Nebraska Farm Bureau Mobilizes Disaster Relief Fund in Response to Wildfires
In response to the devastating wildfires, Nebraska Farm Bureau has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support farm and ranch families and communities impacted across the state. The wildfires, including one of the largest in Nebraska’s history, have caused widespread damage, leaving many families facing significant loss and a long road to recovery.
“The impact of these wildfires is heartbreaking for so many Nebraska families and communities,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “This fund allows us to come together and support our neighbors as they begin to rebuild.”
Initial funding will focus on urgent needs such as feed, hay, and fencing replacement. Efforts will remain flexible as additional needs emerge. Every dollar donated will go directly toward addressing wildfire impacts and supporting those affected.
“An immediate concern is the loss of grazing land, leaving thousands of cattle displaced and in need of supplemental feed. At the same time, we know that Nebraskans will step up, as they always do, to support one another at times like this. Farm and ranch families are resilient, and with strong community support, they will work through the challenges ahead,” McHargue said.
Donations by mail can be sent to:
Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
Attn: Disaster Relief Fund
P.O. Box 80299
Lincoln, NE 68501-0299
To provide donors with a tax-deductible giving option, contributions will be administered through the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. No administration fee is charged, and 100% of donations will support those affected. Individuals and organizations interested in contributing to relief efforts can donate by visiting: https://www.nefb.org/disaster. Checks should be made payable to Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation with “Disaster Relief” noted in the memo line.
Extension Webinar to Address Annual Forage Options Under Irrigation for Grazing and Feed
Due to pasture losses from fires this spring, many producers are considering planting annual forages for summer grazing. To address this need, Nebraska Extension will host a webinar, “Planting Annual Forages Under Irrigation for Grazing and Feed,” on Monday, March 23.
The webinar begins at 7:30 p.m. Central and will cover both cool-season and warm-season planting options. Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist Jerry Volesky will share research findings along with insights from decades of experience working with producers who have incorporated annual forages into their grazing systems.
Topics to be discussed include:
Variety options and mixes for planting this spring and summer
Seeding and fertilization rates
Irrigation needs based on desired forage production
Harvesting options including hay, silage and windrow grazing
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. To register, email Aaron Berger by Monday, March 23. A recording of the webinar will be made available to registered participants following the program.
For more information, contact Berger, 308-235-3122.
Presence of Corn Leafhoppers Confirmed in Nebraska
Tamra Jackson-Ziems - Extension Plant Pathologist
A new corn pest is creeping into the Midwest, and Nebraska growers may soon have to contend with its arrival.
2024 Observations
In 2024, corn stunt disease and its insect vector — the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), which transmits the pathogen — were reported for the first time in Oklahoma and Kansas. Scouting efforts in Nebraska intensified during the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons in response to these detections.
Eleven symptomatic corn samples from Nebraska fields were submitted for testing in 2024, with two Jefferson County samples testing positive by initial PCR tests for corn stunt. An additional sample submitted from Burt County, Nebraska tested positive for corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) (by DNA sequencing analysis), one of the pathogens responsible for causing the disease.
Scouting for the corn leafhopper also expanded, leading to confirmation of the insect’s presence in late summer and early fall 2024 in Adams and Clay counties in southeast Nebraska, Burt County in northeast Nebraska, and Dawson County in central Nebraska.
2025 Observations
Sampling during the 2025 growing season confirmed the presence of corn leafhopper in Kansas and in a single field in Clay, Lincoln and Keith counties in Nebraska.
Corn plant samples from Cass, Thayer and Richardson counties tested negative for the corn stunt spiroplasma; however, a corn plant sample from Valley County collected on Sept. 12, 2025 tested positive for CSS
The Bottom Line
The arrival of corn leafhopper and the corn stunt pathogen(s) it carries has occurred late enough in the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons that economic damage in Nebraska is unlikely.
We encourage stakeholders to reach out to their local extension office and submit suspicious samples to the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic if they suspect the presence of this disease or its insect vector in their fields. We will continue to monitor and update. More info here: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/presence-corn-leafhoppers-confirmed-nebraska/.
Register Now for ACREE: Nebraska’s Free Irrigation Scheduling App Is Ready for the 2026 Season
Nebraska is experiencing below-normal snowfall and rainfall during the past winter and this early spring. In addition, the below-average snowpack in the North Platte River Basin has raised concerns about irrigation water supplies for this upcoming growing season. With potentially high irrigation demand expected this summer, making informed irrigation decisions will be critical.
As the irrigation season approaches, this is a good time for producers to register for our free irrigation scheduling tool: ACREE (Applied Collaborative Research, Extension and Education) app.
What Is the ACREE App?
The ACREE app was released in April 2025 as a mobile irrigation scheduling tool designed to support irrigation management across Nebraska. The app estimates soil water depletion using basic field agronomic information from producer and estimated crop water use from nearby Nebraska Mesonet weather stations. Based on these inputs, ACREE tracks crop water use and estimates the amount of water remaining in the soil profile.
The app doesn’t require installation of any soil moisture sensors. Key features include:
Irrigation scheduling recommendations for your particular field
Weekly crop water use reports (this is generalized weekly crop water use for the Nebraska Panhandle, especially Scotts Bluff County)
Visualization of the soil water depletion throughout the season
Field journaling to record crop and irrigation management activities
For producers who have soil moisture sensors installed in their fields, most commercial capacitance soil moisture probes can be integrated with ACREE with additional functionality. One such feature is integration of AI to interpret past seven-day soil moisture patterns (see details in the article, “ACREE App Launches SPADE AI to Detect Soil Moisture Patterns and Anomalies”). Please note this is an experimental feature, and AI can make mistakes.
Find out more here, including how to get the app and set it up: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/register-now-acree-nebraskas-free-irrigation-scheduling-app-ready-2026-season/.
How to Adjust Corn Nitrogen Rates with Higher Fertilizer Prices in 2026
Javed Iqbal - Extension Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist
Nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices have increased again this spring, tightening margins for Nebraska producers and putting more risk on every pound of N you apply. Instead of making across-the-board N cuts, this is a good year to tighten up efficiency and make sure every pound is working for you.
While prices are not at the record highs seen in 2022, they are noticeably higher than last year. Retail bids suggest N products like urea have jumped by nearly 20-30% in a week, from approximately $800/ton to $1,000/ton. At these prices, even small rate adjustments matter. Reducing N fertilizer applications by 20 lbs/acre can save $12–$18 per acre, depending on the N source.
Why are Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices Higher?
Most of N fertilizers are made from natural gas and traded globally. The production of N fertilizer is energy-intensive to produce and globally traded. When energy supply or shipping routes are disrupted, fertilizer prices can move quickly. Recent events like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have tightened global supplies of natural gas and ammonia, which has shown up as higher N price quotes at local retailers.
Of course, we cannot control global markets, but we can control how effectively we use N fertilizers in our farms this year. Below are few strategies to consider.
Practical Ways to Respond to Higher N Prices in 2026
Recalculate Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate (EONR)
As fertilizer prices increase relative to grain prices, the economically optimal nitrogen rate generally decreases. Revisit rate decisions using current fertilizer and grain prices, plug in your own N price and expected corn price in the UNL Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator; recheck rates if your N quote changes by more than 10-15%. The UNL Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator provides an updated, data-driven approach.
For example, at a 250 bu/acre yield goal, with $4.70/bu corn and urea increasing from $800 to $1,000 per ton, the UNL calculator suggests reducing rates from 246 to 224 lb N/acre on irrigated silt loam, saving about $22 per acre while maintaining maximum net return under current price conditions.
Shift More Nitrogen In-Season
Applying 60% or more of total N during the growing season improves synchronization with crop demand and reduces the risk of early-season loss. A base rate of 50–100 lb N/acre at planting, followed by sidedress or fertigation between V6 and R2, can reduce financial risk under volatile prices.
Use Diagnostics for Fine-Tune Decisions
Active canopy sensors, satellite imagery and yield-based management zones can refine in-season adjustments. Nebraska research shows that sensor-guided N management can reduce rates by 20–40 lb/acre without sacrificing yield.
Credit All Nitrogen Sources
Properly account for N credits from legumes, manure, irrigation water and residual soil nitrate. Updated manure N availability factors should be used to avoid unnecessary application.
Consider Participating in the Nebraska NUE Program
In addition to improving efficiency on your own operation, Nebraska producers may consider participating in the 2026 Nebraska Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Program.
This program, funded by the Nebraska Corn Board and administered in partnership with Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE), provides incentive payments of $15 per acre for qualifying corn fields that achieve a NUE of 1.0 lb total available N per bushel or lower.
Applications for the 2026 season are due to local NRDs by May 15, 2026, with final data submission due by Jan. 15, 2027. Participation in the program provides an opportunity to Improve profitability by reducing N input costs, protect groundwater quality, and be recognized for strong nitrogen management. More details about enrolling in the program are available through Nebraska DWEE.
Producers are encouraged to contact their local NRD for application information and guidance.
The Bottom Line
When N prices rise, efficiency becomes profitability, a 30% increase in cost per pound of N means that every pound must count. Strategic timing, accurate credits, economic recalculation and in-season diagnostics allow Nebraska producers to protect both yield and margins under higher fertilizer costs.
Naig Announces 33 Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Grants to Expand E15 Access Across Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 33 ethanol infrastructure grants during its quarterly meeting on March 11, supporting new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects at fuel retailers in 25 counties across Iowa.
The approved ethanol projects represent more than $2.12 million in state cost-share grants and will help fuel retailers install or upgrade equipment needed to offer E15 (Unleaded 88), expanding its availability at more gas stations across Iowa.
“These Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program investments are about giving drivers more access to American-made, homegrown energy at more Iowa gas stations,” said Secretary Naig. “When global events disrupt fuel supply chains and push gas prices higher, Iowa-produced E15 is proven to help save drivers money, while supporting Iowa farmers, jobs and rural communities.”
The complete list of the approved March 2026 projects includes.
Carroll - Kimmes Enterprises LLC - Carroll - $75,000.00 - Retail E15 Site
Cass - Olsen Fuel Supply, Inc - Atlantic - $25,000.00 - Retail E15 Site
The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program provides cost-share grants to fuel retailers to install or upgrade dispensers, storage tanks, and related equipment needed to offer higher blends of renewable fuels like E15 and biodiesel. Since the program began in 2006, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has invested more than $72 million in renewable fuels infrastructure across the state. These state investments have been matched by more than $280 million from Iowa fuel retailers and convenience stores, significantly expanding access to renewable fuels and strengthening Iowa’s biofuels economy.
The state of Iowa has prioritized biofuels as part of a broader strategy to reduce gas prices, increase consumer choice and develop markets for Iowa-grown products. Iowa is the first state in the nation to require most fuel retailers to sell and market E15, unless they qualify for a waiver or exemption. When the E15 Access Standard was passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2022, only 329 Iowa fuel retailers reported sales of E15, and now that number has more than tripled. To date, more than 1,100 fuel retailers in Iowa are selling E15; these stations represent more than half of the 2,051 commercial fuel retailers licensed, and they sell approximately 70 percent of the state’s gasoline by volume. More than 150 additional fuel retailers are investing in infrastructure upgrades and plan to offer E15 by the end of 2026, reinforcing Iowa’s commitment to making higher blends of biofuels more readily available to drivers.
VALLEY IRRIGATION INTRODUCES SMALL FIELD CENTER PIVOT
Valley Irrigation, the global leader in advancing agricultural productivity through precision irrigation technologies, today announced the launch of the Valley Small Field Center Pivot, a purpose-built irrigation system designed for smaller and irregularly shaped fields. This addition reinforces Valley’s commitment to delivering high-performance irrigation solutions for every grower, regardless of field size or shape.
The Valley Small Field Center Pivot is engineered with the same durability, reliability, and smart technology as Valley’s full suite of irrigation systems, providing growers with premium irrigation performance tailored to the unique challenges of small or irregular-shaped fields.
“The Valley Small Field Center Pivot delivers productivity and technology specifically for smaller and irregular fields,” said Andrew Carritt, Vice President, Product & Technology – Global Agriculture, Valley Irrigation. “Its compact pivot point, smart technology integration, and Valley’s industry leading durability and service provides growers with the same high-performance capabilities found in all of our systems, ensuring every field benefits from advanced irrigation.”
“Growers across North America are managing fields of all sizes and shapes, and they need solutions that provide consistent results and water efficiency,” said Kenneth Bracht, President, North America Agriculture, Valley Irrigation. “The Valley Small Field Center Pivot meets that need, reinforcing Valley’s leadership in delivering precision irrigation solutions for every grower and every field, as well as providing labor savings compared to traditional irrigation in small tracts.”
Key Benefits of the Valley Small Field Center Pivot
Optimized for small and irregular fields – designed to maximize coverage and performance in fields up to 60 acres where traditional Valley pivots may not be ideal.
Premium water efficiency – precision application via market-leading sprinklers optimizes water use and productivity.
High durability – engineered to Valley standards for long-term reliability.
Technical Highlights
Compact and efficient pivot structure – tailored to the needs of small field projects
Seamless integration with AgSense – digital monitoring and control available when equipped with a Valley ICON, allowing growers to manage all their irrigation via AgSense 365
Engineered overhangs and pivot design – maximize irrigated areas while ensuring uniform water distribution.
The Valley Small Field Center Pivot will be available beginning Q1 2026 through Valley Irrigation authorized dealers across North America, backed by Valley’s industry-leading warranty and service support.
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