Friday January 23 Ag News - NeFB on Property Tax Reforms - Drone Certificate New to Northeast - NE Beef Council Call for Candidates - Red Meat Prod +6% - E15 Stumbles in House - and more!

Nebraska Farm Bureau Urges Legislature to Prioritize Property Tax Reforms to Slow Property Tax Growth

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is urging state lawmakers to make property tax reform a top priority in the 2026 legislative session with an emphasis on taking steps to slow the growth in property tax collections. The message was delivered during a January 22 news conference held at the State Capitol during a meeting of the organization’s State Board of Directors.

“Property taxes continue to be a top concern for Nebraskans. It’s critical that the Legislature act this session to address our state’s out of control property tax situation,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President.

New data released by the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s Property Assessment Division shows that statewide collection of property taxes increased by nearly $286 million in 2025, a more than five percent increase. The hike follows largely flat statewide property tax collections in 2024, after the state took over funding for a significant portion of Nebraska’s community colleges once supported by property taxes. 

“In one years’ time, the growth in statewide property taxes has effectively wiped out the progress that was made with the Legislature’s action to remove community colleges from the property tax rolls. It’s clear that we have to address the property tax problem at its roots, which means legislative action to slow the growth of property taxes at the local level,” said McHargue.

According to McHargue, Nebraskans can simply no longer afford runaway property taxes.

“When we think about tax policy and government spending, we can’t ignore Nebraskans’ ability to pay. To that point, Nebraskans’ median household income doubled from 2000 to 2024. During that same period, property taxes quadrupled. Nebraskans’ pocketbooks cannot keep up with the growth in property tax collections by local governments. We must find a way to slow collections down,” said McHargue. “That means tightening caps on property tax asking and increasing the thresholds by which local governments are allowed to exceed property tax asking limitations.”

McHargue indicated that bills have been introduced on property taxes that would start down the path of slowing property tax collections from which the body could work. 

“We appreciate the work the Legislature has done to provide property tax relief to hardworking Nebraskans through credits and other measures, but it’s time for the Legislature to step in and use its authorities to slow growth in local collections. Taking steps in that direction would be a “win” for taxpayers and the Legislature this session,” said McHargue.



CHS Foundation Grant to Help Northeast Develop New Drone Certificate

Northeast Community College is taking agricultural innovation to new heights with the launch of its Agriculture Drone Pilot Certificate, made possible by a $45,000 grant from the CHS Foundation.

The funding supports the purchase of spray drone equipment, faculty training, and program development for the 16-credit certificate, which includes industry-standard tools such as a specialized trailer.

The new certificate responds to growing demand for skilled drone operators in agriculture and complements Northeast’s nationally recognized Precision Agriculture program. Students will gain expertise in chemical application, seeding, imaging, and data collection — skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. After completing this program, students will have the requisite knowledge to apply and take the test to receive their drone pilot license through the FAA. In addition, they will gain hands-on experience using drones in agricultural applications, learning not only how to fly them but also how to operate with purpose to support real-world industry needs.

“Drone technology is rapidly transforming agriculture,” said Courtney Nelson, Precision Agriculture trainer. “Producers and agribusinesses are looking for more than a basic license — they want a deeper understanding of the science and management behind drone use.”

Interest in agricultural drones was evident in August when Northeast hosted the Ag and Spray Drone Conference, which drew experts and vendors from across the Midwest. The event highlighted the industry’s need for advanced training and practical credentials.

Jill Heemstra, director of Northeast’s Ag program, emphasized the certificate’s flexibility.

“Students increasingly seek short-term credentials to enhance their degrees and career prospects. This program provides a clear, stackable option that supports workforce needs,” Heemstra said.

The certificate integrates courses from Precision Agriculture and Agronomy programs, all of which apply toward related degrees. Since 2018, Northeast’s Precision Agriculture program has graduated 12–15 students annually.

“This award is reflective of our agriculture department’s dedication to meeting industry needs and staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies,” said Tracy Kruse, vice president of development and external affairs at Northeast and executive director of the Northeast Foundation.



Nebraska Beef Council Director Call for Candidates

The Nebraska Beef Council is seeking candidates in 4 districts to serve on the Board of Directors in 2027. The volunteer directors represent beef producers’ checkoff collections and investments on the state, national and international level. The board’s major responsibility is to oversee checkoff expenditures by determining promotion, research and education programs for checkoff investments. The term is four years and will begin on January 2, 2027.

Producers interested in becoming a Beef Council director are encouraged to visit with current and past directors to learn more about this valuable experience and its commitment. 

“Beef producers who are strong leaders and want to help us achieve our mission of strengthening beef demand in the global marketplace are encouraged to seek more information about our director openings,” said Ann Marie Bosshamer, executive director for the Nebraska Beef Council. 

Election packets are available beginning on February 1, 2026 and can be obtained by calling the NBC office at 308-236-7551. All candidate materials contained in the election packet must be completed and mailed to the third party office, postmarked by June 15, 2026.

Districts hosting an election in 2026:
District 2 – Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, Rock, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Blaine and Loup
District 4 – Boyd, Holt, Knox, Antelope, Wheeler and Boone
District 6 – Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Keith, Lincoln, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy and Hitchcock
District 8 – Seward, Lancaster, Otoe, Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Saline, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha, Webster, Nuckolls, Thayer, Jefferson, Pawnee and Richardson

For additional information, visit www.nebeef.org or contact the Nebraska Beef Council office at 308-236-7551. 



HPAI Detected in a Mixed Species Flock in Kossuth County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in mixed species flock in Kossuth County, Iowa. The flock includes game bird pheasants and backyard chickens. This is Iowa’s first detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2026. 



Pork Production at Record High for December

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.83 billion pounds in December, up 6 percent from the 4.54 billion pounds produced in December 2024.

Beef production, at 2.30 billion pounds, was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.58 million head, up 2 percent from December 2024. The average live weight was up 32 pounds from the previous year, at 1,463 pounds.

Veal production totaled 2.1 million pounds, 31 percent below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 11,000 head, down 32 percent from December 2024. The average live weight was up 6 pounds from last year, at 334 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.52 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.5 million head, up 7 percent from December 2024. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 293 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was up 3 percent from December 2024. Sheep slaughter totaled 217,300 head, 7 percent above last year. The average live weight was 112 pounds, down 5 pounds from December a year ago.

By State       (million lbs.  -  % Dec '24)
Nebraska .....:     709.0            107       
Iowa ............:     818.8            110       
Kansas ........:     501.4            106       

January to December 2025 commercial red meat production was 53.7 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2024. Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 38 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly. 



Pork Industry Leaders Recognized at Iowa Pork Congress
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) recognized Iowa’s top pork industry leaders during the Iowa Pork Congress banquet on January 21 in Des Moines, announcing the 2025 Master Pork Producers and additional industry awards.

Now in its 84th year, the Master Pork Producers program, co-sponsored by IPPA and Iowa State University Extension, honors individuals and families who demonstrate excellence in pork production, a commitment to We Care® principles, and strong community involvement. Since its inception in 1942, the program has recognized 1,546 Iowa pig farming businesses.

The 2025 Master Pork Producers are:
    Stu Conner, Glidden
    Tom Hemesath, State Center
    Brad & Sarah Lundell, Kiron
    Ryan McClintock, Shellsburg
    Larry & Susan Schott, Riverside
    Justin Weber, Jesup
    Ernest “EJ” Wolter Jr., West Bend

“The Master Pork awards showcase the best of pork production. Those driven by passion and committed to producing safe, high-quality protein,” said IPPA Producer Outreach Director Brielle Smeby. "Beyond this, these producers are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to their families and to carrying their legacy forward."

Honorary Master Pork Producers
Speed Herrig & Dr. Jason Ross were honored for their lifelong dedication to supporting Iowa livestock farmers through mentorship and hands-on guidance.

Producers were also recognized as:
    Iowa Environmental Steward Award: Mark Schleisman, Lake City
    Master Pork Partners: Marv Schut (Driver of the Year), Troy Peterson (Partner of the Year), Dr. Rachel Stika Jensen (Veterinarian of the Year)
    Pork All-American Award: Ben Bader, Jesup
    Master Seedstock Producer Award (Presented by the Iowa Purebred Swine Council): Terry & Nathan Kaufman, Anamosa 

Together, these honorees reflect the diversity, innovation, and collaboration that define Iowa’s pork industry. Nominations for the 2025 Master Pork Program open in May.

Youth Leadership Team Announced
IPPA also announced the 2026 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team during Iowa Pork Congress. Trudy Locke of Manchester was named Iowa Pork Queen, with Gracelyn Brown of Dexter and Maddie Johnson of Waverly, serving as Iowa Pork Ambassadors. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship.

Selected through written exams, interviews, presentations, and evaluations of industry involvement, the team will represent Iowa pork at events statewide throughout 2026, including county fairs, the Iowa State Fair, and World Pork Expo.

“We had a great group of students competing in this year’s competition and I look forward to working with Trudy, Gracelyn, and Maddie in the coming year,” says Kelsey Sutter, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Additionally, Peytyn Schroeder of Le Mars received a $200 scholarship.

Iowa Pork Leadership Academy Honored
The 2025 Iowa Pork Leadership Academy, a program created to support Iowa’s pork producers who are committed to the pork industry, was also honored at the Iowa Pork Congress banquet. The 12 individuals who graduated from the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and their counties are listed below.
·      Ryan Bartachek, Buchanan County
·      Grace Christensen, Story County
·      Erik Darrington, Story County
·      Blake Edler, Marshall County
·      Caleb Hogan, Jones County
·      Mackenzie Hora, Washington County
·      Derek Hwang, Woodbury County
·      Macie Reeb, Audubon County
·      Adam Schmitt, Fayette County
·      Scott Schroeder, Plymouth County
·      Harvey Williams, Clay County
·      Matt Zitelman, Buchanan County



Introducing the Pork Leadership Institute Class of 2026
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) are proud to announce the Class of 2026 for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI), a premier program designed to equip pork producers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead the industry forward. This year, 19 exceptional individuals from across the country have been selected to join the program, representing a diverse group of leaders ready to drive innovation, advocacy, and progress within the pork sector.
 
The Class of 2026 includes:
    Iowa - Ryan Bartachek
    Iowa - Macie Reeb
    Idaho - Rick Roper
    Illinois - Emmalee Haege
    Illinois - Tyler Main
    Indiana - Ethan Baldwin
    Minnesota - Matt Boerboom
    Missouri - Morgan Weinrich
    Mississippi - Donny Ray
    North Carolina - Jennifer Hasty
    North Carolina - Yolanda Castelo
    Nebraska - Austin Zimmerman
    Ohio - Kevin Stuckey
    Ohio - Stacey Voight
    Oklahoma - Suzanne Genova
    Pennsylvania - Kolton Reasy
    South Dakota - Tanya Torguson
    Tennessee - Katie Sherman
    Texas - Clay Eastwood

"As we welcome the Class of 2026, it's exciting to see these producers stepping up to lead for their farms, their communities, and the industry," said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. "The Pork Leadership Institute gives them the tools and know-how to tackle the challenges that really matter-from policy and trade to sharing the story of pork production with neighbors and lawmakers. These graduates are already in the trenches, and this program helps them roll up their sleeves even further to speak up for producers, strengthen their operations, and keep the industry resilient for years to come."
 
The yearlong PLI program is a comprehensive leadership development initiative featuring five intensive sessions covering critical industry knowledge and advocacy skills. Participants gain insight into federal legislative and regulatory processes, the importance of international trade, and the workings of national and state pork organizations. In addition, hands-on media and communications training equips graduates to be confident and effective voices for the industry.
 
The Pork Leadership Institute is a collaborative effort between NPPC and NPB to cultivate leaders who will champion the industry and advocate for its continued success. Learn more about the program and its impact at Pork Leadership Institute.



Iowa Corn Growers Furious with New Development on E15 

The House is expected to advance a funding bill that omits language that would allow consumers across the country to access fuels with a 15% corn ethanol blend, often referred to as E15. 
 
In response to this development, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller released the following statement:  
 
“Iowa’s corn growers are frustrated and disappointed that after spending years advocating and sharing the benefits for all Americans that comes with the passage of E15, Congress has again kicked the can down the road. There is now talk that members of Congress are planning to establish a rural energy council to explore this legislation. We have worked on E15 for years. We already have a bill. We have already come to an agreement with the petroleum industry. There is nothing left to discuss. 

“Rather than including E15, Congress is now trying to appease farmers with this new task force. The fact that this news comes on the same day that talks of a $1.2 trillion taxpayer government funding package comes out is bizarre. Today, corn is priced below the cost of production when we have a solution with E15 that would add 94 cents per bushel. Farmers don’t want payments. We want markets. But without nationwide, year-round E15, many of us are now going to continue relying on government payments to stay afloat. 

“The absence of E15 shows that Congressional Leadership is choosing to side with a handful of non-U.S. based refineries, rather than the American corn farmer.” 



Corn Growers Furious with New Development on E15

The House is expected to advance a funding bill today that omits language that would allow consumers across the country to access fuels with a 15% corn ethanol blend, often referred to as E15.
 
In response to this development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
“Corn growers are disgusted, disappointed and disillusioned that after spending years of calling for passage of E15, Congress has again punted, and it has done so in a spectacularly weak and offensive way. Bizarrely, members of Congress are now planning to establish a rural energy council to explore this legislation as if we are in the beginning stages of discussing E15. We already have a bill. We already have an agreement with the petroleum industry after months of negotiation. But instead of acting, Congress is now suggesting a process-ridden task force that kicks the can down the road once again. Congress is choosing to leave America’s 500,000 corn farmers behind in favor of a handful of refineries.”  




Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/16/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 16, ethanol production dropped back 6.4% to 1.12 million b/d, equivalent to 47.00 million gallons daily. Output was 1.8% higher than the same week last year and 14.6% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.5% to 1.13 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.42 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ramped up 5.2% to a 40-week high of 25.7 million barrels. Stocks were 0.5% less than the same week last year but 0.6% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, tanked 5.7% to a 3-year low of 7.83 million b/d (120.42 bg annualized). Demand was 3.1% less than a year ago and 2.5% below the three-year average.

Alternatively, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 1.3% to 852,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.10 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.9% more than year-ago levels and 4.1% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports rallied 83.2% to an estimated 218,000 b/d (9.2 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Texas Ag Commissioner Urges Heightened Animal Surveillance as Screwworm Cases Move Closer to Texas

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today issued a statement following a confirmation by Mexico’s animal health authority, SENASICA, of new active cases of New World screwworm in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas. The latest detections bring the total number of reported cases to 16, with 13 cases currently active. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has also confirmed that one of the newly reported cases is the northernmost active detection in Mexico, just 197 miles from the Texas border.

As cases continue to move north, Commissioner Miller is calling on Texas producers, especially those in border regions, to remain alert and take proactive steps to protect their livestock.

The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Sid Miller:

“Now is the time for Texas producers to stay sharp and be prepared. The Texas Department of Agriculture, working alongside our state and federal partners, is fully engaged in enhanced surveillance, coordination, and response planning. But protecting Texas agriculture starts on the ranch, and we need producers to be our first line of defense.

I urge all ranchers and owners of warm-blooded animals, from cattle to exotic game, to strengthen biosecurity practices now, even out of an abundance of caution. That means closely inspecting animals for wounds, watching for unusual behavior or signs of infestation, promptly treating injuries, and immediately reporting any suspected screwworm infestation.

Early detection is our strongest weapon. Texas agriculture is tough and resilient—but resilience begins with readiness.”\