Friday April 04, 2025 Ag News

Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement honors two leaders, welcomes nine new members

The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement (NHAA) recognized two outstanding agricultural leaders and inducted nine new members during its annual banquet, held March 28 on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus.

Founded in 1916, the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement is dedicated to preserving and advancing Nebraska agriculture. Each year, the organization recognizes individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on the state’s agricultural industry.

Honorees celebrated at the 2025 event are:

Keith Glewen, Lincoln
Keith Glewen dedicated over 40 years to Nebraska Extension, focusing on agronomic and environmental education. He was instrumental in creating hands-on programs like the Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics and the Soybean Management Field Days, which provided practical, research-based training to thousands of growers and crop advisors. Glewen also helped launch the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network, empowering producers to conduct their own field trials. His legacy includes initiatives promoting sustainability, cover crops, and data-driven innovation that continue to benefit Nebraska agriculture.

Greg Ibach, Sumner
Greg Ibach has held leadership roles spanning local, state, and national levels. A lifelong cattleman and former director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Ibach most recently served as Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His efforts have enhanced Nebraska’s livestock industry, expanded international trade, and improved animal health policy. Today, he continues serving the industry as Undersecretary in Residence at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

During the banquet, the NHAA also inducted nine new members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to agriculture in Nebraska:
    Ronnie Green, Lincoln – Chancellor Emeritus, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Tiffany Heng-Moss, Lincoln – Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, UNL
    Dan Hughes, Venango – Farmer, former Nebraska State Senator
    Brandon Hunnicutt, Giltner – Fifth-generation farmer, Vice Chair, Nebraska Corn Board
    Dan Morgan, Burwell – Rancher, founder of Morgan Ranch Wagyu
    Joan Ruskamp, Dodge – Feedlot operator, past chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board
    Robert Stout, Alliance – Retired veterinarian, ag and community leader
    Vern Terrell, Hay Springs – Farmer and rancher, conservation innovator
    Jerry Underwood, Alliance – Retired feedlot operator, youth and rural advocate

More information about honorees and the organization’s history can be found at NHAA.unl.edu.



Ricketts Celebrates New Sustainable Beef Facility: “This is What Value-Added Agriculture Looks Like”

This week U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), celebrated the new Sustainable Beef processing facility. Ricketts spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. He made the following comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media:

“Sustainable Beef is a huge win for North Platte, for Nebraska, and for the entire beef industry,” Ricketts said. “Local businesses in North Platte are expanding. More families are moving in. This is what happens when we invest in agriculture. This is what value-added agriculture looks like. It’s taking our products and processing them to capture more of the economics.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how dangerous it is to depend upon Communist China for critical supply chains,” Ricketts continued. “Without our farmers and ranchers, America would depend on other countries for the food we eat. That’s why facilities like Sustainable Beef are so important. They strengthen our economy, defend our way of life, and protect our domestic food supply chain. With the dedication of Nebraska’s producers, the future of our beef industry is bright.”



Nebraska FFA honors outstanding contributions through VIP, Distinguished Service and Cornerstone Awards

The Nebraska State FFA Association recognizes those who have dedicated themselves to doing their part to better the organization and the assisting the chapters and students in it. At the 97th Nebraska FFA State Convention, April 2-4, individuals and organizations have been awarded the following honors at various sessions:

The VIP and Distinguished Service Award recipients exemplify service to the FFA Association. The VIP Award is given to an individual, and the Distinguished Service Award is presented to a company or organization. The 2025 recipient of the VIP Award is Frank J. Fleecs of Sutherland. The 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award is the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.

The Cornerstone Awards are sponsored by Cornerstone Bank and are given to school administrators who offer support and invest time into their agricultural education programs and FFA Chapters. The 2025 recipients of the Cornerstone Award are:
● Stephanie Brandyberry, Alma
● James Cunningham, Omaha Bryan
● Travis Ludwig, Stuart
● Terry Zessin, Wood River

The 2025 Nebraska FFA Convention concludes later today in Lincoln.



CVA Empyrean sponsors the John Cook Team Roping Classic

Central Valley Ag has proudly announced its premier sponsorship of the inaugural John Cook Team Roping Classic, scheduled for April 12 and 13, 2025 at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. This event, initiated by Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook, underscores his passion for horses and roping, aiming to give back to the community.

The two-day event features a team roping competition on April 13 and a youth roping clinic on April 12, led by National Finals Rodeo talent Billie Jack Saebens. Additionally, a Calcutta auction will be held, with 15% of the proceeds dedicated to providing scholarships for the Nebraska College Rodeo Program. Tickets can still be purchased at The Fort in Lincoln.

In conjunction with their sponsorship, CVA is offering a special promotion during the event: attendees can receive 10% off their first order of CVA Empyrean by signing up for CVA's email or text communications.

CVA Empyrean sets the gold standard as a year-round equine feed solution, designed to support horses throughout their lives. Crafted by Kentucky Equine Research with meticulous care, CVA Empyrean boasts a powerful blend of nutritional elements, with Amaferm at its core, to optimize equine health and performance.

With CVA Empyrean, horse owners can trust in a superior feed solution that prioritizes health, longevity, and peak performance, making it the preferred choice for equine enthusiasts worldwide. Learn more about CVA Empyrean at cvacoop.com/feed.



Fischer, Colleagues Ask Trump to Permit the Nationwide, Year-Round Sale of E15

Thursday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and their colleagues in asking President Trump to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel through the summer of 2025 to enhance America’s energy security and lower fuel costs for consumers while leveraging American agriculture.

The senators’ bipartisan letter also highlights the need for a “permanent legislative solution to allow nationwide, year-round E15 sales.” Fischer’s legislation, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of year-round E15.

“Currently, the eight Midwestern governors’ petitions to sell E15 year-round has allowed for an agreement between both ethanol and petroleum stakeholders in support of a permanent legislative solution to allow nationwide, year-round E15 sales,” the senators wrote. “In the interim, taking action to permit the sale of E15 nationwide during the 2025 summer driving season also will be beneficial for consumers, the domestic energy industry, and agricultural producers…”

“Utilizing American ethanol year-round is a direct solution to reinforcing our energy supply and reducing consumer costs, and the issuance of a nationwide waiver for the 2025 summer driving season is a clear path toward these shared goals,” the senators continued.

The senators’ letter requests that President Trump use the nationwide temporary waivers provided under the Clean Air Act to extend the Reid vapor pressure waiver through the 2025 summer driving season.

The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).



Gov. Pillen Comments on Trump Trade Plan

Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement regarding President Trump’s Liberation Day announcement of his fair-trade plan.

“Our farmers and ranchers feed the world and produce the best. We lead on trade – and Nebraska is tired of being duped by takers around the world. President Trump is taking bold action to combat decades of cheating and unfair trade practices. In a phone call last night with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, I told her that Nebraska is in this for the long haul. As a pork producer, I totally understand the short-term economic challenges we’re all feeling. But we’re working hard through this period, and I will do my best to ensure that Nebraska’s interests are heard during this time.”



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding President Trump’s Recent Trade Actions

“With the economic futures of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families at stake, it is imperative increased market access and barrier elimination be our ultimate goal in the months ahead. Unfortunately, after four years of complete inaction, we have seen the U.S. agricultural trade deficit reach historic levels as other countries continued to expand trade while we sat still. President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins have repeatedly promised to level the playing-field and expand markets for farmers and ranchers when it comes to international trade, and we hold them to that promise. However, we fear yesterday’s announced plan to increase tariffs threatens the economic future of farm and ranch families who have lost money on most major crops for the past three years.

As we sit just before spring planting and towards the end of spring calving seasons in Nebraska, the window for success can only be open for so long. We remain committed to working with the Trump administration to quickly eliminate unnecessary international trade barriers and find new trading partners.”



ISA Reviews Legislation

A handful of ag-related bills are still under review in the Iowa Legislature, which is scheduled to adjourn in roughly a month.

Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Katie Hall and Megan Decker recently highlighted the status of some of these bills.

Pesticide labeling
The Pesticide Labeling bill (SF 394) passed the Iowa Senate last week in a 26-21 vote. According to Hall and Decker, this legislation helps protect farmers’ access to safe and essential chemistries like glyphosate. Crop protection labels are strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The human toxicology studies underpinning the glyphosate registration found that glyphosate, when used as directed, is not carcinogenic.

Due to that finding, it’s illegal under federal law for manufacturers to label glyphosate as a “potentially” or “likely” carcinogenic. Hall, ISA’s senior director of advocacy, says to do so would violate its federal registration. Yet, manufacturers are being sued for failing to include the incorrect warning on their labels.

“ISA supports limiting civil lawsuits against manufacturers of glyphosate due to failure to warn,” she says. “We support all efforts to protect farmers’ access to safe and essential chemistries.”

Grain Indemnity Fund
The House Grain Indemnity Fund Bill (HF 508) that mirrors ISA’s position, passed the Ways and Means subcommittee last week. ISA has registered its favor of the bill which includes:
    Increasing the floor and ceiling to $8 million and $16 million, respectively;
    Protections of credit sale contracts, while keeping the total liability in check by omitting coverage of deferred payment contracts;
    Specialty soybeans and corn be paid out at the respective commodity price (not a premium); and
    Statutory restrictions against using the fund to pay for the fund’s administration.

The Senate, meanwhile, passed its version of the Grain Indemnity Fund Bill (SF 608) out of the Ways and Means Committee in mid-March, which includes all credit sale contracts.

ISA officially remains undecided on SF 608.

“We support modernizing the fund and extending coverage to credit sale contracts, but we believe excluding deferred payment credit sale contracts is the right approach. This strikes a balance - expanding coverage while maintaining the fund’s sustainability. Including deferred payments would significantly increase liability, potentially depleting the fund if a single co-op fails,” says Decker, ISA’s manager of advocacy.

Repeal of Forest and Fruit Tree Property Tax Exemptions
ISA is supportive of all three bills related to the repeal of the forest and fruit tree tax exemptions.

“We are concerned that the misuse of this program shifts the tax burden from exempt landowners to those in the rest of the country,” says Hall. “Broad enrollment of acres in certain southern counties of the state has begun to materially impact county budgets. The bills proposed this session provide a step in the right direction.”

Those bills include:
SF 17: A bill for an act modifying provisions governing the taxation of forest reservations and fruit-tree reservations and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. Status: Passed subcommittee on March 19.

HF 634/SF 219: An act relating to forest and fruit-tree reservations and providing a fee. Status: The senate version passed the subcommittee on March 25.

Banning margarine in schools
HF 212 would ban the use of margarine and the use of seed oils in meals and beverages sold and made by schools, limiting demand for soybean oil and increasing costs to families and schools. This bill would restrict access to a safe, nutritious, and essential component of diets and one that has been proven to reduce chronic disease risk and improve overall health.

Decker and Hall say seed oils, like soybean oil, are crucial sources of healthy, essential fats.

“Despite recent claims suggesting potential risks, scientific evidence consistently supports the role of vegetable oils like soybean oil in promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of chronic conditions,” says Hall. “As a soybean producer, your product plays a key role in feeding our future generations and should be protected for use in school meals.”

This bill passed out of the House Education Committee and could now be taken up on the House floor. ISA is registered against this bill and continues to share with legislators the importance of this market for soybean farmers and for protecting consumer choice.

“We support the proposed amendment that would allow schools to utilize healthy, locally produced oils like soybean oil,” Decker says.



In Wake of Fresh Tariffs, ASA Urges Administration to Quickly Negotiate with Countries Facing Higher Tariffs—Including China Phase 2

While it was not unexpected, the resulting cloud of concern following the administration’s tariff announcement is not without fallout—in the form of continued market uncertainty, the threat of lost business to existing soy markets due to potential tariff retaliation, price increases on inputs and more. The announcement of 10% baseline tariffs on all countries and additional, individualized tariff rates on approximately 60 countries impacts all of U.S. soy’s Top 10 export markets. This includes #1 export market China. The new duties on China will stack atop the 20% tariffs already imposed, bringing the tariff rate on Chinese goods entering the U.S. to 54%.

Despite the gloom of increasing tariffs across the globe and what that may mean for their businesses, soybean farmers are hopeful the administration has a plan to quickly negotiate with impacted countries.

ASA President Caleb Ragland, who farms soy and other crops in Kentucky, said “We are hoping that from obstacles can come opportunity and that the administration will swiftly work with the affected countries to create new market access opportunities for U.S. soy and other U.S. products in these markets so these higher tariffs can be removed. That includes pursuing a Phase 2 Trade Agreement with China.”

There is a sense of urgency for trade negotiations, as concerns about retaliatory action from key export markets are top of mind for U.S. soybean farmers. Farmers reliant on export markets have several asks of the administration, including:

1. Quickly Updating the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement – USMCA has been a success for soybean farmers, and soy growers strongly support continuation of the agreement. USMCA is scheduled for review next year, and ASA looks forward to working with the administration during the review process. USMCA has been critical to continuing strong growth over 40 years in agricultural and food trade in North America. We urge the administration to fold current trade issues the U.S. may have with either Canada or Mexico into negotiations for an update to the agreement before the mandated review next year. U.S. farmers and ranchers, our supply chains, and rural communities depend on trade with Canada and Mexico and do not want to suffer from loss of inputs from or exports to these important trading partners due to tariff retaliation.

2. Quickly Negotiating a “Phase Two” Trade Agreement with China – China is the number one trading partner for U.S. soybeans. President Trump and his team negotiated a strong “Phase One” trade agreement with China during his first term. Unfortunately, the agreement hit implementation snags and fell short of meeting its strong commitments. China has numerous issues that must be addressed in a Phase Two agreement, along with enforceable purchase commitments of U.S. agricultural goods. Agriculture needs a strong Phase Two agreement that addresses U.S. trade concerns and avoids a prolonged trade war. Soy farmers still suffer from negative impacts of lost market share, reputational damage, and expanded production in competitor countries stemming from China’s trade retaliation in 2018-2019 before the Phase One agreement was reached.

3. Utilizing the Reciprocal Tariffs Announcement to Level the Playing Field and Create New Market Access – ASA supports the administration’s goal of achieving greater fairness in U.S. trading relationships. Its reciprocal tariff strategy holds great promise for achieving new market access for U.S. agricultural goods, but ASA strongly encourages the administration to avoid punitive tariffs without negotiations to address tariff and non-tariff barriers. Tit-for-tat trade wars are not beneficial, and U.S. agriculture cannot afford them. Soy farmers urge the administration to quickly pursue agreements with priority countries so as to open market opportunities for U.S. agriculture and minimize the potential for retaliation.

ASA stands ready to work with the administration in an effort to secure and ensure soy has viable market opportunities and appreciates the administration working with agriculture to swiftly restore and bolster market access so that tariffs can be removed on key trade partners.



Growth Energy Applauds Senate Push for Consumer Access to E15

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded a bipartisan letter from 17 U.S. senators urging President Trump to move quickly on a summer waiver allowing uninterrupted sales of lower-cost E15, a fuel blend made with 15% ethanol that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. Led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the authors noted that preserving access to E15—as outlined in President Trump’s executive order declaring a national energy emergency—will put more American fuel in the marketplace, lower prices at the pump, and protect U.S. farmers.

“Year-round access to E15 can provide American families with immediate relief at the pump, while helping to restore the rural economy,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “It has saved drivers 10 to 30 cents per gallon over the past few summers, and swift action on a summer waiver will ensure that those savings don’t vanish from the marketplace on June 1. We applaud our champions in the Senate for their ongoing efforts to unleash the full power of American biofuels and provide more certain and reliable markets for U.S. farmers.”



RFA Thanks Bipartisan Senators for Support of Year-Round E15

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and a bipartisan group of 15 colleagues who called on President Trump to issue waivers permitting the sale of E15 fuel during the upcoming summer months.

“American families need relief at the gas pump, and E15 is a lower-cost fuel blend that can save them money each time they fill their tanks,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We thank Senators Thune and Durbin and their colleagues for working with the Trump administration to prioritize continued access to E15 during the summer driving season. Not only does year-round E15 help consumers save money, but it keeps an important market open for America’s farmers and ethanol producers. While the action requested by these Senators would help keep E15 flowing this summer, our ultimate objective is for Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act that would permanently authorize year-round E15 nationwide.”

In addition to Thune and Durbin, the letter was signed by Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

“The sale of higher blends of biofuels like E15 through the summer months supports the domestic fuel supply, reduces consumer costs, and promotes American biofuels and agriculture feedstocks,” the letter states. “Utilizing American ethanol year-round is a direct solution to reinforcing our energy supply and reducing consumer costs, and the issuance of a nationwide waiver for the 2025 summer driving season is a clear path toward these shared goals.”



February U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports Adjust to Market Shifts
Ann Lewis, Renewable Fuels Association

U.S. ethanol exports declined sharply in February, falling 30% to 138.7 million gallons (mg) amid significant fluctuations across key markets. Still, monthly volumes remained on par with year-ago levels. Half of all February shipments were directed to Canada and the European Union, with the remainder distributed among eight additional countries. Canada retained its position as the top destination for the 47th consecutive month, with exports easing 6% to 50.8 mg—representing 85% of all denatured fuel ethanol shipments. The European Union remained the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol (36% share), though volumes fell 42% to a four-month low of 17.6 mg. Several other markets experienced notable shifts. Exports to the Philippines surged 33% to a nine-month high of 15.0 mg, while shipments to India dropped 62% to a five-month low of 13.3 mg. Mexico rebounded sharply, climbing 87% to 11.0 mg. In contrast, shipments to the United Kingdom declined 39% to a 15-month low of 8.6 mg, and exports to Colombia contracted 49% to a 14-month low of 6.8 mg. Other key destinations included South Korea (6.6 mg), Peru (6.1 mg), and Egypt (1.7 mg). Notably, Brazil and China were absent from the market in February. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports totaled 336.8 mg—17% ahead of the same period last year.

Fuel ethanol imports into the U.S. were negligible in February, following 1.7 mg recorded in January.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, increased 5% in February to 849,645 metric tons (mt), reflecting strong global demand despite declines in several major markets. Mexico clung to its position as the top destination with shipments falling 45% to 127,203 mt—the lowest monthly volume in nearly four years. South Korea boosted its purchases by 12% to 118,840 mt, while exports to Colombia surged more than sevenfold to 73,911 mt. On the downside, shipments to Vietnam fell 28% to an eight-month low of 67,106 mt, and exports to Canada declined 14% to 57,618 mt. Other major markets included Indonesia (56,398 mt), the European Union (53,205 mt), Turkey (41,835 mt), Japan (41,351 mt), and New Zealand (30,000 mt). The remaining fifth of exports were dispersed among 29 additional countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports reached 1.66 million mt, trailing the year-ago pace by 12%.



Fighting Misinformation, Protecting Your Bottom Line: Soy Checkoff Champions Seed Oils During Soy Foods Month

As conversations around seed oils grow, U.S. soybean farmers can feel confident that their investment in the edible oils market is backed by strong, peer-reviewed science. Research continues to reaffirm the health benefits of seed oils, particularly soybean oil, emphasizing its value in the food industry and strengthening consumer trust in U.S. Soy.

This Soy Foods Month, the United Soybean Board is highlighting the essential role of soybean oil in American diets. This product continues to benefit consumer health and drive profitability for U.S. farmers.

“The Soy Checkoff invests to protect U.S. soybean farmers’ stake in the edible oils market and uphold the reputation of the healthfulness of soybean oil,” said Sara Stelter, United Soybean Board farmer-leader, Soy Nutrition Institute Global board member, and Wisconsin farmer. “Together with our partners, we’re working to reclaim the narrative around seed oils and make sure consumers have a correct understanding of decades of research supporting seed oils.”

Despite misinformation about seed oils, the Soy Checkoff is leading efforts to set the record straight. Through a strategic collaboration with Soy Nutrition Institute Global, the corn and canola commodity groups, and leading nutrition researchers, the checkoff is making sure the latest science-based findings are widely available.

In celebration of Soy Foods Month, it’s important to discuss the critical role soybean oil plays in the food supply. 45% of the soy oil market is used in cooking oils, baking, frying, salad dressings and margarine. Its versatility and affordability make it a top choice for both consumers and food manufacturers.

Recent peer-reviewed studies coordinated by SNI Global published in the British Journal of Nutrition and Nutrition Today confirm that seed oils high in unsaturated fatty acids — such as soybean oil — offer significant health benefits. Linoleic acid, the primary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid in soybean oil, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

In addition, soybean oil has a qualified health claim backed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that eating about 1½ tablespoons daily of soybean oil, which contains unsaturated fat, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

"Emerging research highlights the significant health benefits of seed oils, particularly those rich in the essential omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, such as soybean oil," said Dr. Mark Messina, MS, director of nutrition science and research for Soy Nutrition Institute Global. "These oils not only contribute to lowering cholesterol levels but also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases when included in a balanced diet. The evidence underscores their value as an important component of heart-healthy eating patterns."