Thursday July 31 Ag News - SCAL Field Day - BQA Transport Training - U.S.-Korea Trade Deal announced - USGC meetings underway - and more!

 Aug. 7 South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) Field Day Features Interactive Talks, Demos and Innovation

The University of Nebraska South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) Field Day is on Thursday, August 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. at the SCAL research farm. Through interactive topics, growers will gain insights into practical applications they can consider incorporating into their own operations.  Attendees can tailor their schedule by selecting from various presentations and interactive demonstrations. 

Lunch will be provided, and attendees can earn Continuing Education Units (CCA credits).

Preregistration is appreciated by Thursday, July 31, to assist with lunch planning.

Visit https://go.unl.edu/scalfielddayto register and for program details.
 
Registration, coffee, rolls and visits with sponsor tables begin at 8:30 a.m. with the welcome and opening remarks by sponsors kicking off at 8:45 a.m.

Dan Snow, Director of Laboratory Services at the University of Nebraska Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, is the keynote speaker during lunch and will discuss nitrate challenges in groundwater. This talk will cover findings from a study with the Upper Big Blue NRD and UNL focusing on nitrate and agrichemical levels in the vadose zone across 12 water quality management zones.

Lunch talks also feature a farmer panel discussion, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage and interact at the local level.

Timely topics include:
    Strategies for irrigation scheduling
    Corn and soybean disease management, including tar spot management and white mold
    Cover crops for weed suppression in corn and soybean: planting green and intercropping
    Insect management in crops and tours of conservation features in prairie strips
    Sensor-guided fertigation: Demonstrating real-time Nitrogen management. Fine-tuning Nitrogen: timing and rate strategies for maximum impact.

Growers can also check out AI-Enabled Targeted Weed Management with the "See-N-Till" robot. "See-N-Till" is an advanced autonomous field robot developed to detect, differentiate, and mechanically manage weeds while simultaneously performing shallow tillage. Leveraging cutting-edge AI, computer vision, and precision actuation, it offers a sustainable alternative to chemical weed control and reduces soil disturbance. 

The SCAL Research Farm is located at 851 Hwy. 6 near Harvard, NE. Directions: 13 miles east of Hastings on Hwy. 6 or 4.5 miles west of the intersection of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 6 north of Clay Center. Field day GPS coordinates: 40.575256, -98.137824.  For more information, call (402)762-3536 or email shachtel1@unl.edu.



Beef Quality Assurance Transportation workshops for cattle transporters set for Aug. 21, 27

Northwest Iowa cattle transporters are invited to certify or renew their certification at a Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) workshop in August. Two identical workshops will be offered - Aug. 21 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Le Mars and Aug. 27 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Sac City. Both workshops will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Beth Doran, ISU extension beef specialist in northwest Iowa, said the BQAT certification is separate from BQA certification.

"Commercial truckers and producers who haul cattle with their own semi or trailer are required to present a current BQAT certificate at major packing plants before the cattle may be unloaded,” she said.

The objectives for the BQAT training are human safety, animal comfort and protocols to prevent cattle shrink, bruising and stress – all of which benefit the beef industry.

The workshops are provided at no charge, but registration should be made two days prior to the date of the workshop you plan to attend. Participants may register by calling the Plymouth County Extension office at 712-546-7835 or the Sac County Extension office at 712-662-7131.

If unable to attend an in-person training, BQAT is available online at https://bqatransportation.beeflearningcenter.org, also at no cost.

For more information, contact Doran by phone at 712-737-4230 or by email at doranb@iastate.edu.



Organic Field Day Set for Aug. 26 at Neely-Kinyon Research Farm in Greenfield

Organic growers and those interested in transitioning to organic production can learn more about the latest research from the Iowa State University Organic Ag Program during a field day on Aug. 26 near Greenfield.

The event will be held at Iowa State’s Neely-Kinyon Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm, located at 2557 Norfolk Ave. in Greenfield, from 4 to 6 p.m., and will include a light meal featuring local and organic foods.

Researchers from Iowa State University and the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service will discuss best practices forNeely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day producing organic corn, soybeans, wheat and rye. The topics will include fertilization, weed management and the use of different crop rotations in organic systems.

“We have had a very challenging season, with excess rain and cooler than average temperatures,” said Kathleen Delate, extension organic specialist at Iowa State. “All corn and soybean fields were replanted in June because of poor emergence in the cold spring. This was the first time in the 27-year history of the Long-Term Agroecological Research site that the trial was replanted. With that hurdle behind us, the crops look really good, and we hope for a good harvest.”

The Neely-Kinyon Long-Term Agroecological Research site enters its 27th year of experimentation, which was started in 1998 to examine suitable crop rotations that provide high yields, grain quality and adequate soil fertility for organic farmers.

At the field day, Sabrina Ruis, USDA soil scientist, will share her findings from soil analyses she conducts annually in the LTAR. Organic farmer, Ron Rosmann, of Rosmann Family Farm in Harlan, will share about the resilience of organic systems through diversification, including small grains and livestock.

Participants will also learn about the USDA National Organic Program’s Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program, which will help producers overcome technical, cultural and financial shifts during and after organic certification. Anyone interested in transitioning to organic production can receive free mentorship through this program.

To reach the farm, begin by heading 2 miles south on Highway 25 after the intersection with Highway 92 in Greenfield. Then, turn left onto 260th Street and continue east for 1 mile until you reach Norfolk Avenue. Turn right onto Norfolk Avenue and head north for half a mile. The farm, marked by a red barn, will be on your left.

This event is supported through a grant from the USDA National Organic Program Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program.

This event is available at no cost to those who wish to attend, but online registration is requested https://go.iastate.edu/FBIMII.

For more information, contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu or 515-294-7069.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/25/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 25, ethanol production rose 1.7% to a six-week high of 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.03 million gallons daily. Output was 1.2% lower than the same week last year but 2.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.5% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks shifted 1.1% higher to 24.7 million barrels, the largest weekly volume since May 16. Stocks were 3.1% more than the same week last year and 5.6% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, improved by 2.1% to 9.15 million b/d (140.68 bg annualized). Demand was 1.1% less than a year ago but 3.1% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked up 0.3% to 920,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.14 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.1% more than year-ago levels and 0.3% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports jumped 42.6% to an estimated 154,000 b/d (6.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Average Retail Prices Mixed

Average retail fertilizer prices increased on four fertilizers tracked by DTN, while prices dropped for three others in the final week of July. For the seventh consecutive week, retailers reported no significant move in prices -- designated by DTN as 5% or more.

MAP led the way with a 4% hike in its average price from $846 a ton last month to $881 a ton. UAN28 saw a $6 per-ton increase to $419, followed by potash with a $2 jump from $481 a ton to $483. Retailers reported a small price increase for DAP of $1 per ton to $811.

Three fertilizers reported lower prices led by urea's $11 per-ton drop to $645. The average anhydrous price fell from $770 per ton to $764, while UAN32 fell by $3 per ton to $497.

The average price of 10-34-0 was unchanged at $672 a ton compared to one month ago.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.70/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.78/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP by 8%, 10-34-0 by 5%, DAP 9%, anhydrous 13%, UAN28 24%, urea 28% and UAN32 by 32%. Potash, the remaining fertilizer, continues to be lower in price by 4% compared to last year.



USMEF Statement on Announcement of a U.S.-Korea Trade Deal

President Trump announced Wednesday that his administration has reached a trade deal with South Korea.  U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

USMEF thanks the Trump administration for making trade negotiations with South Korea a top priority, and we are anxious to learn more details about the U.S.-Korea trade deal. As the largest export destination for U.S. beef and a critical market for U.S. pork, Korea provides a great example of what the U.S. red meat industry can achieve in the global marketplace. Under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), Korea eliminated tariffs on U.S. pork and the tariff rate for U.S. beef – which was once 40% – will reach zero at the beginning of next year. As a result, the U.S. industry and Korean consumers have benefited immensely, with U.S. beef exports to Korea exceeding $2 billion annually in each of the past four years, and last year pork exports were record-large at $730 million. Korea’s domestic beef and pork production have also set records under KORUS, as consumption growth has underpinned larger imports and domestic production – a win for producers and consumers.

We remain hopeful that Korea will address the non-tariff barriers it imposes on U.S. beef, bringing market access in line with international standards. USMEF appreciates the tireless efforts by both USTR and USDA to eliminate these restrictions. 



USGC Members Arrive In Michigan For 65th Annual Board Of Delegates Meeting

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members touched down earlier this week for the 65th Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets and trade policy impacts, a celebration of the Council’s 65th anniversary with discussions led by past USGC chairmen and a highlight of USGC program successes.

USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri welcomed attendees with a summary of the Council’s work over the past year and a preview of the meeting’s upcoming content.

“My theme this year, Cultivate the Future, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current environment,” Ulibarri said. “At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains and ethanol around the world.”

The conference started with an address from Jamie Zmitko-Somers, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and an update on U.S. agriculture trade by Daniel Whitley, administrator at the Foreign Agricultural Service with the USDA. Former USGC chairmen reflected on their involvement with the Council and the lasting impacts of their work – celebrating 65 years of the U.S. Grains Council.

“The opportunities for developing markets are absolutely endless if the Council and members are willing to grasp them; they exist worldwide,” said Vic Miller, USGC Chairman from 2007-2008. “That is the strength of the Council.”

Cary Sifferath, USGC vice president; Alicia Koch, USGC director of global ethanol export development; and Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategy discussed USGC global program successes in Mexico and Nigeria and initiatives sponsored over five years of ATP funding.

“The relational aspect of how the Council works is critical to ensuring long-term success,” Koch said. “It is not just a transaction; we have personal connections to the people that we work with, and I think that in light of the current trade environment, our relationships are that much more critical.”

USGC President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand concluded the general session with a State of the Council address.

“We are moving the needle for both coarse grains and ethanol… The Council is focused on engagement and partnerships that help find homes for the corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distillers’ grains that our members produce,” LeGrand said.

The day ended with A-Team meetings where members had the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGC programs and priorities.

The conference will continue Thursday with a presentation on the importance of American agriculture in an ever-changing world from former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. The day will also include breakout sessions on Mexico, India and Southeast Asia featuring the latest developments and challenges in trade policy.

The conference will conclude on Friday with a USGC Board of Delegates meeting, financial, A-team and sector reports and a vote for the new board of directors.

The 65th Board of Delegates meeting runs through Friday in Grand Rapids. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains25. 



CHS Capital and AgVend connect to deliver digital producer financing solutions

CHS Inc., the nation’s leading agribusiness cooperative, through its subsidiary CHS Capital, and AgVend, the leading provider of digital enablement solutions for agribusiness, have deepened their collaboration to make producer financing programs digitally available within the AgVend platform. See more information about the CHS and AgVend collaboration in the August 2024 announcement.

For ag retailers using the AgVend platform , this expansion enables their producer financing program underwritten by CHS Capital to be visible and manageable within a single system. AgVend gives ag retailers a way to manage financing enrollments, view producers’ current loan positions, enable enhanced reporting and track utilization, all while being branded for the ag retailer.

“This offering demonstrates how CHS Capital is evolving to meet our customers where they are digitally and operationally,” said Steve Englund, senior director, CHS Capital. “We’re simplifying the process and enabling a cleaner, more consistent experience. We also see this as the building block for more features to come in the future with AgVend.”

This collaboration brings together trusted local service, integrated financing and simplified digital access. The capability makes it easier for ag retailers and their customers to manage their growing seasons with a single, connected, familiar experience.

“CHS is bringing together product, technology and services to deliver integrated, customer-focused solutions,” said Mark Biedenfeld, vice president, customer success, CHS Inc. “Our collaboration with AgVend gives ag retailers access to financing tools within the platform they already use, simplifying the experience for both ag retailers and the producers they serve.”

The solution is available to any ag retailer using AgVend, who has a financing program in place with CHS Capital. CHS Capital and AgVend teams are coordinating directly with each participating wholesale ag retailer to support implementation, customization and producer outreach.