Tuesday February 10 Ag News - Gillespie Soil Health Fund issues grants - Iowa Pork hunger relief - Iowa Best Burger Back for 2026 - USDA Completes NWS Sterile Fly facility - USDA reorganization moving forward - and more!

 Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund grantmaking boosts soil health research

Two recent grants from the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF) furthered its mission to support research focused on soil management practices through intentional grantmaking.

Barry Young, an organic farmer in Wilber, received $2,000 to evaluate alternative approaches to establishing cereal rye in a corn year. Through a collaboration with John Nelson, PhD, a Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Educator with the University of Nebraska Extension, Young will evaluate the use of a Hagie highboy broadcast inter-row seeder in standing corn versus no-till drilling rye post-harvest. The key performance indicators will be stand biomass, weed suppression, overall soil health and following cash crop performance.

“Receiving this grant will ease the burden of daring to be different,” Young said. “Dedication to changing not only our soil but also the nutrient density of our food and the way our industry farms is not for the weak. Repairing our soil ecosystems requires patience, thought and financial support.”

In a 50/50 partnership with Green Cover, DGSHF awarded $700 to Jay Cecrle with the Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair to incentivize student research in science, agriculture and engineering across central and western Nebraska by awarding prizes to judge-selected projects and advancing the top projects to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

The Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair addresses regional needs to improve soil health awareness and adoption of best management practices among youth. Projects examine no-till farming, soil biology, water conservation and regenerative agriculture in ways that address agricultural challenges in Nebraska.

“We aim to motivate more student research focused on soil health, provide meaningful monetary recognition for the best soil-related projects, increase agricultural youth engagement in soil conservation and stewardship and help students connect research to practice through scientific presentation and fair judging,” Cecrle said.

Applications for the current grant cycle will be accepted until March 1. For more information and to support the work of the fund, visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund. Grantmaking efforts prioritize projects supporting current and future growers (adults or youth) in adopting practices that address water quality and soil health, such as cover crops, reduced tillage, complex crop rotations and nutrient management to reduce soil erosion, nutrient run-off and greenhouse gas emissions.



Fuel up for FFA: CVA supports future ag leaders during National FFA Week

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to announce the return of the Fuel up For FFA during National FFA Week, February 21-28, 2026. During this time, CVA will donate 5 cents from every gallon of fuel purchased at CVA fuel sites with a CVA fuel card. CVA will donate to support the Nebraska and Kansas FFA Foundations. Through this support to the next generation of agricultural leaders, CVA continues its commitment to strengthen communities and the future of agriculture.

“FFA students represent the future of agriculture, energy, and rural leadership,” said Jeff Ingalls, senior vice president of energy at CVA. “When customers fuel up at CVA locations, they’re directly helping provide opportunities for young people who will drive our industry forward.”

Don’t have a CVA fuel card? Sign up online at cvacoop.com/cva-fuel-card to participate and enjoy an everyday 5-cent discount at a CVA Fuel Site across Nebraska and Kansas.

Leaders from both FFA Foundations emphasized the impact this support has on young members.

“Nebraska FFA Foundation is proud to partner with CVA as part of their Fuel Up for FFA campaign. Supporting the future of agriculture through the Nebraska FFA Foundation helps to ensure that our mission in growing leaders, building communities and creating career connections is successful.” Said Stacey Agnew, executive director of Nebraska FFA Foundation. “Thank you to CVA for impacting over 12,000 Nebraska FFA members and thank you to your members and the public for supporting this campaign.”

“Central Valley Ag’s Fuel Up program is helping drive the future of agriculture by investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Beth Gaines, Executive Director of the Kansas FFA Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for CVA’s continued support of Kansas FFA and their commitment to growing young leaders across Kansas. During National FFA Week, we encourage CVA’s member-customers to fuel up with purpose—knowing that every fill is helping 14,000 students gain the skills and confidence they need to lead our industry and communities forward.”

Funds raised through this program help support a variety of each foundation’s initiatives, including leadership conferences, state conventions, chapter and state grants, as well as local engagement efforts. 



Iowa Pork Producers Providing Statewide Hunger Relief
    
Iowa pork producers are stepping up once again in 2026 to fight food insecurity with the return of Pork in the Pantry, a statewide effort that delivers nutritious, high-quality protein to Iowans in need.

Last year, 50 county pork producer organizations participated in Pork in the Pantry, donating more than 75,000 servings of pork to local food pantries across Iowa. The program continues to grow each year, expanding its reach and impact on communities statewide.

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry provides up to $1,000 per county pork producer organization to purchase and donate pork to local food pantries. Counties coordinate the purchases and donations locally, with IPPA reimbursing costs, making it simple and effective for producers to give back.

“Food insecurity remains a real challenge for many Iowa families, and Pork in the Pantry is one way pig farmers can make a meaningful difference close to home,” said Dean Frazer, IPPA president and a pig farmer from Grundy County. “This program allows us to provide a reliable source of high-quality protein while supporting local food pantries and local businesses at the same time.”

In addition to helping families in need, Pork in the Pantry strengthens local economies by encouraging counties to source pork from nearby processors and retailers. Food pantries often struggle to keep meat products in stock, and this program helps fill that gap with nutritious pork that can be shared with families throughout the community.

With momentum building each year, IPPA is encouraging even more county organizations to participate in 2026. Any county pork producer organization interested in making an impact is invited to take part and help deliver wholesome pork to Iowans who need it most.

Donations to local food pantries will be made through March 31. For more information, visit IowaPork.org/WeCare.



Iowa’s Best Burger Contest Returns for 2026, Celebrating Iowa Beef and Local Restaurants

The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) are proud to announce the return of the Iowa’s Best Burger Contest, inviting Iowans to once again celebrate the state’s favorite beef dish while supporting local restaurants across Iowa.

Now in its 17th year, the Iowa’s Best Burger Contest has become a highly anticipated tradition that connects consumers, cattle producers, and the foodservice community through a shared love of high-quality beef. Each year, thousands of nominations pour in from across the state as Iowans cast their votes for burgers that stand out for flavor, creativity, and quality.

“Iowa’s Best Burger is a fun, grassroots way to highlight the beef raised by Iowa cattle producers and the restaurants who proudly serve it,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “The contest brings people together, encourages diners to explore local restaurants, and celebrates the role beef plays at the center of the plate.”

A Boost for Local Restaurants
Restaurants recognized in the contest often see increased attention from new and returning customers, with many noting a noticeable uptick in burger sales during and after the competition. From small-town cafés to neighborhood favorites in larger communities, the contest shines a spotlight on the diversity of Iowa’s restaurant scene.

How the Contest Works
The Iowa’s Best Burger Contest is open to restaurants across the state that serve burgers featuring a 100% real beef patty on a bun or bread product.
    Nominations Open: February 9, 2026
    Nominations Close: March 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.
    Top Ten Announcement: March 13, 2026
    Winner Announced: May 1, 2026, kicking off May Beef Month in Iowa

Consumers can nominate their favorite burger at www.iabeef.org. Restaurants with the highest number of nominations advance to the Top Ten, where finalists are evaluated through a secret taste test conducted by contest judges.

Restaurants are encouraged to promote their participation using in-store signage and social media. Downloadable promotional materials are available at https://www.iabeef.org/events/best-burger-contest, and diners are encouraged to share their burger experiences using #IABestBurger and tagging @iowabeefcouncil.

A Celebration of Beef and Community
The Iowa’s Best Burger Contest highlights the strong connection between Iowa’s cattle producers and the restaurants that serve high-quality beef to consumers every day. By voting, Iowans play an active role in supporting local businesses while celebrating a product that Iowa is proud to produce.

For contest rules, nominations, and promotional resources, visit https://www.iabeef.org.



Iowans Sign Letter Supporting SF 2067 

At the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit last week in Altoona, over one hundred Iowans signed a letter to the Iowa Legislature supporting SF 2067.

SF 2067 is a bipartisan bill aiming to balance landowner rights while allowing for innovation in Iowa agriculture. The bill would allow for infrastructure

developers to seek willing landowners outside a project's proposed route, reducing the need for eminent domain. 

“The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association strongly urges the speedy passage of this legislation,” said IRFA Policy Director Colin Gorton. “This is a pragmatic, reasonable solution to dramatically lower the need for eminent domain, while still allowing Iowa agriculture to thrive.”  



USDA Announces Completion of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

Monday at Moore Air Base, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott celebrated a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.

"The Trump Administration continues to bring the full force of the federal government to fight New World Screwworm,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This sterile fly dispersal facility was a high priority project, and our team delivered it in record time. This new facility is a monumental achievement for our domestic preparedness efforts, but we are also diligently working to stop the spread of screwworm in Mexico, conduct extensive trapping and surveillance along the border, increase U.S. response capacity, and encourage innovative solutions. We will never stop fighting to protect American agriculture. USDA, through a whole-of-government approach, will continue to hold Mexico accountable to mitigating the spread of this dangerous pest."

“America is going to take care of ourselves, including dealing with the approach of screwworm as it gets closer to our border,” said Governor Abbott. “We put together the resources necessary for Texas to provide a Texas-size response to this. We thank Secretary Rollins and President Trump for stepping forward to provide the stop gap effort essential to protecting our ranchers and our wildlife.”

Trump Administration NWS Response
In June 2025, Secretary Rollins announced a sweeping five-pronged plan (PDF, 1005 KB) to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate NWS. As part of that announcement, she also shared plans to build this sterile NWS fly dispersal facility in South Texas. The completion of the facility further expands the network of dispersal facilities through Central America and Mexico and solidifies the increased preparedness offered by having a U.S.-based facility.

On January 30, USDA announced a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. While the sterile flies for this effort will initially be dispersed from the Tampico, Mexico facility, USDA is prepared to quickly and strategically shift operations to the new Texas facility should there be a change in the location or new concentration of NWS cases in northern Mexico.



Vaden: USDA Employees Moving Out of DC Starting This Summer
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving forward with reorganizing the agency, including relocating personnel to five regional hubs around the country, beginning this summer, according to USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden.
 
Talking about the reorganization during a recent event at the National Agricultural Law Center in Arkansas, Vaden said: “When you combine shrinking budgets, the increasing cost of living in Washington, D.C., and the needs of a department that is focused not on urban America but rural America, it makes the most sense to get the largest number of our employees to places where they can have the quality of life that they deserve on a government salary.” He said USDA employees will be “in places that are actually closer to the communities we are charged with serving.”
 
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the reorganization almost a year ago, and the department took public comments on it last summer. According to agriculture industry sources, the majority of the 14,000-plus comments were against moving USDA employees out of the Washington, D.C., area.



U.S.-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement Solidifies Expanding Wheat Trade with Bangladesh

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) welcomed the announcement of the signing of the United States-Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. 

“The signing of this reciprocal trade agreement between the United States and Bangladesh is a win for American wheat farmers,” said Mike Spier, USW President and CEO. “Beyond putting bushels on boats, this bilateral agreement reinforces our shared commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh.” 

The U.S. wheat industry has actively supported the Trump Administration’s efforts to increase agricultural exports to Bangladesh. In July 2025, USW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Bangladesh, which committed Bangladesh to annual purchases of 700,000 metric tons (25.7 million bushels) of U.S. wheat for five years.

Bangladesh is already fulfilling that commitment, rising from a swing buyer to the eighth largest market for U.S. wheat in the 2025/2026 marketing year. As of January 29, 2026, Bangladesh has purchased more than 676,000 MT (24.8 million bushels) of U.S. wheat. In turn, USW is supporting these purchases through hands-on consultations and in-country projects focused on U.S. wheat quality. 

“While the MOU signed in July is technically separate from the reciprocal trade agreement signed today, we see these agreements working hand-in-hand to further trade between the United States and Bangladesh,” Spier said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Bangladesh’s government, millers and bakers to showcase the value of U.S. wheat and explore opportunities for continued growth in this market.”