Thursday April 02 Ag News - New NE Ag Labor Guide - Spring Cattle Health webinar - North American Manure Expo Tours - Corn/Soy Feb Crush Stats - Fertilizer Price Trends - and more!

USDA Crop Progress - State Stories - April 1, 2026

NEBRASKA:     For the week ending March 29, 2026, topsoil moisture supplies rated 60% very short, 33% short, 7% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 49% very short, 41% short, 10% adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 13% very poor, 38% poor, 40% fair, 9% good, and 0% excellent.

IOWA:     Warm temperatures were experienced across the State in March. The average Statewide temperature was 40.3 degrees Fahrenheit through March 29th, 4.3 degrees above normal. On March 21st, many areas of the State saw high temperatures in the 90s, setting records for the earliest 90-degree temperature. Statewide precipitation was 2.0 inches, 0.2 inches above normal. A mid-month blizzard affected much of the State and high winds were an issue periodically throughout the month. Areas were still reporting dry conditions. Activities included fertilizer and manure applications as well as preparing machinery for upcoming planting. Spring tillage was beginning where conditions allowed, with scattered reports of small grains being planted. Overall, livestock conditions have been normal, despite the large temperature fluctuations and previously mentioned blizzard. Lambing and calving were in full swing.



New Nebraska Ag Labor Guide Helps Employers Manage Farm and Ranch Employees

Hiring and managing a team of employees is one of the toughest parts of running a farm or ranch today. To help navigate those hurdles, Nebraska Extension has published the Nebraska Agricultural Labor Guide to support employers through every stage of the employee relationship. 

Developed by a team of extension educators and specialists, the guide designed to give agricultural employers in Nebraska a practical starting point for thinking through labor decisions before problems arise. The guide also helps employers identify areas where clearer communication, stronger systems and better planning can improve the workplace for both managers and employees.

It breaks down the employment process and best practices in the following areas: 
    Recruitment and hiring: How to define a role and find the right fit
    Onboarding: Getting new hires started on the right foot
    Development and Operations: Managing day-to-day training and safety
    Retention: Strategies for keeping your best workers on board
    Termination: Navigating the difficult process of ending employment

"In agriculture, your people are often the biggest factor in long-term success," said Shannon Sand, an extension agricultural economist and one of the guide’s authors. "But managing well takes intentional planning, and this guide is meant to help ag employers think through those decisions in a structured, practical way."

The Nebraska Agricultural Labor Guide is available now on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/labor.

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2021-38640-34714 through the North Central Region SARE program. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.



Saunders Co Lvst & Ag Assoc Meeting April 6
Dan Kellner, President, Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association

Spring is in the air, which means planting is just around the corner! Please join us for an informational meeting:

Monday, April 6, 2026
Pre-Planting Meeting
Yutan Country Club
6:30 PM Social
7:00 PM Dinner

Sponsors and speakers are:
Mid-Continent Irrigation - Kevin Harris, Fremont, NE
E St. Precision Ag - Josh Johnson, Ithaca, NE

Please help us recognize the 2026 Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association Scholarship winners, Julia Vrana, Alex Barry, Peter Chohon, Roselynn Pokorny, and Chase Hartman.

We will be making a financial contribution to the 3 FFA Chapters that had submitted applications.

There are a few who have not paid dues, please get a hold of one of your directors to get those paid.

The Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association Twilight Tour is being planned for June 29, 2026. Details to follow.



NeExt to host webinar on spring cattle health challenges

The program, Nebraska Cattle Health Outlook: New World screwworm update, scours prevention and diagnostics, and UNL research on bovine pinkeye, will be held April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Central Time via Zoom.

The webinar is designed for Nebraska beef producers and allied industry professionals seeking timely, research-based information on late-spring herd health risks.

Dr. Matt Hille, assistant professor and diagnostic pathologist at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, will lead the session. Hille earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University and spent five years in feedlot and cow-calf practice in South Dakota before returning to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to complete a doctorate and residency in anatomic pathology. His work focuses on infectious diseases and immunology in beef cattle.

Topics will include:
    An update on New World screwworm
    Prevention and diagnostic strategies for calf scours
    University of Nebraska–Lincoln research on bovine pinkeye

The webinar will provide practical guidance to help producers make informed herd health decisions heading into the late spring and summer months.

Registration is available at: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/5109/

For more information, contact Brock Ortner at 308-327-2312 or bortner2@nebraska.edu.



NeFB Accepting Applications for 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.
 
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

Fill out the online application here https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fa3e86f25ab941a0b1c145375deffba1. 

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.



Tours Announced for 2026 North American Manure Expo
Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

Visitors to the 2026 North American Manure Expo being held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wayne, Nebraska on July 28-30 will have the chance to explore some of the region’s most innovative and sustainability‑focused agricultural operations during the event’s official tour day on July 28, 2026. All tours will begin and end at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, offering participants a convenient launch point for a day of hands‑on learning.

Organizers have curated five tours, each highlighting different aspects of manure management and livestock production, as well as conservation and agricultural innovation in Nebraska. Participants will have the option of choosing one or two half-day long tours or one full-day tour. While the full day tour is the “family friendly” option, families are welcome on any of the tours.

Innovation in Livestock and Manure Equipment
This tour features a half‑day exploration of two livestock operations and one manufacturing facility. Participants will visit Zobel Family Farms, a three‑generation beef and pork operation recognized with the 2013 Environmental Stewardship Award for its commitment to responsible production practices. The tour then stops at Bar K, a beef feedlot that showcases a lined runoff holding pond that feeds to a center pivot and a modern manure management system designed to protect the environment. The final stop is West Point Implement, a regional leader in manure application and feedlot management equipment, including the well‑known SpreadAll Manure Spreader line.

Composting, Renewable Energy, and Modern Cattle Care 
This tour is a half‑day experience highlighting agricultural operations that transform waste into valuable resources. Stops include Bacon Hill Farm, home to an anaerobic digester that generated methane‑powered electricity beginning in 2005 and operated for 15 years as part of Olean Energy; Doernemann Composting, a permitted facility established in 1999 that provides composting services alongside a construction and demolition landfill; and Reigle Cattle Company, a family‑run cattle operation that recently expanded with the addition of new roller‑compacted concrete pens.

Poultry Production and Manufacturing 
This tour offers a half‑day look at the poultry industry from barn to processing and equipment manufacturing. Tour stops include the Lincoln Premium Poultry Processing Plant, a state-of-the-art Fremont facility built to supply Costco’s rotisserie chickens and capable of processing more than 10 million pounds of chicken each week while employing roughly 1,200 workers. Additionally, participants will visit Mighty Giant, a small factory that produces tub grinders and litter-loading equipment essential for poultry manure handling.

Research, Technology, and Regenerative Farming 
This tour is a half‑day experience that introduces visitors to agricultural research and sustainable production practices. The tour includes the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory, a University of Nebraska site featuring long‑term organic versus inorganic fertilizer trials, nitrogen‑sensing technology, and insights into nearby egg producer Michael Foods. It also stops at the Kvols Beef Feedlot, a multi‑generation livestock operation that expanded with the addition of a deep‑pit beef barn and shares real‑world experiences with the system. The final stop is the Junior Pfanstiel Farm, a 270‑acre regenerative organic operation focused on reducing chemical inputs and improving soil fertility through the use of cover crops.

Family‑Focused 
This tour is a full‑day experience designed for visitors of all ages and features a blend of agriculture, wildlife, and Nebraska history. The tour begins at Pfanny’s Farm, a family‑owned agrotourism destination dedicated to land stewardship and known for combining traditional and modern crop and livestock management practices that support long‑term soil and natural resource health. Participants will also visit 4 Aces Dairy, a 180‑head robotic dairy where automation significantly reduces labor needs and guests can observe milking technology in action through a 24/7 viewing room. The tour continues with a stop at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area, home to a 50‑acre fishing lake and more than 2,000 acres of prime habitat for deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail, where visitors will enjoy a boxed lunch. The day concludes at the Ashfall Fossil Beds, a rare type of fossil site called lagerstätten that provides an exceptional ecological “snapshot” of ancient organisms.

A Day Designed for Learning and Inspiration
With options suited to professionals, families, and anyone curious about modern agriculture, the 2026 North American Manure Expo tours offer a unique window into the future of manure management, conservation, and food production. Learn more about the manure expo and watch for registration at manureexpo.com.



YEUTTER INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM TO EXAMINE FUTURE OF GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM

The past year has brought massive changes in U.S. trade policy, including a landmark Supreme Court ruling on tariffs and preparations for an unprecedented review of the trade agreement with the United States’ two largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada. Experts from industry, law, academia and government will examine those and other factors impacting international trade during an April 21 symposium sponsored by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance.

The fifth biennial CME Group Foundation Symposium of the Yeutter Institute will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Nebraska East Union’s Great Plains Room and center on the theme “Toward a New International Trading System.” The event is free and open to the public and includes lunch.

Trade’s ramifications for agriculture will be the focus of one of the event’s three panels. Steve White, farm broadcaster with the Rural Radio Network, will moderate the discussion, addressing “The Stakes for U.S. Agriculture.” The panel’s members will be Jordan Dux, senior director of national affairs for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation; Jayson Beckman, the Mike Yanney Yeutter Institute Chair in the Department of Agricultural Economics; and Joe Glauber, research fellow emeritus for the International Food Policy Research Institute and former chief economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Online registration is available for in-person attendance. The event also will be livestreamed through the Yeutter Institute’s website, https://yeutter-institute.unl.edu.

For those eligible, the event will provide three credits of continuing legal education.

Ken Levinson, CEO of the Washington International Trade Association and WITA Foundation, will lead a panel on “Perspectives from Law, Policy and Industry.” Mike Boyle, president of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation, U.S.A., will provide observations as a panelist. Boyle, a Lincoln resident, holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Nebraska. The panel also will include two speakers with extensive government experience: Kathleen Claussen, professor at the Georgetown University Law Center and a former associate general counsel for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; and Angela Ellard, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who served for more than two decades as majority and minority chief trade counsel in the U.S. Congress before serving as deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization from 2021 to August 2025.

Jill O’Donnell, the Yeutter Institute’s Haggart-Work Director, will moderate the third panel, focusing on “Path Dependency and the Future of Trade.” The panel will include Bob Koopman, Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer at the American University School of International Service and former chief economist for the World Trade Organization, as well as Maria Pagan, former deputy U.S. trade representative and U.S. ambassador to the World Trade Organization and former deputy general counsel for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

The symposium is made possible by support from the CME Group Foundation. The Yeutter Institute is named after Clayton Yeutter (1930-2017), a Eustis, Nebraska, native who served as the U.S. secretary of agriculture and the U.S. trade representative. Yeutter earned three degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln — a Bachelor of Science, Juris Doctor and doctoral degree in agricultural economics.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.43 million tons (214 million bushels) in February 2026, compared with 6.84 million tons (228 million bushels) in January 2026 and 5.69 million tons (190 million bushels) in February 2025. Crude oil produced was 2.48 billion pounds, down 6 percent from January 2026 but up 10 percent from February 2025. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.76 billion pounds during February 2026 decreased 3 percent from January 2026 but increased 9 percent from February 2025.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 469 million bushels in February 2026. Total corn consumption was down 7 percent from January 2026 but up 1 percent from February 2025. February 2026 usage included 92.7 percent for alcohol and 7.3 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.24 million bushels, down 7 percent from January 2026 but up 7 percent from February 2025. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 425 million bushels, was down 8 percent from January 2026 but up 1 percent from February 2025. Corn consumed in February 2026 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.2 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.63 million tons during February 2026, down 8 percent from January 2026 and down 4 percent from February 2025. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.19 million tons in February 2026, down 11 percent from January 2026 but up 8 percent from February 2025.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 242,146 tons during February 2026, down 4 percent from January 2026 but up 6 percent from February 2025. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 170,163 tons in February 2026, down 12 percent from January 2026 and down 3 percent from February 2025.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/27/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 27, ethanol production scaled down 3.7% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.15 million gallons daily and the lowest weekly volume since January. Output was 1.1% higher than the same week last year and 2.7% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.5% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.96 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks shrank 4.3% to 26.0 million barrels. Stocks were 2.3% less than the same week last year and 0.2% below the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slid 2.7% to a 4-week low of 8.69 million b/d (133.52 bg annualized). Demand was 2.2% more than a year ago yet 3.6% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved 1.6% to 903,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.88 bg annualized and a 14-week high. Net inputs were 0.6% more than year-ago levels and 1.1% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports increased 3.4% to an estimated 123,000 b/d (5.2 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



4 Fertilizer Prices Rise Double-Digits

Retail fertilizer prices are continuing to jump higher but recent increases have become much more pronounced -- with four of the fertilizers seeing double-digit increases from a month ago. According to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of March 2026, all eight of the major fertilizers are more expensive compared to last month.

Five of the eight major fertilizers had considerable price increases compared to prior month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Urea led the way higher as the nitrogen fertilizer was an incredible 35% higher compared to last month. The liquid fertilizer had an average price of $826/ton; last week the price was $677/ton. Both anhydrous and UAN32 were 20% higher looking back a month. Anhydrous had an average price of $1,035/ton while UAN32 was at $558/ton.

UAN28 was 17% higher looking back to the prior month and had an average price of $484/ton. 10-34-0 was 7% more expensive than last month and had an average price of $710/ton.

The remaining three nutrients were slightly higher in price compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $857/ton, MAP was $906/ton and potash $489/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.90/lb.N, anhydrous $0.63/lb.N, UAN28 $0.86/lb.N and UAN32 $0.87/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: potash by 6%, 10-34-0 9%, MAP 11%, DAP 12%, UAN32 32%, both anhydrous and UAN28 34%, and urea by 46%.



USDA Announces April 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for April 2026, which are effective April 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.        
     
Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans
FSA offers farm operating, ownership and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.       

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for April 2026 are as follows:        
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 4.750%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.750%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.750%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.750%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%     

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.     

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans  
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.    
    Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 4.625%       
 Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
    Three-year loan terms: 3.625%  
    Five-year loan terms: 3.750%  
    Seven-year loan terms: 3.875%  
    Ten-year loan terms: 4.125% 
    Twelve-year loan terms: 4.375%  
 Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.500%          

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.