Monday June 01 Ag News - First Soybean Gall Midge Emergence of '26 in NE - 21 Students Selected for Elite 11 Vet Program - IBIC Beefing Up Athletes - USTR First Round of USMCA Review - and more!

First SGM Adult Emergence of 2026 Season Reported in NE
Justin McMechan - NE Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

The first soybean gall midge adult emergence of the 2026 season has been confirmed on May 29th at a monitoring site near Talmage in Otoe County, Nebraska, where a single adult male was collected. At this time, no adult emergence has been detected in Iowa, South Dakota, or Minnesota.

Except for some soybean fields planted in April, most soybean fields are not yet at the V2 growth stage when stem fissures begin to form, and plants become susceptible to soybean gall midge infestation. Soybean prior to V2 are not susceptible to infestation.

Before considering an insecticide application, use the following checklist:
 • Is the field adjacent to a soybean field with soybean gall midge pressure from the previous year?
 • Are soybean plants at the V2 growth stage?
 • Is adult emergence occurring in your area based on the emergence map and alerts?

If an application is being considered, use a product containing a pyrethroid active ingredient. Applications only need to target the field edge, generally within the first 60–100 feet of the field. However, insecticide efficacy for soybean gall midge management has been inconsistent across locations and years.



21 STUDENTS SELECTED FOR NEBRASKA ELITE 11 VETERINARIAN PROGRAM COHORT

Twenty-one students from across the Cornhusker State have been selected for the newest cohort of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, a highly competitive University of Nebraska–Lincoln initiative designed to address the state’s shortage of food animal veterinarians.

The program, a partnership with the State of Nebraska, supports students pursuing careers in production animal veterinary medicine and aims to strengthen veterinary services in rural communities across the state.

Nebraska’s livestock industry contributes billions of dollars annually to the state’s economy and remains a cornerstone of rural communities. Veterinarians play a critical role in maintaining animal health, supporting food security, responding to disease concerns and advancing the long-term sustainability of animal agriculture.

“Nebraska agriculture and rural communities depend on strong veterinary leadership,” said Tom Burkey, interim dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Programs like Elite 11 help us invest in talented students who are passionate about animal health, food systems and serving communities across Nebraska. These students represent the future of veterinary medicine in our state.”

The following students, listed alphabetically by hometown, were selected for the newest cohort of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program:
> Alliance: Ryggin Meyer
> Columbus: Kobe Micek, Josie Rother
> Daykin: Olivia Schafer
> Fairbury: Gavin Gerths
> Foster: Ava Reikofski
> Geneva: Austyn Nun
> Gothenburg: Abby Negley
> Kennard: Lydia Schaapveld
> Newcastle: Ava Stewart
> North Platte: Jazlyn Arensdorf
> Papillion: Ty Ravnsborg
> Polk: Rylee Hofmann
> Raymond: Khloe Cuttlers
> Richland: Brielle Wolfe
> Scribner: Grace Steel
> Seward: Kathryn Naber
> Syracuse: Kyle Cavanaugh
> West Point: Cooper Kreikemeier
> Wolbach: Katlyn Oakley
> Wood River: Madden Brabec

Students selected for the program receive the Nebraska Production Animal Health Scholarship, which supports tuition during their undergraduate studies in CASNR. Students who continue through the program and are selected for the Elite 11 ultimately receive support while completing the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, a cooperative program between the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The program is designed to reduce the financial burden of veterinary education for Nebraska students who commit to practicing production animal veterinary medicine in the state following graduation.

In addition to scholarship support, students participate in professional development, mentorship opportunities and networking experiences designed to prepare them for careers serving Nebraska’s livestock industry and rural communities.

The Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program reflects the university’s broader commitment to workforce development, agricultural leadership and supporting the long-term success of Nebraska animal agriculture.



CAP Webinar - Nebraska Farm and Ranch Divorce Cases; A Program Needs Assessment
Jun 4, 2026 12:00 PM 

While farm divorce has long been a complex reality, the professional tools used to navigate it have remained largely generic. This session presents the findings of a midwestern program needs assessment designed to identify the specific gaps in service delivery for agricultural families in the family court system from the perspective of mediators and attorneys.

Presenters: Jessica Groskopf, extension agricultural economist, UNL, and Linda Reddish, Early Childhood extension educator, UNL.

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. Use this link to register and get more information as well.  



Nebraska Ethanol Board June 12 Meeting to be Held in Grand Island

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Grand Island at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12. The meeting will be in the conference room at Bosselman Enterprises Headquarters (1607 S. Locust St.). Highlights of the agenda include:
    Budget Report & Budget Planning Fiscal Year 2026-27
    Marketing & Education Programs
    Fuel Retailer Update
    Nebraska Corn Board Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    Technical & Research Updates
    State and Federal Legislation

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature. Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.



Beefing Up Athletic Potential

Athletes often overlook one of the most critical components of performance: nutrition. Yet a well-balanced fueling plan can make a measurable difference in strength, recovery, and overall success. That’s where Build Your Base comes in, a comprehensive sports nutrition program that utilizes beef as its premier protein.

Designed to support athletes and their families year-round, this initiative provides practical tools to help athletes perform at their best while building lifelong healthy habits.

“We've partnered with strength and conditioning programs at high school and collegiate levels to fuel and educate student athletes,” says Erin Good, Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition and Health at the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC). “Not only was this a great opportunity to feature beef as a high-quality protein source, it also allowed beef’s nine other essential nutrients to shine, including iron.”

Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport and energy levels, and iron deficiency is especially common among female athletes. Regularly eating iron-rich foods like beef can help support optimal iron status and performance.

To help meet this need, IBIC established partnerships with the University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and Simpson College. These collaborations provided coaches and athletes access to a toolkit of free resources, including:
    Student-friendly posters with pre- and post-workout fueling tips
    Beef-focused, nutrient-dense recipes
    The Game Changer video series featuring quick, practical nutrition lessons

IBIC’s impact extended beyond school programs and into community events as well. At the Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile, runners of all ages stopped by the IBIC recovery zone to refuel with beef sticks. Reactions like, “This is the reason I run this race,” and “Yay, beef jerky! I go crazy for this!” reflected a growing enthusiasm for beef as a convenient recovery option.

Whether on the field, court, or in the classroom, high-quality protein like beef supported performance, recovery, and helped give athletes the fuel to succeed.

Schools interested in getting involved were encouraged to apply at buildyourbase.org/application.



Growth Energy Urges Treasury to Maximize Value of 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit 

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, urged the U.S. Treasury Department today to finalize its guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit in a way that increases flexibility and maximizes the incentive’s impact.  

In testimony delivered by Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley, the organization commended Treasury’s work so far, while calling on the department to make several other important changes to 45Z’s implementation so that the credit truly captures all the innovation happening in American biorefineries and on American farms. 

“American energy dominance runs through our nation’s heartland. A strong, well-implemented 45Z credit can unleash lower-cost fuels, rebuild farm income, and open long-term market opportunities for American manufacturing,” said Bliley. “We applaud the Department and the Trump administration for working to advance this important rulemaking to chart a clear path for billions of dollars in new investments in U.S. energy leadership.” 

Specifically, Growth Energy urged Treasury to work in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to finalize its changes as quickly as possible; work with DOE to swiftly release targeted updates to the 45ZCF-GREET model and user manual; and allow greater flexibility and efficiency in the credit’s provisional emissions rate process, among other items. 

“The President and the administration know that American farmers and ethanol producers are ready to put more American-made fuel into the marketplace, hold down energy costs, and secure American energy leadership,” Bliley added. “Your work to implement this credit and finalize this proposal are critical steps to making that vision a reality.” 



The United States and Mexico Conclude First Bilateral Round Related to the Joint Review of the USMCA

Friday, the United States and Mexico concluded the first bilateral round related to the Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  

The United States concluded discussions with the goals of reducing the trade deficit with Mexico and strengthening American supply chains. During this first round, negotiators discussed priority issues related to automotive rules of origin, steel and aluminum, and economic security. 

The United States and Mexico recognize the importance of advancing cooperation to enhance regulatory compatibility to strengthen sectors, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, and others.

We will continue advancing these discussions on June 16-17 in Washington, D.C., in addition to agriculture and a level playing field. The third round will be held during the week of July 20 in Mexico City.

The United States continues to emphasize the importance of ensuring the Agreement benefits U.S. manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, service suppliers, and businesses of all sizes, and of addressing free-riding from third countries.



USDA to Gather Agricultural Conservation Data to Assess Trends and Improve Programs and Services

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be reaching out to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners starting in June to gather in-depth information about their conservation practices – essential information to inform U.S. agricultural policies and programs. This is part of the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) survey, in partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),

“Responding to the survey gives farmers the opportunity to provide the most accurate picture of conservation practices on their cropland,” said NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “Information from CEAP – which is made stronger by robust survey response – will help inform programs that benefit producers by protecting the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend.”

Findings from this survey are used to guide conservation program development and support agricultural producers and partners in making informed management decisions backed by data and science. The resulting products produced by NRCS, CEAP Cropland Assessments, evaluate the conservation benefits achieved through the adoption and application of conservation practices on agricultural lands.

Specifically, CEAP results may help:
    Evaluate the resources farmers may need in the future to protect soil, water, and habitat.
    Shed light on techniques farmers use to conserve healthy environments.
    Improve and strengthen technical and financial programs that help landowners plan and install conservation practices on agricultural land.
    Support the conservation programs that can help producers’ profits while also protecting natural resources.

Survey Details
First, in cooperation with NASS, local representatives from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) will visit farmers, ranchers and agricultural landowners between June and August 2026 to determine if those operations and properties are eligible for the survey. Next, those producers that are eligible may be contacted and asked to participate in the survey between November 2026 and March 2027. Lastly, NASS will provide the survey data to NRCS, the agency tasked with analyzing and publishing findings in their CEAP Cropland Assessments.

Nearly 23,000 operators nationwide will receive the 2026 Conservation Effects Assessment Project survey. Typical survey questions will ask about farm production practices; chemical, fertilizer, and manure applications; tillage; irrigation use; and installed conservation practices.

Data obtained will support the third set of national and regional cropland assessments delivered by USDA’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), a multi-agency effort led by NRCS to quantify the effects of conservation practices across the nation’s working lands.

Information provided to NASS and analyzed by NRCS is kept strictly confidential, as required by federal law. The agencies only publish data in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual respondent or operation can be identified.

The data from this survey will be published as a report on the CEAP Cropland Assessments webpage at nrcs.usda.gov/ceap/croplands. If you have questions about the survey, please contact NASS at 888-424-7828 or visit nass.usda.gov/go/ceap.