Thursday June 11 Ag News - USDA Drought Assistance in NE - HAL Field Pea & V-TAPS Events - CAP Webinars Cover Forage Insurance, Drought Resources, Financial Outlooks - Pork Exports Strong in April - and more!

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Nebraska Impacted by Drought

Agricultural operations in Nebraska have been significantly impacted by recent drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from this adverse weather event.

“We know current drought conditions are adversely impacting crops, land, water supplies and livestock, creating financial and emotional strain for the farmers and ranchers we serve,” said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce. “I encourage producers to stay in close contact with their local USDA Service Center to report losses and damages and learn more about the many program options we have available to assist them in building drought resiliency and navigating drought recovery.” 

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Nebraska are partnering with University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability on a webinar to share information on federal drought assistance. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, beginning at noon, CT. There is no cost for the webinar. Register at cap.unl.edu/webinars.

USDA Disaster Assistance    
Livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land may be eligible for the 2026 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). To participate in LFP, producers must own, cash or share lease, or contract grow eligible livestock; provide pasture or grazing land to eligible livestock on the beginning date of the qualifying drought; and certify that they suffered a grazing loss due to drought. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) maintains a list of counties eligible for LFP and makes updates each Thursday.  

Producers who have a risk in the pasture or hay crop must submit an acreage report to the FSA for all grazing land for which a grazing loss is being claimed. The next deadline for annual acreage reporting in Nebraska is July 15, 2026. LFP applicants who lease acres must be able to support their application with either a written lease or an Annual Lease Certification (form CCC-855). 

Producers must submit an LFP application for payment and supporting documentation no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 losses.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for above normal costs of hauling water and feed to livestock as well as transporting livestock to forage or other grazing acres. Producers are required to submit a notice of loss and application for payment to their local FSA office no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.

ELAP also assists commercial apiarists who experience a loss of feed due to drought conditions that may need to purchase short-term feed to sustain the honeybees until additional natural feedstock becomes available. 

Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. TAP complements the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes or vines is apparent. 
  
FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs. 

Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.    

Risk Management   
Producers with NAP coverage through FSA, including native grass for grazing, should report crop damage to their local FSA office and must file a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.  

Producers with risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days. Producers should stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent.

Conservation   
For drought recovery, FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) can help farmers and ranchers implement emergency water conservation measures including watering systems for livestock and existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards.  Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) can assist landowners and nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) stewards with financial assistance to restore damaged NIPF acres.

Outside of the primary nesting season (PNS), emergency and non-emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres may be authorized to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by a severe drought. Emergency grazing may continue during the PNS with a 50% reduction in the stocking rate, provided the county where the CRP is located is eligible for LFP. Producers should contact their local FSA office to determine eligibility, availability and stocking rates. 

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help farmers make their operation more resilient in the face of drought in future years. Through conservation planning and practices that will improve soil health and water conservation, farmers can reduce future crop loss due to drought and enhance resiliency. Financial help for implementing conservation practices may be available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. 

Long-term damage from drought can include forage production loss in pastures and fields and increased wind erosion on crop fields not protected with soil health practices. Producers can visit their local USDA Service Center to learn more about these impacts, potential recovery tactics and how to take steps to make their land more resilient to drought in the future. 

U.S. Drought Monitor
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is an online, weekly map showing the location, extent, and severity of drought across the United States. The USDM provides producers with the latest information about drought conditions where they live, enabling producers to best respond and react to a drought as it develops or lingers.

USDA uses the Drought Monitor to determine a producer’s eligibility for certain drought assistance programs, like LFP and Emergency Haying or Grazing on CRP acres. Additionally, FSA uses the Drought Monitor to trigger and “fast track” Secretarial Disaster Designations which then provides producers impacted by drought access to emergency loans that can assist with credit needs.

The USDM incorporates varying data including rain, snow, temperature, streamflow, reservoir levels, soil moisture, etc. as well as first-hand information submitted from on-the-ground sources such as photos, descriptions and experiences. You can contribute your observations to the USDM process using the Condition Monitoring Observer Report system or emailing droughtmonitor@unl.edu.

More Information  
Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by drought. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet. Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub with an ELAP decision tool as well as farm loan resource videos. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.  



Field Pea Plot Tour June 23 at Haskell Ag Lab to Showcase Variety Trials and Agronomic Research

Thinking about adding field peas to your rotation? A June 23 plot tour at Haskell Ag Lab (https://hal.unl.edu/), Concord, NE, offers a first-hand look at varieties and management decisions in the field.

As interest in field peas continues to grow across Nebraska, producers are invited to get a firsthand look at current research and variety performance during a field plot tour on Tuesday, June 23. 
Beginning at 10 a.m. Central time at the research farm near Haskell Ag. Lab of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), the tour will feature spring and pea variety trials and agronomic studies on seed rates for different planting populations and the effect of seed treatment with zinc (Zn) and genetics on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in seeds. The variety trial will feature a total of 19 pea varieties from five different seed companies: Progene Plant Research (https://www.progenellc.com/), Puris (https://www.puris.com/), Puris (https://www.puris.com/), Valesco Genetics (https://www.greatnorthernag.com/genetics), and Meridian Seeds (https://www.meridianseeds.com/)
 
The tours provide an opportunity for farmers and others to learn more about new varieties and other topics such as agronomy and marketing of pea. Participants will walk the plots and discuss opportunities and challenges for expanding field pea production in the northeastern part of Nebraska.

Speakers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and the pea industry (seed companies and processors) will speak during the tours. 
    Prof. Dipak Santra, Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist, UNL, PREEC, Scottsbluff, NE
    Michael Kurtzhals, Research Technologist, ENREEC, UNL
    Chris Werth and Bhavesh Reddy Mudupa, Puris Grains (https://www.puris.com/)
    Brian Dawson, Ingredion Incorporated (https://www.ingredion.com/na/en-us/)

There will be no formal presentations, and attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences and observations.

Agenda
10 a.m.: Sign-up with donuts, beverages, and coffee sponsored by Purisfoods
10:15 a.m.: Transport to the plot site
10:30 a.m. to Noon: Plot tour and presentation with questions & answers
Noon to 1 p.m.: Lunch, sponsored by Ingredion Inc. and presentation/discussion
 
Producers, agronomists, and industry partners are welcome. No registration is required. Come walk the peas and help shape the future of field pea production in Nebraska. 



Taking TAPS into the Classroom - VTAPS Curriculum Trainings

Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) is an innovative program launched by University of Nebraska research and extension specialists in 2017. Instead of the traditional teacher-students model, TAPS engages participants through interactive, real-life farm management competitions. 

During the program, a group of ag educators identified the need for curriculum focused on water, nitrogen, and hybrid management.

As a result, a Virtual TAPS (VTAPS) program is being developed, utilizing gamification and the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) computer model to enhance learning in the classroom and beyond.

Through VTAPS, participants will not only see results related to yield but also key metrics like efficiency, cost of production, and nitrate leaching.

With the VTAPS program, students will have the opportunity to make management decisions based on a tailored curriculum. Once they see the results, they can benchmark their decisions against those of others, gaining valuable insights into their performance. Similar to the original TAPS competitions, participants will be provided with extensive data, allowing them to compare their outcomes in different areas.
 
The VTAPS curriculum provides instruction on crop hybrids, nitrogen use, and irrigation management. The curriculum provides about 15 lessons for each of these three areas. The training will provide you with the curriculum and the information to implement it in your classroom.

Registration costs $20, which includes lunch and related curriculum. Invoice will be sent following registration. Lodging is not included in registration costs. No shows will still be billed for attendance. Contact Stacie Turnbull at sturnbull2@unl.edu for questions.
 
Upcoming Trainings - 9am to 3pm
June 18: UNL WCREEC; North Platte
June 22: UNL East Campus; Lincoln
June 25: UNL Haskell Ag Lab; Concord

Register at https://go.unl.edu/vtaps2026



CAP Webinar: A Producer's Guide to Annual Forage Insurance: Coverage, Sign-Up Decisions, and Performance
Jun 18, 2026 12:00 PM 

The Annual Forage Insurance Program (AFIP) is a precipitation risk management tool available for annual forages planted on cropland with intended use as livestock feed or fodder. The insurance is available in all counties of Nebraska. It is a rainfall index product much like the popular Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance. The sign-up period for annual forages planted from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 is currently open. In this webinar, we will discuss how AFIP coverage works, sign-up decisions that need to be completed by July 15, and performance of the product over the last several years.

Presenter: Jay Parsons, professor and farm and ranch management specialist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability.

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. You can also register for this webinar by using that link. 



CAP Webinar: USDA Drought Resources
Jun 23, 2026 12:00 PM 

While most areas of Nebraska have received some recent rain, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows a more long-term picture of significant drought over three quarters of the state.  In this webinar, Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) representatives will outline drought response resources available through their agencies to assist producers.

Presenters: Hilary Maricle, State Executive Director, Nebraska FSA; Pat Lechner, Price Support and Conservation Programs Chief, Nebraska FSA; and Rob Lawson, Nebraska State Conservationist, Nebraska NRCS.

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. You can also register for this webinar by using that link. 



CAP Webinar: 2026 Nebraska Legislative Update for Agriculture
Jun 25, 2026 12:00 PM 
 
The Nebraska Legislature addressed numerous issues and budget challenges during their 60-day session earlier this year. Several bills and developments addressed during the session will impact agriculture across the state. This webinar will feature Dave Aiken, Professor and Ag Law Specialist to provide an update of legislative activity and new laws that directly affect agriculture, from animal agriculture issues surrounding brand law or planning and zoning to broader issues that affect ag data ownership.

Presenter: Dave Aiken, professor and agricultural law specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Agricultural Profitability.

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. You can also register for this webinar by using that link. 



CAP Webinar: Nebraska Farm Business 2025 Financial Averages & 2026 Outlook
Jul 9, 2026 12:00 PM 
 
Join Tina Barrett and Flint Corliss, of Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., for an in-depth review of the most recent financial data collected by Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., from farms and ranches across the state. They will present key benchmarks including income, financial ratios, and family living expenses using 2025 year-end data. They will also explore trends from the past decade to help interpret what these numbers could mean for the ag economy in 2026. Use this valuable information to benchmark your own operation and make more informed decisions for the year ahead.

Presenters: Tina Barrett, director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.; and Flint Corliss, associate farm financial consultant, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.

Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., was founded in 1976 as part of Nebraska Extension and today works with producers from across the state to provide financial and management assistance. 

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. You can also register for this webinar by using that link. 



Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit, Second Annual Youth Summit

Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the 2026 Governor’s Summit. This year’s event will take place Sept. 28-29, 2026, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.

Registration for the Summit is now open at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

“There’s no better place to live or do business than our extraordinary home here in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “The opportunities we have in front of us as a state are absolutely incredible. September’s Summit will bring together our state’s farmers, ranchers, and business leaders to build a better future for Nebraskans.”

The annual Governor’s Summit convenes leaders across the state to strategize how to best grow Nebraska. The 2026 Governor’s Summit will focus on three pillars: (1) building Nebraska’s workforce of the future, (2) investing in the next generation of healthcare, and (3) feeding and fueling Nebraska’s ag and manufacturing future.  

This year’s conference will also feature the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit, which will be integrated into the main event on Tuesday, Sept. 29. High school juniors and seniors and college freshmen and sophomores are invited to attend free of charge. Attendees of the Youth Summit will participate in career clusters to explore post-high school pathways. They will connect one-on-one with business and college leaders, gaining privileged access to internship, apprenticeship, and career opportunities

“Our kids are our future,” said Gov. Pillen. “As state leaders, we have a responsibility to open doors for them to pursue their dreams right here in Nebraska. That’s what the Youth Summit is all about. I invite students to come and check out the amazing career opportunities available!”

To sign up for the Youth Summit, go to https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.

The 2026 Governor’s Summit kicks off on Monday night, Sept. 28, with a banquet and a reception hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the main day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote address, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the second-ever Youth Summit.

To register for the banquet and Governor’s Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. Students may sign up for the Youth Summit at https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.



Beef on Dairy Webinar June 16 - Calf Health and Liver Size

Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar Series Continues on June 16 With a Discussion On The Energetics of the Changes in Liver Size and Health in Calves

The June Beef On Dairy Dialogue will be held at 12 noon CDT on Tuesday, June 16 featuring Dr. Kendall Swanson presenting on Energetics of Changes in Liver Size and Health in Calves. His presentation will focus on: Unique aspects of beef on dairy and dairy calves for finishing; GIT development; Energetics of liver and GI tissues as influenced by diet, physiological state, etc. and Energetics

Kendall Swanson is a Professor of Beef Production Systems in the Department of Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University. Kendall grew up on a crop and livestock farm in southeastern North Dakota. He received his BS and MS in Animal and Range Sciences at North Dakota State University and his PhD in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Kentucky. He then worked as a Research Associate at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center. Before returning to North Dakota in 2010, Kendall was on faculty at the University of Guelph. Kendall’s research program focuses on improving the efficiency of feed utilization of finishing cattle and pregnant cows, and on digestive physiology and energy metabolism in ruminants. He also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition and physiology and serves as the department graduate coordinator.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/TULMX2

For more information; in Iowa contact, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota contact, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; in South Dakota contact, Warren Rusche, 605.688.5452 or in Nebraska contact, Kortney Harpestad, 507.525.3584.




U.S. Pork Exports on Robust Pace through April; Beef Exports Below Year-Ago

Exports of U.S. pork maintained strong momentum in April, led by broad-based growth in Asian and Western Hemisphere markets, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports trended lower in April due to the impasse with China, along with year-over-year declines in other major markets.

April pork exports buoyed by Mexico, Japan, Dominican Republic
Pork exports totaled 257,212 metric tons (mt) in April, 8% (and nearly 20,000 mt) above last year, while value increased 6% to $718.1 million. Export value per head slaughtered equated to $66.83 in April, up 7% from a year ago. April’s strong performance reflected growth in Mexico, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Central America and the Philippines. For China and Canada, exports were significantly higher than the low volumes posted a year ago.

For January through April, pork exports were 4% above the 2025 pace in both volume (1.04 million mt) and value ($2.89 billion). Export value was slightly above the total posted in the first four months of 2024, when exports went on to set an annual value record.

“Mexico and other key Latin American markets continue to perform remarkably well for U.S. pork, as new product development and consumer education efforts are paying major dividends,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Combine this with a rebound in Japan and Taiwan, growth in the Philippines and steady demand in Korea, and 2026 is shaping up to be a tremendous year for U.S. pork.”

Halstrom cautioned, however, that the April data does not capture the impact of restrictions on some pork variety meat items imposed in early May by Mexico and Colombia, following findings of pseudorabies virus (PRV) antibodies in five boars in quarantine at a small operation in Iowa. (Pork muscle cut exports have not been impacted.)

“USDA continues to work with its counterpart agencies in these countries to put these PRV-related restrictions behind us as soon as possible,” he explained. “There was a significant negative impact on May exports and the situation has continued into June, but it should hopefully be short-lived.”

Bright spots for April beef exports include Taiwan, Egypt, Caribbean and ASEAN
April beef exports totaled 89,783 mt, down 11% from a year ago, while value fell 5% to $780.6 million. While prospects are brightening for U.S. beef’s return to the China market, April results still reflected a near-total lockout. April shipments were higher than a year ago to Taiwan and Egypt and increased significantly to the Caribbean and ASEAN regions and to Peru, but trended lower to other major markets. Beef variety meats were again a bright spot in April, with exports climbing 20% from a year ago to 25,314 mt, led by growth to top volume market Mexico, valued at $114.7 million (up 40%).

April beef exports shined on a per-head basis, as export value equated to $415.88 per head of fed slaughter, up 5% from a year ago.

For January through April, beef and beef variety meat exports were 11% below the 2025 pace at 365,138 mt, and declined 5% in value to $3.13 billion. But when excluding China from these results, exports were up slightly (+0.3%) in volume and increased 7% in value.

“Global demand for U.S. beef has proven very resilient, even in the face of tight supplies and higher prices,” Halstrom said. “But there are certainly significant headwinds, including the impact of weak currencies in Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, and higher energy prices weighing on consumer confidence and disposable income. And while we were thrilled to see China renew U.S. beef plant registrations following the summit meeting between President Trump and President Xi, additional obstacles must also be addressed before U.S. beef’s presence in China rebounds.”

Lamb exports down in April, but still higher year-to-date
April exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 231 mt, down 10% from a year ago, while value fell 16% to $1.2 million. January-April exports were 4% above last year’s pace in volume (1,042 mt) and 3% higher in value ($5.7 million), led by growth in the Bahamas, Netherlands Antilles and Leeward-Windward Islands.

Lamb exports to Mexico have trended lower in 2026, after reaching the highest level since 2014 last year. No exports have yet been reported to Canada this year, after totaling 233 mt in 2025. 



Dairy Farmers Urge Action on Labor, Other Issues at Congressional Fly-in 

More than 80 NMPF board members and young dairy farmers met with about 100 congressional offices today in the organization’s annual fly-in, advocating on behalf of dairy on issues ranging from agricultural labor to the recent return of New World screwworm to the United States.

The fly-in came after NMPF’s June board meeting on Tuesday, which was highlighted by remarks from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and Ambassador Julie Callahan providing perspective on the agriculture economy and trade landscape.

“We know what we need to do,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud in remarks before the fly-in. “We will push in every way we can to make things happen.”

Other action items NMPF members called for in their meeting included:
    Passing a farm bill through the full Congress in 2026
    Maintaining access to all types of milk in school meal programs
    Passing the DAIRY PRIDE Act ensuring integrity in milk labeling
    Urging lawmakers to tell the administration to strengthen dairy provisions while renewing the USMCA trade agreement. 

NMPF also welcomed a new board member, Ted Vander Schaaf of Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold, and a new associate member, Illinois Farm Bureau.

The fly-in was organized by NMPF’s Young Cooperators program. The organization also held committee meetings as well as a workshop on Artificial Intelligence for co-op executives. NMPF leadership continues its meetings this week, discussing animal health and well-being along with other important industry topics.



Importance of USMCA to U.S. Soybean Farmers

American Soybean Association (ASA) Executive Committee member and Minnesota soybean farmer Jamie Beyer testified Wednesday before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee during a hearing on “Agricultural Perspectives on the Future of the USMCA,” highlighting the critical importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to U.S. soybean farmers and urging policymakers to maintain long-term certainty for American agriculture.

During her testimony, Beyer highlighted USMCA’s role in preserving duty-free market access for soy and soy products, strengthening science-based trade rules that help prevent trade disruptions, and providing stability for soybean farmers amid growing global trade uncertainty.

“USMCA has provided stability and predictability for U.S. soybean farmers and strengthened our trading relationship with two of our most important export markets,” said Beyer. “At a time when farmers are facing significant economic pressure and global trade uncertainty, maintaining strong, rules-based trade relationships with Canada and Mexico is more important than ever.”

In marketing year 2024/25, Canada and Mexico accounted for $4 billion in U.S. soy complex exports, representing more than 13% of total U.S. soy exports. Mexico alone accounted for $3.3 billion in purchases of U.S. soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil, making it one of the industry’s most critical export markets.

“Failure to renew USMCA would be catastrophic for U.S. agriculture,” Beyer told lawmakers. “Entire industries, companies, farmers and families depend on this agreement. We hope appropriate improvements can be made, but the agreement’s long-term extension must never be in doubt.”

ASA looks forward to working with policymakers to preserve and strengthen USMCA for U.S. soybean farmers and rural communities.



Farmers for Free Trade Board Chairman Bob Hemesath Responds to President Trump's Comments That He Is "Not Looking to Renew USMCA" 

President Trump told reporters at the White House Wednesday that he is not looking to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, stating that "we don't need anything that Canada has, we don't need anything that Mexico has." In response, Farmers for Free Trade Board Chairman Bob Hemesath, a corn and hog farmer from northeast Iowa, released the following statement:

"American farmers are rightly going to be concerned by today's comments that the administration is not looking to renew USMCA. Failing to extend and strengthen this agreement would be a self-inflicted wound for American agriculture at the worst possible moment. U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have grown by $20 billion since USMCA took effect, reaching $60 billion in 2024, and those two markets now buy roughly one-third of everything American farmers sell abroad. That trade supports nearly half a million American jobs and $149 billion in economic output here at home. While the agreement is not perfect, the venue for improving it is through this negotiation.

"With respect, the notion that America does not need anything from Canada does not match the reality on my farm or any farm I know. The United States imports roughly 90 percent of its potash, and more than 80 percent of those imports come from Canada. There is no substitute and no domestic supply that can replace it. Without Canadian potash, American crops simply do not get planted at full strength, and food prices rise for every American family. The Joint Review is an opportunity to extend and strengthen an agreement the President himself negotiated and that has delivered real results for rural America. Farmers across the heartland are counting on our leaders to seize this opportunity, not to walk away from our two largest and most reliable customers." 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/5/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 5, ethanol production was 1.11 million b/d, unchanged from the prior week and equivalent to 46.54 million gallons daily. Output was 1.1% lower than the same week last year but 5.6% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.6% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.97 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks decreased 0.6% to 24.5 million barrels, the lowest weekly volume since the start of the year. Yet, stocks were 3.0% more than the same week last year and 8.2% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across the East Coast (PADD 1) and West Coast (PADD 5) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 1.6% to 8.73 million b/d (134.21 bg annualized). Still, demand was 4.8% less than a year ago and the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol lifted 0.9% to 907,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.94 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.2% more than year-ago levels but 0.1% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports strengthened 14.8% to a 4-week high of 155,000 b/d (6.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Urea Moves Lower; 6 Fertilizers Continue To Be Slightly Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher than a month ago, according to retailers tracked by DTN for the fourth full week of May 2026.

Two fertilizers were less expensive while the remaining six fertilizers were slightly more expensive. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. 

The two fertilizers that were lower-priced were urea, which was 5% less expensive with an average price of $823/ton. UAN32 was just slightly lower and had an average price of $585/ton.

The six fertilizers slightly higher in price compared to last month were DAP with an average price of $914/ton, MAP $953/ton, potash $494/ton, 10-34-0 $723/ton, anhydrous $1,118/ton and UAN28 $530/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.90/lb.N, anhydrous $0.68/lb.N, UAN28 $0.95/lb.N and UAN32 $0.91/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. Potash is 4% higher, 10-34-0 is 8% more expensive, both DAP and MAP are now 15% higher, UAN32 is 18% more expensive, urea is 24% higher, UAN32 is 27% higher and anhydrous is 44% more expensive looking back to last year.



Illinois Farmer Bill Leigh Elected to Serve as NCGA’s First Vice President

The National Corn Growers Association’s board elected Bill Leigh, of Minonk, Ill., today as the organization's next first vice president, putting him on track to become board president on October 1, 2027.  
 
His term as first vice president begins in October, the beginning of NCGA's new fiscal year.

“Being elected to this role by my peers is the honor of a lifetime,” Leigh said. “I look forward to working alongside dedicated grower leaders and staff as we advocate for issues that are critical to the success of farmers, specifically growing and expanding demand for corn. Corn grower engagement is needed now more than ever, and I am thrilled that I will be serving on the front lines of these efforts.”
 
Leigh is a sixth-generation farmer who grows corn and soybeans in North-Central Illinois on his 150-year-old-family farm. He and his wife, Debbie, have two sons, James, an engineer, and Christopher, who returned to the farm from service in the U.S. military.



13 Farmers Win Golden Seed Incentive to Kick Off the Next 100 Years of Pioneer

Thirteen lucky corn growers started the season off with an unforgettable surprise when they discovered their Pioneer® brand corn seed had a special gold-colored seed treatment, signifying they had won the Golden Seed incentive. The winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime immersive tour of the Pioneer seed product development journey. 

Pioneer announced the Golden Seed incentive last year in celebration of farmers planting the 100th season of Pioneer brand corn. The golden seed was randomly shipped to Pioneer customers in a standard Pioneer PROBOX® or seed bag, and farmers found the surprise when they began loading planters this spring. The winners will take an exclusive tour of the Pioneer Global Seed Business Center in Johnston, Iowa, and product development facilities in Hawaii in early 2027.

Golden Seed incentive winners were from: Anamosa and Somers, Iowa; Ava, Mason City and Saint Anne, Illinois; Conestoga, Pennsylvania; Fremont and Wakefield, Nebraska; Marshall and Maywood, Missouri; Perryton, Texas; Shelbyville, Indiana; and Williamston, Michigan.

The winning farmers experienced surprise and delight when they opened their seed deliveries this season. Roger Monroe of Shelbyville, Indiana, was loading a planter with his grandson when they discovered the seed.

“My grandson opened the bag and asked me why it looked different than the other seed,” Monroe said. “I was shocked to see it, but I started grinning from ear to ear. I told him it meant Grandma and Grandpa were going to Hawaii.”

Monroe said he’s planted Pioneer brand corn for most of his career because of the excellent hybrids and yield potential, plus a knowledgeable dealer who helps him select products for his farm.

Golden Seed incentive winner Scott Turner of Williamston, Michigan, said it was the perfect way to start off a special season. Like Pioneer, Turner’s family farm also celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. His great-grandfather started the farm in 1926, and Turner continues the legacy as a fourth-generation farmer. Pioneer has been a part of his farm’s story as long as Turner can remember.

“One hundred years is a long time, and anything that lasts that long is impressive. As a farm, we’ve grown with the right mindset and the right principles,” Turner said. “I think Pioneer has had success for similar reasons — integrity, quality of product and fair pricing — and that really resonates with us. It’s no surprise Pioneer is No. 1, because they operate with those principles.”

Nate Johansen, Pioneer North American sales and agronomy excellence leader, congratulated the winners and said he was excited to see the 100th harvest of Pioneer brand corn later this season.

“The Golden Seed incentive winners have shared great stories about how they discovered the seed and what it means to them and their families. We look forward to hosting them on a once-in-a-century experience to our facilities in Iowa and Hawaii,” Johansen said. “Our customers have made 100 years of Pioneer possible, and we are grateful for their business and for the opportunity to celebrate with them this year. Best wishes to all our customers who are planting the 100th year of Pioneer brand corn.”

Throughout the summer, Pioneer will hold Century of Innovation plot tours, showcasing seed products and innovations that defined each era of modern farming. Century of Innovation plots will include historic hybrids, such as Henry A. Wallace’s Copper Cross and the legendary Pioneer 354. Pioneer also offers a virtual tour where growers can experience the Century of Innovation plot at their convenience.