Wednesday May 27 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Theileria Detected in Nebraska - NeCGA FLAGShip Scholarships Announced - PFI 2026 Summer Field Days - Fischer on Resolution Supporting Mental Health in Ag - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - May 24

                             Very Short      Short    Adequate     Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......:    32          34            33              1     
Subsoil Moisture .......:    37          34            28              1     

                            .....  Last year   Last week   This week   5YrAve
Corn Planted ...............:     94            82             92               91     
Corn Emerged ............:     74            42             61                64  
Soybeans planted .......:     89            81             91                82     
Soybeans emerged .....:      60            33             58                47    
Sorghum planted ........:     26           12              27                 28    
Winter Wheat headed .:     56            50             62                38    

                                              VP       Poor       Fair        Good       Excellent    
Winter Wheat Condition .:    48          34          14          04               -     
Pasture Conditions ..........:    47          32          15           6                -    



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 24, 2026. This is 0.2 days more than last year, when there were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 20 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.

Corn planted in Iowa reached 94 percent, which is equal to last year’s pace. Corn emerged reached 72 percent. 

Ninety percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 1 percentage point behind last year. Soybeans emerged reached 57 percent complete, which is on par with last year. 

Ninety-eight percent of the state’s oat crop has been planted, while 95 percent has emerged. Oats headed reached 16 percent. Oat condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 75 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. soybean planting continues to run ahead of both last year's pace and the five-year average, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Tuesday. The report is normally released on Mondays but was delayed this week due to Memorial Day.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 86% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, steady with last year's pace and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 83%. 
-- Crop development: 60% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 5 points behind last year's 65% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 58%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 79% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of last year at this time and 11 points ahead of the five-year average of 68%. 
-- Crop development: 49% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's pace and 9 points ahead of the five-year average of 40%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 44% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor as of May 24, up 1 percentage point from 43% a week ago, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 78% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 5 percentage points ahead of last year's 73% and 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 70%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 86% of the crop was planted nationwide as of May 24, steady with last year's pace and 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 79%. 
-- Crop development: 56% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 2 percentage points behind last year's pace of 58% and 5 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 51%.



THEILERIA DETECTED IN NEBRASKA CATTLE

Producers are urged to be vigilant after Theileria- a tick-borne parasite that affects cattle - was detected in several Nebraska counties. The Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) is the primary carrier responsible for spreading the parasite.

Although ALHT has not been found in Nebraska, cattle imported into the state have tested positive for Theileria.  The tick has already become established in 26 other states. 

The disease is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected tick and less commonly through equipment or other vectors (i.e. needles, lice, and biting flies). 

Theileria can cause anemia, jaundice, loss of appetite, exercise intolerance, weakness, and some cases death in infected cattle.

“The best method of prevention is tick control and good management practices for your herd including external parasite control” said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “If Theileria is suspected it should be reported to a veterinarian immediately.”

There are no current vaccines or approved treatments for Theileria available.  Producers should consult with their veterinarian to determine an external parasite control method that works best for their herd during the summer months when ticks are most prevalent and regularly inspect cattle for ticks including their ears, under the tail, axillary regions, flanks, udder skin folds.

Theileria is a reportable disease and affected herds may be eligible for indemnity for losses associated with Theileria. For reporting, please call 402-471-2351. Additional information can be found here: https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/bovine-theileriosis.  




Nebraska Corn Growers Association Announces Winners of 2026 FLAGship Program

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Future Leaders in Agriculture Scholarship Program (FLAGship Program). The NeCGA Grower Services Committee reviewed many competitive applications, selecting five students to each receive a $2,000 scholarship. The awardees, along with their intended schools and fields of study are listed below:
    Katrina Moyer – West Point-Beemer High School, attending UNL - Fisheries and Wildlife with pre-veterinarian track
    Madden Brabec – Wood River Rural High School - attending UNL, Animal Science with pre-veterinarian track
    Mason Janda - Centura Public Schools – attending Murray State College, Animal Science, minoring in Agribusiness
    Rachel Martensen – UNL, Agribusiness, minoring in Krutsinger Beef Scholars Program
    MaKenna Karr – Silver Lake High School - attending UNL, Nursing

Students must be a member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association or the son/daughter of a NeCGA member to be eligible for this scholarship. They must be a senior in high school or college freshman who are continuing their education after high school.

“On behalf of the Grower Services Committee, I extend a sincere congratulations to each of the 2026 FLAGship scholarship recipients,” said Derek Dam, chairman of the Grower Services Committee. “Year after year, the caliber of applicants inspires us. Their dedication and drive never fail to impress, and this year’s group was exceptional. We’re proud to stand behind these students as they chase their academic goals and step into their futures as tomorrow’s industry leaders. We hope that this scholarship is just the beginning of their involvement with the association, and we look forward to seeing how each of them will champion agriculture in the years to come.”



Nebraska Cattlemen is Now Hiring a Director of Member Services

Nebraska Cattlemen is seeking a Director of Member Services to build and strengthen relationships with cattle producers, industry partners, and stakeholders to grow and retain membership in the association. This role focuses on delivering value to members, ensuring strong engagement, and advancing the mission of the Nebraska Cattlemen to serve as the voice and resource for the cattle industry. 

Position Description 
Nebraska Cattlemen Director of Member Services
Reports to: Executive Vice President
Employment Status: Full-time

Specific duties:
    Develop and implement strategies to recruit new members and retain existing ones, with emphasis on demonstrating the value of membership. 
    Maintain accurate membership records and generate regular reports on growth, renewals, and engagement. 
    Oversee and supervise monthly membership mailings and billing statements. 
    Work with administrative staff to ensure the membership database is updated regularly. 
    Coordinate schedules of member services field staff. 
    Create and execute membership campaigns, outreach events, and promotional initiatives. 
    Conduct follow-ups with non-renewed members and develop tailored retention strategies. 
    Serve as the primary point of contact for members, addressing questions, concerns, and service needs. 
    Build relationships with cattle producers through direct outreach, meetings, ranch visits, and industry events. 
    Gather and communicate member feedback to inform association programs, policies, and services. 
    Organize and coordinate member forums, listening sessions, and work with other staff on organizing producer engagement activities. 
    Contribute to member-focused communications, including newsletters, social media content and promotional materials. 
    Collaborate with communications staff to highlight producer stories, members benefits and industry updates. 
    Represent NC at trade shows, conventions and local affiliate meetings. 
    Support committees, task forces and leadership as needed, particularly those focused on membership and producer engagement. 
    Track and analyze industry trends to anticipate member needs and enhance value-added services. 

Qualifications 
    Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, communications, business, or related field. 
    Background or strong understanding of the cattle industry preferred. 
    Demonstrated experience in membership management, sales, marketing, or producer relations. 
    Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. 
    Ability to travel frequently within the state/region to engage with members and attend industry events. 
    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. 

The Director of Member Services position is a full-time work position based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Salary will be commensurate with experience and will include travel expenses related to the position. 

Applicants may submit a resume and cover letter by close of business on June 12, 2026, to Laura Field at lfield@necattlemen.org.



Farmers Across the Midwest to Host 60+ PFI Field Days

From cattle grazing and cover crops to vegetables and habitat restoration, Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2026 field day season will bring farmers together across the Midwest. This year, more than 60 farmer-led events will take place from June through November across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

All events are led by PFI farmer-members who are eager to share knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes so others can learn and grow their own operations.

“No matter your interests, there’s probably a field day that fits,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI's farmer-led education director. “Because these events are hosted by farmers on their own farms, attendees get the chance to see practices in action and have candid conversations about what’s working and what isn’t.”

Field days cover a wide range of topics, showcasing farms of all sizes and production practices. Topics include cover crops; reducing inputs and relay cropping in row crops; grazing sheep and cattle; growing flowers, vegetables and peaches; restoring prairie habitat for pollinators; producing honey; improving water quality; using new farm technology; and more.

“We often hear from members how valuable it is to learn from fellow farmers,” Liz says. “PFI field days give attendees a firsthand look at how others are approaching things like improving soil health, diversifying their operations, cutting input costs and building profitable businesses.”

2026 PFI Field Days include: 

Managing Manure and Livestock To Reduce Row Crop Inputs + Ryelage Demo
Mon, Jun 1, 2026 - 3:00PM--5:00PM
A to Z Feeders, 56393 Highland Road, Atlantic, Iowa 50022
Alan Zellmer currently manages 2,300 acres of row crops and 800 acres of pasture, along with 850 head of cattle located at different farms. Alan rotationally grazes the cattle on his farm, moving them often to keep the pasture healthy. He has applied manure on his pastures for the last three years to lower commercial nitrogen inputs. The two enterprises, field crops and cows, are integrated seamlessly on his farm. He uses the rye he double-crops with soybeans for cattle feed, and bedding from the cattle barn as fertilizer. At this field day, you'll see how Alan uses soil testing to inform his nutrient program for the pastures and crop fields. Alan will also demonstrate how he makes ryelage – which he'll later use as cattle feed.

Cooperating on Targeted Grazing in Prairie
Mon, Jun 22, 2026 - 4:00PM-6:00PM
Tuuli Farm, 21726 Oak Avenue, Turin, Iowa 51040
Prairies evolved with periodic disturbance from drought, fire and grazing. Without these pulsed "setbacks," woody encroachment or grass threatens to diminish the robust diversity that's the hallmark of the tallgrass prairie. Over the last few years, Stennie Nelson has been working with Doug Chafa, land manager and biologist with the Iowa DNR, as part Doug’s effort to reintroduce grazing into local wildlife management areas. Stennie raises sheep for meat and wool and grazes the Turin Preserve Wildlife Area. Join Stennie, Doug and the sheep for a prairie-pasture walk to discuss how managed grazing aims to meet both wildlife and prairie goals alongside wool and meat production. Bring your walking shoes! This field day will involve hiking up and down rough terrain.

Improving Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat Through Farm-Wide Conservation Practices
Tue, Jun 23, 2026 - 1:00PM-3:00PM
Ed & Lita Olson, 1510 County Road A, Craig, Nebraska 68019
Ed and Leta Olson's goal is to make sure the water that runs off their corn, soybean and alfalfa farm is as clean as possible. They have implemented many conservation practices and used available conservation programs to help them achieve their goal while also decreasing inputs, like nitrogen. They have practiced no-till for over 25 years and are 10 years into their cover crop journey, planting grasses, small grains and legumes. Ed and Leta have also increased the wildlife habitat on their land through various conservation programs. At this field day, we will visit a filter strip, shelter belts and a grassed waterway the Olsons have installed. You'll also learn about programs available to farmers and landowners to create habitat and reduce water runoff.

Ventures With Seed: Building a Seed Conditioning Business
Thu, Jul 9, 2026 - 3:00PM-5:30PM
Tiefenthaler Farm - 13423 Kittyhawk Avenue, Carroll, Iowa 51401
Ryan Tiefenthaler grew up helping on his family’s row crop and hog farm near Carroll, Iowa. After college, he returned to the farm to help his dad and started a custom application business for area farms. When an opportunity to raise fish fell through in 2016, Ryan quickly pivoted his plans for the large facility he had purchased and started cleaning seed instead. Over the past decade, Ryan has grown his operation to meet the interest and demand of his partners and customers. Now with an array of conditioning equipment for both organic and conventional seed, he has been able to step away from custom application and focus fully on cleaning seed from his own farm and from others. Come tour Ryan's facility to get a close look at the steps for processing high-quality seed.

Producing Practical and Useful Cattle 
Tue, Aug 11, 2026 - 10:00AM-12:00PM
Wiese and Sons Herefords, 31554 Delta Avenue, Manning, Iowa 51455
The Wiese family bought their first Hereford cattle in 1912. Now Shayne and Chance are the fifth generation raising breeding stock on their farm near Manning, Iowa. Their aim is to produce cattle with “practical and fundamental” traits that will do well in commercial production. But at the same time, they see the cattle as a tool to better the land for the next five generations. Come learn how the Wieses use annual forages as pasture relief and soil health. They’ll also share some basic cattle handling techniques and what to look for in the epigenetics of good production cows. 

Making Conservation Programs Work for You 
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 - 10:00AM-12:00PM
Noble Pastures, 2575 D Avenue, Red Oak, Iowa 51566
On his fourth-generation farm near Red Oak, Iowa, Dave Carbaugh has done a lot since moving back 15 years ago. Across his 100 acres, he has put in filter strips, grassed waterways, riparian forest buffers, windbreaks, a 10-acre pond and forage plantings, building on work started by earlier generations. For many of these projects, Dave has taken advantage of funding from the NRCS and expertise from other organizations. One of his goals is to “make the pastures right” so that successful management of his sheep flock will naturally follow.  Come see and learn about the improvements Dave has made, as well as those that are in the works and ones on the docket. Dave will share how the changes contribute to his farm, the process of establishing them and how to navigate what can be a complicated funding process.

PFI field days are free to attend and open to anyone. Membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required. In addition to farmers, non-farmers interested in agriculture, conservation or local food systems are encouraged to attend.

All events occur rain or shine. While RSVPs are not required for most events, they are appreciated to help with meal planning.

The full list of field days – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days.

PFI’s 2026 field days are supported by Level A sponsors: Bio Till Cover Crops; Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Diverse Corn Belt; Farming for Public Health; Grain Millers; Green Cover; Millborn; Niman Ranch; and Sunderman Farm Management Co.



Fischer, Bennet Introduce Resolution Supporting Mental Health in Ag

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.

“Farmers, ranchers, and ag workers have some of the toughest jobs in the country,” Fischer said. “Right now, a struggling farm economy is making life even harder – and it weighs heavily on the minds of those who feed and fuel our nation. This resolution designates May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day and sheds light on the resources available for those in need. I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan, bicameral effort as we keep working to ease the strain in farm country.”  

The resolution is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12) and Kim Schrier (WA-08) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

This legislation is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Farmers Union, the Nebraska Wheat Board, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, the National Rural Health Association, the American Soybean Association, the Nebraska Agri-Business Association, the Nebraska Rural Health Association, the Nebraska Soybean Association, the National Pork Producers, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Cattlemen, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, the Agricultural Retailers Association, the Nebraska Cooperative Council, the Nebraska Farmers Union, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and the Farm Credit Services of America.