Wednesday March 11 Ag News - PMRNRD Hosts Groundwater Mgt Mtg - PVC Monthly Meeting March 16 - NCBA Hosting Iowa Meeting - NCGA on Fertilizer Prices, Availability - Farm Groups Testify Before Congress - and more!

 Papio NRD to Hold Public Meetings for Groundwater Management Plan Update

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) will hold public meetings in Tekamah and Omaha regarding the planned update of its Groundwater Management Plan (GMP).

The Papio NRD GMP outlines rules and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater in the District by better understanding the available water supply, assessing water quality and contamination levels, and implementing and encouraging conservation measures. Nebraska law requires each of the state's 23 Natural Resources Districts to maintain an active and operational GMP.

The purpose of the public meetings is to introduce the GMP, gather input from attendees regarding any groundwater-related issues or concerns, and discuss potential next steps for plan improvement.

The meetings will be open-house style with no formal presentation to provide attendees with the opportunity to interact directly with District representatives. Both meetings will present identical information but are being held separately at the following dates and locations for the convenience of constituents: 
Wednesday, March 25 Tekamah - City Auditorium 1315 K St., Tekamah, NE 68061 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 Papio NRD 8901 S. 154th St., Omaha, NE 68138 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Papio NRD will provide the latest developments on the proposed GMP update at papionrd.org. For those without internet access, please contact Groundwater Management Engineer Philip Paitz at 402-444-6222.



PVC Feedlot Meeting is March 16th

The Platte Valley Cattlemen would like to invite you to the Annual Feedlot Meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the bar in Lindsay, Tavern 1888. 

Social hour will begin at 6:00, sponsored by Clay Hills Ag. The meal will begin at 7:00, sponsored by Merck.

The Speaker for the evening will be John Stika, President of Certified Angus Beef. He will be speaking to us about the Prime Brand, where demand is headed for Prime Beef, and how meat grading with cameras is expanding.

They look forward to seeing you in Lindsay on Monday evening! 



Farm Credit Services of America, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Launch Grant‑Writing Support Pilot to Help Farmers Pursue Sustainable Agriculture Funding

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) and AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry) announce the launch of a pilot program to assist producers seeking additional sources of capital for stewardship activities.  

The Farm Credit Associations are partnering with Lasso, a grant-writing service, to help participating producers find and apply for publicly funded grants. Producers report strong interest in stewardship activities but face financial barriers. The Associations are piloting grant-writing services for their customers as part of a broader toolbox of products and services for on-farm improvements. The pilot is available for eligible farm projects in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  

The program provides support to producers considering equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, or energy and efficiency projects who may be unsure whether grant funding is available or how to navigate the application process. Selected participants will receive Lasso's end-to-end support, including identifying relevant grant opportunities, preparing applications, and managing post-award requirements. FCSAmerica and AgCountry will cover the majority of the cost. 

“Producers are deeply committed to leaving their operations stronger for the next generation, but navigating evolving funding opportunities can become a significant hurdle,” said Myriah Johnson, Ph.D., vice president of sustainability for  FCSAmerica and AgCountry, which operate as part of a collaboration that includes Frontier Farm Credit. 

 “Through this pilot, we’re meeting producers where they are by supporting the projects they believe in, respecting their production choices, and removing barriers that slow the adoption of sustainable, economically viable improvements. By connecting producers with resources that make these investments more attainable, we’re strengthening both the resilience of their operations and the long‑term sustainability of agriculture across our region.” 

Lasso works directly with producers to understand their needs and match projects with federal, state, regional, and local grant programs, including opportunities such as the Value-Added Producer Grant, the Agriculture Diversification & Development Fund (North Dakota), and Choose Iowa’s Butchery Innovation Grant (Iowa). Lasso reports a 90 percent success rate and has helped secure more than 70 grants, representing millions of dollars in funding for on-farm projects. 

"Many farmers have strong project ideas but don't have the time or resources to navigate the grant process on their own," said Nicole Rojas, co-founder of Lasso. "Partnering with Farm Credit Services of America and AgCounty Farm Credit Services allows us to remove that barrier by helping producers identify the right funding opportunities and manage the grant process from start to finish, so they can focus on running their farms and investing in their operations with confidence."  

FCSAmerica has had a sustainability program since 2022 to support customer‑owners advance stewardship activities on their operations. We continually deepen our knowledge to provide the resources and insights customers seek as part of their stewardship decision-making.  

Producers interested in participating in the pilot should be open to pursuing public grant funding and have an on-farm project plan with potential vendors or service providers identified.



CAP Webinar Understanding the Ethanol Market
Mar 12, 2026 12:00 PM 
Scott Irwin, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois

The ethanol market has been a major demand driver for corn over the past few decades. The growth of the sector following renewable fuels legislation in 2005 and 2007 has matured, but various regulatory issues, tax incentives, and new potential opportunities for ethanol continue to drive usage and market impacts. This webinar will help explain the fundamental supply and demand elements at work in the ethanol market and the policy and market developments that could shape future directions for the sector.

Register 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. 



NARD Elects 2026 Officers

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Board of Directors elected new officers during their board meeting March 9, 2026.

The NARD Board consists of a representative from each of Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). The board meets five times throughout the year and helps guide the association in decision making that protects lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. The NARD Risk Pool Board governs the health insurance program for NRD employees.

Ryan Reuter, NARD President (Minatare, Nebraska)
Ryan Reuter of the North Platte NRD was elected president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Reuter, a sales manager with Betaseed and ACH Seeds, has served on the North Platte NRD and NARD boards since 2018. Reuter and his wife Amie have two daughters, Avery and Addison.

Mason Hoffman, NARD Vice President (Juniata, Nebraska)
Mason Hoffman of the Little Blue NRD was elected vice president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. He farms outside of Hastings and has served on the Little Blue NRD Board since 2016 and on the NARD boards since 2021. Hoffman and his wife Michelle have three children, Mara, Natalie and Theodore (Tate).

Deb VanMatre, NARD Secretary-Treasurer (Gibbon, Nebraska)
Deb VanMatre of the Central Platte NRD was elected secretary-treasurer of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. She is retired after a 25-year career with the Nebraska Turkey Growers Cooperative and has served on the Central Platte NRD Board since 2014 and on the NARD boards since 2023. Van Matre and her husband Nick have two children and five grandchildren.

Marty Graff, NARD Past President (Ainsworth, Nebraska)
Marty Graff of the Middle Niobrara NRD now serves as past president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Graff has served on the Middle Niobrara NRD Board 31 years and on the NARD boards since 2018. He farms with his wife, Brenda, and sons near Ainsworth.

In addition to the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and past president, the NARD Board executive committee includes Paul Bethune, Legislative Committee chair representing the Upper Big Blue NRD, and Deb Hansen, Information and Education Committee chair representing the Lower Niobrara NRD.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts Managers Committee
On March 4, the NRD managers elected Jasper Fanning, general manager of the Upper Republican NRD, as chair of the Managers Committee; and Kyle Hauschild, general manager of the Nemaha NRD, as vice-chair of the Managers Committee.

Jasper Fanning, Upper Republican NRD
Jasper Fanning has served as the general manager of the Upper Republican NRD since 2003. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in animal science and agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University, and a Doctorate degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University. Fanning resides in Ogallala with his wife Tara and sons Jaden and Jacob.

Kyle Hauschild, Nemaha NRD
Kyle Hauschild became the general manager of the Nemaha NRD in January 2021. He previously served as general manager of the Little Blue NRD (2018-2020) and stormwater/floodplain specialist at Lower Platte South NRD (2014-2018). Hauschild resides in Gretna with his wife Kelli and daughters Keira and Kaya.

The Managers Committee includes managers from all 23 Natural Resources Districts. The committee meets five times a year to coordinate NRD activities with state and federal agencies, conservation partners and other parties to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.



NCBA LEADERS VISIT IOWA TO SHARE D.C. PERSPECTIVE WITH CATTLE PRODUCERS

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) looks forward to welcoming leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) back to Iowa. Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO, and Ethan Lane, NCBA senior vice president of government affairs, will join ICA in late March for a series of farm visits, industry partner tours, and an evening producer meeting on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the Story County Fairgrounds Community Building.

ICA invites cattle producers and industry stakeholders to join in this informational meeting to hear from Woodall and Lane as they share their unique perspectives on the U.S. cattle industry and the political landscape in Washington, D.C. They will share a straightforward discussion of the key policy priorities and red flags that have their attention. From past events, one of the most valuable components of these meetings has been the candid question-and-answer session.

“We are fortunate that NCBA prioritizes visits and engaging with producers across the U.S.,” said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. “This is an opportune time for Iowa cattle producers to come out and learn about what is happening at the federal level, but more so, share their perspectives so that our NCBA team can go back and more effectively lobby for us based on firsthand interactions.”

The NCBA team in D.C. has been hard at work. They use real input from cattle producers across the U.S. to influence and drive their lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. ICA wants to ensure that Iowa cattle producers’ voices are represented. We encourage cattle producers to join us for the producer meeting to help elevate our members’ policy priorities and issues, and create a stronger narrative for NBCA to use in their efforts.

“Our advocacy in Washington is only as strong as the voices behind it, and Iowa cattle producers are an essential part of that effort,” said Ethan Lane, NCBA senior vice president of government affairs. “Every conversation we have on the ground helps shape the policies we push for in D.C. We’re grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from producers, understand what’s working, and tackle the challenges they’re facing head-on. These visits ensure that when we walk into a meeting on Capitol Hill, we’re bringing real-world experience and real producer priorities with us.” 

Producer meeting details: Tuesday, March 31 at the Story County Fairgrounds Community Building (90 I Ave, Nevada, Iowa). The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Free for ICA members, $20 meal cost for non-members. While an RSVP is not required, it is appreciated. Please RSVP to ICA at 515-296-2266. 



NCGA Comments on Fertilizer Prices and Availability 

In response to ongoing developments in the Middle East, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement:  

“Farmers have navigated extremely high fertilizer prices for several years, and have faced sustained expensive input prices for the past four years. The uncertainty in the Middle East complicates this situation as farmers will soon be planting the second most expensive corn crop on record. 

“While farmers source domestically when possible, the U.S. cannot solely provide for the fertilizer needs of corn farmers; imports are necessary. Unfortunately, some fertilizer providers have previously taken actions that blocked foreign suppliers from the U.S. market and only further exacerbated an already inflated market. We are fearful that additional disruptions to supply chains will justify price increases that will be expected to be borne by those already struggling under the weight of consecutive years of negative returns. We would welcome conversations with fertilizer providers on options to weather the current uncertainty in partnership with their most important customers.” 



ASA President Testifies on Expanding Domestic Markets for U.S. Soy

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Scott Metzger, a soybean farmer from Williamsport, Ohio, testified Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry regarding the importance of strengthening domestic markets for U.S.-grown agricultural products.

In his testimony, Metzger emphasized that expanding domestic demand is critical for American soybean farmers who are facing declining commodity prices, rising input costs, and continued trade uncertainty.

“Farmers need export markets and reliable trade agreements,” Metzger said. “That holds true today, just as it did in 2018 and 2025. Developing strong and growing domestic markets for our crops will support our farm economy.”

He highlighted the important role federal biofuel policy plays in supporting soybean farmers and urged the administration to finalize guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.

“These policies will provide certainty for the biofuels industry and help ensure U.S. soybean oil remains a competitive feedstock for biomass-based diesel and other renewable fuels,” Metzger said.

He also underscored the importance of maintaining strong domestic markets for soy foods and animal agriculture, which remains the largest customer for U.S. soybean meal. In addition, Metzger pointed to emerging opportunities for soy-based bioproducts and encouraged Congress to support the reauthorization of USDA’s BioPreferred Program in the next farm bill, while emphasizing the importance of farmer-led research and market development through the Soy Checkoff. 



NCGA Calls for Increased Demand for Ethanol During Congressional Testimony

The nation’s corn growers would benefit from increasing and creating new domestic demand for ethanol, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower said today during testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on increasing domestic consumption of U.S agricultural products. 

During his testimony, Bower zeroed in on expanding consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends, often called E15. Thanks to an obsolete clause in the Clean Air Act, the sale of E15 is prohibited during the summer months unless the Environmental Protection Agency issues a waiver.

“Year-round access to E15 is critical,” Bower told the committee. “Aside from the economic boost it would provide to farmers, year-round E15 would lead to significant savings for American consumers and strengthen U.S. energy dominance at a time when geopolitics are increasingly complicating markets and supply chains.”

Grower leaders have pushed hard for passage of E15 legislation, but despite several promising opportunities, attempts to pass the legislation have fallen short.

Beyond maintaining current markets, corn growers must look toward the future and new opportunities for biofuels to expand further into the transportation sector, Bower told the committee. Corn growers continue to argue that properly implementing the 45Z tax credit is essential for agriculture to make inroads to the aviation sector. 

“Corn-based ethanol can play a major role as a feedstock for producing aviation fuel,” Bower said. “The 45Z tax credit, which Congress wisely extended in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is poised to help stimulate expansion of this rising industry.”

Bower also noted that corn growers are actively exploring an emerging opportunity for ethanol in marine fuel. 

“Potentially reaching volumes of over four billion gallons within the next five years, the marine fuel market symbolizes an unprecedented opportunity for American corn farmers and the crops we produce.”

Bower also noted the importance of using corn in biobased products -- such as fibers, polymers, plastics and chemicals – which  not only creates an economic opportunity for farmers, but also presents a more environmentally sustainable alternative for ingredients in many products that Americans use in their everyday lives. 

He noted, for example, that capturing just 10% of the plastics market with biobased alternatives could generate demand for an additional 15 billion bushels of corn.

The hearing comes as corn growers are experiencing a fourth consecutive year of financial losses. To make matters worse, input costs for fertilizers and crop protections are high and rising.



North Dakota Farmers Union President Delivers Testimony to Senate Agriculture Committee  

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue testified Tuesday in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to underscore the importance of expanding domestic consumption of American agricultural products. 

“Family farmers are experiencing real economic pain. We need real solutions”, said Perdue. “We look forward to working with the Senate Agriculture Committee to expand domestic market opportunities, create new ones, and to ensure that all our markets are fair and competitive.” 

Perdue urged the committee to take swift action to address rising costs, low commodity prices, and growing market consolidation that are straining family farms and ranchers. He called for immediate approval of year‑round E15, stronger support for renewable fuels, continued investment in local and regional food systems, and meaningful enforcement against anti‑competitive practices. 



Farm Bureau President Offers Solutions to Increase Demand of Homegrown Food, Fiber and Renewable Fuel

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall yesterday offered a variety of solutions for increasing demand of U.S.-grown agricultural goods during testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry. He joined several other agriculture leaders to share priorities to address a structural imbalance that threatens both farmers’ livelihoods and food security in the U.S.

“We must strengthen domestic demand for American agricultural products. We must reinforce our production capacity of critical ag supplies and restore domestic processing capacity. We must ensure our safety nets are strong and expand fair and enforceable market access abroad,” Duvall noted in his opening comments. Watch the clip here.

The solutions offered include authorizing year-round E15, modernizing farm labor programs and establishing improved programs to enable schools and our military to purchase directly from local farms.

After his opening statement, President Duvall took questions from lawmakers, including Committee Chairman Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) who asked how Congress can help modernize farm labor programs. President Duvall responded that Congress needs to work together to deliver a bill to President Trump’s desk: “When I go across America and talk to farmers, it’s the number one issue they’re facing, long-term issue. Of course, the economy right now is the biggest issue that’s facing them, but labor is the biggest limiting factor that we have in agriculture today.” Watch the clip here.

In response to a question from Ranking Member Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) about agricultural research, President Duvall emphasized the importance of the United States keeping pace with other countries in terms of research funding: “All of the research that goes into agriculture helps us stay on the cutting edge. We see other countries where their agricultural communities are growing and adapting to the things that we adapted to many years ago. And, that research keeps us on the cutting edge and gives the consumer out there what they really want. So, it is vitally important for us to have additional monies for research. It helps us do the things that people in this country want us to do, from conserving our natural resources to creating new products and new crop protection tools that we can use in the future.” Watch the clip here.

When asked by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) about authorizing year-round E15, President Duvall called it “vitally important” for Congress to act: “It’s a no-brainer. It’s a win-win-win. It’s a win for consumers, win for the farmer and it’s a win for you [Congress] to make sure that you can do that for the consumer and for the farmer at the same time. And there’s no better time to do that, especially with some of the threatening of some of the fuel and oil going up because of the war.” Watch the clip here.

Commenting on potential fertilizer shortages or extreme price spikes due to rising tensions in the Middle East after a question from Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), President Duvall highlighted Farm Bureau’s recent urging for U.S. government action: “We need our government to use the Navy to make sure those ships can freely come through, and work with our partner countries to make sure they can come through. Also, the financial and insurance direction – when the strait was shut down, the insurance company Lloyd’s of London cut off insurance. They parked the boats. So, we need to use every opportunity that we have in our country to make sure that we solve that problem.” Watch the clip here. President Duvall sent a letter to President Trump earlier this week, urging him to intervene to address the disruption of fertilizer shipments from the Middle East.