Thursday October 02 Ag News - Meis in Young Leader Program - Engler Scholarships - Nominations for outstanding Ag Teachers - SCN Action Month - USDA During Gov't Shutdown - and more!

Nebraska Soybean Grower Selected for the 2026 Corteva Agriscience Young Leaders Program 
 
The Nebraska Soybean Association announces Jonathon Meis of Elgin as Nebraska’s participant for the American Soybean Association/Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. Jonathon will represent NSA in the two-part program. “For over 40 years the Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry,” said NSA president Kent Grotelueschen. “The program has had a significant impact on our soybean advocacy; five current NSA directors are graduates of the program.“
 
Jonathon Meis raises soybeans, corn, cattle, and alfalfa with his family near Elgin. He is a graduate of Northeast Community College where he studied agronomy and diesel technology. During college he competed on the crops judging team and was a member of the Collegiate Farm Bureau and Ag Club at NECC. Jonathon believes in natural resources stewardship though practicing no-till, soil sampling and increasing cover crops on the family operation. 

ASA’s longest-running leadership program, Young Leaders was founded in 1984 and continues to set the bar for leadership training in agriculture, identifying and training new, innovative and engaged growers to serve as the voice of the American farmer. Participants commit to attend two training sessions, the second of which is held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic trade show.



Scholarship Opportunity Available for Aspiring Entrepreneurs at The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program

The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln is seeking students with a passion for entrepreneurship and a drive to turn their purpose into action.

Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now being accepted, welcoming both incoming and current students of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources who have prior experience in FFA or 4-H. Applications are due by midnight on December 15, 2025. Applications can be found on the Engler website at https://englerjourney.com.

Since 2012 over $2 million has been invested in empowering future entrepreneurs and innovators through this program. The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program is designed to empower enterprise builders. Participation in the program is not restricted to scholarship recipients.

The Engler program began in 2010 with a $20 million gift from the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation. The mission of the program is to embolden people on the courageous pursuit of their purpose through the art and practice of entrepreneurship. The program offers an academic minor while serving as an intersection in which students from a diverse array of majors and business interests can come together in pursuit of the American Dream.

For more information, visit https://englerjourney.com 



Nebraska Soybean Board: See for Yourself Program

The See for Yourself program is focused on cultivating a generation of leaders who are passionate about advancing Nebraska's soybean industry. 

This program equips local leaders with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to positively impact agricutlure while preparing them to serve as advocates and potential future members of the Nebraska Soybean Board or take on other leadership roles across the industry.

Participants will gain industry awareness, networking opportunities, personal and professional growth and access to new knowledge of the Nebraska ag industry with a soybean focus. 
 
Who can join the See for Yourself Program?
Candidates for this program should be:
    A Nebraska farmer or industry representative (ag lender, agronomist, etc.)
    Over the age of 21
    Interested in learning more abou the Nebraska soybean industry 

Each class size is limited to 6 participants. Applicants should have a willingness to learn, actively participate in all aspects of the program and show an interest in personal growth.
 
Program Overview
Participants selected for the See for Yourself Program will commit to a 1-year term consisting of: 
    3 in-person learning sessions
    2 online learning sessions
    1 national learning mission

Each session immerses participants in key soybean industry topics. 

To apply, submit an application here https://nebraskasoybeans.org/programs/see-for-yourself. Application deadline is October 24, 2025. Contact sophia@nebraskasoybeans.org with any questions. 



Nominate Local Nebraska Teachers for Top Agricultural Educator Award 

Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry. To honor their contributions and support them with additional resources, Nationwide and the Nebraska FFA Foundation are accepting nominations for Nebraska’s leading agricultural teachers for a chance to be named the 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year. 

Nationwide and its state partners recently recognized 96 exceptional agricultural teachers as 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award® finalists and then honored 13 grand prize winners as their state’s Ag Educator of the Year. Every finalist received $500 in funding to help advance their programs and the grand prize winners received an additional $3,000 to boost their efforts and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. Nominate any Nebraska agriculture educator for the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award from October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.  

“The Golden Owl Award seeks to thank agricultural teachers for the extraordinary care they bring to their work as they go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We encourage students, parents, fellow teachers, and others to nominate their agricultural teachers to acknowledge their hard work.” 

Following the nomination period closing on 12-31-25, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select six finalists in Nebraska,  who will be recognized in front of their peers and students and awarded a personalized plaque and $500. One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year title for Nebraska and receiving the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts. 

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including the Nebraska FFA Foundation, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.   

To nominate a teacher or learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit GoldenOwlAward.com. 



Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association Launches New Website and Brand Refresh 
October 1

The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, ineda.com, on October 1, 2025, alongside an updated logo and refreshed Visual Brand Guidelines. These updates reflect INEDA’s new tagline, “Representing Dealers. Advancing Innovation.”, underscoring the Association’s mission to serve members with trusted advocacy, resources, and industry leadership while embracing the future of agriculture and equipment.

The redesigned site and brand refresh feature:
• Updated INEDA logo and visual brand guidelines ensuring a modern, consistent identity across all communications.
• Streamlined navigation highlighting INEDA’s core focus areas: Legislative Advocacy, Workforce Development, Education & Training, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Modern visuals and functionality that reflect INEDA’s commitment to innovation and industry leadership.
• Enhanced resources for members with easier access to news, events, publications, and dealer tools.
• Mobile-first design, ensuring seamless access across devices.

“INEDA is proud to unveil a refreshed website and brand that better serve our dealer members, sponsors, and partners,” said Mark Hennessey, President & CEO of INEDA. “This redesign makes our resources easier to find while showcasing the strength, innovation, and future of the industry we represent.”

For more information, visit ineda.com starting October 1, 2025.



IRFA Calls for Full Reallocation of Refinery Exemptions at EPA RFS Hearing

Wednesday the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) participated in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) public hearing on the proposed Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) blending rule for 2026-2027. As part of that rule, the EPA is evaluating whether to reallocate 100% or 50% of refinery exemptions granted for 2023 and 2024, as well as those anticipated for 2025.  

During his remarks at the hearing, IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw strongly urged the EPA to finalize its proposal to reallocate 100% of the 2023-2025 refinery exemptions. “The law requires EPA’s prime directive to be ensuring RFS blending levels are met,” said Shaw. “Only full reallocation will maintain the integrity to the RFS and deliver meaningful benefits to rural America.” 

Shaw noted that while the delays and backlogs of processing the refinery exemption requests were inherited by the current EPA, it is their duty to fully implement the RFS.  

“IRFA strongly believes EPA should finalize its proposal to reallocate 100% of the exemptions over 2026-2027. We are concerned by reports that a 50% reallocation scheme is gaining steam. If EPA ultimately determines that 100% reallocation over 2026-2027 is not possible, the agency should not undermine the RFS with 50% reallocation. Instead, as an alternative, the EPA should reallocate 100% of the 2023-2025 exemptions over four years. This approach would have the same market impact in the short term as 50% reallocation but would still provide lasting support for American farmers and the biofuels industry.” 

Shaw also commended the EPA for proposing strong RFS blending levels, stating, "The originally proposed blending levels for 2026 and 2027 were robust and appreciated. While we disagree with the metrics used to grant recent refinery exemptions, IRFA appreciates the agency’s responsible handling of refinery exemptions granted from 2016 to 2022 and its commitment to prospectively reallocate future exemptions beginning in 2026.” 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/26/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 26, ethanol production declined 2.8% to 1.00 million b/d, equivalent to 41.79 million gallons daily and a 20-week low. Output was 2.0% lower than the same week last year but 2.5% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.9% to 1.05 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.06 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 3.0% to 22.8 million barrels. Stocks were 3.0% less than the same week last year but 1.9% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 4.9% to 8.52 million b/d (130.94 bg annualized). Demand was effectively even with a year ago but 1.7% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 0.6% to 905,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.91 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.3% less than year-ago levels but 0.7% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports slowed 21.4% to an estimated 88,000 b/d (3.7 million gallons/day), an 18-week low. It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Once Again DAP Leads Fertilizer Prices Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher for the fourth week of September 2025, according to sellers tracked by DTN. Five fertilizers were higher compared to the prior month while the other three were slightly lower. For the fourth week in a row, just one fertilizer had a sizeable move. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

DAP was 6% more expensive compared with last month. The phosphorous fertilizer has an average price of $904/ton. Four other fertilizers had slightly higher prices. MAP had an average price of $922/ton, potash $486/ton, anhydrous $780/ton and UAN28 $420/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. Urea had an average price of $619/ton, 10-34-0 $666/ton and UAN32 $474/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.67/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.74/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. The last holdout, potash, is now 6% higher. 10-34-0 is 12% more expensive, MAP is 13% higher, anhydrous is 14% more expensive, DAP is 22% higher, urea is 28% more expensive, UAN28 is 31% higher and UAN32 is 35% more expensive looking back to last year.



SCN Action Month returns: BASF and The SCN Coalition champion SCN education and management

For the fifth year, BASF Agricultural Solutions and The SCN Coalition are partnering for SCN Action Month. Throughout October, the organizations will provide farmers with the latest insights, tools and resources to effectively manage soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) and protect soybean yield potential heading into the 2026 growing season. 

SCN remains the leading cause of soybean yield loss in North America. It is present in most soybean-producing regions and continues to spread. Recent field data show that 50-65% of acres tested are experiencing elevated SCN levels. Left unmanaged, SCN can silently reduce yields and increase plant vulnerability to costly diseases such as sudden death syndrome (SDS) and red crown rot. In the U.S. alone, SCN contributes to more than $1.5 billion in annual yield losses1. 

“SCN is one of the most persistent challenges farmers face because it reduces yield without showing clear symptoms above ground,” says Jeremiah Mullock, BASF Seed Treatment Product Manager. “Often referred to as a silent yield robber, SCN is easy to overlook, and many farmers may not realize they have it or may underestimate its impact.”  

Soil testing is the first step in uncovering the problem. According to Dylan Mangel, Plant Pathologist at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, “After harvest is the most common and often convenient time to test soil for SCN, but you can pull a soil sample any time of the year. If the nematodes are there, you’re likely to find them.”  

Identifying SCN in a field is only the first step. Long-term management depends on regular monitoring. Mangel notes, “If you want to know whether your SCN management is working, be consistent about when you sample year after year. BASF and The SCN Coalition recommend that farmers collect soil samples after harvest to check population levels and plan strategies for the season ahead. Sampling is simple and sending them to a diagnostic lab will confirm the presence and severity of SCN.” 

In 2024, BASF analyzed 6,000 soil samples from across the United States. More than 80% tested positive for SCN, and more than half showed damaging levels. The data underscores both the widespread nature of SCN and the urgent need for farmers to implement effective prevention and management strategies. 

Several proven practices can help farmers manage SCN, including: 
    Collecting soil samples at the same time each year to identify SCN presence and levels 
    Rotating crops to disrupt SCN lifecycles 
    Planting SCN-resistant soybean varieties 
    Using effective seed treatments for added protection  

ILEVO® seed treatment remains a trusted solution, offering protection against both SCN and SDS. By reducing stress from SCN feeding and safeguarding against SDS, ILEVO seed treatment helps support healthier roots, stronger stands and more resilient soybean crops. 

BASF invests more than $1 billion annually in agricultural research and innovation, with more than 250,000 acres dedicated to research plots in 2025 alone. The company’s participation in SCN Action Month reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting farmers who are doing the Biggest Job on Earth.

BASF and The SCN Coalition encourage farmers to take action this October by collecting soil samples, sending them to a lab for testing and consulting BASF field representatives about SCN management strategies. To learn more, visit SCNActionMonth.com or SCNFields.com. 



Ohio Farmer Begins Term as President of the National Corn Growers Association

Jed Bower, a fifth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Washington Court House, Ohio, began his term today as president of the National Corn Growers Association saying the challenging rural economy will be his top priority in the year ahead.

“We need new markets to help alleviate the economic crisis that is threatening the survival of countless family farms across the country,” Bower said. “That’s why we will continue to encourage Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that expands consumer access to higher blends of ethanol year-round and urge the Trump administration to move quickly to develop new foreign markets.”

Bower brings extensive advocacy and leadership experience to the the role. He has served the last year as the vice president of the organization’s board while contributing as a member to several key NCGA committees, including the finance committee. Bower is also a board member for the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and a former president of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association.

Bower, who farms with his wife Emily and children Ethan and Emma, begins his presidency as corn growers face the largest three-year decline in net cash receipts in history because of declining crop farm profitability associated with lower prices and elevated input costs.

Grower leaders have ramped up pressure on Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would eliminate a dated clause in the Clean Air Act that prevents the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often called E15, during the summer months. Growers argue that the change will provide more predictability and boost demand for corn.

The NCGA board chooses a member from the governing body to serve as president each year. The term begins on October 1, the start of NCGA’s fiscal year.



OVERVIEW OF FEDERAL SHUTDOWN PROTOCOLS RELATED TO USDA
**Please note this information may be subject to change**
 
Agricultural Marketing Service
    Beef Quality and Yield Grading: Beef grading will continue uninterrupted as this activity is funded by user-fees.
    Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program: Updates to the Cattle Contract Library will continue.
    Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR)/Mandatory Price Reporting: Market news information, as required for commodities and agricultural markets, will continue.
    Research and Promotion Oversight (Checkoff): Checkoff programming will continue uninterrupted as appropriated dollars are not used in their implementation.
    Packers & Stockyards Division: Will cease operations during a lapse.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    General: Many APHIS activities are funded fully by annual appropriations and will halt during the shutdown. That includes sections of the cattle health program (ex. animal disease traceability), chronic wasting disease activities, and the ongoing review and approval of biologics at USDA APHIS Center for Veterinary Biologics.
    New World Screwworm: Emergency efforts to combat the New World screwworm outbreak in Mexico will continue uninterrupted.
    Animal Diseases: Emergency efforts to combat HPAI, African swine fever, and bovine TB will continue uninterrupted.
    Inspections: Import/export processes, animal quarantine inspections, and phytosanitary certifications are all funded by user fees and will continue uninterrupted.
    Cooperative Agreements: USDA APHIS guidance states that reimbursable agreements with states and other cooperators will continue, funded by user fees.
    Wildlife Services: Wildlife Services is not specifically named in USDA’s updated shutdown guidance. Based on other portions of the document, it is possible that any wildlife damage management projects that are conducted as reimbursable cooperative agreements will continue uninterrupted. Beyond that, we must assume that agency activities will halt. Producers should take extra care to thoroughly document, with writing/photos/videos, any depredation losses in case investigations are interrupted or delayed.

Farm Service Agency
    Staffing: On day 1-10 of a shutdown, the only FSA staff on call will be minimal regional leadership and headquarters staff, in case of a natural disaster. From day 10 onwards, if the shutdown continues, each FSA service center will be required to have one farm loan employee and/or one county office farm program employee on call to complete certain loan processing items to protect the security interest of the government and to prevent the loss of security or loss of value to security for the borrower.
    Loan Actions That Will Continue: From day 10 onwards, staff will be able to continue liens, process protective advances, and review a borrower’s account to gather the necessary information to respond to a bankruptcy notification.
    Loan Actions That Will Halt: Accepting and processing farm and commodity loans (even if harvest-related), advancing funds on approved loans, obligating loans previously approved, loan closings and issuing guarantee loan conditional commitments, issuing direct loan approval notification letters, and processing any new applications will halt during the shutdown.
    Disaster Assistance: Implementation and processing of weather-related disaster assistance payments – including any remaining Supplemental Disaster Assistance programs like ELRP 2023 and 2024 for Flood and Wildfire – will halt during a shutdown.
    Land Management/Conservation: Processing of annual CRP contract payments will halt during a shutdown, as well as any technical assistance and cost-sharing related to rehabilitating agricultural land after a natural disaster.
    ARC/PLC: Implementation of the adjustment to ARC/PLC base acres authorized by H.R. 1 will halt during a shutdown.

Food Safety and Inspection Service
    Processing Plants: All statutorily required inspections in meat processing plants will continue uninterrupted during a shutdown. That includes inspections of beef for domestic consumption, for export, and ongoing testing/surveillance programs for foodborne pathogens.
    Food Safety: FSIS will also continue uninterrupted with activities necessary to protect the public from foodborne illness, including epidemiological investigations, related lab work, and recalls.
    State MPIs: FSIS currently shares costs with 29 states for their State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs. While federal FSIS inspectors will continue their work in plants, it is not clear whether the agency will continue providing funding to the State MPIs during a shutdown. It is possible that some state inspection activities may be interrupted if states do not cover their full program costs.
        Nebraska does not have a state meat and poultry inspection program. No FSIS inspectors are funded by state dollars and therefore inspection activities will not be interrupted. 

Agricultural Research Service
    US Meat Animal Research Center: Any work needed to protect animal life, “provide animal care,” complete the collection/preservation/analysis of time-sensitive data related to animal research, and prevent harmful or unnecessarily long experimental protocols related to animal research will continue uninterrupted during a shutdown. That applies to USDA staff as well as contractors, provided contractors are directly implementing/addressing one of the goals above.
    NBAF: The “continuous stand-up" to achieve full functionality/readiness at NBAF will continue uninterrupted during a shutdown.
    Animal Diseases: Current research related to New World screwworm and HPAI will continue uninterrupted during a shutdown.



American Farm Bureau Convention Registration Open

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration today for the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 9-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California.

The theme of the 107th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention is “Imagine. Grow. Lead.” It will empower attendees with forward-thinking perspectives and policy insights to navigate the future of agriculture.

Tim Tebow — two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Fame inductee, first-round NFL draft pick and former professional baseball player — will address attendees as closing general session keynote speaker on Monday, Jan. 12.

“Farmers and ranchers are always focused on the future — whether it’s driving innovation, improving efficiency or strengthening our communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention will celebrate that forward-looking spirit across agriculture and the Farm Bureau family as we imagine, grow and lead together. I look forward to welcoming you to Anaheim in January as we kick off another year of feeding, clothing and fueling our great nation.”

Duvall will give his annual address to Farm Bureau members during the convention’s opening general session on Sunday morning, Jan. 11.

A full lineup of engaging workshops will be available at convention. Workshops will be offered in four tracks – public policy, rural development, member engagement and consumer engagement. Topics will include the economic outlook for agriculture, hot public policy issues, regenerative ag in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) era, mental health initiatives and growth strategies for beginning farmers.

The trade show will feature a dynamic array of exhibitors presenting the latest innovations in agricultural technology, tools and services — sure to capture the attention of attendees.

In addition, several optional farm- and ag-related day tours are available for attendees who wish to explore the Golden State. These include an olive oil ranch, a winery, avocado grove and produce farms. Attendees can also sign up to visit the Getty Museum, Santa Monica Pier, Gene Autry Museum and Dodger Stadium. Details about additional tours will be posted when available.

View the high-level American Farm Bureau Convention agenda here https://annualconvention.fb.org/schedule-of-events. Members may register for the convention and tours through their state Farm Bureau. Registration is also available through AFBF. The official event hashtag is #AFBF26 and the event website is https://annualconvention.fb.org/.