Tuesday March 17 Ag News - Pillen on Wildfires Exec Order & Available Resources - NCB, NSB Donate Grain Bin Rescue Tubes - Farm Bill Priority - and more!

Pillen Signs Executive Order for Assistance with Ag Supplies for the State of Nebraska

Due to the Nebraska wildfires that have severely impacted livestock feed and supplies within the state of Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order to provide emergency relief.

The executive order waives hours of service restrictions and adjusts the maximum load width/weight limits allowed for commercial motor carriers operating within the State of Nebraska which are providing direct assistance to areas and industries affected under the emergency declaration.

The Governor’s order (26-07) is effective immediately and will remain so for the following 14 days.

“Nebraska’s producers are facing a real need right now, and we have the responsibility to stand with our farmers and ranchers,” said Gov. Pillen. “The faster we get feed and supplies where they’re needed, the more we can do to support our livestock industry.”

“We thank Governor Jim Pillen for quickly signing this important executive order as producers are fighting against the devastating effects of wildfires,” said Nebraska Cattleman President Craig Uden.

More than 600,000 acres have been burned across central and western Nebraska.

Gov. Pillen continued, “Please continue to pray for our firefighters on the frontline, the families whose lives are being upturned, and the producers who are working around the clock to protect their operations and livestock.”



NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING LIVESTOCK PRODUCER NEEDS AND RESPONSE

With the raging wildfires across the state, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is concentrating efforts on assisting our farm and ranch families and their livestock.

Producers that have been impacted by the wildfire and need hay, feedstuffs, fencing materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc. should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550 or fill out the form at https://bit.ly/ndadonationrequests. Be prepared to share your name, contact information, address, what assistance you are seeking.

Nebraska has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for our producers.  If you have hay, feed, fencing materials, equipment, household supplies, etc. that you are willing to donate, please contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550 or fill out the form at: https://bit.ly/ndadonationsupplies.  Be prepared to share your name, contact information and what you have that you are willing to donate and the amount, along with your location.

NDA staff will be gathering this information and sharing a Disaster Relief Information Sheet on our social media platforms as well as on our website.  The information will be updated frequently as long as needed.   
A list of disaster relief resources for Nebraska farmers and ranchers is also available online at: https://nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources.  This website includes links to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs including the Livestock Indemnity Program.



Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund Opens

Monday, leadership of the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund announced they are accepting monetary donations and relief applications to assist beef cattle producers who are being impacted by fires. 

Nebraska Cattlemen President Craig Uden stated, “In the face of the largest wildfire in Nebraska history, our communities remain strong. We are grateful for the first responders, volunteer firefighters, and local leaders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and livestock. Leadership of the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund hopes people will consider contributing to help beef cattle producers who are being impacted by these fires."

The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund will remain activated and accept monetary donations until further notice by leadership of the Disaster Relief Fund. 100% of the donations will be distributed to producers who were impacted.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations made to the Disaster Relief Fund may be tax deductible – a receipt will be sent upon deposit of funds. Those donating should consult with their tax advisor for final determination.

Funds will only be distributed to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where a fire was reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Watch Center. As of today, disaster declarations have been issued for the Morrill County fire, impacting Morrill, Garden, Arthur and Keith Counties, and the Cottonwood Fire, impacting Lincoln, Dawson, and Frontier Counties.

Membership in Nebraska Cattlemen is not required for applicants to receive relief. Applications may be submitted from today until further notice. Relief funds will not be distributed until the application period closes. 

Individuals who would like to donate either online or by mailing a check, please visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org/disaster-relief-fund.

For any questions, please contact the Nebraska Cattlemen office at (402) 475-2333 or email disasterrelief@necattlemen.org.



Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board to Partner for Grain Bin Rescue Equipment and Training in 2026

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) are partnering once again to encourage grain bin safety by donating two grain rescue tubes and training sessions to fire and rescue departments in Nebraska. In collaboration with Nationwide and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), this initiative aims to equip rural fire and rescue teams with the knowledge and tools to respond to grain bin entrapments effectively, safely and efficiently.

Grain bin accidents remain a significant hazard in agriculture, with suffocation from engulfment being the leading cause of death in grain bins. When someone becomes trapped in a grain bin, a rescuer must pull the weight of the victim and the weight (force) of the grain surrounding the victim. The force needed to save a person is higher, the deeper a person is buried in the grain. If a 165-pound victim is three feet deep in grain, the extraction force required is 160 pounds. If they are six feet deep, the extraction force increases to over 1,335 pounds.

“With farmers actively moving grain, selling from bins and checking conditions this spring, now is a critical time to stress grain bin safety,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB and farmer from Giltner, Nebraska. “We’re proud to once again sponsor this grain bin safety program to help reduce risks and prevent tragedies in our farming and rural communities. Every safe step in and around grain bins is important.”

To facilitate the donation process, NSB and NCB have created an entry form for Nebraska fire and first responder departments to apply for the grain rescue tubes and training sessions. Community members, farmers and emergency personnel are encouraged to submit nominations explaining how their local fire department would benefit from this life-saving equipment and training. The deadline to submit nominations is April 17, 2026.

The two selected grain bin training sessions will be scheduled by NECAS staff. To submit an entry for grain rescue equipment and training, visit this form (form.jotform.com/Soybean/NCB_NSB_GrainRescueGiveaway) or the Nebraska Corn Board or Nebraska Soybean Board’s websites.

“Grain bin accidents can happen in seconds, and access to proper training and rescue equipment can mean the difference between life and death,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “We are proud to work with great partners to ensure Nebraska’s rural emergency responders have the resources they need to protect Nebraska farm families.”

It is essential to follow key safety practices that protect those working in and around grain bins. The best way to reduce the risk of grain entrapment on your farm or facility is to never enter bins unless absolutely necessary. If entry is required, be sure to follow these seven safety steps:
    Always visually inspect the grain bin or storage area before entering it.
    Ensure all equipment and power sources for grain handling equipment have been shut off, secured and/or properly locked.
    The person entering the grain bin must wear a safety harness and lifeline attached and properly secured or be seated in a boatswain chair.
    Wear an appropriate dust mask or respirator when entering grain bins to protect against dust and mold exposure.
    Never enter a grain bin alone.
    There must be an observer located outside of the grain bin who can monitor the person inside.
    Ensure the observer and person in the bin can easily communicate.
    Ensure that rescue resources are available if the person does become entrapped.



Restocked Grids Help Producers and Educators Measure Carcass Traits in Beef and Pork

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers two simple tools that help producers, educators and meat processors measure carcass traits in beef and pork. The products have recently been restocked and are now available on the ISU Extension Store.

The Beef Ribeye Grid and Pork Loin Eye Grid are used to estimate the size of ribeye and loin eye muscles on harvested animals. These measurements are commonly used in livestock judging contests, youth fair carcass evaluations and by producers who want carcass data to inform breeding decisions.

To use the grids, the transparent sheet is placed over the cut surface of the muscle and the dots within the ribeye or loin eye are counted. The total is then converted into square inches of muscle area.

Terry Houser, associate professor and extension meat specialist at Iowa State, advises that for beef carcasses, the ribeye is measured at the cut surface between the 12th and 13th ribs. This is the same location used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assign quality and yield grades. Each dot on the beef grading grid represents one-tenth of an inch.

The pork grid measures the loin eye muscle at the 10th and 11th rib cut surface, Houser said. Because pork loins are typically smaller, each dot represents one-twentieth of an inch.

Each product is offered as a pack of five grids and can be purchased for $20.

To learn more or access the product, visit the ISU Extension Store: Beef Ribeye Grid https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/animals-and-livestock/beef-cattle/as234.html and Pork Loin Eye Grid https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/animals-and-livestock/swine/as235.html.



Searching for Iowa’s Best Burger

For those searching for the best burger in Iowa, the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are making the quest easier as they announce the top 10 finalists in the 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest.

More than 350 restaurants were nominated this year, and 5,400 burger aficionados cast their votes to determine the finalists. There are a handful of restaurants returning to the coveted list, and many new contenders making it for the first time. The Top Ten finalists for 2026 (in alphabetical order) are:
Arcadia, Polk City*
B52 Bar & Grill, Bennett
Dixie’s Biergarten, Decorah
Northside Diner, Washington
Prairie Canary, Grinnell
Salsa Guy Café, Cedar Rapids*
Scooters On Main, Alta
Smash & Grab Burger Co., Knoxville*
TCI Bar & Grill, Polk City
The Landmark Bistro, Grundy Center
* Returning Top 10 Finalist

“We know Iowans love beef, especially burgers,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “The Iowa’s Best Burger Contest celebrates that passion, along with the commitment of our state’s cattle farmers who raise the high-quality beef served on menus.”

To qualify, the burger must feature a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. Toppings, condiments, sauces, and cheese are left to the creativity of the restaurant.

The final phase of the contest begins soon, as a panel of anonymous judges will visit each Top Ten restaurant to evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160°F). The 2026 Iowa’s Best Burger winner will be announced on May 1 to kick off May Beef Month.

Recent Previous Winners
2025 – Halftime Bar & Grill, Pleasantville
2024 – JJ’s Tavern + Grill, Ankeny
2023 – Flight Bar + Grille, Huxley
2022 – The Flying Elbow, Marshalltown
2021 – Bambino’s, Ossian
2020 – Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, BeeBeeTown

To view the full list of Top Ten finalists, including locations and hours, visit https://www.iabeef.org.



IFBF webinar helps farmers cut expenses and fine-tune spring nitrogen

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), in partnership with Iowa State University (ISU), is hosting a farmer webinar, “Why it Pays to Test Your Soil Nitrogen,” on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. The free webinar is designed to provide new data and tools to farmers regarding this season’s nitrate trends that translate into practical, cost-saving tips for planting season. 

The webinar will feature ISU researchers Dr. Matt Helmers, Dr. Mike Castellano and Dr. Richard Roth who will share findings from their recent modeling analysis of soil mineralization and the factors contributing to the unusual nitrogen levels this winter, along with the latest nitrogen fertility support tools available to farmers to reduce input costs and support yield goals while protecting water quality. 

“We continuously strive to provide the latest science and practical solutions to farmers to help them make the best decisions for their farms,” said Shawn Richmond, IFBF conservation and natural resources policy advisor. “This webinar brings credible science together with real-world tools so farmers can make confident nitrogen decisions that help reduce costs at a time when margins are tight and input costs are high – all while continuing to improve soil and water outcomes.” 

“Since 98% of the nitrogen in Iowa’s soil is naturally occurring, the key is understanding how environmental conditions drive its availability. Our new modeling sheds light on that and gives farmers new insight to fine-tune their nitrogen rates so they can balance economic returns with environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Castellano. 

To register for the webinar, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZaEF2Vj1R-O4ah7jaXMHgg 



New Farm Bill is House Republicans’ Top Priority
NPPC Newsletter
 
The House Republican Conference met to discuss priorities leading up to Congress’ August recess and put passage of a new farm bill at the top of its list.
 
The House Agriculture Committee approved Farm Bill 2.0 – the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026” – that includes a fix for the problems caused by California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of pork in California from hogs born to sows raised in housing that fails to meet the state’s standards. A House floor vote is expected this Congress.
 
Another GOP priority of interest to pork producers includes reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act and the Surface Transportation Act. WRDA has no expiration date but has been reauthorized every two years since 2014, with the latest being signed into law January 4, 2025. The surface transportation measure expires Sept. 30, 2026.
 
The National Pork Producers Council strongly supports approval of a new farm bill, which, in addition to addressing problems caused by California Proposition 12, funds vital agricultural programs, including ones promoting farm exports and preventing and combatting foreign animal diseases.
 
It also backs reauthorization of WRDA and the Surface Transportation Act, both of which help maintain and improve the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
 
WRDA maintains and modernizes the nation’s dams, ports, levees, and inland waterways, all of which are important to farmers (Many utilize the river barge system, for example, to transport grains to mills, elevators, and ports). It also authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to oversee projects and maintain and improve waterway infrastructure, including ports and harbors.
 
The Surface Transportation Act supports U.S. agriculture and rural economies by ensuring roads and bridges are maintained, allowing inputs to reach farms and commodities to be transported to markets.  



ASA Urges President Trump to Prioritize Soybeans in Upcoming Trade Talks with China

Ahead of a planned meeting with President Xi Jinping in China later this month, the American Soybean Association is urging President Trump to prioritize U.S. soybeans in ongoing trade talks and secure additional commitments from China to support American farmers and ranchers.  

In a letter sent Monday to the White House, ASA called for additional purchases of U.S. soybeans and the removal of the remaining 10% retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports into China.  

“Farmers continue to face serious headwinds as we enter the 2026 planting season,” said ASA President Scott Metzger and Ohio soybean farmer. “We need a return to predictable and stable trade with our largest customer in China. We appreciate President Trump’s attention to the plight of soybean farmers and the commitments secured in Busan last autumn, and we are hopeful that he will secure more positive outcomes for U.S. agriculture after this next meeting with President Xi.”

In Marketing Year 2024/2025, U.S. soybean farmers shipped 22.6 million metric tons (MMT) to China, accounting for $9.9 billion in sales. On average, China imports between 25 to 30 MMT of U.S. soybeans annually. According to the fact sheet released in November by the White House, China committed to purchase 12 MMT for the 2025/2026 Marketing Year, plus 25 MMT for 2026, 2027, and 2028. Maintaining the status quo for exports to China while the cost of inputs continues to rise and place additional financial strain on farmers is not sustainable for the rural economy.

ASA appreciates the administration’s attention to this critical issue and looks forward to continuing to advocate for expanded market access opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.



U.S.-Ecuador Agreement Improves Access to Tightly Restricted Dairy Market

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) praised Friday’s signing of a U.S.–Ecuador agreement on reciprocal trade. The agreement would improve export opportunities for U.S. dairy products in a market that has been plagued by restrictive tariffs and nontariff trade barriers.

The deal is slated to eliminate tariffs on several U.S. dairy products; recognize U.S. regulatory oversight, including commitments to eliminate facility listing requirements and accept dairy certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities; overhaul Ecuador’s burdensome import licensing system for agricultural products; and protect 40 common cheese names like “parmesan.” U.S. dairy exporters have faced challenges in these areas in this market.

“Ecuador has long been a difficult market for U.S. dairy exporters to crack,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This agreement puts in place the strong nontariff disciplines needed for U.S. dairy exporters of ingredients and various cheeses to make headway in growing their sales to Ecuador, while also improving the tariff landscape in this market.”

“Ambassador Greer, Ambassador Callahan and the USTR team have racked up yet another win for American dairy farmers with this Ecuador agreement,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “With an unprecedented investment in U.S. dairy manufacturing capacity, deals like this are vital to making it easier for international buyers to source the great products our dairy companies are making.”

“The European Union has been working aggressively in Ecuador for several years now to pursue market restrictions impacting sales opportunities for both local product and other non-EU products,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “Our thanks to the USTR team, in particular Ambassador Callahan, for delivering strong common names protection that will provide greater opportunities to sell U.S. products like ‘parmesan’ and ‘bologna’ in a growing region of Latin America.”

The agreement is the tenth trade deal secured to date by the Administration that includes new market access for U.S. dairy products. USDEC, NMPF and CCFN remain committed to working with the Administration to support implementation of the agreement’s provisions.