Friday October 03 Ag News - Nebraskans Opinions on Trade - Scoular Advances on Sustainability - Tariffs impact CLAAS Operations - Reduce Fire Danger during Harvest - and more!

RURAL NEBRASKANS HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES REGARDING TRADE POLICY

Rural Nebraskans continue to value protecting American jobs, creating choices for consumers and fostering political relationships with other countries as important components of U.S. trade policy, according to the 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll. Amid ongoing trade issues, those findings are similar to last year’s; however, there are differences in other areas.

This year, more rural Nebraskans surveyed rate lower prices for consumers as very important (from 51% last year to 56% this year). Similarly, more respondents rate strengthening economic relationships with other countries as very important (from 41% last year to 47% this year).

“Even with the implementation and threat of new tariffs since we conducted our 2024 survey, we didn’t see big changes in how rural Nebraskans view trade policy,” said Becky Vogt, survey manager for the Rural Poll. “The items that did see increased importance, though, suggest they are paying more attention to economic concerns — where we get our goods and how much we’re paying for them.”

Overall, most respondents think protecting American jobs, lowering prices for consumers and creating new export opportunities for Nebraska’s agricultural producers and other businesses are very important considerations in determining trade policy.

Almost six in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed think protecting American jobs (57%) and lowering prices for consumers (56%) should be very important in determining trade policy. Just more than half think creating new export opportunities for the state’s agricultural producers and other businesses (54%) should be a very important consideration. Many rural Nebraskans rate strengthening economic relationships with other countries (47%), strengthening and safeguarding political relationships with other countries (42%), and creating choices for consumers (42%) as very important considerations. However, only 28% rate using trade policies to pressure countries that challenge U.S. economic and political priorities as very important.

“These responses show that rural Nebraskans view trade policy through the lens of their household budgets and local economies,” said Brad Lubben, associate professor of agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “Protecting jobs, keeping prices manageable and supporting agricultural exports rise to the top because they directly affect rural livelihoods. The data remind us that trade decisions made in Washington have very real consequences for families, businesses and communities across rural Nebraska.”

Not all poll respondents rate these items the same. Those working in construction, installation or maintenance (80%) are more likely than those in management, professional or education occupations (42%) to say protecting American jobs should be a very important consideration in determining national trade policy.

Lower prices for consumers is more important to younger people, according to the poll. Seventy-seven percent of respondents 19 to 29 think lower prices should be a very important consideration, compared to 49% of those 65 and older. And, even though using trade policies to pressure countries that challenge national economic and political priorities was not seen as a high priority for most rural Nebraskans, many persons working in agriculture (43%) say it should be a very important determinant.

“Trade policy doesn’t impact everyone the same way,” Lubben said. “Younger Nebraskans are focused on costs of living, workers want to protect their jobs, and those in agriculture are thinking about how trade policy affects global competition and export opportunities. Together, the data highlight the diverse priorities within rural communities and the need for trade policy that balances those perspectives.”

The “Trade Policy” report and its implications for rural Nebraska will be highlighted during a Rural Poll webinar at noon Oct. 9. Lubben will lead the discussion with special guest Jill O’Donnell, director of the university’s Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance. Register here https://ruralpoll.unl.edu/resources/webinars/.

The 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll marks the 30th year of tracking rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life, making it the largest and longest-running poll of its kind. This summer, questionnaires were mailed to more than 6,700 Nebraska households, with 943 households from 86 of the state’s 93 counties responding. The poll carries a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3%. Conducted by Rural Prosperity Nebraska with funding from Nebraska Extension, the Rural Poll provides three decades of data on the voices of rural Nebraskans. Current and past reports are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu.  



Scoular progresses on regenerative agriculture, other sustainability goals

Scoular has reached two key milestones in regenerative agriculture and greenhouse gas reduction. The milestones are highlighted in the company’s annual sustainability report released today.  

The report outlines Scoular’s sustainability progress from June 2024 through May 2025. 

Key achievements include: 
    Partnering with two end-use customers to incentivize producers to enroll over 16,000 acres in Scoular’s first regenerative agriculture pilot. 
    Developing a facility-level tracking system for scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions and completing a scope 3 assessment. 
    Continuing to support employees through four resource groups, including Scoular Women Influencing Culture, or SWIC. SWIC organized a monthlong volunteer effort where United States and Mexico employees contributed more than 250 hours supporting schools, food banks and shelters. 

The report also introduces Scoular’s streamlined sustainability strategy. The company will now focus on three areas:  
    Protecting resources: supply chain collaboration, both upstream and downstream. 
    Reducing impact: effects on the environment, including a commitment to reduce scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent by 2030. 
    Enhancing lives: safety, community giving, and creation of a work environment where everyone feels like they belong. 

“Our updated sustainability strategy shows Scoular’s commitment to unite our supply chain to reduce environmental impact,” said Beth Stebbins, Scoular’s director of sustainability. “Collaborating end-to-end with our farmers, suppliers, and customers gives everyone a seat at the table to develop programs that produce the sustainability outcomes that consumers demand.” 



CLAAS to move work out of Omaha due to tariffs

A German-based farm equipment manufacturer has confirmed plans to move some of the work done at its Omaha plant overseas to avoid American tariffs on steel and aluminum.

CLAAS, which manufactures its Lexion combine in Omaha, said it will move production of the 2026 model year Lexion 8000 back to Germany.

The combines are mostly sold in the Canadian market, and moving the production to Germany will allow the company to avoid 50% reciprocal Canadian tariffs on steel and aluminum.

A CLAAS spokesman said the company is not planning any layoffs at its Omaha plant, where it employs more than 250 people and just last month held a groundbreaking for a new 45,000-square-foot R&D center.

“CLAAS is currently reviewing pre-order sales data to determine combine production requirements in Omaha,” said John Schofield, the company’s North American marketing coordinator. “We continue to retain our workforce while actively expanding in sales, service, and retail.”

Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University, said the move by CLAAS, “represents the outcome of the random application of tariffs.”

“This is just one example of the difficulty and folly of raising tariffs haphazardly to reduce the U.S. trade deficit,” Goss said.

He said there are three main reasons it makes sense to levy tariffs: to protect new industries, to protect intellectual property and to incentivize negotiations to reduce overall tariffs on all products.

“Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum meet none of the three requirements,” Goss said.



Manage Fire Risks During Harvest

Early planting combined with warm spring and fall conditions has led to an earlier-than-usual corn harvest in Iowa. Crops are also drier than normal, creating a greater risk of field fires during harvest.

Combine in field of cornThe primary factor related to field fires is higher air temperature. It dries out crops more quickly and creates conditions favorable for field fires to ignite and spread. Wind speed affects the risk of a field fire spread by aiding combustion as well as by carrying heat and burning embers to new fields:
    Below 15 miles per hour: low risk of spreading
    Between 15 and 20 miles per hour: medium risk
    Over 25 miles per hour: high risk

“Fires often originate when corn leaves or residue come in contact with a hot surface,” said Kris Kohl, field agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Common ignition sources include exhaust systems, overheated bearings and high temperature sources in the engine compartment.”  

To reduce fire risk, Kohl recommends farmers:
    Use a leaf blower or compressed air to regularly remove fine chaff from equipment surfaces.
    Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher in the combine cab to contain small fires and consider mounting a larger fire extinguisher at ground level outside the cab for larger blazes.
    Be cautious of truck exhausts, which can ignite dry cornstalks.

“Any ignition source in combination with dry plant residue presents a potential hazard,” Kohl said.  

Once a field fire starts, it can be difficult and dangerous to contain. Personal safety should always take priority over property. “Know your 911 field (street) address, and always call 911 first to minimize damage,” Kohl said. “If it is safe to do so, attack the fire with extinguishers or make a tillage pass on the edge of the field to prevent a fire from spreading.”

Kohl also advises farmers to consider avoiding combining on high-wind days and to remain vigilant about keeping equipment clean throughout the harvest season.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Calhoun County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Calhoun County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s eighth detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.

About H5N1 HPAI in Birds
H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys.

Heightened Biosecurity 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks. The Department has numerous biosecurity resources to reference on its website.

Suspected Cases in Poultry 
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of H5N1 HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305. 



California Governor Signs Landmark E15 Legislation to Reduce State's Fuel Prices

In a historic move, California Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 30 into law, authorizing the sale of gasoline blends containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) at retail fuel stations across the state. With this action, E15 is authorized for sale by all 50 states. 

The California Assembly unanimously passed AB 30 on August 29, followed by unanimous approval in the State Senate (39-0) on September 3. Because AB 30 is designated as an emergency statute, it takes effect immediately, bypassing the standard January 1, 2026 implementation date.

“IRFA commends Governor Newsom and the California Legislature for their swift and decisive action,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “California joins the rest of the nation in embracing the benefits of E15 - lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and increased energy independence. We’re confident California drivers will welcome this cleaner, more affordable fuel option. This legislation will drive demand for E15, providing a much-needed boost for farmers.” 

While today’s signature removes the final state level roadblock for E15, outdated federal regulations continue to make E15 nearly impossible to sell during the summer in most of the country. Areas utilizing reformulated gasoline (RFG) and 8 Midwestern states that petitioned the EPA can offer E15 year-round. The remaining conventional gasoline areas cannot. 

“Today’s action by California shines a bright light on the inaction in Congress,” Shaw added. “It is overdue for Congress to remove the outdated regulations holding back year-round E15 access for all Americans. Every fuel retailer should be allowed to offer E15 and every American motorist should be allowed to choose E15. Not only will this save money at the pump, but it will provide a sizeable and durable market as our farmers face the worst rural economic crisis in 40 years. While we celebrate this milestone, we urge Congress to take the next step by passing legislation to allow year-round E15 sales nationwide.” 



NCGA Encourages Congress to Act After California Authorizes E15

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) today signed a bill legalizing fuels with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15. In response, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower released the following statement:

“We are deeply appreciative of Gov. Newsom for making consumer access to E15 a reality. This development will save consumers money at the pump, help farmers across the country, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“While today’s development is a sign of progress, many consumers across the country still lack year-round access to E15. We call on Congress to pass legislation that will extend access nationwide.”



Sam Kieffer to Serve as Next CEO of NAWG

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced today that Sam Kieffer has been selected to serve as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer starting November 1, bringing more than 20 years of experience in agricultural leadership and farm policy to the role.

“I’m honored to join NAWG at such a pivotal time for wheat growers across the country,” said Sam Kieffer. “Having grown up on a farm, it has been a privilege to dedicate my career to serving farmers and I’m proud to champion their cause in this new role. I look forward to working alongside NAWG’s dedicated members, board and staff to tackle challenges and ensure a bright future for farm families and rural America.”

"Sam brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both the policy landscape and the needs of wheat growers. We’re excited to welcome him as CEO and are confident farmers will be well served by his thoughtful leadership and strong voice in Washington DC and beyond. We’re grateful to Eric Steiner for his service as our Interim CEO,” said Pat Clements NAWG President.

Kieffer most recently served as Vice President of Public Policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation, where he led policy advocacy and economic analysis for the nation’s largest general farm organization. In that role, he oversaw strategic advocacy initiatives impacting federal legislation and regulatory frameworks across the agriculture sector. Prior to that, he held several key leadership positions at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau working with farmers at the state and local level.

A Pennsylvania native, Kieffer grew up on his family’s grain and beef cattle farm, and proudly served as an officer in the United States Army and Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Dickinson College, a master’s degree in public administration from Widener University, and an MBA from Delaware Valley University.