Friday June 26 Ag News - Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report - Vandenberg new CVA SVP Feed - Wyffels Adds Swanson in NE - USGPC Hoste Japanese Delegation in NE - Commercial Red Meat Prod Down 6% in May - and more!

United States Hog Inventory Down Slightly 

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2026 was 73.7 million head. This was down slightly from June 1, 2025, and down slightly from March 1, 2026.   

Breeding inventory, at 5.88 million head, was down 1 percent from last year, and down slightly from the previous quarter.

Market hog inventory, at 67.8 million head, was up slightly from last year, but down slightly from last quarter. 

Inventory by State        total     -  % of June 1 '25
Nebraska ........:     3,650,000 hd       106  
Iowa ...............:    24,700,000 hd       102  

The March-May 2026 pig crop, at 33.5 million head, was up slightly from 2025. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.82 million head, down 1 percent from 2025. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 48 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.87 for the March-May period, compared to 11.75 last year. 

By State March - May Sows Farrowed (% of LY) -  Pigs per litter - Pig Crop (% of LY)
Nebraska .....:     175,000 hd              100         -             12.10         -   2,118,000 hd   101    
Iowa ............:     425,000 hd               98          -             11.75         -   4,994,000 hd    96    

United States hog producers intend to have 2.90 million sows farrow during the June-August 2026 quarter, down 2 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 3 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for September-November 2026, at 2.89 million sows, are down 1 percent from the same period one year earlier, and down 1 percent from the same period two years earlier. 

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 55 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 2 percent from the previous year. 



Central Valley Ag Names Kelby Vandenberg Senior Vice President of Feed

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to announce Kelby Vandenberg as Senior Vice President of Feed. Vandenberg succeeds Doug Rowse, who is retiring after a distinguished career with the cooperative, and will lead the feed division with a focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and delivering value to member-owners.

Raised on a family farm near David City, Nebraska, Vandenberg developed a passion for agriculture at an early age. He earned a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in finance from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He joined CVA as a college intern more than 12 years ago before accepting a full-time role following graduation. Throughout his career, he has served in several leadership positions within the grain division where he most recently served as Grain Merchandising Manager at CVA. Vandenberg will continue to apply the experience developed throughout his career with the cooperative to help lead the feed division.

As Senior Vice President of Feed, Vandenberg will oversee the division's sales and financial performance, ingredient procurement, and strategic planning efforts. He will also play a key role in helping guide the cooperative's long-term vision while supporting continued growth opportunities within the feed division.

“Kelby has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to serving our members throughout his career,” said Nic McCarthy, CEO of Central Valley Ag. “His diverse understanding of agriculture, dedication to our people, and commitment to our cooperative values will help create opportunities for the member-owners we serve.”

Vandenberg credits the people around him as key contributors to his leadership development and career path. From the mentors who challenged him to grow to the teams he has worked alongside, he views his career as a reflection of the opportunities and relationships built throughout the cooperative. Those experiences continue to influence his leadership style and commitment to serving CVA's member-owners.

“I’m appreciative to be entrusted with leading the Feed division,” said Vandenberg. “There’s positive momentum within the division, and I looked forward to working with the team to enhance that. As reliability on grain exports becomes more volatile, domestic protein production increases, and livestock production grows, it’s important that CVA is positioned to bring quality feed products to our livestock producers, to provide additional domestic grain consumption to our farmers, and to help bring protein demand to our protein producing partners.”



Wyffels Hybrids Welcomes Andy Swanson as Area Agronomy Manager 

Wyffels Hybrids is proud to announce the addition of Andy Swanson as Area Agronomy Manager, supporting customers across eastern Nebraska. This strategic hire reflects the company’s continued investment in agronomic expertise and its commitment to delivering exceptional support as it grows in new geographies. 

Andy brings a strong production agriculture background and hands-on agronomic experience to the Wyffels team. He grew up on a family farm raising hogs and row crops and earned his degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Andy has built his practical knowledge with over 20 years working with growers in retail sales and agronomy. His experience allows him to deliver practical, timely agronomic advice which will help farmers grow their operations throughout eastern Nebraska. Andy lives in North Bend, Nebraska with his wife, Tiffany, and their four daughters. 

This hire aligns with Wyffels Hybrids’ broader growth strategy and reinforces its long-standing commitment to supporting farmers with local expertise and trusted agronomic guidance. “As we celebrate 80 years as an independent, family-owned company, this expansion reflects both where we’ve come from and where we’re going,” said John Wyffels, President. “We’re entering Nebraska the same way we’ve grown everywhere else—disciplined, prepared, and focused on delivering the best customer experience in the seed business. We’re excited to welcome more farmers into Wyffels Country and to continue investing in rural communities for decades to come.”  

By continuing to expand its agronomy team, Wyffels ensures farmers have access to local expertise, timely insights, and practical solutions that help maximize performance and profitability.  



NEBRASKA JOINS NASA ACRES FARM INNOVATION AMBASSADOR TEAM

Nebraska is joining the NASA Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team, a national program that works with producers to develop practical tools and solutions using satellite Earth observation, on-farm data and digital agriculture technology.

Roric Paulman of Paulman Farms, near Sutherland, Nebraska, is the newest member of the program, representing the state. As part of the effort, Paulman will receive technical assistance from Guillermo Balboa and the Digital Farming Lab in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources to support activities and help connect Nebraska’s agricultural experience with broader innovation efforts.

Balboa, research assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture and the lab’s leader, said the state is well-positioned to contribute to the national effort.

“Nebraska has a strong history of producer-driven innovation in precision and digital agriculture,” he said. “Joining NASA Acres FIAT creates an important opportunity to connect Nebraska’s field-based work with a national network focused on practical tools and trusted partnerships. It reflects the kind of collaboration that helps move innovation from research to on-farm impact.”

NASA Acres is a U.S.-focused agriculture and food security consortium supported through NASA’s Earth Science Division. The Farm Innovation Ambassador Team program serves as a producer-centered platform connecting science and agriculture through collaborative innovation. The program’s goal is to keep farmers at the center of innovation by connecting producer priorities with NASA-supported science and technology. The program brings together early-adopter growers, researchers and agricultural partners to help turn satellite-based insights into practical decision-support tools for U.S. agriculture.

“FIAT is built around the idea that farmers should help shape the technologies and tools intended to serve them,” said Alyssa Whitcraft, program co-lead and executive director of NASA Acres. “We are excited to welcome Roric and our partners at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as we continue expanding this national network of producer-led innovation.” 

Nebraska will contribute field-based experience and applied agronomic expertise in digital agriculture to the collaboration. The partnership will connect grower-led innovation in the state with broader efforts to advance practical digital agriculture tools that strengthen productivity, resource efficiency and long-term resilience.

Paulman’s operation in west-central Nebraska provides a strong example of farmer-led innovation and the adoption of digital agriculture under real production conditions.

“Early adoption has been at the forefront of our operations,” he said. “Bringing innovative people and technologies together with grounded scientific support is a significant opportunity for U.S. agriculture. Collaboration with UNL is, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of those relationships.”

The Digital Farming Lab will provide technical support and conduct on-farm research protocols at Paulman Farms, focusing on increasing nitrogen use efficiency in corn. The collaboration builds on Nebraska’s longstanding leadership in precision and digital agriculture and reinforces the state’s role as a place where agricultural innovation is developed, tested and scaled with producers.

“We are excited to expand this program into additional states while building on our existing work in Kansas, Illinois and New York, and we are particularly pleased to welcome representation from Nebraska as we continue growing this farmer-driven network,” said Ignacio Ciampitti, program co-lead and chief agronomist at NASA Acres.

From July 14-16, Farm Innovation Ambassador Team members from across the country will convene in College Park, Maryland, for the program’s first in-person meeting, joined by NASA Acres leadership, scientists, technical experts and partner organizations. The event will provide an opportunity to share experiences, identify producer priorities and strengthen collaborations that advance practical digital agriculture solutions nationwide.



Japanese Corn Millers, Journalists Learn About U.S. Sustainable Farming Practices

Last week, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) escorted a team of Japanese corn millers and key journalists to Nebraska and Iowa to learn about sustainable farming and grain handling practices as well as get an introduction to the Council’s Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol (CSAP).

“Highlighting the reliability and traceability of U.S. agricultural supply chains, aided by USGBC platforms like the CSAP and its accompanying Sorghum Assurance Protocol (SAP), is a chance to educate participants about the quality of U.S. agricultural products and the responsible land stewardship of U.S. growers,” said Tommy Hamamoto, USGBC director in Japan.

Hamamoto, USGBC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos F. Suárez and USGBC Japan Program and Administrative Manager Michiyo Hoshizawa led the program, beginning in Nebraska. There, the group toured key value chain facilities, including USGBC members Cargill and POET, to see how U.S. feed grains are harnessed and moved from farm to customer.

Other stops included the Daugherty Water for Food Innovation Campus and Valley Irrigation for deeper dives into the sustainable practices underpinning U.S. agricultural production.

After continuing to Iowa, USGBC member Corteva Agriscience welcomed the delegation to its office in Johnston to discuss how biotechnology has further reduced inputs and environmental costs.

The group also visited Iowa Corn’s headquarters for an overview of corn production in the region and insights into its research programs that keep U.S. corn as the world’s best.

Farm visits in both states also allowed attendees to meet U.S. growers and see how best production practices are implemented at various scales.

“Japan is a mature market that has been a strong trading partner for the U.S. agricultural sector for decades, and continuing to adapt to customer needs will ensure it remains a dependable export market well into the future,” Hamamoto said.

“Sustainable grain production is being advanced through practical, on-farm practices like cover cropping, no-till, nutrient management, manure-based fertilization and precision irrigation. Japanese buyers participating in this program now understand that sustainability in U.S. agriculture is not simply an environmental initiative but a strategic business approach that enhances productivity, profitability and long-term resilience.”



Updated publication helps beef producers develop growth implant strategy

When used as part of a proper strategy, growth implants for beef cattle can increase daily gains by up to 20%, improve efficiency by up to 15%, and reduce production costs by at least 10%. A variety of implants and options are available; each should be considered before implementing a program. Few technologies offer a greater return on investment than implants, and a newly updated publication from Iowa Beef Center can help producers with these decisions.

IBC director and Iowa State University extension feedlot specialist Aimee Wertz-Lutz said it’s vital to develop a strategy and find the right implants for that strategy.

"As of spring 2026, more than 20 implant brands are available for growing-finishing cattle," she said. "And while implants with a similar active ingredient composition should yield somewhat similar responses, the decision on which to use should be based on price, convenience, availability, approval for the stage of production, and general preference."

The publication focuses on implant brand names, active ingredients, intended use, and whether a re-implant option exists for cattle in the "Growing Beef Cattle in a Drylot" and "Growing Beef Cattle Fed in Confinement for Slaughter" phases, respectively. It also includes information on implant administration and placement, and how to select different types of implants.

Wertz-Lutz said producers should remember that the most important implant administered is the one given just before cattle are sold. This publication provides information to inform producers of their options, including individual marketing systems as considerations for appropriate implant programs.

The publication, "Growth-Promoting Implants for Drylot Growing Beef Cattle and Cattle Fed in Confinement for Slaughter" (IBC 113) http://shop.iastate.edu/extension/products/ibc113.html is available as a free pdf download from the ISU Extension store.



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 6 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.10 billion pounds in May, down 6 percent from the 4.38 billion pounds produced in May 2025.

Beef production, at 1.95 billion pounds, was 8 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.18 million head, down 11 percent from May 2025. The average live weight was up 42 pounds from the previous year, at 1,464 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.5 million pounds, 33 percent below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 6,700 head, down 36 percent from May 2025. The average live weight was up 19 pounds from last year, at 381 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.14 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.81 million head, down 6 percent from May 2025. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 292 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 9.4 million pounds, was down 19 percent from May 2025. Sheep slaughter totaled 167,500 head, 10 percent below last year. The average live weight was 110 pounds, down 12 pounds from May a year ago.

By State               million lbs.  -  % of May '25
Nebraska ..............:     582.1           91       
Iowa .....................:     711.6           96       
Kansas .................:     467.4          107       

January to May 2026 commercial red meat production was 21.8 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2025. Accumulated beef production was down 7 percent from last year, veal was down 27 percent, pork was down slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent. 



USDA Cold Storage May 2026 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers were down slightly from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down slightly from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up slightly from the previous month and up slightly from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 2 percent from last month and up 2 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on May 31, 2026 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 11 percent from last month and up 2 percent from May 31, 2025.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on May 31, 2026 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from May 31, 2025. Butter stocks were up 9 percent from last month but down 8 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 5 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 7 percent from last month and down 8 percent from a year ago.



Corn Growers Applaud Supreme Court Decision 

Thursday, the United States Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in Monsanto v. Durnell that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act preempts state labeling requirements that are in addition to or different from federal labeling requirements. This decision puts to rest many years of uncertainty on the future of pesticide labeling and availability for farmers.

“This is great news for all farmers in the country,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president. “Today’s decision reaffirms that FIFRA is the law of the land and states cannot add undue and unproven requirements not backed by science.”

The EPA has repeatedly confirmed that glyphosate does not cause cancer, as has every major regulatory body around the world. However, a long series of court cases alleging a failure to warn users of the risks of cancer, despite EPA’s repeated conclusion that it does not, have put at odds FIFRA labeling requirements and the ability of states to add additional labels that conflict with federal findings and labels.

Without today’s decision, pesticide manufacturers could have been forced to manage state-based labels that contradict federal findings for all products in all 50 states, which would likely have led to increased costs, reduced product availability for farmers and diminished innovation. NCGA highlighted these concerns in an amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court earlier this year.



ASA Statement on Supreme Court Decision Regarding FIFRA and Pesticide Labeling

The American Soybean Association released a statement following Thursday’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in Durnell v. Monsanto, a case addressing whether state failure-to-warn claims can override federal pesticide labeling decisions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Court ruled that FIFRA and federal labeling requirements preempt state failure-to-warn claims.

“Farmers depend on clear, consistent labeling and a uniform regulatory framework to use pesticides safely and responsibly. The Supreme Court's decision provides much-needed clarity on the role of federal, science-based regulation and reaffirms the value of sound science in the regulatory process.

For decades, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with regulatory authorities around the world, has repeatedly concluded that glyphosate does not pose a cancer risk when used as directed. State-level requirements have led to a burdensome regulatory patchwork that conflicts with EPA-approved labels and creates confusion, undermining confidence in the regulatory process and limiting access to essential crop protection tools.”

Earlier this year, ASA joined 11 other agricultural organizations in an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court, to defend farmer access to critical crop protection tools against continued threats of regulatory overreach and activist litigation.  



ASA Responds to Supplemental Funding Request

President Trump this week submitted a supplemental funding request to Congress that includes $10 billion in temporary economic assistance for row and specialty crop producers, as well as a proposal to permanently authorize year-round sales of E15. The American Soybean Association released the following statement in response.

"ASA appreciates President Trump for his request to address the economic headwinds facing U.S. soybean farmers and the agriculture industry at large. It is no secret that farm country is struggling, and this temporary economic support will go a long way to provide farmers with economic stability as we look forward to the harvest season," said ASA President Scott Metzger.

"In addition to much-needed economic support, the President has also acknowledged the need for legislation to codify permanent, year-round sales of E15. Year-round E15 is a win for soybean and corn farmers alike, and ASA supports pursuing legislation that will boost ethanol sales while continuing to support the biomass-based diesel industry and its use of soybean oil."




Farm Bureau Applauds President’s Call for Farmer Aid and Year-Round E15, Urges Bipartisan Action

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall applauded the White House request to Congress this week for more than $11 billion in additional assistance for America's farmers and ranchers, as well as the administration's call for year-round access to E15 fuel.

“Farmers are grateful to have the president’s backing at such a critical time after enduring years of economic losses due to inflation and depressed markets. Additional aid will give farmers optimism headed into harvest later this year as they await the benefits of enhanced farm bill programs, better market access overseas and stronger domestic demand.

“Not only do we urge Congress to heed the White House call to deliver economic aid, but we also know both sides of the aisle in Congress recognize more is needed as farmers’ losses nationwide far exceed $11 billion. Over the last decade we have lost nearly 200,000 farms, so we need to stabilize the farm economy and reverse that trend. Additional aid will certainly help.

“The White House also urged Congress to authorize year-round sales of E15 fuel nationwide, which we’ve long called for. Expanding access to E15 would strengthen domestic energy production, increase demand for American-grown crops and save consumers at the gas pump. That’s a win all the way around.

“We look forward to working with Congress and the administration to quickly deliver supplemental aid and year-round E15, in addition to addressing other urgent priorities Farm Bureau has identified, from the farm bill to labor reform and protecting interstate commerce. We’re grateful for the broad recognition among elected leaders of the important role farmers play in our nation's economy, energy security and food security. Ensuring the long-term strength of American agriculture is a goal we can all rally behind.”



The United States and Uzbekistan Announce Early Harvest on Trade, Accelerate Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment Talks

Thursday, as part of the visit of Ambassador Jamieson Greer to Uzbekistan, the United States and Uzbekistan have agreed to an early harvest of trade commitments to strengthen the bilateral economic and investment relationship and ensure reciprocity, balance, and resilience in bilateral trade. Both countries also agreed to accelerate talks towards the swift conclusion of an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment. These announcements build on meetings between President Donald J. Trump and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2025, and reaffirm both countries’ longstanding commitment to strengthening their strategic and economic partnership. 

This early harvest on trade and investment includes:
    Uzbekistan commits to eliminate or reduce tariffs on a wide range of U.S. industrial goods and agricultural products. The United States commits to provide favorable consideration in tariff actions for Uzbekistan industrial goods and agricultural products, to the extent appropriate and consistent with U.S. law.
    The United States and Uzbekistan also agree to strengthen investment cooperation and explore pathways for promoting and facilitating bilateral investments.
    The United States and Uzbekistan will accelerate negotiations towards an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment.

These announcements represent further significant progress in the bilateral trade relationship since the announcement of $32 billion in bilateral commercial deals by President Trump and President Mirziyoyev last year, including an $8.5 billion deal with Boeing as well as purchases and investments in strategic sectors such as critical minerals, mining, energy, finance, and information technology.

The United States strongly supports Uzbekistan in its World Trade Organization accession process and recognizes the substantial progress it has made thus far. 

The United States and Uzbekistan will memorialize this early harvest in the coming weeks.



Apply Now for the 2027 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leaders Program

If you are passionate about farming and ready to connect with agricultural industry leaders and grow your leadership skills, the American Soybean Association Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program is for you!

Phase I of the 2026-27 Young Leaders program will take place Nov. 30 - Dec. 3 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. The program continues March 1 - 4, 2027, in New Orleans, LA, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“For more than 40 years, the Young Leaders program has played a vital role in identifying, developing, and preparing soybean farmers to lead within our industry,” said Ohio soybean farmer and ASA President Scott Metzger. “Its impact on soybean advocacy and leadership development is evident across the industry, with program alumni serving in key leadership roles at the state and national levels. In fact, six members of the current ASA Executive Committee are graduates of the program. We are deeply grateful to Corteva for its longstanding partnership and more than four decades of support in helping cultivate the next generation of soybean leaders.”

Soybean growers — both individuals and couples—are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership development, communication skills, emerging agricultural trends and issues, and building a strong network of industry peers. The program is designed for growers who are early in their leadership journey, regardless of age. Spouses and partners are encouraged to participate and play an active role in all aspects of the program, even if they are not employed full-time on the farm.

“Corteva is proud to support the Young Leaders program and its longstanding commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said U.S. Industry Relations Lead for Corteva Agriscience Matt Rekeweg. “The program provides valuable leadership training and professional development opportunities that help growers strengthen their contributions to local, state, and national organizations. Just as important, participants build lasting relationships with fellow farmers and industry professionals who share a passion for innovation, leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations of agriculture.”

ASA and Corteva will work with the 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program.

Learn more about the program and how to apply here https://soygrowers.com/education-resources/grower-education/leadership-development-programs/young-leader-program/. 



Grants available for child agricultural safety, health projects

Letters of Intent will be accepted until noon (Central Time), July 13, 2026, for grants up to $45,000 to support small-scale projects and pilot studies addressing emerging issues in agricultural safety and health.

The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety will prioritize rapid responses to new or unresolved/complex problems, especially those that reduce and prevent youth exposures and hazards on the farm, increase safety culture, or widely disseminate best practices and other information for use by families and employers. Applicants my request up to $45,000 for research studies and up to $17,000 for non-research or outreach projects.

Applicants must submit a one-page Letter of Intent that includes project goals, objectives and key personnel. Send letters of intent to nccrahs@sanfordhealth.org. If the project concept is judged to have merit, the applicant will be invited to submit a full proposal.

For more information, visit https://marshfieldresearch.org/nccrahs/rfa.