Friday September 19 Ag News - Natural Disaster Declaration in NE - Rural Main Stree Index falls in Sept - Senate approves USDA nominees - and more!

 Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates Several Counties in Nebraska as Natural Disaster Areas Due to Winter Storms, Other Impacts in March

This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

1. Triggering Presidential Designation M4868:
Impacted Area: Nebraska
Triggering Disaster: Severe Winter Storms and Straight-line Winds
Application Deadline: 1/21/2026

Primary Counties Eligible:
· Nebraska: Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington, Webster, York

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
· Nebraska: Adams, Antelope, Dakota, Dixon, Franklin, Gage, Greeley, Hall, Kearney, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Nemaha, Pawnee, Stanton, Wayne, Wheeler
· Iowa: Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie, Woodbury
· Kansas: Jewell, Republic, Smith, Washington
· Missouri: Atchison

2. Triggering Presidential Designation M4869:
Impacted Area: Kansas
Triggering Disaster: Severe Storms, Fires and Winter Storms
Application Deadline: 1/21/2026

Primary Counties Eligible:
· Kansas: Barton, Chautauqua, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Gray, Greeley, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Wallace, Woodson

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
· Colorado: Cheyenne, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Prowers
· Kansas: Allen, Anderson, Butler, Cheyenne, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Decatur, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Greenwood, Hamilton, Haskell, Kiowa, Lane, McPherson, Meade, Mitchell, Montgomery, Neosho, Ottawa, Pratt, Rawlins, Reno, Republic, Saline, Scott, Thomas, Trego, Wichita, Wilson
· Nebraska: Franklin, Furnas, Harlan, Nuckolls, Webster
· Oklahoma: Osage, Washington

More Resources On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.

FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit fema.gov/assistance.



Stakeholders Applaud Bacon for Reintroducing Legislation to Strengthen America’s Agricultural Security

Stakeholders and organizations are applauding Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) for reintroducing H.R. 4155, the American Agricultural Security Research Act of 2025 which will bolster cyber defenses for our nation's food supply chain and secure America's agricultural sector.

With the U.S. agri-food sector reporting forty cyberattack incidents in the first quarter of 2024 alone, the American Agricultural Security Research Act addresses an urgent national security concern. The legislation will establish Centers of Excellence at higher education institutions and create a competitive USDA grant program to strengthen our agricultural cybersecurity infrastructure. 

“Our national security and our agricultural industry are inextricably linked,” said Rep. Bacon. “There are only nine meals between civilization and total anarchy. For this reason, I introduced the American Agricultural Security Act to ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats to our food supply chain.”

While new technologies have enabled food production to become one of the most automated industries in the world, adversaries have increasingly looked to undermine our nation’s most vital industry through increased cyberattacks. The American Agricultural Security Research Act addresses these challenges by:
    Enabling the Secretary of Agriculture to establish Centers of Excellence at institutions of higher education to research and engage in extension on topics related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and agricultural production.
    Establishing a competitive grant program within USDA to support research, extension, and education activities that improve the capability of the United States to protect the food and agricultural system from attack or other global catastrophic threats.



DEADLINE OCT. 21 FOR YCC CLASS OF 2026

Nebraska Cattlemen is accepting nominations for the Young Cattlemen’s Connection (YCC) Class of 2026 until Tuesday, October 21, 2025. 

YCC is a longstanding Nebraska Cattlemen tradition aiming to keep the future of our industry innovative and knowledgeable. This program helps emerging leaders understand the industry structure, issues management, product research and marketing, and teaches participants how to become effective communicators.

Nominees will be required to fill out an application for the selection committee to review. 

For more information please visit, www.nebraskacattlemen.org. Questions can be directed to Bonita Lederer at (402) 450-0223 or by email at blederer@necattlemen.org.

YCC is made possible by generous sponsorships from Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Neogen and Farm Credit Services of America.



Iowa Corn Growers Optimistic on EPA’s Proposed Reallocations of Small Refinery Exemptions 

On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency released their supplemental rule on the recently announced small refinery exemptions (SREs). EPA is co-proposing additional volumes representing complete (100 percent) reallocation or 50 percent reallocation for SREs granted in full or in part for 2023 and 2024, as well as those projected to be granted for 2025, as part of the ongoing RFS rulemaking. In addition, EPA is also asking for comments on no reallocations at all. EPA is also providing more information on its projection of SREs to inform the calculation of the 2026 and 2027 percentage standards.  

 “With the current state of the farm economy and a USDA projected record corn crop, farmers cannot afford to lose any demand for biofuels such as ethanol,” said Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “ICGA appreciates the Trump Administration’s support for American farmers. We encourage the EPA to reallocate 100% of the 2023-2025 SRE’s and add those volumes to 2026 and 2027 RFS obligations. This will ensure renewable fuel demand is maintained at the levels intended. Any increase of RINs in the market due to SREs could significantly impact the value of renewable fuels and limit consumption.” 

The rule will go through a 45-day period of public comment and a virtual public hearing on October 1, 2025, prior to being finalized. 



What to expect from corn silage infected with southern rust

Do you know what to expect from corn silage infected with southern rust? The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team is focusing on that topic in their next webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Held from noon to 1 p.m. Central Time, the program will be presented by A.T. Adesogan from University of Florida. His research looked at determining the effect of the level of southern rust infestation of a corn hybrid on silage fermentation, nutritive value and bunk life, and to determine how inoculant application affects these measures of forage quality. Please register for this free webinar at least one hour before it begins here https://go.iastate.edu/CORNSILAGERUST.

More information at www.iowabeefcenter.org. 



Rural Mainstreet Economy Falls into Negative Territory
Almost 75% of Bankers Report Negative Tariff Impacts

For the seventh time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral 50.0, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for September fell to 38.5 from 48.1 in August. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Weak agriculture commodity prices for grain producers continue to dampen economic activity in the 10-state region. Almost three of four bank CEOs and chief loan officers indicated that falling agriculture commodity prices represented the greatest threat to banking operations over the next 12 months,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Approximately, three of four bank CEOs reported that tariff increases have had a negative impact on farm operations.

Farming and ranch land prices: For the 16th time in the past 17 months, farmland prices slumped below growth neutral. The region’s farmland price dropped to 45.8 from 46.2 in August. “Elevated interest rates, higher input costs and below breakeven grain prices put downward pressure on farmland prices,” said Goss.

According to the USDA data, the 10-state region produced 36.9% of U.S. 2024 agriculture output.

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index improved slightly to a very weak 15.2 from August’s 14.6. “This is the 25th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. High input costs, tighter credit conditions, low farm commodity prices and market volatility from tariffs are having negative impacts on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Iowa: September’s RMI for the state declined to 30.3 from 35.5 in August. Iowa’s farmland price index for September climbed to 45.5 from 35.4 in August. Iowa’s new hiring index for September sank to 41.2 from 46.6 in August. According to USDA 2024 data, Iowa produced $37.6 billion of farm commodities, accounting for 7.4% of the U.S. total. The top two commodities and their U.S. shares were corn at 17.5% and hogs 33.0%.

Nebraska: The Nebraska Rural Mainstreet Index for September sank to 38.5 from August’s 43.2. The state’s farmland price index for September rose to 45.8 from 42.8 in August. Nebraska’s new hiring index fell to 48.0 from 53.7 in August. According to USDA 2024 data, Nebraska produced $32.0 billion of farm commodities, accounting for 6.3% of the U.S. total. The top two commodities and their U.S. shares were cattle at 15.9% and corn at 12.1%. 

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



IFBF 2025 Transportation Rules for Farmers (Webinar)
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM (CST)  

In anticipation of harvest, farmers need the latest information on regulations and exemptions that apply to them as they transport their crops.  Webinar participants will receive valuable information regarding registrations and licensing of farm vehicles, pre-trip inspections, vehicle weight, and much more.  Join the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation as we host Trooper Jay Kirkpatrick with the Iowa State Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicles Unit for this unique opportunity to learn, ask questions, and stay safe on the roads during this year's harvest season and beyond! 

Click here to register https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1kJ8kJLJQ-m-EN-paFPLqA#/registration

For more information, contact Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau, Farmer Education Program Manager (zbrummer@ifbf.org).



NMPF Dairy Market Report Sept 2025

Overall domestic commercial use of milk in all dairy products increased by 2.2% year-over-year during the May-July period. Exports also showed strong growth.

U.S. milk production grew by 3% during this period, while total milk solids production increased by 3.9%, as the average solids composition of producer milk continues to increase. Lower average milk prices in July from a month earlier were mostly offset by lower feed costs, resulting in a $0.16/cwt lower DMC margin of $10.94/cwt.

Retail price inflation ticked up in August as overall consumer prices rose by 2.9% from a year earlier. Dairy continued to show its inflation-fighting bonafides, with its average retail prices increasing by 1.3% from a year earlier versus 3.1% for all food and beverages.

View Full Report https://www.nmpf.org/dmr-sept2025/. 



ASA Welcomes Fordyce, Hoskins, and Hutchins to USDA Leadership Roles

The American Soybean Association congratulates Richard Fordyce on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), Dudley Hoskins as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), and Dr. Scott Hutchins as USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE).

“Richard, Dudley and Scott are trusted leaders with deep agricultural experience and proven records of service,” said ASA CEO Stephen Censky. “I had the privilege of working closely with all three during my time at USDA, and I know they are outstanding public servants. Richard's background as a farmer and former FSA Administrator uniquely positions him to guide FPAC programs that farmers rely on. Dudley’s policy expertise and understanding of MRP’s role will benefit farmers and ranchers across the country. Scott's leadership in REE will ensure science-based research and innovation continue to drive agriculture forward."

ASA looks forward to working with all three to strengthen farm programs, conservation efforts, market access, and agricultural research.




NCGA Applauds Confirmation of USDA Nominees

The U.S. Senate Thursday approved the nominations of three presidential appointments to the Department of Agriculture. Those approved were Richard Fordyce, undersecretary of farm production and conservation; Dudley Hoskins, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs; and Scott Hutchins, undersecretary for research, education and economics.
 
In response to this development, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement: 
 
“We applaud the Senate for approving the nominations of these leaders, all three of whom have extensive experience in agriculture and have shown a commitment to American farmers and rural America. We look forward to working with them to advance the interests of the nation’s 500,000 corn farmers.”  



NCBA and PLC Congratulate USDA, Interior, and Environmental Nominees on Confirmation

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) congratulated a slate of nominees confirmed by the U.S. Senate who will take up positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).

“President Trump has been in office for eight months and there are still numerous vacant positions across the federal government. These vacancies delay the ability of federal agencies to craft policy and address issues facing America’s cattle producers,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We thank Majority Leader John Thune and all the senators who voted to advance this slate of highly qualified nominees. With new confirmed officials, important teams under USDA, the Interior Department, EPA, and CEQ can be even more effective in serving America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “NCBA congratulates Dudley Hoskins on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. As a staff member for the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Under Secretary Hoskins has supported America’s cattle producers and advanced critical Farm Bill programs. With his previous experience at USDA and at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Hoskins is a highly qualified nominee, and we look forward to him supporting the economic health and security of the U.S. cattle industry.”

Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “As a scientist and researcher, Dr. Scott Hutchins has dedicated his career to protecting American agriculture and advancing gold standard research. The innovation and information provided by the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area of USDA is critical to the success of family cattle farmers and ranchers. NCBA congratulates Dr. Hutchins on his confirmation and looks forward to working with him.”

Richard Fordyce, Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “America’s cattle producers rely on the Farm Production and Conservation team at USDA to manage local Farm Service Agency offices, support risk management offerings, and manage voluntary conservation tools through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. NCBA is grateful to see a qualified nominee like Richard Fordyce receive confirmation as Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation to lead these efforts. NCBA looks forward to Under Secretary Fordyce supporting family farmers and ranchers in accessing disaster relief, risk management, and voluntary conservation tools that support healthy ranches and healthy rangeland.”
 
Environmental Protection Agency

Jessica Kramer, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart: “For too long, the EPA has been a burden to cattle producers and created more red tape for family farms and ranches. Thankfully, the Senate has confirmed Jessica Kramer as Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water and we look forward to her charting a new course for this office that acknowledges the environmental benefits from raising cattle. NCBA congratulates Assistant Administrator Kramer on her confirmation, and we look forward to future collaboration.”
 
U.S. Department of the Interior
 
Leslie Beyer, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “PLC and NCBA welcome the confirmation of Leslie Beyer as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. In her position, Assistant Secretary Beyer will oversee the Bureau of Land Management, an agency whose daily work impacts the 22,000 western ranchers holding federal grazing permits. We look forward to working with Assistant Secretary Beyer and building on the partnership that already exists between federal lands ranchers and federal lands managers throughout the West.”
 
Andrea Travnicek, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “With the level of drought facing the West, there is no shortage of work to be done on managing our nation’s water resources. NCBA and PLC are pleased to see the Senate confirm Andrea Travnicek to lead the Interior Department’s critical work stewarding our water supply.”
 
William L. Doffermyre, Solicitor
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “NCBA and PLC congratulate William L. Doffermyre on his confirmation as Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior, a role where he will be able to hold the department accountable for serving our Western rural communities. We look forward to working with Solicitor Doffermyre to eliminate complex, burdensome regulations that stand in the way of successful family ranchers and thriving rural communities.” 
 
Council on Environmental Quality
 
Katherine Scarlett, Member of the Council on Environmental Quality
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “NCBA congratulates Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation, and promotion, from staff at the Council on Environmental Quality to Senate-confirmed member. Under Scarlett’s leadership, we look forward to the Council on Environmental Quality modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act process and unleashing business opportunities for rural America.”



New study details grain and feed industry’s $401.7B impact, 1.16M jobs

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Thursday released The Harvest Economy, a new economic impact study highlighting the vital role the U.S. grain and feed industry plays in powering jobs, tax revenues, and economic growth across America.

Among the study’s key national findings:
    $401.7 billion in total economic output (1.3 percent of U.S. GDP)
    1.16 million jobs supported, including direct, supplier, and induced employment
    $85.9 billion in total wages and benefits
    $32.7 billion in taxes paid to federal, state, and local governments

Conducted by John Dunham & Associates and accessible on NGFA’s website, the interactive study provides national, state, and congressional district-level data showing the full economic footprint of the industry.

“Grain and feed companies transform America’s harvest into economic opportunity,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “This new study quantifies what many of us already know – that our industry is essential to rural communities, domestic and global food security, and the U.S. economy.”

According to the study, America’s grain and feed industry makes a positive economic contribution to every state and congressional district in the country. All told, there are 9,683 grain and feed facilities in the United States. The 175,737 people directly employed by those facilities make, on average, $84,768 per year.

NGFA also launched a redesigned website in conjunction with the economic impact report. The site includes a platform that allows users to download fact sheets and explore data by state and congressional district, illustrating the industry’s local impact.

To explore the report, visit: https://www.ngfa.org/industry-impact/.