Thursday June 25 Ag News - NE Grazing Conf Aug 4-5 - NE Beef Ambassadors Announced - UNL Ag Econ Prof Stockton Retires - I-29 MooU BxD Market Outlook - Ag Thanks Trump for E-15 Support - Fertilizer Prices Ease - and more!

Mobile Irrigation Testing Lab creates informed irrigation decisions with farmers

The Irrigation Water Management Lab at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center is helping western Nebraska farmers make more informed irrigation decisions through on-farm testing of emerging technology. Its Mobile Irrigation Testing (MIT) Lab works directly with producers to evaluate tools such as soil moisture sensors, satellite-based crop monitoring and irrigation scheduling platforms under real-world field conditions.

With support from Nebraska Extension, the Twin Platte Natural Resources District and irrigation technology companies, the lab helps farmers determine when to irrigate based on data from technology rather than guesswork. Participating farmers have reduced irrigation frequency while maintaining productivity, saving approximately 2.5 inches of water during the growing season through more efficient irrigation management.

Nebraska producers have access to the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the nation's most important groundwater resources, allowing them to irrigate crops when needed. However, as groundwater supplies face increasing challenges in states such as Texas and Kansas, Nebraska producers have an opportunity to demonstrate proactive management of their water resources.

“Seeing the decline in other states emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of our own groundwater resources as we irrigate our crops,” said Abia Katimbo, Nebraska Extension irrigation specialist and Irrigation Water Management Lab lead.

The MIT Lab serves as a next step for farmers wanting to strengthen their irrigation practices. The mobile, on-farm Extension program brings irrigation technology directly to producers in the field while focusing on return on investment and providing a hands-on, real-world learning experience.

One challenge producers face is determining when to irrigate their crops. Traditional methods producers have used have included assessments of the weather, experiences from past growing seasons, and producer intuition.

However, those methods often lack the data now available through technology, including soil moisture measurements, crop temperature data, evapotranspiration (ET)-based water-use estimates and crop stress monitoring.

“Farmers are not always ready to invest in and implement technology on their operations,” said Katimbo. “They need to see the numbers and data behind why it would work for them.”

By collaborating with the MIT lab and having access to this information, irrigators can replace the guesswork with measurable data and improve irrigation timing and efficiency.

Participation in the MIT Lab begins with an initial field visit and consultation to assess a producer's needs and preferences for data collection. Following the consultation, the technology is installed in the field with assistance from the MIT Lab team.

The lab continues to support producers through field check-ins, technology troubleshooting and data interpretation assistance.

Data collected through the technology can help determine how much water the crop has used, the amount of moisture available in the soil, the risk of nitrate leaching, and crop water stress.

By understanding what is happening in their fields, farmers can have more confidence when they schedule their next irrigation event and be a better steward of the groundwater resources available to them.

“The data is essential to helping farmers become more efficient irrigators in the way they use groundwater,” Katimbo said.

With current drought challenges and groundwater concerns in other states, Nebraska benefits from the vast resource provided by the Ogallala Aquifer. However, long-term sustainability depends on strategic irrigation decisions today.

The Mobile Irrigation Testing Lab bridges the gap between research and current irrigation management practices with the goal of making data-driven irrigation the future standard to support stewardship of the state’s groundwater resources.

“You do not have to be an expert in irrigation,” Katimbo said, “but the data helps you become one.”

To participate in this program, contact Abia Katimbo at abia.katimbo@unl.edu to start the field-based consultation process and technology selection and installation.



NEBRASKA GRAZING CONFERENCE SET FOR AUG. 4-5 IN KEARNEY

Ranchers, land managers, educators and students from across the Cornhusker State are invited to attend the 2026 Nebraska Grazing Conference Aug. 4-5 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Grazing on Nebraska’s Grasslands,” aligns with the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, recognizing the role of grazing systems in environmental stewardship, agricultural productivity and rural communities.

The conference will be preceded by a Grassland Alliance meeting from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 4. Conference programming will begin at 3:30 p.m. with trade show and educational sessions focused on grazing management innovations, including virtual fencing. An evening celebration will follow, recognizing the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

A full day of programming on Aug. 5 will begin at 8:30 a.m. and feature expert speakers covering regenerative grazing management, cropland grazing, small ruminant systems, grazing practices, stockmanship, carbon market opportunities and producer experiences using virtual fencing.

Keynote speakers include Gail Fuller, a Kansas farmer and regenerative agriculture advocate, who will present on regenerative grazing practices, and Dr. Tom Noffsinger, a veterinarian and teacher of stockmanship from Benkelman, Nebraska, who will discuss the role of stockmanship in effective grazing management.

Registration fees for high school and university students will be waived for those who register online by July 31. Registration is open on the Nebraska Grazing Conference website https://grassland.unl.edu/nebraska-grazing-conference-registration/.

For more information, contact Mitch Stephenson at mstephenson@unl.edu or Kacie McCarthy at kacie.mccarthy@unl.edu. 



2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest Winners

Nebraska Cattlemen’s NCW - Consumer Education and Promotion Committee is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest.

2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest Results

Collegiate Winners
First Place - Parker Walahoski, Overton
Second Place - Emily Van Meter, Bennet
Third Place - Meredith Ruda, Ames, IA

Senior Winners
First Place – Taylyn Maas, West Point

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Beef Advocacy Training provides an opportunity for future beef industry leaders, ages fourteen to twenty-four years old, to sharpen their advocacy skills and strengthen their knowledge of the key issues facing the number one industry in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest requires participants to address current issues facing the beef industry with both a written response and a mock media interview. The contest is separated into two divisions, senior and collegiate. Cash prizes are awarded, and the two first-place division winners receive a belt buckle. The first-place junior and collegiate winners become official Nebraska Beef Ambassadors for a full year. They will work to educate consumers and students on the importance of beef. At the end of their one-year term, the collegiate Nebraska Beef Ambassador will be awarded a scholarship on behalf of the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation.

The 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Advocacy Training was held on June 11, in Lexington, Nebraska. The contest is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America and Purina Animal Health. 



Stockton, energetic in practical research for Nebraska ag producers, retires

Matt Stockton, professor of agricultural economics long active in providing research-based solutions on a range of issues for producers, has retired after more than two decades of dedicated service to the University of Nebraska and the agricultural community.  

Since joining the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in 2005, Stockton has been a trusted educator, researcher and Extension specialist whose work has made a lasting impact on Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals and rural communities. His expertise in farm and ranch management, beef cattle systems, cropping systems, risk management and agricultural economics helped producers make informed decisions and improve the sustainability and profitability of their operations.

Throughout his career, Stockton has been committed to developing practical, research-based solutions for producers, including innovative online decision aids and educational programs focused on beef cattle management, crop and pasture management, and water resource management. His extensive research and publications contributed valuable knowledge to the agricultural industry and strengthened the connection between university research and real-world application.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stockton has been a valued colleague, mentor and friend, the department said in announcing his retirement. His willingness to share his knowledge, support others and serve the agricultural community exemplifies the mission of Extension and the University of Nebraska.

“On behalf of our department, colleagues, students, stakeholders, and the many producers whose lives and businesses have benefited from his work, we extend our deepest gratitude to Matt for his years of service, leadership, and dedication,” the department stated.

“His contributions to our department, the University, and Nebraska agriculture will have a lasting legacy for years to come.” 



I-29 Moo University Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar On July 16 To Focus on BXD Market Outlook

The I-29 Moo University Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar Series continues Thursday, July 16 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT. Dr. Peel, with Oklahoma State University, will cover the current cattle supply and demand fundamentals and expectations for prices, production and cattle inventories for 2026 and beyond with a special focus on the BXD aspect of the market. 

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He has served as the Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist since he came to Oklahoma State University in 1989. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Montana State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He previously served as the Superintendent of the Southeastern Colorado Range Research Station in Springfield Colorado.  His main program areas at Oklahoma State University include livestock market outlook and marketing/risk management education for livestock producers. 

Derrell also works in the area of international livestock and meat trade with particular focus on Mexico and Canada and the North American livestock and meat industry. He lived in Mexico on sabbatical in 2001 and has developed an extensive knowledge of the Mexican cattle and beef industry and the economics of cattle and beef trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

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/VDNNYU

For more information; in Iowa contact, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota contact, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; in Nebraska contact Kortney Harpestad at 402-472-3571; or in South Dakota contact, Warren Rusche, 605-688-5452.



New Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days series set for Aug. 24-27

Iowa cattle feeders are invited to attend one of the new Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days programs, scheduled for Aug. 24–27 in Carroll, Monticello, Osage and Orange City. Current topics in feedlot production, research updates, new technologies and a market outlook will be featured at each location. Iowa Beef Center director Aimee Wertz-Lutz said her team is excited to bring Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days to multiple regions of the state and meet cattle feeders where they are.

“With the high cost of cattle placements, it is important to use data to drive decisions regarding the feedlot enterprise,” Wertz-Lutz, said. “This program is intended to look at a strategic approach to integrating technology and electronic data capture into feedlot production.” 

Each location will feature the same program agenda and speakers, and all will start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. Topics and presenters are: 
    Market outlook and risk management, Balance4Ward
    Optimizing manure value across systems, Dan Andersen, associate professor and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State 
    Opportunities to incorporate new and current technologies, Wertz-Lutz 
    Research update: Dietary and management strategies to help feedlot cattle be more resilient to stress, feedlot researchers from the animal science department at Iowa State 
    Incorporating new technologies into the feedyard, David Trowbridge with Gregory Feedyards 

Event dates and locations
    Monday, Aug. 24 – Swan Lake Education Center, 22676 Swan Lake Trail Drive, Carroll
    Tuesday, Aug. 25 – ISU Extension and Outreach Jones County Youth Development Center, 800 N. Maple Street, Monticello
    Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Public Safety Center, 432 Main Street, Osage
    Thursday, Aug. 27 – ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office, 400 Central Avenue NW, Suite 700, Orange City

Registration
Registration is $20 per person and is due by Aug. 17 through the hosting county extension office. See details and registration information on the IBC program web page https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/CycloneCattleFeeders2026.html.

Each program will include a complimentary meal and time to interact with speakers and program sponsors: Balance4Ward, C-Lock, Elanco Animal Health, Iowa Beef Checkoff, Performance Livestock Analytics and the Carroll, Jones, Mitchell and Sioux County Cattlemen’s Associations. 

For more information, contact Wertz-Lutz at aimeewl@iastate.edu, ISU extension livestock specialist Russ Euken at reuken@iastate.edu or ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu.



ASA Farmer Forum to Deliver Practical Insights on Conservation Programs & Profitability

The American Soybean Association (ASA) will once again bring farmers together for a valuable opportunity to collaborate, connect, and learn at the 2026 ASA Farmer Forum: Building Your Conservation Program and Profit Potential. Registration is now open for this free event, taking place Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa—just one day ahead of the annual Farm Progress Show.

The half-day forum is designed to help soybean farmers better understand and evaluate conservation incentive programs while connecting directly with organizations and companies offering these opportunities. Attendees will gain practical, farm-focused insights into conservation program offerings, current issues impacting agriculture, and real-world decision-making strategies.

Educational sessions will run from 1:00–5:30 p.m., followed by a networking reception from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Farmers who attend the full event will receive a complimentary ticket to the Farm Progress Show in nearby Boone, Iowa. The Farm Progress Show, Sept. 1–3, is one of the nation’s largest outdoor farm events, featuring more than 600 exhibitors, live field demonstrations, and the latest in agricultural technology.  It draws attendees from more than 30 countries each year.

"Every farm is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to conservation," said Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association and a soybean farmer from Ohio. "The ASA Farmer Forum gives farmers the opportunity to hear directly from experts and fellow producers, ask questions, and explore practical solutions they can adapt to their own operations. It's about leaving with ideas, connections, and confidence to make decisions that strengthen both their farms and the future of agriculture."

Building on the success of previous forums, this year’s event will feature expert-led panels, opportunities to engage with industry leaders, and direct access to conservation professionals. Attendees will be able to speak directly with technicians and crop advisors to identify programs that align with their operational goals.

Throughout the event, farmers have the opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders, explore conservation opportunities, and discuss how current issues are shaping on-farm decision-making. During the afternoon break and evening reception, attendees engage in informal discussions with conservation experts while enjoying refreshments.

ASA appreciates the continued support of ADM and the Soy Checkoff, lead sponsors of the ASA Farmer Forum.

For more information, including the event agenda and registration details, click here https://soy.swoogo.com/ASAFarmerForum2026.



Jace Thompson Wins World Livestock Auctioneer Championship

When Jace Thompson first began his auctioneering career, he quietly set a lofty goal. He didn’t publicize it, but he wanted to prove to himself that he could stick to something, refine his craft and ultimately become the best in the world.

By June 20, that silent ambition became a historic reality as the 23-year-old from Billings, Mont., was named the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. With his victory, Jace and his father, Ty Thompson — the 2009 champion — became the first father-son duo to ever win the prestigious title.

A third-generation cattleman and auctioneer, Jace grew up completely immersed in the industry. His grandfather built a livestock marketing business from scratch in Wyoming, and his father later moved to Montana to do the same, also adding a couple of feedyards to the mix. Though Jace explored other interests after high school, including real estate, the pull of the family business was inevitable. Five years ago, he decided to take auctioneering seriously, selling six days a week across three states, adding 9,200 miles to the odometer each month as he honed his skills.

Now, as the reigning World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, Jace is prepared to put that dedication to work on an international scale. He will spend the next year driving the custom-wrapped World Livestock Auctioneer Championship pickup truck across the U.S. and Canada, serving as an advocate for the Livestock Marketing Association and the industry as a whole.

“I want to do my No. 1 job, which is be a spokesperson and be an ambassador for the auction method of selling livestock,” Thompson said, noting his excitement to also share LMA’s resources and regulatory updates with market owners.

For aspiring auctioneers looking to achieve the same success, Thompson stresses the value of grit and someone to look up to.

“Find a proven mentor,” he said. “One who is successful and is willing to help, because it’s very hard to get good at this without a mentor.”

Thompson also noted the importance of treating every opportunity with equal respect, whether it is a major market or a local volunteer fire department pie auction.

“As long as you’re humble enough and willing enough to learn, you can grow more than you could ever imagine from every sale,” he added.

In addition to the one-year use of the world champion truck, Thompson took home $10,000 in cash, a Gist belt buckle, a hand-tooled leather briefcase, a bronze sculpture, a world champion ring, a custom-engraved Henry Original rifle, a golden gavel and a sterling silver money clip.

Joining him in the winner’s circle was Reserve Champion Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas, and Runner Up Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kan., who was also recognized for achieving the highest score in the interview portion of the contest. Austin Schaben, Dunlap, Iowa, was named the Audrey K. Banks Rookie of the Year. Rounding out the top 10, in contest order, were: Ryan Konynenbelt, Fort MacLeod, Alberta; Josh Jasper, Nicholasville, Ky.; Jerran Miller, Chouteau, Okla.; Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Mo.; Andrew Sylvester, Westmoreland, Kan.; and Garrett Nunn, Laramie, Wyo.

Entry for the 2027 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifying events is now open with events building up to the 2027 Championship to be held next June in South Lake Tahoe, Nev., and Galt, Calif.



Iowa Corn Farmers Thank President Trump for Consistent Support of Year-Round E15

Wednesday, the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) thanked President Donald Trump for once again championing authorization of permanent nationwide, year-round E15. 

“We have said it before and we will say it again, E15 is a win for both farmers and consumers alike,” said Mark Mueller, ICGA President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “ICGA thanks President Trump for continually championing E15 and promising to sign it into law once it reaches his desk. We appreciate his tireless dedication to providing a market for the American farmer while providing a domestic energy source, that is low-cost and cleaner burning to the consumer.” 

The ask comes from Russel Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget for the Trump Administration, in a supplemental funding request. The request states E15 is “a fix that codifies the permanent, year-round sale of E15, an urgent and needed policy change that would expand consumer choice, support domestic fuel production, and provide additional flexibility in fuel markets.” 



NCGA Applauds Trump Administration’s Continued Support of E15

The Trump Administration sent a supplemental budget request to Congress today. The request included an appeal to codify the permanent, year-round sale of E15 and to appropriate $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers. In response to this development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: 

“President Trump and his administration have repeatedly and continuously demonstrated their support for Congressional approval of year-round E15. We appreciate the commitment from the administration, as well as the members of the U.S. House of Representatives who advocated for this legislation and ultimately secured its bipartisan passage.  

“We urge the Senate to take up this matter as quickly as possible to settle this issue once and for all, for the benefit of America’s farmers and fuel consumers alike.”  

“We also appreciate the administration’s recognition that, while we pursue new market expansion opportunities like E15, farmers are facing economic hardship now, and we welcome the economic assistance included in the request.” 



ASA Statement on President Trump's Supplemental Funding Request

The American Soybean Association Wednesday released the following statement regarding President Trump’s supplemental funding request to Congress today.

“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 Scott Metzger, ASA President and farmer from Williamsport, OH. “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.”



Urea, UAN32 Leads Majority of Fertilizers' Prices Lower

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the third week of June 2026 show most nutrients are lower than last month. This is the second week in a row this has happened.

Six fertilizers were lower compared to last month while the remaining two were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. Leading the nutrients lower were urea and UAN32. Urea was 12% less expensive with an average price of $731/ton while UAN32 was 7% lower compared to last month and had an average price of $544/ton. The remaining four fertilizers were just slightly less expensive than a month ago. MAP had an average price of $910/ton, 10-34-0 $723/ton, anhydrous $1,091/ton and UAN28 $511/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month: DAP had an average price of $955/ton while potash is $494/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.79/lb.N, anhydrous $0.67/lb.N, UAN28 $0.91/lb.N and UAN32 $0.85/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: Potash by 4%, 10-34-0 8%, UAN32 10%, urea 12%, DAP 13%, MAP 15%; UAN28 23% and anhydrous by 41%.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/19/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 19, ethanol production dipped 1.1% to a 4-week low of 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.78 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 0.8% higher than the same week last year and 3.1% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate was unchanged at 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.94 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks inched 0.5% higher to 24.6 million barrels. Stocks were 0.7% more than the same week last year and 6.8% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, retreated 4.7% to 8.78 million b/d (134.89 bg annualized). Demand was 9.4% less than a year ago and 4.7% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked up 0.3% to a 4-week high of 923,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.19 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.1% more than year-ago levels and 0.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 4.0% to 121,000 b/d (5.1 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.