Monday October 06 Ag News - Nitrogen Credits for Corn - Nebraska Crop Production and Grain Stocks Estimates - NE Corn/Soy Ambassadors - and more!

 Nitrogen for Corn: N Credits — How Much?
Richard Ferguson - NE Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

This article is the fourth in a six-part companion series to the Nebraska Extension NebGuide G2365, “In-Season Nitrogen Management for Irrigated Corn.” Each article will explore critical concepts from the guide that growers have expressed a need for greater guidance on, offering additional insights and practical recommendations to help optimize nitrogen use and profitability.

When deciding how much nitrogen (N) should be applied for a corn crop, growers utilize a variety of resources: their own experience, advice from retailers and crop advisors, and university extension recommendations. These decisions often rely on quantitative data: soil test values, last year’s yield level, irrigation water tests, rates and timing of manure application, and fertilizer and crop prices. The rate may also be influenced by factors such as application timing, use of inhibitors (urease or nitrification), or use of biological products. These factors may be used in prediction equations that attempt to develop an Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate ahead of the growing season.

Yet some — perhaps most, if not all — of the N needed by a corn crop can come from sources other than fertilizer. The challenge for farmers is knowing how much N credit to assign for these sources in order to determine the most profitable fertilizer rate. Guidance comes primarily from universities and industry research, as well as the farmer’s personal experience.
Graphic listing nitrogen credit sources for corn, with colorful icons and labels: legumes, soil residual nitrogen, organic matter, manure, irrigation water nitrate, and cover crops.

Legume Credits
Soybean is the most common legume in Nebraska crop rotations. Soybean meets most of its N needs from symbiotic N fixation from the atmosphere but is also efficient at utilizing inorganic N from soil. Consequently, residual soil N after soybean is usually quite low, and the crop does not add significant N to the soil, as is sometimes assumed. Instead, soybean residue has a low carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, meaning that decomposition will immobilize less mineralized soil N than corn residue, leaving more mineralized soil N available for the following crop.

Alfalfa, clover and other legume hay crops do add significant N to the soil when terminated by tillage or herbicide application. In many cases, these credits are large enough that little or no fertilizer is needed for corn in the first year after such crops.

The actual N credit assigned for a preceding legume crop is based on previous N rate response research. In these studies, corn yield at various fertilizer N rates was compared to studies without a preceding legume crop, over a wide range soil types and weather conditions. While these trials provide estimated legume credits, the actual value can vary from field to field and year to year.

Soil Residual Inorganic N
Plants primarily use inorganic N in soil (nitrate [NO3-N] and ammonium [NH4-N]). These forms of N in soil are produced by mineralization from more complex, carbon-based (organic) compounds in organic matter, crop residues and manure. Quantities of NO3-N and NH4-N can vary in soil, so crediting for these inorganic N forms can reduce the amount of fertilizer N needed. 

In Nebraska, past research found NO3-N and NH4-N levels in soil were highly correlated, so current recommendations call for testing only NO3-N. More recent findings suggest NH4-N levels may vary compared to NO3-N, which could change this guidance in the future. Both NO3-N and NH4-N levels will vary in soil with weather conditions and availability of compounds that mineralize into inorganic N. As with legume N credits, credit for inorganic N is based on past research comparing crop response to varying N rates across a range of inorganic N levels, soils and weather conditions.

Organic Matter
All soils have some level of organic matter, which contains nitrogen. Through microbial activity, organic matter continuously breaks down in a process called mineralization, releasing inorganic N. At the same time, inorganic N may be converted into organic forms — also through microbial activity — eventually forming stable organic matter. Accounting for the release of inorganic N from organic matter — known as the mineralization rate — is challenging because many factors influence this rate. The level of organic matter and weather conditions (moisture and temperature) are the primary drivers. 

As with other N credits, the credit allowed for organic matter mineralization is derived from research evaluating crop response to different fertilizer N rates across a wide range of soil organic matter levels over many years. In practice, the actual credit for soil organic matter mineralization will vary from year to year, field to field, and even within fields, as organic matter varies spatially across fields.

Manure
From a soil management perspective, manure includes a wide range of materials — feedlot manure, composted manure, poultry litter, swine slurry, biosolids and industrial wastes. These materials often contain N in both organic and inorganic forms, and their availability to crops following land application can vary widely depending on the material’s properties, application rates, soil chemical and physical properties, and weather conditions (see Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1335, “Determining Crop Available Nutrients from Manure”). Depending on the C:N ratio, some materials may even immobilize and reduce soil N availability for a time. Given all the factors influencing availability, predicting N credit from manure and other similar materials is challenging. 

As with other sources, N credits for manure and similar products are based on previous research and conservative estimates of N availability given typical weather conditions. Beyond nitrogen, manure also supplies most primary, secondary, and micronutrients, along with carbon that improves soil tilth and water-holding capacity.

Irrigation Water Nitrate-N
In many parts of Nebraska, groundwater contains elevated nitrate-N levels. While detrimental from a drinking water perspective, the N in groundwater can benefit crops. The amount of N credit provided from groundwater will vary with the NO3-N concentration and the amount and timing of irrigation. For example, NO3-N in irrigation water applied late in the season — past the period of significant N uptake by the crop — provides little benefit. 

As with other sources of N credit, the amount allowed is derived from previous research evaluating crop response to different fertilizer N rates at varying irrigation water NO3-N levels, across a range of soils and weather conditions. In practice, the actual credit for a field may differ from the prediction due to year-to-year variability.

Cover Crops
In Nebraska, no credit is currently allowed for cover crops, though this remains an active area of research. Cover crop residues — particularly legume residues — may contribute significant N to the following corn crop. However, cover crop residues can also immobilize soil and fertilizer N, sometimes increasing the need for fertilizer N.

Summary
A substantial portion of N needed for crop growth comes from sources other than fertilizer; however, each credit carries uncertainty in both amount and timing of N availability. Past research provides estimates of how much N credit to allow for these sources, but each credit has some range of uncertainty, largely due to weather impacts — especially moisture and temperature — on the amount and timing of these credits. 

Reactive, sensor-based in-season N management eliminates the need to predict N credits. Sensors simply assess whether the crop is adequately supplied with N during the growing season from all sources; if not, N fertigation through the irrigation system is triggered. This approach helps farmers to more efficiently utilize N fertilizer, applying it only if needed and taking full advantage of N supplied by the soil.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Awards LEAD Fellow Scholarships

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded six agricultural professionals with scholarships to participate in the Nebraska LEAD program, keeping with the mission of cultivating the future of agriculture.

“These individuals continue to push to make agriculture better across Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are proud to support these individuals as they make an investment in their future, becoming equipped to better serve their communities and agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program.”

The LEAD Scholarship awards agricultural stakeholders that participate in the Nebraska LEAD program. The LEAD program improves leadership skills and abilities of Nebraska’s future agricultural leaders through exposure to diverse topics, issues, concerns, points of view, and innovative ideas. The winners of the LEAD Scholarship are current Farm Bureau members that commit to serving in a leadership role with Farm Bureau upon completion of the program.

The six winners are Jacobi Swanson (Wahoo); Austin Kniss (Minatare); Alexis Corman (Bridgeport); Erika Coulter (Bassett); Kelsey Scheer (Glenvil); and Courtney Nelson (Norfolk).

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.  




Nebraska Crop Production Report for September 2025

Based on Sept. 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2025 corn production is forecast at 1.96 billion bushels, up 9% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This would be a new record high production if realized. Acreage harvested for grain is estimated at 10.3 million acres, up 7.4% from a year ago. Average yield is forecast at 191 bushels per acre, down. 1 bushel from last year.

Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at 292 million bushels, down 2.8% from last year. Area for harvest, at 4.8 million acres, is down 8.4% from 2024. Yield is forecast at 61 bushels per acre, up 4 bushels from last year. 

Sorghum production of 19.47 million bushels is down 11.9% from a year ago. Area for grain harvest, at 205,000 acres, is down 21% from last year. Yield is forecast at 95 bushels per acre, up 10 bushels from last year.

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.37 million tons, down 3.9% from 2024. Area for harvest, at 46,100 acres, is down 1.3% from last year. Yield is forecast at 29.7 tons per acre, down 0.8-ton from a year ago.

Dry edible pea production is forecast at 534,000 thousand cwt, up 40% from a year ago. Area for harvest, at 20,000 acres, is down 13% from 2024. Yield is forecast at 2,670 pounds per acre, up 1,010 pounds from last year.



Nebraska Sept. 1, 2025 Grain Stocks

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on Sept. 1, 2024 totaled 165 million bushels, up 12% from 2024, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 70 million bushels are stored on farms, down 1.4% from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 95.8 million bushels, are up 26% from last year. 

Soybean stored in all positions totaled 20.8 million bushels, down 6% from last year. On-farm stocks of 2 million bushels are down 70% from a year ago, but off-farm stocks, at 18.8 million bushels, are up 22% from 2024.

Wheat stored in all positions totaled 54.1 million bushels, up 0.4% from a year ago. On-farm stocks of 7.2 million bushels are down 22% from 2024, and off-farm stocks of 46.9 million bushels are up 5% from last year. 

Sorghum stored in all positions totaled 4.9 million bushels, up 358% from a year ago. On-farm stocks of 270,000 bushels are down 7% from 2024, but off-farm holdings, at 4.65 million bushels, are up 492% from last year.

Oat on-farm oat stocks totaled 900,000 bushels, up 6% from 2024. 



2025 Nebraska Small Grain Acreage and Production

Winter wheat production is estimated at 37.8 million bushels, down 21% from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 805,000 acres, down 12.5% from 2024. Planted acreage totaled 950,000, down 5% from a year earlier. The yield is 47 bushels per acre, down 5 bushels from last year.

Oat production is estimated at 1 million bushels, down 60% from 2024. Area harvested for grain, at 20,000 acres, is down 44% from last year. Planted acreage totaled 125,000, up 4% from a year earlier. Average yield is 50.0 bushels per acre, down 19 bushels from 2024.




Agronomy majors selected as collegiate ambassadors

Alexa Cunningham and Crayton Koranda, both agronomy majors in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, have been selected as collegiate ambassadors by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Soybean Association.

Each year, the associations offer a one-year program that combines education and scholarships for college students interested in enhancing their understanding of the agricultural industry and advocacy. The 2025 program cohort includes seven University of Nebraska–Lincoln students pursuing degrees in agriculture.

Cunningham learned about the collegiate ambassador program through a hometown friend who spoke highly of it and encouraged her to apply.

For Cunningham, agriculture has always been a part of life. She grew up on her family farm just a few miles from Wausa, Nebraska. Her most significant influence on her college and career goals has been her father.

“He is always taking any opportunity to teach me new things about our agriculture operation and is my go-to person if I ever need a question answered,” she said.

Four years ago, while riding in the tractor with her father, Cunningham watched the planter and randomly mentioned that she wanted to study the crops he grew.

“From that day on, I was set on going to college to major in agronomy,” she said.

Besides coursework and serving as an ambassador, the junior is also involved in the Salt Company college ministry.

After earning her degree, Cunningham said she has two possible paths to consider. One is to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, focusing on soil conservation. The second is to return to her family farm as their agronomist and apply the skills gained at the university.

Koranda began at the university as a horticulture major, hoping to work in large-scale greenhouses. After high school, he interned at a commercial eggplant greenhouse in the Netherlands. However, his experiences as a research assistant with Bayer and BASF shifted his perspective. He found agronomy more fulfilling because it addressed real-world problems in agriculture.

“For me, it became more important to help feed the world than to focus on growing ornamentals,” Koranda said. “Growing up on a small farm near Seward, Nebraska, I’ve always been surrounded by agriculture. Agronomy felt like a natural fit that aligns with everything I want to do to support farmers and improve food production.”

Koranda learned about the ambassador program from an email sent by his adviser, Anne Streich, who frequently shares resources and scholarships with students.

He also serves as a mentor in Cultivate ACCESS, working with high school students interested in agriculture and the environment.

“This is one of my favorite roles because I have the opportunity to share what I wish I had known before college,” he said. “For example, I’ve worked with my students on creating atomic habits — small, everyday actions that get them closer to their goals.

“I also encourage students to explore opportunities in agriculture. Most of my students come from the city, so I get to give them firsthand insight into how they could work in the industry, based on their skills and interests.”

Additionally, Koranda participates in the Engler Entrepreneurship Program. Currently, he operates two small businesses: one sells car parts online, and the other, The Daily Dozen, sells farm-fresh eggs in Lincoln.

Koranda said the two biggest influences on his education and career goals have been Tom Fields and Dave Lambe from the Engler program.

“They have always provided me with valuable advice about both college and my career,” Koranda said. “They also helped me grow my businesses and improve how I serve clients. Their mentorship has helped me develop confidence in my future — not only in my academic path but also in my entrepreneurial goals.”

Students in the NeCGA and NSA’s year-long ambassador program study agricultural policy, checkoff programs, commodity promotion, manufacturing and leadership development through seminars and a summer tour. They also connect with Nebraska grower-leaders at events like the associations’ annual board meetings, Husker Harvest Days and Soybean Management Field Days, gaining skills and networks to become the next generation of agricultural advocates.



Iowa Corn Growers Congratulate California on Approval of E15 

Last week in California, Governor Newsome signed Assembly Bill 30, which legalizes the sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% corn ethanol that is cleaner-burning, homegrown and more affordable than ordinary fuels. With the addition of California, it is now legal in all 50 U.S. states to sell E15, a fuel that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. 

If California were to fully adopt E15 across the state, this approval opens the opportunity for up to 600 million gallons of new ethanol demand, which is the equivalent to 200 million bushels of corn. Thus, creating more demand for Iowa corn farmers.  Steve Kuiper, Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President and farmer from Knoxville, Iowa, released the following statement regarding the passage: 

"The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) appreciates California legalizing the sale of E15. The fact that all 50 states will now have access to E15 demonstrates the demand for cheaper, cleaner-burning, American-grown fuel options at the pump. 

“We now need Congress to act and pass year-round E15 sales. Farmers need more demand today and this federal legislation is long overdue to provide more demand and consumers with a lower cost, cleaner burning fuel at the pump. Providing the opportunity for retailers across the nation to offer year-round E15 will be a win for farmers and consumers alike, and now is the time to get it across the finish line for all Americans!” 



National Cattlemen's Foundation Accepting Applications for CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) encourages college students pursuing careers in the beef industry to apply for the 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded.

Introduced in 1989 and sponsored by CME Group, the scholarship identifies and encourages talented students who play a vital role in the future of food production. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship program.

"We are pleased to partner with the National Cattlemen's Foundation and National Cattlemen's Beef Association to continue our support of the CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship program," said CME Group's John Ricci, managing director and global head of agricultural products. "CME Group has played a role in agribusiness for the past 180 years, and we are honored to keep that tradition going by supporting the future leaders of this industry."

Eligible applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two- or four-year institution. The application process includes submitting a one-page letter expressing career goals related to the beef industry, a 750-word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem, and two letters of recommendation. The applicant or a family member must be a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. 

The application deadline is Nov. 7, 2025, at 5:00pm Central Time. For more information and to apply, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Scholarship winners will be announced during CattleCon 2026, Feb. 3-5, in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Organized in 1972, NCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing charitable, scientific and educational activities to benefit the cattle industry. 



Turkey Farm Challenges Could Affect Thanksgiving Prices

Shoppers preparing for upcoming fall holidays, including Thanksgiving, should brace for higher turkey prices this year. New analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel series says economic factors as well as disease challenges have driven wholesale turkey prices up about 40%. While prices may be higher, the analysis shows there will be enough birds to meet consumer demand and Thanksgiving specials are likely to be offered by retailers.

Poultry farmers are battling a combination of diseases impacting the industry. This includes Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) which has affected more than 18 million turkeys since 2022, as well as Avian Metapneumovirus (AMPV). While detections of HPAI slowed during warmer summer months, fall waterfowl migration and cooler temperatures have led to detections across the upper Midwest, impacting about 600,000 turkeys in the month of September.

“It’s important to remember prices are still 32% lower than just three years ago,” writes AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson. “Diseases such as HPAI and AMPV are devastating flocks. Meanwhile, poultry farmers also grapple with the broader economic challenges impacting the agricultural economy. These production challenges shouldn’t have any impact on consumers’ ability to get turkey, but they may translate to higher retail prices this holiday season.”

Over the last three decades, U.S. turkey production has steadily declined. Demand has only ticked down slightly, leading to tighter supplies and increased prices paid to farmers.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Poultry farmers have demonstrated their resiliency in facing down challenges, but rising supply costs, trade disputes and avian illnesses have all taken their toll. Despite that, poultry remains one of the most affordable sources of protein and you can bet turkey farmers are ensuring birds will be available for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.”

Turkey is just one staple of the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey tracks prices for a basket of favorites to give shoppers a snapshot of what they can expect to pay for a holiday meal. This year’s Thanksgiving survey will be released on Nov. 19.