Friday March 20 Ag News - RMI Falls Below Growth Neutral again - NE Water Center Seminar on AltEn Update - Chick Care Basics webinar - Commercial Red Meat Prod Down 2% - and more!

Rural Mainstreet Index Falls Below Growth Neutral Again
Conflict in Iran Creating Significant Volatility in Ag Sector

According to the latest monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) dropped below growth neutral for March to its lowest level since October 2025.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for March plummeted to 40.9 from February’s 47.9. This marks the 13th time since January 2025 that the index has moved below the growth neutral threshold. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Weakness in farm commodity prices and elevated agriculture input costs are spilling over into the business community. Approximately, 27.2% of bankers reported that small businesses in their area were experiencing declines in business activity,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranchland prices: After falling below growth neutral for January and February, the March farm and ranchland index rose to 50.2 from 45.5 in February. “Farm and ranchland prices have been holding up much better than farm income,” said Goss.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first month of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, increased by 3.0%. However, compared to the first month of 2024, the regional export of agriculture goods and livestock for the first month of 2026 sank by 20.5%.

Farm equipment sales: The March farm equipment sales index increased to a very weak 28.6 from 16.7 in February. “This is the 31st straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. “The 2026 conflict in Iran has created even more volatility in the agricultural sector, primarily impacting agricultural equipment sales by tightening farmer operating margins, increasing input costs and shifting farmer planting decisions,” said Goss.

Banking: The March loan volume index soared to 78.6 from February’s 54.3. The checking deposit index climbed to 64.3 from 60.9 in February. The region’s index for certificates of deposits (CDs) increased to 52.4 from 50.0 in February.  

Despite weak farm income, farm loan delinquency rates remained well contained with more than half, or 52.4%, indicating no change or even declines in delinquency rates, with 47.6% reporting that loan delinquency rates increased modestly.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The state’s Rural Mainstreet Index for March fell to 38.4 from 45.0 in February. The state’s farm and ranchland price index for March advanced to 52.8 from 43.1 in February. Nebraska’s new hiring index climbed to 47.3 from 46.5 in February. According to trade data from the ITA, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first month of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, fell by 1.6%. Compared to the first month of 2024, the Nebraska exports of agriculture and livestock for the first month of 2026 sank by 10.1%.

Iowa: March’s RMI for the state sank to 39.7 from 46.5 in February. Iowa’s farm and ranchland price index for March rose to 51.0 from February’s 44.4. Iowa’s new hiring index for March advanced to 48.7 from 47.9 in February. According to trade data from the ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first month of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, expanded by 108.4%. Compared to the first month of 2024, the Iowa exports of agriculture and livestock for the first month of 2026 climbed by 44.3%.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



Nebraska Water Center Spring Seminar Series - March 25

Join us on March 25th for the next Spring Seminar of 2026. This in-person seminar will feature Eleanor Rogan from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
901 Hardin Hall, UNL's East Campus

Toxic Chemicals at the Former AltEn Ethanol Plant: Update to the Environmental and Human Health Assessment
Presenter: Eleanor Rogan, University of Nebraska Medical Center

The AltEn Health Study Group at UNL, UNMC and Creighton University investigated the effects of the pesticide contamination stored at the AltEn ethanol plant near Mead, NE, between May, 2021, and December, 2024. The studies included effects on water quality and waterway organisms, bees, birds, tadpoles and humans. The primary pesticide contaminants include several neonicotinoid insecticides, which are coated onto seed corn. Neonicotinoid contamination was observed in air and dust in houses and in people living near AltEn, as well in a nearby creek. Wildlife species, including honey bees, tadpoles and red-wing blackbirds, were also contaminated with neonicotinoids, leading to deleterious effects. A study of possible health effects in people living in the vicinity of AltEn by using medical records is still ongoing.

If you are not located in Lincoln and would like to attend virtually, email annbriggs@nebraska.edu to request a zoom link. 



Chick Care Basics

With chick days underway at farm supply stores across Nebraska, many families and small-scale producers are preparing to welcome new chicks this spring. To help ensure strong, healthy development during those critical first weeks, Nebraska Extension will host a free webinar, “Chick Care Basics,” on April 6 from noon to 1 p.m. CT.

The webinar will feature Dr. Sheila Purdum, poultry extension specialist, and Brett Kreifels, Nebraska Extension educator. The presenters will cover essential considerations for raising chicks, including proper nutrition, housing setup, and biosecurity practices.

“Those first few weeks are foundational for a chick’s health and long-term productivity,” Purdum said.

“Providing the right feed, environment and care early on helps set birds up for success.”

As backyard poultry flocks continue to grow in popularity, Extension educators emphasize the importance of preparation before chicks arrive. Proper brooder setup, temperature management, clean water, balanced starter rations, and disease prevention strategies all play a key role in minimizing stress and supporting healthy growth.

Kreifels said the webinar is designed for those new to raising poultry, as well as anyone looking for a refresher.

“Whether you’re raising a small backyard flock for eggs or starting with chicks for a youth project, understanding the basics can prevent common challenges,” Kreifels said. “We want participants to feel confident and prepared.”

Topics will include:
· Chick nutrition and starter feeds
· Brooder set-up and housing considerations
· Temperature and ventilation management
· Biosecurity best practices to protect flock health

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.

The webinar is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit go.unl.edu/chickcare. 



Naig Invites Iowans to Celebrate Iowa Ag Week March 23-30

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting every Iowan to celebrate Iowa Ag Week, March 23-30. The weeklong celebration highlights agriculture’s many significant contributions to Iowa’s economy, communities, and way of life. This year’s celebration is also part of Iowa’s America250 observance, recognizing the essential role farmers and agriculture have played in building and sustaining both Iowa and the United States since the nation’s founding.

“As we recognize the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, it is important to remember that many of our founders were farmers who understood that a strong republic depends on a strong agricultural foundation,” said Secretary Naig. “Early Americans fought to defend our freedom and liberty, and for the last 250 years farmers have helped sustain that republic by producing the food, fuel, and fiber that keep our nation strong. Here in Iowa, agriculture continues that proud tradition every single day. Iowa Ag Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the farm families and agricultural leaders who are helping keep Iowa and America strong.”

Celebrate Iowa Agriculture During #IowaAgWeek
Iowans can celebrate Iowa Ag Week by engaging in any of these activities or by coming up with their own unique ideas:
    Organize a day of giving, volunteering or a community service project
    Hold a fundraiser benefiting an agriculture-focused non-profit organization such as 4-H, FFA, young and beginning farmer groups, or food security initiatives
    Plan a lunchtime potluck for coworkers featuring Iowa grown, made, or raised food or beverages
    Visit ChooseIowa.com to find a local farmer, small business, or farm store to purchase Iowa grown, raised, and made food, beverages, or agricultural products
    Participate in a conservation or water quality project in your community, such as planting trees, improving wildlife habitat or helping protect Iowa’s soil and water resources

Secretary Naig and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) will be celebrating Iowa Ag Week in the following ways:

Monday, March 23: Service
Secretary Naig and IDALS employees will volunteer at the Food Bank of Iowa.

Tuesday, March 24: National Ag Day
Secretary Naig will tour a water quality project and speak at a county Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Wednesday, March 25: Celebration
Secretary Naig will congratulate this year’s Master Farmer inductees, speak at a farmer appreciation luncheon, participate in an E15 pump promotion with Jones County Corn Growers at Kardes, this year’s fuel marketing awardee for ethanol promotion, and provide remarks at the 38th Annual Celebration of Agriculture Dinner in Cedar Rapids.

Thursday, March 26: Choose Iowa
Secretary Naig will provide remarks at a chamber of commerce breakfast in Mason City, tour farms and food businesses in northeast Iowa, and speak at an event highlighting the importance of mental health services for farmers and rural communities. 

Friday, March 27: Strength of Iowa Ag
Secretary Naig will present a Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award in Carroll County, speak at a conservation event, tour a Choose Iowa value-added grant recipient’s business, and speak at an FFA chapter banquet in Warren County.

Monday, March 30: Leadership
Secretary Naig will announce Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant recipients and host the America250-themed 14th annual Iowa Agriculture Leaders Dinner.



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 2 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.14 billion pounds in February, down 2 percent from the 4.23 billion pounds produced in February 2025.

Beef production, at 1.93 billion pounds, was 4 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.17 million head, down 7 percent from February 2025. The average live weight was up 34 pounds from the previous year, at 1,466 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.6 million pounds, 20 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 8,200 head, down 27 percent from February 2025. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from last year, at 342 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.20 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.1 million head, down 1 percent from February 2025. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 292 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.8 million pounds, was up 3 percent from February 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 176,400 head, 4 percent above last year. The average live weight was 121 pounds, down 2 pounds from February a year ago.

By State      (million lbs.  -  % Feb '25) 
Nebraska ....:     549.7           93       
Iowa ...........:     720.6          102       
Kansas .......:     434.3           98       

January to February 2026 commercial red meat production was 8.72 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 8 percent from last year, veal was down 27 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent. 




U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Reacts to Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Ecuador

On Friday, U.S. Ambassador Jamieson Greer signed the United States-Ecuador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Ecuadorian Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investment Luis Alberto Jaramillo that will provide Americans with increased market access in Ecuador. The agreement includes preferential market access for U.S. agricultural goods including tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for corn, sorghum and ethanol.

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council reacted to the agreement:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is pleased to see this win for U.S. corn, sorghum and ethanol producers and the larger U.S. agricultural industry. Ensuring U.S. commodities will no longer be subject to additional, variable rate price band tariff schemes in the future will allow U.S. commodities to compete on a more even playing field in the Ecuadorean market. This was one of our major requests in these negotiations.

“The Council applauds the work The Trump Administration, including U.S. Ambassador Greer, continues to do to connect our U.S. corn, sorghum and ethanol producers to customers around the world.”