Thursday June 18 Ag News - NU Develops New Swine Vaccine Technique - Saunders Co Twilight Tour June 29 - USDA FSA County Committee Nominations Open - Fertilizer Prices Soften Slightlly - and more!

NEBRASKA U PIONEERS BREAKTHROUGH SWINE VACCINE INNOVATION

Husker scientists have developed a new swine influenza vaccination technique whose low cost and adaptability can greatly strengthen disease protection. This progress, part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s overall focus on livestock vaccination innovation, directly benefits the state’s $5 billion, 3.6 million-head swine sector.

The new vaccination approach, explained in a recent peer-reviewed paper in npj Vaccines, encases DNA into fat-like microscopic carriers, called lipid nanoparticles, that are then injected into pigs’ muscle tissue. A single dose released DNA that generated strong antibody responses within seven to 14 days.

Previous DNA-focused vaccine approaches described in academic literature failed to generate such strong protective responses in combating swine influenza.

In addition, current swine influenza vaccines, which are formulated using whole inactivated virus particles, may sometimes enhance respiratory distress in pigs when they are later infected with a different, non-matching viral strain. The Nebraska approach, in contrast, produced no worsening of respiratory conditions but instead prevented it.

In short, the new approach developed by Nebraska and partner research institutions offers key advantages — it is fast, effective, low-cost and easily updatable, said Hiep Vu, associate professor of animal science. Vu, an internationally recognized expert in animal virology, provided mentorship for the project, which was primarily carried out by Husker graduate student The Nguyen, now a doctoral student in biomedical engineering at the University of Connecticut.

The need for low-cost, updateable swine vaccines is particularly great because pigs are remarkably susceptible to viral infection not only from other swine, but from other species, Vu said. Pigs, in fact, are described as virological “mixed vessels” because they can be infected simultaneously with multiple influenza strains from swine, birds and humans.

The resulting genetic comingling can create new hybrid flu viruses with unpredictable traits, rendering previous vaccines ineffective. Although it is not common at present for pigs to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, future swine contamination by a novel strain of that highly virulent disease would raise major concern.

Updating vaccines using traditional methods is time-consuming and expensive, however. And vaccine development to address highly pathogenic avian influenza is especially complicated because the process requires handling the virus in high-biosafety labs.

The new method developed at Nebraska sidesteps those complications because it uses only a key, non-infectious component of the virus, and scientists can quickly synthesize the component. Under that approach, an updated vaccine could likely be developed within a month, Vu said.

The focus, then, is not on a single vaccine. It is on developing a vaccine “platform” to efficiently generate updated versions as the virus continues to evolve.

The university’s facilities and expertise are well suited for advanced research on animal vaccines, Vu said. Sarah Sillman, a veterinary diagnostic pathologist with the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, is a key partner. Her detailed analysis of vaccinated and unvaccinated research animals is an important part of the research collaboration.

The diagnostic center and Vu partner on other vaccine-related projects, including vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, another major virus affecting the swine industry.

Vu, who has secured more than $3 million in competitive U.S. Department of Agriculture funding and $2 million in collaborative grants for vaccine research, aims to follow up on the new project by studying possibilities for a similar vaccine approach for poultry.

“My hope is that if we can use the same technology for multiple species, that will make this approach more like a versatile responder,” he said. “You can have a standard vaccine platform that can be used for different species.”



Saunders Co Livestock & Ag Assoc Annual Twilight Tour
Dan Kellner, President, Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association 

This year’s Twilight Tour, Monday, June 29, 2026 will take us to the Columbus areas.  Start at 5:00 p.m. – SHARP!

Stop 1: 3D Designs Inc.
1520 25th Street, Columbus, NE 68601
3D Desings Inc. is a family-owned business that specializes in steel fabrication and manufacturing. They will show us a variety of machines that they use for metal working. 3D Designs is owned and operated by Dan and Andy Havlovic.

Stop 2: Duo Lift Manufacturing
2810 38th Street, Columbus, NE 68601
Duo Lift Manufacturing is 3rd generation family-owned business. Ben and David Hellbusch have run the company for the last 5 years. They build high-quality fertilizer and farm equipment.

Stop 3: Sidump’r Trailer, BatchBox, and Beaver Bearing
2500 23rd St. East, Columbus, NE 68601
The first Sidump’r Trailer was built in Plainview, NE in 2000. In 2010, Sidump’r was purchased by the Niewohner Brothers. With their expansion came a relocation to the current facility in Columbus, NE.

Lunch will be provided following the tour at Sidump’r facility.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the hosts for generously sharing their time and providing us with the opportunity to tour their operations. We are confident the evening will be both educational and enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you at the Twilight Tour. 



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.

Register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  

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 Wildfire Hay Recovery Program Supports Ranchers in Need

Gov. Jim Pillen, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, is launching the Nebraska Wildfire Hay Recovery Program as part of ongoing efforts to support ranchers impacted by historic wildfires in western Nebraska.

The wildfires have destroyed grazing pastures, winter feed supplies, fencing and other agricultural infrastructure. This program will provide immediate relief by allowing Nebraskans to donate hay harvested from eligible state highway rights-of-way and help ranchers continue operations during recovery.

Each year, NDOT issue permits authorizing the mowing and harvesting of hay on state highway rights-of-way from July 29 through Sept. 15. While the statute was not originally designed as a donation program, harvested hay can become an important local resource when voluntarily donated to Nebraska cattle producers facing feed shortages due to wildfires.

“One of the things that makes Nebraska special is how we come together during difficult times,” said Gov. Jim Pillen. “This effort turns an existing resource into meaningful support for ranchers who have experienced tremendous losses from these wildfires. It’s Nebraskans helping fellow Nebraskans.”

Landowners adjacent to the right-of-way receive first priority for hay harvesting permits through July 29. Other applicants may apply beginning July 30 and are limited to five miles of right-of-way annually. Permit holders must obtain an NDOT haying permit, sign a liability release accepting all risks associated with hay quality and harvesting activities, provide proof of liability insurance of at least $1 million, and follow all NDOT rules and safety regulations.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture offers a listing of transportation options and locations accepting donated hay at nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources. Questions regarding transportation assistance may be directed to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to 800-831-0550 or agr.webmaster@nebraska.gov.

For information regarding hay permits, including eligibility, application procedures and permit requirements, contact the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Additional information on NDOT's hay permit program is available at dot.nebraska.gov/business-center/permits/hay-harvest.



Nominations Now Open for Farmers, Ranchers to Serve on USDA Farm Service Agency County Committees

Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2026 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 3, 2026.       

“Local voices matter, and agricultural producers play an important role in shaping how federal farm programs serve their communities,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “With nominations now open for FSA county committees, producers have an opportunity to put Farmers First by ensuring local farmers and ranchers have a voice in program delivery.” 

Elections for committee members will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are FSA committee elective areas in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction and may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.     

Producers interested in serving on the FSA county committee can locate their LAA at  fsa.usda.gov/coc and determine if their LAA is up for election by contacting their local FSA office.     

Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they:    
    Participate or cooperate in a USDA program.   
    Reside in the LAA that is up for election this year.      

A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.      

Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages all eligible producers to nominate, vote and hold office.     

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agriculture community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues.    

More Information       
Producers should contact their local FSA office today to learn more about their county’s election. To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. This form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/coc.         

All nomination forms for the 2026 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by the Aug. 3, 2026, deadline. Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November 2026.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/12/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 12, ethanol production dipped 0.5% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.28 million gallons daily. Output was 0.6% lower than the same week last year but 3.6% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.2% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.94 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks moved incrementally higher, up 0.1% to 24.5 million barrels. Stocks were 1.5% more than the same week last year and 6.3% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ramped up 5.5% to 9.21 million b/d (141.61 bg annualized). Demand was 0.9% less than a year ago but 0.1% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 1.4% to 920,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.14 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.1% more than year-ago levels and 0.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 18.7% to 126,000 b/d (5.3 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



E85 Wholesale Prices Dip as Low as 8 Cents per Gallon

With fuel prices still high above normal levels, there is one bright spot for those with flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). Recent public data shows E85 can be purchased at wholesale distribution points for as little as eight cents per gallon, with the highest price listed only one dollar.

FFVs are designed to run on any fuel blend from no ethanol up to E85, which contains up to 85 percent ethanol. Wholesale prices do not include federal and state taxes, transportation costs, and markups for things like credit card fees, depreciation and retailer margins.

“As a trade association, we never tell anyone how to price a product at any point in the supply chain,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “But the public data shows that E85 should be an amazing bargain for FFV owners right now. So, we do encourage all parts of the supply chain to pass along these savings to consumers.”

For 2026, all of the FFVs being offered are from General Motors. However, there are still thousands of FFVs on Iowa’s road manufactured over the last two decades. Reports have also indicated increased interest in FFV conversion kits.

“As fuel prices continue to impact household budgets, we hope consumers can benefit from lower-cost ethanol blends at the pump,” added Shaw. “E15 is a great option for nearly all vehicles. But those with FFVs might want to research which locations are passing along the E85 savings.”



Most Fertilizer Prices Lower for First Time Since February 

Average retail fertilizer prices were mostly lower the second week of June 2026 compared to a month earlier, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. The last time most nutrient prices were lower was the first week of February 2026.

Prices for five fertilizers were lower compared to last month, while prices for the remaining three fertilizers were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Leading the nutrients lower was urea. The nitrogen fertilizer's price was 12% lower than a month ago, at $764 per ton. UAN32 was 5% less expensive than the previous month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $569/ton. The remaining three fertilizers were just slightly less expensive than a month ago: DAP had an average price of $909/ton, anhydrous $1,092/ton and UAN28 $531/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month: MAP had an average price of $955/ton, potash $494/ton and 10-34-0 $723/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.83/lb.N, anhydrous $0.67/lb.N, UAN28 $0.95/lb.N and UAN32 $0.89/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: Potash (by 4%), 10-34-0 (8%), DAP (13%), both MAP and UAN32 (15%), urea (16%), UAN32 (27%) and anhydrous (41%).



USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Announces Targeted Organizational Improvements and Leadership Changes to Strengthen Service Delivery

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area Wednesday announced strategic, targeted organizational improvements within the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Mission Area is also pleased to announce career Senior Executive Service member Kelly Moore, who has been Acting Administrator, has been appointed as the permanent Administrator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Reorganization
AMS administers programs that create and expand marketing opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers. More than 90 percent of its workforce is based in field positions across the country.

To enhance efficiency and better align with USDA priorities, AMS will reduce siloing in its Fair Trade Practices Program by moving commodity specific functions to the appropriate AMS commodity or service programs. For example, oversight of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act will shift to the Specialty Crops Program, and the Packers and Stockyards Division will move to the Livestock and Poultry Program.

This realignment will deepen collaboration, streamline communication, and provide industry stakeholders with a single, clear point of contact for AMS related issues.

AMS mission areas will continue uninterrupted, with no reduction in force. The agency will gradually reduce its National Capital Region footprint, with most future hiring occurring in USDA Hubs or field offices.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
In addition to the MRP changes, USDA is announcing the appointment of Kelly Moore as APHIS Administrator. This appointment provides consistent, stable leadership as targeted improvements move forward.

“Administrator Moore’s appointment provides APHIS with strong and steady leadership,” said Under Secretary Hoskins. “Her commitment to service, accountability, and partnership will help ensure APHIS continues delivering exceptional support to U.S. agriculture.”

Simultaneously, APHIS is implementing targeted changes to its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program to strengthen national plant health leadership and unify policy and operational functions, enabling faster, more consistent responses to plant health issues and emerging threats. All PPQ programs will continue without interruption and with no reduction in force nor movement of staff.

No animal or plant health programs, including personnel, are impacted by these additional announcements.

Commitment to Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
Both AMS and APHIS remain committed to transparent communication and will continue engaging employees, partners, and stakeholders to support a smooth transition that strengthens MRP’s long-term capacity to serve U.S. agriculture and protect the Nation’s food and fiber systems.



New Guidance to Ease Farm Labor Shortage Applauded

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Trump administration’s clarification of a key aspect of farm labor access for the dairy sector.

“Farmers thank the Trump administration for addressing the farm labor crisis by expanding H-2A access for certain dairy jobs. The reality is clear - fewer Americans choose to work on farms while the need for qualified workers increases, creating a difficult labor market for U.S. farm families.

“This is an important step for our hardworking dairy farmers. However, it does not fully solve the problem. Legislation is needed to achieve durable and lasting reform that will provide certainty and fairness to both farmers and their employees as they contribute to a strong and healthy food supply.”



Statement of NCFC CEO Duane Simpson on Trump Administration Announcement on Dairy H-2A Changes

“The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives applauds Secretary Rollins’s announcement today that the Trump administration will create a program for dairy producers to access the H-2A program. This action helps address a key shortcoming of the program and will help ensure access to a legal, stable workforce by dairy farmers across the country.

“This announcement highlights the need for additional congressional action to fix the H-2A program, which remains complex, costly and burdensome. We urge Congress to take up legislation that reforms the H-2A program and ensures that all types of producers have access to the workers they need to feed, fuel, and clothe the nation.”