Thursday July 03 Ag News - Smith on Trade with S.Korea - Bunge & Viterra Merge - Land Mgt Quarterly on Aug 18 - and more!

Smith, Miller Ask Trump Administration to Address Digital Trade Barriers with South Korea

Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Carol Miller (R-WV) led 41 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The letter commends the Trump administration for its efforts in trade negotiations and urges it to address remaining barriers imposed by the South Korean government unfairly targeting American service providers and innovators in digital industries.

In the letter, the members wrote:
As broader negotiations with Korea continue, we urge the administration to address remaining barriers Korea imposes on U.S. companies. Doing so could further level the playing field for American exporters, strengthen supply chains, and support continued bilateral investments, to the benefit of American industry, consumers, and workers.

One barrier that we urge you to address in any negotiations is proposed legislation advanced by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) and embraced by the new Lee Jae-myung government which disproportionately targets U.S. digital companies for heightened regulatory requirements. The legislation mirrors the European Union’s blatantly discriminatory Digital Markets Act and would impose disparate legal and enforcement standards designed to undermine innovative business models and disadvantage successful American companies.

Additionally, Korea has long used competition law to advance protectionist aims and promote discriminatory policy outcomes. In recent years, the KFTC has been the primary mechanism to accomplish these ends. In some cases, this has led to targeting U.S. companies with dawn office raids, hyper-aggressive enforcement measures, and threats of criminal prosecution for common industry practices that are not considered criminal in any other country. Such excessive and arbitrary competition law enforcement not only leads to unjustified investigations and unwarranted penalties but also greatly constrains U.S. business operations in the Korean market.

Representatives who joined Smith and Miller in sending the letter include: Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mike Bost (R-IL), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Ben Cline (R-VA), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Vince Fong (R-CA), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Young Kim (R-CA), David Kustoff (R-TN), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rich McCormick (R-GA), John McGuire (R-VA), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Max Miller (R-OH), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Riley Moore (R-WV), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Rob Wittman (R-VA), and Rudy Yakym (R-IN). 



Forage Webinar Series Continues July 8

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series continues July 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm with a variety of forage topics including a primer on storing large bales, a forage market outlook and a discussion on what the horse hay market in looking for.

Presenters include
Fred Hall, Iowa State University Extension Dairy Specialist will give an overview on storing large hay bales to ensure quality and prevent fire.

Jorge Carrillo, Market Reporter with the USDA Marketing Service, will discuss how hay reports are put together and applied towards new hay purchases; explain why prices reflect actual trades obtained from industry contacts and share some insight on the current market.

Jorge has been working with Market News since 2021; came from AMS Meat Grading where he served 13 years from 2007-2020; 3 years with AMS Poultry Programs from 2005-2007 and 2 years with Food Safety Inspection Services from 2003-2004.

He graduated from California State University, Fresno with a BS in Animal Science and Production Management.

Krishona Martinson, Professor Extension Program Leader, University of Minnesota will dive into practical, research-backed insights every hay producer and livestock owner can use. Learn how different hay rakes affect ash content, why baling moisture matters for mold prevention, and how wrap types influence forage quality and economics. We’ll also explore how long-term outdoor storage impacts beef cow intake and reveal which hay feeders minimize waste when feeding horses. Whether you're in the field or the barn, these findings can help you save money, reduce waste, maintain forage quality, and influence animal performance.

Krishona Martinson holds degrees in Agronomy (BS from UW–River Falls; MS and PhD from the University of Minnesota). Since 2008, she’s served as the Equine Extension Specialist in the U of M’s Department of Animal Science. Dr. Martinson leads the UMN Extension Horse Program, which reaches millions annually thanks to her innovative use of tech and social media—developing online courses, mobile apps, videos, infographics, and more. Her applied research, focused on improving forage use, has earned over $2 million in funding. She’s published extensively, mentored graduate students and postdocs, and was elected President of the Equine Science Society in 2025. Outside the university, she and her family run Leaning Pine Farm and Martinson Herefords, raising horses and Hereford cattle while marketing beef locally.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/JULY25FORAGE

 For more information contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Sara Bauder, 605-995-7378; or in Nebraska Ben Beckman, 402-254-6821.



Limited space available for 2025 ISU Feedlot Short Course

If you’re thinking about attending this year’s Feedlot Short Course, you’ll want to act soon. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said a few spots remain in the July 29-31 event. With a registration limit of 30, all attendees are assured of personal interactions and hands-on opportunities with some familiar and new activities.

“We're keeping some crowd favorites like our feed mixing and evaluation and bunk management demonstrations this year," she said. "We're also adding some new interactive sessions addressing cattle lameness and chuteside management tips.”

Through this course, we’ve had an impact on 12 million head of cattle and an estimated $90.225 million benefit to the feedlot industry in Iowa and across the country, she said. Participants from twelve states and three countries have attended.

The program will run from 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, through noon Thursday, July 31, with the content-specific segments held at the Iowa State Beef Nutrition Farm near Ames and at Provision Cattle Company near Nevada.

Program topics are:
    Bunk management and the basics of starting cattle on feed.
    Feed mixing demonstration and evaluation.
    Managing and identifying lameness issues.
    Chute side management tips.
    Optimizing cattle health in the feedyard.

This year's presenters are:
    Garland Dahlke, associate scientist, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University.
    Terry Engelken, associate professor, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University.
    Dan Loy, former director of the Iowa Beef Center and extension beef feedlot specialist, Iowa State University.
    Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Robbi Pritchard, feedlot consultant, Aurora, South Dakota.
    AJ Tarpoff, associate professor and beef extension veterinarian, Kansas State University.

See the short course website for registration information, requirements, and links https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/feedlot/.

For questions on the short course content, contact Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu. The $375 per person registration fee includes refreshment breaks, dinner, and program materials. The registration deadline is midnight, July 18 or when the course limit of 30 is reached, whichever occurs first. All registrations must be made online https://go.iastate.edu/E15XTE.



Northeast Corn Growers Association Golf Tournament
August 1 @ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

NORTHEAST CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION
Summer Golf Outing
Join your fellow corn growers for a fun day out on the course! All are welcome.
DATE: Friday, August 1, 2025
LOCATION: Cedar View Country Club, 101 Calcavecchia Dr, Laurel, NE 68745
REGISTRATION: 8:00 AM (Four person scramble)
SHOTGUN START: 9:00 AM, Meal to follow sponsored by Siouxland Ethanol 
9 holes with a pin prize on each hole plus a grand prize of a Blackstone grill (members only)
All expenses covered by the Northeast CGA and gracious sponsors.
Team spots are limited — RSVP by July 30th to reserve your spot via call or text to: Mitch Schweers, (402) 380-4931.



Agricultural Land Management Quarterly - Summer 2025
Aug 18, 2025 - 12:00 PM 
With Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, Agricultural Economists, UNL

Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators, and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season. 

The August 2025 webinar will cover final 2025 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Survey and Report estimates, including agricultural land values and cash rental rates in Nebraska, as well as a special feture report on hunting lease comprisons for wild game in Nebraska. A segment on landlord/tenant communication will include discussion on communicating crop progress on leased land and terminating verbal leases before the approaching deadline. A Q&A period will also provide attendees an opportunity to have their land managment and leasing questions answered. Questions may also be submitted ahead of time on the form at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.

Register and get more information at the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



Bunge Completes Sale of its North America Corn Milling Business

Bunge Global SA announced it has completed the previously announced sale of its North America dry corn and corn masa milling business. Grain Craft, one of the largest independent flour millers in the U.S., will now own and operate former Bunge facilities in Danville, Illinois; Worthington, Indiana; Crete, Nebraska; Red Oak, Iowa; Muleshoe, Texas; Atchison, Kansas; and Queretaro, Mexico. 

When the sale was announced in April, Bunge’s Co-President, Agribusiness, Julio Garros commented, “We carefully considered how this regional business fits with our long-term plans and made the strategic decision to focus on other areas of our core business that are more strongly connected to our global value chains. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our milling team and their commitment to running the business safely, and efficiently while delivering high-quality products to our customers.”




Bunge and Viterra Complete Merger to Create Premier Global Agribusiness Solutions Company

Bunge Global SA Tuesday announced the successful closing of its previously announced merger with Viterra Limited, marking the creation of a premier global agribusiness solutions company for food, feed and fuel. 

Greg Heckman, Bunge’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Today is a defining moment for our company and our global team as we complete this transformative business combination. I’m grateful to our colleagues whose energy, collaboration and commitment brought us to this milestone. Together, we’ve formed a stronger organization with enhanced capabilities and expertise to meet the evolving needs of our customers, maximize value for our stakeholders and fulfill our shared purpose to connect farmers to consumers to deliver food, feed and fuel to the world. Now, we begin the exciting work of bringing our teams and operations together, uniting our strengths to realize the full potential of this combination.”

Strategic and Financial Benefits of the Combination 
    Global, Fully Integrated Agribusiness Solutions Company: With Bunge’s and Viterra’s highly complementary asset footprints, the combined company will be positioned to connect farmers in the world’s largest production regions to areas with the fastest-growing consumption. 
    Enhanced Ability to Meet the Demands of Increasingly Complex Markets: Better balance of value chains across geographies, access to more key origination markets and a diversified agriculture network covering all major crops will enhance the combined company’s ability to provide solutions for end customers in any environment.
    Proven Management Teams with Track Records of Value Creation: The combined organization brings together two world-class management teams and is well positioned to create meaningful value for all shareholders with its highly compelling financial profile.
    Strong Financial Profile: The combination is expected to benefit from significant incremental network synergies across joint commercial opportunities, vertical integration efficiencies, and improved logistics optimization and trading optionality from a larger and broader network. The combined company expects to see relatively more stable cash flows from the larger, more diversified footprint. The improvement in the business risk and credit profile of the combined company is expected to drive capital structure efficiencies and cost of capital benefits.

Governance and Leadership 
As previously announced, the combined company is led by Greg Heckman, Bunge’s Chief Executive Officer, and John Neppl, Bunge’s Chief Financial Officer. Viterra Chief Executive Officer David Mattiske joins the Bunge Executive Leadership Team in the role of Co-Chief Operating Officer alongside Julio Garros, most recently Bunge’s Co-President of Agribusiness. As co-COOs, they will jointly oversee commercial activities including the global commodity value chains, country/regional management teams, renewable fuels initiatives, regenerative agriculture solutions and industrial operations & safety. 

Combined, the two companies have 125 crushing and refining facilities globally along with 55 port terminals and more than 350 grain storage facilities. The combined company would market more than 230 mmt of commodities and products.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/27/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 27, ethanol production slowed 0.5% to a five-week low of 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.19 million gallons daily. Still, output was 1.1% higher than the same week last year and 1.9% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.6% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.86 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks dipped 1.2% to 24.1 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 2.2% more than the same week last year and 4.3% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, tumbled 10.8% to 8.64 million b/d (132.81 bg annualized). Demand was 8.3% less than a year ago and 8.8% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved 1.3% to 925,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.22 bg annualized. Net inputs were even with year-ago levels and 0.8% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports leapt 19.1% to an estimated 131,000 b/d (5.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

Retail fertilizer prices continued to be mostly higher during the fourth week of June 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. However, more fertilizers were lower priced this week compared to recent ones.

No fertilizer price was higher or lower by a substantial amount for the third week in a row. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Five fertilizers had slightly higher prices. DAP had an average price of $810 per ton, MAP $846/ton, potash $481/ton, 10-34-0 $672/ton and UAN32 $500/ton. UAN32 is more than $500 per ton for the first time since the fourth week of May 2023. That week, the price was $509/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly lower than the prior month. Urea had an average price of $656/ton, anhydrous $770/ton and UAN28 $413/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.71/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.78/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP (by 3%), 10-34-0 (5%), DAP (7%), anhydrous (9%), UAN28 (20%), UAN32 (29%) and urea (30%). The remaining fertilizer -- potash -- continues to be lower by 5% compared to last year.



TEAMSTERS RATIFY CONTRACT AT TYSON

Teamsters Local 577 members at Tyson Foods of Amarillo voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that raises wages and expands benefits.

“This victory is what Texas Teamsters are all about — coming together as one so we can fight for a better life for ourselves and our families,” said Al Brito, President of Local 577. “Let this be a lesson to everyone else in the meatpacking industry — if you’re not happy with work, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can win a better future with the Teamsters.”

"If you work in one of the most dangerous industries in the nation, you should be able to support your family and look forward to retirement,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “Teamster strength is critical for working families in the meatpacking industry.”

The workers secured the agreement following a credible strike threat at the largest beef processing plant in the U.S. The new contract includes massive improvements, including 32 percent wage increases, more paid time off, and expanded retirement benefits.

“We’re the top plant there is, the people who work here are some of the hardest workers there are, and we deserve the best contract,” said Connie Hernandez, a member of the Tyson Teamsters Negotiating Committee. “We finally got it, and that makes me proud to be a Teamster.”