Friday January 09 Ag News - Luck to Lead UNL BSE Dept - NW IA Feedlot Forum - ICGA Policy Priorities - RFS Compliance Deadline - Ethanol Exports Sharply Higher - and more!

 Luck named interim head of UNL’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering

Joe Luck, professor and Extension specialist in precision agriculture and assistant director of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, has been appointed interim head of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

Luck succeeds Mark Stone, who served as department head from 2023 through the end of 2025 before returning to the faculty. Luck began his tenure as interim department head Jan. 1. The university thanks Stone for his leadership, service and the many talents he brought to the Department of Biological Systems Engineering during his tenure.

Luck joined the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at UNL in April 2012. His work focuses on developing Extension and research programs related to the application of precision agriculture technologies in crop production. He also teaches courses in precision and digital agriculture and works closely with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate emerging technologies, including crop canopy sensors for nitrogen application and advanced pesticide application systems.

“Dr. Luck is a distinguished researcher, an inspiring educator and a trusted leader,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, interim NU vice president and Harlan vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “I’m excited to work alongside him as we continue to build momentum in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering.”

As he begins his role, Luck looks forward to strengthening the Department of Biological Systems Engineering’s partnerships across IANR, the College of Engineering and other units within the NU system, with a particular focus on expanding collaborations with external partners. He is also focused on student success and ensuring that today’s Biological Systems Engineering students — who represent three undergraduate majors — are well prepared to meet future challenges in agricultural and biological engineering and agricultural systems technologies.

“The Department of Biological Systems Engineering has incredible faculty, staff and students with remarkably broad expertise,” Luck said. “This role provides an exciting opportunity to work across disciplines — from digital agriculture and robotics to ecological and biomedical engineering — and to connect technological innovation with real-world biological systems, including plants, animals and people. Our department is focused on preparing the next generation of technologists, engineers and scientists to tackle complex challenges and create meaningful, positive impacts for agriculture and society.”

Luck earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in biosystems and agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky. He has received numerous honors for his research and Extension work, including the Pierre Roberts Young Scientist Award from the International Society of Precision Agriculture in 2020 and the Larry Turner Young Extension Professional Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in 2017.



Sanders named executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute

Joe Sanders has been appointed the new executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska.

DWFI is one of three University of Nebraska (NU) institutes in which talented experts across all four campuses come together to find innovative solutions to challenges facing our state, nation and world. DWFI addresses the complex challenges of water and food security, and its work directly supports the university's commitment to local impact with global reach.

Sanders will officially assume the executive director position on Feb. 1, 2026, and brings more than 27 years of experience as an international development leader, designing and managing large-scale programs across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The university conducted an international search after Peter McCornick announced he would be stepping down from the role after 2025. The University of Nebraska thanks McCornick for nearly a decade of dedicated service to the institute.

“The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute represents the very best of the University of Nebraska,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “DWFI is a model of collaboration – among campuses, among the public and private sectors, and among disciplines – throughout Nebraska and around the world. I am excited for Joe Sanders to guide this incredible institute into its next era.”

Throughout his career, Sanders has led eight major initiatives totaling over $330 million, with a focus on agricultural market systems, food security, climate resilience, irrigation, youth livelihoods and governance. His work is rooted in locally led solutions and long-term institutional strengthening. Sanders has mobilized over $240 million in leveraged resources and worked closely with governments, civil society and the private sector in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

“I am thrilled to welcome Joe Sanders to Nebraska and to work alongside him to advance water conservation, water use and food security,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, interim Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Joe brings incredible experience to this position, and I’m excited for him to begin in his role and meet with the team members and partners across Nebraska who have contributed to the local and global success of this important institute.”

Sanders earned his Master of Science degree in managing rural development from the University of London and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Catholic University of America.

As DWFI executive director, Sanders will provide leadership, strategic direction and oversight for the institute’s three primary missions of research, education, and policy, while continuing to build DWFI as a global leader and partner in the international water and food communities.

"I am honored to join the University of Nebraska and to serve as executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. DWFI’s commitment to collaboration and applied, science-based research brings together world-class expertise in research, education, and policy to address one of the most urgent challenges of our time—how to sustainably manage water to feed a growing world. I look forward to working with faculty, partners, and communities to scale practical solutions that strengthen resilient water and food systems in Nebraska and around the globe."



Feedlot Forum 2026 features water quality, feedlot health issues, and the cattle market outlook

Water quality, feedlot health issues, and the cattle market outlook are just some of the topics that will be covered during the 2026 Feedlot Forum set for Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Terrace View Events Center in Sioux Center.

The event is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach and the Sioux County Cattleman’s Association, and will feature key speakers covering the following topics:
    IDALS Iowa Water Quality Initiatives – Colin Tadlock, IDALS
    PAS-Recent Evaluations of Earlage for Finishing Cattle – Dr. Wes W. Gentry, Midwest PMS LLC
    Research Review and Feedlot Health Issues – Dr. Dan Thomson, Production Animal Consultants
    Updates from the Iowa Beef Center, a Look at the New ISU Beef Teaching Farm, and Updates from ICA –  Dr. Aimee Wertz-Lutz, Iowa Beef Center; Dr. Jason Ross, Iowa State University Animal Science Department; and Bryan Whaley, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
    A Packers Perspective – Ed Greiman, Upper Iowa Beef and Niewohner Cattle
    Market Outlook – Mike Miller, CattleFax

Since the Feedlot Forum’s inception in 2004, Beth Doran, retired northwest Iowa extension beef specialist, has been a true leader in ensuring the continued success of the region’s premier feedlot -focused program. Over the years, Doran and a leadership team of local cattlemen have provided area beef producers with relevant and timely information through this annual event. During the 2026 Feedlot Forum, Doran will be recognized for her efforts with Feedlot Forum, her commitments to helping cattlemen and women, and her successful career at Iowa State University.

An outstanding trade show will feature 20-plus industry-leading businesses showcasing the latest technology in cattle nutrition, animal health, food safety, feedstuff harvesting, housing, manure management, marketing, and cattle management.

Registration (which includes lunch) is $30 per adult or $10 per student, and is due Jan. 13 to ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County.  For more information or to register, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/sioux/feedlot-forum or call Sioux County Extension at 712-737-4230.



ICGA Releases Top State and Federal Policy Priorities for 2026

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), one of the most effective, longest-standing agricultural associations in the country, released its final list of state and federal policy priorities for the upcoming year.

“The ICGA state and federal policy priorities reflect the voices of the over 7,000 corn farmer members across the state,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller, and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “Our policy decision process includes a policy survey and roundtable discussions before being voted on at our Annual Grassroots Summit. The issues outlined in this year’s priorities reflect issues that matter most to Iowa’s corn farmers, and with the start of the legislative session next week, we are excited to fight for these issues on behalf of Iowa’s corn growers.”

2026 ICGA Priorities – State (Alphabetical)
    Conservation/Water Quality – Maintain legislative funding stream for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, including Maximum Return to Nitrogen.
    Crop nutrient/manure management (nitrate issue).
    Ethanol – Support all efforts to lower carbon intensity score of corn-based ethanol and promote ethanol as a carbon reduction solution across all markets while maintaining property rights.
    Pesticide labeling.
    Property tax reform.

2026 ICGA Priorities – Federal (Alphabetical)
    Carbon – Support carbon intensity reduction initiatives and credit programs for global market access.
    Ethanol – Support a nationwide E15 fix and an Octane Bill. We support retaining the RFS.
    Farm Bill – Improve crop insurance and protect/funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) within the USDA process.
    Trade – Expand new and protect existing bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements.
    Transportation - Improve transportation infrastructure including but not limited to locks and dams, roadways, etc.

“As an ICGA member, you help us make a real difference in advancing policies that matter most on our farms. I encourage all Iowa corn farmers and supporters to get involved at the local, state, and national level to help us continue moving Iowa’s corn industry forward,” said Mueller.

The complete 2026 ICGA policy resolution book is available at www.iowacorn.org/policy or in hard copy for free upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242. 



Registration Open for 2026 Farm Transitions Conference

The 2026 Farm Transitions Conference will be held Feb. 5–6 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Ankeny. The conference is hosted by the Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State University.

The two-day conference will bring together farmers, landowners and agricultural professionals seeking practical guidance on farm succession planning, options to transfer land and assets and long-term farm viability. Attendees will hear from experienced attorneys, farm management specialists, economists and transition experts who understand the unique challenges facing farm families.

“Planning for a farm's future can feel complex and overwhelming, but with2026 Farm Transitions Conference, February 5-6, Ankeny Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Beginning Farmer Center the right tools, it can be both manageable and exciting,” said Kristiana Coutu, director of the Beginning Farmer Center and senior counsel with the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State. “Whether participants are just beginning to consider retirement, actively transitioning management or ownership or navigating multi-generational decision-making, the conference offers timely and actionable information.”

Session topics will include:
    How current tax laws affect farm transfers and estate plans
    Using business entities to support succession goals
    Long-term care and retirement planning while protecting land and family relationships
    Considerations for non-family succession
    Strategies for having productive, and sometimes difficult, family and business conversations
    Practical steps to move from “we should plan” to “we have a plan”

“Beyond the sessions, the conference offers valuable opportunities to connect with other farmers and landowners who face similar challenges and decisions,” mentioned Coutu. Previous participants have noted that these conversations, in addition to the sessions, make the conference worthwhile.

All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the updated Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm, a 100-page workbook published by ISU Extension and Outreach, along with lifetime access to the new Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Portal, an online resource designed to support attendees before, during and after the conference.

To attend, register online at the 2026 Farm Transitions Conference website https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/farmtransitions/register/. Participants who cannot attend in person may opt for the virtual option when registering.



Iowa Farm Bureau to host 2026 Ag Market Outlook meeting series across the state

After a challenging 2025, Iowa farmers are heading into 2026 with tighter margins, higher interest costs, growing market uncertainty and some forecasts showing a 24% decrease in net farm income. To help farmers navigate those pressures, Iowa Farm Bureau will host a six-stop Ag Market Outlook Meeting Series across the state this February.

The series will examine current drivers in the grain and livestock markets and how tariffs, interest rates and price inflation are affecting ag financing decisions. Farm Bureau Financial Services will discuss 2026 crop insurance considerations, as well as risk management tools such as Livestock Risk Protection.  The session will also cover farm transition and succession planning.

Speakers will vary by location and include Carol Jensen, Luana Savings Bank vice president; Nic Klein, Central Bank agricultural lending officer; Dr. Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau economics and research manager; Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau farmer education program manager; Erin Herbold-Swalwell, Farm Bureau Financial Services senior counsel; and Angie Horn, Zach Hyland and Shelby Oetting, Farm Bureau Financial Services regional crop consultants.

Meeting locations and dates are as follows:
    Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon on Monday, Feb. 16 from 7:45 to 10:45 a.m.
    Wall Lake Community Center, Wall Lake on Monday, Feb. 16 from 12:45–3:45 p.m.
    Dunlap Four County Fairgrounds, Dunlap on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 9:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 7:45–10:45 a.m.
    Jones County Farm Bureau, Anamosa on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 12:45–3:45 p.m.
    Cambridge Building on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Fairfield on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 5–8:15 p.m.

“Farmers are making decisions in an environment with a lot more unknowns than we’ve seen in recent years,” said Brummer. “Iowa Farm Bureau wants to provide farmers with a relevant look at how rising input costs, tariff volatility and global uncertainty are affecting profitability—and what steps they can take now to manage risk going into 2026.”

Registration is free for Iowa Farm Bureau members. Non-members interested in attending are encouraged to contact their local county Farm Bureau or become a member at www.iowafarmbureau.com. All meetings include a catered meal, coffee bar and educational materials. For registration assistance or additional information, contact Ashley Lennon at alennon@ifbf.org.



Clean Fuels Asks EPA to Maintain RFS Compliance Deadline
 
Thursday, Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, asking the agency to maintain the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadline on March 31, 2026, to mitigate the impacts of rulemaking delays. Under existing EPA rules, the compliance deadline will automatically shift to June 1 if the agency fails to finalize the 2026 Renewable Volume Obligations by the end of January. The shift will compound the negative economic effects that biomass-based diesel producers and farmers are already experiencing from the rulemaking delay.

“Ongoing delays in the rulemaking are creating intolerable uncertainty for biomass-based diesel producers and for farmers,” Clean Fuels writes in the letter. “Biomass-based diesel producers and soybean processors are currently negotiating feedstock contracts, fuel production and offtake agreements, and investment decisions for 2026. The lack of certainty in the RFS program is even now impacting those market decisions.”

Biomass-based diesel production is idling at the start of this year, because the annual volumes are not in place, the letter points out. The slowdown in production will impact the crop prices soybean farmers receive and undermine significant U.S. investments in oilseed processing and fuel production capacity.

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “EPA has proposed the most robust volumes in the history of the RFS program. EPA, USDA and other administration leaders know that the RFS is driving investment in American energy production, creating jobs in rural communities, and building desperately needed new markets for American farmers. Finalizing the 2026 rules in a timely manner is crucial to ensuring those economic and energy security benefits are delivered.”

“Automatic RFS compliance delays were put in place by prior administrations to mitigate the harm to refiners from continual rulemaking delays,” Kovarik continued. “As EPA now works to get the RFS program back on track, it should mitigate the harm to biomass-based diesel producers and farmers by maintaining timely compliance deadlines.” 



October Exports of U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Strengthen

U.S. ethanol exports rebounded sharply in October, surging 25% to 185.0 million gallons (mg) and marking the strongest October on record. The gain was driven by record-high shipments of denatured fuel ethanol. Canada remained the top destination, boosting ethanol imports 38% to a record 90.7 mg and accounting for 49% of total U.S. ethanol exports for the month. Canada also absorbed 83% of all denatured fuel ethanol sales. Shipments to the European Union climbed 20% to 42.8 mg, with volumes routed almost entirely through the Netherlands, which remained the primary destination for undenatured fuel ethanol. Exports to the United Kingdom expanded fivefold to 13.2 mg, while shipments to South Korea likewise advanced fivefold to 9.4 mg. Exports to India eased 6% to 7.8 mg. Shipments to Mexico tripled to 7.6 mg, while exports to Colombia retreated 20% to 7.0 mg. Rounding out the top ten markets were the Philippines (1.8 mg), Jamaica (1.6 mg), and Norway (1.0 mg). Notably, Brazil exited the market after importing 2.6 mg in September. Year-to-date, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.75 billion gallons, running 13% ahead of last year’s pace.

The U.S. recorded no imports of foreign ethanol in October. Year-to-date ethanol imports stand at 3.6 mg.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)—the high-protein coproduct of dry-mill ethanol plants—edged 1% higher in October to 1.07 million metric tons (mt). Mexico remained the largest destination, lifting imports 7% to 189,467 mt. Exports to South Korea dipped 2% to 144,665 mt, while shipments to Turkey jumped 26% to a 13-month high of 117,880 mt. Exports to Vietnam slipped 25% to 99,197 mt, shipments to Indonesia declined 9% to 95,834 mt, and exports to New Zealand contracted 22% to 60,000 mt. Other major markets included Canada (59,732 mt, +20%), the European Union (59,292 mt, -3%), the United Kingdom (48,674 mt, rebounding more than five-fold), and Colombia (41,102 mt, +9%). Year-to-date DDGS exports totaled 9.77 million mt, trailing last year’s pace by 3%.

The U.S. Census Bureau will issue November trade data on January 29, though the release of December statistics remains unscheduled. RFA will continue to monitor developments and notify stakeholders when the trade series returns to its normal release schedule.



Additional Screwworm Case Detected Just 215 Miles from Texas Border

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today issued a stark warning to livestock producers in Texas and nationwide after Mexican authorities confirmed an additional New World screwworm (NWS) case in a seven-year-old bovine in González, Tamaulipas—only 215 miles south of the Texas border. The infected animal had no reported history of movement outside of Tamaulipas and represents the third active case in the state.

“The screwworm now may be moving closer on its own, with no apparent link to commercial animal movement,” Commissioner Miller said. “Texas producers must act now—stay informed, stay vigilant, and prepare immediately. We cannot drop our guard for even a moment.”

Mexican officials report no evidence yet of an established screwworm population in Tamaulipas. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with Mexico’s National Service for Health, Safety and Agro-Food Quality (SENASICA) to investigate further. APHIS and SENASICA will evaluate response measures, including the release of sterile flies to stop the spread.

Miller urged immediate action from ranchers along the Texas border: “Inspect your animals daily. Check every open wound. If anything looks suspicious, report it right away. Better a false alarm than a delayed response—early detection and rapid reporting are our strongest defenses against this devastating pest.”

The Texas Department of Agriculture is coordinating closely with USDA and animal health partners, calling on all producers to monitor livestock closely and report any suspicious wounds or infestations without delay.

Commissioner Miller praised the decisive leadership of his great friend and fellow Texan, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, in confronting the threat head-on. “Secretary Rollins is driving a bold, comprehensive five-pronged plan that will crush this danger once and for all,” Miller said. “Her Texas-tough resolve and outstanding efforts are getting sterile fly production back to full strength. We will push this pest back—just as we’ve done before. Texas, along with the rest of our country, must stand ready.”

For more information on New World screwworm, visit www.screwworm.gov. 



Loveland Products Introduces AQUA FORCE for Maximizing Soil Water Retention in Center Pivot Systems

Loveland Products, Inc.® has announced the launch of AQUA FORCE, a new kind of water use efficiency product designed mainly for center pivot systems. Unlike traditional soil surfactants or wetting agents, AQUA FORCE helps water move more evenly through the soil, stay where plants need it, and work harder for every acre.

Built for modern irrigation challenges, AQUA FORCE improves water distribution, retention, and infiltration in soil, so farmers can make every pivot pass count. The unique formulation helps soil hold more water in the root zone and reduces compaction, which is key to maximizing yield potential and protecting long-term soil health.

“Farmers are under more pressure than ever to do more with less water,” said Drew Butler, Adjuvants Portfolio Manager at Loveland Products. “The Ogallala Aquifer alone can lose up to one to two feet of water each year, and that’s not sustainable. But AQUA FORCE helps farmers get the most out of every drop by improving how water interacts with the soil.”

In 2024, the Irrigation Research Foundation (IRF) in Yuma, Colorado, tested AQUA FORCE on corn through center pivot applications. The result? An average yield increase of 9 bushels per acre across all production zones. Results are likely to vary based on site-specific conditions, hybrids planted, and any other factors that affect yield. At the Oklahoma site, AQUA FORCE also helped fields maintain higher soil moisture levels (0–6 in) throughout the growing season. This means more water stays where crops can use it, and less loss to evaporation or runoff. For farmers relying on the Ogallala Aquifer, that efficiency matters.

Why AQUA FORCE Stands Out
    Improves water efficiency: Enhances soil’s ability to hold and distribute water evenly across the profile
    Supports better yields: Supports ideal growing conditions for stronger roots and higher productivity
    Saves time and resources: Less wasted water, fewer irrigation adjustments, more efficient production

“AQUA FORCE fills a gap in the market,” added Dr. Darin Lickfeldt, Senior Manager of Technical Development at Loveland Products. “It’s not just about getting water to the field; it’s about keeping it where it matters most. When irrigation water is applied, AQUA FORCE helps ensure it works harder, lasts longer, and supports better yield outcomes.”

AQUA FORCE represents the next step in Loveland’s commitment to advancing water management technology that supports both productivity and sustainability. Purpose-built for the challenges ahead, this innovation empowers farmers to enhance soil health, crop performance, and long-term resilience.