Thursday October 30 Ag News - Southern Rust and Corn Residue - NE vs. CO re: Water Rights - IA Pork Donates $20k Ground Pork - PFI Conference Details - and more!

 Smith Hails Economic Cooperation with Japan and South Korea 

Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced increased economic cooperation with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung.

"Months of diligent work by President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer are bringing about mutual prosperity and investment with our East Asian allies. I am particularly encouraged to see increased cooperation in innovation and technology advancements, including Japan’s assurances digital regulations will be implemented in a nondiscriminatory manner. As we work to strengthen our alliances with Japan and South Korea, this week’s progress marks significant progress for shared economic growth and regional security."

On October 24, Smith led 20 House Republicans in sending a letter urging President Trump to address fair treatment of American digital companies under Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) during his visit to Japan.

On July 1st Smith and Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) led 41 of their colleagues in sending a letter commending the Trump administration for its efforts in trade negotiations and urging it to address barriers imposed by the South Korean government unfairly targeting American service providers and innovators in digital industries.



Southern Rust & Corn Residues
Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator

Southern rust has made noticeable impacts on corn fields in Nebraska this year. As these fields open for grazing following harvest, many are wondering — does rust affect how we manage livestock on those acres?

Southern rust (Puccinia polysora) is a fungal disease that creates lesions on corn leaves, weakening the plant in the process. While limited research exists on the direct effect on

corn leaf quality, what we do know is that infection causes leaves to senesce earlier and nutrients to be remobilized from the leaf and stalk to help with grain fill as the plant’s photosynthetic capacity declines.

So, what does this mean for grazing residue? Overall residue quality may be somewhat lower, but the bigger concern is that there’s simply less leaf material left. Along with husks, leaves are the primary component of residue-based diets. Their loss, therefore, can indirectly lower the overall residue feed value. In addition, with earlier senescence and existing tissue damage, corn leaves are likely to decompose faster than normal — shortening the window of quality grazing even further.

There is one bright spot: southern rust requires actively growing tissue to survive, so it won’t overwinter in residue. It must blow in from the south each year, meaning there’s no risk of spreading the disease through grazing or feeding infected residue.

Southern rust may not change corn residue quality directly, but it can reduce the amount and quality of available leaf material. Monitoring residue condition and adjusting stocking rates or grazing duration accordingly can help make the most of affected fields while maintaining livestock performance.



Nebraska Continues Legal Fight Against Colorado Over Water Rights

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced Wednesday that Nebraska has continued its legal actions to enforce the South Platte River Compact and clear the way for construction of the Perkins County Canal. Nebraska is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Colorado’s request to table the states’ dispute over the South Platte River Compact.  

Nebraska and Colorado signed the South Platte River Compact in 1923. The Compact was approved by both states’ legislatures, ratified by Congress in 1926, and has the force of federal law. This summer, Nebraska sued Colorado to enforce Nebraska’s irrigation rights and clear the way to construct the Perkins County Canal, both of which the Compact guarantees. In response, Colorado told the Court that Nebraska’s case was premature.

Nebraska filed its initial motion seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention on July 16, 2025. Colorado responded on October 15, 2025, claiming that Nebraska and Colorado have no present dispute over the Canal because Nebraska has not built it yet. As a result, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office has continued its legal actions in order to ensure that the Compact is fulfilled, and the Perkins County Canal is built in a timely manner.

Of course, Colorado wants more time,” said Attorney General Hilgers. “Time only benefits them as they violate our rights under the Compact. Nebraska cannot afford more time—we are losing our water right now, and Colorado is obstructing Nebraska from accessing our non-irrigation season supplies via the Canal. Our reply outlines why Colorado’s response is wrong. We have requested the Court reject Colorado’s tactics and allow Nebraska to proceed swiftly to the merits and enforce our Compact rights in order to remedy the breaches that are occurring today.”

It is anticipated that the Court will review the parties’ briefs and act on Nebraska’s request for review in the coming months.



Iowa Pork Producers Donate 38,000 Servings of Pork to Food Banks
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), in partnership with Fareway Stores, Inc., delivered $20,000 worth of ground pork to six regional food banks across Iowa and western Nebraska this week as part of an ongoing effort to fight food insecurity and support local communities. The donations equal more than 9,500 lbs. of ground pork and will provide more than 38,000 servings of valuable protein to people in need.

Deliveries took place October 28–29 to the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines, River Bend Food Bank in Davenport,, Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo, HACAP Food Reservoir in Hiawatha, Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City, and the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. The donations were made possible through funds raised at IPPA’s annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event, held earlier this year.

“This effort is about more than just delivering pork. It’s also about caring for our neighbors,” said Aaron Juergens, an Iowa pig farmer from Carroll who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Through the We Care principles, Iowa pig farmers are committed to supporting people, animals, and the communities we call home. Working with partners like Fareway and our state’s food banks allows us to help ensure families have access to nutritious, high-quality protein.”

Fareway, a long-time partner in community giving efforts, provided the resources to deliver the ground pork to the donation centers.

“Fareway is proud to partner with Iowa’s pig farmers and the Iowa Pork Producers Association to help fight food insecurity across our state,” said Jeff Cook, VP of retail market operations at Fareway Stores, Inc. “Providing ground pork to local food banks aligns with our long-standing commitment to supporting Iowa agriculture and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for families in need.”

According to the Iowa Food Bank Association, donations of protein are among the most valuable contributions to food pantries across the state.

“Protein donations like this make a tremendous difference for the families we serve,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “We’re grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Fareway for their generosity and partnership. Their support helps ensure that Iowans facing food insecurity can put nutritious meals on their tables.”

The effort is part of IPPA’s ongoing Pork in the Pantry initiative, which encourages county pork producer organizations and partners to donate pork products to local food pantries throughout the year.

“Fighting hunger is one of the most meaningful ways we can live out our We Care commitment,” Juergens said. “We’re proud to see Iowa’s pig farmers stepping up again and again to make sure no one goes hungry.”



Registration Open for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Annual Conference in Des Moines

Practical Farmers of Iowa invites farmers, landowners and friends of farmers to register for the PFI 2026 Annual Conference, happening Jan. 9–10 at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. The two-day, farmer-led event offers learning and connection for anyone involved in or interested in agriculture.

“This conference really showcases Iowa agriculture at its best. With over 70 sessions, you’ll hear directly from the people doing the work – the farmers,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s senior farmer-led education director. “Whether you’re a farmer, work with farmers or just care about where your food comes from, there’s something for you.”

Since PFI’s founding, the annual conference has been a keystone event for thousands of farmers to exchange creative ideas, build connections and celebrate Iowa agriculture.

Conference highlights include:
    A Saturday keynote by Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Inc. She’ll discuss how revitalizing Maine’s local grain economy has driven economic development at the grassroots level and strengthened community resilience and self-sufficiency.
    More than 70 sessions covering conventional and organic crops, small grains, cover crops, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, on-farm habitat, landowner resources, farmland access, farm business basics and more.
    An evening of storytelling by PFI farmers sharing skillfully narrated true stories.
    Presentation of PFI’s 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award.
    Four optional pre-conference short courses (Thursday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.–5:15 p.m.):
        “Wholesale-Ready: Preparing Your Farm and Evaluating Opportunities”
        “Field Crops Research Highlights”
        “Poultry Pathways: The Business of Raising Birds for Meat and Eggs”
        “Farm Transition: Taxes and Estate Planning”

Those who register by Dec. 5 will be entered in a drawing to win two free nights at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel during the conference.

To register or learn more, visit practicalfarmers.org/conference. For questions, please call 515-232-5661.

Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2026 Annual Conference is supported by several major sponsors, including Albert Lea Seed House; Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Grain Millers Inc.; John Deere; Krause Group; Mad Capital; Niman Ranch; Peoples Company; and Sunderman Farm Management Co.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/24/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 24, ethanol production declined 1.9% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.82 million gallons daily. Output was 0.8% higher than the same week last year and 3.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate rose 2.3% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 2.0% to 22.4 million barrels. Stocks were 2.7% more than the same week last year and 3.2% above the three-year average. Increases occurred mainly in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and the West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded 5.6% to 8.92 million b/d (137.18 bg annualized). Demand was 2.6% less than a year ago but 1.0% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol were steady at 911,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.00 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.2% less than year-ago levels but 0.1% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports surged 34.6% to an estimated 175,000 b/d (7.4 million gallons/day), the highest level since late January. It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Anhydrous 8% Price Spike in One Month Leads Five Fertilizer Prices Higher

The average price of anhydrous continues to lead five of eight fertilizers higher in the final week of October, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Anhydrous was 8% higher compared to last month at $842 per ton, making it the only fertilizer with a significant price move, designated by DTN as anything of 5% or more. Prices for four other fertilizers were up slightly from last month. DAP had an average price of $926 per ton, MAP $932/ton, potash $487/ton and 10-34-0 at $667 per ton.

Urea led a group of three fertilizers that saw reductions in average price since last month, dropping 3% to $598 per ton. UAN32 came in at $466 per ton, or about 2% lower compared to last month. UAN28 was $413/ton, also 2% lower.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.51/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

Prices for all eight fertilizers are now higher compared to one year ago. Potash is now 8% higher, 10-34-0 is 10% more expensive, MAP is 15% higher, anhydrous and urea are both 20% more expensive, DAP is 25% higher, UAN32 is 28% more expensive and UAN28 is 31% higher.



Corn Growers Detail Top Ways Congress and Administration Can Help This Year

The president of the National Corn Growers Association said today that Congress and the administration can support farmers through the ongoing difficult economic circumstances through a combination of market expansion and a bridge assistance program.
 
“Opening new foreign markets and expanding access to higher ethanol blends year-round are not only NCGA’s top priorities, but they are also important to the survival of the nation’s corn growers,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Recognizing that market expansion takes time and farmers need help now, corn growers support the development of a bridge program to help navigate this difficult economy.”
 
NCGA has intensified its call for new and improved markets in recent months. Corn grower leaders have urged Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would expand year-round nationwide consumer access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend, also referred to as E15. They have also supported the Trump administration’s efforts to open new trade markets.  
 
A recent economic analysis, released by NCGA, showed if the E15 legislation were to pass, corn use in ethanol could increase by 50% at full implementation, supporting a higher market price for corn and energy stability for Americans. 

And the benefits don’t stop there.  

Sen. Debra Fischer (R-Neb.) said passage of the E15 legislation could result in $4-$6 billion in government savings.
 
As growers finalize their harvest and look to the next crop year, leaders at NCGA are actively discussing additional assistance.

“Farm families across the country want to continue to feed and fuel America,” said Bower. “While we may need short-term assistance this year, expanding and creating new markets for our crops will be vital to our long-term survival.”  



NPPC Weighs in on Proposed Swine Inspections Rule
 
The National Pork Producers Council filed comments on a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service on Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments, which, among other things, would remove the requirements for mandibular lymph node incision and hand checking viscera of hogs during harvesting.
 
The organization supports the changes, noting that “the [disease] conditions that are presently detected through lymph node incision and viscera palpation can be identified through non-intrusive visual inspection that will not pose a risk of introducing contamination.”
 
Additionally, while it recognized that the regulation would allow FSIS inspectors to perform off-line food safety duties, NPPC raised concerns about the availability of inspectors to perform “critical” activities in slaughter establishments.
 
An FSIS cost-benefit analysis of the rule found it would result in a reduction of one or two inspectors at both the head station and the viscera station at 14 large swine slaughter establishments operating under traditional inspection models (Establishments operating under the 2019 New Swine Inspection System use plant employees for some inspection activities and should be less affected).
 
In its comments, NPPC urged FSIS to maintain full inspection staffing at plants, which it said, “is necessary for NPPC’s members to efficiently operate and ensure the production of safe and wholesome pork products.”
 
It also asked the agency to ensure agreements with U.S. trading partners are not affected by the new rule’s change to visual inspections, noting that some trading partners may require removal of mandibular lymph nodes and the use of physical inspections of viscera.