Wednesday July 02 Ag New - OBBB passes Senate - Corn/Soy crush increases - Farmer sentiment declines in June - plus more!

 Fischer Statement on Senate Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: 

“Last November, Americans spoke loud and clear: they want safer communities, lower energy costs, and real relief for working families. Today, the Senate delivered—blocking a $4 trillion tax hike and investing in border security to keep America safe. This bill locks in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, saving the average Nebraska family $2,400 a year. It keeps taxes low, boosts small businesses, strengthens our military, supports farmers and ranchers, and makes energy more affordable for everyone.

“I’m also pleased this bill makes permanent my Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Tax Credit. Since I established the nation’s first and only federal PFML policy in 2017, this credit has empowered employers of all sizes to offer paid leave to their workers voluntarily, rather than through a government mandate. Now, employers across America have the certainty they need to support employees as they care for a newborn or an aging parent without sacrificing their job or paycheck.

“I urge the House to take up this bill and send it to the president’s desk so we can deliver on our promises to empower working families and keep America safe, strong, and prosperous.”

One Big Beautiful Bill Provisions:
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act  contains the following provisions championed by Fischer:
    Paid Family Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act: makes the PFML Employer Tax Credit—the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy—permanent, helping employers of all sizes to voluntarily—not through a government mandate—offer PFML plans to their employees;
    A carve-out for the Department of Defense—for the first time in history—of specific spectrum bands (3, 7, and 8 gigahertz frequencies) from general Federal Communications Commission auction authority, which will safeguard the missile defense of the homeland, protect our military radars and sensors, and lay the groundwork for long-term defense innovation—including the Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield; and
    A modified version of her Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act, which repeals a harmful Biden-era staffing mandate that would have forced several long-term care (LTC) facilities to close, depriving America’s seniors of care.

It also includes the following tax provisions to benefit Nebraska families:
    Prevents a more-than $2,400 tax hike on the average Nebraska family;
    Protects over 44,000 family-owned farms in Nebraska from having their death tax exemption cut in half;
    Protects 37,000 jobs in Nebraska from being lost;
    Ensures more than 239,000 Nebraska households’ child tax credit is not cut in half;
    Makes sure more than 868,000 Nebraska families’ standard deduction is not cut in half;
    Establishes work requirements for able-bodied adults who are choosing not to work and do not have dependent children or elderly parents in their care; and
    Ensures no taxes on tips or overtime for millions of tipped and hourly workers.

It also supports Nebraska’s agricultural industry by:
    Extending the 45Z Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit to support Nebraska’s farmers and biofuel producers;
    Investing in and modernizing the farm safety net, including improvements to crop insurance;
    Expanding markets for Nebraska’s ag producers by investing in trade promotion;
    Increasing funding for foreign animal disease prevention to protect Nebraska’s ag industry; and
    Increasing funding for agricultural research. 

The bill invests in America’s border security through the following provisions:
    $46.5 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to build the border wall and associated infrastructure;
    $45 billion to increase the detention of illegal migrants;
    $6 billion for improvements to surveillance at the border; and
    Funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase staffing and enhance migrant screening and vetting processes.

The bill also makes crucial investments in America’s national security through the following provisions:
    $15 billion to modernize nuclear weapons and delivery systems and to invest in the infrastructure needed to restore America’s ability to manufacture nuclear weapons;
    $25 billion to accelerate procurement of key munitions and expand production capacity;
    $25 billion for America’s Golden Dome—building a layered missile defense shield and developing space-based assets to protect the homeland and deployed troops; and
    $1 billion to support Department of Defense personnel and logistics for border security and counterdrug operations. 



Ricketts Celebrates One Big Beautiful Win for Nebraskans

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as part of the budget reconciliation process.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver for Nebraska,” said Ricketts.  “This legislation will result in increased security, strength, and prosperity for the American people.  The bill restores critical pro-growth business provisions and makes them permanent, benefitting Nebraska farming, ranching, and small business. Most of all, this is a win for families in Nebraska—creating a brighter future for our country.”

BACKGROUND:
This legislation is a win for Nebraska families:
    Prevents a $2,443 tax hike on the average Nebraska family.
    Protects over 44,000 family-owned farms in Nebraska from having their death tax exemption cut in half.
    Ensures more than 239,000 Nebraska households’ child tax credit is not cut in half.
    Makes sure more than 868,000 Nebraska families’ standard deduction is not cut in half.
    Establishes community engagement requirements for able-bodied adults who are choosing not to work and do not have dependent children or elderly parents in their care.



Senate Advances Bold Tax and Ag Package Benefiting Iowa's Soybean Farmers

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) applauds today’s U.S. Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping package delivering generational wins for soybean farmers through federal tax code reforms, farm safety net improvements, and biofuel incentives.

At the heart of the bill is a strengthened Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. It’s an essential tool for supporting biofuels, including biodiesel made from soybeans. The final Senate package reflects several of ISA’s top priorities including extension of 45Z through 2029, removal of indirect land use change (ILUC) penalties, and a new restriction ensuring only feedstocks sourced from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada qualify for the credit. Additionally, the Small Biodiesel Producer Credit increased to 20 cents per gallon, supporting local biodiesel plants and boosting market access for Iowa-grown soy.

“This bill corrects serious flaws in the clean fuel credit and ensures Iowa-grown soybeans are judged by their actual environmental performance, not by arbitrary land use penalties,” said ISA District 6 Director Dave Walton, a farmer from Wilton and Secretary of the American Soybean Association. “Senator Grassley’s work to fix 45Z is a legacy achievement for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers.”

The bill delivers long-term stability and permanent tax relief to farmers. It raises the estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual, locks in the Section 199A deduction, and boosts the soybean reference price to $10 per bushel in 2025 with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2031. The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program is strengthened and Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) benefits for crop insurance are also expanded. The bill doubles funding for USDA’s Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development, creating new global demand channels for Iowa commodities.

ISA extends a sincere thank you to Iowa’s congressional delegation for supporting policies that prioritize market access, tax fairness and a strong farm safety net.

“We especially want to recognize Senator Chuck Grassley for being a relentless advocate on behalf of farmers throughout the 45Z negotiations and Congressman Randy Feenstra, who championed Iowa agriculture throughout discussions on 45Z and estate tax reform that was critical in shaping the final package,” said ISA President Brent Swart, a farmer from Spencer.

“Our delegation understands that policies aren’t theoretical but can be instrumental in the success of family farms,” said Swart. “We urge the House to build on this momentum and pass the bill without delay.”



NCGA Expresses Support for Portions of Senate Reconciliation Bill

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauded pieces of the Budget Reconciliation bill, which passed the U.S. Senate Tuesday.

“NCGA has worked closely with members of Congress as they drafted and voted on this legislation,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We are particularly pleased to see the permanent extension of certain tax provisions, which will provide more certainty to corn farmers around the country as they plan for the future of their businesses.”

 The bill contains many of NCGA’s federal tax priorities, including: 
    Permanently extending key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, including the expanded estate and gift tax exemptions, the qualified business income deduction and 100% bonus depreciation.
    Extending and modifying the clean fuel production tax credit, referred to as 45Z. The tax credit can help the biofuels industry make inroads into the aviation sector and attract investment into opening new markets for U.S. corn. One positive inclusion in the Senate’s 45Z language is its allowance of transferability of the credit. However, the Senate language reduces the value of the credit from $1.75 to $1.00 and shortens the lifetime of the credit from 2031 to 2029, actions that could injure the new market’s growth potential.

The bill also contains several of NCGA’s longstanding farm bill priorities, including: 
    Addressing the affordability of federal crop insurance coverage for producers, including support for beginning farmers and ranchers.
    Doubling mandatory funding for trade promotion programs, which will develop new markets and promote U.S. goods, helping to boost U.S. agricultural exports.  
    Strengthening the producer safety net by investing in modifications to the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage commodity programs that are more responsive to the current economic environment.

“While we would prefer to advance major agricultural legislation through a comprehensive farm bill, we are appreciative of the Senate leadership for getting a bill with many of our tax and farm bill priorities passed,” said Hartman.

NCGA has also advocated for policies to ensure that all base acres and payments better reflect growers’ recent planting history and is disappointed that meaningful reforms to existing base acres was not included in the bill.



ASA Applauds Senate Ag Support in Budget Bill

After over 24 hours of amendment debate, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed the Senate by a vote of 51-50, with Vice President Vance breaking the tie. The budget legislation, which paves the way for much of President Trump’s domestic agenda, included several American Soybean Association priorities, specifically securing key farm program and tax provisions. The bill now moves back to the House for final consideration.

“ASA applauds the Senate for its support of agriculture and the farm economy in this legislation. Soybean growers have long championed comprehensive revisions to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, an improved safety net for agriculture, and increased support for research and market expansion,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky soybean grower. “The modified biofuel tax credits, enhancements to crop insurance and support for MAP and FMD, among other agriculture provisions included in this legislation will support U.S. farmers and expand market opportunities domestically. ASA urges the House to maintain these key agricultural provisions that support our rural economies as they consider this legislation.”

The House is expected to consider the Senate changes to the budget reconciliation legislation this week. If the chamber approves the legislation it will head to the President’s desk for signature, with a goal of July 4.



U.S. Senate Delivers Wins for Pork Producers in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
 
The Senate passed by a slim margin—with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreak—its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It includes many provisions important to pork, among them tax and animal health language.

National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, said, “We appreciate the efforts of Agriculture Chair John Boozman and other Senate leadership to ensure key animal health provisions were included in the bill, along with tax and other measures important to agriculture. Foreign animal diseases (FADs) threaten not only the livelihoods of pork producers but also our food supply chain at large. We thank our congressional leaders for these important steps to help keep our pork supplies safe, secure, and affordable for American families.”

The legislation fully funds measures and programs that help prevent, prepare for, and respond to FADs, including $233 million per fiscal year for the following:
    $10 million per year for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)
    $70 million per year for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP)
    $153 million per year for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB)

The package also extends several key provisions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which are set to expire or begin phasing out at the end of 2025. These include provisions advantageous to agriculture related to bonus depreciation, estate tax exemptions, Section 179 expensing, and the qualified business income deduction.
 
The House version of the bill contains similar tax and animal health provisions. The next step on the path to passage is House consideration of the changes included in the Senate bill passed July 1. NPPC is hopeful for swift passage to preserve these key inclusions.



NCBA Encouraged by Senate Passage of Big Beautiful Bill, Urges House Action

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane thanked the Senate for passing the One Big Beautiful Bill and urged the House to quickly pass the revised version of the bill so President Trump can sign it into law:

“The Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill protects family farmers and ranchers across the country from a massive tax hike at the end of the year, increases the Death Tax exemption, makes the Section 199A tax deduction permanent, increases the Section 179 tax deduction, funds foreign animal disease prevention programs, and delivers so many more wins for cattle producers.

“The Senate version of the bill also does not include controversial provisions that have gained national attention. The bill does not include any sale of public lands, and it does not include controversial language on eminent domain. NCBA’s grassroots policy supports landowners’ private property rights, and we oppose the expanded use of eminent domain.

“It’s time for the House to pass this bill and send it to President Trump’s desk so he can sign it into law.”



Farm Bureau Applauds Senate Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the reconciliation package. Farmers and ranchers are the foundation of America’s food supply chain, and they need the certainty that this legislation will provide. Improvements to farm safety net programs that reflect today’s agricultural economy and maintaining important tax provisions will directly benefit farm and ranch families.

“Prices being paid to farmers continue to fall, while expenses remain stubbornly high. The combination is taking a toll – America lost more than 141,000 farms in a five-year period, leading to more consolidation of family farms. Increases to reference prices as well as investments in conservation, research and trade are desperately needed, especially since it’s been seven years since passage of a new farm bill. Farmers will stand a better chance of enduring tough times so they can plant for another season.

“Important tax provisions will also help farmers save money that can be used to pay bills, invest in new technologies, and pass the family farm to the next generation.

“We now urge the House to pass the bill and get it to the president’s desk for his signature to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers can continue putting food on the table for America’s families.”



2025 Livestock Enterprise Estimates Available

Iowa livestock producers can estimate their production costs for 2025 by using information published in the June edition of Ag Decision Maker.

The article, “Livestock Enterprise Budgets for Iowa,” https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/livestock/html/b1-21.html provides average production cost estimates for common swine, beef and sheep enterprises in the state. Decision tool spreadsheets are also included that allow producers to enter their own numbers and estimate livestock enterprise budgets for their own operation.

Each budget contains estimates for both fixed and variable costs. The article notes that fixed costs occur regardless of tWoman with pigs in hog confinement buildinghe level of production each year. These costs include factors such as depreciation, interest and taxes on facilities and breeding livestock. Variable costs, like feed, depend on the scale of the production. 

Production costs are always important for producers to understand, said Tim Christensen, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and co-author of the article.

“Having a strong handle on production costs is a core business management aspect for livestock producers. Knowing the key components of their production costs can help producers immediately see the impacts changing feed costs or profits will have on their overall operation.”

Christensen noted that long-term average prices were used in the development of the livestock budgets. However, since each operation is unique, producers are encouraged to use the Livestock Enterprise Budgets for Iowa resource as a template and to build budgets for individual costs and projections using the decision tool spreadsheets https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/decisiontools.html#livestock.

While feed costs saw a decline from 2024, notably, purchase prices for all livestock increased, making changes variable across the various enterprises.

For more information, contact Tim Christensen at tsc@iastate.edu.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.11 million tons (204 million bushels) in May 2025, compared with 6.07 million tons (202 million bushels) in April 2025 and 5.75 million tons (192 million bushels) in May 2024. Crude oil produced was 2.42 billion pounds, up 1 percent from April 2025 and up 7 percent from May 2024. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.92 billion pounds during May 2025 increased 10 percent from April 2025 and increased 7 percent from May 2024.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 501 million bushels in May 2025. Total corn consumption was up 6 percent from April 2025 but down 2 percent from May 2024. May 2025 usage included 91.9 percent for alcohol and 8.1 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.80 million bushels, up 42 percent from April 2025 and up 1 percent from May 2024. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 449 million bushels, was up 6 percent from April 2025 but down 1 percent from May 2024. Corn consumed in May 2025 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.0 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.78 million tons during May 2025, up 9 percent from April 2025 but down 11 percent from May 2024. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.22 million tons in May 2025, down 3 percent from April 2025 but up 1 percent from May 2024.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 265,970 tons during May 2025, up 10 percent from April 2025 but down 2 percent from May 2024. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 200,541 tons in May 2025, up 1 percent from April 2025 but down 4 percent from May 2024.



USDA Announces July 2025 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2025, which are effective July 1, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.               

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.      

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2025 are as follows:        
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.000%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.875%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.875%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.875% 
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.  To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.        

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans      
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.    
    Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 5.125%  
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
        Three-year loan terms: 3.875% 
        Five-year loan terms: 4.000% 
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.250% 
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.500%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.625%
     Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.750%         

More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. 



Administration Secures Win for American Poultry Producers, Expands Market Access to Namibia

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced American poultry producers will have greater market access to Namibia, which will now accept fresh, frozen, and chilled poultry exports from the United States. The Trump Administration continues to take bold action to break down non-tariff barriers and defend current market access for farmers and ranchers.

"President Trump is renegotiating the status quo of bad trade deals that have left behind American farmers and ranchers for far too long. Our agriculture is the best in the world, and under President Trump’s leadership, we are providing more markets for farmers to share their bountiful harvest. The announcement today is a win for farmers, a win for exporters, and a win for freedom-loving nations who want access to safe, high-quality U.S. food,” said Secretary Rollins.

Effective July 1, U.S. exporters are now eligible to ship fresh, frozen, or chilled poultry and poultry products to Namibia, unlocking a market valued at $15 million. In addition, USDA successfully negotiated the removal of burdensome export and transit permit requirements for processed poultry products—reopening a previously restricted channel.

Namibia’s decision to recognize U.S. food safety standards and the work performed by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, affirms the global reputation of USDA’s inspection system, which ensures that American poultry products are not only competitively priced, but rigorously verified for safety and wholesomeness.

This trade win follows four years of inaction by the Biden Administration, which caused the agricultural trade balance to go from a trade surplus under President Trump to a nearly $50 billion trade deficit under President Biden. Secretary Rollins has traveled to the U.K. and Italy, and will travel to Japan, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Brazil over the next three months to fight for American farmers and ranchers. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.



Farmer sentiment weakens due to cloudy trade outlook

Farmer sentiment weakened in June following two months of improvement, as tracked by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The barometer dropped 12 points to 146 from the previous month. A change in producers’ expectations for the future served as the primary factor in the shift, with the Index of Future Expectations sinking 18 points to 146. The Current Conditions Index, however, lost only 2 points, standing now at 144. A drop in optimism about future agricultural exports seems to have influenced producers’ weakened outlook. Even with the June declines, all three indices persist at higher levels than a year ago. The barometer survey took place between June 9-13.

The Farm Financial Performance Index dropped 5 points to 104, with producers projecting a slightly weaker financial outlook for their farms in June than in May. An index above 100 indicates that U.S. farmers expect a stronger financial performance in 2025 than in 2024. The index has ranged from 101 to 111 since January. Helping to support this outlook are strong income prospects for the livestock sector, especially for beef producers.

The Farm Capital Investment Index, meanwhile, rose 5 points from May to 60, nearly matching April’s reading of 61. The investment index increased as the percentage of farmers who said it’s a good time to invest reached 24%, up from 19% in May. The percentage of respondents who indicated it’s a bad time to invest was unchanged from a month earlier. Based on responses to an additional question in the producer survey, the improvement in the investment index is not expected to translate into higher farm machinery sales. The percentage of producers stating that they planned reductions in farm machinery purchases compared to last year climbed to 54% in June, up 6 points from May.

The Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index fell 4 points to 120 in June. An index above 100 signals cautious optimism among producers about farmland values since it means more producers expect values to rise than fall. The main factor in this month’s change in the index stems from the falling percentage of producers (37% to 32%) who expect values to rise. The percentage of producers who expect values to hold steady increased 6 points to 56%.

Shifting producer expectations for ag exports seem to be driving the shift in farmer sentiment. From May to June, the percentage of producers who said they expect increasing agricultural exports over the next five years dropped to 41% from 52%. By contrast, the percentage of respondents who expect declining exports rose 4 points to 16%. The June reading was more negative than in May, but still notably more optimistic than in March, when 30% of those surveyed said they expected exports to decline in the future.

The June survey again asked producers for their perspective on if “free trade benefits agriculture and most other American industries.” Similar to the May survey results, only 31% of farmers in June said they strongly agreed with the statement. This stands in contrast to responses received to this question in fall 2020. When asked this question five years ago, 49% of respondents said they strongly agreed that free trade was beneficial.

The four most recent barometer surveys sought to learn more about farmers’ perspectives on the effect of U.S. trade policies on farm income. Each survey included a question that asked what impact they expected from the imposition of tariffs on their farm’s income. The May and June surveys confirmed ongoing producer worries about the tariffs’ impact on farm income. However, the percentage of producers who expect a negative or very negative impact has dropped since March and April. Most respondents (56%) in March and April said they expected a negative impact from U.S. tariff policy on their farms’ income. That percentage slipped to 45% in May and June. The percentage of respondents indicating that they expected a positive or very positive impact of the tariffs on their farm’s income shifted upward to 27% in May and June from 23% in March and April.

“Overall, we see weakened agricultural producer sentiment coupled with their weakened expectations for the future,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Reduced optimism about the future of U.S. agriculture’s export prospects stands out as a major cause of the shift in sentiment. Although farmers remain concerned that U.S. tariff policies will reduce their income, fewer producers in May and June said they expect a negative or very negative impact on their income than they did in March and April.”



New Study Shows Economic Importance of Corn Refining

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) released a report today detailing the critical nature of the corn refining industry and its work to support rural economies across the country. The report comes amid suggestions that foods should be considered Ultra-Processed based on the content of certain ingredients or use of production practices, a classification that fails to consider nutritional content.

The report, an independent analysis commissioned by CRA, focuses on the financial implications of displacing High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in the U.S. food supply.

“Any serious policymaker should consider the serious economic and food security consequences of unnecessarily restricting a long-standing, safe ingredient produced by American farmers and workers,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “HFCS has been used for decades because it is a safe, functional, and affordable ingredient that keeps food prices stable and supports jobs in rural U.S. communities. Today, as farmers are looking for more local demand options for their harvests, HFCS fuels demand for more than 410 million bushels of American corn each year.”

Bode continued, “Efforts to vilify HFCS threaten President Trump’s rural prosperity and trade agendas and ignore the science behind food and nutrition.”

The report outlines the severe consequences of removing HFCS from the domestic food supply:
    Complete elimination of HFCS would slash corn prices by up to $0.34 per bushel, wiping out $5.1 billion in revenue to farms. The resulting economic shockwave would lead to rural job losses and significant economic consequences to communities across the country.
    Broader corn refining demand loss – including HFCS, glucose, dextrose, and starch – could result in short-term losses of $13.9 billion, with long-term damage ranging between $5.2 billion and $7.5 billion annually.
    Even under more moderate assumptions, such as partial export redirection, losses could still reach $4.3 billion.
    Local economies would suffer, especially in regions anchored by corn refineries, where farmers stand to lose $0.25 to $0.50 per bushel in price premiums alone.

High-fructose corn syrup has been a foundational ingredient in the U.S. food supply for nearly half a century, valued for its safety, reliability, and versatility. It meets all regulatory standards and remains a preferred choice for many food and beverage manufacturers due to its affordability, shelf stability, consumer taste preference, and consistent performance. Backed by decades of science, domestically produced HFCS plays a vital role in maintaining both product quality and supply chain strength across the industry.

“HFCS is nutritionally equivalent to sugar and other caloric sweeteners, such as honey, sugar, and agave. Consumed in moderation, caloric sweeteners have a beneficial role to play in the diet. Due to the growing global obesity epidemic, we do not promote increased consumption of HFCS and encourage consumers to limit consumption of caloric sweeteners and other sources of calories,” Bode said.

Tuesday July 01 Ag News - Crop Progress - Planted Acreage - Quarterly Stocks - and more!

 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the U.S. corn crop increased slightly while soybean conditions remained steady last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 8%, 2 percentage points behind of last year's 10% but 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 73% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, up 3 points from 70% the previous week and 6 points ahead of last year's 67%. Five percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, down 1 point from 6% the previous week and lower than 9% last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: 94% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, consistent with last year but 1 point behind of the five-year average of 95%. Soybeans blooming was pegged at 17%, 1 point behind of last year's 18% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 16%. Soybeans setting pods was estimated at 3%, also equal to last year and up 1 point from the five-year average of 2%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 66% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and 1 point below 67% last year. Seven percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and 1 point below last year's 8%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest maintained a steady pace last week, moving ahead 18 percentage points to reach 37% complete nationwide Sunday. That was 15 points behind of last year's 52% and 5 points behind of the five-year average pace of 42%. 
-- Crop condition: 48% of the crop remaining in fields was rated in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 49% the previous week and 3 points below from 51% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 96% of spring wheat has emerged, 4 points behind 100% from last year and the five-year average. 38% of the crop was headed, which is 3 points ahead of last year's 35% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 37%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 53% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 1 point from 54% the previous week and 19 points down from 72% last year. 



Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition Report

Topsoil Moisture - 7% surplus - 61% adequate - 27% short - 5% very short
Subsoil Moisture - 4% surplus - 44% adequate - 41% short - 11% very short
Corn Silking - 2% - LW 1% - 5YA 1%
Corn Condition 77% good to excellent
Soybeans in bloom - 4% - LW 1% - 5YA 22%
Soybean Condition - 68% good to excellent
Winter Wheat Harvested - 4% - 5YA 6% 
Pasture & Range Condition - 37% good to excellent



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Precipitation, heavy in some parts of Iowa, reduced days suitable for fieldwork to just 2.7 during the week ending June 29, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While beneficial, the wet conditions limited field activities throughout much of the State.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus.

Reports of corn starting to silk were received, reaching 3 percent. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 63 percent good and 22 percent excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 22 percent, 3 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. There were a few reports of soybeans setting pods. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 61 percent good and 16 percent excellent. 

Iowa’s oat crop reached 90 percent headed with 39 percent turning color. There were scattered reports of oats starting to be harvested. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 68 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

First cutting of alfalfa hay is mostly complete, while the second cutting reached 30 percent complete. Hay condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. No unusual livestock conditions were reported.



USDA Planted Acreage Report - June 30 2025 

Corn planted area for all purposes in 2025 is estimated at 95.2 million acres, up 5 percent or 4.61 million acres from last year. This represents the third highest planted acreage in the United States since 1944. Compared with last year, planted acreage is expected to be up or unchanged in 41 of the 48 estimating States. Area harvested for grain, at 86.8 million acres, is up 5 percent from last year.
Nebraska - 10.3 mil acres
Iowa - 13.5 mill acres

Soybean planted area for 2025 is estimated at 83.4 million acres, down 4 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage is down or unchanged in 25 of the 29 estimating States.
Nebraska - 5 mil acres
Iowa = 9.5 mil acres

All wheat planted area for 2025 is estimated at 45.5 million acres, down 1 percent from 2024. The 2025 winter wheat planted area, at 33.3 million acres, is down less than 1 percent from last year but up slightly from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 23.6 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 6.10 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.67 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2025 is estimated at 10.0 million acres, down 5 percent from the 2024 estimate. Of this total, about 9.44 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. Durum planted area for 2025 is estimated at 2.11 million acres, up 2 percent from the previous year. 
Nebraska - 960,000 acres



USDA Quarterly Grain Stocks Report - June 30 2025

Corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2025 totaled 4.64 billion bushels, down 7 percent from June 1, 2024. Of the total stocks, 2.56 billion bushels are stored on farms, down 16 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 2.09 billion bushels, are up 6 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2025 indicated disappearance is 3.50 billion bushels, compared with 3.36 billion bushels during the same period last year.
Nebraska - On farm 275 mil bu - off farm 261.7 mil bu - total stocks 536.7 mil bu
Iowa - on farm 495 mil bu - off farm 408 mil bu - total stocks 903 mil bu

Soybeans stored in all positions on June 1, 2025 totaled 1.01 billion bushels, up 4 percent from June 1, 2024. On-farm stocks totaled 412 million bushels, down 12 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 596 million bushels, are up 18 percent from a year ago. Indicated disappearance for the March - May 2025 quarter totaled 903 million bushels, up 3 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Nebraska - on farm 23 mil bu - off farm 53.9 mil bu - total stocks 76.9 mil bu 
Iowa - on farm 73 mil bu - off farm 110 mil bu - total stocks 183.1 mil bu 

Old crop all wheat stored in all positions on June 1, 2025 totaled 851 million bushels, up 22 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 184 million bushels, up 32 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 667 million bushels, are up 20 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2025 indicated disappearance is 386 million bushels, down 2 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Nebraska - on farm 1.2 mil bu - off farm - 19.9 mil bu - total stocks 21 mil bu



Summer Cow-Calf Association Tour

The Cuming County Cow-Calf Association is inviting you to an educational event on Tuesday, July 15. This event is open to cattle producers in Cuming and surrounding counties.

We will travel to the UNL Eastern Nebraska Research Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) at 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033-2234. Please meet north of the Cuming County Courthouse at 10:15 a.m. to carpool. We will have lunch in Wahoo (TBD).

This is an opportunity to tour the new feedlot facilities after a year of operation. We will do the beef cattle feedlot tour at 1:00 p.m. followed by a tour of the cow-calf and forage area at 3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP by calling University of Nebraska Extension in Cuming County at 402-372-6006 or email mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu by July 11th.



Regen Ag Field Day to Demonstrate Cover Crops, Regenerative Strips

Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project and Bow Creek Watershed Project are teaming up with Junior Pfanstiel to host a Regenerative Ag Field Day on Tuesday, July 8th! The project involves planting green 4 rows of corn 10 ft wide and leaving 10 ft of cover crops (regen strips) throughout the field. The regen strips will then be roller crimped in the whole field. This process will provide weed control and fertility to the corn. A warm season diverse cover mix will then be drilled into the regen strips. Later in the season, a cool season diverse cover mix will be established. Strips will be rotationally grazed down to 50% before moving to the next one.

During this event, we plan to have the following discussions:
    Junior Pfanstiel, Outside the Box Agronomy, LLC, will talk about his objective and thought process in the planning, the why, and just what his expectations are. Nathan Choat of Green Cover Crops will speak directly on the planned mixes that were chosen.
    Ben Beckman, UNL Livestock Extension Educator, will talk about the mixes and what each mix brings to the prescribed grazing and their benefits.
    Caro Cordova, Statewide Soil Health Specialist and UNL Assistant Professor, will talk about the benefits and soil health implementations, discuss the root pit and what it means, and will have the biomass analysis available to discuss how it ties into the entire soil health complex.
    Amy Timmerman, UNL Cropping Extension Educator, will be on hand to demonstrate a water infiltration kit and how it impacts your soil health and potential plant yield.

For the established cover crops, we will have a root pit opened to see just how far down the roots were established prior to being crimped! We will also be showcasing Junior’s equipment (crimper, drill and inter-seeder highboy).

Register at: https://forms.gle/8BkwAsCDn1q7TEFCA 

This field day is sponsored and produced by Outside the Box Agronomy, UNL Extension, Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE), Nebraska Department of Water, Environment, & Energy, and the Lewis & Clark NRD, the Lower Elkhorn NRD, the Lower Niobrara NRD, and the Upper Elkhorn NRD.

Directions to Field: Due North on 552 Ave from Hwy 20 (West of McLean Turn) Time: Join us from 10:00 am ‘til Noon – Lunch will be available after we finish up - at the newly opened restaurant ‘The Breakroom’ in Randolph, NE (6 miles east of the field location), where the food is ALL locally grown!



Bacon to Retire at End of 119th Congress

Monday, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) Cyber, Information Technologies and Innovation Subcommittee (CITI), announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 and will retire at the end of the 119th Congress. 

“After consultation with my family and much prayer, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026 and will fulfill my term in the 119th Congress through January 2, 2027. After three decades in the Air Force and now going on one decade in Congress, I look forward to coming home in the evenings and being with my wife and seeing more of our adult children and eight grandchildren, who all live near my home. I’ve been married for 41 years, and I’d like to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and the Omaha community. I also want to continue advocating for a strong national security strategy and a strong alliance system with countries that share our love of democracy, free markets and the rule of law. 

“During the remainder of the 119th Congress, we will be focused on finishing the job. Providing top-notch constituent services in the district, for which we were recognized in 2021 with the Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Awards for Constituent Services in 2021, will be a priority as it always has been.  

“To date, we have processed close to 8,500 casework/requests for assistance; we have helped people who were wrongly marked as deceased,  helped citizens in distress around the world return home; helped people devasted by disasters such as flood and tornadoes, literally climb out of the ruble and connect them with resources; we have solved problems with Medicare, Social Security and IRS problems, passports and immigration, and so much more. Our team has worked diligently every day to advocate for and deliver on behalf of our constituents. 

“Legislatively, I aim to work to get five agricultural bills passed that were included as part of the Farm Bill, including the increase of defenses for our nation’s food supply chain and removing barriers for the next generation of farmers seeking to establish their operations. I will continue my work on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and lay the groundwork for a new VA hospital in Omaha.  

“My service to our great nation started in the Air Force, where I served sixteen assignments, five commands and four deployments and will continue in Congress until the end of the 119th Congress. I’d like to find new ways to serve our great country.  I have a love for national security, and I’ll always be a proponent for old-fashioned Ronald Reagan Conservative values.  It has been an honor to serve the 2nd District of Nebraska and the nation, and I thank our constituents for trusting me to represent them. I am proud of the work we have done and will continue to do until the lights in the office are turned off for the last time. Thank you, and God bless America.” 



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Rep. Don Bacon’s Retirement from Congress

"Congressman Bacon has proven throughout his career in Congress to be a man of faith, a leader with integrity, and a steadfast supporter of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. His service on the House Agriculture Committee has provided a valuable voice for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers on multiple farm bills and a multitude of issues that impact our nation’s food, fuel, and fiber supply. While we certainly greeted the congressman’s retirement announcement with mixed feelings, we want to wish Don and Angie the best as they embark on this next adventure. The lives of all Nebraskans have been made better due to Congressman Bacon and his tireless work fighting on our behalf. Congratulations, may God continue to bless you, and thank you for your lifetime of selfless service.”



Nebraska Extension to Host Summer Pasture Walk Near Verdigre

Nebraska Extension, in collaboration with Nebraska Game & Parks, Lewis and Clark NRD, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, invites livestock producers and land managers to attend a Summer Pasture Walk on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Trent Arens Farm, located at 88184 528 Ave, Verdigre, NE.

This free event provides a hands-on opportunity to observe and discuss pasture management strategies in a working livestock system. Attendees will engage with Extension educators, partner representatives, and fellow producers on topics including forage production, grazing management, and pasture improvement.

No registration is required. For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension 402-254-6821.



New Study Shows Corn Farming is a Major Engine for U.S. Economy

The United States is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, and corn farmers are bolstering the U.S. economy and building strong communities, according to a new study released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Corn grower leaders say they could make an even bigger contribution to the U.S. economy through increased sales of ethanol and the cultivation of new foreign markets.

The study, entitled The Economic Value of Corn Farming in the United States for 2024, noted the contribution of corn farming and its upstream linkages extended across 506 different industry sectors in all 50 states, generating an estimated $123 billion in total economic output in 2024. The report also shows that corn farming supported over 440,000 jobs and provided $29 billion in wages, strengthening communities in rural America and across the entire nation.

“These findings show that the corn industry is an essential contributor to the nation’s agricultural and economic value chains,” said NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson. “The study demonstrates the positive ripple effect of corn production, vital to a healthy U.S. economy.”

NCGA said that given the chance, corn growers could contribute even more to the U.S. economy.

“Corn growers and farmers across the country are clearly helping to propel the U.S. economy,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Corn farming’s economic value could be even greater if corn growers were able to fully contribute to the domestic fuel supply via increased ethanol blends and access to additional export markets.”

Corn grower leaders have been advocating for Congress to pass legislation that would allow for the nationwide, year-round sale of fuel with a 15% ethanol blend. They have also worked to make an aviation fuel tax credit accessible so that ethanol and other biofuels could be used in the aviation sector. And NCGA has called on the administration and Congress to aggressively pursue new and expanded foreign markets for American corn exporters.  

NCGA and state corn grower groups will visit Capitol Hill officers in early July to continue their advocacy efforts on these key priorities.



USDA Announces the Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Trade

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Monday announced risk-based port re-openings for cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico beginning as early as July 7, 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), following extensive collaboration between USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) experts and their counterparts in Mexico to increase New World Screwworm (NWS) surveillance, detection, and eradication efforts, are set to begin a phased reopening of the southern ports starting with Douglas, Arizona.

Progress has been made in several critical areas since the ports were closed on May 11th, including: resolution of challenges with conducting flights in Mexico that has allowed our team to consistently conduct sterile NWS fly dispersal 7 days each week and dispersal of more than 100 million flies each week. We also sent five teams of APHIS staff to visit/observe and gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s NWS response and allow us the opportunity to share our feedback. We have not seen a notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico, nor any northward movement of NWS over the past eight weeks.

“At USDA we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase vital pest surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”

While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk based upon the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico, and if it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.

Port Reopening Timeline 
*After each reopening USDA will evaluate to ensure no adverse effects arise*
    Douglas, AZ – July 7
    Columbus, NM – July 14
    Santa Teresa, NM – July 21
    Del Rio, TX – August 18
    Laredo, TX – September 15

USDA is working with Mexico’s National Department of Health, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) on outreach, education, and training efforts to raise awareness and put producers on high alert about NWS, along with utilizing their well-functioning central laboratory for diagnosing cases. While Mexico has made great progress on animal movement controls and surveillance, additional progress will help ensure the remaining U.S. ports reopen. Enhanced animal movement controls to stem illegal animal movements from the south, along with robust surveillance and NWS risk mitigations beyond check points will be critical in pushing back NWS. APHIS technical teams continue to engage with SENASICA to improve the overall NWS posture in Mexico and implement the rigorous steps needed to keep this pest away from our border.

Mexico will also begin renovation of its sterile fruit fly facility in Metapa this week, with renovation expected to be completed by July 2026. Renovation of this facility will allow for production of between 60-100 million sterile NWS flies each week. This is a critical step towards reaching the goal of producing the estimated 400-500 million flies each week needed to re-establish the NWS barrier at the Darien Gap.

To ensure that we safely proceed with allowing for movement of animals across the border, only cattle and bison, born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua, or that are treated according to cattle and bison NWS protocol when entering these states will be eligible for import. See USDA APHIS | Importing Live Cattle and Bison From Mexico to the United States for more information on cattle and bison import requirements. In addition, reopening the Del Rio (August 18) and Colombia Bridge (September 15) ports will be contingent on Coahuila and Nuevo Leon adopting the same NWS protocols for cattle and bison as those now required of Sonora and Chihuahua for cattle or bison entering those states.

Equines may import from anywhere in Mexico. They require a 7-day quarantine at the port of entry and must import in accordance with the equine NWS protocol and other requirements detailed on USDA APHIS | Import Horses from Mexico webpage. Approved equine facilities are available at the Santa Teresa, NM port and will be available for entry of horses when that port is reopened.

In May 2025, USDA suspended imports of live cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico into the United States due to the continued and rapid northward spread of NWS. During the weeks of June 2 and June 16, teams of APHIS experts conducted robust onsite assessments of Mexico’s NWS response efforts to fully reassess the risk of NWS incursions to the United States posed by importation of Mexican cattle across our southern border.



NCBA Stands with USDA On Measured Plan to Reopen Key Ports of Entry

Monday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to strategically reopen key ports of entry to shipments of live cattle, bison, and horses. This decision was made by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins following a New World screwworm assessment by USDA staff in Mexico and ongoing conversations between Secretary Rollins and the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture.

“NCBA and our state affiliates have spent months working with USDA to safeguard the U.S. cattle industry from the threat of New World screwworm. We strongly support USDA’s five-pronged plan to fight the screwworm, which includes bolstering sterile fly production by renovating a facility in Metapa, Mexico and by building a new fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in south Texas,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “Today’s announcement to reopen key ports of entry is a measured, thoughtful approach by Secretary Rollins to allow some trade while also ensuring the American cattle industry is protected from this pest.”
 
NCBA previously supported USDA’s decision to temporarily close the U.S. southern border to shipments of cattle, bison, and horses in May 2025. This temporary measure was intended to give USDA time to assess conditions on the ground in Mexico and to determine the next steps for eradicating this pest. Since that time, USDA has rolled out their five-pronged plan to fight the screwworm, increase surveillance, and stop the spread of the pest in Mexico. USDA also recently sent staff from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to Mexico to gather technical information.  

“We trust Secretary Rollins made this decision with the latest information from USDA staff in Mexico, and we know she will continue holding her counterparts in the Mexican government accountable for eradicating screwworm,” Woodall added. “NCBA and our state affiliate partners will continue working with USDA and key members of Congress to protect the United States from New World screwworm.” 



NFU Statement on the Senate Reconciliation Bill  

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew released the following statement today in response to the Senate reconciliation bill:

“Family farmers and ranchers still need a comprehensive, five-year farm bill that reflects the full breadth of agriculture—from producers to consumers—and using reconciliation to move a partial package is a missed opportunity. 

“There are some meaningful provisions in this bill. It strengthens the farm safety net, invests in biofuels and conservation, and extends key tax incentives. But these gains are paired with harmful tradeoffs—most notably, cuts to SNAP and Medicaid and new, broader loopholes in farm program payment limits. 

“We support Senator Grassley’s amendment to close those loopholes and better target support to family farmers and ranchers. These improvements are essential to restore fairness. 

“Farm policy should unite us. We urge lawmakers to redouble their efforts to deliver a farm bill that works for everyone.”



Strong Cash Cattle Markets Take a Breather
Will Secor, Extension Livestock Economist, University of Georgia

Cattle prices remain strong year-over-year, but many areas of the country saw prices slip week-over-week. On the fed cattle side, prices for 5-Area fed steers fell by around 2 percent compared to last week. This price drop also came amid a decline in transactions, which fell by nearly 10 percent. Year-over-year price comparisons remain strong with these fed steer prices up by around 17-18 percent.

Feeder cattle price changes varied across the country. According to auction reports last week, average prices for lighter weight feeder cattle fell for most states east of the Mississippi (roughly even to about 3.5 percent declines). For heavier weight feeder steers, weekly price moves were much wider: increases of over 8 percent to declines of nearly 10 percent. Some western states saw strong price moves higher, such as Nebraska, while many others saw smaller moves either up or down. While week-over-week price movements may have been largely negative for feeder cattle, these prices remain well above year-ago levels.

Wholesale beef prices remain on a tear. The weekly choice cutout value approached nearly $400/cwt. The choice-select spread has been small this year with the most recent week’s spread being 32 percent small than last year. These declines are likely due to overall tight supplies and continued strong demand for beef.

Recent data on retail beef prices saw some month-over-month declines in May. Roast and steak retail prices fell, while ground beef prices increased. Again, like cattle prices, retail prices remain well above year-ago levels.

Lastly, today’s acreage and grain stocks reports appear to have had little impact on grain markets. Data in the reports largely matched pre-report estimates. As such, lower feed prices appear to remain the norm this year. Weather markets and other unexpected events will certainly continue to play a role. However, this generally low feed-price environment supports feeder cattle prices and feeder margins.

Looking ahead, it appears that risks to the cattle complex come from macroeconomic uncertainty that may impact demand (domestic or overseas) and from any disruption that may push feed prices higher. Production risks from screwworm should continue to be watched as well. Otherwise, market fundamentals continue to point to strong prices year-over-year. In the months ahead, look for lighter weight feeder cattle prices to slide as weaned calves hit auction barns this fall. However, given tight supplies, these price declines may be small.



RFA Applauds Inclusion of E15 Funding in Final California Budget

The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed California’s inclusion of funding for E15 approval in the state’s newly enacted 2025–2026 budget. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, the budget allocates dedicated resources to fund the rulemaking process needed to make E15 a legal fuel. E15 is a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol.

The provision ensures that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has the financial support necessary to finalize regulatory work related to E15 and help expand consumer access to the fuel across the state. California remains the only state where E15 is not yet legal for sale, despite its long-standing approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in vehicles model year 2001 and newer.

“This is a positive step toward expanding access to lower-carbon, lower-cost fuel options in California,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We applaud Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for recognizing the need to take concrete action to support broader availability of E15. With this funding in place, California will finally be positioned to join the rest of the country in offering drivers a cleaner, more affordable choice at the pump. RFA and our members look forward to working alongside retailers, regulators, and local partners to help bring E15 to more California consumers.”