Friday August 01 Ag News - DiCostanzo on Cattle Numbers - UNL's Heeren Receives Irrigation Award - MAHA Push-back - Ag BIO Act - and More!

 Mid-year cattle inventory check
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

The release of the July 2025 USDA Cattle and Cattle on Feed inventory prompted me to consider conducting a quick mid-year inventory check. Note: The USDA July Cattle inventory was not conducted during 2013, 2016 and 2024.

Beef cow inventory and heifer retention.
· The July beef cow inventory reflected a drop of 1.35 million cows between 2023 and 2025. However, from January to July 2025, USDA recorded an increase of 0.8 million cows.
    o The dairy cow inventory remained static from 2023
· There are 3.7 million heifers to expose for breeding as beef cow replacement. This represents the seasonality of the industry with a larger proportion of heifers left to breed. The January inventory reported 4.7 million heifers to breed as replacement.
    o Interestingly, the USDA Cattle on Feed inventory reports for January, April, and July between 2019 and 2025 demonstrated the proportion of heifers harvested, moderated between 38.7% to 38.1% of total slaughter.
    o It is also worth noting that heifer slaughter counts for July 2025 are between 1.5 to 1.7 percentage points below those reported for July of 2023 and 2024.
    o This reflects fewer heifers in the slaughter mix indicative of slight heifer retention.

Carcass weights and beef production.
· From January to May of 2025, the US produced 10.9 billion pounds of beef; approximately 2.7% lower production than during the same period in 2024.
· Heifer and steer slaughter counts were 10.2 million between January and June of 2025; a reduction of 3.8% from the slaughter counts in 2024 during the same period.
· Heifer and steer carcass weights were up each 27 lb in 2025.

Will beef production decline?
· Beef production in 2024 was 26.9 billion pounds. 
· Assuming that it is a target for 2025, then the US must produce 16 billion pounds between June and December to meet that target.
· In 2023 and 2024, slaughter counts between June and December were 15 million head.
· Assuming that in 2025 slaughter counts will be like the previous two years, then carcass weights would have to average over 1,000 lb to meet the 16 billion pounds required to produce as much beef as in 2024.
· Alternatively, at current harvest weights, the expected shortfall in beef production relative to 2024 would be nearly 2 billion pounds.

Conclusive thoughts
A decline in domestic beef production is expected as cattle inventories reach the lowest levels for the cycle. In the last low in inventories in 2015, beef production declined by 2 billion pounds from 25.7 billion pounds produced in 2013. By the time 2016 rolled around, beef production had recovered back to 25.2 billion pounds because herd retention and cattle production recovered while beef production was still declining.

The scenario is quite different this time. Beef production was similar in 2023 and 2024 and averaged 27 billion pounds. If beef production declines in 2025, it will be the first time during this low inventory cycle; yet there are signs of heifer retention and herd rebuilding.

Early summer rains improved pasture conditions and the prospects for good to excellent forage and grain producing conditions in the US. This should help cattle producers consider heifer retention and continued herd rebuilding.

Yet, because of higher production and reproductive efficiency of the US cow herd, it is likely that rebuilding beyond 29 million beef and 9.5 million dairy cows is not necessary. 



UNL's Heeren named recipient of IA 2025 Excellence in Education Award

The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Derek Heeren, PhD, PE, of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Education Award. This award recognizes an outstanding educator who teaches irrigation, water management and/or water conservation and has a commitment to not only elevating the level of education but also promoting the field of irrigation as a viable and sustainable career to students.

Derek Heeren has made a lasting impact on irrigation education through his leadership in curriculum development, textbook authorship and commitment to student success. At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he has taught irrigation-related courses and led the creation of new graduate and undergraduate pathways in irrigation and agricultural water management, including an online certificate program that expands access to irrigation education beyond campus. Heeren also served as general editor of Irrigation Systems Management, a widely used open-access textbook published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, and developed a companion Instructor Kit. Heeren also led the development of the Irrigation Educator GPT— a smart assistant, available in 58+ languages, to help students, producers and ag professionals make better irrigation decisions.

“Derek Heeren’s dedication to irrigation education has opened doors for students and professionals alike,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Through innovative program development, mentorship and resource creation, he has helped elevate the quality and accessibility of irrigation education and creates pathways for our industry’s future innovators and thought leaders. His passion for preparing the next generation is an inspiration to the entire industry.”

Through hands-on mentoring and active student engagement, Heeren has helped shape the next generation of irrigation professionals. He has mentored over 20 undergraduates in research roles and has advised or co-advised 20 graduate students from nine countries who were nearly all working on irrigation-related projects. Outside the university, Heeren has played an active role in both the IA and ASABE, contributing to technical committees, standards development, presenting at past Faculty Academies and writing educational articles. He now serves as associate head for academic programs at UNL and as education coordinator for the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive the Irrigation Association’s Excellence in Education Award,” said Heeren. “My work focuses on equipping students with real-world skills in irrigation, while building programs that serve both industry and international development. I’m especially grateful to the many students, colleagues, and partners whose collaboration and passion for water stewardship make this work both meaningful and impactful.”

The 2025 IA Award recipients will be honored at the 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week in New Orleans, Dec. 8-11. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at irrigation.org/awards. 



‘Meditations on Farming’ selected for Women in Agriculture Book Club

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program and Annie’s Project have announced ‘Meditations on Farming’, as the choice for their third quarter Book Club, which will conclude with a virtual discussion at 1p.m. Central Time on September 15th.

‘Meditations on Farming’ by Dr. Michael Rossman celebrates nature and agriculture, while tackling a very serious subject: the mental health of food producers. In this collection of essays and stories, Rosmann—a farmer, clinical psychologist, public speaker, policy advocate, professor, and syndicated columnist—traces the development of behavioral health management and other methods for improving the well-being of agricultural producers. Sometimes tragic, often funny, and always engaging, ‘Meditations on Farming’ shares the insights gained over a lifetime devoted not only to understanding farmers, but to helping and advocating for them.

Registration is free and can be found on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, or by clicking here https://unlcorexmuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jE6jiTZYuKnfL0. The first 23 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book mailed to them. All attendees are welcome regardless of race, gender, or any other protected status.  



Farmers Would Feel Impact if MAHA Commission Targets Pesticides, Survey Shows

In a new survey, American corn growers say they would face higher costs and reductions in crop yields if they were to lose access to key herbicides like atrazine and glyphosate. The survey comes after the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its preliminary report questioning the safety of the two herbicides.

The survey findings reveal high stakes for the MAHA Commission’s next report, a set of policy recommendations expected to be released in August, which could impact a key constituency in President Trump’s base. The crop protection tools in question have been thoroughly tested by the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies and shown to be safe for their intended uses.

“These results are in line with what I am hearing in conversations among farmers,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We are concerned that claims about herbicides in the pending MAHA recommendations could remove access to the tools we need to safely and sustainably produce a crop.”

Hartman added that growers hope the president will intervene and ensure that the MAHA Commission follows the science and defers to the EPA on matters related to pesticide policy and regulation.

The survey, which was sponsored by NCGA, included responses from more than 1,000 farmers and was conducted between June 17 and July 2, following the release of MAHA’s initial assessment, which mentioned glyphosate and atrazine.

Respondents indicated overwhelmingly – 85% – that weeds are the top pest plaguing their crops and that atrazine and glyphosate were their top two herbicides of choice.

The MAHA Commission, a priority of Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was formed in February through a presidential executive order. The commission released its initial assessment in May. That assessment was challenged by corn grower leaders for questioning decades of science proving glyphosate and atrazine to be safe and effective.

NCGA has spent months sounding the alarms about the MAHA Commission’s focus on herbicides. The group has said that if the pesticides in the initial assessment were to disappear completely, crop yields could decrease by more than 70% due to pests, weeds and disease.

Herbicides and pesticides, including glyphosate and atrazine have been tested extensively. Before these products are approved for use, companies must submit dozens, if not hundreds, of test results for EPA review and consideration, including tests examining potential effects on child development, dietary exposure, and long-term toxicity. The EPA’s reviews, required by law, are repeated at least every 15 years, or sooner if new data becomes available.

“Given that the EPA’s robust regulatory process has found these products to be safe when used according to label directions, there is no reason to suggest that they are harmful,” Hartman noted. “Doing so will come at a great cost to farmers and rural America.”



FACA Issues MAHA Policy Recommendations

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) published a new report entitled Nurturing Healthy Soils for Healthy Communities. The report recommends the Make America Healthy Again Commission support policies that reward stewardship and invest in innovation as part of a national strategy to create lasting, healthy outcomes for all communities, rural and urban alike.

The report focuses on three key pillars to help agricultural producers and forest owners keep our soils healthy and our air and water clean:
    Advancing voluntary conservation
    Supporting sustainable forest management and restoration
    Driving agricultural innovation

FACA’s four co-chair members issued the following statements endorsing the recommendations:

“Farmers and ranchers are committed to doing right by the land, and we are at the forefront of adopting new practices, innovation, and technology to ensure our soil is healthy for generations to come. That’s why we are urging lawmakers to ensure we have access to the research and tools we need to keep growing safe, sustainable and nutritious food, fiber, and renewable fuel for our communities, our country and the world,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“Healthy soils are key to a healthy diet for families and a sustainable future for our nation’s farmers,” said Environmental Defense Fund Executive Director Amanda Leland. “Improving soil health and water quality provides us with more nutritious food, preserves rural livelihoods and ensures farmers will be able to pass their operations on for generations to come. EDF is committed to working collaboratively to support our nation’s farmers, ranchers and foresters in their ongoing efforts to improve healthy soils and healthy diets.”

"The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives is happy to see the release of FACA’s Healthy Soils Report. Co-ops have long been leading the way in helping their farmer-owners adopt best practices that protect and promote soil health. This report outlines several recommendations that can strengthen those initiatives in a way that allows farmers to continue to provide nutritious food to millions of Americans,” said Duane Simpson, president and CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

"Family farmers and ranchers have long been stewards of the land, committed to practices that protect our soil, water and the overall health of our communities. Through collaboration, we can strengthen policies that reward stewardship and invest in innovation. By providing the right tools and support outlined in this report, we can ensure that farmers continue to lead the way—nurturing healthy soils, growing nutritious food and building resilient communities across the country,” said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union.



U.S. Grains Council Reacts To Trade Deal With South Korea

President Donald Trump this week announced another in a series of recent trade deals – this time with the Republic of Korea - that he says amounts to an investment in $350 billion in U.S. goods, including agricultural products, and South Korea will purchase an additional $100 billion in liquified natural gas (LNG) and other energy products.

The President says U.S. goods will be traded at a zero tariff rate with South Korea, while South Korea will pay a 15 percent tariff on U.S. goods. Details will come in the next two weeks when South Korea’s president has a planned visit to the White House.

In reaction, U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand said:
“South Korea is one of our longest-established trading partners, so the Council is happy to see the Administration show a commitment to building on those years of mutual respect and trade with the negotiation of this newest trade deal. Korea was our fifth largest trading partner in grains in all forms with sales totaling $4.07 billion in the 2023/2024 marketing year, or 5.9 million metric tons in U.S. corn equivalent. The Council has worked in South Korea for nearly 53 years, and the country is our second largest trading partner in U.S. distillers grains with solubles, third in U.S. barley, and sixth in both U.S. corn and ethanol. We look forward to many more years of mutually beneficial trade between our two countries.”



USGC Summer Meeting Continues Thursday With Focus On Trade Policy

The U.S. Grains Council's (USGC's) 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting continued today in Grand Rapids, MI, with commodity sector meetings and discussions on the strength of American agriculture and the latest trade policy developments in Mexico, India and Southeast Asia.

The day began with attendees splitting into sector meetings based on the industries they represent: agribusiness, barley, corn, sorghum and general farm organizations.

The morning wrapped up with a general session that included a presentation on the importance of American agriculture in a changing world from former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and a discussion on shipbuilding challenges by Jay O’Neil, proprietor of HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting.

“U.S. trade is absolutely critical to the U.S. economy, especially with over 20 percent of U.S. agriculture commodities exported overseas,” Stabenow said. “Building additional markets amidst trade uncertainty is even more critical, and it is critical that we maintain strong bipartisan support of agriculture.”

The afternoon featured three breakout sessions on U.S. trade policy developments in Mexico, India and Southeast Asia led by AGON Partner Kenneth Smith Ramos; Senior Advisor of Trade Policy for the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum Mark Linscott; and USGC Deputy Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania Chris Markey.

The meeting concludes tomorrow with elections for USGC officers, sector leadership positions and Advisory Team (A-Team) leadership appointments. 



Corn Refiners Association Applauds Bipartisan Senate Introduction of the Ag BIO Act

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) welcomes the bipartisan reintroduction of the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act in the United States Senate, led by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). This forward-looking legislation will bolster America’s rural economy, advance the bioeconomy, and support high-quality job creation in America's heartland. 

“This legislation represents a strategic investment in the future of rural America and the farmers, workers, and innovators who fuel our economy,” said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “By backing next-generation biomanufacturing, the Ag BIO Act will help cement U.S. leadership in sustainable innovation while delivering economic opportunity where it’s needed most.” 

The Ag BIO Act outlines a roadmap to enhance U.S. competitiveness in biomanufacturing by cultivating new applications for agricultural feedstocks such as corn. It promotes the transition from traditional manufacturing methods to more sustainable alternatives rooted in American-made materials and technologies. 

The bill updates and broadens the USDA’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, unlocking expanded opportunities for corn refiners and others in the bioeconomy. The legislation will also lay the groundwork for a more dynamic bioeconomy by streamlining eligibility, clarifying lending terms, and broadening the scope of supported outputs.  

The bill is a companion measure to legislation introduced in May by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL).