeForest FFA Alumni.

The 2026 Washington Leadership Conference is sponsored by Arthur M. Bank Family Foundation, Corteva Agriscience, Farm Credit, Syngenta and Meals of Hope.

For more information, visit FFA.org/WLC. 

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.