Tuesday April 14 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress - Producer Sulfer use Survey - N Rate Risk Protection program - Early work on Heat Stress - Iowa N Soil Sampling Project - Whey Market Significant to Dairy - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition Report

As the 2026 planting season gets underway across the Plains, soil moisture — or the lack of it — is emerging as the dominant concern, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report.

While calendar timing remains largely normal for mid‑April, much of Nebraska is entering the early stages of planting with significant moisture deficits, raising questions about crop emergence, early growth, and pasture conditions if meaningful rain does not arrive soon.

In Nebraska, corn and soybean planting have not yet begun, a situation that still fits well within the historical average for this time of year. Field conditions did offer some encouragement last week, with 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork statewide, allowing producers to prepare ground ahead of broader planting activity.

However, preparation is one thing — moisture is another.

USDA reports that 79 percent of Nebraska’s topsoil is rated short to very short, including 42 percent very short, while subsoil moisture shows nearly the same level of stress. Only about one‑fifth of the state’s topsoil is considered adequate, with no surplus moisture reported.

Those conditions do not necessarily delay planting right away, but they do raise concerns about uniform emergence and early root development, particularly if dry weather persists deeper into April and May.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Corn planting in Iowa reached 1 percent complete for the week ending April 12, 2026, which is 1 percentage point behind last year, when 2 percent of the crop had been planted. No soybean planting has been reported, which is 1 percentage point behind 2025, when 1% of the crop had been planted. There were 2.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 12, 2026. This is 3.3 days less than last year, when there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture conditions across Iowa were rated 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. corn planting was slightly ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average as of Sunday, April 12, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

Winter wheat conditions also declined slightly last week, with the crop rated 34% good to excellent, down 1 percentage point from the previous week and 13 percentage points from 47% a year ago amid widespread drought in the Central and Southern Plains.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 5% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of 4% last year and equal to the five-year average. 

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 6% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year at this time and equal to the five-year average of 2%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 32% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor as of April 12, up 13 percentage points from 19% a year ago, according to NASS. 
-- Crop development: 11% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 8% and 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 7%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 6% of the crop was planted nationwide as of April 12, equal to last year's pace but 1 percentage point behind the five-year average of 7%. 



Help Shape Nebraska's Sulfur Recommendations

The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board are partnering with UNL to modernize sulfur application recommendations and farmer input is critical to getting it right. As research protocols are developed, we want to hear directly from producers: How do you apply sulfur, and what drives those decisions? Your real-world experience will help ensure updated recommendations actually reflect how today's farmers operate. Please take a few minutes to share your perspective. The survey is completely anonymous.

Take the 5 minute survey HERE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeG3P3S-RQuhdI47d5KAKUwJgyfI9QD7bHUCHM4gBUDi_68iA/viewform.  



Dodge Co Cattlemen Meeting

Dodge County Cattlemen will have a meeting THIS EVENING April 14th in Scribner at Z’s Bar and Grill. The social hour starts at 6:30 and the meal is at 7:30. The social hour is sponsored by West Point Implement and Design. The program will be feature Ty Roseberry from Vence and will be talking about virtual fencing for cattle.

Hope to see you there!



PFI program helps farmers find their optimal nitrogen rate

Midwestern farmers who want to reduce input costs and find their optimal nitrogen rate can now enroll in Practical Farmers of Iowa’s N Rate Risk Protection program.

“Nitrogen fertilizer is a major cost for farmers, making it a key area for potential savings,” says Chelsea Ferrie, PFI’s senior field crops viability coordinator. “This program helps curious farmers test lower rates and find out what works best for their own farm.”

Farmers in the program get a phone call from a PFI agronomist to talk about their unique situation and what reductions are feasible while maintaining yields.

All acres with a nitrogen reduction will receive a $5/acre payment regardless of the yield outcome. If a yield drop occurs after lowering nitrogen, participants will receive a $30/acre payment.

“Nitrogen is a vital crop nutrient, but excess can leach into waterways when it’s overused – potentially harming wildlife, people and aquatic ecosystems,” says Chelsea.

By making it less financially risky for farmers, the program lets farmers experiment with lower nitrogen rates while helping them save money and increase their farm’s resilience.

To be eligible, farmers must:
• Raise corn in 2026
• Be willing to reduce nitrogen by approximately 20 pounds per acre
• Manage corn conventionally; certified organic acres are not eligible
• Farm in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska or southeastern South Dakota

Both farmers who are new to saving on inputs and farmers who’ve reduced nitrogen rates in recent years are eligible.

Enrollment is now open and will close April 30, 2026. Full details and the application form are available 
at practicalfarmers.org/n-rate-risk-protection-program.

For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, contact Chelsea Ferrie at (515) 232-5661 ext. 1040 or farmadmin@practicalfarmers.org



Heat Stress Resources Published by Iowa Pork Industry Center

Swine producers can access new resources available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to mitigate summer heat stress. “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations” and “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research” are available for download from the ISU Extension Store.

Researchers have estimated that heat stress costs the U.S. pork industry over $520 million annually in economic losses. By incorporating practices that reduce heat stress, swine producers can maintain animal feed intake and efficiency during periods with warmer temperatures.  

“Heat stress causes pigs to focus on survival instead of growth or reproduction,” said Mark Storlie, extension swine specialist at ISU and author of the publications. “Minimizing heat stress can improve animal growth performance and productivity, positively impacting a pork producer’s bottom line.”

The first publication, “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations,” https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/animals-and-livestock/swine/ipic222.html emphasizes strategies to minimize stress in sow breeding herds and the effects on reproductive productivity. It includes tools for identifying heat stress, new research on the ideal ambient temperature range for sows and boars, basic ventilation design and additional heat mitigation options.

The second publication, “Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research,” https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/animals-and-livestock/swine/ipic221.html summarizes the findings from a research trial conducted by Tori Rudolph, former graduate student at Iowa State University. The trial found that heat stress affects gilts and barrows differently through observed biological changes, alterations in skeletal muscle and hematological parameters.




Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project to Help Iowa Farmers Save Money, Benefit Water Quality 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) today announced a new, three-year Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project that will conduct nitrogen soil testing for farmers in targeted areas upstream from the Des Moines metro. Testing for residual nitrogen in the soil can help farmers dial in their fertilizer application rates, which may help cut input costs while delivering meaningful water quality benefits.

Residual nitrogen levels can vary widely from year to year and field to field, with winter conditions often influencing how much is available heading into spring. Experts at Iowa State University have been modeling soil nitrogen conditions and have found residual nitrogen levels could be higher than average this year because of the relatively warm winter weather. Soil sampling removes the guesswork and gives farmers reliable, field-level data to understand how much nitrogen is naturally occurring before additional fertilizer is applied.  

“Farmers are operating in a very challenging economy with low commodity prices and high input costs, including fertilizer prices near record highs,” said Secretary Naig. “With affordability top of mind, this is the perfect time for farmers to take a closer look at their fertilizer management programs. Soil sampling, coupled with the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative’s N-FACT tool, gives farmers better data to make input decisions. This project is a win-win; soil sampling has the potential to save farmers money on fertilizer costs while maintaining yields and delivering water quality benefits.” 

This three-year program is designed to study year-to-year variability in nitrogen availability and evaluate how residual soil nitrogen influences on-farm nitrogen management decisions. 

“Nitrogen decisions involve many variables,” said Ben Gleason, INREC Executive Director. “This program gives farmers the chance to work off real numbers from their own fields. In a year where every input dollar matters, that kind of precision can make a difference.” 

The first phase of the project begins this spring. INREC is currently enrolling farmers directly north of the Des Moines metro in Boone, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton and Webster counties. The program will expand this fall to include more fields in the Boone, Des Moines, Middle Cedar and Raccoon River watersheds. SoilView will conduct the soil sampling and laboratory testing to inform in-season nitrogen applications. Farmers can start enrolling now at iowanrec.org/nitrogen-soil-sampling-project. 

Participating farmers will be asked to provide basic field information such as crop rotation, nitrogen management, manure use and cover crop history, and complete a short, post-season survey. All data will be anonymized and shared with Iowa State University to support ongoing nitrogen research and the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative’s N-FACT rate recommendations. 

To learn more about the Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project and other supporting resources, visit iowanrec.org/nitrogen-soil-sampling-project. 

 

Whey Protein Boom Reshaping Milk Value and Market Dynamics for U.S. Dairy Producers
Fred Hall, ISU Extension Dairy Field Specialist

A powerful surge in whey protein demand is rapidly transforming the economics of the U.S. dairy industry, creating new revenue opportunities while introducing emerging risks for dairy producers.

Whey protein prices have climbed to record levels—reaching approximately $11 per pound, up from less than $4 in 2023—driven by strong demand from fitness-focused consumers and individuals using GLP-1 medications who are increasing protein intake. This shift has elevated whey from a low-value by-product of cheese production into one of the most profitable components of the milk stream.

For processors, the implications are significant. In some cases, cheese plants are now generating more revenue from whey than from cheese itself. As a result, manufacturers are expanding cheese production to capture higher whey returns, fundamentally altering milk utilization patterns. This has triggered substantial investment across the sector, with more than $11 billion committed to 53 new or expanded U.S. dairy processing facilities expected to come online by 2028.

For dairy producers, this expansion signals strong long-term demand for milk, particularly for high-protein processing streams. However, it also raises important questions about milk allocation and competition. Many processors have already secured future milk supplies, and as new plants come online, competition for available milk could intensify in certain regions. This may create opportunities for producers to negotiate favorable contracts, but could also lead to disparities, with some plants potentially unable to secure sufficient milk.

At the same time, the push for increased whey production carries market risks. Because whey is co-produced with cheese, higher output could lead to a temporary oversupply of cheese, putting downward pressure on cheese prices even as whey values remain strong. Producers should be aware of the potential for short-term price volatility as markets adjust to increased capacity.

Adding another layer to the evolving landscape is the continued growth of beef-on-dairy crossbreeding. This strategy allows producers to generate additional revenue—often up to $1,500 per calf—helping offset milk price fluctuations and improve overall farm margins.

Overall, the whey protein boom is redefining value in the dairy supply chain. While it presents meaningful opportunities for growth and profitability, dairy producers must carefully navigate shifting market signals, milk demand competition, and potential price imbalances in the years ahead.



USDA Announces Additional Continuous Conservation Batching Period and Reminds Producers of Important Upcoming Economic Assistance and Conservation Program Deadlines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offers can be submitted during a second batching period that runs through May 1, 2026. Additionally, USDA reminds producers and landowners of the upcoming April 17, 2026, deadline for both the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program and the General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Signup 66. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already made over $9.4 billion in FBA payments to row crop producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. Landowners and producers still have time to submit General CRP offers to convert highly erodible land or environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and enhance wildlife habitat. 

“I know spring is a busy time for farmers and ranchers with field work preparations, planting and calving season underway, and it’s easy to miss important FSA program deadlines. Please take a minute to check in with your local county office regarding upcoming deadlines,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Don’t miss out on these valuable economic support programs because putting Farmers First means making sure you have every opportunity to strengthen your operations and manage financial risk.” 

Continuous CRP Signup 65, Second Batching Period 
The first Continuous CRP batching period closed on March 20, 2026. Since acreage remains available, FSA is opening a second batching period and will consider Continuous CRP offers submitted by interested agricultural producers and landowners between March 23, 2026, and May 1, 2026. Offers to re-enroll expiring CRP continuous acreage will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. New acreage offered in continuous CRP practices will be considered for acceptance on a first-come, first-serve basis if they support USDA conservation priorities including but not limited to practices that address water quality, such as filter strips and grass waterways, and practices that restore native ecosystems or target specific resource concerns. 

Continuous CRP participants voluntarily offer environmentally sensitive lands, typically smaller parcels than offered through General CRP including wetlands, riparian buffers, and varying wildlife habitats. In return, they receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.   

CRP is USDA’s flagship conservation program, providing financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, extends FSA’s authority to administer CRP through Sept. 30, 2026.     

Farmer Bridge Assistance 
April 17, 2026, is the deadline to submit completed FBA applications. Pre-filled applications are available online to producers with a Login.gov account who timely filed their 2025 crop acreage report for eligible commodities. Producers who have a Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application from fsa.usda.gov/fba.  Additionally, producers can also request their pre-filled FBA application from their FSA county office.   

General CRP Signup 66 
General CRP offers must be submitted by April 17, 2026. 

General CRP offers are submitted through a competitive bid process. USDA is close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap with 1.9 million acres available for all CRP enrollments this fiscal year, making enrollment competitive. USDA is focused on accepting the acres that can best deliver real, lasting benefits to soil, water and wildlife.

After the enrollment period closes, General CRP offers are ranked and scored by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover. 



Downstream Margin Trouble
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Agricultural & Resource Economics, Colorado State University

In addition to record strong basis levels for calves everywhere, including South Dakota, look at last week’s ITCM – margins for the first quarter communicate much trouble for downstream firms in the beef business. The complexity of feeder cattle futures, contract prices, and live cattle futures prices are approaching record highs established last October. Cash market prices have moved up and, in many cases, more than futures have. The underlying market fundamentals are clear. Supplies are tight, and demand is strong. The story for the past five years has been more of the same – a continued tightening of beef animal numbers and a continued strengthening of – especially domestic – consumer demand. (Exports are present increasingly, and the escalating beef values are pricing foreign destinations out of the market. Imports are the reverse story.) With the underlying fundamentals unchanged, the downside risk emerges from the negative margins in meatpacking and cattle feeding.

Packer margins – the revenue from beef and byproduct sales less the cost of finished cattle – spent all but four months of 2025 below $200 per head. These gross margins were negative in February 2026 – the amounts paid for fed cattle were greater than the amount for which beef and byproducts were sold. Margins did bounce back in March 2026, but to just short of $250 per head. These margins are what packing companies need to pay for labor, facilities, supplies, equipment, and management. Reasonable estimates of packer per head slaughter and fabrication costs are between $285 and $365 per head – on every head. Packer losses through 2025 and into 2026 will result in facility closings. This has occurred, but also will continue. And this is not good news for the cattle industry.

Turning to the cattle feeding industry, cash returns have been very strong into 2026 and for all of 2025– these are easy to measure with fed, feeder, and feedstuff prices. But these cash returns are substantially offset by hedging losses – and are not publicly available. It is reasonably easy to construct hedgeable margins for cattle feeders for the rest of 2026. Deferred live cattle contract prices are used to estimate revenue and nearby feeder cattle and corn contract prices are used to estimate costs. For the rest of the year cattle feeders can hedge between a $100 and $300 per head loss – on every head. (The lesson learned is don’t hedge?) The situation is the same as the meatpacker.

This downstream margin trouble is long-term trouble – excellent calve prices now with much asset and investment risk and volatility in the future. Or will there be some creative business models that are constructed to create better long-term opportunities with less boom and bust in the different segments of the beef supply chain?