Monday November 18 Ag News

 2025 Nebraska Crop Budgets Available Now

Nebraska Extension’s annual Nebraska crop budget projections have been updated for 2025 to assist agricultural producers in managing production costs and making informed financial decisions for the upcoming growing season.

The Nebraska Crop Budgets 2025 publication provides detailed production cost estimates for 83 different crop budgets, including alfalfa, corn, soybeans, wheat, and many others.  An irrigated popcorn production (Budget #42) was added for 2025. Each budget includes projections for essential field operations, labor, machinery, fuel, materials, and services, giving producers a complete overview of costs per acre for various production practices and yields. This year’s release incorporates the latest input prices and updated machinery costs, tailored to represent current market conditions in Nebraska.

“The budgets were created using assumptions thought to be valid for many producers in Nebraska,” said Glennis McClure, an extension educator in agricultural economics. “However, each farming operation is unique, so the budgets should be used as a guide when creating your own.”

Budgets are grouped by crop and provided in both Excel and PDF format. They are also included in Nebraska Extension’s free Agricultural Budget Calculator program (ABC), where users can download and modify them to their specific farm operations, adjusting for factors such as input quantities, prices, and individual equipment costs.

"We designed these budgets to reflect typical practices and costs that Nebraska producers might encounter," McClure said. "Each operation is unique, and these budgets serve as a valuable guide to help farmers and ranchers make the best financial decisions for their particular setups."

The 2025 crop budgets were developed and edited by Robert Klein, an extension western Nebraska crop specialist, along with McClure. They include contributions from Nebraska Extension experts in crop production, plant pathology, entomology, weed management, and agricultural economics, among others.

The budgets are available now, along with information about the Agricultural Budget Calculator program, on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, cap.unl.edu/cropbudgets.

Users can also find information on this website about free virtual training sessions in November and December that demonstrate how to use the ABC program and offering Q&A opportunities.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Supports Proposed Rule Regarding Lab-Grown Meat

Nebraska Farm Bureau recently testified at a rulemaking hearing with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) regarding its proposed rules and regulations for Manufactured-Protein Food Products, also known as lab-grown meat.

Nebraska Farm Bureau testified in support of the proposed regulation which establishes definitions and standards for determining when manufactured protein food is misbranded or being falsely advertised.

In its testimony,  Nebraska Farm Bureau stated that Farm Bureau policy on lab-produced protein is quite clear. We support the restriction of plant-based and lab-produced protein makers from using the word “meat” or other commonly used “meat” terms in describing their products. These terms should be reserved for protein traditionally harvested from livestock, poultry, fish, or wild game. In the absence of federal regulations, we would support state-level legislation on the labeling of plant-based and lab-produced protein products as described above. We support the regulation of animal protein labeling which would disclose the way that protein was produced, i.e., conventional vs. lab grown.

The proposal would require any meat-like products made from animal cells, plants, or insects must be labeled as imitations and kept apart from regular meat in stores. Additionally, NDA will retain regulatory authority to investigate all credible complaints that food products are misbranded or being falsely advertised as meat products throughout the state.  



USDA NASS TO COLLECT 2024 CROP PRODUCTION AND STOCKS DATA

As the 2024 growing season comes to an end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers nationwide to gather final year-end crop production numbers and the amount of grain and oilseeds stored on their farms. At the same time, NASS will survey grain facility operators to determine year-end grain and oilseed stocks stored in commercial facilities.

“These surveys are the largest and most important year-end surveys conducted by NASS,” explained NASS’s Northern Plains Director Nicholas Streff. “They are the basis for the official USDA estimates of production and harvested acres of all major agricultural commodities in the United States as well as grain and oilseed supplies. Data from the survey will benefit farmers and processors by providing timely and accurate information to help them make crucial year-end business decisions and begin planning for the next growing and marketing season.”

“Responses to the survey will be used in calculating county-level yields which have a direct impact on farmers around the State. USDA’s Farm Service Agency may use the data in administering producer programs and in determining disaster assistance program calculations,” said Streff. “NASS cannot publish a county yield unless it receives enough reports from producers in that county to make a statistically defensible estimate. So, it is very important that producers respond to this survey. In 2023, NASS was unable to publish several large producing counties due to an insufficient number of responses.”

“As required by Federal law, all responses are completely confidential,” Streff continued. “We safeguard the privacy of all respondents, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified. Individual responses are also exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.”

Survey results will be published in several reports, including the Crop Production Annual Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on January 10, 2025. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at (800) 582-6443.



NDEE accepting applications for ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) announces the opening of the 2024-2025 ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program.  Applications are now being accepted for rebates to assist farmers with the replacement of agricultural irrigation pump diesel engines with all-electric equipment.  Applications must be submitted to NDEE by Jan. 16, 2025, to be considered.

To be eligible, applicants must have owned the diesel engine for two years and operated it for at least 250 hours each of those years. The diesel engine may be replaced with an electric motor to power a surface pump or by connecting an existing submersible pump directly to the electric grid. The replaced diesel engine must be scrapped to ensure that its exhaust emissions are completely eliminated.  Applicants may submit one application for one engine replacement.

NDEE will reimburse 60% of the cost of the electrical equipment, installation, and required electric utility costs up to a maximum rebate of $23,000. No reimbursements will be made for any expenses incurred before the recipient has signed a project agreement with the Department.

NDEE began offering irrigation engine rebates in 2017 using grants from EPA’s Clean Diesel (DERA) State Program. Beginning this year, the program is one of eight initiatives that are part of the Department’s ONE RED (Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization) Program, which is funded by a separate five-year EPA grant. NDEE has funding for an estimated 250 irrigation engine replacements by 2029 and anticipates funding at least 50 irrigation engine rebates in this year’s program.

Information, instructions, and application materials are available on the ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program web page: http://dee.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/17-016.

For more information on the ONE RED program and its initiatives, visit: http://dee.ne.gov/ndeqprog.nsf/onweb/cprg-implementation.



Summit Carbon Solutions Secures North Dakota Pipeline Permit

Summit Carbon Solutions is pleased to announce that the North Dakota Public Service Commission Friday granted it a Route Permit*, a significant milestone in advancing Summit’s CO2 pipeline project. This decision highlights the Commission’s thorough review process and dedication to balancing economic opportunities with stakeholder interests.

“We commend and respect the North Dakota Public Service Commission for their diligence and thoughtful approach in reviewing this project,” said Wade Boeshans, Executive VP of Summit Carbon Solutions. “This decision is a testament to North Dakota’s commitment to fostering innovation while working closely with communities and industries. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with stakeholders across the state to deliver long-term benefits for farmers, energy producers, and local communities.”

Summit Carbon Solutions has worked extensively with North Dakota landowners, community leaders, and other stakeholders and has implemented material changes incorporating their feedback. These efforts have fostered a path forward that aligns with the state’s priorities and supports North Dakota’s leadership in agriculture and energy innovation.

“Summit Carbon Solutions has been amazing to work with,” said Joshua Seil, a signed landowner along the Bismarck reroute. “They showed up at our home anytime requested of them and have thoroughly explained all issues/concerns we have had. They even offered to move the pipeline within limitations on my land to have the best fit for everyone involved. They listened to my wife and I’s concerns, answered any questions rendered to them, and have been very accommodating throughout this entire process.”

With more than 82% of the easements for the North Dakota route secured, Summit Carbon Solutions remains committed to working collaboratively with affected landowners and communities as the project progresses toward construction and operations. Summit has secured a permit in Iowa for its base scope pipeline route and will apply in South Dakota on November 19. The project aims to support North Dakota’s leadership in energy innovation while opening new markets for low-carbon ethanol and driving economic growth across the region.



IRFA Encouraged by Carbon Pipeline Progress in North Dakota

Friday the North Dakota Public Service Commission voted to approve the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline permit in the state, following a change in route. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is encouraged by this decision, applauding the commission for following the law and opening the opportunity to bolster American farmers and rural communities. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“In agriculture, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. On the heels of approval in Iowa, today’s permit approval in North Dakota is a crucial step in making sure this vital project comes to fruition. All eyes now turn to South Dakota. We urge all parties to come together to find a path forward. The biggest opportunities to grow corn demand all have one thing in common – super low carbon ethanol. Capturing and sequestering CO2 is the ‘easy button’ to lower carbon. With commodity prices already dropping to near the cost of production, farmers in South Dakota and neighboring states need a viable path to grow demand.”



USDA Announces Appointments to the United Soybean Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of seventeen members and one alternate to serve on the United Soybean Board. Sixteen members and one alternate member will serve three-year terms beginning December 2024. One member will serve a two-year term and start immediately.

Newly appointed members are:
    Nebraska – Gregg Fujan, Weston
    Iowa – Suzanne H. Shirbroun, Farmersburg
    South Dakota – Tim Ostrem, Centerville
    Minnesota – Patrick O’Leary, Benson
    Arkansas – Robert Petter, DeValls Bluff
    Georgia – Jesse Patrick, Madison
    Illinois – Steve Pitstick, Maple Park
    Indiana – Jim Douglas, Flat Rock
    Kentucky – Brent Gatton, Sacramento
                            Keith N. Tapp, Sebree (2-year term)
    Louisiana – Garrett Marsh, Tallulah
    Missouri – Robert Alpers, Prairie Home
    North Carolina – Benjamin Derek Potter, Grantsboro
    North Dakota – Cindy Pulskamp, Hillsboro
    Ohio – Jeff Magyar, Orwell
    Pennsylvania – Justin Jones, Wyalusing
    Virginia – Shannon Tignor Ellis, Champlain

Newly appointed alternate is:
    Georgia – Mark Ariail, Carnesville

The board is authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Information Act and is composed of seventy-seven members representing twenty-nine states and two regions -- Eastern and Western. Members must be soybean producers nominated by a qualified state soybean board. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Soybean Board webpage and on the board’s webpage at unitedsoybean.org.



USDA Adjusts Membership of the United Soybean Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a final rule adjusting membership on the United Soybean Board to reflect shifts in soybean production levels that have occurred since 2022.

Membership on the board is reviewed every three years and adjusted, if necessary, as required by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act and the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order. As a result of this review, the rule decreases membership for North Dakota from four members to three members and increases membership for New York from one member to two members. Total membership of the board will remain at 77 members.

The changes will be included in the Soybean Promotion and Research Order and will be effective for the 2025 board appointment process.



NCBA and PLC Welcome Nomination of Gov. Burgum as Interior Secretary

Friday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) congratulated Gov. Doug Burgum on his nomination to lead the Department of the Interior:
 
“Governor Burgum’s experience navigating natural resources issues in North Dakota, coupled with his business acumen and extensive agriculture background, make him uniquely qualified to be Interior Secretary.” said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director. “Ranchers across the country congratulate Governor Burgum on his nomination and are excited to see a return of common-sense and science-based analysis to Interior’s rulemaking process. The Governor understands that grazing is a key tool and economic driver to prevent catastrophic wildfires, boost wildlife conservation, and support rural communities. Burdensome Endangered Species Act and NEPA rulemakings have led to the increased prevalence of wildfires, degradation of rangeland, and reduced wildlife conservation efforts. NCBA and PLC support the Governor’s nomination and look forward to a swift confirmation process.”



RFA Welcomes National Energy Council, Doug Burgum as Chairman

President-elect Donald Trump has announced that North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, in addition to joining his administration as Interior Secretary, will chair the new National Energy Council. The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

“We applaud the formation of the National Energy Council and the appointment of Governor Burgum as its chairman. He fully understands the importance of adopting an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes renewable fuels, carbon capture and sequestration, and other innovative approaches to energy and economic security. We look forward to working with him in this new capacity. For far too long, federal agencies have operated in siloes when it comes to energy policy and regulation—we are excited by the prospect of bringing better coordination and collaboration to these important issues.”