Monday March 03 Ag News

 Lengthy Discussion Centers Around Flood Control Projects at Latest Lower Elkhorn NRD Board Meeting

The meeting began with representatives from Houston Engineering providing an explanation of Clarkson flood control reduction plans as part of the Maple Creek Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Plan (WFPO). They explained why the preferred alternative for Clarkson, which is levee improvements, is the most beneficial option for the community. There was lengthy discussion on whether clearing the channel would provide a better solution.

Ultimately, Bob with Houston explained that to receive federal funding, and reaccreditation from FEMA, levee improvements were the best choice. Improvements to the levee would also help the community get back to an “active” status with the Army Corps of Engineers. Having this active status is important to receive funding from the Corps in the event of a disaster that would physically damage the levee.

Improvements to the Clarkson levee would also offer the most long-term solution compared to other options. It’s important to note that the project is still in the planning phase, with the plan currently waiting for approval at the federal level.

            There was also discussion on the Battle Creek Watershed WFPO Plan project and the proposed Legislative Bill 695 (LB695). LB695, introduced by Senator Dover, would mandate the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) to construct a dam for flood protection for the community of Battle Creek.

On behalf of the LENRD and Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, General Manager, Brian Bruckner, will be providing testimony on the Bill next week. Bruckner asked the Board to determine a position to take on the matter.

Directors discussed whether they wanted to take a stance in support or opposition of the legislation. Ultimately, Directors voted to oppose the legislation with key factors being the override of local control and lack of funding commitment, which would create an unfunded mandate for the District to manage. A WFPO for Battle Creek is currently in the final stages of review at the federal level. Once the plan is finalized, Directors will then decide to implement the preferred alternative of the plan which is a reservoir dam structure with a small levee.

Revitaliztion Project planned for the Maskenthine Recreation Area Mountain Bike Trail
In July of last year, Julie Wragge, LENRD Grants Coordinator, was joined by Rhonda Wright to ask Directors for approval of a grant resolution for the Maskenthine Mountain Bike Trail project. The Grant, Nebraska Game and Parks Recreational Trails Program, would have funded 80% of the project with 20% funded by a local match.  The Maskenthine Trail Network, a group of volunteers providing the maintenance and upkeep at the mountain bike trail, had requested the LENRD budget $16,000 for the project to cover the local 20% cost of the grant.

At the meeting last night, Wragge and Wright shared that they had not received the grant funding. Nebraska Game and Parks selected larger projects to fund and accepted the top four applications. The Maskenthine Mountain Bike Trail project landed at number six on the list.

Since funds had been budgeted and set aside for the project, Wright asked the Board to consider putting the money towards needed upgrades at the trail. Wright noted that the volunteer group had recently become an official non-profit organization and worked with Nucor Steel to secure a physical and monetary donation for the project. The group plans to use these funds to purchase a new lawn mower, changing area, kiosk, signage, and picnic area among other upgrades. In 2024 alone, the Maskenthine Trail Network donated 195 volunteer hours to the maintenance and upkeep of the trail.

In Other Action
The Board approved the low bid of $20,912.50 from Cech Excavating, LLC of Clarkson, to provide riprap for the Maple Creek Recreation Area Shoreline Protection Project. This section of riprap is the last section remaining of the project to protect the streambank of Maple Creek lake.

10 Community Forestry Program, and one Forestry Incentive for Public Facilities, applications were approved for a total LENRD cost of $35,773.38. These figures are in line with a three year average of the applications.

           Directors approved the continuation of the interlocal agreement with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which includes budgeting $10,000 per year for the next five fiscal years, for the operation and maintenance of Willow Creek State Recreation Area. The low bid from Carhartt lumber for the purchase and installation of new cabinets and countertops for the Willow Creek Recreation Area superintendent home was also approved.

            Assistant General Manager, Curt Becker, also presented quotes from two firms to complete the Willow Creek Reservoir Floodplain Management Plan. This plan is needed as part of the grant funding received to install the artesian pressure wells at Willow Creek dam.  Houston Engineering Inc. provided the lesser quote and the Board authorized the award of the contract to the firm.

              Authorization to develop a new interlocal agreement with the City of Norfolk was also approved. Staff can now work on drafting a cooperative agreement with the City of Norfolk to provide annual financial support for the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility in Norfolk. Because the LENRD provided financial support in the beginning stages of the HHW, the City of Norfolk allows residents in the entire LENRD area to utilize the facility as well. LENRD residents make up approximately 30% - 35%of the users annually.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of the Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Bord of Directors will have a Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, March 13, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 5:00 p.m. All of our meetings are streamed on Facebook Live.



Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Gather at State Capitol to Present 2025 Policy Priorities to Legislature

Farmers and ranchers from across the state gathered in Lincoln to meet with senators and outline priority issues affecting agriculture. These priorities, set by Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) members, aim to strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural industry, which serves as the backbone of the state’s economy, while addressing challenges that impact rural communities and producers.

“Our state’s agricultural sector thrives on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to prosperity for all Nebraskans,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president. “We’re engaging with senators to advance policies that support the growth and sustainability of agriculture, and the state’s economy.”

Farmer and rancher members of Nebraska Farm Bureau met with senators and legislative staff as part of the 2025 NEFB Legislative Conference held Tuesday, February 25. Among the issues highlighted, members identified three top policy priorities for the legislative session:
    Balanced Budget: With Nebraska facing a $432 million revenue shortfall in the 2025-27 biennium, the members urged the Legislature to control spending at both state and local levels to prevent an even larger deficit of over $1.1 billion in the following biennium.

    Property Tax Relief: Property taxes remain a significant burden for Nebraskans, growing at an unsustainable rate of $300 million annually. NEFB is advocating for meaningful property tax relief for residential, commercial, and agricultural property owners.

    Streamlined Livestock Facility Permitting: To support Nebraska’s value-added industries, NEFB is calling for a more objective and consistent permitting process for livestock barns and feedlots, ensuring that local and state regulations enable, rather than hinder responsible growth.

In addition to the primary priorities, members emphasized the importance of several other issues critical to Nebraska’s agricultural success:
    Bioeconomy: Investments in carbon capture, sequestration technologies, and bio-refineries are essential to enhancing Nebraska’s leadership in renewable energy and bio-based industries.

    Renewable Energy: Supporting biofuels, wind, solar, and other renewable energy options benefit both the environment and reduce energy costs at the farm and ranch level, while also lowering liquid fuel costs for all consumers.

    Regulatory Relief: Reducing unnecessary regulations to help farmers and ranchers sustain their operations and remain competitive.

Participants at the conference were provided with an update on the current state of federal matters and gained insights into the national priorities established by the organization. Focal points include:
    Renewal of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: More than $4.6 trillion of tax cuts critical to families and businesses will expire by the end of 2025 if Congress fails to renew them. Renewal of lower income tax rates, higher estate tax exemptions, and extension of many important business tax deductions will be critical to prevent tax hikes for Nebraskans.  

    Growing International Trade: Nebraska agriculture producers are highly dependent on selling products to customers around the world. More than 30% of Nebraska’s total agriculture products are exported outside the U.S., and after four years of little to no action, it is vital for the Trump administration to seek new markets for Nebraska’s agricultural products.

    Pass a New Farm Bill: After working for two years to pass a new Farm Bill, Nebraska Farm Bureau is doubling efforts to pass a new bill which protects federal crop insurance, provides needed updates to commodity and conservation programs, boosts trade promotion programs, and supports livestock disease prevention programs.  

“Nebraska Farm Bureau and its members appreciate the Nebraska Legislature’s dedication and is committed to working together on these and other critical issues to strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural industry and the state’s economy,” said McHargue.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Advocates for Fix to Miss Year of Property Tax Relief

Nebraska Farm Bureau, along with Nebraska Cattlemen, are pushing for property tax relief through Legislative Bill 81 (LB 81), a bill to address the missing income tax credits issue caused by last year’s special session when the Legislature changed the rules in the middle of the game. Speaking before the Revenue Committee, Merlyn Nielsen of Seward County voiced strong support for the bill and emphasized the unintended consequences of previous legislative changes on property tax credits.

Nielsen expressed appreciation for Senator Hardin, who introduced LB 81 to address concerns arising from the passage of LB 34 during the 2024 Special Session. He detailed how changes to property tax credits have financially burdened landowners like himself, particularly those who have relied on the credit system when filing income taxes.

During his testimony, Nielsen presented an example illustrating the loss of property tax credits across assessment years 2021-2024 for one of his family’s parcels. He explained how many landowners historically pay their property taxes in the year following assessment and subsequently claim an income tax credit for school and community college property taxes. However, due to LB 34, taxpayers lost the ability to claim this credit for 2023 property taxes, which would have been declared in their 2024 income tax filings.

“For those who know their property tax burden is excessive and have actively taken the effort to get the income tax credit, it hurt greatly to lose this one year of credit while the Legislature was making a change so everyone could get the credit at the time of tax billing,” Nielsen stated. He estimated that his family alone would lose approximately $11,000 across multiple parcels due to the change.

LB 81 aims to address this gap and provide a more equitable system for property tax credits moving forward. Nebraska Farm Bureau remains committed to working with lawmakers to find a fair and effective solution for property tax relief.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Participates in AFBF Issue Advisory Committee Meetings in DC

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) members Don Batie and Matt Jedlicka traveled to Washington last week to participate in American Farm Bureau's (AFBF) annual Issue Advisory Committee (IAC) meetings. The IACs consist of 11 individual committees on a variety of important agricultural topics. Matt currently serves on the Market Structures committee with Don serving on the Environmental Regs/Water committee.

NEFB President Mark McHargue also traveled with the group as he currently serves as the AFBF Board liaison to the Organic, Food Safety, and Direct Marketing Committee. NEFB Senior Director of National Affairs, Jordan Dux also serves as the state staff liaison for the Technology committee. Topics for discussion during the meetings included: water, nitrates, the Endangered Species Act, rural broadband expansion, foreign made drones, future energy needs, livestock and grain marketing, and many others.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln (1040 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska) and Friday, March 21 at the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons (N 38th St & Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Nebraska).

The meeting is open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment. The board will conduct regular board business on March 20, while hearing research presentations on March 21.

A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to renee.tichota@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of one-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.

 


Virtual Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops to Offer Updates on Leasing Practices, Succession, and More

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present two virtual workshops for farm and ranch landowners, landlords, and tenants who want to learn more about current trends in farm or ranch real estate, and best practices for managing or leasing land.

“Big Questions and Innovative Solutions in Land Management” will cover topics related to Nebraska's land industry for farms and ranches. Those include evaluating current trends in land values and cash rents, lease provisions and legal considerations, proper communication strategies and considerations for successful land transitions. Workshop participants will also be able to find answers to common farmland leasing and land ownership questions.  

The program is free to attend.

Virtual Workshops
Both workshops will cover the same information, but examples used in each may be relevant to the designated area of the state that is noted for each date.

A mailing address is required to register because we will send program materials through the mail. If you register after March 18, the mailing may arrive after the workshops.

Click the link below to register:
March 25, 9-11:30 a.m. CT: Virtual Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshop for Central and Western Nebraska - https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dH2H2pfkRlG6y9qsbufYHw
March 27, noon-2:30 p.m. CT: Virtual Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshop for Eastern Nebraska - https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nGdCBvoWSnK2i2uzqlbD7A#/registration

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.



Year-round E15 Needed as Latest Data Shows Record Ethanol Production Driven by Exports, Not Domestic Use

Friday the U.S. Energy Information Administration released final data showing U.S. ethanol production hit a record of 16.22 billion gallons in 2024. This is up more than 600 gallons over 2023. Additionally, ethanol exports increased more than 500 million gallons in 2024 compared to 2023. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“It’s never a bad thing to have record ethanol production and we are grateful for that. Yet almost all of the growth came from exports. While we work to grow exports, domestic demand is the bedrock of a stable marketplace. This clearly highlights the need for nationwide, year-round E15. E15 will unlock a 7-billion gallon per year market opportunity for ethanol, thereby spurring American energy dominance.

“Farmers have suffered through two years of record income declines and just yesterday USDA projected a record corn crop again for 2025. America needs to grind more corn. E15 is the only large, near-term opportunity to accomplish that. Famers want markets, not bailouts. Congress needs to finish the work President Trump started in 2019, and allow nationwide, year-round E15. No more delays. The time is now.”



Monthly Dairy Webinar Mar. 21 to Focus On The Economics of Breeding for More Dairy Replacements

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Friday, March 21, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. This program will be presented by Dr. Victor Cabrera and focus on the economics of creating more dairy replacements vs crossbred beef feedlot animals.

Dr. Cabrera Extension Dairy Specialist at UW-Madison combines applied research, interdisciplinary approaches, and participatory methods to deliver practical, data-driven, user-friendly, and scientific decision support tools for dairy farm management. His workgroup have developed 50 decision support tools that are available at: https://DairyMGT.info

Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21 by registering at least one hour before the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/BREEDINGECONOMICS

For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.



ASA Recognizes Jeff Jorgenson (IA) with Outstanding State Volunteer Award

The American Soybean Association honored Iowa farmer Jeff Jorgenson with its Outstanding State Volunteer Award during an awards celebration at the Commodity Classic trade show in Denver.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes the dedication and exemplary contributions of volunteers with at least three years of volunteer service in any area of their state association’s operation.

For well over a decade, Jorgenson has volunteered his time and talent as a farmer-leader within the Iowa Soybean Association, serving in multiple leadership roles, including president. He also served three years on ASA’s Board of Directors.

Jorgenson has been active in policy development, education, and building trade relationships. He is a strong supporter of trade missions, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions to establish solid relationships and sell more Iowa and U.S.-grown soybeans to international buyers.

Jorgenson also represented Iowa soybean farmers on the state’s Flood Recovery Advisory Board and was instrumental in forming the Midwest Soybean Collaborative. He has been a consistent advocate for soybean-related policies at the state and national level, always keeping in mind the best interests of soybean farmers.

Colleagues note Jorgenson’s openness to seeking change when solving problems and challenges, in addition to his ability to develop achievable, forward-thinking policy solutions that benefit soybean growers and the Iowa Soybean Association.

Through his many years of volunteer service, Jorgenson has demonstrated his passion for serving farmers through policy advocacy, education, relationship building, and mentoring the next generation of soybean farmers.

ASA congratulates Jeff Jorgenson, winner of the 2025 ASA Outstanding State Volunteer Award!



ASA Honors Roger Wolf (IA) with Distinguished Leadership Award

The American Soybean Association recognized Roger Wolf, Iowa, with its Distinguished Leadership Award during an awards ceremony at the Commodity Classic trade show and educational event in Denver.

The ASA Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes a soybean grower or association staff leader who has shown a high level of dedication and successfully led others to meet goals and achieve successes to benefit soybean farmers.

Wolf has been an advocate for soybean farmers for 25 years. He was one of the Iowa Soybean Association’s first conservation hires for its Research Center for Farming Innovation.

As director of conservation for the Iowa Soybean Association, Wolf built a strong team. He also spearheaded the creation, development and oversight of programs and services designed to advance the sustainability of soybean farmers by providing them with tools and systems that generate environmental solutions.

Wolf uses his knowledge to develop and advocate for policies that ensure proposed conservation practices are also practical for farmers to use. He was instrumental in developing a “conservation agronomist network” in Iowa to connect conservation expertise to retail agronomy. Wolf also had a vital role in establishing the “Soil and Water Outcomes Fund,” which helps farmers receive compensation for implementing conservation practices.

Wolf says he believes in sharing knowledge and research data to help soybean farmers become more educated and engaged ag policy advocates. He uses multiple communication methods to reach a wide audience of soy growers.

Wolf’s visionary leadership and innovative ideas have increased productivity, profitability, and sustainability for soybean farmers in Iowa and other soybean-growing states.

ASA congratulates Roger Wolf, winner of the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award!



Projected Revenue Insurance Prices

The month of February is important for growers in the key Corn Belt states who purchase revenue-based crop insurance policies. It's when the projected prices for those policies are set.

The final average as of Feb. 28, 2025, is $4.70 per bushel for corn ($4.66 in 2024), $10.54 per bushel for soybeans ($11.55 in 2024), and $6.55 per bushel for HRS wheat ($6.85 in 2024).

Revenue policies with harvest-price protection cover losses caused by a difference in the harvest price (determined in October) from the projected price (determined in February). They also cover revenue losses in the event prices tumble between planting and harvest, as they did for corn in 2008.



Farm Bureau Urges Delay in Tariff Deadline

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on next week’s tariff deadline set by the Trump administration. Canada, Mexico and China face increased tariffs on imports beginning March 4.

“Farm Bureau supports the goals of security and ensuring fair trade, but farmers and rural communities often bear the brunt of tariffs and tariff retaliation. Mexico, Canada and China are the three largest agricultural trading partners. Canada is also the leading supplier of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer.

“We appreciate President Trump for delaying tariffs earlier this month to allow for more negotiations between the U.S. and its trading partners. It gave farmers and ranchers some certainty as they prepare for planting season.

“For a third straight year, farmers are losing money on almost every major crop planted. As the new deadline approaches, we ask the president to continue to look for ways to avoid imposing tariffs that will further drive up the cost of fertilizer and other supplies, and could reduce access to markets for the farm and ranch families dedicated to keeping America’s pantries stocked.”



U.S. Ethanol Production and Exports Hit Records in 2024, New Data Show

Data released Friay by the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. ethanol production hit a record 16.22 billion gallons (bg) in 2024, spurred by rising domestic consumption and record exports.

Domestic usage increased to 14.26 bg, the highest level since 2019. As a result, the blend rate (i.e., the national average ethanol content of gasoline) matched a record 10.38 percent, well above the fictional 10 percent “blend wall.” This reflects the continued expansion in the number of retail stations offering E15, a blend containing 15% ethanol that is typically priced at a significant discount to regular unleaded gasoline, together with waivers by the Environmental Protection Agency allowing E15 to be sold year-round.

Ethanol exports surged to 1.92 bg, an increase of more than 500 million gallons, or 37%, over 2023. (For comprehensive information about 2024 exports, please see RFA’s U.S. Ethanol Trade Statistical Summary.)

“The official EIA data released today confirm that 2024 was a banner year for the U.S. ethanol industry,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our nation’s ethanol producers helped lead the way toward American energy dominance, achieving record highs for both production and exports. The industry is excited to build on this success in 2025 by working with the Trump administration to rapidly expand domestic consumption and continue growing exports to international markets.”



Case IH SenseApply Offers Affordable, Versatile Sense and Act Application Technology

Case IH is launching SenseApply™ technology, an economical and adaptable automated Live variable rate application solution, purposefully designed to maximize the output of every input. SenseApply consists of a single cab-mounted camera system that offers multi-season uses for unmatched versatility and productivity without compromising quality or functionality.

“SenseApply offers unparalleled flexibility, with a range of application methods that were previously unavailable in a single solution,” said Leo Bose, application equipment customer segmentation lead at Case IH. “It is also a cost-effective solution with no annual subscriptions or per acre fees, driving efficiency and profitability for a grower.”

Multi-Application Uses Include:
    Selective Spray
        Green-on-Brown Spot Spray offers upgraded weed management
        Base + Boost applies a consistent base rate over the entire boom while boosting individual nozzle sections to a higher rate when passing over areas with higher weed pressure
    Live Variable Rate Application (VRA)
        Burndown VRA
        Nitrogen VRA
        Harvest Aid VRA
        Plant Growth Regulator VRA
        Fungicide VRA

SenseApply technology includes lifetime Live VRA use and a one-time activation fee for Selective Spray, eliminating both per acre fees and annual fees for the life of the device. The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph, with the camera self-calibrating to the crop within the first 150 feet during Live VRA. The SenseApply camera – which is mounted on top of the cab to maximize field of view – senses plant biomass and responds accordingly, depending on the application type the operator selected.

“With SenseApply, our customers will experience an integrated and streamlined approach to their application practices,” said Bose. “With multi-purpose functionality, operators can use this technology throughout the seasons.”

SenseApply also integrates with Case IH FieldOps™ and Raven Slingshot®, enabling operators to connect and manage application data through their preferred platform. This integration increases overall operator efficiencies by providing real-time data analysis and decision-making capabilities, while making it easier to align with agronomist recommendations.



California OAL Flags Key Concerns for Biomass-Based Diesel

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) outlined its decision to reject amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). OAL’s decision document identified a number of potentially substantive issues that could impact the success of biomass-based diesel in the state including:
    Indirect land use change (ILUC) values
    New fuel pathway applications
    Sustainability certification systems
    Specified feedstock attestations

OAL initially notified the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on Feb. 18 that recent amendments to the LCFS failed to meet state legal standards under Government Code section 11349 (c) for clarity. CARB is required to resubmit revised regulations that address OAL’s concerns within 120 days of its receipt of the Decision of Disapproval of Regulatory Action. OAL then has 30 working days to take action on the updated regulation.

Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Director of State Governmental Affairs, said there will be an opportunity to voice the industry’s concerns during a 15-day public comment period if one is triggered.

“Clean Fuels Alliance America will collaborate closely with its members to draft comments that ensure the latest science guides clear, effective regulations supporting the success of crop-based biodiesel and renewable diesel without unnecessary barriers.”