Tuesday March 24 Ag News - NECC Livestock Apprenticeship Program - 98th NE FFA Convention this week - Ag Groups on Fertilizer Duties - Farmer Share of Food Dollar is 5.8 cents - AgMarket.net Acreage Estimates - and more!

New Livestock Apprenticeship Launches with Svehla Farms and Northeast Community College

A new apprenticeship opportunity in livestock management is helping grow the next generation of agricultural professionals, as Grant Hanel officially signs as an apprentice with Svehla Farms through a partnership with Northeast Community College.

Hanel, who has worked at Svehla Farms for several years, will continue building his hands-on experience while beginning his formal apprenticeship training. As part of the program, he plans to enroll at Northeast in fall 2026 to pursue a degree in Agribusiness while completing his livestock management apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship provides an earn-and-learn pathway, allowing Hanel to gain practical, on-the-job training under the mentorship of Jared Svehla while also developing industry knowledge in the classroom.

“We’re excited to have Grant take this next step with us,” said Dale Svehla of Svehla Farms. “He has already proven himself to be a dedicated and hardworking member of our operation, and this program allows us to continue investing in his growth while strengthening the future of our farm.”

Apprenticeship programs combine paid employment with structured, related coursework, giving students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in real time. Participants are guided by experienced mentors and gain valuable skills that prepare them for long-term careers in their field.

“Grant is a great example of how apprenticeship creates opportunities for students who are already working in their career area,” said Kimberly Andersen, associate director of apprenticeship at Northeast Community College. “He will be able to continue earning, learning, and advancing his education all at the same time, which is exactly what this program is designed to do.”

The apprenticeship program at Northeast was developed to help address workforce needs across the region while providing students with accessible, career-focused education pathways. Programs are available in a variety of fields, including agriculture, skilled trades, business, and healthcare.

For Hanel, the combination of hands-on experience and continued education made the decision an easy one. By remaining at Svehla Farms while pursuing his degree, he will be able to deepen his knowledge of livestock management, business operations, and the agricultural industry.

Apprenticeship programs are open to recent high school graduates, current college students, and individuals looking to advance or change careers - all while earning a paycheck.

Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice or partnering as an employer is encouraged to contact Kimberly Andersen, associate director of apprenticeship at Northeast Community College, at 402-844-7121 or kander61@northeast.edu.



98th Nebraska FFA Convention to host almost 8,000 members & guests

For three days, Lincoln will be transformed into a hub of agriculture, leadership, and celebration as 7,957  FFA members, advisors, and guests from across Nebraska gather for the 98th Nebraska State FFA Convention, held March 25-27. With this year’s theme, “Step up. Stand Out!” students will compete in a variety of contests, attend leadership workshops, and participate in hands-on learning experiences that highlight the impact of agriculture. 

Jake Rezac of the Bishop-Neumann FFA Chapter is the 2025-26 State FFA President, and is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has spent the year representing agriculture and FFA throughout the state and country. Rezac has most enjoyed getting to know the members that make up Nebraska FFA. 

“Our favorite moments this year have been anytime we get to connect with Nebraska FFA members,” said Rezac. “Chapter Officer Training, State Fair, and Chapter Visits were our favorite events because we got to meet so many members and learn so much about the amazing things they are doing not just in FFA, but in their lives too!”

The Nebraska FFA Convention offers a dynamic lineup of events, including leadership academies, career development competitions, and interactive workshops designed to empower students. Attendees can engage in activities such as the East Campus Scavenger Hunt, explore the Nebraska FFA Foundation Expo, and participate in various speaking and skills contests. Additionally, the convention features tours of agricultural facilities, providing hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

Another major part of the convention is the six general sessions held at Pinnacle Bank Arena, where the first session will award over 900 State FFA Degrees. Keynote speakers include Taes Leavitt, an award winning creator of children's TV programming, environmental expert Dr. Nick Fuhrman (Ranger Nick), and former Nebraska FFA member and current Air Force Major, Lance Wach. Other session highlights include retiring addresses from this year’s State FFA Officer Team, and recognizing awards and achievements for FFA members competing in contests throughout the week.

The 2025-26 Nebraska State FFA Officers are:
    Jake Rezac: Bishop-Neumann FFA (President)
    Leah Christen: Lewiston FFA (Secretary)
    Jadyn Tidyman: Chadron FFA
    Kash Majerus: Aurora FFA
    Meredith Ruda: Logan View FFA
    Josh Pierce: Pleasanton FFA
    Alexis Davis: York FFA

“My favorite part of convention is getting to see the hard work and countless hours of practice and preparation finally pay off for Nebraska FFA members,” said Rezac. “I can't wait to see the excitement on the faces of the members who receive awards and get recognized.”



FFA Members Explore Career Pathways at Expo & Career Fair

Nebraska FFA members will engage with around 100 exhibitors at the Expo & Career Fair hosted by the Nebraska FFA Foundation during the 98th Nebraska FFA State Convention March 25-27. Vendor booths will line the upper 3rd and 5th concourses of Pinnacle Bank Arena.

On Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26, commodity groups, associations, and colleges will have the opportunity to interact with students during the Expo. On Friday, March 27, the Career Fair is in full swing for companies looking to showcase their organizations and recruit Nebraska's youth talent. Organizers expect more than 4,000 FFA members to take part in both the Expo and Career Fair to explore future college and career opportunities. 

Nebraska FFA Foundation corporate sponsor, Pioneer, enjoys being a part of the Career Fair because of the excitement and passion of Nebraska FFA members.

“Pioneer chooses to participate in the career fair because the agriculture industry is at our core, and we believe FFA members can and will make a positive impact on agriculture now and into the future,” shared Eric Dam, area lead with Pioneer. “We want to interact first-hand with these energetic and talented young people, and the career fair allows us to do that. The conversations we get to have with FFA members leave us feeling excited about the next generation. We hope our presence is one small way to show our support of these great young people.”

There are over 300 careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources, and we hope to make that connection for students as they are in the discovery stages of early career exploration,” says Victoria Broders, Nebraska FFA Foundation program manager. “Providing this opportunity to connect students with vendors offers early exposure to diverse industries, sparks career interest, and fosters essential networking skills.  



NeFFA Foundation Announces Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award

The Nebraska FFA Foundation has awarded Ms. Jessica Evans, Osmond FFA advisor, with the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award. Evans was nominated and selected for the award based on her selfless service and dedication to youth development.

“There are several characteristics that set Jessica apart as someone who goes above and beyond,” says community member Sheila Abler. “When a need arises, she does not hesitate—she shows up and goes to work. She leads by example, showing students and community members what it means to serve selflessly and respond when others are in need.”

Her dedication to youth development is equally impactful. As a teacher, track coach, and FFA advisor at Osmond High School, Evans invests deeply in her students’ growth. She started the Osmond FFA Chapter, and has built it into a thriving, competitive program. Her commitment to conservation education, recognized when she was named Lower Elkhorn NRD Educator of the Year in 2023, reflects her desire to shape not only skilled students but responsible citizens.

“Jessica deserves the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award because she truly represents the spirit of helping hands in action. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, strengthening both individuals and the broader community,” says Abler. “Jessica’s steady commitment, humble leadership, and willingness to step forward in times of need make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of this award.” 

The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture teacher or FFA advisor for what he or she has done in helping others, specifically in the school and community outside of agriculture education and FFA. As a recipient of the award, Evans will receive a plaque and a $500 cash award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation. She will be recognized March 26 during Session 3 of the Nebraska FFA State Convention.

“The Foundation is honored to present this award to Ms. Evans. She exemplifies many qualities that defined Gary Scharf’s life–commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness,” says Executive Director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, Stacey Agnew.

Scharf, who was a victim of the 2007 Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha, grew up on a family farm near Curtis, Nebraska. He worked in the agricultural chemical industry. Over the years, he made contributions to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, serving as the board president in 2002-2003.



CAP Webinars 

Understanding Grazing Land Rental Rates and Lease Agreements in 2026
Apr 9, 2026 12:00 PM 
With Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, Extension Agricultural Economists, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
This presentation highlights recent Nebraska survey results on grazing land cash rental rates and lease arrangements. These results offer insight into current expectations across the state. Practical leasing considerations paired with these findings support landowners and tenants in developing clear, workable agreements.

Stocking Rates 101: Matching Livestock to Your Grass
Apr 16, 2026 12:00 PM 
With Ben Beckman and Ryan Benjamin, Livestock Systems Extension Educators, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
How many cattle can your pasture really support? Learn practical ways to estimate forage, set stocking rates, and adjust as conditions change so you can protect both pasture health and profitability.

Managing Grazing Risk: Leases, Flexibility, and Drought Decisions
Apr 23, 2026 12:00 PM 
With Ben Beckman and Ryan Benjamin, Livestock Systems Extension Educators, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
When weather and markets don’t go as planned, how can lease arrangements build flexibility into stocking decisions? This session covers drought planning, disaster recovery, flexible lease options, and practical strategies to manage risk and avoid costly grazing mistakes.

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.  You can also register thru this website.  



Ag Groups Urge Action on Phosphate Fertilizer Duties

Over 50 state grower groups and eight national ag groups filed a letter with the Department of Commerce on Friday urging it to revoke countervailing duties on imports of phosphate fertilizer as the sunset review begins.
 
The letter, signed by groups like the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, USA Rice and US Rice Producers Association, said if the duties continue, they will further worsen the dire economic conditions faced by American farmers.
 
“Maintaining the phosphate fertilizer [duties] will allow a small set of powerful corporations to continue to limit supply options for farmers,” the letter said. “This has already prevented farmers from accessing the tools that meet their crop production needs and resulted in lower yields and negative economic impacts.”
 
Phosphate fertilizer is an essential input for modern crop production, used predominately for growing corn, soybeans, cotton and other agricultural commodities. U.S. growers rely on phosphate fertilizer to maintain yields and remain competitive in domestic and global markets. Phosphate fertilizer is fundamental to producing the food and fiber that sustains American families and rural economies.
 
In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition filed by the U.S.-based Mosaic Company, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic claimed at the time that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling the products at extremely low prices. The petition was supported by J.R. Simplot. This year, the duties will be examined under a sunset review process that will determine if the duties should continue.
  
The duties have had major effects on the phosphate fertilizer market. At least one Moroccan company halted shipments of phosphate fertilizers into the U.S., which led to price hikes and shortages, saddling farmers with a hardship that has only worsened in recent weeks with the conflict in the Middle East. 

“These [duties] have placed additional strain on farmers already navigating volatile commodity markets, weather uncertainty, and rising expenses across nearly every category of farm operations, and have impacted the affordability crisis that is so critical today,” the letter said. For many growers, fertilizer represented 40 percent of operating costs in 2025, and price increases in this critical input directly affect planting decisions, long-term viability, and the livelihoods of farm families.”
 
Ag groups recently sent a letter to the CEOs at Mosaic and Simplot raising their concerns. There was no response. The groups hope officials at Commerce and the International Trade Commission will strongly consider their perspective in the sunset review and revoke the duties.
 


ASA Urges Commerce to Revoke Phosphate Fertilizer Duties

The American Soybean Association (ASA) joined a coalition of agricultural organizations on Friday in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce urging the revocation of countervailing duties (CVDs) on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco and Russia. 

“We are disappointed Mosaic and Simplot did not listen to their farmer customers and are pursuing an extension of these costly countervailing duties. Soybean farmers are already facing tight margins and rising input costs, and fertilizer is one of the most critical and expensive inputs we rely on to grow a crop,” said Scott Metzger, ASA President and soybean farmer from Ohio. “Trade import duties that limit supply and drive-up prices only make it harder for farmers to stay afloat. We need access to reliable, affordable fertilizer to remain competitive and continue producing for our customers at home and abroad.” 

The letter warned that maintaining the duties limits access to essential inputs, reduces market competition, and places additional strain on farmers navigating volatile markets, rising input costs, and ongoing uncertainty. Fertilizer accounted for a significant share of operating expenses in 2025, and elevated prices continue to impact planting decisions and farm viability.  

ASA and the coalition called on Commerce to revoke the duties as part of the current sunset review, noting that doing so would help restore balance to fertilizer markets and provide much-needed relief to U.S. farmers. 



Farmer Share of Food Dollar Shrinks

In another sobering reminder of the economic challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers, new data show that farmers’ share of the money consumers spend on food continues to shrink, even as expenses rise. The latest Market Intel from American Farm Bureau Federation economists shows that in 2024 farmers and ranchers received a combined 5.8 cents of every food dollar after accounting for expenses, down from 5.9 cents in 2023. 2024 is the latest available data from USDA.

Crop producers saw their share decline from 2.9 to 2.5 cents, while livestock producers experienced a modest increase from 3 to 3.3 cents. The majority of the food dollar is attributed to food marketing costs incurred after food passes the farmgate. “Taken together, the food dollar data highlight a fundamental reality of the modern food system: while farmers and ranchers are the foundation of food production, most of the economic value is created after products leave the farm,” the Market Intel states. “Less than 6 cents of total value added occurs at the farm level, while the marketing bill continues to expand as consumer spending increasingly reflects processing, transportation, retail and food service.”

The slight increase in share among livestock producers reflects a shrinking herd, which increases the value of cattle. Historically low crop prices and increased expenses including fuel and fertilizer pulled down the share for crop farmers.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “America’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our country’s food system, yet they only see a small share of the total food dollar. While prices may be up at the grocery store, most farmers’ paychecks are shrinking. Even modest swings in commodity prices or increases in expenses can quickly strain farmers’ finances to the breaking point. This imbalance must be corrected to create a brighter future for U.S. agriculture. The only alternative is reliance on other countries to feed America’s families.” 



AgMarket.Net Unveils Official Acreage Estimates Ahead of USDA Report

AgMarket.Net, an agricultural brokerage and consulting firm, announces its acreage estimates ahead of USDA’s Prospective Plantings report release.

AGMARKET.NET ESTIMATES (MILLION ACRES) 
                          AgMarket.Net®      2026 USDA Outlook Forum 2026      USDA 2025
CORN                    94.4                                        94.0                                         98.8
SOYBEANS          86.1                                        85.0                                         81.2
ALL WHEAT        44.6                                        45.0                                         45.3

The company expects soybean acres to climb substantially in 2026 while corn acres retreat from 98.8 million acres in 2025, a figure AgMarket.Net considers an outlier.

"Beans are at levels we haven't had a chance to hedge at in a long time," says co-founder and CEO Matt Bennett. 

"The combination of stronger soybean prices, the natural corn-to-soybean rotation and what it costs to put corn out this year - all of those things point to a larger shift in soybean acres."

Bennett notes corn acres could remain strong by historical standards. The firm believes combined corn and soybean acres should exceed 2025 totals, reflecting fewer cotton and rice acres.

"Producers are still going to want to plant corn," says Bennett. "Producers can insure more revenue for less money invested this year. At the same time, it's a bit more prohibitive to plant corn. Last year's aggressive corn acres drive the rotation shift and surging energy and input costs from the crisis in the Middle East add to that pressure."

AgMarket.Net® projects all-wheat acres lower from a year ago, citing weak profit margins. The firm notes winter wheat acres are largely locked in, with spring wheat acres expected to decline.



Supply and Demand for Summer Beef and Cattle Markets
Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

Recent “In the Cattle Markets” articles have focused on trade, demand, and beef production. To continue the theme of the various links in the beef supply chain, this article will focus on cattle availability and where market conditions could be headed as we move into spring and eventually the summer grilling season when seasonal demand for beef typically peaks.

The total number of cattle on feed on March 1, 2026, was estimated to be 11.55 million head, up slightly from last month and down slightly from the same time period as last year. Placements were 1.61 million head, up about 57,000 head, or 4%, from last year. Marketings of fed cattle were 1.52 million head, down about 7% from last year. While marketings have been consistently lower than last year, marking fewer numbers of fed cattle available, it’s important to note that placements have outpaced marketings of cattle in five of the last six months. This means more cattle are being placed on feed than are being marketed for beef. This should lead to more cattle being available for beef production during the next several months when grilling demand ramps up. 

Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of grilling season, which typically brings peak seasonal demand for beef. March and April usually bring peak demand for other proteins such as ham and lamb, while beef demand slows. This year, demand for beef has risen over the last several weeks, pulling prices higher at a much faster pace than in past years. Since January, the choice beef cutout value has increased by $50.14/cwt or 13%, from $349.97/cwt on Jan. 2, 2026, to $400.11/cwt on March 20, 2026. This is 25% higher than 2025 and has many analysts questioning if the strong demand from grilling season will pull beef prices even higher this summer.

Cattle supplies will take years to rebuild, but demand can change more quickly. Events such as a recession could be a threat to the strong demand that has supported beef prices over the last couple of years. Continued strong demand is key to maintaining a strong cattle market in the months to come. If demand begins to fall for any reason, especially during grilling season, beef prices will also begin to fall along with the cutout value. When the cutout falls, the packer has to buy cattle at a lower price, which leads to lower prices at the farm gate.