Wednesday February 11 Ag News - Soybean Gall Midge Research Webinar - Land Mgt Wksp in Wayne - Cover Crop Business Accellerator grants - CRP Signups - USMCA Economic Analysis - and more!

Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update Webinar  
Webinar will be held on March 19th from 9-11am CST

Join Extension entomologists and their graduate students from three Midwestern universities to get the latest updates on soybean gall midge (SGM). This free, live webinar will feature new research results and emerging management insights from ongoing field and laboratory studies across the region. Several short presentations covering a range of topics will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. Growers, crop consultants and scouts, educators, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend.

Get the latest research-based updates on biology, ecology, and management, including:
    Updated information on SGM distribution and regional monitoring efforts
    Impacts on soybean production and yield loss under field conditions
    Biology and ecology updates, including cold tolerance and overwintering survival
    New insights into adult biology, including emergence timing and behavior
    Results from commercial soybean variety testing under SGM pressure
    Updates on biological control efforts
    Evaluation of new and emerging cultural control strategies, along with other management tools

Certified Crop Advisors can earn pest management (PM) CEUs by attending the live event.

Registration
Registration is required. However, thanks to our generous sponsors, there is no fee to watch live or on-demand sessions.

Once you register for the Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update, you’ll receive a confirmation email, followed by reminder emails with a link to the webinar prior to the event. There’s no need to download any apps or programs to join, simply click “Launch from my browser” in the “Join the webinar” window.

Register online
For more information, visit www.soybeangallmidge.org or the Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update webpage https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E51jJpAdRWe0tkBfmQqu1w#/registration.



Extension Ag Land Management, Leasing Workshop Rescheduled in Wayne for Feb. 24

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a landlord/tenant cash rent workshop in Wayne for landowners and operators from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 24, at the Wayne County Public Safety Annex, 521 Lincoln St. The workshop was rescheduled from Jan. 29 due to weather.

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.

Agricultural economists Anastasia Meyer and Jim Jansen will lead the presentation. Both are with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

Refreshments will be provided, sponsored by Farmers National Company.

The meeting is free to attend, but registration is required by Feb. 23 by calling Nebraska Extension in Wayne County at 402-375-3310.

More information about cash rental rates, leasing and farm and ranch transition can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu.



Cover Crop Business Accelerator Opens Applications for 2026

To support continued cover crop adoption across the Midwest, Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association are now accepting applications for the Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program.

Now in its seventh year, the program helps new and established cover crop businesses expand to meet rising farmer demand for cover crop seed and application.

“As cover crop use continues to grow, strong local infrastructure is needed to meet farmer demand,” Ann Krause, PFI’s senior field crops business coordinator, says. “When these businesses succeed, farmers have more options and fewer barriers to getting cover crops on the ground.”

Cover crop acres in Iowa have grown quickly in recent years. Iowa farmers planted more than 3.8 million acres of cover crops in 2024, up from about 1.6 million acres in 2017, according to the 2017–2024 Nutrient Reduction Survey Results.

Even with that growth, cover crops are still used on only a fraction of Iowa’s farmland. Keeping cover crop acreage growing will require more cover crop seed and more applicators across the landscape.

To address this, CCBA participants receive personalized business coaching, agronomy assistance and financial support. 

Funding can be used to offset equipment costs and provide incentives for seeding.

“The Cover Crop Business Accelerator program, created in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, is helping farmers learn from each other and adopt cover crops with confidence,” Mike Gilman, ISA’s senior conservation program manager, says. “Together, we’re expanding cover crop use while improving soil health, protecting water quality and strengthening the future of our farms.”

Ryan Wolf of Keosauqua, Iowa, is a current CCBA participant.

“If you have a cover crop business, it’s a no-brainer for me,” Ryan says. “The people you meet and network with at the events are absolutely wonderful, all doing similar work in different parts of Iowa and across the Midwest. I’d definitely do it again.”

Applications are open and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for farmers in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

To apply, visit practicalfarmers.org/cover-crop-business-accelerator-program. For questions, contact Ann Krause at (515) 232-5661 or ann.krause@practicalfarmers.org/.

This program is funded by Builders Vision Philanthropy and the Walmart Foundation.




Statewide evaluation of foliar fungicides on corn in Iowa in 2025
Alison Robertson, ISU Extension Field Crops Pathologist 

In 2025, the effect of commercial fungicides on foliar diseases of corn were evaluated at six ISU Research and Demonstration Farms: Northwest Research Farm (NWRF), Northern Research Farm (NRF), Northeast Research Farm (NERF), Armstrong Memorial Research Farm (lost due to wind damage before tasseling), Ag Engineering and Agronomy Farm (AEA), and Southeast Research Farm (SERF). Fungicide products evaluated and timing of application are shown in Table 1. A generic product applied at silking or at silking + ~21 days later (milk stage) was included to compare return on investment with name-brand products that are more expensive. 

Southern rust was the most prevalent disease observed at all farms, although tar spot, northern corn leaf blight, and bacterial leaf streak were also present at various locations. Southern rust severity varied across locations and was least severe in central Iowa (7.8%) and most severe in southeast Iowa (50.0%).

Effect of fungicides on foliar disease. 
All fungicides reduced southern rust. Among name brand products, efficacy varied slightly and no one product was consistently better than other products across locations. Two applications of the generic product, Cover XL, consistently reduced southern rust the best, although the reduction in southern rust severity was not always significantly different from name brand products. One application of Cover XL was not as effective at reducing southern rust as two applications of Cover XL, but it was not less effective than some name brand products. 

Effect of fungicides on yield. 
Statistically greater yields with a fungicide application occurred at all locations except NRF. No statistical differences among products applied at R1 was detected (P<0.001). Interestingly, a double application of Cover XL did not necessarily result in greater yields than a single application. Yields among name brand products did not differ from each other statistically.

Comparison of ROI. 
Return on investment (ROI) at each location was calculated for some products using product prices from the Corn Fungicide ROI Calculator and a grain price of $5.00/bushel. For Cover XL, product price ($5, 14 oz/acre) was received from ISU field agronomists and a farmer in northwest Iowa. Average ROI across all locations were: Cover XL 14 oz at R1, $71.90; Cover XL 10.5 oz + 10.5 oz at R1 + R3, $73.28; Veltyma 7 oz at R1, $60.39; Veltyma 7 oz + 7 oz at R1 + R3, $18.07; Miravis Neo 13.7 oz at R1, $54.45 and Delaro Complete 10 oz, $40.51. 

Management recommendations
The data support data from previous years and from surrounding states that the best time to apply a fungicide to reduce disease is at silking (R1). Moreover, depending on the product used, one application can be enough to effectively reduce disease through grain fill and thereby protect grain fill. The 2026 growing season starts with a clean slate, in regards to southern rust, since the pathogen cannot survive Iowa winters. However, other pathogens, such as those that cause tar spot, northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot, can overwinter and thus are always present in Iowa. Disease development will depend on weather conditions during the growing season and hybrid genetics.

Link to the report: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/post/statewide-evaluation-foliar-fungicides-corn-iowa-2025



USDA to Open Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb. 12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future.



USMCA a Powerful Economic Engine for Rural America, Report Shows

Trade with Mexico and Canada delivers significant economic benefits to rural communities across the U.S., according to a new economic analysis released today by the Agricultural Coalition for the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

During a press conference this morning in Washington, D.C., coalition members highlighted the findings and urged leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico to renew and further strengthen USMCA as the agreement enters its formal review period.  

“Our analysis shows that USMCA is a powerful driver for employment, investment and long-term competitiveness in the U.S. agricultural sector,” said Krista Swanson, chief economist for the National Corn Growers Association, a member of the coalition. “While the agreement is due for a few targeted improvements, overall, it is critical to the farm economy and a key part of rural America’s success and resilience, particularly during tough economic times like we are in now.”  

Under the terms of the agreement, the United States, Canada and Mexico must begin a formal review of USMCA by July. As part of the process, the three countries will determine whether to renew the agreement, make targeted updates, terminate or shift to annual consultations.

This economic impact analysis uses a 2024 base-year model to evaluate the impact of U.S. agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico under USMCA.

Among the findings:
    Agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico generated $149 billion in total economic output, supporting nearly half a million jobs and $36 billion in wages.
    Every $1 in industry exports under USMCA drove an additional $2.45 of supported economic activity in the United States.
    USMCA -related agricultural and seafood trade contributed $64 billion to U.S. GDP and supported $13 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

The analysis also examined the economic benefits of USMCA across key agricultural commodities. During the press conference, coalition members highlighted how the agreement supports growth, stability and market access in their respective sectors.

 “The long‑term success of USMCA is a top priority for our members,” said International Fresh Produce Association Chief Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor. “Since the agreement took effect, fresh U.S. fruit export values have increased by 34%, while U.S. vegetable exports have grown by 14%. These gains highlight the tangible value USMCA delivers across the fresh produce supply chain and reinforce the importance of a strong, integrated North American trade environment.”

Taylor’s sentiment was echoed at the press conference by a representative from the dairy industry.

“Mexico is a very lucrative market for America’s dairy farmers, and Canada too represents important export sales as well as the opportunity for more growth,” said National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council Executive Vice President for Trade Policy and Global Affairs Shawna Morris. “USMCA is vital to our ability to trade with both partners. We urge the president to renew the agreement with targeted changes that will make it even more robust and helpful to farmers.”



U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Reacts to U.S. – Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

This week the United States and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh agreed to an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade to strengthen their bilateral economic relationship and allow the two countries’ exporters access to each other’s respective markets. The Agreement builds upon a firm economic foundation between the countries that includes the U.S.-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement, signed in 2013.

A key part of the Agreement includes a commitment from Bangladesh to make purchases of approximately $3.5 billion of U.S. agricultural products, including wheat, soy, cotton and corn.

In response, Mark Wilson, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Chairman said:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is delighted to see this win for U.S. corn producers and the larger U.S. agricultural industry, clearing the path for greater market access and generating instant demand for products that will benefit both U.S. exporters as well as Bangladeshi consumers.”

“The Council applauds the work The Trump Administration continues to do in connecting our U.S. corn producers to customers around the world.”



USGBC Members, Staff Arrive In Panama City, Panama, For 23rd International Marketing Conference, 66th Annual Membership Meeting

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) members are gathering this week for the 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting in Panama City.

This meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets, the Panama Canal and discussions of the Council’s upcoming global trade strategy in Latin America and the Asia Pacific.

This meeting includes several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, where experts in various agricultural commodities and markets come together to conduct market and commodity-specific deep-dives and share experiences relevant to their industry for this year.

“My theme for this year, The Time is Now!, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current trade environment,” said Mark Wilson, USGBC Chairman. “Not only will attendees hear throughout this conference about our recent trade victories we’ve had over the last year, but they also will get the opportunity to meet and speak directly with members of the Council’s staff who are strategically placed around the world and working for them.”

Wednesday morning will feature presentations from the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera and the Panama Canal Authority Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales before a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding cover letter signing between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority.

Thursday will feature a presentation led by USGBC Regional Director for Latin America Marri Tejada on food security and the new geopolitics of grain in Latin America. The morning will also host a panel of USGBC global directors including USGBC Director for South Korea Haksoo Kim, USGBC Director for China Manuel Sanchez, USGBC Director for Japan Tommy Hamamoto and USGBC Director for Taiwan Michael Lu featuring the latest developments and challenges in their markets.

The conference will conclude with sector meetings and a panel on the expanding frontier for ethanol during the USGC Board of Delegates meeting on Friday.

The 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting runs through Friday in Panama City, Panama.



Meat Institute Updates Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Forms

The Meat Institute today published updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to humane animal handling, employee safety, and continuous improvement.

“Humane animal handling is a core responsibility of meat packers and a foundational element of a safe and ethical food system,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “These updated Guidelines and Audit reflect the latest science and best practices, giving companies the tools they need to protect animal welfare, support their workforce, and deliver wholesome food to consumers around the world.”

The Guidelines and Audit were authored by the Meat Institute’s Animal Welfare Committee, working with Colorado State University Professor of Animal Behavior Dr. Temple Grandin.

The Audit is certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO).

Packer/processor members that complete the Animal Welfare Audit actively align with the Meat Institute's Protein PACT goal that by 2030, 100% of Meat Institute members who handle live animals will pass third party animal transport and slaughter audits.

The primary changes to the updated Audit and Guidelines include:
    Points for each criterion allowing users to set goals for each element of the Audit for continuous improvement.
    Transportation and slaughter audit for bison.
    Vocalization of cattle in the slaughter Audit will now be scored similarly to swine vocalization to maintain consistency across species.

The Meat Institute will host a webinar – open to the public – on Feb. 19 at 12 p.m. ET to detail the recent updates made to the Audit and Guidelines.  

The Meat Institute will also highlight these changes at this year’s Animal Care and Handling Conference May 12 – 13 in Kansas City, MO. The conference will focus on improving animal welfare throughout the supply chain, the latest academic research, and applying best practices.

The Audit was originally developed by the Meat Institute’s Animal Welfare Committee and Grandin in 1997, and its adoption by meat companies helped transform how livestock are handled and processed in meat plants.  By measuring objective criteria like animal vocalizations, falls, the movement of animals, and effective stunning, facilities evaluate their animal handling practices, identify problems and drive continuous improvement.