Friday June 12 Ag News - Nebraska Response, Implications of Screwworm - Freeman Teacher is Ag Educator of the Year - Preview Husker Harvest Days 2026 - Trade Discussions - June '26 WASDE - and more!

Ricketts Sends Letter to USDA on New World Screwworm

Thursday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) sent a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to combat New World Screwworm (NWS).  The letter commends USDA’s eradication efforts following a detected case of NWS in Mexico in 2024.  Post-detection, USDA suspended cattle imports and invested in the production of a domestic sterile fly facility in Texas.  Following the first confirmed case of NWS in the U.S. last week, Ricketts is encouraging continued collaboration among USDA, producers, and governments in Panama and Mexico to eradicate this parasite again.  Congress previously funded parasite eradication efforts and sterile fly production in the Working Families Tax Cuts.  Eradicating this parasite once again is critical to safeguarding the U.S. cattle supply.

Read the full letter below:

Dear Secretary Rollins:

Thank you for your work to protect our nation's robust cattle industry and the integrity of our food supply.  The successful eradication of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the 1960s has protected U.S. cattle producers from the severe economic and animal health impacts associated with this parasite.  Efforts like this allowed the beef industry to flourish in Nebraska with cattle sales of $6.2 billion a year.  However, the detection of NWS in Mexico in November 2024 served as a reminder that this threat remains.

Following this detection in Mexico, the Trump administration took immediate action.  These actions included the suspension of cattle imports from Mexico, the construction of the sterile fly facility in Texas, and the weekly deployment of millions of sterile flies.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) coordination, surveillance, and preparedness measures have been instrumental in slowing the spread of NWS.

Despite taking all available steps, the first U.S. detection of NWS occurred on June 3, 2026, in Zavala County, Texas.  To date, five more cases have been found in Texas and one in New Mexico.  The USDA responded quickly, deploying 8 million flies per week across affected areas to help contain the outbreak.  It is crucial that we continue the fight and eradicate this parasite again.  Nebraska’s cattle industry is the state’s largest sector and is home to over 6.1 million cattle.  This pest could cost millions of dollars and, unmitigated, will prevent our nation’s ranchers from regrowing our herd.

As USDA prepares for additional biosecurity measures, we encourage USDA to continue working with producers to develop effective prevention, detection, and response strategies.  The expedited construction of the sterile fly facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas will further the production of sterile flies—the primary method to eradicate NWS.  When the new Moore Air Force Base facility is fully operational, 300 million sterile flies will be produced each week.  Until then, the only production facility in North America, located in Panama, is supplying and dispersing approximately 100 million sterile flies each week.  Continued engagement and coordination with the governments of Mexico and Panama remains essential for effective fly trapping and sterile fly releases.

Thank you for your continued efforts to safeguard our cattle industry and provide mitigation resources to our producers.  We remain committed to working alongside USDA to protect the U.S. cattle supply.



Screwworm Returns to North America: Implications for Nebraska Livestock Producers

The New World Screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, is among the most destructive livestock pests ever encountered in the Western Hemisphere.

Unlike most fly species whose larvae develop in decaying organic matter, New World Screwworm larvae feed exclusively on live tissue of warm-blooded animals.

This feeding behavior causes severe localized tissue destruction, promotes secondary bacterial infections, reduced productivity, animal welfare concerns, and frequently death if infestations are not detected and treated promptly.

The current outbreak began in 2023 when Panama and Costa Rica reported increasing numbers of Screwworm cases north of the traditional containment zone at the border of Panama and Columbia. Since then, the pest has expanded throughout Central America and into Mexico.

A major development occurred on June 3, 2026, when USDA-APHIS confirmed New World Screwworm in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. The infestation was identified in the calf's umbilical region. This represented the first confirmed case in the United States in decades and demonstrated that the pest had successfully crossed the international border.

Within days, USDA confirmed two additional cases, including another calf in La Salle County, Texas, and a dog in Andrews County, Texas. Investigations suggested that the dog had recently traveled from Mexico. These detections triggered an aggressive federal and state response designed to contain and eradicate the infestations before establishment of a reproducing population could occur.

Implications for Nebraska Livestock Producers
NWS populations of larvae and pupae do not survive sustained soil temperatures below about 46 °F which means the likelihood of an established population in Nebraska is very unlikely. However, given the time required to ramp up sterile fly production, Nebraska remains susceptible to NWS during the warmer months.

The most significant risk for the state of Nebraska currently is the introduction of NWS larvae via animal transport into the state.

Although only a small number of U.S. cases have been confirmed to date, livestock producers should remain vigilant as new detections are likely to occur in southern states. Producers should routinely inspect livestock and monitor for:
    Foul-smelling wounds
    Visible maggots in wounds of living animals
    Enlarging or non-healing lesions
    Excessive licking or irritation
    Unusual restlessness or discomfort
    Infestations associated with navels, branding sites, dehorning wounds, or castration sites.

Veterinarians should be consulted immediately whenever screwworm infestation is suspected. Rapid reporting and response are essential components of containment efforts.

NWS is officially designated as a Category 1 Foreign Animal Disease requiring immediate reporting in all 50 states. Anyone who suspects NWS adults or larvae on their operation should contact their local veterinarian, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and/or the USDA immediately. Early detection remains the most effective defense against widespread establishment.



Nebraska Teacher Named “Ag Educator of the Year” 

As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, the ag teachers who go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders are more important than ever. In Nebraska, six exceptional ag teachers were recently named as finalists of the 2025-2025 Golden Owl Award for their positive impact in the classroom and communities they serve. Of the finalists, Tony Jensen, agricultural teacher and FFA Advisor at Freeman High School, was named Nebraska’s grand prize winner and 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year. 

The Nebraska FFA Foundation in partnership with Nationwide, recognized Mr. Jensen as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the Nebraska Career Education Conference held in Kearney June 8-10. In addition to the title of Nebraska’s Ag Educator of the Year, Mr. Jensen will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 cash prize. 

Under his 21 years of serving as the Freeman FFA advisor, the Freeman FFA chapter has flourished, achieving outstanding success in local, state, and national competitions while fostering a culture of hard work, integrity, and service. Tony Jensen’s deep-rooted passion for FFA began when he was in high school as a member of the Elgin chapter. His dedication and leadership earned him the honor of serving as an FFA State officer 25 years ago.

Jensen’s nominations described him as a dedicated and passionate teacher who believes in every student, pushes them to reach their potential, and demonstrates what true leadership and service look like.

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of Nebraska’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.

“Nationwide is proud to recognize the dedicated teachers who are educating and inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to appreciate their contributions, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help provide their students with optimal learning experiences.” 

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including Nebraska FFA, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike. For more information, visit www.goldenowlaward.com.  



Husker Harvest Days 2026 registration opens with new equipment demonstrations

Registration is now open for Husker Harvest Days 2026, the Western Corn Belt's premier agricultural showcase. The Farm Progress event returns Sept. 15-17 to Grand Island, Nebraska, featuring expanded hands-on equipment experiences and live demonstrations shaped by producer feedback.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2026
For 2026, Husker Harvest Days expands its lineup with new equipment experiences:

Live Equipment Demonstrations
Corn Stalk Baling: See specialized, heavy-duty machines turn scattered field debris into clean, tightly packed bales.

Tub Grinders: Watch leading manufacturers demonstrate efficient processing solutions for agricultural waste management and biomass handling.

Feed Mixers: Experience the latest innovations in feed mixing technology engineered to optimize nutrition delivery and improve herd performance.

During all demonstrations, leading manufacturers will showcase their latest models in real-world use, with company experts on-site to answer questions and provide technical guidance.

RETURNING FAVORITES

HHD Drone Zone
The HHD Drone Zone returns, featuring live demonstrations of agricultural drones revolutionizing chemical application. This precision technology helps producers maximize efficiency while minimizing input costs through targeted applications.

Essential Field Demonstrations
Husker Harvest Days continues to showcase essential equipment under real-world field conditions. The 12 categories include: (1) grain harvesting, (2) planting and tillage, (3) corn stalk raking and baling, (4) manure handling, (5) haying, (6) hay grinding, (7) grain drying and handling, (8) self-propelled sprayers, (9) strip-till, (10) autonomous equipment, (11) grain bagging and (12) feed mixers. Company experts will be available to answer questions after each demonstration.

PLAN YOUR VISIT
Admission: Free with online pre-registration at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com

Gate admission: $25 for adults | $10 for students ages 13-17 (or free with a donation of five nonperishable food items) | Free for children 12 and under

Dates: Sept. 15-17, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT daily

About Husker Harvest Days
Husker Harvest Days, recognized as the world's largest totally irrigated working farm show, takes place annually in Grand Island, Nebraska. This premier Western Corn Belt agricultural event showcases cutting-edge innovations for both crop and livestock producers, featuring the popular BEEF Showcase and extensive live field demonstrations. The three-day event connects agricultural professionals with hundreds of exhibitors while supporting the community through local partnerships. For more information, visit www.HuskerHarvestDays.com.



Smith Leads Bipartisan Effort to Address Mexico’s Non-Tariff Trade Barriers

Thursday, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, led a bipartisan letter with his Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), and 13 of their colleagues urging the Trump Administration to address Mexico’s burdensome non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. grain exports during the ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  

In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, lawmakers raised concerns about Mexico’s National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality subjecting U.S. grain shipments to duplicative inspections despite those shipments already meeting established phytosanitary requirements.

The lawmakers emphasized that U.S. grain exports to Mexico are routinely inspected by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) or its designated agencies, which verify shipment quality and compliance with Mexico’s import standards. Nevertheless, Mexican authorities continue to stop and reinspect grain shipments at the border under a zero-tolerance soil standard that differs significantly from U.S. practices.

The lawmakers write: “In 2025, Mexico alone purchased more than $12 billion in U.S. grain and oilseed products. Currently, U.S. grain moving to Mexico is officially inspected by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) or one of its designated agencies. These inspections confirm the grade and quality of shipments and compliance with Mexico’s phytosanitary requirements. Despite this, Mexico’s National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality stops shuttle trains at the border and reinspects them under a zero-tolerance standard for soil, which differs significantly from U.S. practice. This has real consequences. Reinspection delays trains, increases transportation costs, and often triggers fumigation orders that can cost shippers up to $70,000 per train. Rail carriers may send cars back empty rather than risk delays, and grain companies must purchase additional train capacity to keep supply chains running. These are onerous and duplicative procedures - not science-based protections.”

In addition to Smith and his Agriculture Trade Caucus Co-Chairs, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Jim Baird (R-IN-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Mark Messmer (R-IN-08), John Rose (R-TN-06), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND-AL), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04). 



Trump Threatens USMCA Again as Agricultural Stakeholders Laud North American Trade at Congressional Hearing

Donald J. Trump, president, United States of America: “There's no real advantage to [usmca], it's irrelevant... I don’t know that I will renew it… We don’t need anything that Canada has. We don’t need anything that Mexico has.” 

Chairman Glen “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), House Agriculture Committee: “The USMCA has been a highly effective at expanding regional trade, pushing commerce – obviously ag and beyond – near $2 trillion annually, and making Mexico and Canada the United States’ top trading partners with significant gains in agriculture. USMCA has really served as a model, I think, trade agreement.” 

Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN-02), House Agriculture Committee: “In our continued pursuit to feed, clothe and fuel the world, Mexico and Canada remain our top agricultural trade partners. Our relationship with these allies puts money in the pockets of family farmers and creates and supports jobs up and down the food supply chain.” 

Michael Litche, chief insights and optimization officer, Dairy Farmers of America: “USMCA remains the most commercially significant trade agreement for the U.S. dairy industry. Mexico and Canada collectively account for over 40 percent of all U.S. dairy exports by value. Mexico and Canada are by far the top two export destinations for U.S. dairy exports, and have been consistently for decades.”  

Jamie Beyer, executive committee member and Minnesota soybean farmer, American Soybean Association: “It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of maintaining free, open, rules-based, and fair trade within the North American continent for U.S. agriculture. Soybean farmers are facing the most challenging landscape in a generation. Failure to renew USMCA would be catastrophic.” 

Michael Schumpp, senior director of international affairs, Meat Institute: “USMCA has been essential to the American meat, poultry, and livestock sector’s unparalleled position within North America. Preserving the agreement is critical to the U.S. farm economy’s future growth.” 

Joseph V. Balagtas and Bernhard Dalheimer, agricultural economists, Perdue University: “The evidence assembled in this report makes clear that the food tariff preferences embedded in USMCA have delivered, and continue to deliver, substantial and measurable consumer benefits.”



Coalition Urges Senate to Support USDA Field Staffing

A coalition of 123 agricultural, conservation and rural organizations, including ASA and numerous state soybean associations, is urging Senate appropriators to support staffing at local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.

In a June 9 letter, the groups emphasized the importance of local USDA offices in delivering conservation programs, disaster assistance, farm loans, and technical support. The coalition noted that timely access to USDA staff is critical as farmers continue to face tight margins, rising input costs, market volatility, and weather-related challenges.

The letter cites USDA data showing more than 20,000 employees left the department between January and June 2025, including significant staffing losses at NRCS and FSA. The groups urged lawmakers to provide adequate FY27 funding and include language preventing office closures and consolidations that would further reduce local service capacity.



Winter Wheat Production Down 2 Percent from May Forecast

Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.03 billion bushels, down 2 percent from the May 1 forecast and down 27 percent from 2025. As of June 1, the United States yield is forecast at 46.8 bushels per acre, down 0.8 bushel from last month and down 8.1 bushels from last year's average yield of 54.9 bushels per acre.

Hard Red Winter production, at 497 million bushels, is down 3 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 300 million bushels, is down less than 1 percent from the May forecast. White Winter, at 233 million bushels, is up less than 1 percent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 7.80 million bushels are Hard White and 225 million bushels are Soft White.



World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates - June 2026

COARSE GRAINS: The 2026/27 U.S. corn outlook is virtually unchanged relative to last month. Fractionally higher beginning and ending stocks for 2026/27 reflect mostly offsetting trade and domestic use changes for 2025/26 with adjustments to imports, corn used for ethanol, and exports based on data to date. The 2026/27 season-average farm price received by producers is unchanged at $4.40 per bushel.

Global coarse grain production for 2026/27 is forecast 5.8 million tons higher to 1.594 billion. This month’s foreign coarse grain outlook is for larger production, trade, and ending stocks relative to last month. Foreign corn production is higher, reflecting an area increase for India. For 2025/26, corn production is raised for India, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay but lowered for Mexico. For India, production is higher based on the latest information from the government that indicates a sharp increase in area and higher yield. Brazil is increased reflecting a boost in production expectations for the first and second crops. Argentina is raised with increases to both area and yield based on reporting from in-country sources, which indicate larger area and favorable harvest results to date. Foreign barley production for 2026/27 is slightly higher, reflecting larger crops for Turkey and Ukraine that are partly offset by a reduction for India.

Major global trade changes for 2026/27 include larger corn exports for India and South Africa. Imports are raised for Mexico, Egypt, and the Philippines but lowered for Turkey. For 2025/26, corn exports are raised for India, the United States, Russia, South Africa and Paraguay. Imports are raised for Mexico, Algeria, and Egypt but lowered for Thailand. Foreign corn ending stocks for 2026/27 are higher reflecting increases for India, Argentina, and South Africa that are partly offset by a reduction for Brazil. Global corn ending stocks, at 281.2 million tons, are up 3.7 million from last month.

OILSEEDS: U.S. 2026/27 soybean supply, use, and price projections are unchanged this month. For 2025/26, soybean crush is raised on higher soybean meal exports and domestic disappearance. Soybean oil for biofuel use is raised for 2025/26 while exports are lowered. Soybean exports for 2025/26 are reduced based on available U.S. Census data, offsetting the increase in crush and resulting in unchanged ending stocks. The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2026/27 is forecast at $11.40 per bushel; soybean meal and oil prices are projected at $310 per short ton and 70 cents per pound, respectively.

Global soybean supply and demand forecasts for 2026/27 include higher beginning stocks, lower production, and higher ending stocks. Beginning stocks are raised mainly on higher production for Argentina in the prior marketing year, which is raised 2 million tons to 50 million. Soybean production for 2026/27 is lowered 0.2 million tons on reduced harvested area for Russia. Exports are unchanged with lower exports for Russia offset by higher exports for Argentina. Global soybean ending stocks for 2026/27 are raised 0.1 million tons to 124.9 million mainly on higher stocks for Argentina.

WHEAT: The U.S. wheat outlook for 2026/27 projects smaller supplies and, with no other changes to the balance sheet, lower ending stocks. Supplies are reduced on decreased output as all wheat production is projected at 1,543 million bushels, down 18 million from last month largely on smaller Hard Red Winter wheat production. The all wheat yield is down 0.5 bushels per acre to 47.0 bushels. Exports are unchanged at 775 million bushels, down 15 percent from the prior year. Projected ending stocks are reduced 18 million bushels to 744 million, 20 percent below the previous year. The 2026/27 season-average farm price is projected $0.50 per bushel lower this month to $6.00 based on expectations of futures and cash prices for the marketing year.

All categories of the 2026/27 global wheat balance sheet are raised this month. Supplies are projected up 1.7 million tons to 1,100 million, mainly on increased production for Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine, which is partly offset by lower production in Australia and Pakistan. Total wheat production in Russia is raised 2.0 million tons to 88.0 million as near-ideal weather conditions and above-average rainfall support a higher yield forecast for winter wheat despite a reduction in spring wheat harvested area. Production in Turkey is raised 1.5 million tons to a record 22.5 million and Ukraine is raised 0.5 million to 23.5 million, both based on favorable spring weather. In Australia, production is lowered 2.0 million tons to 28.0 million on lower harvested area as indicated by the latest ABARES quarterly report.

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY: 
Total U.S. red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026 is raised from the previous month, as higher broiler production more than offsets lower red meat production. Beef production is lowered, as the slow rate of steer and heifer slaughter is expected to continue through the second quarter and into the third quarter. Cow slaughter is also reduced for the remainder of the year. Heavier dressed weights partially offset the reductions in slaughter. Pork production is raised slightly, as reduced slaughter for the second quarter is more than offset by heavier dressed weights. Broiler production is raised for the remainder of the year on recent slaughter and hatchery data, as well as supportive margins. Turkey production is lowered on recent hatchery data. Egg production is lowered slightly.

For 2027, beef production is raised, as increased feedlot placements and reduced marketings in 2026 will result in more fed cattle available for slaughter in 2027. Pork production is raised on slightly heavier dressed weights. USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report will be released on June 25 and will provide an indication of producer farrowing intentions for the remainder of 2026 that signal hog supply and pork production conditions for the first half of 2027. Broiler production is raised, as favorable returns are expected to carry into 2027. Turkey production is unchanged. Egg production is reduced slightly, as lower prices are expected to slow production growth.

Beef exports are lowered in the second quarter of 2026 based on recent trade data but are unchanged for the remainder of the year. Reduced beef exports are carried into 2027. Beef imports are unchanged for 2026 and 2027. Pork exports are raised for the second quarter of 2026 based on strong shipments to key markets reported in recent trade data but are unchanged for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Broiler exports are raised for the second and third quarters of 2026 on recent trade data and improved demand in several key markets. Broiler exports for 2027 are unchanged. Turkey exports are lowered for the second and third quarters of 2026 on recent trade data and less competitive prices. Turkey exports are unchanged for the fourth quarter and for 2027. 

Cattle prices are raised for the second quarter of 2026 based on strong prices during the month of May but remain unchanged for the remainder of the year and into 2027. Hog prices are lowered for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 on recent price weakness for hogs and pork. Broiler prices are raised for the second quarter of 2026 on recent prices but lowered for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Turkey prices are raised for the second quarter of 2026 on prices reported through May but are unchanged for the remainder of the outlook. Egg prices are raised slightly for the second quarter of 2026 but lowered for the first half of 2027.

Milk production forecasts are raised for both 2026 and 2027. Based on the latest Milk Production report, cow inventories and milk per cow are raised for both 2026 and 2027. For 2026, commercial export forecasts are raised on both a fat basis and a skim-solids basis, primarily due to increased shipments of cheese, whey, and butter. For 2027, exports are raised on a fat basis due to higher butter shipments but lowered on a skim-solids basis due to less competitive dried skim milk products. Imports are unchanged on both a fat and skim-solids basis for 2026. For 2027, skim-solids basis imports are reduced from last month primarily due to less whey product imports, while fat basis imports are unchanged.

For 2026, the nonfat dry milk (NDM), cheese, and whey price forecasts are lowered from the previous month on recent price declines. The butter price is raised on stronger demand expected in the second half of the year. The Class III and Class IV price forecasts are both lowered. The all milk price forecast for 2026 is lowered to $20.70 per cwt. For 2027, the cheese price forecast is lowered, while whey prices are raised slightly. The price forecasts for NDM and butter are unchanged from the previous month. The Class III price forecast is unchanged as lower cheese prices are offset by higher whey prices. The Class IV price forecast is unchanged due to no changes in the butter or NDM price outlook. The all milk price forecast for 2027 is lowered to $20.90 per cwt.