Tuesday June 16 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - NeFB Members in WashDC - CVA Annual Photo Contest - Pseudorabies Update in Iowa - US House Passes Ag Funding Bill - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - June 14

                               Very Short     Short    Adequate     Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......:    30          26            39              5     
Subsoil Moisture .......:    28          35            35              2     

                              .....  Last year   Last week   This week   5YrAve
Corn Emerged ............:       97            91             97                97  
Soybeans planted .......:       97            96             98                98     
Soybeans emerged .....:        91            84             92               91    
Sorghum planted ........:       66           69              84                84    
Winter Wheat headed .:       93            93             96                92    
Winter Wheat Harvested:    00           00             00                 00

                                              VP       Poor       Fair        Good       Excellent    
Corn Condition Rating ...:     01          07         37           46             09
Soybean Condition Rating    01          07          37          46             09
Winter Wheat Condition .:    58          28          10          04               -     
Pasture Conditions ..........:    47          32          16           5                -    



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Farmers had 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 14, 2026, which is 1.9 days less than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 14 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus.

Corn emerged reached 97 percent, 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Corn condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Soybean planting reached 98 percent complete, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. 

Soybeans emerged reached 95 percent, which is 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. 

Oats headed reached 78 percent, which is 11 percentage points ahead of last year. Oats condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the U.S. corn and soybean crops improved slightly last week, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

Multiple storm systems are expected to bring heavy rain, severe weather flooding concerns to much of the country this week, while a tropical low-pressure system near the Gulf Coast could add to rainfall totals and increase flood risks.

CORN
-- Crop development: 94% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average of 93%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 1 point above the previous week and 4 points below last year's 72%. Six percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, steady with the previous week and 1 point above the previous year of 5%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 95% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 2 points ahead of last year and the five-year average of 93%.
-- Crop development: 88% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 5 points ahead of last year's pace and 6 points ahead of the five-year average of 82%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 66% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, up 1 point from 65% the previous week and steady with last year. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 95% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 3 points ahead of last year's 92% and 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 91%.
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 14 percentage points last week to reach 25% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 16 points ahead of last year's 9% and 12 points ahead of the five-year average pace of 13%. 
-- Crop condition: An estimated 27% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of June 14, up 2 points from 25% the previous week and 25 points below 52% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 95% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 7 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 88% and 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 89%. Six percent of spring wheat was headed, 2 points ahead of last year's pace and 1 point ahead of the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 55% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 3 points from 52% the previous week. 



Nebraska Farm Bureau Members Advocate for Agriculture in Washington, D.C. 

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) members traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with Nebraska’s congressional delegation, federal officials, and policy leaders to advocate on behalf of Nebraska agriculture. During their visit, members discussed the need for a five-year Farm Bill, year-round E15 sales, and federal efforts to combat the spread of the New World Screwworm. 

“Direct engagement with elected officials remains one of the most effective ways for farmers and ranchers to share the real-world impacts of federal policy,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president. “These visits help ensure Nebraska agriculture has a seat at the table as lawmakers consider policies that affect the future of our farms, ranches, rural communities, and food supply.”  

One of the main focuses of the trip was passage of a full five-year Farm Bill. While NEFB appreciates the significant investments in farm programs included in the recent reconciliation legislation, members emphasized the importance of completing a comprehensive Farm Bill that provides producers with certainty and addresses remaining agricultural priorities.

“A strong Farm Bill is critical for providing the stability farmers and ranchers need to manage risk and continue producing food, fuel, and fiber,” said Adam Boeckenhauer, NEFB board member. “Agriculture is a strategic national asset, and federal policy should recognize its importance to our economy, food security, and national security.” 

Members also advocated for passage of legislation that would allow the nationwide, year-round sale of E15. Nebraska Farm Bureau has long supported the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, led by Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Deb Fischer, which would permanently eliminate outdated seasonal restrictions on higher ethanol blends. 

Another issue discussed during the visit was the growing threat posed by New World Screwworm. Following the recent detection of the pest in the United States, NEFB members urged continued federal investment in eradication efforts, including sterile fly production and animal disease research. 

“Protecting the health of our livestock industry is essential,” said Bree DeMontigny, NEFB board member. “New World Screwworm poses a serious threat to animal agriculture, and federal government must continue supporting proven eradication strategies and research efforts to prevent further spread.” 

Those attending the Washington, D.C., Fly-In were: 
Kaylyn Venteicher – Pierce County 
Adam Venteicher – Pierce County 
Amy Musgrave – Clay County 
Ryan Musgrave – Clay County 
Adam Boeckenhauer, Northeast Region Representative, NEFB Board – Dixon County 
Bree DeMontigny, North Central Region Representative, NEFB Board – Cherry County 

During the trip, members met with Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, Reps. Mike Flood, Don Bacon, and Adrian Smith. The group also met with Jason Becker, deputy associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, and representatives from the Embassy of Mexico; participated in policy briefings hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation and took part in the traditional Nebraska Breakfast on Capitol Hill. 



CVA hosts annual photo contest to celebrate agriculture through community lens

Central Valley Ag (CVA) invites you to participate in the 9th annual photo contest, which will be open for entry submission June 15th through July 15th.

There are four categories you can enter your photos through: Ag in Detail, Life Without Color, The People, and The Land We Love. These categories highlight a variety of topics found within agriculture. Participants are limited to 10 entries each.

Submitted photos must be original images taken by a human and may not be AI-generated. Any AI-generated submissions will be disqualified from winning photo selection.

“This photo contest provides an opportunity for community members to share agriculture through their own unique perspectives and experiences,” said Owen Baker, Senior Vice President of Marketing at CVA. “At CVA, we value the connections that make our communities strong, and this contest is a meaningful way to celebrate those relationships, engage with the people we serve, and showcase the stories that define agriculture across our region.”

A winner from each category will be selected by a panel of judges, as well as one People’s Choice Award. A $100 cash gift card will be rewarded to each of the category winners

Upon submission, photos will be published to the “CVA Photo Contest” album on the CVA Facebook Page. The People’s Choice Award will go to the photo on Facebook with the most likes, comments, and shares.

CVA member-owners, customers, employees, professionals and community members are welcome to participate.




Secretary Naig Confirms Iowa’s Completion of USDA Pseudorabies Response Protocol

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig confirmed Monday that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has successfully completed the Pseudorabies (PRV) response protocol outlined in the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA APHIS) program standards. The second round of testing did not reveal any additional cases, confirming the Pseudorabies virus did not spread.

“Thanks to a strong, coordinated effort, this situation has been resolved, and we were able to successfully contain and eradicate the Pseudorabies virus from Iowa. I appreciate the support of our partners who were instrumental in helping us mount a swift and effective response, and to the affected producers and local veterinarians for fully cooperating and completing testing in a timely manner,” said Secretary Naig. “This situation is a great reminder that we must always be prepared to respond to animal health threats and can never get complacent in our efforts to keep these diseases out of our herds. As Secretary, I will continue to protect Iowa’s livestock industry and the livelihoods of our hard-working farm families.”

Less than 10 swine production facilities remained under quarantine following the detection of Pseudorabies virus in a small commercial swine facility on April 30, 2026. The affected swine farms have completed their second round of Pseudorabies testing; all tests were negative and the quarantined farms have been released. Producers within the control area can now resume routine animal movements.

IDALS has completed the eradication process according to the USDA’s program standards, allowing Iowa and the U.S. to retain its Pseudorabies disease-free trade status.

Pseudorabies does not pose a risk to human health or food safety. Properly prepared pork remains safe to eat.



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.



House Approves Ag Funding Bill With Important Producer Provisions
 
What happened: The U.S. House approved the fiscal 2027 funding bill for programs related to agriculture, rural development, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies. The appropriations bill has funds for several programs of importance to pork producers, including: 
    U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan—an NPPC-backed national producer-driven, voluntary program to help deal with animal diseases such as African and Classical swine fever. It encourages pork operations to obtain certification that they are free from foreign animal diseases, outside control areas, which would allow pork to be moved in interstate commerce and international trade following an FAD outbreak in the United States.
    Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program—the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s export promotion programs are vital to the U.S. pork industry, which annually exports around 25% of its production.
    New World screwworm—An amendment offered by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) on the House floor, which lawmakers approved, would transfer $2 million to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for increased inspections for NWS at U.S. ports of entry. APHIS would get $1.16 billion to protect American agriculture from foreign pests and diseases.
    USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service—increased resources to fund frontline meat and poultry inspectors.

The National Pork Producers Council supported passage of the House agriculture appropriations legislation.



ASA Seeking Nominations for Annual Soy Recognition Awards

The American Soybean Association is recognizing exceptional soy volunteers and leaders and requests your help with candidate nominations. During the 2027 Commodity Classic, individuals will be recognized and honored for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements, and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. The nomination period is open through Oct. 26. 2026.

ASA Recognition Awards categories include:
Outstanding State Volunteer Award: Recognizes the dedication and contributions of individuals who have given at least three years of volunteer service in any area of their state soybean association’s operation.

ASA Distinguished Leadership Award: Visionary leadership within ASA or a state soybean association is recognized by this award, which is presented to either a soybean grower-leader or association staff leader with at least five years of leadership service.

ASA Pinnacle Award: An industry-wide recognition of those individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of contribution and lifetime leadership within the soybean family and industry.

For more information and to submit nominations, click here https://soygrowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-ASA-Recognition-Awards-Flyer.pdf.

All nominations must be received online no later than Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Nominations by telephone, email, or other means will not be accepted. A judging committee will make final selections. Awards will be presented to the winners at the 2027 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.



Improved Feeding Margins
Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, Colorado State University

While the recent emergence of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. has occupied the popular press, association, and administration communications, another event has been quietly taking place. It will likely have a much more substantial impact on future feeder cattle and calf prices. For the last three and a half weeks, futures prices for December 2026 corn, December 2026 soybean meal, and July 2026 Chicago and Kansas City wheat have fallen sharply. Harvest corn prices are down 20%, meal is down 7.5%, and wheat is off about 10%. And these changes have all occurred well ahead of the USDA Acreage report due out at the end of this month. National and regional forage prices have softened somewhat with the first cuttings, but those markets made their down move last year. The futures market is communicating that drought and other production risks are substantially mitigated. Or at least that is what the funds think.

NWS is going to be an issue this year, but primarily for producers and infested regions. There will be disruptions to the movement of cattle. There will be increased costs of mitigation and control. And it will be much in the news. But there will not likely be much of a broad market-level impact, and this is especially the case for the supply side. On the other hand, a greater than 10% reduction in feed grain costs for the new crop can relax cattle feeding margins that were very tight. If grain prices stay soft or if cattle feeders take advantage of the opportunity to price currently cheap inputs, then the subsequent demand for feeder cattle and calves should be strong. The corn price, in isolation, has the ability to reduce costs of gain by 10-15 per pound of gain, and with lower other feeds, then the costs of gain will remain modest compared to the past five years. But be aware, these price changes don’t impact feed in the bunk but rather have the potential to impact costs of gain into 2027 and the value of this year’s calves.

Speaking of 2027, the futures price declines of corn, meal, and wheat were not limited to 2026 contracts. Deferred contracts moved down as well. The closing price for December 2027 at the end of last week was $4.68/bu. And this is the price level where the market stopped after moving down for four and a half weeks. This level seems at odds with what the fertilizer and fuel markets are currently doing. But it is also an opportunity for folks who feed animals. It is worth remembering that feed costs that benefit cattle feeders also benefit producers feeding hogs, poultry, and dairy cattle.

It is also worth remembering that the USDA NASS Acreage report will be released on June 30 at noon E.T. Some portion of the recent grain price moves lower is due to speculator selling of long positions. Questions remain as to the risks associated with planted acres and yields for numerous crops, and have the risks really dissipated?