Wednesday April 22 Ag News - Pillen helps Facilitate Wildfire Supply Donations - Tracking Wildfire Recovery - Gibbon Packing Resumes Operations - Early Registration IFBF Economic Summit - and more!

Pillen Issues New Order to Aid Wildfire Supply Deliveries

To help facilitate additional deliveries of feed and supplies to ranchers in areas destroyed by recent wildfires, Governor Jim Pillen is re-issuing an executive order for commercial motor carriers.  The order relaxes hours of service, load and weight limits, as well as other regulations. It will expire May 14.



NEW WEBSITE HELPS LANDOWNERS TRACK WILDFIRE RECOVERY, VIEW HISTORY

Following historic wildfires that have burned nearly one million acres of Nebraska grazing lands this spring, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has launched a new online hub, https://wildfire.unl.edu, that integrates science, mapping and field-based documentation in one place.

The resource — the first of its kind focused on working grasslands — is designed to track and monitor long-term recovery while supporting farmers, ranchers and land managers as they restore Nebraska’s native grasslands.

Built through the integration of Nebraska Extension and university research programs, the platform combines scientific data, decision-support tools and applied guidance to help producers navigate recovery following wildfire.

“Wildfire recovery unfolds over years, not months,” said Dirac Twidwell, rangeland ecologist at Nebraska. “What we’ve built here is not just a map of fires — it’s a system that helps people understand recovery, anticipate change and respond with better information.”

The hub is informed by decades of research and monitoring.

Twidwell’s lab has studied and cataloged more than 1,300 wildfires across the Great Plains since 1985, building one of the most comprehensive datasets on wildfire and recovery in the region. That work now powers the platform’s interactive tools, allowing users to explore wildfire history and recovery patterns over time.

“Each mapped polygon represents a wildfire dating back to 1985,” Twidwell said. “That long-term record lets us see how grasslands actually recover — across different weather patterns, management decisions and landscapes — and that perspective is critical for making sound decisions today.”

Through the platform, users can:
> Explore where and when wildfires have occurred across Nebraska since 1985;
> View wildfire perimeters and details such as year, size and fire name;
> Analyze how vegetation responds before and after wildfire using time-based graphs;
> Compare current conditions to past wildfire patterns;
> Identify similar past wildfire events to inform recovery decisions.

The tool integrates long-term wildfire records with remotely sensed vegetation data, allowing users to evaluate how grasslands recover over time. Vegetation response is displayed through graphs comparing pre- and post-wildfire conditions, helping producers assess recovery timelines and variability.

The platform goes beyond visualization of past fires, integrating decades of Nebraska research into practical guidance for rangeland, livestock, crop and water systems, connecting science directly to management decisions. It also links users to Nebraska Extension educators and partner networks, making it easier to access technical expertise, find local contacts and identify upcoming field days and workshops.

The initiative includes a new post-wildfire monitoring approach that connects research expectations with landowner engagement while coordinating future research efforts to improve recovery outcomes across the state.

The data behind the platform draws from multiple national and research-backed sources, including the Rangeland Analysis Platform for vegetation data, the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity database for historical wildfire perimeters and the National Interagency Fire Center for recent fire data.

University research has also shown an increase in large wildfires across Nebraska and the Great Plains, underscoring the need for long-term recovery planning and improved decision-support systems.



Gibbon Packing resumes operations after well collapse

Gibbon Packing, a subsidiary of American Foods Group LLC (AFG), announced that operations at its processing plant in Gibbon, Neb., resumed on April 21.

For a week, Gibbon Packing paused production at the plant due to the collapse of a water well undergoing maintenance. No injuries were reported from the incident.

“The engineering and operations teams collaborated effectively to drill a new well and quickly restore the water supply,” Gibbon Packing said. “Special thanks to Woodman’s Drilling & Irrigation from Shelton, Neb., as well as our dedicated Gibbon and American Foods Group support teams, whose prompt actions ensured a rapid resolution.”

The company added that, throughout the disruption, it prioritized support for its team and retaining employees.

“We appreciate the patience and support of our employees, cattle producers, suppliers and customers,” said David Jagodzinske, president and chief operating officer of AFG. “We remain dedicated to meeting their needs now and in the long term.”



Beef Processing to Plate: Bringing the Beef Story to the Classroom

The California Beef Council’s “Beef: Processing to Plate” virtual series brought the journey of beef to life for thousands of students, connecting production, science, and nutrition in an engaging, classroom-friendly format. Led by Kori Dover, Director of Food and Nutrition Outreach for the California Beef Council, the three-part series was created in collaboration with the Nebraska Beef Council, Kansas Beef Council, and Iowa Beef Council to expand access to agricultural education across the country. 

Dover, a registered dietitian, focuses on educating consumers about beef through innovative outreach like virtual farm tours and classroom programming. The idea for the series stemmed from growing demand among educators.  

“We were seeing a growth of schools wanting to provide education for where food comes from,” Dover said. “This was a way to take the field trip to the classroom without students ever having to leave.”  

Designed for students in grades 8-12, including Family and Consumer Sciences, agriculture classes, and FFA members, the series aimed to reach students preparing to enter the workforce and become informed consumers. The three sessions, “Inside a Beef Packing Plant,” “The Meat Science Behind Beef,” and “Beef in the Kitchen,” each built upon the last.  The packing plant portion offered a rare, transparent look at processing, while emphasizing food safety and consistency. 

The meat science session featured Jessica Lancaster of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who explained grading, marbling, and color in ways that connected directly to everyday meals. The final session highlighted practical cooking skills, with chefs demonstrating proper techniques and temperatures for preparing beef at home. 

The impact of the series was significant. Across all three sessions, more than 4,000 students registered per event, with hundreds attending live, representing 278 classrooms in the first session alone . Participation spanned 24 states and regions, including as far as Alberta, Canada, demonstrating the wide reach of the program. Additional engagement continues on YouTube, extending the life of the content beyond the live events. 

Feedback from educators was extremely positive, with 90% rating their experience favorably. Teachers appreciated the accessibility and depth of the content, noting the value of “the transparency inside the plant” and the ability to explore places “we can not reach in a few hours.”  Looking ahead, Dover hopes to continue expanding these virtual “field trips,” ensuring students everywhere and of all ages can better understand the beef industry while exploring future career opportunities.



Discounted early bird registration open for 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit

Discounted early bird registration opened today for the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit: Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag, slated for July 17 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. With U.S. trade policy at a pivotal moment, IFBF’s Economic Summit will provide farmers with a clearer picture of how global trade forces affect Iowa agriculture, a broader view of where future demand for U.S. ag products may emerge and actionable insight for farms and ag business.   

“U.S. trade policy is at a crossroads, and the decisions being made today will shape agriculture for years to come,” says IFBF President Brent Johnson. “Global markets are shifting; tariffs are evolving; and geopolitical pressures continue to reshape demand for U.S. commodities. Understanding where we’ve been and where we’re headed with trade is essential to protecting profitability and uncovering new opportunities in a rapidly changing global marketplace.” 

Former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Bob Lighthizer headlines the 2026 IFBF Economic Summit with a “fireside chat” with IFBF President Brent Johnson. Lighthizer served as the 18th U.S. Trade Representative from 2017 to 2021 and spearheaded the most consequential trade negotiations of the past decade. He will provide insight into U.S. trade policy priorities, tariffs and fair trade, and the Trump administration’s trade policy approach.  

New ISU Research to be Unveiled
Iowa State University (ISU) researchers with the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will also unveil a new joint study in partnership with the Iowa Bankers Association and IFBF regarding what the latest economic indicators reveal about Iowa agriculture today and what that means for future farm profitability and ag financial considerations. 

Participants will also hear real-world examples from Iowa companies that are directly exporting agricultural products. “With ongoing uncertainty in global trade, some Iowa companies have taken a more direct approach. We’re excited to share their experiences that may work for some Iowa farmers,” said IFBF Economics & Research Manager Dr. Christopher Pudenz.

Additionally, Gregg Doud of the National Milk Producers Federation will discuss priority U.S. trade efforts, along with leading economists and trade experts covering meat, dairy and grain exports, including Dr. Sam Gregg of the American Institute of Economic Research, Erin Borror of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Susan Stroud of No Bull Agenda. 

IFBF’s Economic Summit: Trade Crossroads: Forces Shaping the Future of Ag kicks off with an evening networking reception for attendees Thursday, July 16, followed by a full day of presentations and panels Friday, July 17 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. 

Summit registration includes access to the reception on July 16 and all presentations and lunch on July 17 and is $25 for Farm Bureau members and $200 for non-members through May 31. After May 31, regular price registration is $50 for Farm Bureau members and $400 for non-members.  Registration is limited, so interested parties are encouraged to secure a spot today. For a complete agenda, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/Economic-Summit or contact Stacy Stevens (515-225-5633; sstevens@ifbf.org) for more information.



Global Dairy Prices Weaken as CME Milk Futures Hold Steady
Fred Hall, ISU Extension Dairy Field Specialist

The latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) event held April 21, 2026, signals continued softening in global dairy markets, while U.S. milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) remain relatively stable, reflecting a more balanced domestic outlook.

Following declines earlier in April, global dairy prices have continued to face pressure. The previous GDT event showed broad-based price weakness across key commodities, including butter, anhydrous milkfat, and milk powders, with butter prices falling over 8 percent. In the most recent auction, butter was down 7.9 percent, anhydrous milk fat was down 9.6 percent and whole milk powder trending lower as well. The two components in positive territory were cheddar and lactose (+1.1 and +7.2 percents, respectably). This downward momentum suggests that global demand has cooled after a period of stronger pricing earlier in the year, while increased supply availability in exporting regions is adding to market pressure.

At the same time, trading volumes on the GDT platform have shown some variability in recent events, reflecting shifting buyer participation and cautious purchasing behavior in international markets. The April 21 auction continues to reinforce a more cautious tone across global dairy trade.

In contrast, CME dairy markets are showing signs of resilience. Class III milk futures for nearby contracts are holding near the $17.00 per hundredweight range, with recent settlements around $17.03 to $17.16. While prices have fluctuated slightly day-to-day, the overall trend suggests relative stability compared to the volatility seen in global markets.

This divergence highlights an important dynamic for U.S. dairy producers. While global markets are signaling softer pricing, domestic demand and tighter milk supplies are helping support U.S. prices in the near term. However, continued weakness in international markets could eventually pressure U.S. exports and limit upside potential.

Producers are encouraged to monitor both GDT outcomes and CME price movements closely, as global price direction and domestic fundamentals will remain key drivers of milk price risk management decisions in the months ahead.



New Financing Tools to Advance On-Farm Stewardship Highlighted in 2025 Sustainability Report from Farm Credit Services of America, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, and Frontier Farm Credit 

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry), and Frontier Farm Credit today released their collaborative 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting new financing tools informed by producer insights. The report outlines how these tools, alongside research partnerships and cross-industry collaborations, help to reduce barriers to on-farm stewardship. The report is available for download here 2025 Sustainably Report. 

Among the topics covered in this year’s report is an in-depth look at two new programs: the  discounted grant-writing support through Lasso, which is currently in its pilot phase, and a Stewardship Fund that will launch its pilot later this year,  along with references to findings from producer surveys. 

Partnerships Demonstrating Stewardship in Practice 
The Sustainability Report highlights several collaborations that put stewardship into action. Through support from FCSAmerica, the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition partnered with the Soil Health Institute to develop partial budgets for 20 farms and ranches that have implemented regenerative practices for at least five years. The analysis found: 
    Increased yields boosted revenue for 8 operations. 
    Grazing cover crops improved revenue for 11 operations, with the greatest gains when both benefits were combined. 
    13 operations saw increased revenue and reduced input costs such as fertilizer, water and soil amendments. 
    Only 2 operations experienced increased expenses, primarily from post-harvest herbicide applications. 

In addition, the Soil Health Institute documented improvements across multiple soil health indicators, including: 
    100% improvement in water infiltration, soil organic matter, and erosion 
    94% improvement in soil biology and crop resiliency 
    88% improvement in soil structure and reduced fertilizer needs 
    82% improved water quality 

Stewardship Fund: A New Approach to Reducing Upfront Costs 
The report offers the first detailed look at the Stewardship Fund, a blended financing model that combines zero interest capital from food and agriculture companies with a Farm Credit loan. This structure reduces the cost of adopting new activities, as well as continuing, updating, and expanding activities such as no till, cover crops, precision nutrient management, and improved grazing systems. 

Seeking and acting on borrower feedback is central to how the Associations approach and guide its path to borrower solutions. “Producer perspectives continuously inform how we design, pilot, and refine solutions, ensuring they reflect real world needs and decision making,” said Myriah Johnson, Ph.D., vice president sustainability, FCSAmerica, AgCountry, Frontier Farm Credit.  “This disciplined listen and act approach reinforces our commitment to delivering practical, borrower-driven outcomes." The report details customer examples as part of an intentional effort to understand producers’ challenges and successes and measuring outcomes. The pilot will launch in late 2026, with refinements continuing through producer feedback and partner collaboration. 

Making Federal and State Funding More Accessible 
The report also details a new partnership with grant-writing service Lasso, offering discounted, end-to-end grant-writing support for producers seeking public funding for stewardship projects. The pilot is exclusive to publicly funded grants, Lasso’s area of expertise. Existing customers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are eligible to apply for grant-writing services during the pilot period with nearly 90% of the cost being covered by FCSAmerica and AgCountry. Early feedback shows strong demand for assistance navigating increasingly complex funding opportunities. 

The program provides support to producers considering equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, or energy and efficiency projects who may be unsure whether grant funding is available or how to navigate the application process. Selected participants will receive Lasso's end-to-end support, including identifying relevant grant opportunities, preparing applications, and managing post-award requirements.  

PepsiCo Collaboration Signals Cross Industry Momentum 
PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food companies and a major buyer of Midwest-grown ingredients, is also featured in this year’s Sustainability Report. The company aims to help producers adopt or expand regenerative, restorative practices across 10 million acres globally by 2030 and contributed insights during the development of the FCSAmerica Stewardship Fund. 

Report Highlights Producer Experiences and On-Farm Impact 
Across the region, producers featured in the report demonstrate how stewardship is implemented over time through practical, incremental improvements. Their experiences underscore the long-term nature of soil health and conservation work — and the importance of financial tools that support those transitions. 

“Our sustainability program is grounded in listening to producers and delivering practical solutions that work on real operations,” said Johnson. “This report shows how borrower informed financing, research partnerships and cross industry collaboration can reduce barriers to stewardship, strengthen farm profitability and create measurable outcomes that move agriculture — and the industry as a whole — forward.”