Monday June 08 Ag News - Pillen Signs Bill Protecting Ag Data - PFI Farm Conservation Day June 23 near Craig - Custom Rates Insights webinar June 11 - 2nd Screwworm Case in Texas - Nominees for Cattlemens Beef Board - and more!

Pillen, Farmers, Ranchers and Ag Industry Supporters Celebrate Passage of LB 525

Saturday, Governor Jim Pillen, Senator Mike Jacobson, and Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, joined members of Nebraska’s agricultural industry at the Machine Shed near Gothenburg to celebrate passage of a first of its kind bill for protecting agricultural data. LB 525 was introduced initially in the 2025 legislative session by Sen. Jacobson on behalf of Gov. Pillen and was passed this year. It establishes clear rules for the collection, processing and use of agricultural data in a way that best protects the privacy of farmers and ranchers who own the data.  

“Nebraska has always been a leader when it comes to agricultural innovation. LB 525 represents critical, forward-thinking policy when it comes to preserving the future of our family farms,” said Gov. Pillen. “Who better to lead the country in this space than us? Again, Nebraska is setting the standard – one that will add value and protect our state’s key economic engine -- agriculture.”

Over the past 30 years, agricultural production has been significantly transformed through advances in technology, just like many other industries. Farmers rely on GPS-guided steering in tractors, sprayers and combines, computerized seeding rate systems, variable-rate chemigation and irrigation technology, and real-time yield data captured during harvest. Every season, an incredible amount of information is collected that farmers and producers can capitalize on if properly it’s protected.  

“Agriculture is Nebraska's largest industry, and modern operations generate significant amounts of proprietary digital data that our producers rely on. I was proud to partner with Governor Pillen to pass LB 525 to establish clear legal protections for this valuable operational data, explicitly prohibiting its unauthorized sale and requiring reasonable security standards,” said Sen. Jacobsen. “As the first state in the nation to enact these specific digital privacy safeguards, Nebraska is not waiting for federal regulations to address this issue. Instead, we have enacted a practical, state-level framework that protects the private business records of our farmers and ranchers while ensuring technology providers respect the privacy rights of our producers.”
 
LB 525 addresses this digital evolution by clearly defining ‘agricultural data’ – a definition that previously did not exist in state statue. The legislation ensures that the unique expertise and production practices farmers develop through years of decision-making are legally protected under clear data ownership laws.
 
“This legislation brings important clarity for Nebraska farmers and ensures they maintain control of their data as agriculture continues to evolve,” said Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “It is an important step in supporting producers as they adopt new technology and make decisions for their operations.”

The heart of the legislation explicitly states that ag producers own the data originating from their farms and ranches. This puts them in the driver’s seat, permitting them to decide how to use their data, whom to share it with, and how to derive further value from it. Additionally, the law mandates clear, conspicuous disclosure, requiring written consent from the producer before a third party can sell the data.  
Under LB 525, all contracts and agreements involving agricultural data must be updated by January 1, 2027, to reflect these new statutory changes.

“Nebraska feeds the world and saves the planet,” added Gov. Pillen. “It’s a privilege to join the farmers and ranchers who do this work every day. By securing these data rights, we are securing the future of Nebraska agriculture.”



PFI Whole-farm Conservation Field Day in Craig, NE

Ed & Leta Olson of Craig will be hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) field day. The event is free to attend and open to the public. 

Improving Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat Through Farm-Wide Conservation Practices
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.

Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: 1510 County Road A, Craig, Nebraska 68019
RSVP: Attendees can RSVP by visiting the event page or calling PFI at (515)-232-5661

For more information about PFI field days, visit our Field Days webpage https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/improving-water-quality-and-wildlife-habitat-through-farm-wide-conservation-practices/.



What Are Custom Operators Charging? 2026 Nebraska Custom Rates Insights
Jun 11, 2026 12:00 PM 
Glennis McClure, Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

This webinar will present key findings from the newly released 2026 Nebraska Agricultural Custom Rates Report. It will provide insights into current custom service rates across Nebraska and discuss how the information can be used by custom operators, farmers, ranchers, agricultural lenders, and industry professionals.

Conducted every two years, the Nebraska Custom Rates Survey gathers information from agricultural custom operators throughout the state regarding rates charged for machine hire and related agricultural services. The 2026 report includes statewide summaries and detailed information for common field operations, harvest activities, and other agricultural custom work.

During the webinar, participants will learn:

-Key trends and findings from the 2026 survey
-Factors influencing custom service rates across Nebraska
-Considerations for both hiring and providing custom services

Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates

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. 



Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day
Friday, July 17, 2026
Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center
1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE

Register Now: https://agronomy.unl.edu/extension-outreach/field-days-and-workshops/nebraska-4rs-nutrient-stewardship-field-day/4rs/

This FREE event on 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship features knowledge and tools to improve nutrient management, soil health, crop yields and water quality. This is a great opportunity to learn about 4Rs strategies to improve crop yield and profits while protecting the environment.

Earn 4.5 CEUs on Nutrient Management.

Attendance counts toward Lower Platte North NRD Nitrogen Certification.

2026 Agenda
8:30 – 9 am: Registration and light breakfast (provided)
9 am – Noon: Morning Sessions
9 – 9:05 am: Introduction – Javed Iqbal, Associate Professor of Soil Nutrient Management and Water Quality, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
9:05 – 9:20 am: Remarks on 4Rs Practices
9:20 – 9:30 am: Scratch Card Questions (pre-session) – Aaron Nygren, Water & Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
9:30 – 10 am: Are We Managing Phosphorus Right? Insights for Corn and Soybean Production – Javed Iqbal
10 – 10:30 am: How Much Do We Know About Potassium in Nebraska Corn and Soybean Fields? – Patricio Grassini, Professor of Agronomy, and Lucia Bonfanti, PhD Student, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
10:30 – 10:40 am: Break
10:40 – 11:10 am: Global 4R Nitrogen Management: Cutting Nitrate Losses Without Sacrificing Corn Yield – Javed Iqbal 
11:10 – 11:40 am: Efficiency and Reduction, Nebraska Statewide Programs Around Nitrogen and the Lessons Learned – Alexa Davis, Soil and Water Programs Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, and Tyler Goeschel, General Manager, Little Blue Natural Resources District
11:40 am – 12:10 pm: Sulfur Management in Midwest Cropping System – Gurbir Singh, Assistant Professor of Soil Science, University of Missouri
12:10 – 12:20 pm: Scratch Cards Questions (post-session) – Aaron Nygren 

12:20 – 1 pm: Lunch (provided)

1 – 3 pm: Afternoon Session – Demonstrating Nutrient Management Impacts on Corn Yield and Profitability
Location A (1hr): Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) Management – Field Demonstrations 
Location B (1hr): Sulfur (S) and Nitrogen (N) Management – Field Demonstrations

3 pm: Adjourn



Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association Scholarship Program Surpasses $1 Million since 2008

The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is pleased to share that it has awarded $100,000 in matching scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year to 85 students pursuing careers with Iowa and Nebraska equipment dealerships.

“The Andrew Goodman Scholarship is a valuable partnership that supports K.C. Nielsen team members pursuing a technical education,” said Jamie Wubben, HR Manager of K.C. Nielsen LTD. “It plays a key role in their growth and development by helping them gain essential mechanical and hands-on skills for future careers as service technicians. This scholarship also demonstrates our strong commitment to education and the long-term success of our future leaders.”

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship program, created in 2008, helps address the technician and employee shortages and helps dealers attract and nurture homegrown talent. Since 2008, INEDA has awarded more than $1,034,129 to 895 students through the program.

“Technical education lays a strong foundation for numerous career paths, and an equipment dealership is the ideal place for those dreams to take shape,” INEDA President and CEO Mark Hennessey. “The investment of our dealer members to recruit, equip, and educate a highly talented and qualified workforce is a testament to their commitment to their business and their customers. We are honored to partner with them in this vital endeavor.”

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship is an annual matching scholarship program available to all employees/potential employees of members of INEDA in good standing. INEDA matches scholarship amounts awarded by dealers to eligible applicants up to $1500 per applicant per year. Applications are due annually by April 15.

This year, the following dealers provided matching awards: 21st Century Equipment LLC, AKRS Equipment, Belzer Equipment, Inc, Bodensteiner Implement Company, Butler Machinery Co, Deitering Bros., Inc, Haley Equipment, K.C. Nielsen, LTD, LandMark Implement, O'Brien County Implement, Inc., Platte Valley Equipment, Sinclair Tractor, Titan Machinery, True Ag And Turf, Van Wall Equipment, and West Point Implement. 



Second Detection of New World Screwworm in the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Friday confirmed a second detection of New World screwworm (NWS) after testing a number of suspect cases. The confirmed case was found in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, approximately 5.6 miles away from the first confirmed detection. APHIS and our Texas partners continue to collect and test other samples from the surrounding area which have come back negative. 

NWS is a serious pest that threatens livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people. The larvae burrow into the living tissue of animals, causing severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic losses.

“USDA has responded expediently with respect to this second detection, demonstrating our utmost preparedness. This second detection is within the established movement control zone and enhanced sterile insect dispersal area.” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “Many models projected this pest would reach the United States last year, but thanks to USDA’s phenomenal work and our cooperation with state, federal, and industry partners, we’ve held it off until now—when we are far more prepared to respond. USDA has not wasted any time in this fight, we have defeated New World screwworm before, and we will do it again."

USDA Strike Team and Rapid Deployment Capacity
An APHIS strike team is already on-site in Texas. This team includes veterinary medical officers and animal health technicians – experienced experts who serve as USDA’s boots on the ground response force. APHIS is fully positioned to surge additional trained personnel as needed. 

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has deployed an entomologist to the USDA Agricultural Research Service laboratory in Kerrville, Texas, to expedite confirmation processes by positioning NVSL diagnostic assets in the area.

APHIS has also deployed two dedicated NWS response cargo trailers. Each 24-foot trailer serves as a mobile preparedness and field operations center. Once unloaded, the trailers convert into operational and laboratory space, providing USDA personnel with the equipment and environment necessary to mount a rapid, efficient response.

Treatment Resources and Supplies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorizations for several NWS treatments for different species. Currently, there are treatments available to support cattle, horses, swine, goats, captive exotic animals, and wildlife.

The National Veterinary Stockpile is actively procuring additional tools to treat and prevent NWS. USDA is working with federal and regulatory partners, and within federal purchasing processes, to secure more treatment options that are flexible, safe, and effective.

The National Veterinary Stockpile has relocated NWS treatment supplies to Texas to better support affected producers in the infested zone. If you or anyone you know needs access to these treatment supplies, they are now available and can be obtained by reaching out directly to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC).

Intensified Sterile Fly Operations
As part of the established NWS eradication strategy, USDA began releasing sterile flies over the area on June 4. These missions will disperse 2 million sterile screwworms twice a week to disrupt the pest’s lifecycle.

In addition to aerial releases, USDA is shipping another 4 million sterile flies per week to Texas. These will be deployed using 24 ground release chambers, strategically placed in and around the detection zone to maximize impact.

Unified Response Actions in Texas
USDA and TAHC remain in unified incident command and are implementing actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook, including:
    Maintaining a 20‑km infested zone with quarantines, movement controls, and heightened surveillance around the initial detection and establishing a new 20-km infested zone around the latest detection 
    Increasing trapping along the border and outside the dispersal zone
    Conducting surveillance and management strategies in wildlife
    Implementing targeted outreach to local producers, veterinarians, and communities

Guidance for Pet and Livestock Owners
USDA urges everyone in the area to check animals for:
    Draining or enlarging wounds
    Maggots or egg masses
    Signs of discomfort
    Lesions in body openings (nose, ears, genitalia, umbilical area)

Anyone who suspects a screwworm infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA.

Though rare in people, anyone who notices a suspicious lesion should seek immediate medical care.

Food Safety
The U.S. food supply remains safe. Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food products. Any affected animal would be identified during USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection, and no contaminated product would enter commerce.

Continued Federal Leadership
For more than a year, USDA has led a unified national response effort, deployed enhanced surveillance, strengthened its border defense strategy, and supported cross-border operations in Mexico and Central America. These efforts have bought critical time and ensured the United States is better prepared to respond to these detections.



UNL experts monitoring New World screwworm following Texas detection

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is aware of the confirmation of New World screwworm in Texas earlier this month and is monitoring developments related to the parasite.  

Screwworm, the larval stage New World screwfly, has not been detected in Nebraska. University experts are working with partners including the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to stay informed and support ongoing efforts to monitor the pest.   

"The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is prepared to support efforts to detect and understand New World screwworm in Nebraska," said Tiffany Heng-Moss, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR.

"Early and effective coordination among agencies is key to responding effectively to pest and disease threats. The university is already working closely with local, state and federal partners and will continue to do so."  

The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at UNL is coordinating with the USDA and other partners to provide diagnostic support. Lab faculty and staff are also available to provide input on the diagnostic cases or to answer questions from Nebraska veterinarians.

Nebraska Extension, the UNL Department of Entomology and the UNL Department of Animal Science are also monitoring New World screwworm and are prepared to provide information and support to Nebraska producers as needed.  Cattle producers should follow guidance shared by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the USDA.  

If you encounter a fly or larva that that you think may be New World screwfly or screwworm, you can reach to the your local veterinarian, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, USDA, or your local Nebraska Extension office.  



Beef Checkoff Develops New World Screwworm Resources

Following the announcement that New World Screwworm (NWS) has been found in the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging producers to be vigilant and prepared. To ensure producers have access to the resources needed, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Checkoff-funded Issues Managment and Public Relations team has developed a suite of resources to prepare producers for prevention, identification and treatment, should it be needed.

Producers are encouraged to visit BQA.org/Screwworm/Producer to access and download identification resources and on-farm posters in both English and Spanish. This webpage also provides links to treatment information and additional information resources from the USDA.

About New World Screwworm:
NWS is a devastating pest that affects livestock and other mammals. The screwworm fly larvae, or maggots, burrow into the flesh of living mammals causing serious and sometimes fatal damage to the host. Infestations occur when screwworm flies are attracted to an open wound and lay their eggs in the tissue. NWS can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, birds and, in rare cases, people.

In 2023, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed an unprecedented number of NWS cases in Panama. Since then, NWS has moved northward with cases detected in every South American country, Mexico and now, the United States.

NWS is not a food safety threat and is not transmitted though meat or other food products. Beef is safe for human consumption according to the USDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Any evidence of a screwworm infection would be identified during the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection processes, and adulterated product from the affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply.

Any suspicious wounds, maggots or infestations on livestock should be reported to a local accredited veterinarian, State Animal Health Official or USDA. All wounds should be treated immediately with approved insecticides.

For more information on New World Screwworm identification, treatment and eradication efforts visit: BQA.org/Screwworm/Producer or Screwworm.gov.



USDA Seeks Nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board to succeed 25 members with 3-year terms that expire in February 2027 who represent the following states and units:
    Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.
    Southwest Unit: California and Nevada.
    Importer Unit.

The deadline for nominations is July 24, 2026. Individuals appointed to the board will serve three-year terms beginning in February 2027.

The Cattleman’s Beef Board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 99 members representing 34 separate states, four units of geographically grouped states and one importer unit.

Beef producers within the United States who own cattle or any importers that import cattle or beef may be nominated. Producers and importers must be nominated by a certified producer organization and submit a completed application. The Secretary of Agriculture will select individuals from the nominations submitted.

A list of certified producer organizations, the nomination form and information about the Cattlemen’s Beef Board are available on the AMS Cattlemen’s Beef Board web page and on the board’s website, https://www.beefboard.org/. For more information, contact Kinley Hartman at (816) 618-4266 or Kinley.hartman@usda.gov.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 21 boards. Oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.