Tuesday July 08 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress - New Deputy Director at NE Dept of Ag - Iowa Corn fosters trade with Africa - and more!

USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the U.S. corn crop increased slightly while soybean conditions remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive week, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 18%, 4 percentage points behind of last year's 22% but 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 15%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 3%, steady with last year and slightly ahead of five-year average of 2%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 74% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, up 1 point from 73% the previous week and 6 points ahead of last year's 68%. Five percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and lower than 9% last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: 96% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 2 points behind last year and the five-year average of 98%. Soybeans blooming was pegged at 32%, consistent with last year and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 31%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 8%, also equal to last year and up 2 points from the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 66% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and 2 points below 68% 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 16 percentage points to reach 53% complete nationwide Sunday. That was 9 points behind of last year's 62% and 1 point behind of the five-year average pace of 54%. 
-- Crop condition: 48% of the crop remaining in fields was rated in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and 3 points below from 51% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 61% of spring wheat was headed, 5 percentage points ahead of last year's 56% and 3 points ahead the five-year average of 58%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 50% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 3 percentage points from 53% the previous week and 25 points down from 75% last year. 



Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Report
For the week ending July 6, 2025

Topsoil Moisture: 7% surplus - 63% adequate - 25% short - 5% very short 
Subsoil Moisture: 3% surplus - 54% adequate - 33% short - 10% very short 
Corn Silking: 10% - 2% LW - 10% 5YA
Corn in Dough Stage: 1% - none LW - none 5YA
Corn Condition: 20% excellent - 55% good - 21% fair - 3% poor - 1% very poor 
Soybeans in Bloom: 15% - 4% LW - 41% 5YA
Soybeans setting pods: none
Soybean Condition: 16% excellent - 55% good - 25% fair - 3% poor - 1% very poor 
Winter Wheat Harvested: 22% - 4% LW - 19% 5YA 
Pasture & Range Condition: 3% excellent - 27% good - 41% fair - 22% poor - 7% very poor



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Farmers had 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork to during the week ending July 6, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 14 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 15 percent, matching last year, but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. A few reports of corn reaching the dough stage were received. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 62 percent good and 24 percent excellent.  

Soybeans blooming reached 36 percent, 3 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of average. Nine percent of soybeans were setting pods. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 60 percent good and 19 percent excellent. 

Iowa’s oat crop reached 94 percent headed and 55 percent turning color. Oats harvested for grain reached 9 percent complete. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 71 percent good and 17 percent excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 53 percent complete and a few producers have started on the third cutting. Hay condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 71 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were generally good despite the heat and high humidity.



NDA ANNOUNCES JESSICA SHELBURN AS AGENCY’S NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton has announced the hiring of Jessica Shelburn for the position of deputy director. Shelburn, who has extensive experience in political strategy, grassroots engagement and public policy, begins her position at NDA today, July, 7.

“Jessica is a Nebraska native from Oak who has devoted her career to public policy and engagement,” said Director Vinton. “Her background in agricultural leadership and her passion for serving rural communities make her a strong addition to our leadership team.”

Shelburn has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication from UNL. Early in her career, she completed a marketing internship with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in Vienna, Austria.

Shelburn has considerable experience in agriculture and education, teaching Agriculture Education and FFA in Newman Grove Public Schools and most recently served as the Director of Grassroots Engagement for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. In that role, she designed and led statewide engagement initiatives and served as a liaison between policy leaders and field staff, helping empower members to influence agricultural and rural policy.

“I have spent most of my life supporting not only Nebraska legislation, but the agricultural industry. The position of deputy director is an exciting opportunity, honor and privilege.” Said Shelburn. “I look forward to learning more about what NDA does for Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers and their families and using my background to create new opportunities for the community.”

“Jessica has shown a commitment to public service through not only her professional career, but her continued volunteer work. Her experience as a lobbyist and legislative aide has given her many skills and tools to help put the interests of Nebraska ag producers first,” said Vinton. “I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing all she will bring to NDA and the ag industry.” 

Shelburn replaces Hilary Maricle, who was appointed as the State Executive Director for the USDA's Farm Service Agency in Nebraska. 



Pillen Joins U.S. Cabinet,  Congressional Leadership and Governors in  Announcement of National Farm Security Action Plan

Governor Jim Pillen Tuesday will join top leaders from President Donald Trump’s administration, members of Congress and other governors in announcing the rollout of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan. The aim of this initiative is to protect American agriculture from foreign threats.  

In addition to Gov. Pillen, event participants include Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Defense Pet Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.



Iowa Corn Fosters Global Trade Relationships in Africa 

In early June, Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Vice President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, attended the U.S. Grain Council (USGC) Buyers and Sellers Conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Roughly 90 representatives, consultants and presenters from across Arabic and sub-Saharan Africa attended the conference, representing companies involved in the trade or the livestock feeding industry. Mueller attended the conference to share about the use of biotechnology within the U.S. and personal benefits he has seen within his own operation. 

“The use of biotechnology has allowed U.S. corn farmers to continually increase our yields while decreasing our farm inputs,” said Mueller. “Attending the USGC Buyers and Sellers Conference in Ivory Coast was an opportunity to share about U.S. practices and strengthen relationships that promote future trade between the U.S. and Africa. These missions are incredibly important because as we continue to grow more corn, we need to continue developing new trade channels and relationships.” 

Throughout the conference, Mueller represented U.S. corn farmers in meetings with various African buyers. While in country, Mueller along with other U.S. producers and USGC staff also visited poultry and aquaculture farms to see local integration of feed grains and to help gain perspective as they continually enhance their marketing strategies.   

Iowa corn farmers understand the importance of strong trade relationships and dedicate countless hours fostering new and existing relationships each year. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) focuses on exporting value-added products such as corn-fed red meat, ethanol, DDGS and corn gluten feed as well as whole kernel corn to best serve our international customers by maintaining and creating new trade markets.  

For more information on how Iowa Corn is supporting increased market access for Iowa grown corn and corn-products, visit https://www.iowacorn.org/corn-market-development/us-corn-exports/. 



Survey Highlights Current Producer Use of Sustainable Ag Practices, Identifies Barriers to Adoption  

AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry), Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), and Frontier Farm Credit recently released a joint sustainability report, designed to be a resource for sound decision-making for those interested in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The data-rich report includes results from a 300-producer survey from fifteen states conducted to better understand what sustainability practices are currently being implemented, what barriers exist that prevent adoption, and what types of financial partnerships are needed in this space. The report also highlights adoption practices of producers from across the Midwest and High Plains.  

Among the findings detailed in the report, 84% responded that tillage practices to minimize disturbance are part of their operation, 76% utilize precision equipment or technology to increase efficiency, and 75% engage in soil erosion and nutrient runoff reduction practices. Most reported long-standing practices that delivered multiple benefits including cost savings, operational efficiency and greater yield.  

Producers also indicated general satisfaction with their lenders when it came to supporting sustainable practices, but more is needed. “There is a growing understanding of the financial risks producers bear when they make changes on their farm or ranch,” said Mark Jensen, president and CEO of the collaborating associations.  “We are part of the efforts to make those risks more manageable, reward producers for their efforts, and remove financial barriers for those who choose to engage with the practices.” 

Highlights in the report include stories from customer-owners who have utilized innovation to improve sustainability outcomes. One such story is Bestifor Farms in Belleville, Kansas where annual rainfall is about 28 inches, making water management crucial. The company’s CEO, Chase Larson, developed VandWater which is a software platform used to monitor and manage water usage from every well, ensuring compliance with water rights permits. Despite using the same amount of water, his innovative approach has increased crop yields, demonstrating efficient irrigation practices. “Water is my most precious resource,” said Larson. “I start with how much water I have and then I work backwards and determine my crop, plant population, fertilizer, etc.”  

Partner Voices 
Building strong partnerships is essential in achieving the goal of providing farmers and ranchers with the resources they need to succeed in their sustainability efforts. Partnerships with the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) are among those detailed in the report.  

“Our sustainability program has grown each year, as have the opportunities and demands to do more as an agricultural industry,” said Myriah Johnson, vice president corporate sustainability for the collaborating associations. “The sustainability space continues to evolve quickly. Whether it’s through our industry partnerships, conducting survey work, or removing barriers, we're helping producers break through the noise to make informed, financially viable decisions that are right for them.” 



NCBA Statement on Reopening of First Port of Entry in Douglas, AZ

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall Monday released a statement on the opening of the first port of entry at Douglas, Arizona to shipments of cattle, bison, and horses:

“Since day one, Secretary Rollins has been focused on America first policies that support America’s cattle producers, like defending us from the New World screwworm. Raising cattle is an extremely varied business, and no two ranches run the same way. Secretary Rollins’ decision to reopen the Douglas port of entry to live cattle imports will help relieve the economic pain for some producers throughout the country who depend on cattle moving through that port for their businesses.

“Cattle moving through this port will go through a robust double-inspection. Before entering the port, cattle will be inspected for any wounds or other health conditions. If any wounds are detected, the entire lot of cattle will be rejected by veterinary authorities. Cattle will also receive an anti-parasitic medication and then be quarantined for three days before moving through the port. Once on the other side, cattle will receive another round of veterinary inspection. Opening the Douglas port is the first phase of USDA’s plan and they will continue assessing biosecurity at every step of the process.

“Throughout this situation, Secretary Rollins has held Mexican officials accountable to ensure they are joining the fight against the screwworm, she has pushed for a domestic sterile fly facility in Texas, and she released a five-point plan to combat New World screwworm. We appreciate that she is always working to support America’s hardworking, patriotic family farmers and ranchers.”