Thursday April 23 Ag News - UNL To Study Rancher Land Decisions - Q1 Milk Prod up @3% - Another move on Year-Round E15 - Red Meat Prod Falls 2% in '25 - ADM Columbus Recognized for Worker Safety - and more!

NEBRASKA RANCHERS SHARE LAND DECISIONS THROUGH UNL RESEARCH PROJECT

On Nebraska ranches where families have managed the same land for generations, decisions about grazing, infrastructure and stewardship are rarely made for a single season. Instead, they are shaped by decades of observation, evolving research and a deep sense of responsibility to the land.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are documenting those decisions as part of a $5 million research project focused on sustainable beef production and grazing systems.

The effort is part of Advancing Development of Assessments, Practices and Tools to Produce Beef in Grazing Systems, a five-year project led by Galen Erickson within the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The interdisciplinary project brings together animal scientists, range scientists, remote sensing researchers and social scientists to develop tools that measure carbon sequestration in grazing systems while ensuring rancher perspectives remain central to the research.

As part of the project’s social science component, anthropologist Effie Athanassopoulos and rural sociologist Gwendŵr Meredith are speaking with ranch families across Nebraska to explore how management decisions evolve over generations.

“We’re talking with ranchers who have been on the land for generations and who are leaders in the industry,” Athanassopoulos said. “What has been especially striking is how environmentally conscious ranchers are and how deeply they care about the land.”

She said many ranchers describe themselves not simply as business owners, but as caretakers of the landscape.

“They see themselves as caretakers,” she said. “Their goal is to maintain the grasslands and pass them on to the next generation.”

Listening to multigenerational ranch families
The first round of interviews has focused on ranches near the Barta Brothers Ranch in the Sandhills, where many participating families have managed the same land for three or four generations.

Many of the ranchers interviewed are recognized leaders within the beef industry. Their insights offer a window into how knowledge is passed between generations and how producers adapt research findings within their own operations.

“We’re really trying to understand how ranchers make decisions,” Meredith said. “They’re constantly adapting based on weather, markets, family dynamics and what they observe on their land. It’s hard to be rigid because conditions change year to year.”

Connecting research and ranch management
For many ranchers involved in the study, collaboration with university researchers is a natural part of managing rangeland. 

Producers often attend field days, participate in demonstrations and observe research being conducted at sites like Barta Brothers Ranch. Over time, those interactions influence how ranchers adjust grazing systems, water distribution and pasture management on their own operations.

“They interact with the university and integrate research into their own lands,” Athanassopoulos said, describing it as “a conversation between science and practice.”

Those conversations help researchers understand how innovations move from research plots to working ranches.

Early interviews suggest that new practices often spread through relationships among producers and nearby research sites. Athanassopoulos and Meredith said ranchers described how ideas such as rotational grazing gained traction as producers observed research demonstrations and shared experiences within their communities.

Stewardship across generations
Across interviews, researchers have heard a consistent theme: Ranchers make decisions not only for current production, but for the long-term health of the land and livestock.

Infrastructure investments such as wells, pipelines and fencing are often evaluated based on how they improve grazing distribution and protect fragile landscapes.

At the center of those decisions is the recognition that ranchers are temporary caretakers of a long-lived ecosystem.

“They often describe themselves as stewards rather than owners,” Meredith said. “Their goal is to leave the land in good condition for the next generation.”

Expanding the research westward
After focusing initial interviews in the Sandhills, researchers plan to expand the project into western Nebraska to capture a broader range of landscapes and ranching systems.

Nebraska’s rangelands vary widely in climate, soils and vegetation, and those differences shape how producers approach grazing management.

Researchers will continue conducting interviews over the next several years while working to share the results through academic publications and public-facing projects, including a traveling museum exhibition highlighting Nebraska ranch families and the history of ranching in the state.

By documenting how ranchers adapt practices across these diverse environments, the research team hopes to better understand how science and producer knowledge can work together to support resilient grazing systems.

Ultimately, the project aims to ensure that rancher perspectives remain central to research shaping the future of beef production and rangeland stewardship.



Free Farm and Ranch Legal Clinics Scheduled Across Nebraska

Farmers and ranchers across Nebraska will have the opportunity to receive free, one-on-one legal and financial guidance through a series of upcoming clinics hosted by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.

The clinics are designed for agricultural producers and their families, offering confidential sessions with an experienced agricultural law attorney and financial counselor. Organizers say the sessions are intended to help address a wide range of issues that may impact farm and ranch operations.

Common topics include succession planning, estate and real estate matters, financial and operational planning, beginning farmer programs, lease agreements, property rights, farm loans, USDA programs, and debtor-creditor law.

Each session runs approximately one hour, allowing participants to discuss specific concerns and receive individualized advice.

A clinic is scheduled locally in Broken Bow on Tuesday, May 12. Additional clinic dates and locations include:
    O’Neill — Tuesday, April 28
    Valentine — Tuesday, May 5
    Norfolk — Tuesday, May 26

The clinics have been offered in Nebraska since 1989 and are aimed at providing practical guidance and support to the state’s agricultural community.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To sign up or get more information, individuals can contact the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.

The program is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.



January-March Milk Production up 2.9 Percent

Milk production in the United States during the January - March quarter totaled 58.5 billion pounds, up 2.9 percent from the January - March quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.61 million head, 50,000 head more than the October - December quarter, and 204,000 head more than the same period last year.

Q1 '26 Milk Production (mil lbs. - % Q1 '25)
Nebraska .................:       316.0        2.9      
Iowa ........................:     1,516.0       1.3      

March Milk Production up 2.4 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during March totaled 19.6 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent from March 2025. February revised production, at 17.5 billion pounds, was up 3.0 percent from February 2025. The February revision represented a decrease of 11 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,133 pounds for March, 7 pounds above March 2025. 

The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 9.18 million head, 188,000 head more than March 2025, and 8,000 head more than February 2026.

Iowa milk production in March 2026 was 527 million lbs.  -   up 1.2% from March '25.      



ICGA Applauds Year-Round E15 Amendment Inclusion in House Farm Bill

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) has advocated for year-round, nationwide E15 for more than 15 years—a goal that remains a top priority as farm families face tightening margins and market volatility. With the recent introduction of an amendment to the House farm bill that would permanently allow nationwide, year-round sales of E15, ICGA President Mark Mueller, a farmer from Waverly, issued the following statement: 

“This legislation is the common-sense step we’ve been working towards for a long time. Iowa corn growers need the stability that nationwide, year-round E15 provides. This is more than just policy—it’s a lifeline that’s going to help increase corn demand and allow many of us to continue farming. 

“This new proposal is a smart, pragmatic path forward, addressing past roadblocks that have previously stalled progress in Washington. E15 is win-win situation. It provides a more affordable, American-made fuel for drivers while supporting the farmers who grow it. It is a compromise that supports all stakeholders involved. 

“We appreciate Representative Feenstra and our entire Iowa delegation for their continued leadership as they push for passage of E15. They’ve stayed focused on our energy independence and fought hard to make sure Iowa farmers' voices were heard. Now, we ask that Congress work together to permanently pass this legislation." 



New Life in Year-Round E15 Effort as Compromise Introduced in House of Representatives

Wednesday, U.S. Reps Michelle Fischbach, Randy Feenstra, Stephanie Bice, and Adrian Smith introduced legislation which would permit the sale of E15 year-round nationwide. The legislation also requires EPA to finalize a pending rulemaking to recognize that E15 is compatible with existing infrastructure and equipment, which was originally introduced by Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst. 

“IRFA is thrilled to finally see this compromise legislation introduced,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. "We thank the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, chaired by Rep. Feenstra, for their work in getting us to this point. With high gas prices pinching the American consumer, it is beyond time for Congress to quickly pass E15 legislation that will reduce fuel costs while boosting demand for American farmers. Our message is simple: get this to the President’s desk immediately so  that he can sign it into law.” 

The legislation, which is proposed as an amendment to the House Farm Bill, also reforms the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) refinery exemption process by clarifying who qualifies as a “small” refiner beginning in 2028. Refiners meeting the new standard would receive an automatic 75 percent reduction in their RFS obligations. Larger refiners would be able to petition for RFS exemptions on an emergency basis. Going forward, RFS exemptions would not be reallocated.  
 
“The RFS exemption process has been abused for years, leading to market confusion and a massive number of lawsuits,” Shaw said. “This reform will relieve true small refiners and provide certainty for the marketplace. Gone will be large refining companies that plead for RFS exemptions from the EPA while at the same time boasting of record profits to their shareholders and the SEC.” 



ASTM Approves Updated Heating Oil Specification to Include Biodiesel Blends Up to B50 

Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes the approval of the latest revision to ASTM D396, the standard specification for fuel oils, which now includes new grades for biodiesel blends containing 21% to 50% biodiesel by volume (B21-B50). The updated specification, ASTM D396-26a, marks a major milestone for the clean fuels industry and supports expanded use of higher biodiesel blends in heating applications.

The revision provides users and consumers of Bioheat® fuel with clear guidance on fuel properties and procedures needed to deliver the same or improved performance as fuels currently in use.

“In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states where Bioheat® fuel adoption continues to grow, the updated standard provides the technical foundation and industry data needed to support higher biodiesel blends in heating markets,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels. “The specification provides greater confidence in the performance, reliability and emissions benefits of blends up to B50.”

The revision passed through ASTM’s rigorous consensus balloting process with no objections, underscoring broad industry support and confidence in higher biodiesel blends. The approval reflects years of collaboration among Clean Fuels, the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), leading equipment manufacturers including R.W. Beckett and Carlin Combustion, and other stakeholders who contributed the research, testing and technical data needed to support the specification.

"The recent approval of the ASTM standard to include blends of B50 biodiesel in liquid heating oil is another step forward in providing the American consumers with a high-quality, domestically produced, renewable energy source,” said Michael Devine, President of NORA. “This new standard represents a significant step forward, particularly at a time when increased domestic energy production is a must in the United States. On behalf of National Oilheat Research Alliance, we would like to thank all of the various stakeholders who worked tirelessly together to bring these new fuel blends to market."

Higher biodiesel blends offer benefits beyond carbon reduction, including improved air quality, lower particulate and sulfur emissions, and reduced heat exchanger maintenance. Advances in burner technologies, improved fuel quality, and innovations in cold weather additives continue to support broader adoption and reliable year-round performance. Feedstocks such as soybean oil also play an important role in delivering the quality and reliability needed for heating oil applications.

“With ASTM D396-26a now in place, the industry has a powerful new tool to accelerate adoption of higher biodiesel blends and expand the role of clean fuels in reducing emissions from home heating,” said Fenwick.



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 2 Percent in 2025

Total red meat production for the United States totaled 53.8 billion pounds in 2025, 2 percent lower than the previous year. Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb and mutton. Red meat production in commercial plants totaled 53.7 billion pounds. On-farm slaughter totaled 93.8 million pounds. 

Beef production totaled 26.1 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Veal production totaled 30.0 million pounds, down 34 percent from last year. Pork production, at 27.6 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year. Lamb and mutton production totaled 139.1 million pounds, up slightly from 2024.

Commercial cattle slaughter during 2025 totaled 29.8 million head, down 6 percent from 2024, with federal inspection comprising 98.2 percent of the total. The average live weight was 1,432 pounds, up 33 pounds from a year ago. Steers comprised 49.7 percent of the total federally inspected cattle slaughter, heifers 31.7 percent, dairy cows 9.0 percent, other cows 8.0 percent, and bulls 1.5 percent.

Commercial calf slaughter totaled 124,600 head, 41 percent lower than a year ago with 94.8 percent under federal inspection. The average live weight was 343 pounds, up 20 pounds from a year earlier.

Commercial hog slaughter totaled 128 million head, 1 percent lower than 2024 with 99.6 percent of the hogs slaughtered under federal inspection. The average live weight was up 1 pound from last year, at 289 pounds. Barrows and gilts comprised 97.5 percent of the total federally inspected hog slaughter.

Commercial sheep and lamb slaughter, at 2.26 million head, was up 2 percent from the previous year with federal inspection comprising 86.5 percent of the total. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from 2024 at 117 pounds. Lambs and yearlings comprised 93.4 percent of the total federally inspected sheep slaughter.

Red Meat Prod. (mil lbs. - 2025   -   2024) 
Nebraska .........:              7,758.2  -  7,976.0 
Iowa ................:              8,934.2  -  9,164.8 
Kansas ............:              5,569.3  -  5,805.4 

There were 1,127 plants slaughtering under federal inspection on January 1, 2026 compared with 1,089 last year. Of these, 937 plants slaughtered at least one head of cattle during 2025 with the 11 largest plants slaughtering 47 percent of the total cattle killed. Hogs were slaughtered at 786 plants, with the 15 largest plants accounting for 65 percent of the total. For calves, 1 of the 140 plants accounted for 38 percent of the total and 1 of the 693 plants that slaughtered sheep or lambs in 2025 comprised 13 percent of the total head.    

Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas accounted for 49 percent of the United States commercial red meat production in 2025, down 1 percent from 2024.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/17/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 17, ethanol production dropped 7.1% to an 11-week low of 1.04 million b/d, equivalent to 43.68 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 0.7% higher than the same week last year and 5.6% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.7% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.72 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 0.9% to 26.9 million barrels. Stocks were 5.8% more than the same week last year and 7.0% above the three-year average. Inventories expanded in the East Coast (PADD 1) to a 1-year high and in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) to a 6-year high but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, nudged 0.4% lower to 9.06 million b/d (139.19 bg annualized). Demand was 3.8% less than a year ago and 0.7% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved 5.3% to 921,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.16 bg annualized and the highest weekly level since mid-September 2025. Net inputs were on par with year-ago levels and 1.6% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports increased 12.3% to an estimated 91,000 b/d (3.8 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Corn Refiners Association Recognizes Workplace Safety Award Winners

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today announced the winners of its annual Workplace Safety Awards, honoring CRA member company facilities that achieved high standards of safety performance in 2025. 

"Corn refining in the U.S. is one of the safest jobs in manufacturing, on par with office work. Today, we celebrate the leaders who have brought our industry to that position with awards that recognize their hard-earned progress," said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “Twenty years ago, our industry’s safety record was typical of heavy manufacturing. Now, it is among the safest in the manufacturing sector. This demonstrates what long-term commitment to worker protection and continuous operational improvement can achieve.”

CRA and its member companies are committed to continual improvements in safety and the advancement of worker protections. These awards reflect those commitments, recognizing facilities that have demonstrated sustained operational excellence, including achieving low incident rates and maintaining extended periods without workplace-related incidents.

In 2025, five companies representing 12 facilities earned a total of 25 workplace safety awards, reflecting sustained commitment by the industry to protecting employees and supporting the communities in which they operate:

CRA Incident Rate Excellence Award: Recognizes plants demonstrating an employee total recordable incident rate of 1.0 or less, while maintaining zero lost workdays and no workplace fatalities during the calendar year.
    Archer Daniels Midland
        Columbus, Nebraska
        Southport, North Carolina
    Cargill
        Hammond, Indiana
        Indianapolis, Indiana
        Paris, Illinois
    Grain Processing Corporation
        Muscatine, Iowa
    Ingredion
        Indianapolis, Indiana
    Primient
        Dayton, Ohio
        Lafayette, Indiana

1 Million Hours Award: Recognizes facilities operating for 1 million consecutive employee hours without an employee lost workday or workplace-related fatality.
    Archer Daniels Midland
        Columbus, Nebraska
    Cargill
        Indianapolis, Indiana
        Paris, Illinois
    Grain Processing Corporation
        Muscatine, Iowa

Zero Lost Workdays Award: Acknowledges facilities operating for a full calendar year without an employee lost workday or a workplace-related fatality.
    Archer Daniels Midland
        Columbus, Nebraska
        Southport, North Carolina
    Cargill
        Dayton, Ohio
        Hammond, Indiana
        Indianapolis, Indiana
        Paris, Illinois
        Wahpeton, North Dakota
    Grain Processing Corporation
        Muscatine, Iowa
    Ingredion
        Indianapolis, Indiana
        Winston-Salem, North Carolina
    Primient
        Dayton, Ohio
        Lafayette, Indiana 

CRA’s Workplace Safety Awards are based on rigorous, data-driven criteria and are supported by the association’s Workplace Safety Statistics Program, which provides a consistent framework for measuring, benchmarking, and improving safety performance across member facilities.