Thursday May 21 Ag News - Ricketts introduces May Renewable Fuels Month Resolution - Silage for Beef Conference Set - NCB Summer Internship Program Get Underway - Dairy Market Possibilities in Mexico - and more!

Ricketts Introduces Resolution Designating May as Renewable Fuels Month

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a bipartisan resolution to designate May 2026 as Renewable Fuels Month.  The resolution highlights the critical role renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, unleashing American energy independence, protecting the environment, and supporting rural communities.  Original cosponsors include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

"Renewable fuels are a win for Nebraska and a win for America,” said Senator Ricketts.  “They save consumers money at the pump, are good for the environment, and help farmers get better prices for their corn and soybeans.  Renewable fuels also strengthen American energy independence.  I am proud to lead this resolution on behalf of Nebraska farmers and ranchers.”

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

"For more than a decade, Iowa farmers and biofuel producers were told to wait — wait for another waiver, another study, or another Congress to act," said Representative Nunn.  "This year, we stopped waiting and started delivering.  The House passed year-round, nationwide E15, bringing Congress closer than ever to making permanent access to higher biofuel blends the law of the land.  Iowa's renewable fuels industry has earned that certainty, and this bicameral resolution recognizes the farmers, producers, and innovators who made Iowa the nation's leader in homegrown energy."

The resolution is endorsed by Renewable Fuels Nebraska, Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), Growth Energy, and Fuels America.

Dawn Caldwell, Renewable Fuels Nebraska said, “Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed the world—and thanks to our world-class ethanol producers, we help fuel it, too. Renewable fuels like ethanol boost our family farms’ bottom line, support good jobs across the state, and attract investment into our rural communities. And just as importantly: They keep costs down for drivers at the gas pump while improving our air quality. Renewable Fuels Nebraska appreciates Senator Ricketts’ commitment to celebrating the enormous impact of this industry, and our members are grateful for his work alongside Senator Fischer and their colleagues aimed at opening more markets and creating more opportunities for our workers and producers to deliver high-quality, homegrown energy.”

Nebraska is a national leader in biofuel production, consistently ranking as the second-largest ethanol producer in the United States.  In 2024, Nebraska had 24 operating ethanol plants with a production capacity of over 2.2 billion gallons.  Approximately 35% of Nebraska’s corn crop in 2024 was utilized in ethanol production.  The Renewable Fuels Association estimates that U.S.-produced ethanol displaced the need for 640 million barrels of imported oil in 2025.




Silage for Beef Conference Scheduled for June 18, 2026

Beef producers, nutritionists and industry partners from across the country will gather on June 18, 2026, for the 6th Biennial Silage for Beef Conference at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Nebraska.

Hosted jointly by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa State University and Lallemand Animal Nutrition, the conference will provide actionable insights to help producers navigate today’s economic pressures while maximizing silage quality and cattle performance. Attendance is free with beverages and lunch provided for all participants. Attendees are responsible for their own travel-related expenses. A livestream option will also be available for those unable to attend in person.

Building on the strong foundation of previous conferences, this year’s program continues the focus on translating cutting-edge research into practical strategies that protect investments and strengthen profitability. Tailored for producers, feedyard managers, nutritionists, and allied industry professionals, the program emphasizes on silage safety, labor considerations, feed quality, and maximizing energy value of cattle rations. 

“Nutrition represents one of the largest investments in a beef operation,” said Kip Karges, PhD, Technical Services Director of the Americas at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. “This conference is designed to equip producers with the tools and knowledge they need to manage that investment with confidence, from harvest through feedout.”

The 2026 agenda will address current industry challenges, including:
    Busting Three Myths Around Developing an Effective Agriculture Safety Program: Mike Keenan, Keenan Safety Consulting
    Silage Safety, Planning, Pile Design: Renato Schmidt, PhD, Technical Services, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
    Mycotoxins and Lab Analysis: Katie Raver, MS, Animal Nutrition Technical Services Director at Rock River Laboratory, Inc.
    Ensiling Cover Crops and How that Fits Many: Mary Drewnoski, PhD, Professor & Beef Systems Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    What is the Energy Value of Corn Silage Today: Galen Erickson, PhD, Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    High Moisture Corn Particle Size Effect on Energy Values: Kassidy Buse, PhD, Technical Services, Lallemand Animal Nutrition

Presentations will feature leading researchers and extension specialists from UNL, ISU and other respected institutions, along with industry experts focused on real-world applications.

The Silage for Beef Conference remains one of the only events dedicated specifically to the role of silage in beef production systems. Attendees will leave with clear, practical steps they can implement immediately to improve forage quality, cattle performance and operational efficiency.

Registration details and the full agenda will be available at: https://beef.unl.edu/silage-beef-cattle-conference/.

For additional information, producers may contact their local Lallemand representative or reach out to Connor Biehler with Nebraska Extension at 402-624-8007 or cbiehler2@unl.edu. 



Rural Veterinarian Grant Funding Still Available for Eligible Applicants

Newly-practicing veterinarians in rural Nebraska are encouraged to apply for a $150,000 grant through the Rural Veterinarian Grant Program. Established in 2025, the program aims to expand the workforce by supporting recent veterinary graduates and new practitioners relocating to the state. Eligibility requires a commitment to practice in Nebraska for eight years. Veterinarians who have accepted a job offer or established a production‑animal veterinary practice in rural Nebraska on or after January 1, 2025, may be eligible.

“Nebraska’s rural communities deserve reliable access to high‑quality veterinary care, and this program helps make that possible,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “We’re proud to support new veterinarians who are ready to serve our producers, our livestock, and the communities that form the backbone of our state.”

Under the program, up to 13 grants will be awarded, with total awards not to exceed $1.95 million. NDOL will issue grant funds to each recipient from the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund at the completion of their eight years of practice in Nebraska.

“These grants support Governor Pillen’s Good Life, Great Careers initiative, which prioritizes meeting workforce needs and supporting workers who make rural Nebraska their home,” Thurber added.  

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria, and selection will focus on each candidate’s passion for production animal health, relevant experience, academic achievement, and long‑term commitment to rural Nebraska.
    Hold a doctorate in veterinary medicine (earned since the fall 2023/spring 2024 academic year) and be licensed to practice in Nebraska
    Commit to residing and practicing in Nebraska for eight years (beginning after January 1, 2025)
    Work in a veterinary clinic where at least 80% of hours are dedicated to production animals
    Practice in a county with a population under 40,000

Interested veterinarians can apply at https://dol.nebraska.gov/ruralvetgrant.

Complementary Efforts at UNL
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Elite 11 Veterinary Program provides scholarships to students pursuing careers as production animal veterinarians in rural communities. More information is available at https://casnr.unl.edu/nebraska-elite-11-veterinarian-program/



Nebraska Corn Board Interns to Begin Internship Experiences Nationwide

Seven undergraduate students will begin their internships sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB). These internships, designed to provide hands-on professional experience, will take students to various locations across the U.S., where they will work with key cooperators in the corn industry.

The 36th class of interns will gain experience with NCB’s cooperator partners, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA), Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA), U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBC) and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Most interns will complete their internships by the end of the summer, but two students will serve in yearlong positions.

As the interns’ experiences are housed at their respective cooperator partners, they will have the opportunity to be interviewed by Nebraska-based farm broadcaster Susan Littlefield to share their experiences, as well as write articles that will be posted on the Nebraska Corn Board’s website.

“Our internship program has a long-standing tradition of cultivating successful young professionals," said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of NCB. "As they gain real-world experiences, we look forward to the contribution they will make in their local communities, the state and nation; both now and in the future."

The interns will be working on a range of projects, from agriculture broadcasting and event management to policy, communications and industry relations.

The 2026 class of Nebraska Corn Board interns includes:
    Alyvia Shultz-Ramer, an agriculture and environmental student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Columbus, Neb., is interning with USMEF in Denver, Co., as their promotion and international relations intern.
    Maddie Weber, an agricultural communications student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from St. Charles, MO., is interning with the Nebraska Rural Radio Association in Lincoln, Nebraska, as their agricultural broadcasting and digital relations intern.
    Aubree Siffring, an agribusiness graduate from Southeast Community College, originally from Rising City, Neb., is interning with NCGA in St. Louis, MO. ,as their communications and investor relations intern.
    Jadyn Taylor, a hospitality, restaurant & tourism management major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Ravenna, Neb., is interning with USGBC in Washington, D.C., as their event management intern.
    Isaac Stromberg, an agricultural economics major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, from Columbus, Neb., will intern with NCGA in Washington, D.C., as the public policy and analysis intern.
    Rachael Dose, an agricultural communication and animal science major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, from Arlington, Minn., is serving as the Nebraska Corn communications and event management intern in Lincoln, Neb.
    Ansley Gydesen, a journalism and political science student from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from Lincoln, Neb., will serve as the research and demand intern at the Nebraska Corn Board in Lincoln, Neb.

These internships allow students to gain real-world experience by fulfilling the duties and missions of their respective organizations, while also gaining valuable insight into possible future careers. To stay updated with interns and their experiences, visit nebraskacorn.gov or follow the Nebraska Corn Board on social media channels.



IRFA Urges Iowa Utilities Commission to Take Timely Action on Summit Carbon Solutions Permit

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) yesterday filed a formal request with the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) asking that a hearing schedule be established for Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon capture, use, and sequestration (CCUS) pipeline project. The permit request was submitted to IUC six months ago.

“For twenty-five years, Iowa has benefited greatly from being the most profitable place in the world to convert corn into ethanol,” the filing states. “That is no longer the case because a carbon capture project in Nebraska began operations last fall. There is not a question on the economic benefits: carbon capture and sequestration is happening, and it is happening right here in the Midwest. The only question is whether Iowa will be left behind for months or forever.”

Speaking this morning at the IUC monthly meeting, IRFA Policy Director Colin Gorton repeated the request, urging the Commission to act swiftly as further delays are harmful to Iowa’s rural economy.

“After six months, IRFA can see no reason to delay holding a scheduling conference for this important issue,” Gorton said. “The 27 ethanol plants that are part of the Summit project stand to generate nearly $2 billion annually in additional revenue from CCUS. To underscore the urgency of the situation, that is nearly $5.25 million of forgone revenue for Iowa’s ethanol plants each and every day. At a moment when farmers are struggling and rural economies are hurting, this is incredibly critical.”

Many competing states have CCUS projects that are in operation or are moving forward, including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, and Indiana. The main international competitor to U.S. ethanol, Brazil, is also embracing CCUS. Ultra-low carbon ethanol is demanded in emerging markets like ocean-going marine vessels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

 

Mexico’s Dairy Sector Signals Strong Demand and Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Producers
Fred Hall, ISU Extension Dairy Field Specialist

Mexico’s dairy market is entering 2026 with renewed momentum, and the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Marketing Service semi‑annual report shows a landscape that US dairy producers should watch closely. The country’s fluid milk production, cheese output, butter demand, and skim milk powder (SMP) imports are all rising—creating a favorable environment for exporters who can meet Mexico’s evolving needs.

Mexico’s total fluid milk production is forecast to reach 14.3 million metric tons, a 2 percent increase, driven by modernization, improved genetics, and better soil moisture from recent snowmelt in the northern highlands, which has supported superior pasture growth for the 2025/2026 season. As the report notes, “large-scale commercial operations in the northern and central regions of Mexico have increased their output per cow through the adoption of precision feeding and advanced bovine genetics.” This growth, however, is not keeping pace with demand, especially in regions where refrigeration infrastructure remains limited.

Prices for fluid milk remain high due to inflation and increasing production costs. As of April 2026, general inflation sits at 4.45 percent, above the 3 percent goal set by Mexico’s Central Bank.

The 2026 pricing landscape is divided by Mexico's geography and infrastructure. In the North (Chihuahua, Coahuila), prices are supported by the strong peso, which makes imported equipment and specialized feed cheaper, yet high logistics and energy costs for long-distance transport keep retail prices elevated. The Bajío and Central regions maintain the most competitive pricing due to proximity to major urban consumption hubs like Mexico City. The South and Southeast continue to face a cold-chain premium; despite lower local production costs, the lack of refrigerated infrastructure and reliance on Ultra-High Temperature (UTH) milk results in higher shelf prices for consumers compared to the dairy-rich northern basins.

Urbanization is reshaping consumption patterns. As rural populations move to cities, demand is shifting from powdered milk to fluid dairy products. Government nutrition programs are amplifying this trend. The Liconsa program alone aims to distribute 800 million liters of subsidized milk in 2026, with retail prices as low as 7.50 MXN per liter (less than 50 US cents). This creates sustained demand for both fluid milk and SMP, particularly in southern states where domestic production is limited.

Milk imports in 2026 are forecasted at 49,000 MT, an increase of 7 percent. The rapid expansion of international and domestic coffee chains in urban hubs like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara is forecast to support demand for specific milk grades (high protein/fat content for frothing) that domestic supply struggles to provide in consistent volumes.

Cheese remains one of Mexico’s fastest‑growing dairy categories. Production is expected to rise by 2 percent to 495,000 MT, driven by strong consumer interest in flavored, artisanal, and traditional varieties. Industrial demand is also booming as pizza becomes Mexico’s second most-consumed fast food. This trend supports continued imports of mozzarella, cheddar, and aged cheeses—categories where US suppliers already dominate.

Butter consumption is forecast to grow 2 percent, driven by bakery expansion, tourism, and a consumer shift away from vegetable‑fat substitutes. With domestic butter production increasing only marginally, imports—primarily from the United States—are expected to rise to 39,000 MT.

The strongest import growth is in skim milk powder, where Mexico is forecast to purchase 270,000 MT in 2026, a 5 percent increase. SMP remains essential for government programs, industrial processors, and regions lacking cold storage. As the report states, “a significant portion of the fluid milk found in Mexican supermarkets is reconstituted SMP.” All SMP imports currently come from the United States, reinforcing the strategic importance of this category for US exporters.

For US dairy producers, the message is clear: Mexico’s demand is rising across nearly every major dairy category, and the United States remains the preferred supplier due to proximity, competitive pricing, and USMCA advantages. Opportunities are especially strong in fluid milk, cheese exports, butterfat supply, and SMP shipments.



USMEF Spring Conference Spotlights Market Access Developments, Robust Growth in Central America

Livestock and grain producers, red meat processors and exporters, and other key stakeholders are gathering in Oklahoma City this week for the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference.

On opening day Wednesday, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur welcomed the group, detailing the importance of international trade to Oklahoma’s agricultural economy. Sec. Arthur, who is also a cattle producer, shared highlights from a recent visit to Japan in which she met with USMEF staff and saw firsthand how U.S. red meat is merchandised and served in the Japanese market.

“I don't know that I've ever consumed so much animal protein as I did when we were on that trip in Japan,” Arthur said. “They made sure that we got a sampling of everything. It makes you very proud as a United States beef producer to be in another country and to see our products displayed, and see the work that is happening across the world.”

USMEF Chair Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Idaho-based Agri Beef Co., also shared recent experiences from international markets. Last month Theiler led a USMEF delegation to Mexico City for a market tour and a two-day USMEF symposium that attracted importers and other prospective customers from throughout Mexico. In late April, Theiler traveled to London to participate in events celebrating the return of duty-free access for U.S. beef in the United Kingdom. 

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom gave attendees an overview of the latest export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb. He also offered insights on key developments affecting market access for U.S. red meat, including last week’s announcement that China had finally renewed registrations for U.S. beef establishments. This impasse had kept most U.S. beef ineligible for export to China for about the past year, but some shipments have now resumed. Halstrom cautioned, however, that China must remove significant technical barriers before the market can be considered fully reopened.

“While that wasn’t solved last week, it’s going to be focused on in the very near future,” Halstrom said. “And I can tell you this – we have customers in China who are ready to go now.”

Halstrom also applauded a recent breakthrough with Saudi Arabia, in which Saudi officials agreed to remove barriers that had effectively locked most U.S. beef out of the market for the past dozen years.

“That’s a big, big deal that could lead to exports as high as a couple hundred million dollars per year, once the business gets going,” he said. “For both China and Saudi Arabia, I want to thank the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their tireless efforts to reopen these markets. These are tremendous wins for our industry.”

Wednesday’s meeting concluded with an economic and political overview of Central America, one of the fastest growing regions in the world for U.S. red meat exports. Last year Central America took nearly $600 million in U.S. pork exports and more than $200 million in U.S. beef, with significant potential for further growth.

Ricardo Zúñiga, founding partner of consulting firm Dinámica Americas, offered an optimistic outlook for Central America going forward, thanks in large part to the stability provided by the Central America-Dominican Republic-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, commonly known as CAFTA.

“Let me give you the headline right up front – CAFTA survived a very tough year,” Zúñiga said. “CAFTA was not in the news, and that's some of the best news there could be, because it's not the case for many free trade agreements that the United States has been either renegotiating or setting aside. In the case of CAFTA, it's been largely respected.“

But Zúñiga cautioned that political transitions can have a rapid impact on market conditions in Central America, so U.S. companies should monitor these situations carefully. He added that U.S. migration enforcement can dramatically impact remittances to Central America, which represent a significant portion of consumers’ disposable income in the region.

“I don't know if people realize how much remittances from the United States are a part of the growth story for U.S. meat exports to Central America,” Zúñiga explained. “But they are a huge part of why U.S. beef and pork products are becoming more and more a part of the diet in the region.”

The USMEF Spring Conference continues Thursday with a panel discussion featuring Dr. Derrell Peel, professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University, industry consultant Dr. Nevil Speer, and Don Close, senior animal protein analyst with Terrain. They will break down the current landscape for U.S. beef and pork, as well as examine the forces shaping consumer demand and how these trends compare with USMEF’s insights from global markets. Thursday’s agenda also includes breakout sessions for USMEF’s pork, beef, exporter and feedgrain/oilseed sectors.

The conference will conclude Friday with detailed USMEF staff presentations from Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. 



No Significant Fertilizer Price Increases, Although All Still Slightly Higher

Fertilizer prices continued to move higher in the second full week of May 2026, according to retailers tracked by DTN.

All eight major fertilizers are more expensive compared to a month earlier. However, no fertilizers had a considerable price increase for the first time in 13 weeks, going back to the first week of February. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

All fertilizers were just slightly higher compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $913/ton, MAP $947/ton, potash was $493/ton, urea $864/ton, 10-34-0 $722/ton, anhydrous $1,126/ton, UAN28 $531/ton and UAN32 $597/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.94/lb.N, anhydrous $0.69/lb.N, UAN28 $0.95/lb.N and UAN32 $0.93/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. Potash is 5% higher, 10-34-0 is 8% more expensive, both DAP and MAP are now 15% higher, UAN32 is 23% more expensive, UAN28 is 29% higher, urea is 37% more expensive and urea is 45% higher looking back to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/15/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 15, ethanol production expanded 2.7% to a 5-week high of 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.66 million gallons daily. Output was 7.2% higher than the same week last year and 9.7% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.7% to 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.22 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks nominally increased to 24.9 million barrels. Stocks were 0.3% less than the same week last year but 9.2% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and West Coast (PADD 5), which dropped to the lowest weekly level since October 2024.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose incrementally to 8.77 million b/d (134.77 bg annualized). Demand was 1.4% more than a year ago but 4.0% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 1.0% to 917,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.10 bg annualized. Yet, net inputs were 0.2% less than year-ago levels and 0.4% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 8.0% to 149,000 b/d (6.3 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.