NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending November 24, 2024, there were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 14% very short, 42% short, 43% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 22% very short, 46% short, 32% adequate, and 0% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 7% very poor, 12% poor, 33% fair, 45% good, and 3% excellent. Winter wheat emerged was 95%, behind 100% for both last year and the five-year average.
Sorghum harvested was 95%, near 97% both last year and average.
Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 33% very poor, 28% poor, 26% fair, 13% good, and 0% excellent.
This is the last weekly Crop Progress and Condition report for the 2024 growing season. We would like to extend our appreciation to the dedicated county FSA and extension staff who supplied the necessary information for these reports. For December through March, we will issue monthly reports. The first monthly report (for week ending January 5) will be issued January 6, 2025. Weekly reports will begin April 7th for the 2025 season.
Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report
Rain along with snow showers in the North East and North Central parts of Iowa resulted in an average of 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 24, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities slowed down this week with reports of fall tillage, and fertilizer and manure applications wrapping up.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 26 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 41 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Corn harvested for grain is virtually complete.
Final 2024 USDA Crop Progress Report
U.S. winter wheat conditions improved again last week, USDA NASS said in its final national Crop Progress report of 2024 released on Monday. The weekly reports will resume on Monday, April 7, 2025.
A blast of cold air is set to drop down into the U.S. as far south as Kansas and possibly the Texas Panhandle this week and weekend, likely pushing the winter wheat crop toward dormancy, according to DTN forecasters.
WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting moved ahead by another 3 points last week to reach 97% complete nationwide as of Sunday, equal to last year's pace but 1 point behind the five-year average of 98%.
-- Crop development: An estimated 89% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's 90% but equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: An estimated 55% of winter wheat that had emerged was in good-to-excellent condition, up 6 points from 49% the previous week. That is now ahead of last year's rating of 50% good to excellent. Twelve percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, another 3-percentage-point improvement from 15% the previous week.
Confronting Cropping Challenges Program to be Offered in December 2024
Aaron Nygren - Extension Educator
The Confronting Cropping Challenges (CCC) is a Nebraska Extension program focused on the current and emerging cropping issues that impacted the northeastern area of the state during the 2024 growing season. This program is also intended to help producers make decisions for 2025. After the CCC, producers have the option to recertify their Private Pesticide Applicator License for those licenses expiring in 2025. This is the eighth year for the program, and responses from previous years have been very positive.
This year, the program will be offered in four locations across northeast Nebraska in December. The CCC is a 2.5-hour program starting at 1 p.m. central time. To receive Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training, attendees will need to participate from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. central time as well.
Locations and Dates:
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Eastern Nebraska Research Extension and Education Center near Mead
Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Leigh at the Colfax County Fairgrounds — 4-H Building
Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Randolph at the City Auditorium
Thursday, Dec. 12 in Neligh at the Antelope County Fair Grounds — Event Center
If you need to renew your private pesticide applicator license in 2025, please attend the whole program. Even though this training is being offered in 2024, you will not lose a year of certification on your license. Please note that this training will only offer recertification of private pesticide licenses. Those needing initial training will need to attend one of the other training courses offered in early 2025.
The cost for the program is $10 if you are only attending the CCC program. If you are being recertified for your Private Pesticide Applicator License, the cost will be $70. The additional $60 is the same as you would pay to be recertified at a traditional private pesticide applicator training.
For those attending either in Randolph or Neligh, in addition to the CCC program, there will be an opportunity to attend a workshop to learn how to better utilize manure nutrients to “$ave Money and Resist Stress”. This workshop will discuss how much manure to use as well as ways that manure can build your soil to help resist drought and excessive precipitation. The manure workshop will cost $25 and includes a meal. In Randolph, the manure workshop will follow the CCC program, and in Neligh, the morning will start with the manure program and be followed by CCC. Due to the meal, pre-registration is required for the manure workshop.
Pre-registration for all programs is available online https://go.unl.edu/2024_CCC.
For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
Nebraska Extension Hosts Second Annual Organic Farming Conference
Nebraska Extension invites growers to its second annual Transition to Organic Farming Conference on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, offering expert insights, practical workshops, and networking opportunities to advance organic agriculture.
The conference will cover topics ranging from the certification process, organic crop management, and marketing certified organic products, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with registration at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska.
“Organic farming is a fast-growing sector of agriculture, but becoming a certified organic operation requires careful planning, recordkeeping and changes in management,” University of Nebraska Statewide Soil Health Extension Educator Katja Koehler-Cole said. “With this event, we want to shed some light on what it takes to become a certified organic farm. We are hoping this event will help to build connections and community among newer and more experienced farmers as well as ag professionals and researchers.”
This year's program kicks off with a keynote delivered by renowned organic no-till expert Erin Silva from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The agenda also features a presentation on what it takes to become a certified operation and a panel discussion with growers. Marketing organic products will be the focus of an afternoon workshop moderated by Rodale Institute, with an opportunity to hear from buyers and others in the industry.
There will be ample opportunity to engage with other farmers, visit with vendors and build new connections among the organic community, all concluding at 4 p.m.
There is no fee to attend and lunch will be provided. Please pre-register online https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/enreec/2024-transition-to-organic-farming-conference/ by Sunday, Dec. 1 for meal planning purposes and to ensure enough resource materials are available. Seating is limited.
Please direct questions to Katja Koehler-Cole at (402) 624-8041.
ENREEC is located at 1071 County Rd G, Ithaca, Nebraska.
Sponsored by Nebraska Extension and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service — National Organic Program — Transition to Organic Partnership Program.
CB3 TEAM LAUNCHING STUDY TO EXPLORE BEEF’S IMPACT ON BRAIN HEALTH
A team from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior is launching a first-of-its-kind study to explore potential links between beef consumption and brain health.
Utilizing brain imaging, blood biomarkers and surveys over a 12-week study, researchers led by Aron Barbey, the center's director, will explore how beef consumption impacts brain health in young adults.
The research team received funding from the Nebraska Beef Council, Texas Beef Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and will collaborate with the university’s Department of Animal Science and Loeffel Meat Lab.
“Our research investigates the impact of diet and nutrition on brain health across the lifespan,” said Barbey, the Mildred Francis Thompson University Professor. “Recent advances in neuroscience have highlighted the importance of nutrition for maintaining brain health and supporting cognitive function. Drawing on Nebraska’s expertise in meat science and beef production, this study investigates the potential link between beef consumption and brain health, offering new insights into how everyday foods can influence cognitive performance.”
The research builds on Barbey’s earlier work, which identified key nutrients that support healthy brain aging. Now, he is extending his focus to include commonly consumed foods, such as beef, and their potential impact on cognitive and brain health.
“As we work to improve public health, it’s crucial to explore how foods like beef might influence brain function,” he said. “Understanding which proteins and nutrients most affect brain health is a fundamental question in neuroscience, yet one that remains largely unexplored.”
The team, which also includes graduate students Jisheng Wu and Allie Angebrandt, is actively recruiting 240 participants for the study, which will launch in the spring semester. The researchers are seeking undergraduates, 19-24 years old, who are in good health. Participants will undergo a 12-week dietary intervention with beef, which will be provided from the Loeffel Meat Lab. Participants will complete a battery of cognitive, nutritional and brain health tests at pre- and post-intervention, along with dietary and health surveys throughout the trial.
Nebraska Beef Council December Board Meeting
The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will meet at the NBC office in Kearney, NE located at 1319 Central Avenue on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will review AR's evaluations for the FY - 2023-2024. For more information, please contact Nebraska Beef Council at info@nebeef.org.
Nebraska Extension succession planning series for women in agriculture kicks off in January
A multi-state extension workshop series for women in agriculture will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.
“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Central time on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at sites across Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana. The series is being produced through a collaborative effort by extension programs at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Purdue University.
Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.
“Planning for what happens to your things when you’re gone can be daunting, but it’s so important, especially in agriculture, so that the transition to the next generation goes smoothly,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. “This series will help women learn best practices and new strategies to help the transition and estate planning processes so they can take that back to their farm or ranch and help lead the way in creating or reevaluating their plans.”
Groskopf said the program’s structure is intended to strengthen networks of women in rural areas, which can provide opportunities for building trust and sharing information. “Connections are so important to rural women,” she said. “We have seen the benefits that come from knowing your peers, having a place to share difficulties, and mitigate the isolation that so many of us in agriculture often feel.”
The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60 before Jan. 13 and increases to $75 on or after Jan. 13. A virtual option is available for $75. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. More information and registration is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu/succession25.
2025 Nebraska Soil Health Conferences: Advancing Agricultural Practices
Join us for the 2025 Nebraska Soil Health Conferences, where we will explore the latest advancements in soil health and sustainable agriculture. These two events promise to be informative and engaging, featuring a range of research presentations and discussions that are crucial for farmers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in enhancing soil health practices.
Central Nebraska Soil Health Conference
Jan. 29, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore Ave., Hastings, Nebraska
Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference
Feb. 11, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
West Point Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., West Point, Nebraska
Attendees can look forward to insightful research presentations covering vital topics such as crop-livestock integration systems, carbon sequestration, nitrogen management and water quality. We are excited to feature two distinguished keynote speakers:
Meagan Schipanski
Dr. Meagan Schipanski, an associate professor from Colorado State University, will discuss "Soil Health Principles, Practices, and Measurements: Lessons from the Higher and Drier Central Great Plains" at the Central Nebraska Conference.
Lisa Schulte Moore
Dr. Lisa Schulte Moore, a professor from Iowa State University, will present on "Striving Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture for the Corn Belt" at the Eastern Nebraska Conference.
These conferences will also include engaging discussions with farmers and a multi-sector panel focused on crop-livestock integrative systems and resources for cover crops. This is an excellent opportunity to network with fellow farmers, industry representatives, and students presenting their soil health projects through poster sessions.
Moreover, our exhibition area will host various industry partners, commercial labs, state agencies, and NGOs dedicated to climate-smart commodity programs. This is a unique chance to connect with key players in the field of soil health and sustainable agriculture.
Don’t miss out on these invaluable opportunities to learn and collaborate. Register now to secure your spot at the 2025 Nebraska Soil Health Conferences and be part of the movement toward sustainable agricultural practices in our state https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soil-health-program/events.
Important:
Both conferences provide certified crop advisors with continuing education units (CEUs).
These are sponsored events, and registration is required. Capacity will be limited, so make sure you and your team register soon.
We hope you can join us!
For more information, contact:
Carolina Córdova, PhD, UNL Soil Health Team co-leader, assistant professor and statewide soil health specialist
Katja Koehler-Cole, UNL Soil Health Team co-leader, statewide soil health extension educator
2025 Organizing Committee:
Ruby Collins and Todd Whitney (Extension Educator, Engagement Zone 4)
TJ Prochaska (Extension Educator, Engagement Zone 7)
Mailson Freire de Oliveira and Connor Biehler (Extension Educator, Engagement Zone 8)
John Nelson (Extension Educator, Engagement Zone 9)
Ron Seymour (Extension Educator, Engagement Zone 10)
NE WIFE is offering four sholarships for the 2025/26 year
Nebraska Women Involved in Farm Economics is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving profitability in production agriculture. Each scholarship will be for $2000, awarded as $1000 per semester for one year only.
These scholarships are available to women living in Nebraska and enrolling in a Nebraska higher-education facility for her first year. The applicant must be studying in an agricultural-related field.
Applications to all higher-education institutes in Nebraska will be considered.
Cynthia Thomsen is a long-time member of Nebraska WIFE. She has served as Nebraska WIFE President as well as holding various positions in National WIFE.
Ms. Thomsen is a champion in promoting women in the agriculture fields. She and her late husband, Gale, farmed in Central Nebraska. Ms Thomsen is currently living in Fairmont where she continues to promote opportunities for women in agriculture through the NE WIFE organization.
Applications are due by March 15, 2025.
To receive an application form or for more information, contact Donna at donnab6519@windstream.net or Pam at (308) 737-7840.
Annual Report celebrates 15 years of progress toward global water and food security
With an increasing global population and food demand expected to rise by 50 percent by 2050, along with the increasing disruptions to water and food systems due to climate change and global conflict, the work of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska is more important than ever.
DWFI continues to focus on ensuring a sustainable future with access to nutritious food and clean water and is uniquely positioned to advance water management for greater food security. Throughout its 15-year history, the institute has leveraged the world-class research at the University of Nebraska; the state’s expertise in agricultural and water resource management; and private sector partnerships to make real progress toward a water- and food-secure future for all.
In its recent annual report, DWFI shares its impact throughout the past year toward its mission of ensuring a sustainable future in which everyone has access to nutritious food and clean water, including:
Launch of its new USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS) providing $40 million over the next five years for the institute and partners to develop viable solutions to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanization markets in the Global South;
Expansion of its suite of water management tools, including a multi-state network of flux towers which accurately measure crop-water use and carbon-equivalent emissions. The information from the initiative supports water management decisions and interstate water agreement negotiations; helps validate carbon credits; and has generated numerous partnerships, grants and interest from partners;
Along with its partners, provision of a free and secure decision-support tool for farmers to assist with improvement of agricultural water use and enhance crop productivity in the U.S. Corn Belt;
Analysis and catalyzation of the agtech startup ecosystems in Nebraska, India and beyond to identify functional gaps in the ecosystem, facilitate and expedite commercialization, and aid startup founders and investors in leveraging existing resources;
Exploration of how irrigation equipment reaches farmers through entrepreneurial pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa, which can increase smallholder incomes and climate resilience;
Contribution to several high-profile publications through its Water, Climate and Health Program, including the federally-mandated Fifth National Climate Assessment; the first comprehensive assessment of drought and health in the US; and the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change Policy Brief for the U.S.;
Participation in and co-convening of strategic regional and international events which further DWFI’s reputation, foster collaboration, enhance recognition of our work and generate impact;
Exploration of solutions and enhanced understanding of water challenges in Nebraska, including supporting the successful Know Your Well, a collaborative citizen science program training high school students how to sample and test well water quality.
DWFI also welcomed 14 new members to its Faculty Fellow cohort and funded 11 new students working on mission-related research this year, in addition to the 20 returning students who continued their research with the help of DWFI funding.
The institute is celebrating its 15th anniversary year, culminating in its Water for Food Global Conference April 28-May 2, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“Together, we can create a more water and food secure world, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come,” said Peter G. McCornick, executive director of DWFI.
DWFI’s 2023-2024 annual report can be found online at go.unl.edu/annualreport.
Resources offer guidance for producers new to crop insurance
Across the U.S., producers are facing unpredictable or extreme weather events which can cause financial difficulties. Risk management, in the form of crop insurance, can offer financial protection.
To aid producers new to crop insurance, whether they are commodity corn and soybean growers or raising organic and specialty crops, the Center for Rural Affairs has created the “Crop Insurance 101” series that addresses frequently asked questions.
“Signing up for crop insurance, especially for the first time, can be daunting,” said Kelsey Willardson, policy associate with the Center. “With shifts in weather patterns and extreme events like flooding and drought, it is important that all producers have access to crop insurance, and sometimes this access depends on understanding the basics.”
Federal crop insurance is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency and provides financial protection for producers who face yield or revenue losses caused by natural causes or market fluctuations.
The first of the series, “Weathering the Unpredictable: The Protection Crop Insurance Provides,” describes common perils that result in these losses, as well as which crop insurance policies cover each type of loss.
The series continues with resources outlining important dates to remember and instructions for filing a claim. This includes dates that producers must follow to maintain eligibility for crop insurance coverage, such as the sales closing date, premium billing date, and final planting date. In addition, the guide contains details producers need when filing a claim to ensure they receive full coverage.
“The process may seem complicated to newcomers, but there’s no need to navigate the process alone,” said Willardson. “These guides are meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your crop insurance agent.”
Another resource in the series includes an overview of Prevented Plant Coverage. Many producers are familiar with crop insurance policies that offer financial protection for damaged or destroyed crops; Prevented Plant Coverage, however, offers protection from the loss of crops that could not be planted in the first place.
“Farmers face many risks in their profession, and all farmers should have access to the safety net that crop insurance provides,” said Willardson.
To view these guides in both English and Spanish, visit cfra.org/crop-insurance-resources.
Farmers with questions about crop insurance are invited to reach out to the Center for Rural Affairs for one-on-one support. Contact kelseyw@cfra.org or 641.218.4694.
Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees
Established in 2009, the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame honors the exceptional visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the cattle-feeding industry. 2025 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame honorees will be recognized during the 16th annual banquet on Feb. 5 during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 include Joe Morgan with Poky Feeders in Scott City, Kansas, and Dan May with 4M Feeders in Stratton, Colorado. Tom Jensen of Nebraska will receive the Industry Leadership Award for his decades of banking experience and service to the cattle industry, and George “Frank” Littrell Jr., with Midwest Feeders, Inc., in Kansas, will receive the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award.
Tom Jensen - FNBO Omaha, NE
Growing up in Omaha helping Dad at the Omaha Stockyards, Tom learned about hard work and business ethics; from sorting to loading cattle.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska – Omaha with a degree in Business Administration. In 1980 Tom started in his Agribusiness lending career. Working for Northwestern National Bank at the Livestock Exchange Building in Omaha.
In 1984 Tom joined First National Bank of Omaha in Correspondent Banking. Working with community banks on agricultural overline loans. In 1985 Tom started a direct Agribusiness department.
From July of 1985 until June 2020, FNBO Agribusiness department had growth to $2.5 billion of loan commitments. The department had many outstanding team members throughout the country.
Before retiring in June 2020, Tom was promoted multiple times. At the time of Tom’s retirement, he was a Senior Vice President and member of the Bank Board of Directors.
Tom has been involved with the Nebraska Catleman and National Catleman’s Beef Association additionally serving on the Catle Fax Board of Directors for eight years. He has been a guest presenter for Agriculture Economics classes at multiple universities.
Tom has been married to Mary Ruth for 45 years and has three daughters and eight grandchildren.
“We are proud to recognize these individuals who have devoted their careers to improving the cattle-feeding industry,” said Dustin Johansen, senior vice president at Farm Journal and Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame board member. “Their commitment to quality contributes to our industry’s ongoing success.”
Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet attendees are invited to participate in CattleCon 2025, the largest cattle and beef industry event of the year. The annual convention features industry meetings, inspirational speakers, valuable education, entertainment, a massive trade show, producer recognition and much more. All proceeds from banquet corporate sponsorships benefit future Hall of Fame initiatives.
For more information about CattleCon 2025 and to register, visit convention.ncba.org. For more information about the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame and 2025 inductees, visit www.cattlefeeders.org.
IRFA Applauds Unanimous Iowa Supreme Court Decision Supporting Carbon Pipeline Progress
Last week the Iowa Supreme Court made a unanimous decision to uphold survey access for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, supporting progress of the carbon pipeline and infrastructure projects across the state. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
“This is a victory for state law and common-sense. A permit application requires a survey. So if you don’t allow temporary survey access then you empower just one landowner to derail a multistate infrastructure project. Iowa law is clear and this unanimous decision highlights what a frivolous lawsuit this was. With commodity prices sagging, we continue to encourage Iowans to come together to find a path forward for much needed investments in new ag markets.”
Senate Approves Bill Authorizing ‘Beagle Brigade’
NPPC
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation to authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Detector Dog Training Center, which trains beagles and other dogs – known as the Beagle Brigade – to detect food, plants, and other host material that can carry foreign pests and diseases. The center has been operating under USDA’s general authority over animal and plant health, with funding through user fees.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses dogs at U.S. ports of entry to spot contraband fruits, vegetables, and meat products in international passenger baggage, mailed packages, and vehicles entering the United States. On a typical day, CBP seizes more than 4,600 plants, meat, and animal byproducts that must be quarantined or destroyed.
Sponsored by Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), the “Beagle Brigade Act of 2023” also requires USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to report to Congress within one year on:
Current and emerging threats to domestic agricultural and natural resources from foreign pests and diseases;
Improvements needed in federal programs to minimize threats from foreign pests and diseases, including strengthened coordination among the APHIS, CBP, and other relevant federal agencies; and
Recommendations for strengthening the capabilities of the dog training center in protecting against foreign pests and diseases.
While the House Agriculture Committee included a provision authorizing and funding the dog training center in its 2024 Farm Bill, the full House would need to approve the Farm Bill or pass the Senate’s “Beagle Brigade” bill before it could become law.
Safe and reliable food production is critical to the United States’ continued national and economic security. NPPC is particularly concerned about African swine fever (ASF) making it to the U.S. mainland. According to the USDA, foreign diseases and pests carried into the United States cost the country $138 billion annually in economic and environmental losses. Strengthening early detection capabilities at U.S. borders is critically important.
USDA Cold Storage October 2024 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on October 31, 2024 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 5 percent from the previous month but down 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 7 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 8 percent from last month and down 42 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on October 31, 2024 were down 7 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 28 percent from last month and down 4 percent from October 31, 2023.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on October 31, 2024 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 8 percent from October 31, 2023. Butter stocks were down 12 percent from last month but up 11 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks on October 31, 2024 were up 19 percent from last month but down 2 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 4 percent from last month but down 5 percent from a year ago.
Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding President-Elect Trump’s Cabinet Nominees
“As President-Elect Trump finalizes his cabinet, Nebraska's farmers and ranchers are looking forward to learning and hearing more from this solid selection of cabinet and other senior level appointees. The federal policy "to-do" list of farm and ranch families is long with a new Farm Bill that provides additional risk management and trade promotion resources, expanding trade access to new markets around the globe, extending the Trump tax cuts of 2017, and ensuring environmental and other federal regulations make sense for agriculture are all at the top of the list. We look forward to working directly with each of President Trump's appointees to help ensure a bright economic future for Nebraska's farm and ranch families who remain dedicated to providing the food, fiber, and energy for the state, the nation, and the world."
NCBA Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Nomination as Secretary of Agriculture
Monday, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement congratulating Brooke Rollins on her nomination as Secretary of Agriculture:
“From her time as a college student studying agriculture development to her distinguished career in Texas and Washington, Brooke Rollins has a history of fighting for Main Street and rural America. America’s cattle producers need a Secretary of Agriculture who will protect family farms and ranches, roll back crushing regulations, and stand up for rural values—and we look forward to working with Secretary-Designate Rollins to make it happen.”
NCGA Congratulates Brooke Rollins on USDA Nomination
National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture:
“We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to working with Ms. Rollins and the president-elect on issues of importance to production agriculture, including the expansion of domestic and international markets for corn and improved farm and tax policies.”
ASA Congratulates Rollins on Secretary of Ag Nomination
The American Soybean Association congratulates former Trump policy advisor Brooke Rollins on being selected by President-elect Donald Trump as nominee to serve as the next U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary.
Josh Gackle, ASA president and soy farmer from Kulm, North Dakota, said, “We appreciate that Rollins holds a degree in agriculture development and grew up on a farm and that she will bring that perspective, along with her policy experience from the previous Trump administration, to the role. The mission carried out by USDA is vital to the continued success both domestically and abroad for U.S. soybean farmers. ASA welcomes the opportunity to share the importance of soy in the U.S. economy and work with the department and this nominee upon her confirmation on issues critical to farmers.”
USDA has offices in states and counties across the country and a purview that includes farm and nutrition programs, crop insurance, forestry, home and farm lending, food safety, rural development, agricultural research, trade, and more.
ASA looks forward to working with Rollins on priorities ranging from farm bill to biotechnology, biofuels support to agricultural trade, among other issues that impact soy growers and agriculture at large.
NAWG and USW Congratulate Brooke Rollins on Secretary of Agriculture Nomination
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) released the following statements in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Brooke Rollins to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Congratulations Brooke Rollins on her nomination to serve as our next Secretary of Agriculture. NAWG members look forward to working together to foster public policy initiatives that will help wheat growers and rural communities thrive,” said Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
“As the wheat industry's export market development organization, U.S. Wheat Associates looks forward to working with Secretary-Designate Rollins and the new administration on issues related to fair global trade and market access,” said U.S. Wheat Associates President and CEO Vince Peterson. “We welcome a renewed partnership with her and USDA to support U.S. agriculture and the farmers we represent in the world wheat market.”
Cattle on Feed
Hannah Baker, M.S.
State Specialized Extension Agent - Beef and Forage Economics
University of Florida / IFAS Extension
The November Cattle on Feed Report was released last Friday, November 22nd. The total number of cattle in feedlots was roughly 0.3 percent higher than the previous year and slightly higher than pre-report estimates, but not enough to cause second thoughts. The number of cattle on feed as of November 1st was 11.986 million head compared to last month’s number of 11.956 million head. This is in line with previous years as we typically see a large increase of calves entering feedlots starting in the early fall months and then leveling off to a degree as we enter the winter months.
Marketings in October totaled 1.8 million head and were within pre-report estimates, slightly on the higher end, but still within the estimated range. This is 5 percent higher year-over-year and 8 percent higher than September 2024. This increase is in line with seasonal trends, and we should start seeing marketings slow in November and December.
Placements in October were also within pre-report estimates and totaled at 2.2 million head. This is 5 percent higher year-over-year and 6 percent higher than September 2024.
In October, weight categories of lighter weight calves (under 600 lbs, 600-699 lbs, and 700-799 lbs) saw increases in placements compared to last month, respectively, by 160,000 head, 150,000 head, and 20,000 head. Conversely, there was a decline in all other weight groups consisting of heavier-weight cattle compared to last month (800-899 lbs and 900-1,000+ lbs). This does not come as a surprise knowing that October is the busiest month of shipping season when young calves are making that transition from the ranch to the feedlot.
From August 1 (July) to November 1 (October), a total of 8.1 million feeder calves entered feedlots compared to 7.9 million feeder calves entering feedlots during this same time frame last year. The conversation lately has been that we are seeing a steady number of cattle on feed month to month due to cattle being on feed for more days compared to the historical average, not because placements are higher. This observation, along with other factors, is still true even if we are seeing what looks like slightly more calves entering feedlots this fall.
Recurring drought conditions out west caused the fall run-up of calves to happen a little earlier this year with placements in July being almost 6 percent higher year-over year. Last month’s Cattle on Feed report showing that heifers are still accounting for 40 percent of all cattle on feed alludes to the fact that a lot of those calves entering feedlots in July and this fall are more than likely heifer calves that producers are not able to retain just yet. Year-to-date placements in 2024 are still lower than 2023 placements by roughly 210 thousand head, confirming that cattle inventory has not increased, and adding to the story that this year has been different from any other concerning the ins and outs of the cattle industry.
Soy Transportation Coalition Elects Officers During Annual Meeting
The Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) elected its officers during the organization’s annual meeting in Mobile, Alabama, on November 21, 2024.
During the annual meeting, Mike Koehne of Greensburg, Indiana, was elected chairman. Koehne previously served as the STC secretary-treasurer from 2023-2024. He and his wife, Jill, have four children. Koehne also currently serves on the board of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the American Soybean Association, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition,” said Koehne. “Improving transportation is one of the most effective ways to improve the competitiveness of soybean farmers. I am proud to serve on an organization that has been so effective in so many areas. I look forward to continuing to expand on this track record of success.”
Raylen Phelon, a soybean, corn, wheat, cattle, and hay farmer from Melvern, Kansas, was elected vice chairman. Phelon and his wife, Karen, have three children. Phelon also serves as vice chairman on the Kansas Soybean Commission.
“I appreciate how the Soy Transportation Coalition focuses on ways to make tangible improvements to the supply chain farmers depend upon,” says Phelon. “From rural roads and bridges all the way to our ports, the STC continues to be an innovative and effective organization intensely focused on helping farmers be profitable.”
C.J. Chalfant, a soybean and corn farmer from Hartford City, Indiana, was elected secretary-treasurer. He and his wife, Abbey, have two children. Chalfant also serves as a director on the Indiana Soybean Alliance.
“There are a number of current challenges confronting the soybean industry,” says Chalfant. “I am therefore excited to serve as an officer on the Soy Transportation Coalition as we continue to promote a cost-effective, reliable, and resilient infrastructure to help farmers be successful.”
During the meeting, the STC board discussed and emphasized the various strategies and initiatives the organization seeks to continue to advance in 2025. These initiatives include:
Advocating for and promoting greater investment in the inland waterways system
Increasing the resiliency of bridges adjacent to key soybean export regions
Continuing to support the future rail expansion project at the Port of Kalama
Continuing the implementation of innovative and economical methods for repairing and replacing rural bridges
Continuing to explore and promote new infrastructure investments to accommodate the increased production of soybean meal
Continuing to promote the greater utilization of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway for soybean and soy product exports
Chris Brossart, a soybean and corn farmer from Wolford, North Dakota, concluded his service on the STC board due to term limits. Brossart served as chairman of the STC from 2023-2024. During the annual meeting, the STC board recognized Brossart for his service to the organization – particularly as a past chairman. The board also recognized Tim Gottman, a soybean and corn farmer from Monroe City, Missouri, for also concluding his service on the STC due to term limits.
“Serving on the Soy Transportation Coalition, including my tenure as chairman, has been one of the highlights of my time volunteering for the soybean industry,” says Brossart. “The organization is full of momentum and continues to move the needle on behalf of soybean farmers. I congratulate the newly elected officers and wish them and the entire organization all the best as they continue to serve this important industry.”
“I am proud to work on behalf of a group of professional and committed farmer leaders,” explains Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the STC. “They are one of the key reasons the organization has been so successful. I look forward to working with Chairman Koehne, Vice Chairman Phelon, and Secretary-Treasurer Chalfant in continuing to promote a transportation system that enables farmers to be competitive in the global marketplace. I sincerely appreciate the years of service by Chris Brossart and Tim Gottman. They truly helped make the organization better.”
Solutions from the Land Statement on COP29 Outcomes
Solutions from the Land’s COP29 delegation is back from the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where, over the course of the 12-day conference, SfL representatives held four events and spoke at numerous government and partner forums.
Although the parties remain divided over loss and damage payment provisions, and while there was backtracking on previous commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, some progress was made in opening a path for carbon markets that could benefit farmers.
Despite the policy divides that continue to impede the attainment of global greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, our proactive interventions helped reorient much of the narrative about agriculture, successfully positioning farms, ranches and woodlands as important and underutilized solution pathways for meeting the co-joined challenges of climate change, food insecurity and biodiversity loss.
We were also pleased that SfL’s core messages were amplified by other farm and value chain partner organizations that participated in the conference: 1) Farmers must be at the center of discussions and decisions; 2) Countries must enable outcomes, not prescribe practices; and 3) Profitability is the key to unlocking solutions from the land.
We look forward to continuing to participate in future negotiations in the run-up to COP 30 next November in Belém, Brazil.
RFA to CARB: Time to Step Up Monitoring and Verification of Imported UCO Feedstock
In comments submitted today in response to a request for information from the California Air Resources Board, the Renewable Fuels Association urged the state agency to do more to ensure the integrity of imported used cooking oil (UCO) and tallow for biomass-based diesel production under the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
According to CARB data on fuel consumption in California, usage of biomass-based diesel (BBD) produced from UCO doubled from 2019 to 2023, while usage of BBD produced from tallow tripled, RFA noted, and some in the marketplace believe these feedstocks may be of questionable origin and content.
“Many biofuel market participants and other observers have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of imported ‘waste’ feedstocks and have questioned whether some volumes of UCO in particular may contain palm oil and/or other incorrectly labeled fats, oils, and greases,” wrote RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman. “These concerns have been heightened in recent months as Indonesia and Malaysia, which jointly account for nearly 85% of world palm oil production, have emerged alongside China as leading origins of UCO imported into the U.S.”
This flood of foreign feedstock has suppressed demand and prices for domestically produced feedstocks like distillers corn oil, which is produced by the ethanol industry. Moreover, the impact extends beyond the LCFS program. Significant volumes of imported waste-based BBD, along with BBD produced domestically from imported UCO and tallow (and consumed in California) are also being used to satisfy conventional renewable fuel volume obligations under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, undermining demand for ethanol and, especially, its use in higher blends like E15 and E85.
CARB should require that BBD producers conduct chemical analysis on batches of imported UCO and tallow and provide associated documentation to substantiate that feedstocks are properly characterized and that the resulting BBD truly qualifies for the carbon intensity score it receives under the LCFS, Richman said.
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