Monday March 24 Ag News

Cuming County Cow-Calf Association Informational Meeting

The annual Cuming County Cow-Calf membership dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at Pizza Ranch, West Point. Social at 5:30 p.m. with meal at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to any interested cow-calf producers.

Program topics will be “UNL Heifer Development Program” presented by Connor Biehler Saunders County Beef Systems Extension Educator and “A practical look at herd health” by Hunter Schroeder and Jason Rainforth of Rainforth Animal Health. A question & answer session will follow.



Pillen, NDA Offer Information for Reporting Dead Wild Birds

Governor Jim Pillen is partnering with the Department of Agriculture (NDA) in providing Nebraskans with information about the appearance of avian influenza in wild birds this time of year.  THis after Douglas County Health Department reported on the detection of H5N1 in dead geese at ConAgra Lake in Omaha.

“Nebraska is situated in the heart of the migratory bird path, especially waterfowl.  It’s well known that wild waterfowl can be infected with avian influenza and transmit the virus to other birds, including backyard and commercial poultry, through contact including wild bird droppings.  Many wild birds will show no symptoms of the virus however, some will succumb to the disease,” said NDA State Veterinarian Roger Dudley.

According to the USDA Wildlife Services website, there were 29 wild birds with H5N1 in Nebraska in 2022. There were 17 reported in 2023, 11 in 2024 and five in 2025, excluding the two most recent detections reported in Douglas County.

Anyone spotting a dead wild bird is encouraged to utilize the new Nebraska Game and Parks website to report it.  An easy-to-complete webform can be found here: https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-challenges/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza/.



Grain Safety: Essential Tips to Prevent Accidents and Protect Lives
Nicole Luhr - Extension Educator

Grain Safety Week is an annual reminder for our producers to put their safety first. In this article, you will find essential precautions for a wide array of grain management concerns. Stay informed and stay safe!

Grain safety refers to the practices and precautions taken to ensure the safe handling, storage and transportation of grain to prevent hazards such as grain entrapment, dust explosions, spoilage and contamination. It is crucial for workers in the agriculture and grain industry to follow proper safety protocols to avoid accidents and health risks.

With Grain Safety Week (March 24-28, 2025), it’s a reminder of the critical steps for how to stay safe around grain.

The following are different aspects of grain safety with steps to avoid hazards:

    Grain Bin Safety
        Avoid entering grain bins when grain is flowing to prevent entrapment and suffocation. An article from the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health shows how entrapment happens, explains how to prevent it, and provides information on how to create a lifeline.
        Use a harness and lifeline when entry is necessary.
        Have an observer present when entering bins.

    Dust Explosion Prevention
        Control grain dust levels through proper ventilation and housekeeping.
        Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in grain storage facilities.
        Prevent ignition sources, such as open flames or sparks, near grain storage areas.

    Proper Storage and Handling
        Maintain correct moisture levels to prevent spoilage and mold growth.
        Use proper aeration and drying techniques to keep grain in good condition.
        Regularly inspect grain bins and silos for structural integrity.

    Equipment Safety
        Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures should be followed before servicing machinery.
        Avoid loose clothing near augers, conveyors and elevators to prevent entanglement.
        Train workers on the safe use of grain handling equipment.

    Health Considerations
        Wear respiratory protection when working in dusty environments. Read how to properly fit a respiratory mask here.
        Be aware of toxic gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, fumigants) in confined spaces.
        Watch for signs of heat stress when working in hot conditions.

Following proper grain safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities in the grain handling industry. By prioritizing grain safety, workers stay protected, businesses run smoothly, and grain products remain high-quality.




Prepare for the Tumultuous Elements of the Midwest During Severe Weather Awareness Week
Eric Hunt | Meteorologist and Climate Resiliency Extension Educator

This week is the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week for both Nebraska and Iowa. Each day of the week will feature educational material on the hazards, as well as ways you can prepare. Check out resources for the severe weather of the day by visiting CropWatch https://cropwatch.unl.edu/:
    Monday, March 24 — Lightning Safety
    Tuesday, March 25 — Tornado Safety
    Wednesday, March 26 — Preparedness
    Thursday, March 27 — Hail and Wind Safety
    Friday, March 28 — Flood Safety

Having a plan of what to do ahead of time will save lives and avoid or certainly reduce the risk of property damage.

NOAA Cuts
Being prepared may be even more critical this season. With some layoffs and the possibility of future cuts to NOAA, the National Weather Service will be very understaffed. As it is, a majority of offices that cover the state of Nebraska are already considered critically understaffed. A radar outage may take a longer than normal to repair and some offices may be stretched too thin at times during severe weather outbreaks. This could mean reduced times for warnings that save lives. The NWS personnel are true professionals who are dedicated to serving us and they will do their level best to keep us advised. But any additional staff reductions will be highly detrimental for both safety and for commerce.



Handy Bt Trait Table Updated for 2025 Corn
Nebraska Extension

The Handy Bt Trait Table https://www.texasinsects.org/uploads/4/9/3/0/49304017/bttraittable_march2025.pdf has been updated for 2025. This reference guide alphabetically lists all trade names for hybrids with Bt traits, and includes Bt protein(s) expressed, targeted insects, refuge requirements and herbicide traits.

The Handy Bt Trait Table was updated and posted Feb. 19, 2025 by Dr. Chris DiFonzo, Michigan State University. It lists information about all Bt corn hybrids commercially available in the U.S. in a concise two-page format. It presents the trade names for hybrids with Bt traits, Bt protein(s) expressed, targeted insects, refuge requirements, and herbicide traits. In this updated version, there is a separate table for trait packages that are being phased out as standalone products, as these are not commercially available but have a historical reference to traits sold and tested in the past.

The table is a useful reference to help understand which hybrids have which traits (both Bt and herbicide tolerance traits). This table can help avoid the development of resistance from repeatedly using the same traits (even if you change hybrids) and will be useful during the field season as you troubleshoot insect injury or prepare to apply herbicides.

Now in its 26th year, this table has become the standard as an authoritative reference to Bt toxins in corn. For more information, see the Bt Trait Table site https://www.texasinsects.org/bt-corn-trait-table.html.



Dairy Producers in Nebraska Reminded to Obtain 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage by March 31   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 29 and the deadline to enroll is March 31, 2025.

“We encourage all dairy producers in Nebraska to consider signing up for this important safety net program in advance of the deadline,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy State Executive Director Tim Divis. “At $0.15 per hundredweight for $9.50 coverage, risk protection through Dairy Margin Coverage is a cost-effective tool to manage risk and provide security for your operations.”  

The American Relief Act, 2025 extended provisions of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) authorizing DMC for coverage year 2025.

DMC provides dairy operations with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference (the margin) between the national price of milk and the average cost of feed falls below a certain level selected by the program participants.

DMC offers different levels of coverage minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran.  

DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses. These updated feed calculations use 100% premium alfalfa hay.

For more information on DMC, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.  



The Next Generation of Farmers & Ranchers- How to Transition Your Operation

What happens if your family’s ranching or farming operation is unable to transfer to the next generation? On April 4th a workshop will be held in Columbus, NE at the Platte County Ag Park, 822 15th St, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST.

Attorney Pam Olsen of Pamela Epp Olsen Law will share her expertise and experience to help you make the best transition plan for your family and your business. She will present on topics related to succession and transition planning including inheritance laws, legal structure of operations, and flow of benefits to on-operation and off-operation beneficiaries. Additionally, a panel of producers who have experienced transition will discuss what worked and what did not work for their operations and families.

Register online at nebraskagrazinglands.org or by calling the Extension Office at 308-536-2691. Registration is $20. A noon meal will be provided, but space is limited so please register by Friday, March 28th. This workshop is made possible through a grant received by the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship to attend this workshop, apply at: www.nebraskagrazinglands.org/programs/program-assistance.  



Animal Science To Honor Four Individuals, One Organization At Department Honors Banquet

The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will recognize current students, alumni, faculty, and friends at its annual department honors banquet on April 12. The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bosona in Bennet, Neb.

Maci Mueller, Merlyn Nielsen, and Tom Rathje will be honored for their accomplishments as animal science undergraduate or graduate alumni, Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored for its outstanding contributions made to the department, and Doyle Wolverton will be the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. In addition to these awards, current students will be recognized along with departmental clubs.

Registration will open on March 12 will remain open for attendees until April 2. More information about the event can be found here https://animalscience.unl.edu/about-asci/alumni/animal-science-honors-banquet/.  

Young Alumni of Distinction
Maci Mueller, B.S. 2016, will be honored with the Young Alumni of Distinction award. Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Animal Genetics at Kansas State University. After earning her degree in Animal Science with a minor in Political Science from Nebraska, she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology from the University of California, Davis, in 2023. Originally from Princeton, Nebraska, Mueller developed her passion for animal genetics through active involvement in her family’s first-generation Angus seedstock operation. The focus of her research is leveraging genetic-based biotechnologies to enhance animal health and welfare while improving production efficiency. Passionate about science communication, she is dedicated to providing education and outreach to expand the use of genetic technologies in livestock systems.

Undergraduate of Distinction
Merlyn Nielsen, B.S. 1970, will be honored with the Undergraduate of Distinction award. Following his time as an undergrad at Nebraska, Nielsen went on to earn both his M.S. (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) degrees from Iowa State University. After completing his Ph.D., he returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he spent more than 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science with a research and teaching career focusing on Animal Breeding and Genetics. Nielsen has received numerous awards, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award. He is also a Teaching Fellow of ASAS.

Graduate of Distinction
Tom Rathje, M.S., 1991 and Ph.D. 1995, will be honored with the Graduate of Distinction award. Dr. Rathje is currently the Chief Technology Officer at DNA Genetics, one of the leading pig genetics companies in North America. After earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics under the direction of Dr. Rodger Johnson, he started his career in 1995 as one of the five foundational members of the Executive Management Team at Danbred North America, which later became DNA Genetics in 2013. He is considered one of the visionaries who increased the company’s market share from less than 5% in the startup phase to 40% in 2020, a growth that positioned DNA Genetics as the second-largest genetic supplier across North America in 2020, after the launch of an independent genetics research program. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the university since 1998, serving on advising committees for graduate students and actively mentoring post-doctoral research associates.

Distinguished Service Award
Nebraska Cattlemen will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation have been instrumental in the success of the faculty and students in the Department of Animal Science for many years. The Foundation's mission is to advance the future of Nebraska's Beef Industry by investing in research and education programs. Recipients of their generosity have been undergraduate students who have received academic scholarships each year and the hundreds of high school youth who have attended the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium. Others include the Nebraska Meats and Livestock Judging Teams through endowed scholarships, the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program, and participants in the feedyard management internship program. These programs have all experienced growth and success over the years and continue to be one of the reasons why students choose to study animal science at the university. The Foundation has also established the Nebraska Beef Cattle Industry Professorship and contributed to the Terry Klopfenstein Feed Technology Center and the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. In addition to the financial support, the Nebraska Cattlemen have been a strong advocate for the students, faculty, and department as a whole by endowing scholarships, sponsoring leadership and education programs, and assisting with research and infrastructure projects have been possible because of the support from Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries.

Nebraska Block and Bridle Honoree
Doyle Wolverton, an emeritus professor, will be recognized as the 2025 Block and Bridle Club honoree. Since 1938, the Block and Bridle Club has recognized individuals who contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities, and involvement with the university. The candidates are nominated by industry leaders and selected by the club officers and advisors.

After serving as an ag instructor and in extension director and specialist roles in the state of Iowa for 20 years, Wolverton joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an associate professor of animal science and youth livestock extension specialist in 1980. Doyle spent the next 17 years working closely with numerous livestock organizations to develop educational and leadership opportunities for youth who were passionate about agriculture and the livestock industries. An innovator, Wolverton was the first to develop and implement a “Meat Animal Quality Assurance Program” for those showing livestock, a precursor to the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training now required of everyone who shows livestock. Doyle also facilitated the early adoption of real-time ultrasound as a method to collect carcass data for livestock shows. Coordinating livestock shows for the Nebraska State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben, Wolverton engaged with nearly 3,000 exhibitors that showed more than 6,000 animals annually. Doyle is a champion of programs that emphasize education, responsibility, and leadership development including coordinating Ak-Sar-Ben’s “Catch a Calf” program that challenged youth to not only raise and show the animals but to maintain detailed records and interact with industry sponsors.

For over 40 years, Doyle has maintained long-standing ties to the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, having served on the management and operations committees, serving as the contest superintendent in 1987-88, and sponsoring an award for the winning coach at the contest. Wolverton assisted in the running of the contest by procuring the livestock for the classes, caring for the livestock, and managing all of the backend operations of the contest. Doyle has judged hundreds of county livestock shows, facilitated competitive events at the local, state, and national levels, and has always placed educational value at the forefront of competitive youth events. Through his interaction with tens of thousands of youth at contests over the years, his contributions to the future of animal agriculture are immeasurable.



ISU Workshop will help cattlemen plan for successful breeding season

Feed costs and reproductive inefficiency are the two largest expenses in a beef cow enterprise. To help beef producers gear up for a successful breeding season, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University, ISU Extension and Outreach Shelby County, and Farm Service Cooperative are partnering on a breeding season workshop focused on nutrition set for April 29 in west central Iowa. The program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Boniface Parish Hall, 305 Duren St., Westphalia, with a meal served at 5:30 p.m.

Erika-Lundy Woolfolk, ISU extension beef specialist for southwest Iowa, is coordinating the workshop and said attendees will benefit from the variety of topics addressed.

“Nutrition is one of the most important factors that must be managed well in order to reach calf crop goals,” she said. “The workshop will include both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities focused on the importance of nutrition leading up to and through the breeding season.”

The program features the following presentation topics, as well as a Q&A session with presenters and local representatives.
    Nutrition’s role in reproduction.
    Livestock risk protection options.
    Utilizing ration formulation software (BRaNDS) to assess beef diets.

In addition to Lundy-Woolfolk, presenters are Tim Christensen, ISU extension farm management specialist, Dan Hosch with Zinpro, and Noah Sellner with Nelson Farm Supply.

Workshop attendance is free, and thanks to sponsorship from Farm Service Cooperative the evening meal is also provided at no charge. Please RSVP no later than April 23 by calling Shelby County Extension at 712-755-3104 or emailing dlascot@iastate.edu.



February Milk Production in the United States down 2.5 Percent

Milk production in the United States during February totaled 17.7 billion pounds, down 2.5 percent from February 2024. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,885 pounds for February,
61 pounds below February 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.41 million head, 62,000 head more than February 2024, and 15,000 head more than January 2025.



February Egg Production Down 9 Percent

United States egg production totaled 7.85 billion during February 2025, down 9 percent from last year. Production included 6.67 billion table eggs, and 1.18 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.09 billion were broiler-type and 93.4 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during February 2025 totaled 355 million, down 6 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,210 eggs, down 3 percent from February 2024.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on March 1, 2025 totaled 351 million, down 8 percent from last year. The 351 million layers consisted of 285 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 61.6 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.93 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2025, averaged 79.2 eggs per 100 layers, up slightly from March 1, 2024.



USDA Announces New FPAC Leadership to Better Serve Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. These appointees will lead efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers have the support they need to keep feeding, fueling, and clothing America.

“FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Following this week’s $10 billion economic assistance announcement, these appointees will help ensure that support gets to farmers and ranchers without bureaucratic delays. Strong leadership in FPAC means real results, less red tape, and a USDA that works for those who feed, fuel, and clothe America. I’m proud to welcome these new leaders who will champion our farmers and rural communities.”

The FPAC mission area plays a vital role in delivering USDA programs directly to farmers and ranchers across the country, from disaster assistance and risk management to conservation efforts that protect and enhance working lands. These newly appointed leaders will be instrumental in executing these programs efficiently and effectively, reinforcing the Trump Administration’s commitment to rural America.

Brooke Appleton Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Brooke Shupe Appleton serves as the Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Most recently, Appleton served as Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association. In this role, Appleton led NCGA’s Washington, D.C. office, overseeing advocacy for policy effecting corn farmers across the country. Previously, Appleton served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary at USDA during the first Trump Administration. Prior to her time at USDA, Appleton worked at the National Association and Wheat Growers and started her career on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Representative Sam Graves of Missouri. Appleton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia and was raised on her family’s row crop and cattle farm in Stanberry, Missouri.

Andrew Fisher Appointed as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation
Andrew Fisher serves as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). Most recently, Andrew served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and previously held the same position for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri. Andrew grew up on a farrow to wean hog operation where he also assisted his grandfather with backgrounding cattle.

Aubrey Bettencourt Appointed as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service
Aubrey Bettencourt will serve as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Aubrey is a prominent leader in agriculture, water, and sustainability, most recently serving as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company. Her previous roles include serving as President and CEO of the Almond Alliance and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the first Trump Administration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to water policy, agricultural support, and sustainable practices, supported by her family’s farming roots in Kings County, California. Aubrey holds a degree in History from Westmont College.

Bill Beam Appointed as Administrator for the Farm Service Agency
Bill Beam will serve as the Administrator for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Bill is from Elverson, Pennsylvania where he owns and operates Beam Farms Inc. with his family. In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, Beam Farms has a sawdust and wood shavings business that serves the wood industry and agriculture throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Bill has served on various boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, United States Soybean Export Council, Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment and Tel Hai Board. Bill formerly served as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for FSA in the first Trump Administration.

Pat Swanson Appointed as Administrator for the Risk Management Agency
Pat Swanson will serve as the Administrator for the Risk Management Agency (RMA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Most recently, Pat has served as a director for the American Soybean Association (ASA) and completed her term on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board. Along with her husband, Don, Pat has experience running a crop insurance agency, helping farmers in southeastern Iowa manage risk through crop, forage, pasture and livestock insurance. Pat and her family run a seventh-generation farm near Ottumwa, Iowa. They raise soybeans, corn, and have a cow-calf operation. Pat is an alumna of Iowa State University and is passionate about advocating for farmers through her involvement with Iowa 4-H, CommonGround Iowa and her work with ASA.

Colton Buckley Appointed as Chief of Staff for Natural Resources Conservation Service
Colton Buckley serves as the Chief of Staff for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Most recently, Colton served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Previously, Colton was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board of Directors, representing rural economic development. He is a proud alumnus of Turning Point USA. Colton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University, a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University, and was raised on his grandparents’ cattle ranch in Gatesville, Texas.