Wednesday October 15 Ag News - Cuming County Extension Board Nominations - NE Beef Industry Summit - '26 Harvest and Low Fire Danger - and more!

Cuming County Board of Supervisors Seeking Extension Board Nominations

The Cuming County Board of Supervisors is seeking nominations for individuals interested in serving a three-year term on the Cuming County Extension Board. The Board of Supervisors appoints Extension Board members. Extension Board district lines are defined according to the Cuming County Board of Supervisor districts.

Two positions on the Cuming County Extension Boad are up for appointment. Nominees are needed for District II (Supervisor District served by Maynard Munderloh). Marty Smith has served as District II representative to the Extension Board for two, 3-year terms and is ineligible to run again. The same is true for Kristie Borgelt, District IV (Supervisor District served by Mark Schweers.

A nominating committee is seeking nominations from interested individuals. A nomination committee will prepare a slate of potential candidates to be submitted to the Cuming County Board of Supervisors for consideration. If you are interested in being a candidate, please feel free to contact Cuming County Extension at 402/372-6006 on or before October 27.

According to Extension Educator Alfredo DiCostanzo, the operation of the Cuming County Extension Board should be given serious consideration by all county residents. Extension programs focus on priority needs and issues facing people of Cuming County.

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact the Extension Office or the Cuming County Clerk, Addisen Johnson, if you have questions on which supervisor district you reside in.



Nebraska Beef Industry Summit

Each Fall, the senior class of the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars and Nebraska Cattlemen develop a program of strong speakers addressing current industry issues for the Annual Nebraska Beef Summit. You are invited and encouraged to attend this important event, where guest speakers will share their knowledge and encourage us to expand our thinking.

The 2025 Beef Summit will be held on November 13, 2025 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREEC) near Mead.

2025 Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Summit Agenda
9:00am: Registration
9:45am: Introduction and plan for the day.
10:00-11:10am: Current and Future Outlook of the Beef Industry Complex – Where we are now and What will the Future Look Like? Dr. Darrell Peel – Oklahoma State University
11:10-11:15am: Break
11:15am–12:15pm: Producer Panel - How has the current environment of the beef industry impacted your current decisions and how will it impact your operation as you move forward? 
    Rusty Kemp – Sustainable Beef
    Luke Fuerniss – Schiff Cattle Company
    Logan Pribbeno – Wine Glass  
    Luke or Natalie Kovarik – Kovarik Cattle Co.
12:15–1:00pm - Lunch 
1:00–1:45pm: How has Beef remained Competitive as a Protein Staple in the Diet? - Adam Wegner, NE Beef Council
1:45–1:55pm: Break
1:55–2:45pm: Direct Marketing Beef Panel – Why did you start, How did you start, Rewards and Challenges
    Oak Barn Beef - Hannah Kliz
    Birdwood Beef – Kayla Starr 
    Albers Craft Meats - Blake Albers
 2:45–3:30pm: Tools and Technology in the Beef Industry
    Dos and Don’ts in Handling Beef Cattle in Feedlot and Grazing Settings – Dr. Ruth Woiwode – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Virtual fencing, what you need to know as a producer– Dr. Yijie Xiong - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
3:30: Adjourn

2025 Registration: https://go.unl.edu/beefsummit  



Much-needed moisture keeps Nebraska’s harvest fire risk low this fall

As combines continue rolling across the state, weather conditions are helping keep fire danger in check during this year’s harvest season. Nebraska Extension’s Eric Hunt says a combination of recent moisture, mild temperatures, and limited wind has helped reduce wildfire concerns that often rise this time of year.

“Not looking at any major fire danger risk this week, which is good,” Hunt said. “We’ve had a lot more moisture this fall – by and large – than we’ve had in several years.”

He adds that Nebraska hasn’t seen the classic setup for harvest fires – the mix of low humidity and strong winds.

Across much of Nebraska, cooler mornings and mild afternoons are marking a more typical mid-October pattern. Hunt says temperatures have ranged from the 30s and 40s in parts of the Panhandle to the low 50s in southeast Nebraska. 

Daytime highs are expected to remain mostly in the 70s and 80s this week, with only brief cool-downs behind passing fronts.

While scattered showers may move through portions of the state, Hunt says widespread rainfall is unlikely in the coming days.

Hunt says the forecast remains favorable heading into late October, with periodic moisture and limited fire risk.



NFU Urges White House and Congress to Quickly Deliver Relief for Family Farmers and Ranchers 

National Farmers Union (NFU) today sent letters to President Trump and Congressional leaders urging immediate action to provide economic relief for family farmers and ranchers facing worsening financial conditions. NFU emphasized that aid should reach family farm operations that need it most, and for parallel efforts to rebuild fair markets and curb corporate consolidation in agriculture. 

"Family farmers and ranchers face severe economic challenges and a deepening crisis if they do not receive immediate assistance. Recently enacted trade policies and the resulting actions by other countries have wreaked havoc on our markets, driving commodity prices far below the cost of production," said NFU President Rob Larew. "Input costs are projected to reach record levels in 2025. Stress levels are high among farmers, reflected in the rising number of farm bankruptcy filings across the country." 

In his letter, President Larew outlined three key principles to ensure aid provides meaningful and lasting relief: 
    Aid payments must be directed to family agricultural operations and balanced among regions and crops. 
    Aid must be paired with efforts to investigate monopolies in the agriculture industry and their resulting impacts on the farm economy. 
    Resources must be dedicated to developing new and enhanced domestic markets for American crops and enhancing existing markets, including local and regional markets. 

The number of farms in the U.S. has been declining for decades, with more than 140,000 farms lost between 2017 and 2022. That decline continues today as farmers face record-low commodity prices and shrinking international markets. For the first time in more than two decades, Chinese importers have not purchased American soybeans this year, cutting off U.S. producers from their largest export market and further straining rural economies. 

NFU continues to urge Congress and the administration to release meaningful aid as soon as possible to prevent a deepening farm crisis. 



Farm aid on hold until government shutdown ends

The Trump administration will delay financial assistance for farmers facing high input costs and low commodity prices until the federal government reopens.

According to Successful Farming, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the aid program cannot move forward during the shutdown.

On September 28, the administration transferred $13 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation to fund the package, but specific details — including eligibility and payment levels — have not been announced.



CattleCon 2026 Brings Grand Ole Opry Back to Historic Ryman Auditorium

Country music will come to life during CattleCon 2026, Feb. 3-5, in Nashville, Tennessee. Registered attendees will have the opportunity to experience the Grand Ole Opry in the historic Ryman Auditorium. 

The Ryman is a world-renowned concert hall and the home of one of music’s most iconic, well-known stages. Built more than 130 years ago, the beloved Nashville landmark will host two Cowboys Night at the Opry shows the evening of Thursday, Feb. 5. 

The Boots on Broadway (Almost) event on Wednesday, Feb. 4, will get the honky tonk party started. This signature event at Luke Combs’ Category 10 will feature southern bites and music from fan favorite Paul Bogart. 

In addition to these evening events, musical talent will be found around every corner of the Music City Center and along Lower Broadway. CattleCon attendees won’t have to go far to find country tunes that get their boots tappin’. 

Make plans to attend CattleCon 2026 and be “Where the Beef Industry Meets!” Along with top-notch entertainment, the business of the beef industry will take place with policy and Checkoff committee meetings, educational sessions, live animal handling demonstrations, the seven-acre NCBA Trade Show and engaging conversations. 

Getting to Nashville is made easier with discounted flights on United, a registration payment plan, and free One-Day Only Thursday registration for the first 250 FFA and 4-H members to register. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2026 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to four nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant. 

A variety of registration options are available, and all include Cattlemen’s College education sessions and demonstrations. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org. 



Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative rises to second in national ranking

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative now ranks as the second-largest dairy cooperative in the nation, based on milk volume, according to Hoard’s Dairyman. The ranking, announced yesterday, moved Edge from third to second place due to an increase in member milk volume and growth in farm membership.

A person in a suit and tie AI-generated content may be incorrect.“Our rise in membership and ranking reflects the forward-thinking approach our board and leadership team takes in providing the services our members need in meeting today’s challenges, including policy and regulation and other market forces,”  Tim Trotter, Edge CEO, said. “We’re not stopping here. Edge is committed to creating value for our members by offering valuable sustainability, regulatory and permitting services and resources for our members,” Trotter said.

Edge is a verification cooperative for farmers who ship their milk directly to a private processor to meet the qualifications of the Federal Milk Marketing Order.  As a verification cooperative, Edge provides lab verification and bulk tank calibration, among other services for its members. The cooperative also engages in advocacy efforts to champion sound and reasonable policy for the dairy community at the federal level.

“We are a member-driven cooperative always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our dairy farmers so they can be successful in their individual farms and businesses,” Trotter said. “We are excited about the possibilities that are ahead for Edge and our members.”



Alltech breaks ground on $4.6 million biofertilizer production facility in Kentucky

Global agriculture company Alltech broke ground today on a new $4.6 million, 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will produce biological fertilizers and crop inputs, providing farmers with an environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers and helping reduce reliance on imported, synthetic inputs.

Located on the campus of Alltech’s global headquarters, the facility will be the company’s first U.S. manufacturing plant dedicated solely to producing crop science technologies. Modeled after Alltech Crop Science (ACS) facilities in Brazil and Spain, the Kentucky site will produce more than 66,000 gallons of biological fertilizers per shift per month and create at least six new full-time jobs. It will also manufacture more than 30 natural products designed to help farmers enhance soil and crop vitality.

The project is supported by a $2.34 million grant from the USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). The $500 million FPEP initiative, launched in 2022 in response to supply chain disruptions and rising fertilizer prices, aims to expand the production, availability and affordability of domestic fertilizer and nutrient alternatives and reduce reliance on imported synthetic fertilizers.

Alltech’s project was selected for its innovative approach to soil and crop health. Made with beneficial microorganisms, the company’s biofertilizers improve soil fertility, stimulate root development, enhance nutrient uptake and support a healthier soil microbiome, enabling farmers to maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact.

“This facility represents the next phase in scaling our biological innovations for agriculture,” said ACS vice president Dr. Steve Borst, who leads the project. “By expanding production here in Kentucky, we can bring farmers natural, science-based solutions that improve soil health, strengthen crops and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. We’re grateful to the USDA and to our state and local partners for their support in making this vision a reality.”

In addition to supporting U.S. farmers in reducing dependence on imported synthetic fertilizers, the new crop science facility will enable ACS to expand the reach of its natural agronomic technologies across both the U.S. and international markets. Leveraging Alltech’s more than four decades of expertise in microbial fermentation and nutrigenomics, ACS delivers environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional chemical applications. These biological solutions restore soil balance, strengthen soil health, maximize crop yields, improve plant resilience, promote stewardship and create long-term value across the food chain.

Nationally, this project’s impact enables the export of domestic technologies, driving international uptake of U.S. products and supply chain resiliency for U.S. growers. In addition, Alltech’s new facility will be instrumental in growing the offering of its in-market sustainable technologies domestically and internationally.

The project aligns with Alltech’s purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty®,” which unites the agri-food community in creating science-based solutions that provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.

“Fermentation has always been at the heart of our business, and this facility allows us to apply that expertise in new ways to support crop health, productivity and sustainability,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We’re proud to strengthen our presence at our global headquarters in Kentucky, creating an innovation and manufacturing center that will serve U.S. farmers, strengthen our local community and continue to advance the science of agriculture.”

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; David West, Jessamine County judge-executive; and Alex Carter, mayor of Nicholasville. Alltech’s FPEP grant application was endorsed by Gov. Beshear, Mayor Carter and Judge West, along with U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr.

“Alltech has been a leader in the agriculture industry for nearly half a century and has provided Kentuckians with good, quality manufacturing jobs over the years,” Adkins said. “This project shows that companies are continuing to choose Kentucky as their home and as a prime place to do business. I want to congratulate Alltech on their new expansion and we look forward to seeing their success continue.”

“Alltech continues to set the standard for innovation in Kentucky’s agricultural economy,” said Congressman Barr, who supported Alltech with a letter of support for the company’s USDA grant application. “I’m grateful to Dr. Mark Lyons and the Alltech team for their persistence and dedication to expanding right here in Jessamine County. This grant will help expand production capacity, strengthen supply chains, and create more opportunities for Kentuckians.”

The event was also attended by leaders of more than 70 global agri-food companies who traveled to Kentucky for Alltech Presidents Club, an annual gathering that convenes industry leaders for peer-to-peer learning, thought-provoking discussion and collaboration on some of the most pressing issues facing agriculture and the agri-food industry.



Public Data & Information – Sometimes We Never Realize Value Until Something Is Gone 
Glynn T. Tonsor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University
    
The calendar year of 2025 continues to evolve as a memorable one for cattle producers. Markets continue to reflect supportive demand and supply fundamentals that have underpinned cattle price levels many deemed unreachable just months ago. While indeed market fundamentals largely remain supportive, it is important to note how and why we can come to that conclusion. Alas market data and information are critical to modern agricultural industry functions - you can’t manage (or assess) what you don’t measure. At the time of this writing, we remain in a federal government shutdown leading to this article’s focus on market data and information.

Most livestock producers are what economists would describe as price takers. The available set of market data and information for livestock sellers has long been justification for public investment in collection and reporting efforts by USDA (and other governmental agencies). Over the past couple decades this evolution has included implementation of LMR (livestock mandatory reporting) extending the breadth, depth, and precision of market information in meat and livestock markets. In 2020 the MDM (Meat Demand Monitor) project was launched as a partnership effort at Kansas State University with the beef and pork checkoff programs seeking to enhance consumer meat demand understanding.

Society-wide there is much interest and anxiety around AI (artificial intelligence, not artificial insemination for clarity here) and associated opportunities, challenges, and impacts. Here we must note the functioning of AI starts with details around available data. Changes in details of data available directly impact AI capabilities. Similarly, the functioning of agricultural markets reflects quantity and quality of information available. The mix of public and private sources is evolving in each respective agricultural market. Given this backdrop, the ongoing government shutdown, and associated federal budget discussions not surprisingly there increasingly are questions such as “what is the value” of public data and “what changes should be made.” Dr. Jayson Lusk led an effort in 2016 that is of note here that I was privileged to be a small part of. I highlight this as there have not been many such assessments and more recent (and extended) versions of this are strongly encouraged. 

In my reflections on fleeting family time and “how quick my kids are growing up,” it is very easy to take things for granted and only value them once they are gone. A parallel assessment applies to the public data and information scene for U.S. livestock producers. For decades U.S. agriculture has been the envy of the world regarding available volume and quality of market information. While I would say that broadly still applies, it is very easy to take that for granted. Accordingly, I encourage each reader to pause and take a moment to similarly reflect on our blessings and “behind the scenes” forces at work both on a personal level and in the realm of agricultural market functions.