Thrusday January 22 Ag News - NE NE Ag Conf Recap - IPPA Recognizes County Pork Producers - IA House & Carbon Pipelines - Lower Fertilizer Prices in Jan - UP/NS Merger Paperwork Incomplete - and more!

 Second Annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference Proves to Be Another Successful Event

The second annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference (NNAC) was held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The all-day conference offered something for everyone. Whether attendees were interested in new management practices or were already implementing them, a variety of breakout sessions allowed each attendee to choose the sessions that best met their needs.

This dynamic event was created for producers to exchange practical farm and ranch ideas that will not only help protect water quality but also improve the bottom line.

Industry-leading speakers, paired with experienced producers, discussed hot ag topics from theory to practical application and technology integration. Although the intended keynote speaker, John Kempf, was unable to attend due to illness, Glen Rabenberg stepped in and delivered a presentation on soil chemistry, the importance of soil samples, and how to interpret them.

Back by popular demand, Austin Baldwin had a breakout session discussing Grazing Summer Annual Forages. A group from the Bazile Groundwater Management Area also presented on the project covering its history, purpose, and future goals.

A panel of local farmers in northeast Nebraska discussed how they are making conservation farming work locally. Graham Christensen, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD); Doug Steffen, Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD); Lanie Lechtenberg, Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District (LNNRD); and Kenny Reinke Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District (UENRD) discussed their operations, how they are implementing different practices, and the economics of their systems.

If there are topics you would like to see at next year’s conference or would like to be part of the planning process, contact Becky Ravenkamp at 402-254-6758 or bravenkamp@lcnrd.org. The next Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15, 2026.

The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference was co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project. This event is made possible by our partners: Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District; Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District; Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District; Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District; Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District; Nebraska Department of Water, Energy , and Environment; Nebraska Strategic Ag Coalition; USDA natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 



Nebraska Sorghum Seeks Applicants for Leadership Positions

The Nebraska sorghum organizations are seeking qualified producers to serve in leadership roles on the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board (NGSB) and Nebraska Sorghum Producers (NeSP). These positions provide an opportunity for growers to help guide research, market development and promotion efforts that support Nebraska’s sorghum industry.

The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board administers the state’s grain sorghum checkoff program and currently has the following open seats:
    District 4 representative
    One at-large representative

Nebraska Sorghum Producers, the state’s membership-based sorghum association, also seeks applicants for the following positions:
    District 2 representative
    One at-large representative

“Serving on one of Nebraska’s sorghum boards gives growers a direct voice in shaping the future of our industry and the decisions that affect it,” said NeSP and NGSB Executive Director Kristine Dvoracek Jameson. “Board members help guide priorities, support research and market development and ensure sorghum remains a strong option for Nebraska producers. We encourage growers who are passionate about the crop and interested in leadership to consider applying.”

Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board applicants must be Nebraska citizens, at least 21 years of age, and derive a portion of their income from the production of grain sorghum. Appointments to the NGSB are made by the Governor of Nebraska.

Nebraska Sorghum Producers applicants must be current NeSP members and active sorghum producers within the applicable district or eligible for at-large consideration.

Additional details regarding qualifications, terms of service, and application materials are available by contacting:
Kristine Dvoracek Jameson
Executive Director
402-471-4276
sorghum.board@nebraska.gov

Producers interested in leadership and committed to advancing Nebraska sorghum are encouraged to apply.



Counties Recognized for Leadership in the Pork Industry
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) honored the commitment and passion of local leaders within the state’s pork industry during the annual Iowa Pork Congress in late January. The event highlighted the achievements of county organizations for their leadership and efforts in advancing pork production and promotion across Iowa.

County Outreach Award Winners
The County Outreach award recognizes counties for their pork promotional and educational efforts. This year, there were three winning programs from two counties:

    Clay County promoted pork by featuring 10 local restaurants and their pork menu items on Facebook, while also providing educational materials like table tents and recipe cards. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of pork as a protein option and support local businesses, drawing over 2,300 viewers online in October. The group plans to expand the program next year with incentives to encourage customers to order pork at participating restaurants. 

    Chickasaw County turns downtown into a gathering place each fall to host “Grilling for a Cause”, inviting the community to share a pork tenderloin meal served by local producers and volunteers. The event raises funds to support local facilities and nonprofits, with this year’s funds directed to the Chickasaw Event Center’s general building improvement fund. They also support their fair’s 4-H BBQ fundraiser by coming together to grill and serve pork loin sandwiches. The event brings together 4-H families and community members, with all proceeds supporting the Chickasaw County 4-H program while highlighting pork producers’ commitment to community involvement. 

    Jones County partnered with HACAP and the Great Jones County Fair livestock auction to create a market option for fair pig buyers while donating fresh, locally processed pork to families in need across eastern Iowa. What began as a way to better support youth swine exhibitors has grown to provide 28 pigs and nearly 5,000 pounds of fresh pork in 2025, showing how 4-H and FFA projects can serve both youth and the broader community

    Tama County teamed up with ISU Extension Outreach and Dr. Amy Powell, along with the Iowa Pork Queen, to lead a sustainability program for 4-H swine exhibitors. The session explored how pig farmers fit into the carbon cycle and impact their community, and during the fair, exhibitors calculated their own emissions before participating in a Q&A. Each year, the group offers a new educational program for fair swine exhibitors, hoping to inspire the next generation who will shape the future of their community.

    Plymouth County showed appreciation for the 185th Guard troops in Sioux City before their deployment by grilling and serving pork chops on the base. The meal was a thank-you to local service members, many of whom work on farms in the community or are farmers themselves, and reflected the group’s commitment to supporting those who serve. County members who participated also had the opportunity to tour the base, making the event a meaningful experience for everyone involved. They also recently invited their adopt-a-pig participants to tour the brand-new veterinary clinic in Le Mars, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of animal care. After exploring the facility, the group gathered as Dr. Westhoff walked them through a pig anatomy demonstration and explained how he diagnoses animals. The experience not only highlighted the clinic’s expansion but also sparked curiosity about veterinary careers and the many paths available in the animal industry. 

    Lyon County offered $2 off coupons for pork meals of $5 or more at local restaurants, encouraging consumers to choose pork dishes in their community. Now in its second year, the program continues to support local businesses while promoting pork consumption. 

Each of the winning programs was awarded $250 to the county organization, and five other nominated programs were awarded $100 to the county organization.

County Involvement Award Winners
The IPPA Membership and Leadership Committee annually recognizes and rewards counties who are keeping an active presence in their communities through the County Involvement Awards program. Counties can earn points by actively promoting the pork industry and pork products and creating their own unique promotional events that help their communities.

The top five counties receiving awards were:
·      Plymouth County
·      Delaware County
·      Lyon County
·      Buchanan County
·      Washington County

The top five counties accumulating over 2,000 points were awarded $1,000 each, while other counties with over 2,000 points received $500.

Other Award Winners
The Iowa Pork Producers Association also recognized Washington County as the county with the largest membership. In addition, 50 counties were recognized for their contributions to the Pork in the Pantry Program, which provides funding to the county organizations for pork donations to local food pantries. There were also 39 counties recognized for hosting Bacon Buddies shows in their county. 



Iowa House Passes Bill Undercutting Infrastructure Critical to Ethanol and Agriculture 

The Iowa House of Representatives passed House File 2104 on a 64-28 vote Wednesday, in the chamber’s latest effort to prevent Iowa agriculture from accessing emerging new markets. Support for undermining needed technologies is losing steam as the vote on a bill last year similarly designed to halt vital projects garnered 85 votes. 

The bill, if enacted, would effectively halt the development of CCUS infrastructure necessary for Iowa farmers to compete in emerging markets such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and marine fuel, and eliminate a source of new demand for corn at a time of growing supplies and falling prices. Tools and technologies like CCUS for Iowa ethanol plants is crucial to close the corn demand gap, according to a study released today by Decision Innovation Solutions. 

“HF 2104 blocks Iowa farmers from participating in ultra-low-carbon fuel markets just as demand for these innovative fuels takes off. Farm income is dropping, margins are shrinking, and bankruptcies are rising across rural Iowa communities,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Today’s vote shows the effort to essentially ban these vital projects is losing steam as more people recognize their importance and benefits to the public good. IRFA strongly urges the Iowa Senate to reject this restrictive, ill-considered legislation. Rather, the Senate should focus on improving landowner protections, reforming the permitting process, and providing a path forward for the CCUS projects.” 

Iowa law has long respected the need to balance property rights with the development of critical infrastructure projects. This legislation overturns that balance, jeopardizing future investment and growth opportunities for Iowa farmers and ethanol producers. For example, competing states like Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois have recently announced billions of dollars in new investments in projects to produce renewable natural gas, low-carbon ammonia, and expanded ethanol production. 

“Iowa risks missing out on these same investment opportunities,” Shaw said. “While neighboring states are moving forward and attracting billions in new projects, HF 2104 makes it impossible for similar infrastructure to be built here. Enacting this bill would cement Iowa’s position on the sidelines.” 



Seven Fertilizers Show Lower Prices

DTN retail fertilizer prices for the second week of January 2026 are nearly all lower compared to the previous month.

Seven fertilizers are slightly lower in price while urea was slightly higher looking back a month. None were up or down a sizeable amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. The lower-priced nutrients were DAP with an average price of $847/ton; MAP $863/ton; potash $482/ton; 10-34-0 $664/ton; anhydrous $856/ton; UAN28 $408/ton; and UAN32 $465/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.62/lb.N; anhydrous $0.52/lb.N; UAN28 $0.73/lb.N; and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. MAP is 7% higher; 10-34-0 is 8% more expensive; potash is 9% higher; DAP is up 15%; anhydrous is 16% higher; urea is 17% more expensive; UAN28 is up 25%; and UAN32 is 27% more expensive looking back to last year.



STB Rules Union Pacific - Norfolk Southern Merger Application is Incomplete
Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director, Soy Transportation Coalition

On January 16th, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced a unanimous decision that the merger application filed by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is incomplete because the application does not contain certain required information.  The formal application was filed on December 19th, 2025.  Because the application was determined to be incomplete, the STB announced they “must reject the application, and does so without prejudice to Applicants (i.e. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern) refiling a revised application remedying the deficiencies identified in the decision.”  The STB continued that the decision to reject the application “is based solely on the incompleteness of the December 19 application and should not be read as an indication of how the Board might ultimately assess any future revised application.” 

What does this mean? 
The STB instructed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern that an application of this nature must require certain information, but they had failed to do so.  As a result, the application was deemed to be incomplete and therefore rejected.  This does not mean that the STB is rejecting the overall potential merger.  In their statement, the STB made clear that the ruling on the incompleteness of the application is not an indication on whether or not they will ultimately approve the merger.  The STB provided Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern an opportunity to respond by February 17th regarding whether they will refile the application.  Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are expected to do so.  The revised application must be submitted no later than June 22, 2026. 

What were the STB’s concerns with the application?
The two primary concerns expressed by the STB were as follows:
    The STB determined that the application did not include sufficient analysis on the impact of the merger on competition.  The STB stated, “The application does not contain future market share projections showing the combined effects of merger-related growth, diversions, and merger-influenced and other changes to market conditions that Applicants anticipate.” 
    The STB stated that the “Applicants must provide copies of any contract or written instrument entered into, or proposed to be entered into, pertaining to the proposed transaction.”  In their statement, the STB mentioned that the “Agreement and Plan of Merger” submitted by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern did not provide the specific information that the STB will need in order to determine whether the merger would have a detrimental impact on competition.  

The full STB announcement can be accessed at: https://www.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-26-02/.



Soybean Farmers Highlight Need for Additional Farm Support

Wednesday, the American Soybean Association highlighted the continued need for additional farm support. While ASA appreciates the administration partially addressing high production costs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA), it only offered a fraction of relief for the impact of market losses on harvested acres of U.S. soybeans in 2025.

“Soybean farmers are facing dire economic conditions as we enter the 2026 planting season, and we urge Congress to address economic losses not covered by FBA while we wait for key biofuel policy action by the administration,” said ASA President Scott Metzger. “We are grateful for the support of Congress and the administration in providing economic assistance this past year, but export market losses continue to push soybean farmers to the brink. Strong renewable volume obligations and final biofuel tax guidance will support future domestic market demand for soy-based biodiesel and renewable diesel, but in the interim, additional farm support will help bridge the gap for our significant uncovered losses from the 2025 crop.”

According to recent ASA calculations, U.S. soybean farmers are still facing 64% in uncovered losses for the 2025 crop, as the FBA program did not address market losses. As ASA waits for final tax guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, robust 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligations, and finalization of a rule from the administration to support domestic feedstocks for biofuels to support market demand, soy growers are pressing for an additional support package to stave off a significant economic crisis.

ASA looks forward to working with Congress and the administration to ensure soybean farmers remain solvent as they enter the 2026 growing season. 



New Analysis Reinforces Urgent Need for Additional Farm Support

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall highlights the urgent need for legislation expanding the bridge support program for farmers, reinforced by new analysis indicating the economic crisis in farm country is likely to continue this year.

“We are grateful for the aid Congress has delivered to farmers this year and do not take that for granted. But we are in an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. New Farm Bureau analysis reveals farmers are likely to face another very difficult year if markets do not improve. The sad reality is the climbing rate of farm bankruptcies and further consolidation of farms is only going to accelerate if Congress fails to act.

“Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have assured us in recent weeks that they recognize more aid is needed to keep our food supply strong, which requires a strong agricultural sector. Many have also voiced strong support for approving year-round E15 fuel, which would be a win-win for consumers and farmers by reducing the price of fuel at the pump while increasing demand for both corn and sorghum.

“The target for months has been to include both priorities in the government funding package. So, it was a shock to see bill text proposed by the House that includes neither. There is still time. Congress must act. Failing to do so would not only fail farmers, who don’t control the prices they’re paid or the skyrocketing cost of supplies, it would fail every family in America who relies on farmers to provide safe and healthy food to stock their pantries.

“We know much work is yet to be done for a legislative package to reach the finish line. The importance of including a lifeline for farmers, which translates to food security for families across America, cannot be overstated.” 



USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Wednesday announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread.

“This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go towards rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves. We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success. Together, through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.”

As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.

Priority Areas for Funding
APHIS invites proposals that support one or more of the following objectives:
    Enhance sterile NWS fly production
    Develop novel NWS traps and lures
    Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent, or control NWS) for animals
    Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS

The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions, eligibility, and program requirements, is available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001.

Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with and support these priorities by the deadline on February 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

For more information about NWS, visit screwworm.gov. 



United Sorghum Checkoff Program Opens Applications for Leadership Sorghum Class VIII

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is now accepting applications for Leadership Sorghum Class VIII, a premier leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of sorghum leaders.

Leadership Sorghum is an immersive 14-month program that provides participants with an in-depth exposure to various aspects of the sorghum industry, from basic and applied research to international marketing. Through both hands-on and classroom-style education, participants gain an understanding of how sorghum moves through the value chain, how checkoffs and interest organizations interact on behalf of the industry and what the future holds for the crop. The program also provides professional development training and networking opportunities.

“Leadership Sorghum continues to play a vital role in strengthening the future of our industry by investing in people,” said Norma Ritz Johnson, executive director of the Sorghum Checkoff. “Class VIII participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing sorghum today while building lasting relationships across the industry.”

USDA-approved criteria state that eligible applicants must be farmers or industry professionals actively engaged in sorghum production within the U.S. and U.S. citizens. Fifteen individuals will be accepted into the program's eighth class. More information on the class schedule and program criteria can be found at sorghumcheckoff.com/leadership.

“Leadership Sorghum is designed to develop confident, informed leaders who are prepared to represent the sorghum industry at every level,” said Shelee Pagett, Sorghum Checkoff director of emerging markets and grower leader development. “By working closely with each class throughout the program, we’re able to tailor the experience, build strong relationships and help participants see how their voices and perspectives can shape the future of sorghum.”

Full consideration will be given to all applicants regardless of age, gender, race or occupation. Every effort will be made to select a class, based on the applicant pool, which is representative of the entire sorghum industry, its diversity and rural community interests.

Applications and additional supporting forms for Leadership Sorghum Class VIII must be received by 5 p.m. CST on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Additional details, eligibility requirements and application materials are available at sorghumcheckoff.com/leadership.

Following the Leadership Sorghum application deadline, all complete applications and references will be reviewed by a selection committee. Finalists may be contacted via telephone to arrange an interview. Class members and alternates will be notified of acceptance.