Friday April 24 Ag News - Investment in 2026 Crops - Beef Value Cuts - USDA FSIS Reorganization - Commercial Red Meat Production Climbs 2% - and more!

Nebraska Corn Farmers Investment Continues to Increase with Higher Input Prices for 2026 Growing Season

According to the March Prospective Plantings report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nebraska corn farmers are expected to plant 10.3 million acres of corn in 2026.

If realized, that would represent an economic investment of nearly $3.8 billion into the state’s economy over a two-month period, based on crop budgets from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The 2026 planting season reflects a 26% increase in investment compared with previous years, despite fewer projected acres.

The estimate includes input costs such as seed, fuel and fertilizer, but excludes land, labor and equipment costs.

“We are not immune to the continued pace of high input prices, fertilizer consolidation and the impact of international conflict, all of which are contributing to negative margins for corn farmers,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Even so, farmers remain committed to planting high-quality crops, which requires a significant investment of time, energy and resources.”

Nebraska farmers typically begin planting corn in mid-April and aim to finish by mid-May, weather permitting. Planting timing and pace can significantly affect crop yields, soil health and overall farm productivity.

The latest USDA Crop Progress report, released April 20, shows Nebraska farmers are in the early stages of planting, with 8% of corn planted, compared with the five-year average of 5%.

“As farmers, our role is to produce the highest-quality product to benefit consumers both domestically and internationally,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Giltner, Nebraska. “Given today’s economic challenges and uncertainty, it’s critical that we remain diligent and thoughtful in our decision-making on the farm.”



Underutilized Beef Cuts That Deliver Value & Flavor
Adam Wegner - Nebraska Beef Council 

When it comes to putting delicious, satisfying meals on the table, beef offers far more than just the familiar steaks and roasts. In fact, some of the most flavorful and economical options in the meat case are also the most underutilized. With a little know-how, these cuts can deliver incredible taste, versatility and value for any home cook. 

Beef Round
Cuts from the round, like Top Round Steak, Bottom Round Roast and Eye of Round, are standout budget-friendly choices. These cuts are typically lean and affordable, making them ideal for everyday meals. While they may be less tender than premium steaks, simple techniques like marinating, slow-cooking or slicing thinly against the grain can transform them into tender, flavorful dishes. 

Sirloin Tips
Another often-overlooked group includes sirloin tip cuts, such as Sirloin Tip Steak and Sirloin Tip Roast. These cuts are not only economical, but incredibly versatile. With minimal knife work, these cuts are perfect for kabobs, stir-fry, sandwiches or roasted and carved for family dinners. 

Less Tender - Big Flavor
For those willing to explore a bit further, cuts like brisket, chuck short ribs and flank steak offer rich, beefy flavor and shine when prepared with the right cooking method. Slow-cooking or braising allows these hardworking muscles to become tender and juicy, while grilling or stir-frying (especially after marinating) highlights their bold taste. 

Something New
Even newer or lesser-known cuts such as the Flat Iron, Denver Steak and Sirloin Bavette are gaining popularity for their balance of tenderness, flavor and value. These “hidden gems” prove that trying something new can elevate your meals without stretching your budget. 

What makes beef truly shine is its versatility. From hearty slow-cooked comfort foods to quick weeknight stir-fries or grilled favorites, one cut can often stretch into multiple meals. Leftovers can easily be repurposed into tacos, salads, sandwiches or pasta dishes making beef a smart and delicious choice for today’s busy families.



USDA Announces Food Safety and Inspection Service Reorganization, Establishes National Food Safety Center in Iowa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday a reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to modernize operations, streamline support functions and better align the agency with the nation’s agricultural landscape.

As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical and support operations.

“This is about building a stronger, more resilient food safety system for the country. By establishing a National Food Safety Center in Iowa and expanding our scientific capabilities, USDA is ensuring that the Food Safety and Inspection Service is positioned where it can best support American agriculture and protect public health,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “This is on top the last year of work at the Department to put science and safety first at FSIS. President Trump is committed to ensuring American consumers have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world. We are ensuring the American people can trust their food is safe and healthy with gold standard processes and inspections. These changes reflect our commitment to modernizing the Department while staying focused on delivering results for the American people.”

“We are taking a hard look at how FSIS operates and making targeted changes to improve how the agency functions day to day,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden. “Consolidating support operations in Iowa, strengthening scientific work in Georgia, and aligning staff with mission needs will reduce duplication and improve accountability. This approach ensures that resources are used efficiently while maintaining the high standards the public expects from our food safety system.”

“FSIS is a field-based public health agency, with the vast majority of our workforce serving on the frontlines in establishments across the country,” said Administrator Justin Ransom. “This reorganization strengthens how we support those employees by bringing key training, policy, and technical expertise into closer alignment with their work. The National Food Safety Center will help us better prepare and support our workforce while also creating new opportunities to attract and develop the next generation of food safety professionals.”

Establishing a Central Hub for Food Safety Operations
FSIS will repurpose existing USDA space in Urbandale, Iowa, to establish the new National Food Safety Center (NFSC), which will become the agency’s largest office in the United States with approximately 200 employees.

The NFSC will serve as FSIS’ primary location for headquarters support functions, including resource management, training, food safety education, financial operations, information technology and administrative services. By consolidating these functions in a centrally located hub, FSIS will reduce duplication, improve coordination and expand access to career opportunities for employees across the country.

The establishment of the NFSC marks a significant shift in the agency’s operational footprint, placing key functions closer to the agricultural and food production systems that FSIS regulates and supports.

Expanding Scientific Leadership in Georgia
FSIS will also establish a Science Center in Athens, Georgia, building on its existing Eastern Field Services Laboratory and expanding its capabilities in microbiology, chemistry and epidemiology.

The Science Center will strengthen FSIS’ scientific leadership and ensure continued access to top-tier academic institutions, a robust public health workforce and key industry partners.

Aligning Workforce and Functions Nationwide
Under the reorganization, FSIS will relocate approximately two-thirds of its National Capital Region workforce to mission-critical locations, including the National Food Safety Center in Iowa and the Science Center in Georgia.

Approximately 200 positions will be relocated from Washington D.C, while roughly 100 positions will remain to support congressional engagement, policy development and interagency coordination.

FSIS will also establish a presence in Fort Collins, Colorado, for staff supporting international activities, further aligning the agency with USDA’s broader geographic footprint.

Maintaining Continuity in Food Safety Operations
The reorganization does not impact FSIS’ frontline inspection workforce which represents 85 percent of employees and operates across more than 6,800 regulated establishments.

All food safety inspection activities and public health protections will continue without interruption, and the reorganization does not include any reduction in force. All FSIS employees will retain positions within the agency.

Delivering on USDA’s Modernization Effort
This reorganization advances USDA’s broader effort to align its workforce with available resources, eliminate unnecessary management layers and bring services closer to stakeholders.

By establishing the National Food Safety Center as a central hub for operations and expanding its scientific capabilities, FSIS is strengthening its ability to protect public health and ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply.



Commercial Red Meat Production Up 2 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.51 billion pounds in March, up 2 percent from the 4.42 billion pounds produced in March 2025.

Beef production, at 2.10 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.34 million head, down 6 percent from March 2025. The average live weight was up 45 pounds from the previous year, at 1,471 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.7 million pounds, 16 percent below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 8,300 head, down 23 percent from March 2025. The average live weight was up 32 pounds from last year, at 359 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.40 billion pounds, up 7 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.0 million head, up 6 percent from March 2025. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 292 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.1 million pounds, was down 6 percent from March 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 197,200 head, 1 percent below last year. The average live weight was 121 pounds, down 6 pounds from March a year ago.

By State          (million lbs.  -  % March '25)
Nebraska .........:     634.9          101       
Iowa ................:     783.7          108       
Kansas ............:     478.9          105       

January to March 2026 commercial red meat production was 13.2 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 24 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent. 




Oil Corporations Attempt to Derail Legislation That Lowers Fuel Prices

The leader of the National Corn Growers Association today called out several major companies trying to derail legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, also referred to as E15. The proposed legislation, which enjoys the support of most of the petroleum industry, would also reform parts of the small refinery exemption program under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
 
“There is a tiny minority of major energy corporations – like Delek U.S. Inc., Cenovus Energy, CVR Energy, HF Sinclair, Parr Pacific Holdings and Suncor Energy Inc. – that are masquerading as small refineries to get Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions they don’t need,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Their greedy actions are holding up legislation that would help farmers who are struggling during tough economic times.”
 
Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, smaller refineries can ask for exemptions from blending fuel with ethanol, if they can demonstrate that compliance causes economic hardship. However, many so-called smaller refineries have sought exemptions over the years while also boasting multi-million or billion-dollar profits.  
 
This statement comes as NCGA and a broad coalition of farm, ethanol, and petroleum groups are pushing for an amendment to the Farm Bill that would remove an antiquated regulatory barrier in the Clean Air Act, allowing for the sale of E15 during the summer months.  
 
Bower also noted that the actions of the corporations are keeping gas prices higher for America’s drivers.  
 
“E15 saves consumers money at the pump, which is particularly important during the summer months,” Bower noted. “So, these billion-dollar companies are putting their interests above hard-working Americans trying to make ends-meet.”
 
The House is set to consider the amendment next week.



Broad Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Year-Round E15, SRE Reforms in Farm Bill

The American Petroleum Institute today issued the following statement from Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman after a broad coalition urged Congress to include a bipartisan Farm Bill amendment led by Rep. Michelle Fischbach to allow year-round sales of E15 and provide targeted reforms to the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) process under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“At a moment when households are feeling the sharp pressure of energy prices, this amendment is critical to promoting affordability, providing clarity for energy producers and fuel retailers, and strengthening America’s farmers,” said Hupman. “It brings long-overdue certainty and predictability to fuel markets and expands fuel choice for American consumers.”

In a letter to lawmakers, a diverse coalition of fuel refiners, ethanol producers, agriculture stakeholders and fuel retailers highlighted the amendment as a pragmatic, market-based solution that advances consumer choice, strengthens fuel supply and provides durable regulatory certainty.

“Maintaining access to E15 year-round empowers consumers at the pump with more options, particularly during periods of tight supply and high fuel costs, while allowing refiners and retailers to meet the demands of the market,” the organizations wrote.

The coalition emphasized that inconsistent application of the SRE process has created unnecessary volatility and undermined confidence across the fuels marketplace. Targeted reforms would help ensure exemptions are granted as Congress intended while improving predictability for all participants.

“A clear and consistent approach ensures that exemptions are applied as Congress intended, while avoiding uncertainty that can disrupt fuel markets, undermine compliance planning and create volatility for producers and consumers alike,” the organizations wrote.

The groups noted the combined reforms would support rural economies, encourage investment across the supply chain and help mitigate price pressures for consumers.

The coalition called on Congress to include the amendment in the final Farm Bill.



Ethanol Policy Meetings In Portugal, United Kingdom Enhance Stakeholder Exposure To U.S. Biofuel

Last week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Canada Stephanie Larson and USGBC ethanol sector members met with public and private representatives in Portugal and the U.K. to improve U.S. ethanol’s market presence.

“In Portugal, the Council is seeking to learn more about the biofuels sector in the country, including the potential for ethanol in the Portuguese market as part of the country’s energy transition,” Larson said.

“This was also the Council’s first mission to the U.K. since the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal was announced in 2025, creating an opportunity to engage more directly with the market and identifying key individuals and organizations that can serve as a catalyst for changes in policy, especially for crop-based ethanol.”

Larson was joined by Kansas Corn CEO Josh Roe and POET Vice President of Corporate Affairs Doug Berven to offer a complete perspective of the U.S. ethanol industry during meetings.

Among the group’s agenda items in Lisbon were meetings with the National Association of Corn and Sorghum Producers (ANPROMIS), the National Entity for the Energy Sector (ENSE) and the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG) to discuss the current state of biofuel use in Portugal.

Portugal is an E5 market but effectively blends at roughly three percent, although there is interest in moving to E10 that could stimulate demand for ethanol and create new market opportunities due to a lack of domestic production in the country.

The focus of meetings in London was sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), on-road applications and the potential for ethanol as a sustainable marine fuel, all points of interest for the U.K. government as it seeks to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.

The delegation first met with the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) to hear updates on its expert working group exploring whether ethanol blending in petrol can be increased beyond E10 there along with the recent call for evidence on crop-derived SAF production under the U.K.’s SAF Mandate. Next, the delegation met with Valero Energy, a USGBC member, to discuss its work in the U.K. and EU and how it is preparing for potential new demand.

Finally, the team spoke to LanzaJet and Fuels Industry U.K. to discuss private sector preparation for higher SAF usage and how the U.S. ethanol industry can support the U.K.’s needs.

“The U.K. is a vital ethanol market for U.S. producers that still has a growing appetite, both in the potential for higher on-road blending rates and expanding demand areas like SAF and maritime,” Larson said.

“With the U.S. industry’s existing relationship with buyers and end-users in the U.K., supporting policy changes encouraging ethanol use will quickly create additional sales for U.S. producers.”



ASA, Soy State Affiliates Join Broad Push for Farm Bill Action

Next week, Congress is expected to take up the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The American Soybean Association, along with soybean state affiliates, has joined hundreds of agricultural organizations urging House leadership to quickly advance a comprehensive, long-term farm bill.

In a letter signed by agricultural groups nationwide, stakeholders highlight bipartisan progress on “Farm Bill 2.0” and stress that a full, five-year bill is critical to maintaining the resilience, productivity, and global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.

The push comes as economic pressures on farmers intensify. Rising input costs, including fuel and fertilizer, along with global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, continue to challenge producers. The letter underscores the urgency for updated policy tools, noting the industry cannot continue to operate under outdated legislation.

ASA encourages policymakers to advance a strong, comprehensive farm bill that reflects current economic conditions and supports soybean farmers through an effective safety net, market opportunities, and long-term investments in U.S. agriculture. 



Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative urges swift action on the Farm Bill in the House

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the second largest dairy cooperative in the country based on milk volume, recently joined over 300 other agricultural organizations calling for swift action by the House of Representatives in moving the farm bill forward. In early March, the House Agriculture Committee approved the legislation with bipartisan action, with a vote of 34 to 17.

Edge and other organizations are urging House members to take timely and bipartisan action on the bill to finalize the remaining portions of the long-awaited farm bill.

“We are asking the House to take action on finalizing the farm bill, which is long overdue,” Heidi Fischer, president of the Edge board, said. “It has been nearly 8 years since a comprehensive farm bill has been passed. Much has changed in our industry since then. We need a comprehensive farm bill in place to provide certainty among farmers in these challenging times.”

The House is expected to take up the farm bill next week. If passed by the House, the next step will be action by the Senate.

“We need our representatives to pass a bipartisan supported bill that addresses the lingering unknowns of programs farmers count on,” Fischer said. “For dairy farmers, the farm bill is the backbone of federal dairy policy. It's important to pass the Farm, Food & National Security Act of 2026, which will give dairy farmers certainty, stability, and a workable safety net in an unusually volatile market.”

Included in the current House version is permanent authorization of the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, an important inclusion Edge brought forth to the House Ag Committee.

“We are pleased to see permanent authorization for this program included,” Fischer said. “Farmers use forward pricing to stabilize revenue for a portion of production, particularly in volatile markets where feed, labor, and energy costs are unpredictable.”