Thursday February 19 Ag News - Landlord-Tennant Wksp in Wayne w/ Virtual Options - Iowa's Hanrahan VP of FSBC - Wallace Research Farm Annual Meeting - Fertilizer Prices Mostly Higher - and more!

Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops to Cover Leasing, Financial Strategies and Farm Transition

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a series of landlord/tenant cash rent workshops for landowners and operators at locations across the state beginning in December.

The meeting, titled “Financial Strategies for Effective Agricultural Land Leasing and Management” will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include financial considerations for farm succession and transition and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.

Nebraska Extension agricultural economists with the Center for Agricultural Profitability will lead the meetings, which are free to attend. Registration is requested by calling the host Extension office prior to the meeting

Schedule and Registration Information:
    Feb. 24, 2026, in Wayne, 1-4 p.m., at the Wayne County Public Safety Annex, 521 Lincoln St. Refreshments included, sponsored by Farmers National Company. Register by Feb. 23 by calling Nebraska Extension in Wayne County at 402-375-3310. (Rescheduled from Jan. 29 due to weather)

Virtual Workshop Schedule and Registration
These online versions of the "Financial Strategies for Effective Agricultural Land Leasing and Management" workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include financial considerations for farm succession and transition and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.

Note: both virtual workshops will largely cover the same information, but some examples used in each will be geared more toward the region(s) of the state targeted for each meeting.

Presentation materials will be mailed to the address you provide on your registration form.
    March 24, 9-11:30 a.m. CT for central and western Nebraska [Register here for March 24 https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vvcerRQDS0W2Kq9UxDg8PA]
    March 26, noon-2:30 p.m. CT for eastern Nebraska [Register here for March 26 https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IftESwVpQsSRsXqBEpeLDA]

This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award no. 2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.



Iowa Cattle Producer Elected Vice Chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils

Dan Hanrahan of Cumming, Iowa, a fifth-generation Iowa cattle producer, was elected vice chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils during CattleCon 2026, held Feb. 3–5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Hanrahan’s election expands Iowa’s leadership footprint within the national Beef Checkoff and ensures the priorities of Iowa cattle producers help shape how Checkoff investments build beef demand in the U.S. and globally.

Hanrahan operates a cow-calf herd in the rolling hills of central Iowa and has served nine years on the Iowa Beef Industry Council board. He has held multiple leadership roles within the Federation and previously represented state beef councils on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, which directs national Checkoff funding.

“It’s a remarkable time for the Beef Checkoff, with beef demand at an all-time high,” Hanrahan said. “That success has been built by the work and dedication of producers and their investment in the Checkoff.”

He said decades of Checkoff-funded research have helped move beef from a defensive position into a leading role in today’s nutrition conversation.

As vice chair, Hanrahan will work with Federation leadership, regional vice presidents and industry stakeholders to strengthen coordination among the 43 Qualified State Beef Councils and help guide national program planning and funding decisions through the Beef Promotion Operating Committee.

“I’m truly honored to serve alongside leaders who have steadily advanced this effort for producers,” Hanrahan said. “The Checkoff is delivering real value, and we have an opportunity to keep that momentum moving forward.”

“Iowa producers play a vital role in the success of the Beef Checkoff, and Dan’s election ensures their voice remains strong at the national level,” said Mike Anderson, executive director of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “His experience and commitment to the Checkoff will help drive demand for beef and return value to cattle producers.”

The Federation of State Beef Councils represents 43 Qualified State Beef Councils and provides a unified, grassroots voice that helps guide national Checkoff strategy through a coordinated partnership with state programs.

For more information about the work of the Federation of State Beef Councils and the Beef Checkoff, visit www.ncba.org/federation.



Wallace Foundation to Hold Annual Program and Meeting at Armstrong Farm

The Wallace Foundation will hold an educational event for the public, followed by its annual business meeting, on March 6  at the Armstrong Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in Lewis.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a welcome address from Mark Bentley, president of the Wallace Foundation.

From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees will hear updates from two Iowa State University experts in nitrogen management and usage in Iowa.

Matt Helmers, professor and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State, will discuss what the center has observed regarding nitrates. Melissa Miller, project director of the INRC at Iowa State, will follow and share how to best manage nitrogen applications for maximum return, as well as new research on nitrogen management in Iowa from field trials conducted over the past several years.

The Wallace Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on research specific to farmers in Southwest Iowa and is actively looking for new members to set the direction of research to benefit farmers in the area. The annual business meeting of the Wallace Foundation will be held at 1 p.m.

The event is offered at no cost to attend and includes lunch by Downtowner Cafe and Catering. Attendees are asked to pre-register by March 2 to help with facility and meal planning.

To register, email farm superintendent Matt Groves at mjgroves@iastate.edu or call him at 712-769-2402.

The meeting will be held at the Wallace Foundation Learning and Outreach Center, located at 53020 Hitchcock Avenue, Lewis.

For more information, contact Aaron Saeugling at 712-254-0082 or clonz5@iastate.edu.  



Applications for Century and Heritage Farm Recognition as Part of Iowa’s America250 Celebrations

As Iowa celebrates the country’s 250th birthday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The Program was created by IDALS and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program, which was created in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. It is also the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program, which was launched in 2006. Since their inception, more than 21,000 Century Farms and more than 2,000 Heritage Farms from across the state have been recognized.

Families recognized this year will receive a special America250 seal on their certificate and have their photos taken in front of an America250 backdrop.

“As our nation marks America’s 250th birthday, it’s fitting that we recognize the farm families who have helped write Iowa’s chapter in the American story,” said Secretary Naig. “From the very beginning, food security has been national security. Farmers were among the first defenders of the Republic, and for generations since, farm families have sustained the Republic by feeding and fueling our growing nation. Century and Heritage Farm families represent that enduring commitment to freedom, hard work, and stewardship of the land. I encourage eligible families to apply and join us at the Iowa State Fair as we celebrate their legacy and America250 together.”

To be recognized in 2026, completed applications must be postmarked or received by the Department by June 1, 2026. The ceremonies honoring the 2026 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in the historic Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

“Iowa’s Century and Heritage Farm families have always played an important role driving communities across this great state forward, and Iowa Farm Bureau is honored to help recognize generations of hard-working farm families and the work ethic that defines them,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Century and Heritage Farm recognition program, we’re also celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Iowa farm families have been growing America for 250 years and will continue to play an instrumental role in our nation’s prosperity.”

To apply, download and complete the application found on the Department’s website and return it to:
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50319

You may also request an application from Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.



Fertilizers See Prices Move Higher 

All retail fertilizer prices moved higher compared to last month, according to retailers tracked by DTN in the second week of February 2026.

Seven of the eight major fertilizers are slightly higher compared to last month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The one fertilizer with a substantial price increase was again urea. The nitrogen fertilizer was 5% higher compared to last month with an average price of $601/ton.

Urea was back above the $600/ton level for the first time since the first week of October 2025. That week the price was $601/ton.

The remaining seven slightly more expensive fertilizers were DAP with an average price of $851/ton, MAP $879/ton, potash $487/ton, 10-34-0 $665/ton, anhydrous $861/ton, UAN28 $411/ton and UAN32 $465/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.65/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. 10-34-0 is 4% higher, MAP is 9% more expensive, potash is 10% higher, urea is 12% more expensive, DAP is 13% higher, anhydrous is 15% more expensive, UAN32 is 18% higher and UAN28 is 20% more expensive looking back to last year.



Thompson Commends Executive Order on Critical Crop Inputs

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement applauding President Trump's Executive Order on the necessity of maintaining an adequate supply of glyphosate-based herbicides for national security:

"Thank you to President Trump for acknowledging the importance of glyphosate-based herbicides in American agriculture. At the House Committee on Agriculture, we know that food security is national security, and this is a vital step forward in ensuring a domestic supply of this critical crop input remains available for our producers."



American Sheep Industry’s 2026 Convention Wrap Up 

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) concluded its 2026 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, convening producers and partners for four days of working sessions focused on production realities, market dynamics, and policy priorities shaping the U.S. sheep industry. The week brought together 425 attendees for 60+ meetings, alongside seven affiliated organizations meeting in parallel with ASI: ALB, NSIP, NSIIC, NLPA, NLFA, MIWW, and WRA.

“Convention is where our best ideas get pressure-tested and then sent back home to work,” said Ben Lehfeldt, ASI President.

In addition to council and committee work, convention week included a University of Nevada, Reno agricultural tour with 40 participants, member-driven fundraising that raised funds through the RAMPAC auction, and recognition of 10+ industry awardees.

USDA and congressional participation
Policy programming at Convention reflected coordination across key legislative and agency stakeholders. Members heard a Washington update from Congressman Mark Amodei and received additional perspective from Kate Covington (U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) and USDA Wildlife Services Deputy Administrator Jessica Fantinato, with discussions spanning policy, public lands, predator management, and the continued growth of solar grazing.

Hoskins Highlights USDA’s “on-the ground” mission set
Producers also heard directly from senior federal leadership on the challenges facing sheep operations and the role of partnership in turning producer input into action. “Our job is to make your job easier,” said Dudley Hoskins, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing & Regulatory Programs. Hoskins oversees USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs, including AMS and APHIS, the agencies most directly tied to animal health protection, market oversight, and how regulations are implemented. His remarks stayed practical, focusing on the issues producers are managing right now: predator control, parasite challenges, and the competitive reality that U.S. producers often operate under different rules than imported production systems.

Natural resources discussions addressed public lands, predators, the rise of solar grazing, including updates from USDA Wildlife Services and ASI partners on regulatory and legislative issues affecting grazing access and producer tools.

American lamb: strengthening the supply chain and building demand
A major focus of the week centered on the American lamb supply chain and what it will take to expand reliable domestic availability while protecting and rebuilding demand across foodservice, retail, and consumers. Conversations tied to long term industry planning emphasized the importance of collaboration, aligning productivity, product consistency, and demand-building so the full supply chain can respond when market opportunities grow.

“When demand grows, our job is to help the whole industry be ready for it, through smarter education, practical tools, and consistent marketing that keeps American lamb top of mind,” said Lynn Fahrmeier, ASI Lamb Council Chair

The American Lamb Board also previewed a new consumer storytelling video and shared early information on Sheep IQ, an upcoming educational hub designed to share best practices that support producer efficiency and long-term profitability.

New World Screwworm Awareness & Preparedness; Genetics and scrapie; Protecting progress and staying on track.
Convention programming elevated New World screwworm (NWS) as an urgent preparedness issue. USDA-APHIS veterinarian Dr. Linda Detwiler reviewed the current outbreak activity in Mexico and parts of Central America and the steps underway to prevent NWS from reaching the United States. While there are currently no cases in the U.S., the outbreak region has reported impacts across livestock, wildlife, pets, and even humans, with CDC noting more than 148,000 animals affected. ASI reinforced the message shared at convention: use official sources (including screwworm.gov) for updates and report concerns quickly.

“We’re closer than ever to ‘scrapie-free’ and we intend to keep it that way. At the same time, screwworm is a reminder that animal health threats can move fast. The best defense is staying prepared, informed producers, strong reporting, and staying connected to verified updates and guidance.” – Dr. Jim Logan, ASI Animal Health Committee.

Geneticist, Dr. Brad Freking addressed a pivotal question: if the U.S. reaches “scrapie-free” status, how does it stay there? Key takeaways emphasized continued surveillance, traceability, and producer participation, paired with ongoing use of scrapie-resistant genetics as a practical risk-reduction tool. The most recent classical scrapie positive was detected in sheep in 2021 (and goats in 2019). A key “scrapie-free” benchmark is seven years without a classical case, which points to 2028 in sheep if no new cases occur. Annual national surveillance targets remain 30,000-40,000 samples.

Wool: domestic first-stage processing, market forces, and national defense
Wool-sector sessions reinforced the importance of domestic first-stage processing, including scouring and topmaking, as a foundational requirement for a resilient U.S. wool supply chain for consumers and the U.S. military. At ASI’s Wool Policy Forum, speakers discussed the behind-the-scenes forces shaping wool markets: domestic capacity, military demand, impact of tariff policy, and innovation that expands end uses and new markets.

“Wool is moving into a specialty-fiber future, so our job is to understand the market forces, protect the supply chain that supports national defense, and make sure American wool stays in the conversation,” said Ashley Bullock, International Textile Group.



Engineering and Agribusiness Leader Charles Sukup Joins World Food Prize Foundation Board of Directors

The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Sukup, former president and CEO and current board co-chair of Sukup Manufacturing Co., to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. 

“We are honored to welcome Charles Sukup to our Board of Directors,” said Paul Schickler, Board Chair, World Food Prize Foundation. “Charles brings a lifetime of leadership in agricultural innovation, global perspective and a steadfast commitment to advancing food security. His deep expertise in engineering, family-business leadership and global market development will be invaluable as we work to expand impact, strengthen partnerships and further the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug.” 

The Foundation Board of Directors assures the financial integrity of the Foundation by adopting the budget and assuring that the Foundation's activities conform to that budget. The Board also selects Foundation officers—who serve on the Board— and the members of the Foundation’s Council of Advisors. 

Sukup is a seasoned engineer and business leader with a distinguished career in agricultural manufacturing. He served for 25 years as president and CEO of Sukup Manufacturing Co. in Sheffield, Iowa. It is the world’s largest family-owned manufacturer of grain bins, dryers, and grain handling and storage equipment. He currently serves as co-chairman of the board of directors, continuing to provide strategic leadership and guidance to the company and the industry it serves.

“The World Food Prize is a truly global award that recognizes those who have contributed the most to feeding the world,” Sukup said. “It is a treasure which our company has supported from its early years. The World Food Prize Foundation not only recognizes contributors to food security but engages young people with its Youth Programs. This became very personal when our daughter participated in the Youth Institute and sat next to Norman Borlaug and a whole new world opened to her. The World Food Prize Foundation has provided hundreds of young people with an awareness, passion and opportunity to overcome hunger and sustainably feed the world. I am very honored to be part of this organization that highlights providing the most basic need—feeding a hungry world.”

Sukup has played a prominent leadership role across national, state and regional business and agricultural organizations. He has served as president of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), chair of the Iowa Association of Business & Industry (ABI), and chair of America’s Cultivation Corridor. In addition, he serves as a professor of practice at Iowa State University, collaborating with the next generation of engineers and industry leaders.

He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University and is a registered professional engineer. An inventor for 14 U. S. patents, he is a member of the National Academy of Engineering—one of the  profession’s highest honors—for his leadership and contributions to agricultural manufacturing and innovation.