Wednesday February 25 Ag News - Pillen Signs LB663 in West Point - CVA to Aquire Smith Farm Service in Pender - Webinars on drought outlook, biomass-based diesel, drylotting cow-calf pairs - and more!

Gov. Pillen Signs Legislation Improving County Zoning Processes for Ag Producers
 
Tuesday, Governor Jim Pillen signed legislation aimed at improving county zoning processes for ag producers. At the Nebraska Dairy Convention and Trade Show in West Point, he put his signature on LB 663, which creates a uniform, transparent and expedited process for the application, review and approval of conditional use and special exemption permit applications.

“This is a huge win for our dairy industry and all livestock development in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are becoming a national leader in dairy growth. If we want to capture more of that economic impact here at home – creating careers, supporting farm families, and strengthening our rural communities -- we must make it easier for producers to expand and invest.”

Gov. Pillen was joined at the signing event by Senator Tanya Storer, Senator Rita Sanders who chairs the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, ag group representatives and others. LB 663, introduced by Sen. Storer last year, creates new requirements for county boards and commissions when considering such permits by:
        Mandating education hours for certain county officials
        Requiring that conditional use permits or special exemptions be considered only on county zoning regulations
        Establishing timelines for county commissions to act on permit applications

“LB 663 is the result of over a year of collaborative work with both NACO and the agriculture industry,” said Sen. Storer. “This legislation aims to improve our zoning laws by preserving the local control counties need to best represent their geographic areas while creating more consistency and transparency for our ag producers seeking to expand and diversify their operations.”

Under the law, counties must determine whether an application is complete within 30 days and notify the applicant within 10 days. Once complete, officials have 90 days to approve or deny the application. If no action is taken within that timeframe, the application is automatically approved.

To address concerns and provide county officials with a way to manage application issues, an amendment was added to the final bill. Should information come to light during the 90-day consideration period, which might materially affect the application, officials can require that a new application be submitted. That restarts the clock on the 90-day window that officials have to approve or deny it.

“Nebraska’s farm and ranch families are committed to this state and to building a strong future for the next generation,” said Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. “LB 663 brings much-needed clarity, consistency, and accountability to a zoning process that directly impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. When producers are making major long-term investments, they need clear expectations and reasonable timelines.”

Speaking on behalf of Nebraska pork producers, President Walt Traudt shared his appreciation for passage of LB 663, also citing the clarity and consistency it provides to livestock operations.

“This legislation creates a more transparent and predictable livestock siting process, including reasonable timelines for permitting decisions. That certainly allows producers to plan for the future, invest with confidence, and continue supporting responsible growth and economic opportunity in rural communities across Nebraska.”



CVA expands energy presence in Pender, Neb.

Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative is pleased to announce the acquiring of Smith Farm Services. This location is a refined fuel and propane location in Pender, Neb., which will become a CVA Energy location. 

This expansion reflects CVA's continued commitment to investing in local communities while enhancing service to customers and member-owners across the region. The Pender location strengthens CVA's energy's reach, providing improved access to energy services in Northeast Nebraska. 

"This expansion allows us to continue growing in communities where we can better serve our customers and member-owners," said Jeff Ingalls, senior vice president of Energy at CVA. "Having a strong local team in Pender strengthens our ability to deliver reliable energy solutions to those individuals in the future." 

Dick Smith, owner of Smith Farm Services, who will be retiring said, "After years of serving our customers, I wanted to ensure they are in good hands. I have complete confidence in CVA to continue providing the reliable service and support our community has come to expect." 

Dustin Schrunk, current employee of Smith Farm Services, will become the Location Manager for CVA. CVA will also be retaining the remaining Smith Farm Services employees following the transition. This will allow CVA to continue to offer the same local service to the customers in the Pender and with the same local and familiar support. 

CVA is scheduled to officially take ownership of the location on March 27, 2026. 



NeFU Will Attend NFU Convention in New Orleans, LA March 7-9, 2026

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) State President John Hansen, NeFU board members Lynn Belitz of Fullerton and Andrew Tonnies of North Bend, seven NeFU members, Midwest Agency General Manager Jeff Downing, and new NeFU Executive Director in training Matt Gregory will attend the 124th National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention this year for a total of 12 in Nebraska’s delegation.

NeFU will join other Farmers Union State organizations in attending the 124th Anniversary NFU Convention in New Orleans March 7-9, 2026 at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Family farmers and ranchers from across the country will join together in “The Big Easy” for three days of meaningful fellowship, thoughtful policy conversations, and inspiring speakers.

In addition to Hansen, Belitz and Tonnies, Bill Armbrust of Elkhorn, Keith Dittrich of Tilden, and Marcia Regier of Beatrice will serve as delegates. Tammy Dittrich of Tilden, Gayland Regier of Beatrice, and Ted and Ramona Thieman of Petersburg will attend as members.

NeFU President Hansen says “It is always good to get together with fellow family farmers from around the country who share our passion for preserving and growing our traditional system of independent family farm and ranch owned food, fiber, and fuel production.  This year’s convention will focus on the need for Congress to take immediate actions to help farmers get through the growing ag crisis.”

This year’s convention will feature outstanding speakers and workshop presenters on the issues facing family farmers, including Jason DeShaw, a national award-winning mental health advocate and singer/songwriter. In addition to record high ag input costs and sagging commodity prices, speakers will discuss the need for a major overhaul of farm and trade policies that have failed farmers and ranchers, and the need for an all-hands on deck national approach to expanded utilization of domestically produced biofuels will be discussed.  

Hansen pointed to the 2025 year projected $47 billion balance of ag trade deficit and the thousands of farmers whose farm operating loans will not be renewed this spring as examples of failed current trade and farm policies.  “It is time we re-think outdated approaches that no longer serve family farm and ranch agriculture. Agriculture is the economic backbone of our economy. So goes agriculture so goes America.”

The National Farmers Union 125th Anniversary Convention will be held March 7-9, 2027 at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, Texas.



Webinar to address drought outlook, risk management for Nebraska ag producers

Nebraska producers will get an updated look at drought conditions in the state and what they could mean for the 2026 growing season during an upcoming webinar hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension.

The webinar, “Drought Outlook 2026: Weather, Water and Risk Management,” will be held at noon Central time on March 2. It will bring together climate, water and agricultural economics experts from Nebraska Extension to help producers make informed decisions heading into spring.

It will include an update on drought conditions and expectations for spring rainfall and discuss snowpack levels in the North Platte River Basin and what they signal for irrigation supplies in western Nebraska. The webinar will also outline insurance considerations producers may want to review in a dry year.

In addition to the outlook, the discussion will cover irrigation preparation and management strategies as producers assess water availability and plan for the season ahead.

Recent years have underscored how quickly weather conditions can shift. Organizers say understanding the connections between precipitation forecasts, basin snowpack and crop insurance decisions can help producers better manage risk and position their operations for the year ahead.

Registration is free at https://go.unl.edu/me82.



Understanding the Biomass-Based Diesel Market
Mar 5, 2026 12:00 PM 
Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist, American Soybean Association

In this webinar, Scott Gerlt will explain biodiesel and renewable diesel production, economics and policy. Renewable diesel in particular has been driving growth in domestic soybean oil demand. Learn how the policies translate back to farm economics.

Dr. Gerlt is the chief economist for the American Soybean Association, where he leads market and policy analysis to guide strategic decisions. He frequently presents and writes about issues affecting the soybean industry. Before joining ASA in 2020, Scott was program leader for U.S. crop policy and analysis at the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri.

Register for the webinar here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 




Nebraska Extension to host March 17 webinar on confinement feeding cow-calf pairs

Nebraska Extension will host a webinar titled Confinement Feeding Cow-calf Pairs in the Face of Limited Perennial Grass Options on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time.

As drought continues to expand across Nebraska and the western Great Plains, pasture rental and purchase prices remain high while many harvested feed commodities are moderately priced. The webinar will explore the potential of adding a confined cow operation to an integrated cattle and crop system, along with nutritional and management considerations when drought limits or delays perennial grass growth.  

"Both the feed needs of the cow and calf have to be accounted for," said Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension cow-calf systems specialist.

"Either the calf needs to be fed in a separate creep area, or the feed delivered to the pair needs to be increased as the calf grows to meet its needs."

Wilke said lactation requires significantly more protein and energy than gestation.

"While we can use low-quality forages or residues in confinement diets, we have to add a source of energy and protein to meet the needs of the pair appropriately," she said.  

The webinar will provide practical information producers can use this spring and summer as they evaluate drylotting operations. Wilke will highlight lessons learned from university research and from producers who have utilized drylot systems for cow-calf pairs.  

Topics will include:
    Logistics for drylotting pairs, including needed bunk space, water, fence, shade, and creep access for calves
    Ration examples and feed cost estimates based on current commodity prices
    Limit feeding versus full feeding
    Use of annual forages to complement drylot feeding
    Health considerations for cows and calves
    Breeding strategies in a drylot setting

A computer and internet connection are required to participate in the webinar.

The webinar is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Aaron Berger at aberger2@unl.edu. 



ASA Recognizes Dave Walton (IA) with Outstanding State Volunteer Award

The American Soybean Association (ASA) honored Wilton, Iowa farmer Dave Walton with its Outstanding State Volunteer Award during the 2026 ASA Awards Celebration at the Commodity Classic trade show in San Antonio.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes the dedication and exemplary contributions of volunteers with at least three years of volunteer service in any area of their state association’s operation.

For over a decade, Dave has dedicated his time and leadership to advancing soybean farmers’ interests, serving in key roles on the Iowa Soybean Association board, the ASA Executive Committee, the Iowa Biodiesel Board, and the Clean Fuels Alliance America board.

Dave has strengthened the soybean industry by building connections with policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow soybean farmers. He consistently goes above and beyond in advocacy, playing a key role in shaping his state’s biodiesel priorities.

Colleagues describe Dave as a steady, trusted advocate for farmer-led policy. He focuses not only on advancing farmers’ priorities but on equipping farmers with the information they need to engage effectively, while ensuring policymakers and the public understand the real-world challenges facing agriculture.

Through his many years of volunteer service, Dave’s efforts in advocacy, education, and promotion have strengthened the voice of soybean growers at both the state and national level.

ASA congratulates Dave Walton, winner of the 2026 ASA Outstanding State Volunteer Award.



USDA Cold Storage January 2026 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on January 31, 2026 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up slightly from the previous month but down 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 6 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 16 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on January 31, 2026 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 3 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 36 percent from last month but down 8 percent from January 31, 2025.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on January 31, 2026 were up slightly from the previous month and up slightly from January 31, 2025. Butter stocks were up 15 percent from last month but down 17 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on January 31, 2026 were down 4 percent from last month and down slightly from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month and down 11 percent from a year ago.



National Corn Growers Association and Ag Data Transparent Release Transparency Principles for Ag Carbon

The Ag Carbon Transparent Project, announced last summer by the National Corn Growers Association and Ag Data Transparent, today released its Transparency Principles for Ag Carbon with growing industry support as the group works to bring clarity to farmers interested in carbon programs.  

Farmers, industry leaders, and carbon program experts collaborated to develop a set of transparency principles and a program contract verification process for agricultural carbon programs, designed to bring clarity, comparability, and trust to a complex and rapidly evolving market.  

“Collaborating with Ag Data Transparent and a broad cross-section of industry partners has been critical to building Ag Carbon Transparent in a way that is practical, credible and farmer-focused,” said Sean Arians, NCGA vice president of Sustainable Production and Value Chain Engagement. “We are delighted that industry leaders are stepping forward to support these principles, indicating their commitment to transparency.”   

Based on this unified set of transparency principles and a third‑party contract verification process, Ag Carbon Transparent will help farmers understand what they are signing, what assets are being created and sold, and clearly identify payment terms and future obligations while giving carbon programs a credible way to demonstrate integrity. Farmers will also benefit from understanding the critical areas of carbon programs that require the most due diligence. 

In alignment with ADT’s mission, this project aims to bring the same level of transparency, simplicity and trust to carbon initiatives that ADT has successfully delivered in the agricultural data sector. The Ag Carbon Transparent contract verification is now available for carbon programs to complete and for farmers to review.  Indigo and the Bayer Carbon Program will be the first carbon programs to complete this verification process.  Companies completing this verification will receive the Ag Carbon Transparent Seal that they can use to promote their alignment and membership with ADT data and carbon principles.   

“Momentum is building and it is important for agriculture industry organizations and carbon program providers to join this coalition supporting transparency, integrity, and farmer‑first carbon opportunities,” said Todd Janzen, partner with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law and ADT administrator. “As we know through starting ADT a decade ago, farmers want to be confident in decisions around their data and programs that could impact their farms for generations.” 



Cattlemen’s Beef Board Releases 2025 Impact Report

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) has released its 2025 Impact Report. This report follows an updated format introduced in 2024, including the CBB’s annual financial statement and Beef Checkoff program evaluations all in one document. 

“Even in a period of historically tight cattle supplies and higher retail prices, consumers continue choosing beef,” said Ryan Moorhouse, 2025 CBB chair. “That sustained demand doesn’t happen by chance. It reflects decades of strategic investment through the Beef Checkoff to promote beef, build consumer trust and reinforce its value in a competitive protein marketplace. The 2025 Impact Report highlights the measurable results of that work and the return it delivers to producers.”

The 2025 Impact Report provides a comprehensive overview of the FY25 Authorization Requests supported by the Beef Checkoff across its six program areas: Promotion, Research, Consumer Information, Industry Information, Foreign Marketing and Producer Communications. For each Authorization Request, the report details the responsible contractors and subcontractors, allocated budgets, program objectives and documented outcomes. It also outlines specific tactics, progress toward defined performance goals, key insights gained and measures of efficiency. Together, this information offers beef industry stakeholders a transparent, results-driven view of how Checkoff investments are being put to work.

Colorful graphics provide interesting data about producer attitudes on the Beef Checkoff, as well as current consumer trends and behaviors. Easy-to-scan QR codes quickly link to online resources about the CBB and the Beef Checkoff, including organizational structure, audited financials, governing documents, contractors, webinars, meetings and events, and the award-winning producer newsletter, The Drive.

Readers of the Impact Report will also find results from an independent review conducted by Agralytica Consulting in 2025. The firm assessed the breadth and depth of Checkoff-funded nutrition research and evaluated how effectively those findings are communicated to consumers. Additionally, Agralytica examined the research design, data management and application processes used in the Consumer Market Research and Meat Demand Monitor programs to ensure they meet high standards of rigor and relevance.

“I encourage anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how the Beef Checkoff is working on behalf of producers and importers to spend time with the 2025 Impact Report,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “It offers a clear, data-driven look at the programs and partnerships advancing beef promotion, research and education, while also identifying insights that will help guide our work in the years ahead. The Checkoff’s success is built on collaboration, and this report underscores the essential role it plays in strengthening beef demand and keeping beef the protein of choice.”

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



RFA Analysis: Ethanol Industry Supported 317,000 Jobs, Generated $50 Billion in GDP in 2025 
    
The ethanol industry strongly contributed to the U.S. economy last year, as record-setting production and exports supported hundreds of thousands of jobs and generated tens of billions of dollars in gross domestic product and household income, according to an analysis released today by the Renewable Fuels Association.

In 2025, the industry directly supported 79,000 U.S. jobs, along with an additional 237,000 indirect and induced jobs across all sectors of the economy. The industry created $28 billion in household income, contributed $50 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product, and generated nearly $10 billion in tax revenues at the federal, state and local levels. The report also calculates that the industry spent $24 billion on 5.5 billion bushels of corn and grain sorghum alone, as the industry continued to support America’s farming communities.

“As this analysis shows, American-made ethanol remains an important part of the nation’s economy, supporting good-paying jobs—many in rural areas—while providing consumers with cleaner, lower-cost fuel options,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “At a time when American farmers are facing the worst financial conditions in nearly 50 years, the ethanol industry continued to serve as a crucial economic driver in agricultural communities across the country. With 2026 now well underway, our nation’s hard-working ethanol producers are looking forward to the new market opportunities that lie ahead, and that will ensure we remain the world’s dominant supplier of renewable fuels.”

The report concludes: “Ethanol has benefits beyond the economy, including enhancing America’s energy security and cutting emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe pollutants. And the industry’s economic and other benefits can grow further, if midlevel blends such as E15 are allowed to be sold year-round, export markets continue to be opened, and new uses, such as in marine and aviation fuel, are developed.”