Friday December 19 Ag News - Rural Mainstreet Index Stretches Up - Fischer's Ag Haulers bill - 108 Renewable Fuels Projects Approved in Iowa - Callahan Confirmed as USTR Ag Negotiator - and more!

Rural Mainstreet Economy Expands in December
Farm and Ranchland Prices: Highest in 20 Months

For only the second time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed above growth neutral 50.0, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for December increased to 50.1, its highest reading since July 2025, and was up from November’s 44.0. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Weak agriculture commodity prices and high input costs for grain producers continue to restrain economic activity in the 10-state region,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

When asked to identify the most effective policy changes to boost farm income, half of the bank CEOs named the reduction of farm tariffs and trade restrictions as the most effective or useful. Fewer than one in five named the passage of a five-year Farm Bill, and almost the same share identified the recent $12 billion farm aid program as a top priority.

Farming and ranchland prices: For only the second time in the past 20 months, farmland prices expanded above growth neutral. The region’s farmland price index improved to 52.5, its highest level since April 2024, and was up from 43.2 in November.  

Bankers reported that farm loan delinquencies expanded by only 1.6% over the past six months.  “As the farm economy has weakened significantly over the past two years, farm loan delinquencies have remained virtually flat. Even so, one-third of bankers indicated that their banks had tightened credit standards,” said Goss.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first nine months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, fell from $8.7 billion in 2024 to $8.4 billion in 2025, for a decline of 3.6%. Exports of agriculture and livestock for the nine-month period to the region’s major trading partner, Mexico, advanced by 2.1%, while the export of agriculture and livestock to China plummeted by 87.6%. 

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index slightly declined to a very weak 15.0 from November’s 15.1. “This is the 28th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. Lower interest rates have yet to stimulate farm equipment purchases,” said Goss.

Confidence: Rural bankers remain pessimistic about economic growth for their area over the next six months. The December confidence index rose to 40.9, its highest reading since January of this year, and was up from 32.0 in November. “Weak grain prices and negative farm cash flows, combined with tariff retaliation concerns, continue to weigh on banker confidence,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The state’s Rural Mainstreet Index for December increased to a regional high of 54.2 from 49.2 in November. The state’s farm and ranchland price index for December rose to 53.0 from November’s 46.6. Nebraska’s new hiring index slumped to 46.4 from November’s 53.4. Nebraska’s year-to-date exports of agricultural goods and livestock expanded to $957.2 million in 2025, up from $622.7 million during the same period of 2024, for a gain of 53.7%. 

Iowa: December’s RMI for the state increased to 47.6 from 47.0 in November. Iowa’s farm and ranchland price index for December advanced to 51.3 from November’s 45.2. Iowa’s new hiring index for December sank to 43.7 from November’s 51.8. Iowa’s year-to-date exports of agricultural goods and livestock reached $1.4 billion in 2025, up 30.5% from $1.1 billion during the same period in 2024, according to the latest data from the ITA.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.

 

Farm Credit Services of America Invests in Northeast Nebraska iHub

As construction continues on the Northeast Nebraska iHub in downtown Norfolk, support from industries, organizations, and foundations remains strong.

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) is the latest contributor to the innovative technical training and entrepreneurial center, investing $25,000 toward the $8.5 million project.

Located at 707 W. Norfolk Avenue, the 18,000-square-foot iHub facility is designed to advance workforce development in manufacturing and agriculture. By emphasizing upskilling and credentialing, the iHub aims to become a regional cornerstone for technical education and economic growth.

While construction is slated for completion in late spring to early summer of 2026, iHub Director Erin Sharpe and Trainer Henry Goeden are already engaging students across Northeast’s 20-county service area. Northeast Community College’s iHub welcomed more than 240 students this summer to a series of hands-on camps focused on robotics, coding, and STEM exploration. Over the course of eight weeks in June and July, the iHub led 14 summer camp programs across five communities – Norfolk, Randolph, South Sioux City, West Point and O’Neill – serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with most participants in grades four to eight.

Matt Hoesing, regional vice president for FCSA, expressed pride in supporting the initiative.

“As a cooperative dedicated to serving rural communities, Farm Credit believes in investing in the people and institutions that drive innovation and opportunity in agriculture and beyond,” Hoesing said. “Northeast Community College plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals in our region. The iHub is a bold step forward — bringing cutting-edge technology, workforce training, and STEM education to the heart of Norfolk. It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative that strengthens rural Nebraska for years to come.”

Tracy Kruse, vice president of development and external affairs at Northeast and executive director of the Northeast Foundation, expressed gratitude for FCSA’s continued partnership.

“Farm Credit Services has supported other Northeast initiatives, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing commitment — not just to the college, but to the economic vitality of the entire region,” Kruse said.

The iHub project has received significant early support, including two grants totaling nearly $4.6 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a $750,000 Community Project Funding allocation requested by U.S. Representative Mike Flood. Leadership gifts of $250,000 each have also been announced from Nucor Divisions in Nebraska and Norfolk Iron and Metal. Additional support has been received from manufacturers, employers, financial institutions, and foundations.

Naming rights are available for donations of $25,000 and above, with gifts from $500 to $24,999 acknowledged on a donor recognition display.

Northeast is in the final stages of fundraising and invites supporters to make a difference by contributing gifts of all sizes between now and the end of the year. To learn more about the iHub Campaign, contact Tracy Kruse at foundation@northeast.edu or call 402-844-7240. 



Governor Pillen Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions
 
Thursday, Governor Jim Pillen announced appointments made to boards and commissions from July 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025.

A list of current board and commission openings can be found on the Governor’s website (https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req), along with instructions on completing an application.

Ethanol Board
Jaimie Bearup, Lincoln
Scott McPheeters, Gothenburg
Taylor Nelson, South Sioux City

Nebraska Brand Committee
Susan Connell, Hyannis

Wheat Development, Utilization and Marketing Board
Amy Warner, Edison



Fischer Reintroduces Bill to Support Ag Haulers

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) reintroduced the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act to strengthen the transportation of America’s agricultural products.

“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed and fuel our world, but burdensome regulations make it harder for their goods to be transported. That’s why I’ve introduced the HAULS Act to ensure that Nebraska’s ag products reach consumers in a safe and timely manner,” Fischer said. 

The HAULS Act would: 
    Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons.
    Amend and clarify the definition of “agricultural commodities” based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations.
    Expands on Fischer provision signed into law by authorizing a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag commodity haulers.



DAKOTA Farm Show Features Equipment, Services and Seminars!

The USD DakotaDome in Vermillion, SD is set to kick off the new year by hosting the Dakota Farm Show, January 6, 7 & 8, 2026 (Tuesday–Thursday). The annual three-day event is expected to bring thousands of area farmers to the warm and comfortable USD DakotaDome to view hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural products, equipment, and services.

This year’s show will again feature educational seminars presented by SDSU Extension and Southeast Research Farm on Wednesday. Wednesday seminars will include topics related to agronomy and soil health. Thursday’s sessions will focus on livestock management, self-care and community vitality. Complete and up-to-date seminar schedules are available at www.DakotaFarmShow.com.

Attendees will also enjoy the return of the popular Bomgaars DeWalt Tool Blowout, offering special pricing on a wide variety of tools and accessories throughout the event—an annual favorite with showgoers.

In addition to exhibits and seminars, attendees can register to win $1,000 in Showbucks, given away each day at 1:00pm, courtesy of Purple Wave Auction. 

“The show is a fantastic way for area farmers to kick off the new year, see the latest innovations in agriculture, and gain new information from our top-notch seminars,” said Show Manager Penny Swank.  

This year’s show once again features an online, interactive floor plan. Attendees can review exhibitors and the floor plan at www.DakotaFarmShow.com.

The Dakota Farm Show runs January 6, 7 & 8, 2026 at the DakotaDome (University of South Dakota campus) in Vermillion, South Dakota. Admission and parking are free. Show hours are 9am–5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9am–3pm Thursday. For additional information, visit www.DakotaFarmShow.com or contact Show Manager Penny Swank at (507) 437-7969.



108 Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Projects to Expand Access to E15, Biodiesel in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 108 projects during their quarterly meeting on Dec. 17 to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects across the state.

The approved projects are in 46 counties and represent nearly $4.59 million in total requests, including $3,987,039.12 for 93 ethanol-related projects and $600,142.66 for 15 biodiesel-related projects. These cost-share investments help drivers save money by expanding access to lower-cost, cleaner-burning homegrown biofuels like E15 (Unleaded 88) and biodiesel.

“These investments are about making it easier and more affordable for Iowans to choose homegrown fuels at the pump,” said Secretary Naig. “By helping fuel retailers upgrade and modernize their infrastructure, we are expanding access to E15 and biodiesel, supporting local jobs, and benefiting Iowa communities. These projects also help ensure fuel stations are prepared to meet Iowa’s E15 Access Standard and serve their customers well into the future.”

Here's a short list of some of the projects completed in western Iowa....
(county - company - town - dollars invested - type of project)
Carroll Casey's General Store Carroll $13,624.22 Retail E15 Site
Carroll Drees Oil Carroll $75,000.00 Retail E15 Site
Carroll Kimmes Enterprises LLC Coon Rapids $6,646.31 Retail E15 Site
Page Casey's General Store Clarinda $13,277.59 Retail E15 Site
Plymouth Kimmes Enterprises LLC Le Mars $8,246.49 Retail E15 Site
Pottawattamie Casey's General Store Council Bluffs $19,971.32 Retail E15 Site
Pottawattamie Casey's General Store Council Bluffs $22,656.32 Retail E15 Site
Sac Cubby's Inc. Odebolt $75,000.00 Retail E15 Site
Woodbury Bajrang Mart LLC Sioux City $34,503.38 Retail E15 Site
Woodbury Leeds Food and Fuel Sergeant Bluff $50,000.00 Retail Biodiesel Site
Woodbury Leeds Food and Fuel Sioux City $75,000.00 Retail E15 Site
Woodbury Murphy Oil USA, Inc. Sioux City $1,636.06 Retail E15 Site
Woodbury Murphy Oil USA, Inc. Sioux City $23,341.21 Retail E15 Site

Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested nearly $70 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure in Iowa. This investment has been matched by approximately $280 million from Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers.

These ethanol investments are also helping more Iowa fuel stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard. Iowa is the first state in the nation to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026. The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Reynolds in 2022.

With additional cost-share funding available, the Department continues to welcome grant applications to assist more fuel stations with infrastructure improvements and upgrades. Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP. 



NPPC Congratulates Callahan on Senate Confirmation
 
National Pork Producers Council President and Ohio pork producer Duane Stateler released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Julie Callahan to serve as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
 
“Congratulations to Julie Callahan on her Senate confirmation as chief agricultural negotiator, a vital seat at the table to represent U.S. agriculture trade interests. We are confident she will be a champion for America’s pork producers, fighting to break down unfair trade practices and opening new markets, which will boost international demand for U.S. pork.”

NPPC has pushed the administration to quickly fill the chief agricultural negotiator position, which is especially critical to American agriculture given ongoing trade negotiations. In 2024, an estimated 7.1 billion pounds of U.S. pork was exported—more than 25% of pork production. Pork export values in 2024 totaled $8.6 billion dollars, equating to an average of $66 in value from each hog marketed.



USMEF Statement on Dr. Julie Callahan's Confirmation as USTR's Chief Ag Negotiator

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position and USMEF congratulates Dr. Callahan on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate. This is an especially critical time for agricultural trade, with ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and many key trading partners. USMEF thanks the U.S. Senate for its timely confirmation of a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. agriculture. 



Growth Energy Congratulates Julie Callahan on Her Confirmation as USTR Chief Ag Negotiator 

Growth Energy Thursday congratulated Julie Callahan on her confirmation as the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR’s) chief agricultural negotiator.

“As the Trump Administration works to strengthen America’s hand in global trade and deliver new opportunities for U.S. agriculture, Julie Callahan’s leadership will be essential,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Her deep experience at USTR and strong command of the issues facing our farmers and biofuel producers make her an outstanding choice for this critical role.” 

“We look forward to continue working with her to advance trade opportunities and expand export markets for biofuels, and to support continued growth and certainty for rural communities across the country.”