Thursday October 09 Ag News - Lindsay and CNH receive accolades - NeFU Recognizes Coop Month - NE Beef Passport Program Wraps Up '25 Season - and more!

Lindsay Corporation Named Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year

Lindsay Corporation has been named Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year by the NE Chamber. The award recognizes a Nebraska manufacturer that implements innovative ways to conduct business using products, processes, technologies and other strategies.
 
“The Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a company that pushes boundaries in manufacturing and enhances Nebraska’s competitiveness,” said Todd Bingham, NE Chamber President & CEO. “Being a global company, Lindsay Corporation still prioritizes its Nebraska roots, truly embodying what it means to be a Manufacturer in Nebraska.  It’s an honor to celebrate Lindsay as the 2025 Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year.”
 
Lindsay Corporation began as a farm equipment business in Lindsay, Nebraska in 1955 and has since grown to be a worldwide force in irrigation and infrastructure.  Lindsay’s global network of dealers, distributors and facilities provide solutions that enable smarter, safer and more sustainable operations. From agriculture to road safety to industrial technology, Lindsay meets customers where they are on a global scale.
 
"We're honored to be recognized by Nebraskans and fellow manufacturers as the Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year," said Rich Harold, Senior Vice President of Global Operations.  "Since our founding in 1955, Lindsay has grown from a local manufacturer into a global leader in irrigation and infrastructure solutions. Yet through all that growth, we’ve remained deeply rooted in Nebraska—committed to our people, our communities, and our values. Whether it’s helping farmers conserve water through smart irrigation or protecting lives on the road with our infrastructure products, Lindsay is proud to make a positive impact here in Nebraska and globally.”
 
Lindsay was recognized on October 6 by Governor Jim Pillen at the annual NE Chamber Manufacturing Summit, presented by RSM US LLP.  RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries.



CNH Industrial’s AF Series Combine named ‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska’

CNH Industrial’s AF Series Combine has been named the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.  Throughout all three rounds of the competition, more than 40,000 votes were cast.

The AF Series is the most powerful combine series offered by CNH.  The combines boast the industry's largest grain tank and a fuel-efficient engine, covering more acres in less time with the power and efficiency to handle any crop conditions.  Designed, engineered and built by farmers, the AF Series combines are packed with the latest in automation, connectivity and harvesting technology.

CNH was announced as the champion on October 6 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista by Pinnacle Bank Market President Chris Conrad.  Pinnacle Bank was the Coolest Thing Presenting Sponsor.

“Winning the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska is an incredible honor.  This recognition highlights the innovation, hard work, and pride that go into everything we do at CNH.  We are proud to represent Nebraska’s manufacturing community and grateful for the support from the public and the organizers of this great event,” said CNH Grand Island Plant Manager Dustin Alexander.  “The Case IH AF Series Combine Harvester is a cutting-edge lineup of high-capacity harvesting machines built for maximum productivity, efficiency, and precision.  Engineered for global performance, these combines can handle more than 180 crop types—making them a trusted solution for farmers in diverse agricultural landscapes around the world.”

Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans were invited to vote in a head-to-head, bracket-style matchup of 16 finalists to determine the winner of the fourth annual competition. Learn about each of the finalists at nemanufacturingalliance.com.

“As a community bank operating over 60 locations serving communities all throughout Nebraska, at Pinnacle Bank we understand that manufacturing isn’t just about making things— it’s about driving innovation, supporting growth and employing over 100,000 Nebraskans who do the work every day.  That’s why Pinnacle Bank is proud to partner with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance in recognizing the people and products that make this industry thrive,” said Chris Conrad, Pinnacle Bank Market President.

The contest – hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and the NE Chamber and presented by Pinnacle Bank – celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the vast number of Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day. The popular contest takes place during October, when NE Manufacturing Month is celebrated each year.



NeFU Says Cooperative Month Reminds Us of the Many Benefits Coops Provide

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU), Nebraska’s leading organizer of cooperatives says that rural Nebraska continues to benefit from using cooperatives.  NeFU estimates it has organized 445 cooperatives since 1911.

NeFU President John Hansen said “Because we have so many different kinds of cooperatives that blend into our rural communities, and because they are such an important part of our daily lives, it is easy to take their benefits for granted. We are sharing the Nebraska Cooperative Council’s fact sheet on the benefits of Nebraska cooperatives to highlight the importance of keeping, using, and growing our cooperatives. We own them, and we benefit from them when we do business with ourselves. As owners, we have a responsibility to be engaged and involved in our cooperatives.  We thank all the men and women who take the time to serve on coop boards across our state.

    Total annual cooperative sales - $10.7 billion
    Annual economic impact on Nebraska’s economy - $3.1 billion
    Total Cooperative employees - 5,083
    Total annual payroll w/ benefits - $398.2 million
    Total voting members - 54,665 
    Annual equity/estate redemptions - $45.4 million
    Annual patronage allocations - cash / deferred - $50.4 million / $38.9 million 
    Annual investment in new equipment/facilities - $299.0 million
    Annual total property taxes paid - $21.9 million 
    Total federal/state income taxes paid - $14.6 million
    Total charitable, scholarship & community support donations - $2.8 million

From the Nebraska Cooperative Council Fact Sheet:
“In 2022, the Nebraska Cooperative Council commissioned the Bureau of Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to conduct a study of the economic effect of Nebraska’s farmer owned supply/marketing and regional cooperatives.  According to the study, published in 2023, Nebraska’s supply/marketing cooperatives and regional cooperatives’ operations in Nebraska provided a $3.1 billion impact on Nebraska’s economy.  Of this total, average annual economic impacts of $213.4 million were felt in the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas.”



Nebraska Beef Passport Concludes 5th Anniversary Season

The 2025 Nebraska Beef Passport season officially wrapped up on September 30th, marking the program’s fifth year. Featured on this year’s pass were 30 restaurants and 27 meat shops, creating a road map to outstanding beef from one end of the state to the other. 

“We had an incredible fifth year of the Nebraska Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, Marketing Director for the Nebraska Beef Council. “The enthusiasm from participants and the dedication from our restaurant and meat shop partners continue to make this program a highlight of the summer. It’s truly a celebration of Nebraska’s beef community.” 

A total of 1,700 passports were distributed in both print and digital formats, reaching participants from more than 300 communities across Nebraska—and even some from neighboring states who made the trip to join the fun. Pass holders eagerly checked in at participating locations to earn prizes and celebrate their love for beef. 

This season saw the most prizes awarded since the program’s inception, with over 200 prizes claimed and nearly 20 individuals earning their place in the prestigious Beef Passport Hall of Fame by collecting 30 or more check-ins. 

“The continued growth and excitement around this program has been fantastic,” Wegner added. “It’s great to see how beef brings people together—from local Nebraskans discovering new favorites to visitors traveling across state lines to experience the great beef Nebraska offers.” 

As the Beef Passport heads into its sixth year in 2026, the Nebraska Beef Council is already looking ahead to new locations and fresh experiences that showcase Nebraska’s beef heritage. 

Businesses interested in being featured on next year’s passport can apply at www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org.  



With Tallgrass Carbon Sequestration Pipeline Operational, Iowa Loses "Crown" as Best Place to Produce Corn Ethanol

With the commencement of CO2 shipments on the Tallgrass Trailblazer pipeline last week, which carries CO2 from several plants located in Nebraska to a sequestration site in Wyoming, Iowa has officially lost its “crown” as the best place in the world to produce corn ethanol. Ethanol plants able to capture and sequester CO2 can reduce their carbon intensity (CI) by up to 33 points, thereby qualifying for up to 66 cents per gallon under the federal tax credit program known as 45Z. 

“Congratulations to Tallgrass for this monumental achievement,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Huge new markets around the world are demanding ultra-low carbon ethanol and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is the best tool to get there. The plants on the Tallgrass pipeline now have a leg up in many ways. IRFA will be working hard to ensure Iowa plants have access to the tools they need to compete.” 

Iowa has been the most profitable place in the world to produce corn ethanol since 2000. As such, the industry expanded in the state to become the largest ethanol producer and many affiliated industries made investments in facilities and operations in Iowa. Last year, ethanol production in Iowa added nearly $5.2 billion to the state GDP, increased household income by $2.5 billion, and supported almost 33,000 jobs. 

“For the first time since 2000, Iowa is no longer the best place to produce corn ethanol,” stated Shaw. “Alarm bells should be going off with any leader who values Iowa’s rural economy. We need to work to ensure this is temporary, not permanent. The huge economy-wide benefits that reverberate out from ethanol production in Iowa are not a given. If Iowa does not remain competitive, those investments will flow to areas that are competitive.” 

If Iowa’s 4.7 billion gallons of annual ethanol production all had access to CCS, it could generate over $3 billion of additional value for Iowa through 45Z tax credits, recently extended by President Trump. 

“Iowa needs to step up and get behind President Trump’s American energy dominance vision,” stated Shaw. “The Trump administration has prioritized extending clean fuel credits for American renewable fuels. Further, Trump has championed CCS as a vital tool to push America forward. As farmers face the fear of another farm crisis and ag industries continue to face economic challenges, now is the time to push CCS forward, not to stick our head in the sand.” 



I-29 Moo University Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar On October 28 To Focus on the impacts of early-life Bovine Respiratory Disease on growth and carcass traits in Beef Cross Dairy cattle

The I-29 Moo University Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar Series continues Tuesday, October 28 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT. Ingrid Fernandes will discuss how her study followed BXD cattle from weaning through slaughter to understand how early-life respiratory disease influences performance and carcass value.

Ingrid Lara Bordin Fernandes is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Animal Science, at Pennsylvania State University and is co-advised by Dr. Tara Felix and Dr. Melissa Cantor. Her study shows that bovine respiratory disease can leave lasting effects beyond the initial illness, underscoring its importance for both animal health and industry profitability.

She is originally from Brazil and has a background in ruminant nutrition and management, calf health, and livestock production systems. Her academic and professional experiences across Brazil and the United States have given her a comprehensive understanding of animal science, with a special emphasis on calf development, traceability, and feedlot management. She is passionate about integrating research with industry practices to support sustainable and profitable animal agriculture.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/BOVINERESPIRATORY

 For more information; in Iowa contact, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota contact, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093.



Smith Statement on Confirmation of Barloon as Ambassador to WTO

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement yesterday after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Joseph Barloon as United States Deputy Trade Representative and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"Congratulations to Joseph Barloon on his confirmation as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Ambassador to the WTO. U.S. leadership on trade remains crucial to leveling the playing field for hardworking Americans, and his experience will complement the Trump administration's vigorous approach on trade issues. Unfortunately, the previous administration abdicated American leadership on trade. The U.S. must be a leader in setting global trade rules which protect innovation, provide a level playing field, and counter the influence of non-market economies. This is why a strong presence at the WTO is vitally important. I look forward to working with Amb. Barloon and continuing to work with the Trump administration to advance a trade agenda which champions American workers, producers, and businesses."



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/3/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 3, ethanol production scaled up 7.6% to 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to 44.98 million gallons daily. Output was 3.2% higher than the same week last year and 8.0% above the three-year average for the week. Still, the four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.9% to 1.04 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.93 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked down 0.2% to 22.7 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 2.6% more than the same week last year and 4.0% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the West Coast (PADD 5), which sprang 12.8% to a 25-week high.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded 4.7% to 8.92 million b/d (137.10 bg annualized). Demand was 7.6% less than a year ago but 0.9% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 1.4% to 892,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.71 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.2% less than year-ago levels and 1.6% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports rallied, up 56.8% to an estimated 138,000 b/d (5.8 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Anhydrous, DAP Lead Retail Fertilizer Prices Higher

Average retail prices for half of the eight major fertilizers were higher than last month, while prices for the other half were lower during the first week of October 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Of the four fertilizers with higher prices, two were up substantially, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. 

Anhydrous was 6% higher compared to last month with an average retail price of $813 per ton. Anhydrous was over the $800/ton level for the first time since the third week of December 2023. That week, the price was $807/ton. DAP was 5% more expensive compared to last month with an average price of $906/ton during the first week of October. Two other fertilizers had slightly higher prices. MAP had an average price of $921/ton and UAN28 $419/ton.

The remaining four fertilizers were slightly lower in price from last month. Potash had an average price of $483/ton, urea $609/ton, 10-34-0 $666/ton and UAN32 $465/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.66/lb.N, anhydrous $0.50/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. The last holdout, potash, is now 7% higher. 10-34-0 is 13% more expensive, MAP is 15% higher, anhydrous is 18% more expensive, DAP is 23% higher, urea is 26% more expensive, UAN28 is 32% higher and UAN32 is 33% more expensive looking back to last year.



2026 NCBA Redbook Available Now

The 2026 Redbook from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is now available. The pocket-sized booklet can help cattle producers effectively and efficiently record their daily production efforts by simplifying record keeping, which can enhance profitability and reduce stress levels. 

In addition to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) practices and proper injection technique information, the 2026 Redbook includes current information about the judicious use of antibiotics in cattle, fitness for transport, and how to build a biosecurity plan. Additional pages have been added to this updated version providing plenty of room to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, cattle inventory, body condition, cattle treatment, AI breeding records and more. It also contains a calendar and notes section.

Redbooks can be purchased online at https://store.ncba.org/ for $8.25 each, plus shipping. Customization, including adding a company logo on the cover, is available in quantities of 100 books or more. For more information on custom orders, contact Grace Webb at gwebb@beef.org or (303) 850-3443.