Monday March 17 Ag News

Spotlighting Agriculture’s Connection to Nebraska’s Community Banks

The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF) is celebrating National Agriculture Week (March 16-22) by highlighting agriculture’s positive impact on the state’s financial sector.

NDBF Director Kelly Lammers stated: “Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry – the backbone of our economy. What happens in our fields, feedlots, farrowing houses, pens, and pastures directly affects Main Street, including community banks.”

To illustrate the impact, NDBF has released a fact sheet, published at ndbf.nebraska.gov. Insights include:

    As of late 2024, Nebraska's state-chartered banks had invested more than $14 billion in outstanding agricultural loans (nearly 40% of total loan volume).

        Of this amount, $6.9 billion was allocated to ag land loans. Another $7.1 billion was for loans related to machinery purchases and other production-related expenses.

    Of Nebraska’s 134 state-chartered banks, 104 (nearly 78%) qualify as “agricultural banks” under FDIC standards, meaning at least 25% of their capital is deployed to support ag lending. This underscores Nebraska banks’ expertise and understanding of agricultural operations.

Lammers reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nebraska agriculture, saying: “The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance celebrates the state’s agricultural community. National Agriculture Week reminds us of the industry’s essential role in feeding the world and driving our economy. Here in Nebraska, every week is Ag Week.”



Fifteen Nebraskans Attend 123rd NFU Convention in Oklahoma City

Fifteen Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) members attended the 123rd NFU Convention in Oklahoma City this past week where over 450 family farmers from around the nation met.

In addition to NeFU President John Hansen, Nebraska was represented by five delegates. Darrel Buschkoetter from Lawrence and Art Tanderup of Neligh represented the NeFU Board of Directors. Keith Dittrich of Meadow Grove, Don Schuller of Wymore, and Decker Gabriel-Woods of Omaha represented the NeFU membership.

Alternates attending included Bill and Nancy Buettner of Grand Island, and Don Andrews of Lincoln. Members attending included Karen Hansen and Kevin Harrington of Lincoln, Jonathan Leo of Omaha, Paul Poppe of Scribner, Edison McDonald of Hickman, and Jeff Downing of Ashland.

The Convention delegates updated the NFU policy and also approved three Special Orders of Business on timely topics: Fairness for Farmers; Family Farming and the Farm Bill; Family Farming and Our Federal Government.

John Hansen, Chair of the NFU Meritorious Service Committee and Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman Aaron presented former Senator Tom Harkin with the NFU Meritorious Service to American Agriculture award. The 124th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, March 7-9, 2026.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Supports Broadening the Tax Base to Reduce Property Taxes

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) testified in support of a series of legislative measures aimed at broadening Nebraska’s tax base to address the growing property tax burden on Nebraskans. In testimony to the Revenue Committee, Bruce Rieker, senior director of state legislative affairs, emphasized the need for structural tax reform to balance the state’s financial challenges while providing meaningful property tax relief.

NEFB endorsed Legislative Bills (LB) 169, 170, and 171, introduced by Sen. Brandt, as key steps toward a more balanced tax structure. Collectively, these measures seek to expand the sales tax base and adjust income tax rates to increase state revenue and offset property tax growth.

Expanding the Sales Tax Base
NEFB supports LB169 and LB170 because they broaden the sales tax base by eliminating sales tax exemptions on various services and goods. If enacted, LB169 would apply sales tax to services such as charter flights, dry-cleaning, hair care, massage, personal instruction (e.g., golf and tennis), and admission to zoos and museums. LB170 would add candy and soft drinks to the list of taxable items, redefining them outside the category of food.

Rieker acknowledged that these changes would create both gains and losses for Nebraskans but stressed the importance of increasing state revenue to reduce reliance on property taxes. “Our members will pay these taxes too, but this approach is necessary to balance the budget and rein in unsustainable property tax growth,” Rieker said.

Adjusting Income Taxes to Ease Financial Pressure
NEFB also supports LB171, which proposes a temporary pause in scheduled income tax reductions. Under the current law, Nebraska’s income tax rate was set to drop to 4.55% in 2026 and 3.99% in 2027. LB171 would hold the rate at 4.99% for 2026, providing the state with additional revenue to manage its budget deficit and reduce the property tax burden.

Rieker highlighted that Nebraska’s property taxes are among the highest in the nation. “If Iowa is the measuring stick for income taxes, the same should be true for property taxes,” he said, noting that Nebraska’s effective tax rate on agricultural property (0.59%) is higher than Iowa’s (0.40%). Achieving equivalence with Iowa would require an additional $395 million in property tax relief.

A Balanced Solution
NEFB’s position reflects a strategic shift toward balancing Nebraska’s tax burden between sales, income, and property taxes. “Reducing property taxes requires a balanced approach, and these bills represent a meaningful step toward that goal,” Rieker concluded. NEFB commended Sen. Brandt for his leadership on these proposals and urged the Revenue Committee to advance the legislation.



Farm Bureau and Ag Leaders Push Back Against LB130, Advocate for Property Tax Relief

Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Agricultural Leaders Working Group are urging lawmakers to reject LB130, warning that it could derail recent progress in delivering much-needed property tax relief to Nebraskans.

Bruce Rieker, senior director of state legislative affairs for Nebraska Farm Bureau, testified before the Appropriations Committee on behalf of nine major agricultural organizations.

“Our groups have been and continue to support structural reforms that provide sustainable property tax relief for Nebraskans,” Rieker said. “LB130 threatens to derail the progress made by limiting the automatic transfer of General Fund receipts into the Cash Reserve Fund — a key mechanism for funding property tax credits.”

Under current law, General Fund receipts exceeding 3% growth over the prior year are transferred into the Cash Reserve Fund and then directed to a property tax credit relief fund. Forecasts for FY25 estimate $100 million in excess receipts, which would provide a significant boost to property tax relief efforts. However, LB130 would block that transfer, effectively cutting off a major source of funding for tax credits.

“Property taxes in Nebraska continue to grow at $285 million per year,” Rieker said. “If LB130 passes, it would immediately reverse some of the excellent work the Legislature has done to reduce the burden on property owners. This setback would be difficult to recover from, especially given the state’s current financial outlook.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Ag Leaders Working Group are calling on the Appropriations Committee to oppose LB130 and instead is urging senators to focus on strengthening property tax relief measures.



CAP webinar: The Right Bull at the Right Price: Using the Bull Value Cow-Q-Lator Tool
Mar 20, 2025 12:00 PM
Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economist and Extension Educator
Randy Saner, Livestock Systems Extension Educator
Matt Stockton, Agricultural Economics Professor

It’s that time of year when commercial ranchers and cattle producers are preparing to purchase bulls for their operations. With numerous breeds and types available, selecting the right bull at the right price can be challenging. To assist in making the best choice, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Economics Team developed the Bull Value Cow-Q-Lator (BVCQL). This tool allows producers to compare the value of their current bull with up to ten other bulls.

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.



NPPC Elects New Leadership to Guide Pork Industry Forward
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2025-2026 term. These seasoned leaders will continue to advocate for policies benefiting U.S. pork producers, ensuring the industry's growth, sustainability, and resilience on a national level.
 
"The strength of NPPC lies in the leadership and vision of those who serve," said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. "Our newly elected officers and board members bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to advancing and defending the interests of U.S. pork producers. Their leadership will be instrumental as we tackle challenges, drive progress, and ensure a strong future for our industry."
 
2025-2026 NPPC Board Officers:
 
President: Duane Stateler, McComb, Ohio
    A fifth-generation pork producer, Duane operates Stateler Family Farms alongside his son, Anthony. He has been actively involved in national and state-level agricultural policy discussions and serves as a strong voice for producers on sustainability and environmental stewardship. In this video, Duane shares his thoughts on the year ahead and his vision for the industry. Hear more from him on the importance of the National Pork Industry Forum and his priorities as president in this audio news release.

President-Elect: Rob Brenneman, Washington, Iowa
    Rob owns and operates Brenneman Pork, a multi-generational family farm. A dedicated industry advocate, he has served on the NPPC Board of Directors since 2021 and held leadership roles with the National Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Vice President: Pat Hord, Bucyrus, Ohio
    As CEO of Hord Family Farms, Pat has led a diversified agricultural operation, overseeing the growth of the family business while remaining involved in industry policy. Pat has been a key advocate for U.S. pork producers, shaping policy at the national level through his work with NPPC committees.

Immediate Past President: Lori Stevermer, Easton, Minnesota
    Co-owner of Trails End Farm, Lori has long been involved in pork industry leadership, advocating for producers at the state and national levels. She has represented U.S. pork producers in trade discussions and policy forums, ensuring their interests are well-represented. In this video, Lori reflects on her time as president and shares her perspective on the road ahead for the industry.

With gratitude and appreciation, NPPC extends thanks to departing board members Scott Hays, Dwight Mogler, and Russ Vering (Nebraska) for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the organization.



United States Honey Production Down 4 Percent in 2024

United States honey production in 2024 totaled 134 million pounds, down 4 percent from 2023. There were 2.60 million colonies producing honey in 2024, up 3 percent from 2023. Yield per colony averaged 51.7 pounds, down 6 percent from 2023. Colonies which produced honey in more than one State were counted in each State where the honey was produced. Therefore, at the United States level yield per colony may be understated, but total production would not be impacted. Colonies were not included if honey was not harvested. Producer honey stocks were 43.4 million pounds on December 15, 2024, down 2 percent from a year earlier. Stocks held by producers exclude those held under the commodity loan program.

Honey Prices Up 5 Percent in 2024
United States honey prices increased 5 percent during 2024 to $2.69 per pound, compared to $2.55 per pound in 2023. United States and State level prices reflect the portions of honey sold through cooperatives, private, and retail channels. Prices for each color class are derived by weighting the quantities sold for each marketing channel. Prices for the 2023 crop reflect honey sold in 2023 and 2024. Some 2023 crop honey was sold in 2024, which caused some revisions to the 2023 crop prices.

By State               # Colonies        Production           Value of Prod
Nebraska .....:       33,000           1,584,000 lbs           $3,722,000    
Iowa ...........:        40,000           2,640,000 lbs           $8,052,000   



Relationships Can Heal: Knowing the Farmer Client

Even in good times, farmers face a unique set of challenges when it comes to rural stress and mental health. Professionals working in the healthcare or mental health fields may not be aware of or understand these unique challenges, said David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Because of this, ISU Extension and Outreach is hosting two in-person “Relationships Can Heal: Knowing the Farmer Client” programs this spring. This training for healthcare and mental health professionals will help them learn more about the culture, identity, occupation and well-being of farm and ranch producers. These professionals will also learn more about the challenges and barriers that farmers and ranchers face in seeking care.

The first class will be held at the ISU Extension and Outreach Woodbury County office at 4728 Southern Hills Drive in Sioux City on Thursday, April 17. Those interested can register online for the Sioux City class here https://go.iastate.edu/B2DKBX. The class will start at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m.

The second class will be held at the ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County office at 1625 Adventureland Drive, Ste. A, Altoona, on Thursday, April 24. Those interested can register online for the Altoona class. The class will start at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m.

Both classes are offered at no cost due to a USDA NIFA grant funded through the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center at the University of Illinois. This program has been approved for 6.25 continuing education hours through the National Board for Certified Counselors.

The presenters for both classes are David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; Tim Christensen, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; and Rich Gassman, director of Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Iowa. For more information, please contact David Brown at 515-298-1505 or dnbrown@iastate.edu.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Commercial Pullet Flock in Buena Vista County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial pullet flock in Buena Vista County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s sixth detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.



Canada Reinstates Smithfield’s Tar Heel Facility for Exports

Canadian exports from Smithfield’s Tar Heel, NC facility have resumed. Last week, Canada temporarily suspended imports from this facility following an issue with a limited number of certain offal shipments. We are grateful to the USDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a quick resolution of this matter.



U.S. Ethanol Industry Leaders Sign MOU With Largest Petroleum Distributor in Viet Nam

Last week in Washington, D.C., the U.S. ethanol industry – including leaders from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) – signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrolimex, the largest petroleum distributor in Viet Nam, recognizing the economic, environmental, human health and energy security benefits of increasing the use of fuel ethanol in transportation fuel mixes.

The MOU will help Petrolimex align its business with the Government of Viet Nam’s recent directive to promote the implementation of greater ethanol usage in the country.

The U.S. ethanol industry leaders said collectively that “This event is a big first step toward building Viet Nam’s capacity to leverage fuel ethanol so the country may take advantage of all the benefits ethanol provides. It promises to deepen our bilateral economic cooperation and trade between our countries. The U.S. ethanol industry is excited to work with the leaders in Viet Nam to bolster Petrolimex’s and Viet Nam’s fuel ethanol supply chain and infrastructure.”
 
U.S. ethanol industry leaders signing the MOU included USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and RFA General Counsel and Vice President, Government Affairs Edward S. Hubbard, Jr.

The ceremony also included Vietnamese representatives including the Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Nguyen Hong Dien, Petrolimex Vice General Director Nguyen Xuan Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other leaders. Also present were representatives from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Energy.

The MOU follows the Viet Nam Ministry of Industry & Trade in December 2024 signing into law a directive aiming to boost fuel ethanol utilization across the country. The directive outlines steps and measures for industry and government stakeholders to promote fuel ethanol, develop new pricing mechanisms for ethanol blended gasoline and weigh potential policy actions related to the expanded use of fuel ethanol.