Tuesday February 03 Ag News - Hansen-Mueller Bankruptcy Update - New United Soybean Board members - Iowa Pork Regional Conferences - EPA on Right to Repair - and more!

PSC ADVISES AFFECTED NEBRASKA PRODUCERS, LANDOWNERS TO SUBMIT HANSEN-MUELLER BANKRUPTCY CLAIMS BY FEB. 6

A bankruptcy court has granted a motion related to the grain dealer security bond held by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) to help compensate grain producers still owed payment by Omaha-based Hansen-Mueller Co.

Such bonds are required under Nebraska law to protect producers when licensed grain dealers fail to meet payment obligations. The grant of the PSC's motion allows the Commission to move forward to determine valid claims from grain producers awaiting payment.

"The Commission's priority remains protecting Nebraska grain producers in accordance with Nebraska law." said PSC Chair Tim Schram, District 3. "This court decision gives us a clear path to use the bond as it was intended."

The PSC has begun notifying parties who previously had claims with Hansen-Mueller. Nebraska producers or landowners who believe they may be owed payment and have not yet been contacted are encouraged to submit a claim by Feb. 6, 2026. Information on submitting claims, including required documentation, is available on the PSC Grain Department homepage: https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain.

PSC staff will review affidavits and supporting grain claim documents submitted by the deadline. The Commission will then decide on further action at an upcoming hearing.

"We urge every Nebraska grain producer or landowner who believes they may have an unpaid claim to file it with the Commission right away so we can move forward efficiently and get assistance to those who need it." said Terri Fritz, director of the PSC's Grain Department. "We'll continue working through the process and keeping everyone who submits a claim informed every step of the way."

Hansen-Mueller filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2025. The company's PSC-issued grain dealer license expired Jan. 1 and was not renewed.

Previously, and in response to complaints received, the PSC:
. opened a formal complaint on Oct. 24, 2025;
. suspended the company's grain dealer license;
. required proof of a line of credit sufficient to cover obligations, which was submitted by the company on Oct. 30, 2025; and
. through a stipulated agreement approved Nov. 4, 2025, required Hansen-Mueller to make payment to Nebraska producers known to be owed at the time.


Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Legislation to Make Cattle Brand Inspection System Voluntary

“Nebraska Farm Bureau continues to be a strong supporter of the work of the Nebraska Brand Committee, including its important role in mitigating cattle theft in our state. While we have been open to discussions centered around modernization to ensure the current fee system is equitable for program participants, our members have made it clear that they are not supportive of changes that would effectively end the mandatory brand inspection program as it exists today in favor of a voluntary statewide system as proposed in LB 1258, legislation introduced by Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair. Given the volume of questions we’ve received about the legislation, we felt it is important to be clear that Nebraska Farm Bureau is opposed and will actively work to stop any effort to implement a statewide voluntary brand inspection system.” 



USDA Announces Appointments to the United Soybean Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of forty-two members and four alternates to serve on the United Soybean Board. All forty-two members and four alternate members will serve three-year terms beginning immediately.

Newly appointed members are:
    Nebraska – Victor Bohuslavsky, Seward
               Cale Buhr, Inland
    Iowa – Robb Ewoldt, Davenport
    Arkansas – Brad Doyle, Weiner
    Delaware – Tim Rogers, Frankford
    Illinois – David R. Wessel, Chandlerville
               Robert J. Shaffer, El Paso
    Indiana – Don Wyss, Fort Wayne
              Matthew Chapman, Springport
    Kansas – Keith Miller, Great Bend
             Gary Robbins, Emmett
    Kentucky – Barry Alexander, Cadiz
    Louisiana – Joey Boudreaux, Port Barre
    Maryland – Travis Hutchison, Cordova
    Michigan – Edward J. Cagney, Scotts
               Dennis J. Gardner, Croswell
    Minnesota – Tom Frisch, Dumont
                Joel Schreurs, Tyler
    Mississippi – Jerry Slocum, Coldwater
                  Matthew N. Guedon, Natchez
    Missouri – Tim Gottman, Monroe City
               Aaron Porter, Dexter
    New Jersey – Patrick Giberson, Pemberton
    New York – Jason Swede, Piffard
               Todd O. Du Mond, Auburn
    North Carolina – Reginald H. Strickland, Mount Olive
    North Dakota – Matt Gast, Fargo
                   Rob Rose, Wimbledon
    Ohio – Charles William Bayliss, Mansfield
           Jerry Bambauer, Bremen
    Oklahoma – Brent Rendel, Miami
    Pennsylvania – Andrew J. Fabin, Homer City
    South Dakota – Dave Poppens, Lennox
                   Michael McCranie, Claremont
    Tennessee – Ed Sanders, Franklin
                Brad Cochran, Humboldt
    Virginia – Lynn P. Gayle, Onancock
    Wisconsin – Anthony C. Mellenthin, Eau Galle
                Andy Bensend, Dallas
                Danny Brisky, Columbus
    Eastern Region – Nick Kercheval, Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
    Western Region – Ross Watermann, Vona, Colo.

Newly appointed alternates are:
    Delaware – Bob Willoughby, Jr, Middletown
    New Jersey – Murn Myers, Delanco
    Eastern Region – Mark H. Kable, Charles Town, W.Va.
    Western Region – Rod Hahn, Yuma, Colo.

The United Soybean Board has 77 members representing 29 states and the Eastern and Western regions. Each year, the Secretary of Agriculture appoints approximately one-third of all board members for 3-year terms.  Nominees must be nominated by a Qualified State Soybean Board.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) webpage at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/soybean and on the United Soybean Board website, https://unitedsoybean.org/.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of 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 twenty-two boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.



Iowa Pork Producers Association Announces 2026 Regional Conferences
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences, a series of one-day educational events designed to deliver timely research, practical tools and industry insights directly to pork producers and stakeholders across Iowa.

The 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences are designed for pork producers and owners/operators, contract growers, production employees, veterinarians, allied industry professionals, and other swine industry stakeholders. These conferences provide valuable, science-based information on swine production, herd health, facility management and emerging issues impacting pork operations of all sizes. Each conference is hosted in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

2026 Regional Conference Dates & Locations:
    Monday, February 23 – Algona, Iowa Lakes Community College – Tietz Entrepreneurial Center, 2111 Hwy. 169 N
    Tuesday, February 24 – Orange City, Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave. N.W., Suite 700
    Wednesday, February 25 – Independence, Heartland Acres Event Center, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd. A
    Thursday, February 26 – Washington, Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St. 

Each conference will run 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., beginning with lunch served at 12:30 p.m.

Conference Highlights & Topics:
Attendees will benefit from a range of presentations focused on production-relevant research and practical management strategies, including:

Your Waterlines Could be Impacting Growth Performance
Dr. Gabi Doughan – Swine Medicine Education Center at Iowa State University
Dr. Doughan will discuss how water quality, biofilm buildup and mineral deposits can influence pig health, medication effectiveness and overall growth performance — plus practical steps to monitor and maintain water systems.

Values of Hog Facilities and Trends for the Future
Ben Isaacson – Growthland
Ben Isaacson, with Growthland, will explore current drivers of hog facility values and broader trends shaping the future of pork infrastructure and operations.

It’s Still Peacetime, But Are You Prepared for a Foreign Animal Disease?
Representatives of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
IDALS experts will share critical insights on preparedness planning for foreign animal diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, including producer roles and available resources.

Hot Topics in Swine Health
Dr. Chris Rademacher – Swine Extension Veterinarian and Clinical Professor
Dr. Rademacher will review the latest in disease surveillance tools, updates on PRRS, PED, E. coli and other emerging health concerns for swine herds.

More Tools for Your Toolbox
Area Extension Swine Specialist(s) – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Regional extension specialists will offer practical, decision-ready tools and solutions to support efficient pork production and help solve common production challenges.

Registration & Participation:
Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure adequate materials and seating. Attendees may register online https://www.iowapork.org/producers/resources/regional-conferences/register, by phone at (515) 225-7675 or (800) 372-7675, or by emailing info@iowapork.org.

For producers unable to attend in person, the Thursday session will be recorded and made available online soon after the event. 



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

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.90 million tons (230 million bushels) in December 2025, compared with 6.62 million tons (221 million bushels) in November 2025 and 6.53 million tons (218 million bushels) in December 2024. Crude oil produced was 2.66 billion pounds, up 5 percent from November 2025 and up 3 percent from December 2024. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.91 billion pounds during December 2025 increased 5 percent from November 2025 but down 1 percent from December 2024.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 534 million bushels in December 2025. Total corn consumption was up 5 percent from November 2025 and up 1 percent from December 2024. December 2025 usage included 93.3 percent for alcohol and 6.7 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.93 million bushels, down 15 percent from November 2025 and down 8 percent from December 2024. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 488 million bushels, was up 5 percent from November 2025 and up 2 percent from December 2024. Corn consumed in December 2025 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.0 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.95 million tons during December 2025, up 11 percent from November 2025 and up 4 percent from December 2024. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.32 million tons in December 2025, up 5 percent from November 2025 and up 3 percent from December 2024.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 265,310 tons during December 2025, up 6 percent from November 2025 and up 3 percent from December 2024. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 188,185 tons in December 2025, up 1 percent from November 2025 but down 7 percent from December 2024.

Flour Milling Products 
All wheat ground for flour during the fourth quarter 2025 was 228 million bushels, down 2 percent from the third quarter 2025 grind of 231 million bushels and down 1 percent from the fourth quarter 2024 grind of 231 million bushels. Fourth quarter 2025 total flour production was 105 million hundredweight, down 1 percent from the third quarter 2025 and down 2 percent from the fourth quarter 2024. Whole wheat flour production at 4.40 million hundredweight during the fourth quarter 2025 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the fourth quarter 2025 was 1.62 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the fourth quarter 2025 was 1.60 million hundredweight.



EPA Advances Farmers’ Right to Repair Their Own Equipment, Saving Repair Costs and Productivity

Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advanced American farmers and equipment owners’ lawful right to repair their farm and other nonroad diesel equipment. EPA’s guidance to manufacturers clarifies that the Clean Air Act (CAA) supports, rather than restricts, Americans’ ability to make repairs on their own, and makes clear manufacturers can no longer use the CAA to justify limiting access to repair tools or software. For America’s farmers, timely and affordable repairs are essential to planting, harvesting, and keeping operations running.

“EPA is proud to set the record straight and protect farmers. For far too long, manufacturers have wrongly used the Clean Air Act to monopolize the repair markets, hurting our farmers,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Common sense is following the law as it is written, and that is what the Trump EPA is committed to doing. By protecting every American’s right to repair, we’re not just fixing devices, we’re securing a stronger, more independent future for our country.”

For years, prominent equipment manufacturers have interpreted the CAA’s emission control anti-tampering provisions as preventing them from making essential repair tools available to all Americans. This has forced farmers to take their equipment exclusively to manufacturer-authorized dealers to be fixed, even though the repair could have been made in the field or at a nearby independent repair shop. Not only has this made repairs more costly, but it has also caused many farmers to opt for older agricultural equipment that lack modern emission controls simply because they can fix that equipment themselves.

EPA’s guidance does not change the law, weaken emission standards, or reduce compliance obligations. Rather, it clarifies what the CAA already states, that temporary overrides of emission control systems are allowed when it is for the “purpose of repair” to that equipment to obtain proper functionality. This clarification applies to all nonroad diesel engines equipped with advanced emission control technologies including selective catalytic reduction and inducement systems as well as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system repairs. Importantly, farmers and equipment owners are not required to rely on authorized dealers exclusively to fix equipment. This makes clear that the law should not serve as a barrier to timely, affordable maintenance of agricultural equipment.

Today’s action will not only expand consumer choice and provide opportunities for farmers but also encourage the use of newer farm equipment. This underscores the agency’s commitment to both America’s farmers and EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.



EPA Clarifies Farmers’ Right to Repair Equipment, Cutting Costs and Downtime for Growers

National Sorghum Producers (NSP) welcomed new guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clarifying that federal law supports farmers’ right to repair their own equipment, a move expected to reduce repair costs, limit downtime during critical fieldwork and improve productivity for growers across the country.

The guidance makes clear that the Clean Air Act does not prohibit farmers or independent repair shops from accessing diagnostic tools, software or temporary emission system overrides when repairs are made for the purpose of restoring proper equipment functionality. For years, manufacturers had cited the law to restrict repairs to authorized dealers, often forcing costly delays during planting and harvest.

“This is common-sense clarity that farmers have been asking for,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kan. “When equipment goes down, especially during planting or harvest, waiting days for a dealer isn’t just inconvenient, it’s expensive. This guidance affirms that farmers can take action to keep their operations moving without being boxed in by unnecessary restrictions.”

“Farmers are committed to stewardship, efficiency and compliance,” France said. “What they need is flexibility to fix their equipment when it matters most. This guidance respects farmers’ expertise, protects productivity and helps ensure agriculture can continue delivering food, fuel and fiber to the world.”

NSP has long supported efforts that give farmers practical tools, fair access and regulatory clarity while maintaining strong standards.



NCBA Releases 2026 Policy Priorities at CattleCon

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today announced its 2026 policy priorities following approval by the organization’s Executive Committee at CattleCon 2026. NCBA’s focus centers on policies that directly impact producer profitability, including reducing regulatory costs, defending free markets, expanding trade opportunities, and maintaining strong beef demand.
 
“NCBA focused on practical, workable solutions that produced meaningful policy wins in 2025,” said NCBA President-Elect Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. “NCBA’s efforts resulted in key tax and regulatory improvements, including expanded estate tax exemptions, a new Waters of the U.S. rules, and the rescission of the Bureau of Land Management Public Lands Rule, providing greater certainty and opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen.”
 
NCBA leaders noted those achievements provide a strong foundation for the organization’s 2026 policy agenda, which focuses on strengthening producer profitability and addressing emerging challenges across the cattle business. The organization will advance regulatory reform, animal health protections, expanded market access, and workforce solutions that ensure the cattle and beef supply chain can continue meeting strong consumer demand.
 
“Now is the time to continue reforming federal regulations that have hindered conservation efforts for decades, strengthen protections against the northward spread of New World Screwworm, expand foreign market access for U.S. beef, and advance science-based policies that keep beef at the center of the plate.” Copenhaver said.
 
NCBA’s 2026 policy priorities: 
    Continue to press the administration to roll back harmful regulations to keep working lands working.
    Enhance and strengthen U.S. mitigation measures against the incursion of New World Screwworm.
    Protect the U.S. cattle herd from foreign animal diseases and pests through heightened awareness and preparedness actions.
    Expand market access for U.S. beef exports and hold trade partners accountable to ensure equivalent animal health and food safety standards for imported beef.
    Promote scienced-based nutrition policies and sound, fact-based information for consumers.
    Push for further hours-of-service flexibility, increased truck weights, and continue delaying ELD requirements for livestock haulers.
    Safeguard the U.S cattle and beef supply chain by working with the administration to ensure there is a strong workforce to limit processing disruptions for producers.



Cattle Inventory Changes
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

Some clarity was provided in the Cattle report released last week by USDA-NASS. A handful of analysts were expecting a slight decline in total inventory levels. The all cattle inventory of 86.2 million head was down slightly from a year earlier. The 2025 levels were also revised slightly lower. However, the changes in the different classes or categories give insights into how different sectors are responding to profitability.

The number of beef cows was down slightly compared to last year. In contrast, the number of dairy cows was sharply higher. Consistent with subtle hints of expansion this past year, solid replacement prices and a stable heifer mix on feed, the number of beef replacement heifers is up slightly. On the dairy side, the number of replacements was unchanged. The small number of beef replacements suggests that 2027 would be the next time to have expansion.

There are fewer other heifers, fewer steers, and fewer calves than a year ago. With a sharply lower on-feed total, the number of feeder cattle outside of feedlots is up slightly. The slight increase has not been enough to dampen prices for calves in recent months. The mix of cattle on feed in large feedlots is up slightly. There was a large increase in cattle grazing wheat pastures, which would result in larger framed feeders entering feedlots and facilitate higher eventual slaughter weights.

The calf crop, at 32.9 million head, is down much more on an absolute level than cow numbers. With high calf prices expected to continue in 2026, the implied calf crop would be expected to be higher than observed last year. That disparity is surprising, but many factors go into the calf crop. Nothing was evident at the state level to potentially explain why either.

At the state level, many changes were concentrated in a few states with large inventory levels. The total was steady in Texas and California. Texas had a large increase in beef replacements, but a relatively smaller calf crop, and a sharply lower number of cattle on feed. Kansas had fewer cattle, fewer beef cows, fewer heifers, and a smaller calf crop. Missouri had fewer beef cows. South Dakota had a lower calf crop. Nebraska had an increase in cattle on feed.



House Agriculture Farm Bill Markup Set for Late February
 
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "G.T" Thompson (R-PA) told his Republican colleagues he hopes to mark up a farm bill the week of February 23. The five-year blueprint is expected to be similar to the bill approved in May 2024 by the committee during the 118th Congress.
 
That measure, which never was considered by the Senate, included a fix to California's Proposition 12, which bans in that state the sale of pork from hogs born to sows raised in housing that fails to meet California's standards, a major priority for the National Pork Producers Council.
 
Thompson said he's aiming for a vote by the entire House before Congress takes a two week-plus break around Easter. A new farm bill has not been approved since 2018. That one expired September 30, 2023, and has been extended several times
 
NPPC and a nearly 1,000-strong agriculture coalition want a farm bill fix to the impending patchwork of conflicting state laws spurred by Prop. 12, which took effect January 1, 2024. The California law has increased pork operating costs, creating uncertainty for business owners and increasing pork prices for consumers.
 
A recent study found that many farms against fixing Prop. 12 are not affected by the law and are not involved in pork production. 
 
Notwithstanding the long-awaited Prop. 12 fix, NPPC secured all its remaining farm bill asks in the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" Act, which was signed into law in 2025.
 
The five-year farm bill sets farm, conservation, forestry, and nutrition policy and authorizes various agricultural programs, including ones related to foreign animal disease preparation and prevention and export promotion.



USDA Announces February 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for February 2026, which are effective Feb. 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. 

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       
FSA offers farm operating, ownership and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.      

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for February 2026 are as follows:        
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 4.625%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.750%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.750%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.750% 
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.        

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans      
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.    
    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 4.500%       
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
       Three-year loan terms: 3.625%  
       Five-year loan terms: 3.750%  
       Seven-year loan terms: 4.000%  
       Ten-year loan terms: 4.125% 
       Twelve-year loan terms: 4.375%  
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.625%     

More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Additionally, producers can use online tools, such as the Loan Assistance Tool and Debt Consolidation Tool to explore loan options.

Monday February 02 Ag News - Cattle Inventory Report - Blue Jacket Challenge - Shaping Milking Technologies Conference - Red Meat Exports Mixed - NWSW Strategy Now Includes Texas - and more!

 January 1 Cattle Inventory Down Slightly

All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2026 totaled 86.2 million head, slightly below the 86.5 million head on January 1, 2025. 

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 37.2 million head, were slightly below the 37.3 million head on January 1, 2025. Beef cows, at 27.6 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.57 million head, were up 2 percent from the previous year. 

All heifers 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2026 totaled 18.0 million head, 1 percent below the 18.1 million head on January 1, 2025. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.71 million head, were up 1 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 3.90 million head, were down slightly from the previous year. Other heifers, at 9.40 million head, were 2 percent below a year earlier. 

Steers weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2026 totaled 15.6 million head, down 1 percent from January 1, 2025. 

Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2026 totaled 2.01 million head, up slightly from January 1, 2025.

Calves under 500 pounds as of January 1, 2026 totaled 13.3 million head, down slightly from January 1, 2025. 

All Cattle by State (1,000 hd  -  % '25)
Nebraska ......:    6,150.0        102       
Iowa ..........:    3,450.0        99       

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.8 million head on January 1, 2026. The inventory is down 3 percent from the January 1, 2025 total of 14.3 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 82.7 percent of the total cattle on feed on January 1, 2026, up slightly from the previous year. The combined total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots), at 24.5 million head, was 1 percent above January 1, 2025.  

All Cattle on Feed by State (1,000 hd - % '25) 
Colorado ........:       920.0        85        
Iowa ............:      1,180.0       98        
Kansas ..........:      2,480.0       99        
Nebraska ........:      2,800.0       104        
South Dakota ....:       435.0        99        
Texas ...........:      2,540.0       91        

Calf Crop Down 2 Percent
The 2025 calf crop in the United States was estimated at 32.9 million head, down 2 percent from the previous year's calf crop. Calves born during the first half of 2025 were estimated at 24.2 million head, down 2 percent from the first half of 2024. Calves born during the second half of 2025 were estimated at 8.70 million head, 26 percent of the total 2025 calf crop.

Calf Crop by State  (1,000 hd  -  % '25) 
Nebraska ........:    1,500.0       99        
Iowa ............:    1,000.0       98        




CVA: Old or New, Show Us Your Blue. FFA Blue Jacket Challenge

Central Valley Ag (CVA) would like to announce the Blue Jacket Challenge in celebration of National FFA Week. From February 2 - 13, 2026, the challenge invites past and present FFA members to show off their FFA blue jacket. From one generation to another FFA continues to support and grow the leaders of the agricultural industry.

“FFA shaped me into the person I am today, from getting involved in CDE’s to leading meetings as President, it’s where I gained confidence and learned how important relationships and networking are in life.” said Amanda Jackson, grain specialist with Central Valley Ag and a current FFA Alumni member. “The relationships I still cherish today with friends that stemmed from FFA.”

The Blue Jacket Challenge invites FFA alumni or current members to participate by submitting a photo with your FFA jacket, old or new, for a chance to have CVA donate $250 to the local FFA chapter of your choice. The challenge celebrates the lasting impact of FFA throughout communities and the pride shared across generations.

Through this promotion, CVA continues its commitment to support and recognize the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening the communities it serves. National FFA Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of agricultural education and leadership development. CVA is proud to stand alongside FFA members and alumni as they celebrate the organization’s legacy and its future.

Participants can find full contest details and instructions for submitting photos on CVA’s social media channels. Each eligible entry will be entered for a chance to have CVA make a $250 donation to an FFA chapter of their choosing.



Nebraska FFA Foundation Seeking Nominations for 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award

The Nebraska FFA Foundation is now seeking nominations for the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award. Established in 2009, this award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture educator/FFA advisor for "helping others," specifically in the school and community, outside of agricultural education and FFA. The recipient of this award demonstrates the commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness that defined Gary Scharf's character and life.

Scharf, who was a victim of the 2007 Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha, grew up on a family farm near Curtis, Nebraska. He worked in the agricultural chemical industry. Over the years, he made contributions to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, serving as the board president in 2002-2003. 

To honor Gary Scharf's legacy, the Nebraska FFA Foundation annually presents a plaque and $500 cash award to an agriculture teacher/FFA advisor. The selected recipient exemplifies citizenship and service and goes above and beyond for the school and community. 

To be eligible for the award, agricultural educators must be nominated by students, colleagues, school officials, parents, or others in the community. Nominations for the award must be submitted via the Nebraska FFA Foundation website by March 1, 2026. The award presentation will take place during the 2026 Nebraska State Convention held in Lincoln. 



Now that You've Inherited a Farm: Understanding Leases and Clauses
Feb 5, 2026 12:00 PM 
Anastasia Meyer, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL

Now that You’ve Inherited a Farm: Understanding Leases and Clauses will help landowners and heirs better understand leasing options and responsibilities. Whether you’re new to farmland management or navigating a lease for the first time, this session will provide clear guidance and helpful resources.

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

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 Farm & Ranch Clinics for February

These clinics are for farmers and ranchers and their families. They are confidential, one-on-one sessions with an experienced Ag Law attorney and Ag finance counselor. These clinics have been offered in Nebraska since 1989. In a roughly hour-long session, you are welcome to bring up whatever issues might be affecting your farm or ranch. In general, clinic discussions often involve estate and succession planning, financial and operational issues, beginning farmer programs, real estate and lease matters, fence law, property rights, farm loans and loan programs, and debtor/creditor law. Here is an opportunity to obtain an experienced outside opinion on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch. Bring your questions!
 
The FREE farm and ranch clinics will be in these locations:
Clinic dates:
Ainsworth – Tuesday, February 17th
Norfolk – Monday, February 23rd
Scottsbluff – Tuesday, March 3rd

To sign up for a clinic or for more information, call the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258.



Shaping Tomorrow’s Milking Technologies

Dairy farmers, consultants, students, and service providers are invited to attend an innovative conference on robotic and advanced milking technologies. This event will feature expert presentations from Iowa State University Extension, University of Wisconsin, and University of Minnesota, focusing on the profitability, labor efficiency, and herd health impacts of these technologies.

The conference is offered at two locations to better serve and connect with farmers across Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. Registration starts at 9:30am with the program starting at 10:00 am.
    Iowa: Tuesday, February 10, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm CST at Terrace View Sioux Center (230 St Andrews Way, Sioux Center, IA 51250)
    Wisconsin: Wednesday, February 25, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Crawford County Extension (225 N Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821)

Why Attend: Attendees will gain valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of robotic and advanced technologies, learn strategies for maximizing profitability and efficiency, and hear firsthand experiences from dairy farmers who have implemented robotic systems. This conference is an excellent opportunity for networking with industry experts and peers.

Conference Highlights:
    Expert Presentations: Learn from leading experts including Douglas Reinemann, Stephanie Plaster, and Carolina Pinzón from the University of Wisconsin; Jim Salfer from the University of Minnesota; Larry Tranel from Iowa State University Extension; Kody Havens, CSIF; and industry professionals
    Key Topics: Discussions will cover AMS profitability, labor efficiency, herd health impacts, data-driven diagnostics, welfare, and key considerations before transitioning to robotic milking systems.
    Producer Panel: Hear firsthand experiences and lessons learned from dairy farmers who have implemented robotic systems including John Vander Waal, Maurice, IA and Emma Brockshurs, Ocheyedan, IA.
    Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry experts and peers to share insights and strategies.

Registration & Cost:
This conference is being offered at no cost thanks to generous sponsorship from Lely North America, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Gorter’s Clay & Dairy, MSA Professional Services, GEA, DeLaval, Precision Dairy Equipment, Seehafer Refrigeration, Lely Center Monroe, Eastern Iowa Dairy Equipment, Midwest Livestock, Vita Plus, Standard Dairy Consulting.

Register for free at https://go.iastate.edu/MILKINGROBOT. Lunch provided for those who register.

For more information, please contact Jim Salfer at 612.360.4506 or salfe001@umn.edu.

PRE SEMINAR TOUR
At the Iowa location Lely will host a tour from 1 to 3:30 pm on Monday, February 9 at J&S Dairy located at 4244 Garfield Ave., Maurice, Iowa. For more information contact Stacie DeGroot at 559.786.7298.

Agenda:
    9:30-10:00 am: Registration
    10:00-10:30 am: Maximizing profit and labor efficiency with robotic milking systems
    Jim Salfer (University of Minnesota-Extension
    10:30-11:00 am: Choosing the Right System: Boxes, Rotary, Dual, etc.?
    Douglas Reinemann (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
    11:00-11:45 pm: Are You Ready for Robots? Key Considerations Before Making the Switch
    Stephanie Plaster and Carolina Pinzón (University of Wisconsin-Extension)
    11:45-12:30 pm: Lunch provided
    12:30-1:15 pm: Lightning Round- Iowa location
    Larry Tranel, Iowa State University Extension, The economics of AMS
    Kody Havens, Field Specialist, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Key issues for permitting AMS facilities
    1:15-2:15 pm: Comments from our Platinum Sponsors
    2:15-3:30 pm: Lessons Learned by Installing Robots
    Producer Panel: Iowa Location- John Vander Waal, Maurice, IA and Emma Brockshurs, Ocheyedan, IA, others TBA
    3:30-4:00 pm: Networking and Refreshments



November Pork and Beef Exports Below Year-Ago Levels

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May.

Pork exports to Mexico on record pace; already annual record for Central America
Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down 8% year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025. November exports increased year-over-year to Mexico, South Korea and the Dominican Republic and were record-large to Guatemala, but these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia.

For January through November, pork exports totaled 2.68 million mt, down 3% from the record pace of 2024, while value also fell 3% to $7.65 billion. With most of this decline being due to lower variety meat shipments to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory duties, January-November exports of pork muscle cuts were just 1% below 2024’s record pace in both volume (2.19 million mt) and value ($6.57 billion).

“The pork export numbers continue to be impressive, with broad-based growth mostly offsetting the obstacles in China,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “It was especially gratifying to see per-head export value topping $70 in November, which is excellent news for U.S. producers and for the entire pork supply chain.”

While down slightly from a year ago, November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26. The January-November average was $65.54, down less than 1% from the record pace of 2024.

November beef exports lower to most major markets
Following an encouraging rebound the previous month, November beef exports took a step back, falling 19% from a year ago to 88,139 mt. Export value was down 16% to $736.7 million. The decline was driven primarily by China, where exports remain minimal due to China’s failure to renew registrations for U.S. beef plants and other market-closing factors, but beef exports also trended lower year-over-year to Korea, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan. November exports increased year-over-year to Indonesia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Colombia, and were fairly steady to Japan.

For January through November, beef exports totaled 1.04 million mt, down 12% from the same period in 2024. Export value was $8.52 billion, down 11%. But when excluding China from these results, exports were down 3% year-over-year in volume and were just 1% lower in value.

“With each day U.S. beef is locked out of the world’s largest import market, our industry misses out on millions of dollars and our competitors reap the benefits,” Halstrom said. “It’s also frustrating that this impasse overshadows the fact that global demand for U.S. beef remains resilient, even in the face of tight supplies.”

Robust month for U.S. lamb exports
November exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 237 mt, up 87% from a year ago and the largest since July. Export value increased 65% to $1.45 million, the highest since May. Growth was driven by Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles and the Bahamas, as well as larger shipments to Central America and Japan.

For January through November, lamb muscle cut exports increased 44% year-over-year to 2,577 mt, while value climbed 31% to $14.1 million. With December results still to be added, exports have already posted the largest annual volume since 2014 and the highest value since 2017. 



USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts to Defend U.S. Border

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS. Other tools including import protocols and surveillance continue to support these robust efforts to keep NWS out of the United States.

“At Secretary Rollins’ direction, our highest priority is protecting the United States from screwworm,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs for USDA. “The northernmost active case of NWS in Mexico is still about 200 miles away from the border, but we’ve seen cases continue to spread in Tamaulipas and further south in Mexico, so we are proactively shifting our polygon as we make every effort to prevent NWS from reaching our border.”

Sterile Fly Dispersal
Sterile insect technique, when paired with surveillance, movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is an effective tool for controlling and eradicating New World screwworm. Female New World screwworm flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. Releasing sterile flies just outside of affected areas helps ensure flies traveling to new areas will only encounter sterile mates and will not be able to reproduce. In this instance, USDA will release sterile flies north of the current active NWS cases in Mexico in a proactive effort to create a sterile reproduction buffer zone if the fly moves north from Mexico. 

Because it is important to continue ongoing surveillance efforts while releasing sterile insects, it is possible that sterile NWS flies could be caught and/or reported within Texas. To ensure officials can tell the difference between sterile and wild NWS flies, USDA will dye the sterile pupae, and the dye will transfer to the sterile flies when they hatch. The fluorescent dye will glow under UV light and may also be visible to the naked eye. If a sterile fly is captured in a trap, this dye will allow animal health officials to quickly rule the fly out as a threat. 

USDA will continue to deploy its intensive NWS response efforts including implementing import protocols, ongoing surveillance and trapping efforts along the border, investing in NWS innovation, and supporting robust response activities in Mexico and Central America.

Import Requirements and Protocols
Sterile insects are an important tool, but USDA’s import requirements and protocols add another line of defense for NWS and other foreign animal diseases that threaten U.S. livestock. Earlier this week, the importance of those protocols was highlighted when a horse from Argentina was presented for routine importation at an equine import quarantine facility in Florida. Upon examination, APHIS identified an open wound with larvae on the animal and promptly collected and shipped samples to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Iowa. The horse was immediately treated with medication to kill any larvae in accordance with standard, long-standing import protocols. This morning, NVSL confirmed that the larvae were New World screwworm larvae. Accordingly, the animal will remain in quarantine until it has been reexamined and determined to be free of NWS.  

This is an example of these long-standing import protocols working as designed. While this situation does not appear to be associated with the NWS outbreak in Mexico that USDA is currently fighting, it underscores the need for vigilance in all of USDA’s coordinated efforts to fight NWS. 

Surveillance, Monitoring, and Reporting
USDA continues to lead intensive surveillance and monitoring systems along the U.S. border. Teams continue to check 121 NWS-specific traps across high-risk areas of border states and leverage thousands of fruit fly/insect traps aligned all along the Southern border. To date, more than 42,000 flies from traps in all locations have been submitted to APHIS NVSL for identification, with no NWS detections to date. APHIS Wildlife Services is also leading a coordinated effort to inspect wildlife for signs of NWS infestation. To date, they’ve inspected more than 9,300 wild animals across 39 different species and 131 U.S. counties and found no signs of NWS infestations.

Even though there has been no detection of NWS inside the U.S. and the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is asking U.S. animal owners to continue to remain vigilant by checking their pets and livestock for signs of NWS and immediately reporting anything suspicious to their state animal health officials or USDA area veterinarian in charge. Signs of NWS infestation include 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.

Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly or slightly larger, with a metallic green or blue body, orange eyes, and three dark stripes down its back. NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.  

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

For more information on NWS and USDA’s efforts, visit Screwworm.gov.




U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Reacts To Reciprocal Trade Agreement with Guatemala

Today, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Guatemala’s Minister of Economy Adriana Gabriela Garcia signed an agreement on reciprocal trade that increases U.S. market competitiveness and includes significant wins for the U.S. ethanol industry.

The agreement eliminates non-tariff trade barriers, such as restrictions on discriminatory sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and commits Guatemala to an E10 ethanol blend mandate for on-road vehicles with the intent to purchase at least 50 million gallons of U.S. ethanol annually. 

Guatemala is an established market for U.S. feed grains, and this agreement further strengthens the bilateral agricultural relationship between the two countries.

In response, Mark Wilson, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Chairman said:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is delighted to see this win for U.S. ethanol producers and the entire U.S. agricultural industry, clearing the path for greater market access and generating instant demand for biofuels that will benefit both U.S. exporters and domestic producers, as well as Guatemalan consumers. Additionally, the biotechnology chapter in this agreement is significant as it mandates science- and risk-based regulations are the standard, while also protecting the grain trade from duplicative regulations and non-tariff barriers.”

“The Council applauds the work The Trump Administration and Trade Representative Greer continue to do in connecting our ethanol producers to customers around the world.” 



El Salvador and Guatemala Agreements Strengthen Protections for U.S. Dairy Exports

The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Consortium for Common Food Names welcomed the United States’ signing of reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala this week, underscoring the importance of reinforcing long-standing market access gains for U.S. dairy exporters and preventing the emergence of new trade barriers.

As outlined in the agreements, El Salvador and Guatemala have both committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products, including dairy. These obligations include recognition of U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities, a prohibition on introducing a facility registration requirement for U.S. dairy products, and streamlining of product registration requirements, which are critical elements for ensuring predictable and fair market access for all U.S. dairy exports.

The two countries have also committed to ensuring that market access for U.S. agricultural exporters will not be restricted due to the use of certain cheese and meat terms. These include 38 widely used dairy terms such as parmesan, gruyere, feta, and asiago, as well as 10 meat terms. This commitment provides important certainty for common name producers and exporters.

“Securing durable market access and setting clear expectations with trading partners is essential for U.S. agriculture,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This agreement builds on the success of CAFTA-DR and we thank the administration for fighting for the right of U.S. dairy exporters to compete fairly in the Salvadoran and Guatemalan market.”

U.S. dairy exports already benefit from duty-free treatment in El Salvador and Guatemala as a result of the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Tariffs on U.S. dairy products phased out entirely this past year, following direct advocacy from USDEC and NMPF over a decade ago to secure full market access under the agreement.

“For dairy farmers, these agreements help to keep doors open to U.S. products,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “By protecting hard-won access and preventing new barriers from taking hold, the agreements support demand for U.S. milk and dairy products and strengthen the economic outlook for farm families across the country.”

“As European authorities increasingly seek to confiscate common food names across Latin America, the agreements unequivocally protect 38 common cheese names and 10 generic meat terms and send a clear signal by preserving our producers’ right to label their products with terms that have been used for generations in El Salvador and Guatemala,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN.

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN will continue working closely with USTR and U.S. government partners to monitor implementation of the agreement and to ensure that El Salvador and Guatemala fully meet their commitments to maintaining open and predictable access for U.S. dairy products and common name foods and beverages.



USDA Launches Indonesia Trade Mission to Increase Exports, Reduce Costs, and Support American Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, today to lead an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The delegation includes 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture.

“While Indonesia was our 11th largest market in 2024, the opportunities here in the world’s fourth most populous nation cannot be overstated,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “We are here to showcase the strength and diversity of U.S. food and agricultural products – and to demonstrate how recent commitments from Indonesian officials will translate into new sales that drive dollars back into the pockets of America’s farmers, ranchers and communities. When producers can reach more customers abroad, they can spread costs, operate more efficiently, strengthening their bottom line and making goods more affordable at home.”

Indonesia is an upper-middle-income country with a real GDP of $4.1 trillion, an annual growth rate of 5%, and a large, rapidly expanding middle class, the country offers strong demand for high-quality imported food and agricultural goods. Its young population is also driving a growing interest in innovative and convenient food products, reflecting new opportunities for U.S. exporters.

This trade mission is happening at a critical time thanks to the landmark U.S.–Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. This agreement eliminates tariffs on nearly all U.S. agricultural exports and reduces longstanding non‑tariff barriers, unlocking more than $1.6 billion in U.S. agricultural exports and helping to rebalance trade.

In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 200 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, generating projected 12-month sales of $125 million. Building on that success, USDA will lead missions in 2026 to the Philippines, Türkiye, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.



Broad Coalition of Farm and Fuel Leaders Rally Behind Immediate E15 Fix

A broad coalition of trade groups representing ethanol producers, petroleum refiners, farmers, and retailers sent a letter to the co-chairs of the new E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council calling for swift action to deliver lower prices for consumers and a stable, efficient fuels marketplace. The letter outlines recommendations for consensus legislation to permit year-round, nationwide sales of E15 and improve long-term policy certainty across the transportation fuel sector.

“[T]he time window for arriving at a recommended legislative solution is short, with the council expected to submit legislative solutions to the full House by February 15th, only 16 days from today. We applaud this expedited time frame as fuel producers and retailers are making decisions now about product offerings over the next year, farmers are making planting decisions, and a legislative fix is needed as soon as possible to provide fuel producers and retailers with a predictable policy framework as we approach the summer driving season,” the organizations wrote.

To “achieve a solution in short order,” the groups urged lawmakers to build upon H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which was amended and offered for consideration by Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) last week before the Rules Committee. These include fixing outdated regulations on summer sales of E15 and limiting the marketplace distortions caused by Small Refiner Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“H.R. 1346 has broad support from the overwhelming majority of biofuels, agriculture, fuel retail, and oil refining interests, and is the most comprehensive pathway to a legislative solution,” the organizations wrote.

Signatories on the letter included the Renewable Fuels Association, Agriculture Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Growth Energy, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, NATSO, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, and SIGMA.



Apply Now for the 2026 ASA, Valent Ag Voices of the Future Program

The American Soybean Association is accepting applications for the Valent and ASA Ag Voices of the Future program, which will be held July 13-16 in conjunction with the ASA summer board meeting and Soy Issues Forum in Washington, D.C.

The Ag Voices of the Future program is for students who are passionate about agriculture and interested in expanding their understanding of key agricultural policy issues, the critical role of advocacy, and the wide array of career opportunities in agricultural policy. Class size is limited, and students must be at least 18 years old on or by July 13 to apply.

Select students from the 2026 Ag Voices of the Future program will be awarded a scholarship to participate in the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference, Nov. 12-15, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. The scholarship covers conference registration fees and travel expenses.

Students must submit their online application by March 5, 2026. To apply for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future program and be considered for a scholarship to the AFA Leaders Conference, click here https://www.agfuture.org/, then click the “Apply Now” button. To be considered for the Ag Voices of the Future Program, students should check the box on the application form that reads, “I have an interest in agriculture policy and would like to be considered for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future Program (July 13-16 in Washington, D.C.) and an AFA Leaders Conference Scholarship.”

If a student has already applied for the AFA Leaders Conference, they can modify their application to check the box for the Ag Voices of the Future program.



Fischer, Hinson Celebrate Senate Passage of Resolution to Honor Women Ag Producers

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution last week celebrating the designation of 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer.’ U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the resolution in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA2) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Every day, women across America work to feed, fuel, and clothe our world – and they should receive credit for incredibly demanding jobs. That’s why I am proud to partner with Senator Klobuchar in introducing this resolution to ensure that female ag producers receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work,” Fischer said.

“We can’t have a strong rural economy without the contributions of the women farmers working every day to feed and fuel the world. By recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are celebrating the role of women in agriculture, encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in agriculture, and ensuring that women in agriculture have a seat at the table and supporting them once they’re there,” Klobuchar said.

"Agriculture is more than just the backbone of our economy—it is a way of life. Women have always been at the center of that story. Nearly one-third of farmers in my district are women, leading operations, balancing the books, and strengthening our rural communities, often while raising families. I’m proud to lead a resolution making 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer because it’s long past time we recognize the vital role women play in feeding, fueling, and sustaining America,” Hinson said.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (D-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Women lead and support the agriculture industry across boardrooms, research labs, co-ops, and farmland, making vital contributions at every level. According to the USDA 2022 Census, the United States had 1.2 million female producers, accounting for 36% of the country’s total producers. Additionally, 58% of all farms had a female producer. These farms accounted for 41% of U.S. agriculture sales and 46% of total U.S. farmland. In 2022 alone, farms with one or more female producers sold $222 billion in agricultural products.



NFU Celebrates Congressional Resolution Recognizing International Year of the Woman Farmer

National Farmers Union (NFU) celebrates the passage of the [insert bill name], sponsored by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME). The resolution recognizes the vital role women play in agriculture, their contributions to rural economies, and the importance of encouraging more women and girls to innovate and lead in agriculture.

“In the United States and across the world, women farmers play vital roles in agriculture that are often overlooked,” said Ohio Farmers Union President Bryn Bird. “Globally, women make up 41% of the agrifood workforce through all parts of the food chain and production lines and are often the head of their households at the same time. By celebrating IYWF 2026, we are taking steps towards a greater level of collective recognition for these unsung heroes that keep us all fed and clothed.”

“NFU is proud to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer alongside many of our agricultural colleagues. Today’s resolution reaffirms one of NFU’s core values of gender equity and highlights the need for women to have equal access to land, capital, and resources,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “NFU is grateful to Sens. Fischer and Klobuchar and Reps. Hinson and Pingree for sponsoring this resolution so that women farmers are able to get the recognition they deserve.”

The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmers (IYWF 2026) and designated the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to lead the global campaign aimed at recognizing the efforts of women in agrifood systems across the world.

Friday January 30 Ag News - CFRA Workshop on Veterans & Agrotourism - ISA Innovation 2 Profit Meetings - SHIC H5N1 Risk Call for Proposals - USTR Signs Trade Agreement with El Salvador - and more!

Workshop series for veterans highlights agritourism 

Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops focusing on farm stays and outdoor experiences. This course is free for active military service members and military veterans.

Hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, the 11-session series, “Serving the Land: A Veteran’s Guide to Farm Stays and Outdoor Experiences,” starts in March and runs through August 2026. The workshops will rotate between online classroom sessions and on-farm sessions with an online option.

“During our classroom sessions, participants will learn directly from farmers and agritourism leaders about the business of hosting guests on working farms,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project manager with the Center. “They will also receive practical tools, examples, and worksheets to help prepare them for launching or expanding guest-based agritourism enterprises.” 

Participants will also visit and tour Nebraska operations.

“Experiencing operations within the state gives veterans and service members the chance to see firsthand how producers design guest activities, manage visitor flow, and build safe and welcoming spaces for recreation,” Bailey said.

Registration is required by March 16. To register, visit cfra.org/AgVets2026.

Participant stipends are available to cover approved expenses such as travel, meals, and child care. Individuals are welcome to attend with family members. For on-farm events, physical accommodations may be made upon request.

For more information, contact Bailey at 402.367.8989 or kirstinb@cfra.org.



Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board to Meet in Grand Island

The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board scheduled a meeting for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at the Grand Island Public Library – Digital Media Lab located at 1124 W 2nd Street. The meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m.

In addition to regular business, the Board will receive program updates. The meeting is open to the public, and time will be provided at the beginning of the meeting for public comment to offer input on Board programs. A copy of the agenda is available by emailing the board at: sorghum.board@nebraska.gov or by calling the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board at 402-471-4276.



I2P meetings connect research, ROI and conservation

As winter meetings continue across Iowa, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is bringing farmers together to focus on a question that matters every year: how research translates into real-world profitability.

ISA is hosting two Innovation to Profit (I2P) meetings next month, an I2P: Building for Profit in Williamsburg on Feb. 12 at Kinze Manufacturing in Williamsburg and I2P: Innovation on Tap in Templeton on Feb. 19 at the Templeton Center in Templeton.

Through its I2P series, ISA connects on-farm research, agronomic insight and conservation tools with decisions farmers are making now. The goal, says ISA research agronomy lead Alex Schaffer, is to ensure farmers see a return on the soybean checkoff investments they help fund.

“The farmers who are paying and investing in the soybean checkoff have already paid for this research,” Schaffer says. “So, it’s important that we get out and talk about the research we do, not only with the participants, but with the farming public at large.”

This year’s I2P discussions will center on return on investment, highlighting results from 2025 trials and offering a preview of what is ahead in 2026.

“In 2025, we looked at inputs like fungicide, insecticide and sulfur on soybeans,” Schaffer says. “Those will be some of the main projects we talk about regarding return on investment. That’s the importance of the soybean checkoff, doing these trials, understanding the return on different practices and products and maintaining profitability.”

In addition to sharing research results, the RCFI team will host a farmer panel designed to encourage peer-to-peer learning.

“The panel will be valuable for farmer-to-farmer information sharing, talking about what works and what doesn’t,” Schaffer says. “We’re bringing together a diverse group of people who offer different perspectives, along with farmers who are really in tune with everything ISA offers. Hopefully, we can elevate those voices and highlight the different opportunities and learning experiences available through ISA.”

ISA’s conservation team will also play a key role in the meetings, connecting research outcomes to practical conservation tools that fit within modern farming systems.

Todd Sutphin, ISA conservation services and program lead, says the events provide an opportunity to help farmers navigate conservation programs alongside production decisions.

“We’ll share information on what programs are available, what’s changing for the upcoming crop year and how and where farmers can take advantage of new opportunities,” Sutphin says.

That includes both in-field and edge-of-field options, with an emphasis on matching practices to individual farm goals.

“We’ll talk about cost-share options for in-field practices like cover crops, reduced tillage and nutrient management, as well as edge-of-field projects such as bioreactors, saturated buffers and oxbows,” he says. “It’s about helping farmers match the right practices and programs to their goals, whether they’re focused on soil health, water quality or return on investment.”

I2P: Innovation on Tap in Templeton
Date and time: February 19, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Templeton Center, 230 S. 5th Ave., Templeton, IA 51463

Topics include:
    Soybean trials that work, featuring results from sulfur, fungicide and insecticide trials
    Cover crops that pay, with cost-share options and strategies for profitability
    Conservation without the hassle, focusing on practical edge-of-field solutions

Bonus: Raise a glass to ROI with a post-event tour and tasting at the Templeton Whiskey Distillery.

If you have any questions, e-mail Emma Harper at 641-344-7577 or eharper@iasoybeans.com.



SHIC, FFAR, and Pork Checkoff Issue Second H5N1 Risk to Swine Request for Proposals

The Swine Health Information Center, in collaboration with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff, announced funding of 10 projects addressing research priorities and topics within its H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program in July 2025. The research awards were part of a $4 million program to enhance prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response capabilities for H5N1 influenza in the US swine herd. Today, SHIC, FFAR, and NPB are inviting a second round of proposal submissions from qualified researchers for funding consideration to address H5N1 Risk to Swine research priorities not yet adequately addressed. Described in the detailed Request for Research Proposals (RFP), topic areas include 1) surveillance, 2) introduction risks, 3) caretakers, 4) biosecurity, 5) pork safety, 6) production impact, and 7) business continuity.

Total funding available for the SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities included in this RFP is $1.8M. Individual awards are capped at $250,000, however, proposals may exceed cap if sufficient justification is provided. Matching funds are encouraged but not required; the $250K cap applies to only those funds requested from SHIC/FFAR/NPB. All projects should strive to have a high impact, show value to pork producers, and have pork industry-wide benefit.

The deadline for proposal submission is 5:00 pm CT on March 24, 2026. The proposal template and instructions for completion and submission can be found here. For questions, please contact Dr. Megan Niederwerder at mniederwerder@swinehealth.org or (785)452-8270 or Dr. Lisa Becton at lbecton@swinehealth.org or (515)724-9491.

Proposals should clearly state which SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities will be addressed through the project. Projects proposing to expand previously funded work from the first RFP that align with the research priorities of this solicitation will also be considered for funding.

Collaborative projects including relevant pork industry, allied industry, dairy or poultry industries, academic institutions, and/or public/private partnerships, as applicable,  are highly encouraged. For multi-species projects, proposals should demonstrate adequate scientific and/or industry representation for each species included to ensure meaningful and effective collaboration. Projects demonstrating the most urgency and timeliness of completion, provide the greatest value to pork producers, and show efficient use of funds will be prioritized for funding. Projects are requested to be completed within a 12 to 18 month period with sufficient justification required for extended project duration.

Outcomes from the funded projects will provide critical information producers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders can use to better prevent incursion and develop preparedness plans if H5N1 is identified in US commercial swine herds.



Council Responds to Agreement with El Salvador

According to a press release issued by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the United States has signed another agreement on reciprocal trade, this one with El Salvador.

USTR Jamieson Greer and El Salvador’s Minister of Economy Maria Luisa Hayem signed the agreement that, according to a USTR fact sheet, commits El Salvador to addressing and preventing barriers to U.S. agricultural products in its market, including fumigation requirements, facility registration, product registration and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities. 

In response, Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council president & CEO, said:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is pleased to see the first agreement on reciprocal trade in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles exports to El Salvador are up 124 and 98 percent, respectively, in the first quarter of the 2025/2026 marketing year, and with the agreement signed today, we hope we will continue to see a rise in trade for those products and others the Council represents.”

“Our thanks to Trade Representative Greer, the USTR and the Administration for continuing to make trade easier for the U.S. in El Salvador and around the world.”



November U.S. Ethanol Exports Were Second Highest on Record, DDGS Shipments Declined

U.S. ethanol exports were the second highest on record in November, strengthening 14% to 211.3 million gallons (mg). It marked just the second time monthly exports have exceeded 200 mg, trailing only the March 2018 level. The gain was driven by record-high shipments of both denatured fuel ethanol and undenatured industrial ethanol.

Canada remained the top destination, even as U.S. shipments declined 14% to 77.7 mg. However, larger exports to other top destinations more than made up for the reduction. Shipments to the European Union (predominantly the Netherlands) rose 7% to 45.6 mg. Exports to India quadrupled to 31.8 mg, consisting almost entirely of undenatured industrial ethanol, which set a record. Shipments to the United Kingdom climbed 30% to 17.1 mg, while exports to Colombia jumped 84% to 12.9 mg. Rounding out the top ten markets were Nigeria (6.6 mg, up from zero in October), Peru (6.1 mg, up sevenfold), the Philippines (tripling to 5.3 mg), South Korea (2.8 mg, down 70%) and Mexico (2.5 mg, down 67%). Through November, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.96 billion gallons, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024, and 13% ahead of the same period that year.

The U.S. imported a negligible amount of fuel and industrial ethanol in November. Year-to-date ethanol imports stand at 3.7 mg.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)—the high-protein coproduct of dry-mill ethanol plants—declined 13% in November to 933,557 metric tons (mt). Mexico remained the largest destination, though U.S. shipments edged down 1% to 188,335 mt. Among other top destinations, exports rose to Vietnam (115,603 mt, +17%), Indonesia (105,354 mt, +10%), and Colombia (43,584 mt, +6%). However this was more than offset by significant decreases to other key countries, including South Korea (118,456 mt, -18%), Turkey (79,304 mt, -33%), Canada (53,790 mt, -10%), New Zealand (40,158 mt, -33%), the European Union (32,405 mt, -45%), and the United Kingdom (17,885 mt, -63%). Year-to-date DDGS exports totaled 10.70 million mt, trailing 2024 by 3%.

The U.S. Census Bureau will be releasing December trade data on February 19.



2025 Ethanol Exports Set a Second Consecutive Annual Record in Just 11 Months

According to data released Thursday by the Census Bureau, 2025 U.S. ethanol exports through November totaled 1.96 billion gallons, already surpassing annual shipments of 1.94 billion gallons in 2024, which had smashed the previous record. With one month of data to go, calendar year 2025 exports were on pace to exceed 2 billion gallons for the first time, which would represent 13 percent of U.S. ethanol production, also a record.

“Continued expansion in the export market provided a tremendous lift for the U.S. ethanol industry in 2025,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Record exports not only highlight the growing global demand for affordable energy solutions, but also underscore the vital role trade plays in strengthening the American energy sector, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth. One out of every eight gallons of ethanol produced in the United States is being exported, providing savings at the pump and cleaner air for drivers in dozens of countries across the globe.”

As in 2024, the new record was achieved even as some key ethanol markets—notably Brazil and China—maintain punitive trade barriers against U.S. ethanol. “We appreciate the Trump administration’s efforts last year to open markets and ensure a level playing field for American ethanol and for coproducts like distillers grains. We are hopeful these barriers will start coming down in 2026, and we are optimistic as other countries increasingly turn to ethanol as a key component of their fuel supplies,” Cooper said. “RFA will continue to work with the U.S. government and our partners to expand markets.”

Canada remained by far the top destination for ethanol, accounting for over one-third of total exports. Through November, 726 million gallons of ethanol had been shipped to this vitally important market, which also was already a new annual record. Notably, exports to the European Union were on pace to roughly double from 2024, making it our second-largest market. Other top destinations included India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia.



CoBank data reveals farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans in fall 2025 

U.S. farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans last fall as prices climbed after trade relations eased between the U.S. and China. With higher prices and a swifter pace of sales, commercial ownership of soybeans rose sharply while use of delayed pricing programs and basis contracts fell. Meanwhile, corn and wheat markets saw the opposite trend amid depressed prices. Farmers increased their use of DP programs and basis contracts for corn and wheat, leaving pricing open in hopes of future market recoveries.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, off-farm grain storage hit record levels last fall with farmers shifting more soybeans and wheat to commercial storage to free up on-farm space for the record corn harvest. The report draws on CoBank’s proprietary data set, which includes grain companies from around the U.S. that provide monthly borrowing base position reports. The surveys do not include farmers’ marketing positions for commodities stored on farm.

“CoBank’s data reveals that farmers have been patient sellers of corn and wheat,” said Tanner Ehmke, lead grains and oilseeds economist with CoBank. “Any material increase in corn and wheat prices will likely be met with heavier selling pressure compared to soybeans, which already experienced a higher level of farmer selling last fall. The increase in on-farm storage for corn implies there is more corn in the countryside also waiting to be priced, which will pressure both flat price and basis.”

Grain company ownership of soybeans in commercial storage jumped to 73.6% as of Nov. 30, up from 66.3% the year prior as farmers sold soybeans at a faster pace. The share of soybean bushels in commercial storage that were enrolled in DP programs and basis contracts also fell last fall as farmers priced soybeans during the market rally following the partial trade truce between the U.S. and China.

Under a DP program, the farmer transfers title to the elevator with the option for the farmer to set futures and basis later while paying the elevator a monthly service fee. In a basis contract, the farmer locks in local basis when the contract is signed but leaves the futures price open to be set later.

“Participation in DP and basis contracts in soybeans also fell as a result of farmers’ concerns about market uncertainty ahead of the trade truce on Oct. 30,” said Ehmke. “Elevators also limited DP programs due to the risk of owning unpriced bushels in a carry market.”

Grain company ownership of corn in commercial storage fell to 73% as of Nov. 30, down from 77% the previous year. Company ownership of wheat in storage fell to 72%, down from 75% last year. The use of DP and basis contracts increased for both corn and wheat as farmers left prices open in hopes of future recoveries in price.

“Lack of farmer selling of corn and wheat has supported cash basis in some regions, but the increase in the amount of bushels waiting to be priced implies greater selling pressure lies ahead for corn and wheat,” said Ehmke.

Total U.S. corn stocks on Dec. 1 reached a record high at 13.3 billion bushels, up 10% year-over-year, according to USDA. The share of corn stored off-farm fell to 34.5%, down from 37% the year prior. Off-farm corn stocks were tallied at 4.58 million bushels, a 3.9% increase year-over-year and the highest level in seven years while on-farm storage increased 13.5% to reach 8.699 billion bushels.

U.S. wheat stocks on Dec. 1 were tallied at 1.675 billion bushels, up 6.5% year-over-year and the highest in six years. Off-farm storage accounted for 73.4% of the crop, rising from 70.3% last year and the highest level in four years. U.S. soybean stocks rose to 3.29 billion bushels, up 6.1% year-over-year to reach the highest level in seven years with off-farm stocks tallied at 1.71 billion bushels, an increase of 9.9% over last year. 



ACE Board Elects 2026 Officers

During its first quarter meeting, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Board of Directors elected its 2026 officers who also comprise the organization’s Executive Committee.

Those elected to serve as officers in new Executive Committee positions in 2026 are:
    Troy Knecht, President – South Dakota farmer, representing Redfield Energy, a 63 million-gallon-per-year (MGY) ethanol producer in Redfield, South Dakota. Troy formerly served as Vice President.
    Chris Studer, Vice President – Chief Member and Public Relations Officer for East River Electric Power Cooperative, which is a founding member of ACE dating back to 1987.
    Dave Sovereign – Chairman of Golden Grain Energy’s Board, which oversees a locally owned 125 MGY ethanol plant in Mason City, Iowa. Sovereign also serves on the Absolute Energy board, a locally owned 130 MGY ethanol producer in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Dave formerly served as President.

"It's humbling to be the incoming President of ACE. I'm thinking of so many industry giants and leaders who currently serve on the board or have in the past,” said Troy Knecht. “I look forward to carrying on their legacy and the mission of ACE. Our grassroots efforts to support the ethanol industry and rural America are more important than ever right now, and I don't take that lightly."

“We are enormously grateful for the leadership and dedication Dave Sovereign has demonstrated during his five years as ACE board president,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “Fortunately, Dave will continue serving on the board, where his experience and insight will remain a valuable asset to ACE and the industry. Further, Troy Knecht will be an outstanding president. We are excited he is stepping into the role and look forward to a strong year ahead for ACE and the ethanol industry.”

Re-elected to serve as officers on the 2026 Executive Committee are:
    Ron Alverson, Secretary – Ron farms part-time with his son and serves as an expert resource on the GREET model and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, he represents Dakota Ethanol on the ACE Board, which owns a 100 MGY plant in Wentworth, South Dakota.
    John Christianson, Treasurer – John serves as the President of software company Beyond Agribusiness Solutions and Christianson Benchmarking, LLC. He retired at the end of 2024 from Christianson PLLP, the accounting and business consulting firm of which he is a founding partner.
    Bill Dartt – Bill is the Chief Financial Officer for Cardinal Ethanol, a 138 MGY ethanol plant in Union City, Indiana.

Thursday January 29 Ag News - NAYI Applications Open - FLAGShip Scholarships Available - Naig on Competition in Agriculture - Ethanol Production Slightly Lower - Fertilizer Prices Inch Down - and more!

Figures don’t lie!
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator

Slowly but surely beef is overcoming the negative image wrongly ascribed by health professionals and others in years past. The implications of this trend for beef supply are noteworthy, particularly when the US cattle inventory is at an all-time low.

Demand for beef is also increasing in other countries, namely Mexico. Focusing on beef demand and supply in Mexico is important as Mexico exported, on average, 1.1 million head of feeder cattle to the US yearly between 2022 and 2024. This process has been interrupted by suspension of imports of feeder cattle (and other species) from Mexico due to the ongoing New World screwworm (NWSW) situation in that country.

In 2024, Mexico also exported 597 million lb of beef to the US (as of October 2025, Mexico had exported 567 million lb of beef to the US: 82% of all beef exported by Mexico). These figures are expressed as pounds of carcass weight equivalent. Using 701 lb carcass weight (average for cattle harvested in Mexico in 2025), beef exports to the US represent carcasses from 850,000 head of cattle imported to the US as beef trimmings and no-roll cuts.

Why such detailed focus on Mexican cattle inventory and harvest?

For 2025, USDA projected an inventory of nearly 12 million beef and dairy cows which delivered 8.7 million calves. Total harvest was projected at 7.1 million cattle of which 5.3 million head were steers and heifers.

Combined one-time feedlot capacity in the largest four feedlots in Mexico is at least 1 million head. Incidentally, the level of technology and sophistication at these feedlots is par with most corporate feedlots in the US. Furthermore, most of the larger feedlot firms own their own packing and fabrication plants or have arrangements to access plants. Most of the beef exported to the US is sourced from these plants.

Grain-fed cattle in Mexico are generally finished at a given weight not degree of finish endpoint; generally, 1,250 lb. Cattle are mostly received as yearlings weighing 600 or more lb. Feeding periods last 140 days.

At a turnover rate of 3x yearly these feedlots require 3.3 million incoming cattle yearly: 62% of the projected calf crop destined for slaughter.

Obviously, these four feedlots do not feed all the grain-fed cattle in Mexico, and a significant proportion of beef is derived from grass-finished cattle. Therefore, this analysis strongly suggests that domestic Mexican calf production simply cannot meet demand for growing cattle in feedlots or on pastures.

This analysis leads to three questions:

Firstly, if feeder cattle imports from Mexico would resume, would US cattle feeders have access to 1 million head coming from Mexico?

Secondly, considering the strong demand for feeder cattle by the Mexican feedlot sector, what incentives does Mexico have to effectively stop the flow of cattle originating from Central America, legally or illegally?

Lastly, extending the implications of the second question, how effective do you suspect are NWSW barriers in Mexico?



NDA OPENS APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2026 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications from high school juniors and seniors for the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). NAYI is one of Nebraska’s largest agriculture youth outreach events. This five-day program brings students together, offering networking opportunities with ag leaders and a chance to learn more about the industry, discover careers and make new friends. NDA helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year. This year’s theme is “Passion Meets Purpose.”

NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 6–10, 2026. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending must apply online at www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi. All applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026.

“NAYI is a long-standing tradition in Nebraska agriculture and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for high school students to connect with peers from around the state,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “It is one of the best ways for students to learn more about Nebraska’s diverse agricultural industry and the hard-working people who help make our ag industry great.”

NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a dance. In its 55th year, NAYI is the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. More than 225 students attended NAYI last year.

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. Students attend NAYI free of charge due to generous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Space is limited. Those interested in helping sponsoring NAYI can visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/NAYIsponsors for more information.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth. 



Scholarship Opportunity for Students: NeCGA FLAGship Program Applications Are Now Open!

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is excited to announce that scholarship applications are now open for Nebraska students pursuing higher education!

Students may apply for the NeCGA Future Leaders in Ag Scholarship Program (FLAGship Program), which awards up to five $2,000 scholarships to Nebraska high school seniors and college freshmen. Scholarships are available for students pursuing ag-related or non-ag-related degrees.

Through one application, students will also be considered for National Corn Growers Association scholarships, as well as several local Nebraska corn grower association scholarships.

All applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026, through the NCGA consolidated scholarship application link below.

To be considered for the scholarship, please complete the application by Friday, January 31, 2026.

Apply here: https://ncga.formstack.com/forms/ncgascholarship2026

For questions, contact Katherine Byrne at kbyrne@necga.org.



CAP Webinar: Agricultural Economic and Financial Outlook
Feb 12, 2026 12:00 PM 
Nathan Kauffman, Senior Vice President, Economist, and Omaha Branch Executive and Executive Director of the Center for Agriculture and the Economy, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Economic conditions in U.S. agriculture reflect a continuing divergence across sectors as livestock markets—particularly cattle—provide support while crop prices and margins remain under pressure. Elevated input costs, limited profit opportunities, and shifting credit conditions continue to shape producers’ decisions and industry prospects, placing increased focus on financial management, risk exposure, and balance sheet resilience.

The webinar will cover current economic and financial conditions for agriculture, trends in lending activity and financial position, and the outlook for interest costs and financial management for 2026.

Register for the webinar here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.

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. 



Naig Leads Bipartisan, Multi-State Letter Emphasizing the Importance of Competition Across Agriculture

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig led a bipartisan, multi-state letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) urging a careful, thorough evaluation of the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), while reinforcing the broader need to preserve and expand competition across the entire agricultural industry.

The letter was also signed by agriculture secretaries, directors, and commissioners from Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Together, the group represents a wide range of agricultural and rural communities that rely on competitive markets and reliable infrastructure.

The leaders stressed that competition is the foundation of a strong agricultural economy, from access to inputs and transportation to processing, marketing, and global trade. While the letter addresses the specific proposed rail merger, the officials note it must be viewed as part of a broader focus on consolidation and competition throughout agriculture. Competition is critical at every stage of the value chain, and as consolidation continues across multiple segments of the agricultural economy, maintaining choice and competitive balance remains a priority for producers and agribusinesses alike.

“As representatives serving, promoting and protecting agriculture, we ask you to carefully evaluate the impact of additional consolidation in the nation’s freight railroad system. The proposed merger between the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) raises important questions for America’s agricultural industry, which is uniquely reliant on a reliable, competitive, and resilient rail network.” 

They highlighted three primary focus points for the STB to consider:

Preserving competition and choice
Farmers and agribusinesses depend on competitive options to manage risk, control costs, and respond to changing markets. Reduced competition in any segment of the supply chain can have negative downstream effects across agriculture.

Ensuring reliable, resilient supply chains
Agricultural production is seasonal and time sensitive. Transportation reliability is critical to moving inputs and commodities efficiently and supporting rural economies.

Recognizing system wide impacts
Large-scale consolidation can affect interconnected infrastructure, businesses, and communities, with ripple effects across the broader agricultural economy.

“We strongly encourage the STB to ensure that any merger approval clearly demonstrates tangible, enforceable benefits to competition and service for agriculture shippers and to support a competitive rail network that serves our industry well now and into the future.”



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Multi-Species Game Bird Hatchery in Kossuth County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species game bird hatchery in Kossuth County. The flock includes pheasants, quail and chukars. This is Iowa’s second detection of H5N1 HPAI in 2026, with both cases involving game birds in Kossuth County.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/23/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 23, ethanol production declined 0.4% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.79 million gallons daily. Still, output was 9.8% higher than the same week last year and 10.2% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate edged down 0.1% to 1.13 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.40 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks shrank 1.3% to 25.4 million barrels. Stocks were 1.3% less than the same week last year but 2.4% above the three-year average. Inventories built in the Midwest (PADD 2) but decreased in all other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded 11.8% to 8.76 million b/d (134.61 bg annualized) in advance of the winter storm. Demand was 5.5% more than a year ago and 5.3% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, rising 3.6% to 883,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.57 bg annualized. Net inputs were 6.1% more than the year-ago level and 6.0% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports fell 28% to an estimated 157,000 b/d (6.6 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Seven Fertilizers Show Lower Prices Again; Urea Higher

DTN retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly cheaper compared to last month, according to prices for the third week of January 2026.

For the second week in a row, seven fertilizers are slightly lower while just one is higher looking back a month. None were up or down a sizeable amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The nutrients lower were DAP with an average price of $843/ton, MAP $863/ton, potash $482/ton, 10-34-0 $665/ton, anhydrous $856/ton, UAN28 $409/ton and UAN32 $464/ton.

The one fertilizer slightly higher was urea. The nitrogen fertilizer has an average price of $574/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.73/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP by 7%; 10-34-0 8%; potash 9%; DAP 14%; anhydrous 16%, urea 17%; UAN28 25% and UAN32 by 27%.