Friday February 13 Ag News - NEFB Foundation AITC Teacher of the Year - Alfalfa Weevil Resistance - Sen Ernst Recognized by Growth Energy - US-Taiwan Trade Agreement - and more!

USDA Cattle inventory analysis
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator

The last few weeks, I have made some projections for the US cattle inventory as we awaited the release of the official USDA cattle inventory. Also, I contributed my projections on beef production using USDA reports through October of 2025.

It is time to review how well these projections aligned with actual reports and either accept defeat and go back to my role as a nutritionist or continue playing with statistics released by the USDA. Incidentally, this country is blessed to have a reliable and consistent statistical service such as the USDA and other government agencies. This information helps producers make informed decisions.

The USDA inventory reported a total of 37.175 million beef and dairy cows in 2026. In 2025, the inventory was at 37.272 million cows. (I carried figures out to three decimal places as these reports are quite close). My projection, listed in this column in the second week of the year, was 37.6 million cows. The difference is a 1% over-projection from my estimate. This value is close to the error range of USDA reliability estimates.

At the end of 2025, the US produced 25.6 billion pounds of beef under federal inspection compared to 26.6 billion pounds of beef under federal inspection in 2024: a difference of 1 billion pounds. My projection, listed in this column in the last week of 2025, was 25.6 billion pounds.

The analysis of departures from actual estimates obtained officially is helpful to determine if the projection methods are correctly applied and whether they should be deployed in the future. It also helps to have some expectations of what inventories and beef supply levels are to provide anticipated action.

Given the current inventory and knowledge of beef supply in 2025, I might suggest that beef production in 2026 might not differ much from that in 2025. Recently, I also provided information that suggests that Mexican feeder cattle will not be crossing the border any time soon or in 2026.

This leads one to think that the US cow herd is in a short-term balanced state between the cow inventory and beef production. This is important as rapid oversupply of feeder cattle will quickly lead to declining prices. Maintaining the current situation or permitting the herd to expand to moderate levels (about 28 million beef cows), but no more, will prevent prices from dropping dramatically leading again to overcorrection in the opposite direction.



Omaha Teacher Named Nebraska AITC Teacher of the Year for Bringing Agriculture into the Classroom

Gina Wiitanen of Omaha has been named the 2026 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Foundation. She was recognized in a surprise school assembly on Feb. 11 for her hands-on, innovative approach to teaching agriculture.  

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is thrilled to honor Gina Wiitanen, a teacher who is deeply committed to connecting students to agriculture,” said Brooke Carpenter, NEFB Foundation director of education. “She brings creative, interactive learning into the classroom, helping students see how agriculture applies to STEM and everyday life.”  

Wiitanen, STEM coordinator and math interventionist at Upchurch STEM Elementary School in Omaha, uses agriculture to make lessons fun, immersive, and relevant.  

“As Upchurch opened as a STEM school this year, we recognized the importance of providing students with meaningful, real-world contexts for their learning,” said Wiitanen. “Integrating agriculture into our STEM programming allowed students to see how science, math, engineering, and technology are applied in everyday careers and industries that impact their lives.”  

Through her partnership with AITC, Wiitanen has brought agriculture to life for her students. Lessons go beyond textbooks — students calculate grain components like real farmers and ranchers, design and build sieves in engineering workshops, and take part in live demonstrations.  

Her students also tackle real-world challenges. When a fellow teacher reported missing cattle on a family farm, students used drone technology to develop strategies to locate the cows, learning how modern tools are applied in agriculture. Wiitanen says the project surprised and excited many students, showing them firsthand how technology shapes farming today.  

“These experiences help students see the relevance of what they learn in the classroom and how it connects to real-life careers,” said Wiitanen. “They also broaden students’ understanding of agriculture, showing that careers extend beyond farming and ranching to include engineering, technology, manufacturing, and food production.”  

Wiitanen won a $250 cash prize, STEM kits to utilize in her classroom, and an all-expense paid trip to Providence, RI in June for the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, where educators from across the United States will gather to explore new ways to integrate agriculture into subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies.  

“I’m definitely excited and very honored that Upchurch STEM Elementary could be recognized for our efforts in introducing agriculture to our elementary students,” said Wiitanen. “I just want to thank all the kiddos for joining us on this adventure this year.”  



Alfalfa Weevil Resistance to Pyrethroids
Samantha Daniel, Water & Cropping Systems Extension Educator 

Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance.

During the 2025 season, alfalfa weevil larvae were collected from 12 counties across the state including the panhandle, southwest, south central, and eastern Nebraska. The larvae were shipped live to the PHREEC Entomology Lab in Scottsbluff where they were exposed to the label rate of two types of pyrethroid insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. The study found that 5 of the 12 weevil populations had 90% or less mortality when exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. This indicates that some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin. In contrast, all 12 weevil populations had a 100% mortality rate when exposed to permethrin.

What does this mean for alfalfa weevil management? Currently there are only two insecticide modes of action available for chemical control of this insect, pyrethroids and indoxacarb (Steward). Because of this, resistance management and the use of alternative control methods is critical. Make sure to scout and only spray when thresholds are reached; use the highest labeled rates; rotate control measures to delay resistance development. If you believe you have reached the treatment threshold for alfalfa weevil, contact your local Extension Office for

confirmation and guidance for selecting the best management option.



Iowa farmers elected to guide soy checkoff priorities

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Brent Gatton from Bremen, Ky., as the new chair during the organization’s board meeting in St. Charles, Mo. He’s joined by nine newly elected farmer-leaders to serve alongside him on the Executive Committee for the upcoming year.

“Farmers have weathered a year marked by real economic uncertainty, and I’m privileged to step into this role at such a pivotal moment,” says Gatton. “The Soy Checkoff remains relentlessly focused on creating value for U.S. soybean farmers by protecting existing markets, accelerating new uses, and opening new doors for U.S. soy around the world. As Chair, I’m focused on pushing forward investments that move volume while also promoting our sustainability to keep U.S. soybean farmers competitive in the global marketplace.”
The newly elected USB Executive Committee includes:
    Brent Gatton, Chair – Kentucky
    Matt Gast, Vice Chair – North Dakota
    Susan Watkins, Treasurer – Virginia
    Tom Frisch, Secretary – Minnesota
    Robb Ewoldt – Iowa
    Tony Mellenthin – Wisconsin
    Carla Schultz – Michigan
    Don Wyss – Indiana
    Joey Boudreaux – Louisiana
    Kyle Durham – Missouri
    Philip Good – Mississippi (Past Chair)

As the new Chair, Gatton will ensure FY26 investments and priorities across the market segments of food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production effectively grow demand for U.S. soy, drive on-farm resilience, and bring value to the nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers. In the coming year, he will also focus on increasing greater communication and education efforts to strengthen the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplify checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers, and enhance partnerships with 30+ state soybean boards on research, outreach and demand generation.

Iowa farmers Tim Bardole, Brent Renner and Suzanne Shirbroun also serve on the United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leader board.



Growth Energy Honors U.S. Senator Joni Ernst with America’s Fuel Award

Thursday, at the 17th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC), Growth Energy honored U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa with the distinguished America’s Fuel Award —an award recognizing individuals who go above and beyond in championing renewable fuels. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor commended Senator Ernst for her leadership and expressed gratitude for her commitment to advancing policies that support a bright future for American bioethanol.

“Senator Ernst has been one of the most effective biofuels champions in Congress, leading the charge to secure year-round E15, bolster the Renewable Fuel Standard, and enact programs that drive new investment in rural communities," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "Always fighting for Iowa’s hardworking farmers, she has worked hard to expand opportunities for American agriculture, at home and abroad. She has been a champion in the truest sense of the word, and there is no doubt we will miss her voice in the Senate next year. We thank Senator Ernst for her unwavering commitment to homegrown fuels.”

Previous winners of the award include Dan Sanders, CEO of Front Range Energy, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Raymond E. Defenbaugh, CEO and chairman of Big River Resources LLC in West Burlington, Iowa — along with many others who have made significant contributions to the U.S. bioethanol industry.



USMEF Statement on Signing of U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Thursday the signing of an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Taiwan. As detailed in this USTR fact sheet, the agreement includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat.

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

USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s dedication to resolving Taiwan’s tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. red meat through the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Taiwan is the fifth largest market for U.S. beef, with exports valued at about $650 million, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan. But there is still potential for further growth with the increased access for all U.S. beef products, including those in high demand for yakiniku barbecue and trendy burger concepts. The elimination of tariffs on U.S. beef will definitely improve our competitiveness.

U.S. pork has been widely disadvantaged in Taiwan, and the EU and Canada dominate Taiwan’s pork imports. USMEF is optimistic that reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers will help enable larger U.S. pork exports to Taiwan, as USMEF remains focused on regaining Taiwanese consumer trust in U.S. pork. The agreement also includes important language clarifying access for U.S. bison, and eliminates tariffs on U.S. lamb.

USMEF thanks the Trump administration for the continued focus on breaking down barriers for U.S. agricultural exports and we look forward to the successful implementation of the Taiwan agreement. 



NCBA Praises U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal Expanding Duty‑Free Access for American Beef

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will gain duty-free access to Taiwan under a new trade agreement. The agreement removes both tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.

“Strong, science-based trade agreements are essential to adding value for U.S. cattle producers, and Taiwan has emerged as one of the strongest international markets for U.S. beef. Duty-free access improves competitiveness and provides long-term certainty for producers who depend on export markets to maximize the value of every animal,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “Foreign markets play a critical role in producer profitability with beef exports accounting for more than $415 per fed cattle processed in 2024. American cattle producers look forward to this expanded market access for years to come thanks to the work of President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.”

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between the U.S. and Taiwan is a big victory for U.S. cattle producers and consumers in Taiwan. Taiwan is currently the sixth largest export market for U.S. beef, valued at $709 million in 2024. The landmark trade deal eliminates tariffs on U.S. beef and breaks down non-tariff barriers by reinforcing science-based standards consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health and Codex Alimentarius.  



U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Delivers Major Wins for U.S. Dairy

The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended the signing late yesterday of a landmark trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan that will eliminate tariffs on all U.S. dairy products and preempt nontariff barriers that could otherwise limit the full potential of bilateral dairy trade.

Taiwan is the third-largest fluid milk destination for U.S. exports, and this agreement represents a transformative step forward for the growing market. By securing comprehensive tariff reductions for U.S. dairy products and incorporating meaningful commitments to ensure nontariff measures do not derail trade, the deal positions U.S. dairy suppliers to compete on a level playing field and expand their presence in one of Asia’s most dynamic food markets.

“Taiwan is a trusted partner and a high-value market for U.S. dairy,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “This agreement improves our competitiveness compared to other suppliers and provides assurances that nontariff barriers will not hinder the expansion of U.S. dairy exports. USDEC looks forward to continuing work with the Taiwanese government and the domestic industry to increase dairy consumption and grow the United States’ contribution to supplying Taiwan’s fluid milk and other dairy needs.”

The agreement builds on strong industry-to-industry collaboration between the United States and Taiwan. Last year, NMPF and USDEC representatives traveled to the market to advocate for dairy’s prioritization in the negotiations and deepen engagement with local stakeholders. While there, USDEC and NMPF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Dairy Association of Taiwan to strengthen market development and information exchange efforts. 

“The agreement with Taiwan builds on the incredible momentum we’ve seen from the Administration in securing new trade agreements around the world,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “Each deal to reduce barriers and expand market access strengthens American dairy farms and the communities they support.”

“Taiwan is an important market for the United States, and the commitments to protect common names included in this agreement preempt third countries like the European Union from abusing intellectual property tools to monopolize generic terms and take away U.S. export opportunities,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN, said. “We cannot thank Ambassador Greer, Ambassador Callahan and the entire negotiating team enough for prioritizing this issue and ensuring our exporters can continue using the terms known by consumers around the world.”  

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN look forward to working closely with U.S. and Taiwanese officials to ensure swift implementation of the agreement and to fully realize its benefits for dairy producers, exporters, and consumers on both sides of the Pacific.