Friday April 10 Ag News - NE Hall of Ag Achievement honors Briggs, Green - NeFB Foundation Student Grants - IFBF Young Farmers Tour Western Iowa Ag - Global Dairy Markets Face Margin Pressure - USMCA Renewal - and more!

BRIGGS, GREEN HONORED BY NEBRASKA HALL OF AGRICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT

Leaders in agribusiness and higher education whose work has shaped Nebraska’s agricultural landscape were recognized March 27 at the annual banquet for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.

David Briggs, president and CEO of Western Cooperative Company and CEO of Sustainable Beef, and Ronnie Green, chancellor emeritus of the university, were honored for lasting contributions to agriculture, rural communities and the state. 

The event, held at the Nebraska East Union, also recognized 12 new members whose leadership spans production agriculture, extension, agribusiness and natural resources.

“The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement exists to recognize individuals whose outstanding leadership and dedication have advanced agriculture for the benefit of our state and beyond,” said Mark Gustafson, president of the organization.

Leadership rooted in Nebraska agriculture
Briggs has led WESTCO since 2000, growing the cooperative into a diversified organization serving producers across western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Under his leadership, the company has expanded to 17 locations and more than 200 employees.

As CEO of Sustainable Beef in North Platte, he helped guide development of a $400 million beef processing facility that began operations in 2025. The project represents one of the most significant recent investments in Nebraska’s beef industry, strengthening market access and opportunities for producers across the region.

Green served as the university’s 20th chancellor from 2016 to 2023 and previously led the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources as Harlan Vice Chancellor.

An internationally recognized animal scientist, Green’s career spans academia, federal research and industry. His work in animal breeding and genomics, along with his leadership at Nebraska, has contributed to advancements in agricultural research, education and global engagement.

New members recognized for statewide impact
The hall inducted 12 new members representing a broad cross section of Nebraska agriculture. Listed alphabetically by community, they are:
> Belvidere: Gina Hudson
> Bridgeport: Kevin Hall, Tom Hayden
> Broken Bow: Jim Girardin Jr.
> Fullerton: Galen Frenzen
> Hartington: Edward Lammers
> Lakeside: Melody Benjamin
> Lincoln: Royce Schaneman, Charles Wortmann
> Minden: Duane Kristensen
> Mitchell: Peggy Wells
> York: Jenny (Rees) Brhel

Each inductee was recognized for leadership, innovation and long-term contributions that have strengthened Nebraska agriculture and rural communities.

Founded in 1916, the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement honors individuals whose work has provided lasting benefit to agriculture in Nebraska. The organization preserves the history of agricultural progress while recognizing those who continue to shape its future.

The annual banquet brings together leaders from across the state to celebrate the people and partnerships that drive Nebraska agriculture forward.



NeFB FOUNDATION OFFERS STUDENT PROJECT GRANTS
 
Nebraska Farm Bureau will award $8,000 in grants from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Charles Marshall Fund to help students start or grow their 4-H or FFA projects. Grant amounts of $250, $500, $750, and $1,000 will be distributed until funds are exhausted.

Age 15 and below: applicant's parent(s) must be a Farm Bureau member. Age 16+: applicant
must be a Student Farm Bureau member. To join Nebraska Farm Bureau, visit www.nefb.org.
 
What are the criteria for selection?
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges (Nebraska Farm Bureau members and/or
staff). The criteria for selection will be based on the completeness of the application in each
area:
    Project Summary
    Budget and Goals
    Financial Need
    Personal & Advisor Statements

How do students apply?
Fill out the online application here or scan the QR code below.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM (CST) on April 12. Applicants will receive notification of the results by May 15, 2026.

For additional information:
Please contact Audrey Schipporeit at audreys@nefb.org.  The application can be found here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fa3e86f25ab941a0b1c145375deffba1.  



Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour highlights value-added opportunities

As farmers look for ways to strengthen their bottom line, the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour, held June 4–5, offers a chance to see how others are approaching diversification.

Created for farmers ages 21-40, the two-day tour offers firsthand insight into how the crops and livestock they raise are used and processed—and how those same products can open new opportunities to increase income back home.

Participants will travel across western Iowa and into Nebraska to visit agricultural entrepreneurs who are growing income through direct-to-consumer sales, niche markets and creative approaches. Stops include:

    Guthrie County Quality Meats, Guthrie Center, a locally owned and operated custom and state-inspected meat locker that processes beef, pork, sheep and goats.

    Templeton Rye Distillery, Templeton, an award-winning distillery that earned its reputation in the prohibition era as “The Good Stuff.” The tour will demonstrate the whiskey making process from grain to glass.

    Waspy’s Truck Stop and Feed Mill Restaurant, Audubon, spanning more than 16 acres, this full hospitality destination was created by a local farmer and features a restaurant, hotel and other amenities.  

    Duncan’s Poultry, Missouri Valley, has served poultry farmers since 1987 by supplying baby chicks, layers, meat broilers, turkeys, geese, ducks, feed, supplies and custom exempt poultry processing services.

    Long Walk Farm, Council Bluffs, a diversified, direct-to-consumer farm that grows vegetables and cut flowers and sells duck eggs with a focus on organic practices and soil health.

    Milk Unlimited, Atlantic, a dairy operation that uses robotics, balanced nutrition and data-driven practices to support animal care and produce enough milk to feed approximately 160,000 people each year.

    Hawkeye Breeders, Adel, uses the latest technology to deliver high-quality semen through customized reproductive services worldwide, giving breeders confidence in strong conception rates and reliable genetics.

“This tour puts you in the middle of operations that are doing more with what they already produce,” said Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau farmer education program manager. “From processing and branding to tapping into new markets, young farmers can see practical ways others are building resilience and adding income on the farm, while also connecting with peers navigating similar decisions around growth, risk and diversification.”

The group will stay overnight at the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Omaha, enjoy an evening reception at Olive & Ira’s and have time to explore the Old Market district.

Registration is $75 per person, $125 per couple for Farm Bureau members or $275 per person for non-members. Farmers who are not members can join Iowa Farm Bureau for $60 or less to access the discounted rate and additional program benefits.

For more information or to register, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/aginsights.



Global Dairy Markets Face Margin Pressure as Supply Outpaces Demand in Early 2026
Fred Hall, ISU Extension Dairy Field Specialist

Dairy producers worldwide are navigating a challenging start to the year as rising milk supply and falling commodity prices squeeze farm margins, according to the latest Global Dairy Outlook for Q1 2026.

Abundant milk production across major exporting regions has driven significant price declines. Fat markets have dropped by 40 percent, while whole milk powder is down 30%. Protein-based products—including skim milk powder, cheese, and whey—have shown more resilience but still declined by 15 percent. The global dairy trade index has also turned negative, with butter falling 8.1 percent and anhydrous milk fat down 7.1 percent.

Milk production remains elevated globally, though growth is slowing. Total output is forecast to increase just 0.2 percent in 2026, a sharp slowdown from 2.6 percent growth in 2025. The United States continues to lead expansion, with February production up nearly 3 percent year-over-year and herd sizes reaching their highest levels since the 1990s. Europe also posted strong gains late in 2025 but is expected to contract slightly in the second half of 2026. Growth is also expected in New Zealand and South America, while Australia remains the only major exporter experiencing a decline due to weather challenges and increased culling.

Oversupply continues to weigh heavily on producer profitability, despite relatively stronger performance in protein markets. Commodity dairy prices on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in March were almost all up from February, with whey being the only commodity down. Comparing prices to last March, barrel, block, and butter prices were down while NFDM and whey prices were up.

The USDA March Milk Production report showed Iowa cow numbers up 1,000, totaling 245,000 from a year ago. Total milk pounds showed a 1.5 percent increase over 2025. USDA has adjusted its 2026 milk production forecast upward, yet the All-Milk price for the year is projected around $19.70 per cwt.

Looking ahead, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East present additional risks. While short-term impacts are limited, disruptions could tighten supplies and potentially slow milk production in 2027. Dairy producers face tightening margins as supply exceeds demand, with future market direction hinging on production adjustments and global input availability.



ASA Encourages Farmer Support for USMCA Renewal

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement continues to deliver for U.S. agriculture, particularly soybean farmers who rely on strong, dependable export markets across North America. As the agreement approaches its July 2026 review, ASA, a member of the Agriculture for USMCA Coalition, is encouraging soybean farmers and industry stakeholders to support its renewal.

Mexico and Canada are critical markets for U.S. soybeans and soy products, providing consistent demand and supporting the viability of farm operations across rural America. For soybean farmers, USMCA delivers reliable market access, efficient cross-border movement, and the policy certainty needed to navigate a challenging farm economy.

The American Soybean Association is asking soybean farmers, agribusiness leaders, and stakeholders to sign onto a coalition letter to President Donald Trump urging renewal of USMCA during the 2026 review. The letter highlights the agreement’s role in expanding exports, supporting U.S. jobs, and strengthening North American supply chains, while calling for targeted improvements that ensure long-term certainty for soybean farmers and rural communities. 



Registration is Open for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit

In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership program, together with a strong coalition of U.S. agrifood system stakeholders, will host a landmark national gathering to honor the vital role women play in agriculture and the supply chain.

Registration is open for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit, which will take place in Washington, D.C., June 1–3. The summit is open to all women farmers from across the country, regardless of Farm Bureau membership.

This signature event will empower, equip and connect women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals. Through skill-building sessions, high-impact networking and leadership-focused programming, attendees will strengthen their voices and leadership within the agricultural community. 

“The ACE Summit is our premier gathering for agricultural leaders,” said Isabella Chism, chair of AFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee. “I love this summit because it’s a chance to take a deep breath, meet new people and sharpen my skills. Farmers don’t take breaks often enough and this is a golden opportunity to invest in yourself.”

A limited number of attendees may register for an optional “Women in Ag Day on Capitol Hill” experience, which includes one of the following: advocacy visits on Capitol Hill, industry tours or independent sightseeing, followed by a Congressional Reception celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Learn more and register by May 6 here https://web.cvent.com/event/f3274291-35c8-455d-b45b-82607867b320/summary.