Thursday December 26 Ag News

2025 Markets, Crop Production Issues to be Highlight of Corn and Soybean Expo

The second annual Eastern Nebraska Corn and Soybean Expo — formerly two separate events, the Fremont Corn Expo and the Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo — will kick off at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23.

Returning for its second year, the 2025 Eastern Nebraska Corn and Soybean Expo promises an exciting day packed with expert insights, market updates and networking opportunities to help producers maximize success in the upcoming growing season.

The 2025 expo will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Christensen Field in Fremont located at 1730 W. 16th St., Fremont, NE 68025. The program will kick off at 8 a.m. and will finish at 3 p.m.

The event opens with coffee and waffles by The Waffleman, sponsored by the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, and the opportunity to view equipment and exhibitor booths at 8 a.m. Speakers start at 9 a.m.

“The Eastern Nebraska Corn and Soybean Expo will assist producers in planning for next year's growing season,” said Aaron Nygren, Nebraska extension educator. “We hope you come and learn from a variety of speakers and vendors about important topics for corn and soybean production in 2025.”

This program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Soybean Board, and the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce.

Austin Schroeder, president of Schroeder Commodity Marketing, LLC  is the keynote speaker. His presentation, “Corn and Soybeans, What to Expect Next”, will take a dive into the corn and soybean markets, covering the current market situation including rising competition from the rest of the world, a new presidential administration, and other major market factors.

Other timely topics include:
    “Optimizing Nitrogen Use in Corn Production” — Joe Luck, UNL professor of biological systems engineering
    “Corn Disease Surprises in 2024, What Can You Do to Prepare in 2025” — Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Nebraska Extension plant pathologist
    “What Have We Learned from Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS)” — participant panel discussion
    On-farm research opportunities — Adam Leise, Nebraska On-Farm Research Network director.

Updates will also be provided by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Soybean Association.

Producers can visit with representatives from a variety of ag-related companies during a 30-minute break at 10 a.m.

Complimentary noon lunch will be served.

Registration is available the day of the expo at the door. For more information about the program or exhibitor information, contact Aaron Nygren at (402) 624-8030, or Mailson Freire de Oliveira at (402) 727-2775. Vendor spots are available — information is available online https://enreec.unl.edu/easternnebraskacornsoybeanexpo/. There is no registration fee.



Growers Sought for Potassium Study

Nebraska Extension Water and Cropping System team and the Nebraska Soybean Board, and the team led by Assistant Professor Nicolas Cafaro La Menza and Professor Patricio Grassini at the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture are seeking farmers to participate in a study that will evaluate the impact of potassium (K) fertilization on crop yield.

This study will look at three treatments: the “baseline” without K application plus two K application rates. The goal is to identify environments where yield is constrained by K and help to refine the current K recommendations in Nebraska.

Fields of Interest
    Sandy soils and/or low soil K levels
    Preferably, irrigated fields, but rainfed fields may also be eligible.
    Fields following corn/soybean rotation without history of manure application in previous three years.
    Fields with history of silage corn, alfalfa or straw removal are desirable (but no problem if it is not the case).

What They Need from You
    Share yield maps and/or soil tests from previous years (if available).
    Grant us access to the field(s) selected.
    Plant these fields as you usually do but, if already applying K, leave a small portion of your field (100 feet wide x 200 feet long) without K fertilizer application.
    Share management information of the field (variety, planting date, etc.).
    Once we flag the K fertilization plots, avoid wheel tracks within the flagged area, but make sure the flagged area is sprayed as the rest of the field.

What They Will Do for You
    After you plant the whole field, we will do everything: flag the area, collect soil and plant samples, apply the potassium fertilizer treatments and hand-harvest the flagged areas before you harvest the whole field.
    We will provide you a detailed analysis and report of the data from your farm.
    We will provide you soil test and grain/seed quality results from the samples taken from your field.
    We will publish the results through the On-Farm Research Network if you agree with that.

If you are interested to participate, please reach out UNL Assistant Professor Dr. Nicolas Cafaro La Menza, (308) 696-6712 or your local extension educator.



Nebraska Farmers Union 111th Annual State Convention Election & Awards Completed

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) held their 111th annual state convention in Columbus at the Quality Inn and River’s Edge Convention Center.  The convention theme was: “Value Added Agriculture: Helping Ourselves to a Better Future”.  The event was well attended. NeFU delegates elected three NeFU Board of Directors, 3 delegates and 3 alternates to the 2024 National Farmers Union convention, and three members of the NeFU Foundation Board of Directors. The members and guests also heard reports on the year’s activities for the farm organization, its Foundation, and its political action committee as well as educational presentations.     

NeFU Election Results:   
Delegates elected three NeFU Board of Directors: District 2—Lynn Belitz of Fullerton was re-elected to a three-year term without opposition; District 4—Vern Jantzen of Plymouth was re-elected to a three-year term without opposition; District 6--Andrew Tonnies of North Bend was elected to a three-year term without opposition, replacing retiring Graham Christensen of Lyons.

Three delegates from the membership were elected as delegates to the 123rd National Farmers Union convention that will be held March 9-11, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dex Gabiel-Woods from Omaha; Don Schuller from Wymore; and Keith Dittrich from Tilden were elected to represent NeFU as delegates.  Bill Buettner from Grand Island; Nancy Buettner from Grand Island; and Don Andrews from Lincoln were elected first, second and third alternates.

There were three selections made to the NeFU Foundation Board of Directors. Gayland Regier of Beatrice was re-elected by the membership to a one-year term, Keith Dittrich of Tilden by the NeFU District Presidents to a two-year term, and Al Davis of Hyannis by the NeFU Board of Directors for a one-year term.     

President’s Award Winner:
The President’s Award is NeFU’s highest award, and is presented to individuals who provide outstanding service and leadership to family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities at the state or national levels.

This year’s President’s Award winner was NeFU member retired Army Colonel Janece Mollhoff of Ashland “For a lifetime of Service and Leadership including her decorated nursing career serving rural, urban and military communities, and leadership positions on the Omaha Public Power board to develop renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect public power while serving Family farm Agriculture and Rural Nebraska.”  NeFU President Hansen said, “Many of our NeFU members volunteer to serve in leadership positions of some kind. Whether it is our organization, local township boards, church boards, county officials, school boards, local and state FSA Committees, coop boards, NRDs, the Legislature, extension boards or some other organization, they all take time away from their farm, ranch, and family. All those positions help improve the quality of life for rural people one way or the other. Janece Mollhoff’s life of service is an extraordinary example of how to lead by example.”

NeFU delegates set policy.  NeFU Policy Chair Vern Jantzen led NeFU delegates through both NeFU Policy Day December 5th and at Convention as they adopted the 2024-2025 NeFU policy. The NeFU State policy is posted on the NeFU website at: www.nebraskafarmersunion.org.




Chemigation Certification Training in 2025

Nebraska Extension has scheduled numerous chemigation training sessions throughout the state in early 2025, and participants will be able to take the chemigation certification exam at all all training sites.

Producers who use, or want to use, chemigation in their operation can become certified or recertified through face-to-face training or online training offered by Nebraska Extension in 2025.

Who Needs Chemigation Certification?
Under the Nebraska Chemigation Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 46-1101 to 46-1148), you need chemigation certification before applying any pesticide or fertilizer to a field through an irrigation system in Nebraska. This is true whether you operate chemigation equipment on your own land or do so on behalf of another landowner.

Not sure if your certification expires in 2025? Look up your certification status. https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/chemigation/main_search_chemigation.php

Landowners must also acquire a permit from their Natural Resources District (NRD) for each chemical injection location they or their operator will use for chemigation.

Face-to-Face Training
Dozens of in-person chemigation training sessions hosted by local extension educators are scheduled to take place throughout the state in the early months of 2025. All training sessions include an opportunity to take the chemigation certification exam. You must pass this exam to become certified or recertified.

Visit our chemigation training page for a schedule of face-to-face training sessions and registration information. https://pested.unl.edu/training-and-certification/chemigation/

Online Training
Online chemigation training for 2025 will become available on Wednesday, Jan. 1 and remain available all year. The online program contains a series of training modules which you must complete to unlock the certification exam. You must pass this exam to become certified or recertified.

Visit our chemigation training page for more information about the online training program. https://pested.unl.edu/training-and-certification/chemigation/

What Happens After My Training and Exam?
After you have received a passing score on your chemigation exam, the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Office will send the results to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). The NDEE will then mail you your chemigation certification card, which is valid for four years.

There is no fee for chemigation training or the issuance of certification cards. However, chemical injection site permits (obtained through your NRD) do have fees associated with them.

If you have any questions about becoming certified to chemigate, please contact the PSEP Office https://pested.unl.edu/.



Iowa Farm Bureau launches Ag Market Outlook meeting series

With farm incomes down nearly 25% since 2022, Iowa farmers are feeling the strain of market volatility. To help them prepare for the challenges ahead, Iowa Farm Bureau in collaboration with Iowa State University, invites farmers to attend its Ag Market Outlook meeting series, scheduled as follows:
    Thursday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Lakin Community Center in Malvern
    Monday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Buena Vista Extension office in Storm Lake
    Monday, Feb. 17, 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson
    Thursday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the NSB Bank in Forest City
    Thursday, Feb. 20, 2 – 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Convention Center in Hampton

Speakers include Jason Henderson, vice president of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, who will discuss the macro farm economy; Dr. Christopher Pudenz, economic and research manager at Iowa Farm Bureau, will provide an outlook on 2025 livestock; and Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau farmer education program manager, with will focus on the 2025 grains outlook and marketing.

Joining the discussion are Tim Christensen, an Iowa State University Extension farm management specialist, who will cover managing farm-related stress, and Kristine Tidgren, an associate professor and director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University, who will address the critical, and often daunting topic of farm succession planning.

The group will provide attendees with an overview of the farm economy and key issues to watch in the coming year. They will also share resources and tools to help farmers manage risk, maintain perspective amid pressures, and emphasize the importance of planning ahead—not just for the next year but for years to come—to sustain their family farm’s legacy.

“Farmers are no strangers to the unpredictability of agriculture,” Brummer said. “This workshop series is about equipping them with the latest information and strategies to navigate today’s realities and prepare for what’s ahead, especially with a changing administration.”

Iowa Farm Bureau members may register at no cost for the Ag Market Outlook meetings at iowafarmbureau.com/marketoutlook. Non-members can contact the hosting county Farm Bureau to register.



ISU Beef Extension Specialist Receives Prestigious BQA Educator Award

The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) proudly announced Dr. Chris Clark, Iowa State University (ISU) Beef Extension Specialist, as the recipient of the 2024 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educator Award at the 2024 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention in Ames, IA on Thursday, December 12th.

The BQA Educator Award recognizes professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting Beef Quality Assurance and supporting Iowa's beef industry. IBIC's partnership with the Iowa Beef Center's beef extension staff has been absolutely pivotal in making BQA certification accessible to producers across the state. The effort is further highlighted by Chris' outstanding efforts to make sure the content is fresh, practical and impactful for Iowa producers. "His producer-first mentality and attention to detail speaks volumes about his commitment to helping Iowa beef producers be successful," added Casey Anderson, State BQA Coordinator for the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

A graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (2004), Clark's journey in agriculture began on his family's Monroe County farm, where he developed his passion for beef cattle through 4-H projects. Dr. Clark joined ISU Extension in 2012, bringing a weal of experience to his role including a strong background in food animal medicine in private practice and time as an educator as well.

In 2023 - 2024, Dr. Clark demonstrated exceptional leadership in volunteering to revitalized the BQA curriculum, coordinating with beef extension staff and the Iowa Beef Industry Council to enhance the program's educational materials. His efforts were instrumental in implementing a new approach to certification sessions in 2024, combining his veterinary expertise with practical, producer-focused education. His approach combines scientific expertise with practical application, ensuring that producers receive relevant, actionable information to enhance their operations' efficiency and sustainability.

For more information about ISU Extension's beef programs or upcoming BQA certification meetings, please contact the Iowa Beef Center at beefcenter@iastate.edu or visit http://www.iowabeefcenter.org. The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, serves as the university's  extension service to cattle producers.



National Drought Summary for December 24, 2024
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

A swath of precipitation (0.5 to 1.5 inches) this past week led to small improvements from parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas northeastward to the Central Appalachians. Since the major drought that affected the Central Appalachians and Upper Ohio Valley peaked in late September, drought has steadily improved across these areas the past two months. Near to above-normal precipitation during the past 30 days supported drought improvement across parts of the Northeast. Farther to the south across the Southeast, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Texas, 30 to 60-day precipitation deficits continue to increase with expanding and intensifying drought during mid to late December. December is typically a drier time of year for the Upper Midwest and Northern to Central Great Plains where little to no weekly drought change was warranted. Since the beginning of October, precipitation has generally averaged below normal across the Central Rockies, Great Basin, Southwest, and southern California. From December 17-23, enhanced onshore flow resulted in wetter-than-normal conditions across coastal northwestern California and much of the Pacific Northwest. 7-day temperatures, ending on December 23, averaged above normal throughout the West and Central to Southern Great Plains with colder-than-normal temperatures limited to the Great Lakes and Northeast.

Midwest
Near one inch of precipitation resulted in a 1-category improvement to southeastern Kentucky. Elsewhere across ongoing drought areas of the Midwest, precipitation was light (0.5 inch or less, liquid equivalent) and no change was needed in Dx categories. Severe drought (D2) continues to be designated for northern Indiana, eastern Ohio, and northern portions of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

High Plains
Based on SPIs at various time scales, low snowpack, and the NDMC short-term blend, a 1-category degradation was made to northern Colorado along with southern and northwestern Wyoming. Snow water equivalent amounts are below the 5th percentile where extreme drought (D3) was expanded in Wyoming. These same indicators justified an expansion of abnormal dryness (D0) across southwestern Colorado. Severe drought (D2) was expanded across western Nebraska due to soil moisture percentiles falling below the 10th percentile and support from the 90 to 120-day SPI.

Looking Ahead
During late December, multiple low pressure systems will bring heavy precipitation (rain and high-elevation snow) to the Pacific Northwest and northern California. On December 27, widespread rain with locally heavy amounts (more than 2 inches) is forecast for eastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and Arkansas. A slow-moving low pressure system and trailing front are forecast to bring varying precipitation amounts (0.5 to 1.5 inches) to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook (valid December 30, 2024-January 3, 2025) favors above-normal temperatures across the East, Southern Great Plains, and Southwest. Near normal temperatures are favored for the Northern Great Plains, Northern Rockies, and Pacific Northwest as above-normal temperatures are forecast to moderate during this 5-day period. A pattern change is forecast during the first week of the New Year with a transition towards near or below-normal temperatures for much of the lower 48 states. Elevated above-normal precipitation probabilities are forecast for the Pacific Northwest, Great Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. Below-normal precipitation is more likely for the southern two-thirds of California and the Southwest.



NCBA Warns Cattle Producers That Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Will Return Due to Court Ruling

Tuesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) warned cattle producers that Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements are back in effect following a court decision that reverses the injunction that previously halted this mandate.

“The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the federal government under penalty of severe fines and jailtime,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “FinCEN should do the right thing and provide a realistic delay to the Corporate Transparency Act until Congress has an opportunity to provide a permanent fix that protects family farmers and ranchers.”

On Monday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, holding that the government is likely to prevail in a constitutional challenge. This decision places many small businesses in jeopardy that have not yet filed Beneficial Ownership Information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In light of the Fifth Circuit’s decision, FinCEN announced it will delay enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act until January 13, 2025—just three weeks from now. This delay does not allow enough time for millions of small businesses to comply with the law, and it is deeply concerning that FinCEN will proceed with enforcing this law when it has failed to give adequate notice and instructions to law abiding family business owners.

NCBA will continue fighting for a permanent solution that protects cattle farmers and ranchers from this overreaching mandate. In the meantime, cattle producers are advised to consult their attorney and/or tax professional regarding this new development.