Friday May 15 Ag News - NeFB Foundation Hanson Collegiate Leaders - IANR Discovery Days - IA Farm & Food Conference '26 - US-China Meetings Ongoing - Grain Export Values Updated - and more!

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Awards Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarships

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded the Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to four University of Nebraska–Lincoln students in recognition of their leadership, deep engagement in agriculture, and commitment to serving the agriculture industry.

This year’s recipients are Morgan Bonifas of Hamilton County, Addy Donelson of Platte County, Rachel Marensen of Platte County, and Zoe Ordway of Foresthill, California. These students are actively involved in the UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau and are pursuing academic and professional pathways connected to agriculture, agricultural policy, and rural development. Each recipient was awarded a $1,750 scholarship.

Established by Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the scholarship honors Collegiate Farm Bureau members who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, service, and advancing the future of agriculture.

“The Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship reflects Dr. Hanson’s long-standing commitment to developing student leaders in agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director. “These recipients are putting leadership into action, and that is exactly what this award is meant to recognize.”

Recipients were selected based on their sustained involvement in Collegiate Farm Bureau, demonstrated leadership across campus and industry organizations, and dedication to careers that support and strengthen agriculture.

Morgan Bonifas, a sophomore majoring in agricultural and environmental sciences communications, is actively involved in agricultural leadership and youth development initiatives through Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council. She also contributes to statewide efforts that introduce agriculture to younger audiences and strengthen public understanding of the industry.

Addy Donelson, a junior majoring in agricultural and environmental sciences communications, has built extensive experience in agricultural policy and communications through her leadership in Collegiate Farm Bureau and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, as well as her work with Nebraska Farm Bureau. She has participated in numerous state, regional, and national Farm Bureau conferences and holds leadership roles that connect students directly with agricultural advocacy and industry engagement.

Rachel Martensen, a freshman majoring in agribusiness, is engaged in multiple agricultural organizations on campus and in her community, including Sigma Alpha and Collegiate Farm Bureau. Her involvement reflects a strong interest in agricultural systems, rural community engagement, and service-oriented leadership.

Zoe Ordway, a freshman majoring in agricultural economics, is actively involved in agricultural policy and leadership development programs at the university and state level. She has pursued opportunities in government affairs, advocacy, and agricultural organizations focused on strengthening representation for rural communities.

“I am pleased to help recognize these four outstanding student members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Collegiate Chapter for their involved leadership contributions to Nebraska agriculture,” said Hanson. “With the current challenges to food production, as well as the policy regulatory issues being directed at the agricultural industry, young ag leaders will be a vital resource for searching out the needed solutions and policy planning directions for keeping rural America strong and vibrant into the future.” 



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes House Passage of Year-Round E15

The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which allows year-round access to E15 fuel across the country. The final House vote was 218 to 203, with broad bipartisan support.
 
“This marks a crucial step on the path to year-round E15,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “While we’re not over the finish line yet, House passage of HR 1346 represents years of tireless effort on commonsense legislation allowing E15 to be sold all year nationwide. The NEB thanks all the ethanol champions who helped secure widespread support for this bill. In particular, special recognition goes to Representative Adrian Smith for his leadership on this critical issue.”
 
While E15 has been a federally legal fuel since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved it in 2011, an outdated provision in the 1990 Clean Air Act prevents E15 sales during the summer months. Emergency waivers have ensured uninterrupted E15 sales during the past several years, but a permanent legislative fix is needed for long-term marketplace certainty. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.
 
“We will continue our dedicated efforts to make year-round E15 the law of the land,” Rhodes said. “All eyes are now on the Senate as they take up this legislation, and we stand ready to support and assist our Senate champions in their efforts. In these times of fuel supply disruption and uncertain markets, year-round E15 is a surefire way to save consumers money at the pump, boost our rural economies, and bolster American energy security. Let’s get it done.”



DISCOVERY DAYS TO FEATURE VINTAGE TRACTORS, YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS, BUGS

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host three Discovery Days events this summer on East Campus, offering free, family-friendly opportunities to explore agriculture, science, entrepreneurship and the natural world through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits.

Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. around the East Campus loop and surrounding spaces, Discovery Days connect youth and families with the people, programs and research shaping Nebraska’s future in agriculture and natural resources.

“Discovery Days are all about creating opportunities for families to learn together while experiencing the innovation, creativity and community that make East Campus special,” said Jordan Slagle, events and outreach manager for the Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources. “Each event offers a unique way for youth to engage with science, agriculture and hands-on learning.”

The 2026 Discovery Days schedule includes:
> June 13: Tractor Restoration Club partnership — Visitors can explore vintage tractors, agricultural equipment and restoration projects through a partnership with the club. The event will highlight Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and provide opportunities to interact with collectors and enthusiasts.

> July 11: Kids Market: Child Entrepreneurs — Young entrepreneurs will showcase and sell products ranging from crafts and baked goods to creative business ventures during the Kids Market. The event is designed to encourage innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship among youth.

> Aug. 8: Bug Fest — The popular event returns with hands-on insect activities, educational displays and opportunities to learn about entomology, pollinators and Nebraska ecosystems. Families can interact with scientists, explore insect collections and participate in activities for all ages.

More information and event updates are available on the Discovery Days website https://discoverydays.unl.edu/ and Facebook and Instagram pages.



Iowa Farm & Food Conference Registration Opens, Agenda Released

The Iowa Farm & Food Conference will take place in Waterloo on June 11 and 12. The full conference agenda has been released, and registration is open through May 31.

Hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development, the Iowa Food System Coalition and the Iowa Farm to School & Early Care Coalition, the conference brings together farmers, educators, food system practitioners, supply chain partners, nonprofits and community leaders working to strengthen Iowa’s food system. 

“We are proud to feature numerous local food vendors and caterers throughout the event and grateful for the support of local and statewide partners and sponsors who help make this event possible,” said Chelsea Lynn, farm to school and early care program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. 

Day one of the conference, Thursday, June 11, will focus on “Community Connections,” including site visits to local producers and community partners. Participants can choose between three tracks: “Next Generation Futures,” “Regenerating Community Health” or “Cultivating Tomorrow’s Farmers,” and enjoy a local lunch and tour at Hansen’s Dairy. 

Site visits will be followed by a community dinner at SingleSpeed Brewing with live music, local food and the 2026 Golden Root Awards program, celebrating local leaders in Farm to School and Early Care.

Day two, Friday, June 12, will take place at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. The conference theme, “Futuring our Food System,” will explore future food systems possibilities and the work to get there. A keynote presentation from Food Systems Foresight, five “futures-themed” session tracks and bite-size presentations will also offer a chance for participants to collaborate with and hear from others in Iowa food systems.

A full agenda and registration is available on the event webpage https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/cfs-annual-event. The cost to attend both days of the conference is $300 and $200 if participants choose to attend only one day. 

For more information, contact Chelsea Lynn at cekrist@iastate.edu. 



ASA Statement on Ongoing U.S. China Meeting  

The American Soybean Association (ASA) appreciates President Trump’s ongoing discussions with President Xi. Strong and reliable trade relationships are critical to the continued success of America’s soybean growers, and China remains one of the most important export markets for U.S. soybeans.  

“ASA appreciates the ongoing dialogue between the United States and China and hopes to see additional soybean purchases this marketing year, as well as continued progress toward fulfilling future purchase commitments,” said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio farmer. “As U.S. soybean farmers plant our 2026 crop, we are looking forward to a successful harvest to fulfill China’s purchase commitments. Greater certainty and consistency in the marketplace help provide farmers with the confidence they need as they make decisions for the year ahead.”  

At the previous trade summit between the two nations, China committed to purchase 25 million metric tons (MMT) of soybeans annually through 2028 – an increase from the current marketing year commitment of 12 MMT.

U.S. soybean growers are committed to supplying a high-quality, reliable product to customers around the world and look forward to policies and trade outcomes that strengthen demand, improve competitiveness, and support long-term growth for American agriculture.



NCGA Analysis Confirms Positive Benefits of E15 for Corn and Soybean Farmers

As legislation to authorize year-round E15 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration, the National Corn Growers Association today released an analysis demonstrating a net positive benefit of year-round E15 for corn and soybean farmers.  

“For corn farmers, most of whom also grow soybeans, the overall impact is positive,” the study explains. “On average, a representative farm with equal corn and soybean acres realizes a net benefit exceeding $5 per acre over the projection period.”  

Using a model developed by World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services for NCGA, the study finds expanded E15 use, when accounting for updated Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and industry market assumptions for E15 adoption:  
    boosts corn demand  
    positively supports corn prices 
    reduces net corn and soybean ARC/PLC outlays; and,  
    increases the sum of overall net returns across the two crops   

“At a time when farmers are facing tight margins, allowing year-round, nationwide E15 stands out as a market-driven solution that strengthens rural economies and delivers savings to taxpayers,” the study noted.  



Value Of Grains Export Study Updated

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council recently updated its Value of Grain Exports map to include the latest data on the economic contribution of U.S. agricultural exports to state economies.

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) has updated its Value of Grains Exports study with the latest available information about the financial benefits of agricultural exports to communities across the country.

The study, jointly commissioned with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), examines the economic contributions provided by exports of malt barley, other barley, corn, corn gluten feed and meal, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), ethanol, sorghum and the corn equivalent of beef, pork and poultry on the U.S. economy.

The study specifically highlights the economic contributions provided by each U.S. state and individually analyzes them with the goal of quantifying the degree to which state economies rely upon and benefit from grain exports.

Results from the analysis show the $27.57 billion in grain and grain products exported indirectly supported a total economic output of $79.31 billion in 2024. In other words, access to international export markets for U.S. grains supported nearly an additional $51.74 billion in business sales during 2024.

Moreover, the export of grain products supported U.S. GDP by $32.589 billion over what would have occurred without such exports. Finally, the number of jobs linked directly or indirectly to grain exports totaled roughly 309,129.

Further analysis shows that for every dollar of grain product exports generated, through indirect and induced business activities, $2.88 in business sales are supported across the United States. 

“The U.S. agricultural industry has always been a key cog in the nation’s economy, and this resource precisely identifies how states benefit from strong U.S. trade relationships in markets around the world,” said Bryan Jernigan, USGBC director of communications.

The online interactive platform allows users to break down each state in the U.S. based on total value of exports and production, with downloadable PDF infographics available as well.



First Quarter Midwest Farmland Values Up
Chicago Federal Reserve

In the first quarter of 2026, the Seventh Federal Reserve District’s agricultural land values saw a 3% increase from a year ago. Yet “good” farmland values dipped 1% from the fourth quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026, according to the survey responses of 104 District agricultural lenders. Demand to purchase farmland was lower in the three- to six-month period ending with March 2026 than in the same period ending with March 2025 (11% of survey respondents reported higher demand to purchase farmland and 22% reported lower demand). Also, the amount of farmland for sale was down during the winter and early spring of 2026 compared with a year earlier. Likewise, the number of farms and the amount of acreage sold were down in the winter and early spring of 2026 relative to a year ago. Annual cash rental rates for District farmland saw a decrease of 3% in 2026—their second consecutive decrease after increases from 2021 through 2024. For 2026, average annual cash rents for farmland were up 2% in Indiana, but down 1% in Illinois, 4% in Iowa, and 1% in Wisconsin.

Credit conditions
District agricultural credit conditions weakened during the first quarter of 2026. Repayment rates for non-real-estate farm loans were lower in the January through March period of 2026 compared with a year ago, and the renewals and extensions of these loans were higher. In the first quarter of 2026, demand for non-real-estate farm loans relative to a year ago was up for the tenth consecutive quarter, while the availability of funds for agricultural lending relative to a year earlier was down for the 12th consecutive quarter.

The breakdown of the index readings for the first quarter of 2026 follows:
• At 141, the index of demand for non-real-estate farm loans indicated strong demand in the first quarter of 2026; for that quarter, 50% of the responding lenders noted higher loan demand compared with a year ago and 9% noted lower demand.
• The index of funds availability was 90; 10% of the responding lenders reported their institutions had more funds available to lend in the first quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, while 20% reported their institutions had less.
• At 63, the index of repayment rates for non-real-estate farm loans was down from a year ago for the tenth consecutive quarter; 38% of responding lenders observed lower rates of repayment for the first quarter of 2026 relative to the first quarter of 2025, while 1% observed higher rates.
• The index of loan renewals and extensions stood at 136 in the first quarter of 2026 (its highest value since the second quarter of 2020); 38% of the survey respondents reported higher levels of loan renewals and extensions over the January through March period of 2026 compared with the same period last year, while just 2% reported lower levels of them.

Furthermore, responding lenders reported that, on average, 17% of their farm borrowers had more carryover debt (loans not paid off at the end of the growing season and subsequently carried over into the next one) in 2026 than in 2025. At 79.8%, the average loan-to-deposit ratio in the first quarter of 2026 was up a bit from the previous quarter and was nearly 3 percentage points below the average level desired by responding lenders. The amount of collateral required by agricultural lending institutions across the District was somewhat higher than a year earlier. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, the District’s average interest rates on farm operating and feeder cattle loans had edged down from the prior quarter, while its average interest rate on farm real estate loans had risen slightly.



Soy Checkoff launches Soy Farmer Support Hub to help navigate current farm challenges 

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board built something their fellow farmers have long needed: one place for near-term solutions that matter. The Soy Farmer Support Hub, found at unitedsoybean.org/soy-farmer-support-hub, combines resources that the checkoff curated into an easy-to-follow location focused on fields, operations and the farmers themselves.  

The site is part of a bigger initiative by the Soy Checkoff to help U.S. soybean farmers access timely, research-backed tools to overcome the challenges they face day-to-day.  While the checkoff typically focuses on long-term market building and on-farm production improvements three to five years out, these immediate resources are applicable to helping farmers’ bottom line while also reducing farm stress, which is especially important during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.  

The Soy Farmer Support Hub is categorized into three sections: For Your Fields, For Your Operation, and For You. These are resources farmer-leaders feel are a high priority this growing season. The first section – For Your Fields – includes a collection of resources that help farmers make pre- and in-season decisions. Farmers can find everything from variety selection tools to disease and insect management calculators.  

“Soybeans are grown in more than 30 states and navigating all the resources out there can be a full-time job,” says Tom Frisch, Soy Checkoff farmer-leader from Dumont, Minn. “We’re covering standard topics like planting, seeding rates, pests and diseases. But, we’re also covering newer topics like making decisions around biologicals.” 

Frisch explains that for the first time ever, the checkoff has a suggestion box for resources farmers would like to see added to the Support Hub or additional input on investment priorities. The form is a direct line to the farmers making funding decisions.  

The second section of the Hub – For Your Operation – looks at revenue and profitability. While it's top of mind for farmers 24/7, the tools available help farmers identify new opportunities to impact on-farm profitability including premiums, cost-share funding, and management decisions.  

“There are some concrete opportunities within the specialty and sustainability space for farmers to add revenue to their operation,” says Don Wyss, Soy Checkoff farmer-leader from Fort Wayne, Ind. “Many of these income streams like high oleic soy and Farmers for Soil Health are direct checkoff investments and helps us diversify to meet customer demand from buyers who are willing to pay more for high-quality varieties and soil health practices.”  

Wyss grows high oleic soybeans and recognizes that these programs are not a one-size-fits-all situation for growers. He encourages farmers to look at the opportunities in their area and identify what works for their operation.  

But none of the field tools or economic resources matter without the farmer behind them, which connects to the third section of the hub – For You (the farmer). The checkoff recognizes the role mental health plays in agriculture and compiled resources to emphasize that farmer stress and well-being must be discussed and that anyone struggling is not alone.  

For You combines resources from all over the country that focus on the farmer. It gives friends, connections and family an opportunity to know the signs of stress and help the people they care about break through.  

“To be able to take care of your family and your farm, you have to also take care of you,” says Robb Ewoldt, Soy Checkoff farmer-leader from Davenport, Iowa. “We’re all dealing with compounding stress in agriculture, and we want people to know that you have neighbors and peers who are also managing it. As a farmer-led board, we want to help in normalizing conversations about mental well-being and making it easier to find the right information.”  

The checkoff’s plan for the Soy Farmer Support Hub includes ongoing development of materials. More resources will become available in the weeks and months ahead, including videos like the one below highlighting how farmers are managing tight margins this year. Farmers who are looking for something specific are encouraged to reach out and submit suggestions within the hub.