Monday April 14 Ag News

 GROUNDWATER REPORT SHOWS CONTINUED DECLINE IN EASTERN NEBRASKA

The annual Nebraska Statewide Groundwater-Level Report from the Conservation and Survey Division in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources shows that groundwater levels in the eastern half of the state continue to decline following several years of persistent drought.

Statewide, groundwater levels declined on average 0.52 feet in spring 2024, even though precipitation was above average in the western half of the Cornhusker State. Despite the declines, Nebraska has significantly more groundwater than the other states atop the High Plains aquifer system.

Variations in groundwater levels and precipitation are intimately linked. Precipitation is the main source of aquifer replenishment in Nebraska, partially replacing water removed from the ground for irrigation and domestic use. Hotter and drier growing seasons result in a greater need for irrigation while providing less water for recharge. Both effects can cause a decline in groundwater levels. However, years with above-average precipitation provide more water for groundwater recharge and typically less pumping for irrigation. These effects generally cause a rise in groundwater levels.

Nearly 5,000 wells were measured in spring 2023 and spring 2024 to monitor changes in groundwater levels in Nebraska. Sixty-one percent of the wells recorded a groundwater-level decline in spring 2024. The largest declines, exceeding 10 feet, occurred in the eastern half of Nebraska, where precipitation was generally below average during the same period. Much of Nebraska experienced some level of drought for most of the preceding five years. However, easing drought conditions during the 2023 growing season in western Nebraska drove local rises in groundwater levels.

Nebraska has more than 99,000 active irrigation wells, providing water to support the agricultural economy. Pumping water from aquifers through a vast number of wells can be detrimental to the long-term sustainability of water resources. However, Nebraska has a nation-leading system of groundwater management in its 23 Natural Resources Districts. The districts regulate groundwater with comprehensive regional management plans that undergo periodic updates. Still, recent and long-term groundwater-level declines in some parts of the state are concerning. Some wells in these areas may eventually go dry or need to be drilled deeper.

The annual report’s long-term change maps — spanning pre-groundwater-irrigation times to the present — verify the overall abundance of groundwater in Nebraska. But high-magnitude local changes in groundwater levels, from declines exceeding 130 feet to rises exceeding 120 feet, have also been apparent in successive iterations of the same map. Groundwater levels in most of the state have experienced a net change of less than 20 feet since predevelopment times.

Parts of Chase, Perkins, Dundy and Box Butte counties, in contrast, have experienced major, sustained declines in groundwater levels due to a combination of factors. Irrigation wells are notably dense in these counties, annual precipitation is comparatively low, and there is little or no surface-water recharge to groundwater there.

The report was authored by Aaron Young, Mark Burbach, Susan Lackey, R. M. Joeckel and Jeffrey Westrop, all researchers in the Conservation and Survey Division.

A free PDF of the report can be downloaded at https://go.unl.edu/groundwater. Printed copies can be purchased for $7 at the Nebraska Maps and More Store, 3310 Holdrege St. Phone orders are accepted at 402-472-3471.



Soil Health Assessment Training Focuses on Sustainability and Productivity

Producers are invited to attend a soil health assessment training workshop, hosted by Nebraska Extension, on Tuesday, April 22 at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), near Mead, Nebraska. The training will provide the opportunity to enhance knowledge of sustainable soil practices through presentations, field activities and networking.

The training runs from 9 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. ENREEC is located at 1071 Co. Rd. G, Ithaca, Nebraska.

The training provides in-depth sessions on soil health assessment and interpretation of soil lab analyses. Learn about the latest techniques and best practices to improve soil sustainability and productivity.

The agenda includes:
    NRCS Adaptive Management for Soil Health and Soil Health Testing — Carlos Villareal, NRCS state soil scientist
    Soil health assessment strategies (UNL Big Scale) – Step by Step — Caro Córdova, PhD, UNL soil health specialist
    Cropland Soil Health Assessment — UNL and NRCS instructors
    Cover crop demo plots and soil health report — Katja Koehler-Cole, UNL soil health educator
    Interpretation of soil laboratory analysis — Richard Ferguson, UNL soil fertility specialist
    Future UNL soil health events, research, and event evaluation

Register online by Thursday, April 17 https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soil-health-program/events/. Limited to the first 40 participants.



Collegiate Farm Bureau Leaders Receive Ron Hanson Scholarship

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded the 2025 Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to three University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) students. All are members of the Collegiate Farm Bureau and are pursuing degrees in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

This year’s recipients — Addy Donelson of Newman Grove, Carson Maricle of Albion, and Morgan Bonifas of Aurora — each received a $1,500 scholarship in recognition of their leadership, involvement, and commitment to the future of agriculture.

Established by Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at UNL, the scholarship honors students who make leadership a priority during their college careers.

“Dr. Hanson chose to continue his legacy of service through this scholarship, and we are proud to steward his generous gift,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “He’s a longtime Farm Bureau member who understands the power of involvement, and this scholarship supports students who are stepping up to lead and make a difference in their communities.”

Applicants were evaluated on their involvement with UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, leadership and volunteer activities, and career goals.

Addy Donelson, a sophomore studying agricultural and environmental sciences communication, serves as vice president of public relations and communication for UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau and as the public policy intern for Nebraska Farm Bureau. A dedicated advocate, she has represented Nebraska at national Farm Bureau conferences, served as a voting delegate at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, and promotes membership in her community. She also leads Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and is involved in Sigma Alpha and the Nebraska Corn and Soybean Ambassador program. Donelson plans to pursue a career in agricultural policy.

Carson Maricle, a junior majoring in agricultural economics, currently serves as president of the UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. He also represents students on the state Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee. Maricle helped create a new scholarship in partnership with Lancaster County Farm Bureau to support student participation in national conferences. After graduation, he plans to return to his family’s diversified farm and launch an ag technology company.

Morgan Bonifas, a freshman studying agricultural and environmental sciences communication, is already an active member of Collegiate Farm Bureau, attending events and growing her professional network. She is involved in the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, the Ag Sack Lunch Program, and serves as a Corn and Soybean Ambassador. Bonifas aspires to open a greenhouse business in rural Nebraska.

“My congratulations to Addy, Carson, and Morgan,” said Schafer. “It’s a privilege to recognize their outstanding leadership and commitment to agriculture. These students represent the next generation of changemakers for our industry.”



CAP Webinar: Irrigation Efficiency Ratios for Profit and Productivity
Apr 17, 2025 12:00 PM
Matt Stockton, Professor, Agricultural Economics, UNL
Shannon Sand, Extension Ag Economist, UNL

Using the right efficiency ratios can be critical in assessing the sustainability of productivity and profitability of irrigation and nitrogen resources. This webinar examines three different efficiency metrics,  the Water-Nitrogen Intensification Performance Index (WNIPI), Dollar Return of Irrigation and Nitrogen (DRIN), and Net Return to Irrigation and Nitrogen (NRIN). Each measure has it strengths and weaknesses. The DRIN and NRIN rely on three factors, costs, revenues, and productivity. These two measures are easy to develop. By understanding these simple metrics and applying them through time progress can be made toward individual business goals and objectives. Understanding the relationship between the biological and economic factors are explored in this webinar.

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.



Pillen Joins Republican Governors Advocating for Increase in Renewable Volume Obligation for Biofuels

Governor Jim Pillen has joined other Republican governors asking the U.S. EPA to bump up the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO), to help meet the nation’s energy goals and promote growth in the agriculture and biofuels industries.

“Because of renewable fuels policy, we now have 24 ethanol plants. We have the infrastructure that allows Nebraska to be the epicenter of the new bioeconomy. Increasing RVO levels will benefit our state’s biofuels producers and is key to rural economic revitalization.”

The joint letter, addressed to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, says in part:

“Over the past several years, the biofuels industry has made significant investments to expand domestic production capacity and strengthen feedstock supply. Unfortunately, the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels set by the previous Administration failed to reflect this growth. As a result, an increasing number of biofuel producers, including ethanol and biodiesel facilities, have been forced to slow or cease operations, costing rural communities jobs and weakening key markets for American farmers.”

The Governors are asking the EPA to establish a 2016 RVO of no less than 15 billion gallons for conventional ethanol and 5.25 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel.

Including Gov. Pillen, other governors who signed the letter include: Gov. Kim Reynolds (IA), Gov. Gov. Mike Kehoe (MO), and Gov. Larry Rhoden (SD).



IRFA Thanks Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for Years of Leadership, Advancing Iowa Agriculture and Renewable Fuels

Friday Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she will not seek reelection for another term after nearly a decade as the 43rd governor of Iowa. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) members sincerely thank Gov. Reynolds for her many years of leadership, especially for her success in advancing Iowa agriculture and renewable fuels.

“Today is a bittersweet day,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “While IRFA members are disappointed Gov. Kim Reynolds won’t be running for reelection, we have very fond memories of her many accomplishments. The Governor has been a tireless advocate for growing the state’s renewable fuels industry, championing nation-leading public policy that always pushes the needle. After decades of public service to Iowa at the local and state level, Gov. Reynolds owes nothing more to Iowa, yet we owe her so much. IRFA members thank Gov. Reynolds for her outstanding leadership in ensuring Iowa agriculture continues to feed and fuel the world today and long into the future.”

In her decade as Iowa’s chief executive, Gov. Reynolds led efforts to:
    Establish the nation’s first E15 Access Standard, ensuring Iowa consumers have access to E15 which usually costs 15-20 cents less per gallon.
    Create the nation’s first ever B20 and B30 retailer tax credits to maximize the use of biodiesel in Iowa.
    Secure new regulations for 8 Midwest states from the U.S. EPA that allow E15 to be sold year-round.
    Appropriate record funding for Iowa’s nation-leading Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), a public-private cost-share program to help Iowa retailers install the equipment necessary to offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel to consumers.
    Enact a first-of-its-kind E40 future proofing standard for Iowa fuel dispensing equipment, ensuring Iowa retailers will be ready when higher blends enter the marketplace. As a result, the two largest fuel pump manufacturers (representing over 90% of the market) have made E40 compatibility their base offering from coast-to-coast.
    Shift Iowa’s renewable fuel tax differentials from low blends to E15 and B20 or higher blends, thereby increasing funds for Iowa’s roads and bridges while also driving greater renewable fuel sales.
    Protect the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS) blending levels to grow demand for Iowa corn, soybeans and animal fats.

“I suppose some would mention Gov. Reynolds’ time as a high school cheerleader in an effort to undercut her,” added Shaw. “But I was always impressed with her inherit confidence. Rather than shy away from that, she leaned in. She knew who she was; she was Iowa’s cheerleader. She was the best cheerleader for Iowa farmers and renewable fuels producers you could ever hope for. That might not sound like much, but when you’re beating your head against bureaucrats in DC, Gov. Reynolds’ energy, spirit and never give up attitude often made the difference. Her list of accomplishments speaks for itself.”

As a result of Gov. Reynolds’ policies:
    E15 sales climbed from 0.3% (28 million gallons) to nearly 20% (257 million gallons) of Iowa fuel sales.
    Iowa leads the nation in E15 retail locations and sales.
    E85 sales grew from 13.5 to 29.1 million gallons.
    Biodiesel blended in Iowa increased 78%.
    Sales of B11 and higher blends improved from 240 to 407 million gallons.*

“IRFA also wants to give a special shoutout to the First Dude, Kevin Reynolds,” added Shaw. “Kevin has served as the Habitat Establishment Coordinator for our Monarch Fueling Station program for many years. Thanks to him, we have scores of acres around Iowa’s renewable fuels facilities that are dedicated to native plants and flowers specifically designed to attract and nourish monarch butterflies as well as other pollinators. We hope that work will continue.”

IRFA works to help member plants establish Monarch Fueling Stations at biofuel facilities across Iowa, as monarchs have faced concerning declines in population over the past two decades. This project is one of many efforts across the state to create more monarch habitat.



Secretary Naig Issues Statement on Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Decision Not to Seek Re-Election

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement regarding Gov. Kim Reynolds decision not to seek re-election:

“Gov. Kim Reynolds has been an unwavering champion for Iowa agriculture, our farmers, and rural communities. She will stand among the most successful and impactful leaders in our state’s history. From cutting taxes on hard-working Iowans and streamlining state government to expanding access to biofuels and giving parents a choice in their child’s education, her legacy is that of a leader who always kept her focus on enhancing freedom and making Iowa more prosperous for all.  

As she concludes this final term, I know she will continue to confidently lead while adding victories for Iowans to her long list of accomplishments. I join with countless others who will miss her passionate and enthusiastic leadership, and I extend my heartfelt thanks for everything she has done to serve Iowans. Jaime and I wish her, Kevin and the whole family well in her next chapter.”



IFBF statement on Governor Kim Reynolds' decision not to seek re-election in 2026
Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson

"Iowa Farm Bureau and its members across the state are grateful for Governor Reynolds’ partnership and unwavering commitment to Iowa agriculture and support for our farm communities.

Under Governor Reynolds’ leadership, there have been countless accomplishments and advancements for Iowa agriculture, farmers and rural communities that leave our state well positioned for continued success.

From her support of Iowa’s biofuels industry, historic tax reform and championing conservation progress, Governor Reynolds has made a tremendous impact on the state of Iowa that will yield positive results for years to come.

Although Governor Reynolds decided not to seek re-election in 2026, our work together is not done.  We look forward to partnering with Governor Reynolds through the conclusion of her final term to advance policy that supports Iowa agriculture and leads our great state forward.

Governor Reynolds leaves a lasting legacy of accomplishment, and our members thank her for her service to Iowa, and we wish her the best in her next chapter."



Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon Sweeps NAMA Awards

The Iowa Pork Producers Association’s ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ initiative was the big winner at the Best of NAMA awards this week. The National Agri-Marketing Association judged 950 award entries in more than 60 categories, and ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ was proclaimed the Grand Champion. The initiative also won Best of Show for communications to consumers, and first place for Social Media campaign directed to consumers.

‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ started in September 2023 as a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership between Iowa Pork and Iowa State Cyclone football players Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon, to encourage people to purchase more ham and bacon. A photo of the four Cyclones, strategically placed behind a large ham and 14 pounds of bacon, went viral across social media, gained significant national media attention, and was named Best NIL Deal of 2023 by the Sports Business Journal.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) partnered with the Meyocks agency for a sequel in 2024. A series of video skits with Purchase, Moore, Hamann, and Bacon serving as judges while several of their teammates and other Cyclone student-athletes tryout to be part of the campaign.

A retail component was also added to this year’s effort. Hy-Vee’s top 200 stores across the Midwest displayed ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ signage as part of a tailgate promotion in September and October, designed to boost pork sales. The effort succeeded.

“Iowa pork producers are thrilled with the response to ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ and kudos to everyone involved in this effort,” said Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “We’re grateful for the Iowa State Cyclone student-athletes, the We Will Collective, Meyocks, Hy-Vee, and IPPA staffers Kevin Hall and Joyce Hoppes, who led the charge to make it all happen.”

“This is a great example of a partnership that not only engages our consumers but also helps Iowa farmers and pork producers,” said Jason Pride, Hy-Vee vice president of meat and seafood. “We also want to thank the Iowa Pork Producers Association for being a partner in our efforts to reduce hunger across the state with the tremendous donation to food banks across Iowa.”

IPPA donated $1,000 worth of pork to the food pantry of choice for each Cyclone student-athlete that participated in the promotion, and an additional $16,000 worth of pork to the Iowa Food Bank Association. The effort amounted to nearly 50,000 servings of valuable protein for people facing food insecurity.

“This initiative promoted pork in a positive way, boosted pork sales in Hy-Vee stores across the Midwest, and stocked food pantries with valuable protein to help folks who are less fortunate. Great job by everyone involved,” Aaron Juergens added.

IPPA extends its gratitude to Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon and for all their efforts during this partnership, to all the other student-athletes who joined the initiative, and to the We Will Collective, a nonprofit organization that helped organize the Cyclones' participation in the promotion.

“We are thrilled to see the continued success and visibility for the Iowa Pork Producers Association and our hardworking pig farmers, thanks in part to Iowa State student-athletes,” said Brent Blum, executive director of the We Will Collective. “This has truly been a win/win for the NIL world.”