Wednesday June 24 Ag News - NC Scholarships Announced - Mighty Giant Updates Tub Grinders - RegenAg Field Day July 17 - Senate Farm Bill Framework Introduced - Fischer's Wildfire Disaster Bill Headed to Pres - and more!

Albion Native the 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholar

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) is pleased to announce Mr. Gavin Dozler as the 2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholar.  

Gavin, son of Ron and Jennifer Dozler of Albion, Nebraska, is a veterinary student in the University of Nebraska–Iowa State University Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM). Raised on his family’s commercial cow/calf operation, Dozler developed a passion for livestock production and the beef industry at a young age. He earned a degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and currently continues his veterinary education through the PPVM program. Committed to the future of Nebraska agriculture, Dozler plans to pursue a career as a predominantly large-animal veterinarian serving cattle producers in rural Nebraska communities. In addition to his veterinary career, he hopes to eventually take over and continue growing his family’s commercial cow/calf operation.

Dozler stated, “Growing up in production agriculture instilled in me a deep passion for the beef industry, and I am honored to represent the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation as this year’s Beef State Scholar.” 

Malina Lindstrom, President of the NCF stated, "It is our honor to present Gavin Dozler as this year's Beef State Scholar. His well-rounded industry experience, unwavering passion for the beef industry, exceptional work ethic, and dedication to serving producers as a large-animal veterinarian are preparing him to lead and strengthen the industry for years to come."

Including the Beef State Scholarship, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation awarded over $104,800 awarded to 81 students furthering their education in the 2026-2027 academic year.

To donate or for more information concerning the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, contact Ashley McClinton, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Secretary at (402) 475-2333 or Jana Jensen, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Fundraising Coordinator at (308) 588-6299.

Established in 2014, the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship is the premier Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation scholarship providing a $10,000 award to an outstanding junior, senior, or graduate level Nebraska resident student enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry related degree. 



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Awards $104,800 in Scholarships

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) awarded over $104,800 awarded to 81 students to grow the next generation of the cattle industry in their academic pursuits. This is the largest amount of scholarships awarded in the foundation's history.

President of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Malina Lindstrom stated, "We truly believe these deserving scholarship recipients represent the future of Nebraska's beef industry. We are grateful for the generous support of our donors, whose contributions allow us to recognize and invest in the next generation of leaders and cattlemen across our state." 

To donate or for more information concerning the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, contact Ashley McClinton, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Secretary at (402) 475-2333 or Jana Jensen, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Fundraising Coordinator at (308) 588-6299.

2026 Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Scholars

Alliance
Gavin Bell - $1,200 Western Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship
Ryggin Meyer - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Josie Sanders - $1,200 Bill Heller Memorial Scholarship
Rozlyn Wills - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Amherst
Breanna Bosshamer - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Joshua Pierce - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Ayr
Carter Auten - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Bancroft
Noah Brichacek - $1,200 Ron & Shirley Huss Scholarship

Beemer       
Josie Ritter - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Belvidere
JessaLynn Hudson - $1,200 Bill Pullen Scholarship

Bennet
Emily Van Meter - $1,200 Bill Briggs Family Memorial Scholarship

Berwyn
Alex Berghorst - $1,200 Col. Melvin Huss Memorial Scholarship

Big Springs
Claudia Rhoades - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Bridgewater, SD
Hannah Hoffman - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Broken Bow
Keelyn Shea - $1,200 West Central Affiliate Scholarship

Bruno
Marissa Miratsky - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Callaway
Kaygan Witthuhn - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Campbell
Carter Trambly - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Chambers
Clair Krysl - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Columbus
Adyson Groteluschen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Kurt Schneider - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Cozad
Carson Reiman - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Craig
Madeline Pearson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Fairbury
Molly Hansmire - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Fordyce
Graham Potts - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Gothenburg
Lexi Johnson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Harrisburg
Isaac Olsen - $1,200 Martin Viersen Range Management & Conservation Memorial Scholarship

Hartington
Anna Steffen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Hastings
Emily Greenquist - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Hershey
Peyton Fisher - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Humphrey
Rachel Martensen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Indianola
Nathan Rippe - $5,000 2026 Beef State Finalist Scholarship

Johnstown
Hannah Beel - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Kennard
Lydia Schaapveld - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Leigh
Kaegan Held - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Lexington
Jaelin Wolfinger - $1,200 Robert F. Lute, II Memorial Scholarship

Lincoln
Reagan Rippy - $1,200 Todd Ricenbaw Memorial Scholarship

Manning, ND
Shay Burian - $1,200 Jim & Helen Gran Scholarship

Maxwell
Dallas Grunden - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Milford
Conner Kohout - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Minden
Alizabeth Nielsen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Mitchell
Jackson Allen - $1,200 Shari Flaming Memorial Scholarship

Newcastle
Ava Stewart - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

North Platte
Kason Bruns - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Brylie Robinson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Oakland
Bailey Denton - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Orchard
Karter Otte - $1,200 Donovan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship

Ord
Adam Knapp - $1,200 Clarence & Lois Jean Hartmann Scholarship
Colton Thompson - $1,200 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Overton
Spencer Walahoski - $2,500 Merck Animal Health Cartridges for Cash Scholarship

Palmyra
Jacob Wood - $1,200 Frank & Shirley Sibert Scholarship

Paxton
Ainsley McConnell - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Pilger
Jase Alexander - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Ravenna
Mason Janda - $1,200 Dr. Jeff Fox Memorial Scholarship
Justine Pope - $1,000 Lower Loup Affiliate Scholarship

Richland
Gunnar Wolfe - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Roseland
Beau Bonifas - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Royal
Christen Curtis - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Saint Libory
Kylie Caspersen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Scribner
Jake Larson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Grace Schlueter - $1,200 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship

Seward
Kathryn Naber - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

St. Paul
Abby Hirschman - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Zachary Hirschman - $1,000 Lower Loup Affiliate Scholarship

Staplehurst
Jacob Warm - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Stapleton
Kelsey Amos - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Lance Jones - $5,000 2026 Beef State Finalist Scholarship
Crew Witthuhn - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Steinauer
Leah Christen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Sumner
Preston Beattie - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Sutton
Laurel Moore - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Valentine
Ella Brennemann - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Wakefield
Ashlyn Boeckenhauer - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Wauneta
Jayme Gittlein - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

West Point
Sydney Hutchinson - $2,500 Merck Animal Health Cartridges for Cash Scholarship
Cooper Kreikemeier - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Wilber
Elsie Woerner - $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship  

Wisner
Hayden Schroeder - $1,200 Cattlemen's Open Scholarship
Austin Hatterman - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Wolbach
Katlyn Oakley - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Established in 1968, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation’s mission is to advance the future of Nebraska’s Beef industry by investing in research and education programs. The Foundation’s success and its ability to endow scholarships, sponsor leadership and education programs, and assist with research and infrastructure projects has been possible only because of the support from the Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries. As the Foundation grows, expands, and moves forward in its mission to raise funds for educational and scientific activities that benefit the state’s beef producers – the board asks you to consider investing in your industry through the Foundation.



MIGHTY GIANT UPDATES DESIGN ON PTO MODELS 

Jones Manufacturing, manufacturer of the Mighty Giant tub grinders, is excited to announce the release of the redesigned PTO tub grinders, replacing the 1015 and 2015 models are the new 1050 and 2050 models. Innovative design changes were implemented for enhanced user experience and improved grinder performance. 

The Mighty Giant model 1050 and model 2050 overall weights were reduced to decrease standard wear and tear on equipment parts and increase operational speed. Our remote control was redesigned to be more ergonomical; but still includes the standard features of start/stop, elevator raise/lower, elevator fold/unfold, the 2050 model remote operations also includes tub raise/lower and elevator swing right/left. The overrun clutch to power down the tub grinder safely without damaging the tractor PTO was previously an add-on option but is now included with the standards features for the model 1050 tub grinder. Redesigned take-up bearing adjusters, which are more user-friendly, were added to the elevator along with a temperature control cooling fan to regulate fluid temperatures, delivering consistent air flow to prevent overheating.
 
Durable, extended wear double laid out screens are standard, allowing the grinder operator to easily change screens without needing to determine the front or back edge of the screen; therefore saving time when switching screen sizes. On the 1050 model, the gear pump was replaced with a hydrostatic pump with internal flow controls for precise control of flow and optimum performance despite grinding capacities. 

The Mighty Giant model 2050, the largest capacity PTO tub grinder on the market, now has a Transfluid® fluid coupler for easier start/stop operations and added protection for the tractor PTO. 

Since 1929 Jones Manufacturing has delivered high capacity, durable and innovative grinders to ag producers and industrial grinding customers across the United States, Panama, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Columbia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and South America. 

Operating our own grinding services gives us daily hands-on experience to gain user insight. This experience in conjunction with maintaining a long-lasting relationship with our customers is the reason Mighty Giant was the first tub grinder manufacturer in the industry to offer a hydraulically opening tub, electronic governor, and the addition of the hydrafork, a heavy-duty grapple, to our trailer mount and truck mount units.



Bazile Groundwater Management Area to Host Regenerative Ag Field Day on July 17th

The Bazile Groundwater Management Area is hosting a Regenerative Ag Field Day on Friday, July 17th from 10am-Noon. The site is located near McLean - three miles west of the Highway 81/20 junction and a quarter mile north of 552nd Road.

This field day is the perfect opportunity for producers in northeast Nebraska to see regenerative ag in action and connect with like-minded producers. Explore a field where corn is planted with alfalfa. Learn real world strategies from regional experts on topics such as how to boost soil health, improve nutrient cycling, reduce inputs, and how to adapt when circumstances change.

Featured speakers include Junior Pfanstiel, Outside the Box Agronomy, who will discuss the theory, process, and goals of converting to regenerative agriculture practices. Pfanstiel will be joined by Zack Smith, The Stock Cropper, who will discuss converting sunlight to dollars and increasing ROI with putting livestock back on the landscape. 

A free lunch, optional, will be provided after the event at The Breakroom in Randolph, NE. Limited spots are available! The deadline to register is Monday, July 6th. Producers interested in attending can find the registration link at https://bit.ly/BGMAFieldDay26 , on the QR Code attached, or by calling Marcus, BGMA Coordinator, 402-371-7313.

This field day is sponsored and produced by Outside the Box Agronomy; Center of Rural Affairs; UNL Extension; Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE); Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment; and the Lewis & Clark NRD; Lower Elkhorn NRD; Lower Niobrara NRD; and the Upper Elkhorn NRD.



USDA Extends Application Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Assistance in Several Wildfire-Impacted Counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has extended the application period for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) in several Nebraska counties impacted by March wildfires.

ECP is being implemented in these counties to address damages from these wildfires:
Morrill Fire: Arthur, Garden, Grant, Keith and Morrill
Cottonwood Fire: Dawson and Lincoln
Road 203 Fire: Blaine, Thomas
Anderson Bridge Fire: Cherry
Ashby and Minor Fires: Grant, Garden

ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farm and ranch land to pre-disaster conditions following a qualifying natural disaster. ECP signup in the above-listed counties began on Monday, April 27, 2026. With the extension, the deadline to apply for assistance is now Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

“We want to ensure all qualified producers who had impacts from the March historic wildfires have the opportunity to apply for and receive assistance through this program,” said Hilary Maricle, FSA State Executive Director for Nebraska. “If you have a need for cost-share assistance associated with debris removal, fence repair or replacement, water structure repair or replacement, or other restoration needs, please call your county office about ECP.”

Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the allowable cost of the approved restoration activity, with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event.  



Fischer Secures Key Farm Bill Wins

Tuesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement after the release of Farm Bill legislative text, which includes several of her priorities, by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry:

“Producers in Nebraska and across the country are working under an outdated Farm Bill,” Fischer said. “We got a large portion of it done in the Working Families Tax Cuts, but we need to finish the job. I thank Chairman Boozman for his leadership and working with me to secure some real victories for our farmers and ranchers.”

The Farm Bill legislative text contains several of Fischer’s top priorities including:

PRECISE Act
    The Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act provides a suite of financial tools to help farmers and ranchers of all sizes increase their adoption of precision ag technologies through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. Read more.

PAL Act
    The Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act creates a program within USDA to provide loan financing to farmers and ranchers interested in purchasing precision agriculture equipment. Read more.

LAST ACRE Act
    The Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments (LAST ACRE) Act creates a new Last Acre Program at USDA Office of Rural Development to expand network connectivity across farmland and ranchland. Read more.

Increasing Tribal Input on Nutrition Act
    This legislation prevents future food shortages by requiring USDA to incorporate Tribal input in contracting decisions. It also strengthens USDA’s emergency response during disruptions and allows for tribal consultation on nutrition programs in the state. Read more.

FENCE Act
    Championed by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Fischer co-led the Fencing Eligibility for New Conservation Equipment (FENCE) Act to authorize USDA to include virtual fencing as an option for farmers and ranchers under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). Including virtual fencing in the program provides American farmers and ranchers with greater flexibility to rebuild and recover. Read more.



ASA Encouraged by Senate Farm Bill Framework

The American Soybean Association welcomed the release of a draft farm bill by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, which includes key priorities for U.S. soybean farmers and makes important investments in the farm safety net, conservation, rural development, research, and market opportunities for soybean farmers.

"Soybean farmers need the certainty and stability that only a five-year farm bill can provide," said ASA President Scott Metzger (OH). "We appreciate Chairman Boozman and the Senate Agriculture Committee for developing a framework that recognizes the challenges facing agriculture and includes several priorities important to U.S. soybean producers. We look forward to reviewing the draft legislation and working with lawmakers as the farm bill process moves forward.”

The framework includes several ASA-supported provisions, including legislation to advance plant biostimulants, expand conservation technical assistance, improve fertilizer research, strengthen rural broadband deployment, increase access to technical service providers and support precision agriculture technologies.

The farm bill draft also pursues advancements in market development and rural economic growth through the reauthorization of international food assistance programs, including McGovern-Dole, expanded access to guaranteed loans, additional flexibility within farm storage loan programs, eligibility for precision agriculture equipment under the Conservation Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, reauthorization of the Conservation Reserve Program, and the codification of the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program.

In addition, the proposal includes several priorities that support growing domestic markets for soy through new uses, including increased funding for the Biobased Markets (BioPreferred) Program, improvements to the Biorefinery Assistance Program and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), and a directive for USDA to establish a department-wide sustainable aviation fuel strategy.

ASA is hopeful this discussion draft will facilitate bipartisan negotiations to secure a pathway toward final passage in the Senate.



Corn Growers Weigh In on Senate's Farm Bill Draft

Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry released a farm bill discussion draft today. Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower issued the following statement in response:  

“We appreciate Chairman Boozman’s effort to advance farm bill legislation in the U.S. Senate. Corn growers continue to call for this effort to be bipartisan and to ensure USDA programs become more effective, efficient and responsive through long-lasting policy enhancements. 

“NCGA and our affiliated state associations are actively reviewing the documents released today, and we look forward to providing input. As the process moves forward in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, NCGA will continue to advocate for policies that reflect corn growers’ priorities.  

“While this Congress has few legislative days left, there is still a lengthy to-do list for agriculture, including action on the farm bill, securing Senate passage of year-round E15 and the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Corn growers from across the country will be in Washington, D.C., the week of July 13 to advocate directly with members of Congress on these priorities.”  



NPPC Leads 330 Groups in Asking for Prop. 12 Fix as Senate Farm Bill Discussion Draft is Released

The National Pork Producers Council, which represents America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, led a coalition representing millions of agriculture producers in calling on Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to include in the final 2026 Farm Bill a solution for California Proposition 12 and the impossible patchwork of state laws it promotes.
 
Shortly after, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released a farm bill discussion draft that includes several NPPC priorities—including funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan—but minus a Prop. 12 fix. 
 
“While there is certainly room for improvement, we appreciate the Chairman putting forward a discussion draft to guide a path forward. He is spot on when he says, ‘it’s the Senate’s turn to deliver’ on a farm bill for all of rural America,” said National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “America’s pork producers will continue to advocate for a Prop. 12 fix in the formal farm bill like our livelihood depends on it—because it does.”
 
In a last-ditch effort, activists launched a $30 million ad campaign to intimidate lawmakers, twist facts and science, and discredit years of hard work real pig farmers have put in to fix Prop. 12. 
 
“Prop. 12 is creating an unpredictable, unavoidable wave of conflicting state laws and uncertainty — and farmers are the ones left to drown in its wake. We don’t have millions of dollars to spend on political advertising fighting these senseless ads aimed at intimidating our congressional leaders.” said Brenneman. “We need those leaders to hear what we are asking over baseless ad campaigns because we still have to raise our pigs, pay our bills, and compete in a marketplace increasingly shaped by mandates coming from states with very few pig farmers.”
 
Without Prop. 12 relief in the final farm bill, pork producers face a patchwork of state animal housing laws that hurts small farmers the hardest, takes away veterinarians’ choices, increases the cost of food, and undermines states’ rights.
 
Fixing Prop. 12 has broad bipartisan support, as evidenced in the U.S. House of Representatives’ successful 2026 Farm Bill vote. 
 
NPPC thanks its Senate champions for continuing to fight for U.S. pork producers’ freedom to farm: Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).



NMPF Statement on Senate Farm Bill Proposal
President & CEO Gregg Doud

“NMPF thanks Chairman Boozman, Senate Agriculture Committee members, and their staffs for working to put together a farm bill that will bring greater certainty to producers. Dairy farmers look forward to working with senators to get this legislation passed and into conference with the already passed House bill, where lawmakers can craft the best legislation possible.”

Some key dairy highlights of the bill include:
    Authorizing mandatory cost and yield surveys to ensure future changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders reflect the most current market conditions, building off funding in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA);
    Extending the Dairy Indemnity Program and the Dairy Promotion and Research Program and making permanent the Dairy Forward Pricing Program;
    Supporting voluntary, producer-led conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), with a continued designation of conservation funds for livestock producers;
    Streamlining the process for conservation Technical Service Provider certification to ensure producers have access to qualified individuals to help fill the gaps in needed technical assistance;
    Establishing a long-term policy directive for the U.S. government to proactively negotiate protections for common cheese names like “parmesan” and “feta,” as championed by NMPF;
    Reassigning export promotion funding initially included in the OBBBA into existing Farm Bill programs like the Market Access Program to make it easier to use by USDA’s international promotion partners, including the U.S. Dairy Export Council;
    Establishing the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program and allowing additional milk, yogurt, and cheese products to be eligible;
    Expanding the REAP Program to include farmer-owned cooperatives;
    Modernizing FDA’s regulatory framework for approving animal feed ingredients to put American farmers on a level playing field with the rest of the world on innovative technologies in the feed industry;
    Expanding opportunities for animal health programs to receive additional funding through annual appropriations;
    Clarifying that whole milk may be served in the school breakfast program;
    Increasing the authorization of funding for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives that support the development, production, marketing and distribution of dairy products;
    Expanding economic opportunities for farmers to partner with local food distribution organizations to provide fresh, locally grown foods, including milk and other dairy products, to eligible community institutions; and
    Making improvements to the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and increasing funding through annual appropriations.



Farm Bureau Urges Senate Passage of Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented on the Senate farm bill discussion draft released today by Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

“Farm Bureau appreciates Sen. Boozman’s work to move a farm bill forward in the Senate. The bill text provides important support for farm families. The benefits include improved access to credit, expanded investments in specialty crops, increased transparency in fertilizer markets, and enhanced research and conservation programs. The discussion draft is a good first step and provides a solid foundation that Farm Bureau will work to improve upon as the Senate moves toward markup.

“In October 2025, Farm Bureau sent letters to President Trump and congressional leaders emphasizing the severe economic pressures facing America’s farmers and ranchers and highlighting actions that should be taken to improve economic conditions in rural America. While we have seen meaningful progress, more action is needed from Congress to ensure farmers can continue to supply dinner for families across America.

“We look forward to working with the chairman and members of Congress to address three top priorities not included in this farm bill draft, which are needed to help farmers through the current multiyear downturn in the farm economy. They include providing economic aid to help farmers struggling with historic inflation, protecting interstate commerce from a patchwork of state laws, and approving the sale of E15 blended fuel year-round, which would be a win-win for farmers and consumers.

“Farmers appreciate President Trump’s call for congressional action on E15 and economic aid and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins repeatedly highlighting the need to protect interstate commerce, in addition to the need for aid and E15. We urge the Senate to quickly pass a bipartisan farm bill, and with the same sense of urgency, Congress must work together to address these additional priorities. It’s time to deliver solutions to America’s farmers and ranchers.” 



NFU Calls on Senate to Go Further for Family Farmers

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement reacting to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry's discussion draft of the farm bill.

"We appreciate Chairman Boozman and the committee for their commitment to a bipartisan farm bill and their openness to continued negotiations. While the bill includes meaningful improvements, it needs to go further to meet the scale of the crisis facing family farmers and ranchers across this country.

"What we need is a true safety net that moves away from ad hoc assistance, keeps pace with rising production costs and delivers real stability in the marketplace. That means strengthening and modernizing core farm programs to reflect today's economic realities and withstand tomorrow's shocks. It means building a dedicated structure and funding stream for disaster assistance that is fast, consistent and doesn't require farmers to wait on Congress to act. These reforms would give farmers more predictable risk management tools, reduce uncertainty and end the cycle of repeated emergency interventions.

“We urge the committee to go further on priorities that matter to farmers and consumers: mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat and poultry, year-round nationwide E15, local food procurement funding, and stronger Packers and Stockyards Act enforcement.

"If we don't take decisive action now, we risk losing the next generation of farmers and ranchers. NFU will continue working with the committee and the full Congress to fight for the long-term, structural changes farm country deserves."

NFU last month sent a letter to the Senate Agriculture Committee and congressional leadership outlining what's at stake for family farmers and ranchers if Congress fails to reform the farm safety net.



Fischer Bill to Expedite Wildfire Disaster Relief

The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday passed Senator Deb Fischer’s (R-NE) Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act to expedite ag producers’ access to federal disaster relief under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

This legislation passed the Senate on March 24, 2026, and will now be sent to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“This is great news for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska who suffered devastating losses from wildfires this spring,” Fischer said. “Producers need this assistance as soon as possible, and we’ve helped make sure bureaucracy doesn’t stand in the way. I thank my colleagues in both chambers of Congress for understanding the urgency of getting this done.”

Background
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) were created to help to reduce the burden of natural disasters by providing producers with financial and technical assistance to repair and restore their land. 

These programs, however, are often slow to respond to wildfires, floods, and other disasters. This means producers face significant delays and red tape when trying to access financial assistance.

For many producers, that significant time delay forces them to put off needed repair work, or risk beginning the recovery process without a guarantee of federal help. 

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act addresses these issues by reforming the programs. The bill specifically gives producers impacted by disasters the option to receive an advance on cost-sharing relief that is based on existing USDA estimates.

This expedited option ensures family farmers and ranchers in dire need of help can begin the critical work of restoring their property to productive levels.  

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act also reframes eligibility for relief from wildfire damage to include any wildfire caused or spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires caused by the federal government.  

This legislation is supported by the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.

Craig Uden, President, Nebraska Cattlemen, said, “We cannot overstate the importance of this legislation for cattle producers in the Beef State as we continue recovering from the devastating wildfires our industry has faced. Our livelihoods depend on rebuilding quickly, and we cannot afford delays caused by unnecessary red tape. We thank Senator Fischer for her leadership in ensuring Nebraska’s beef producers have the flexibility needed to move forward with recovery and rebuilding.”

Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, said, “For many, federal disaster assistance programs work too slowly and often require farm and ranch families to battle through layers of red tape and bureaucratic hurdles. The passage of Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer's Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act through the House now sends the bill to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. The flexibilities and reforms found in this new bill will ensure farmers and ranchers can receive aid when they need it the most.”

Fischer reintroduced this legislation on February 19, 2025. After returning from Nebraska for visits assessing the Morrill fire damage with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Fischer successfully passed the bill with a unanimous vote on the Senate floor.



Sizing and Typing Future Dairy Operations for Financial Success Webinar

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy monthly webinar will feature Larry Tranel on Tuesday, June 30 at 12 noon CDT.

The dairy industry continues to consolidate with fewer but larger farms. The dairy industry is not dying but growing by different means and changing in both size and type. This webinar will look at alternatives and systems for transitioning and future dairy producers to stay in the game or looking to get into the dairy game. This webinar will be led by Larry Tranel, dairy field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. by pre registering at least one hour before the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/3RAPK4

There is no registration fee to attend the program, but registration is required.

For more information, contact Fred Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu. 



May Milk Production in the United States up 2.3 Percent

Milk production in the United States during May totaled 20.6 billion pounds, up 2.3 percent from May 2025.

Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,128 pounds for May, 8 pounds above May 2025.

The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.67 million head, 184,000 head more than May 2025, and 10,000 head more than April 2026.

Iowa milk production in May totaled 531 million pounds, which was a 0.8% increase from May 2025.       



Key Trends Reshaping Dairy Today

Dairy producers are growing herd size while keeping cows productive longer, a financial strategy shaped by strong beef cattle markets, fewer replacement needs and rising value per animal, according to benchmark findings by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica). As the industry celebrates National Dairy Month, these insights highlight how producers are adapting and positioning their operations for long-term success. The insights are drawn from FCSAmerica’s proprietary dairy benchmarking program, which reflects detailed financial and production data across a broad portfolio of operations representing 144 dairy sites in a multi-state region from Minnesota to Texas and from Michigan to California.

Key Trends Emerging from the Data
Dairy herd sizes are growing. Looking at the All Regions / All Breeds data, the herd size story is a gradual and steady increase.

The average cow herd increased from 6,147 head in 2021 to 9,181 head in 2025, with consistent year-over-year growth: 7,766 (2022), 7,947 (2023), and 8,768 (2024). This indicates a sustained expansion trend. The data suggests producers are steadily scaling operations over time, likely driven by long-term efficiency goals, economies of scale, and investments made over multiple years rather than a single-year shift.

At the same time, herd turnover rates have trended downward, declining from 37.6% in 2021 to 32.8% in 2025. This reinforces the idea that producers are focusing more on maximizing the productive life of existing animals rather than rapidly replacing them.

With calves generating significant revenue shortly after birth, producers have a stronger incentive to keep cows in the herd for additional lactation cycles, capturing more value per animal and reducing the need for frequent herd replacement. “Herd turnover rate is declining as operations retain cows in the herd for another lactation, as those females will have another cross-bred calf that is currently worth $1,500/hd or more on day 1,” said Tim Van Hofwegen, agribusiness vice president for FCSAmerica. “Dairy producers are not looking at profitability through milk production alone, but rather a holistic approach in consideration of strong beef cattle markets and thinking about each cow's total lifetime value.”

Strong beef cattle markets have elevated the importance of “other income,” particularly beef cattle sales, as a meaningful contributor to total revenue. At the same time, those same favorable beef prices are helping reduce herd replacement costs, as higher cull cow values offset the cost of raising or acquiring replacement heifers. Together, these trends highlight how interconnected dairy and beef markets are shaping both herd management decisions and overall financial performance, with producers optimizing not just for milk production, but for total animal value across the lifecycle. The industry is not only adapting to market dynamics but actively leveraging them, balancing milk production with total animal value to strengthen financial performance and position operations for long-term resilience in an evolving dairy landscape.

The benchmark reports are developed to provide FCSAmerica’s dairy finance experts with a comprehensive view of performance trends and industry dynamics, which are then translated into meaningful conversations with customers. By bringing this analysis into customer conversations, producers better understand how their operation compares, identify strengths and areas of opportunity, and make more informed, confident management decisions. The result is practical, real-world context that supports stronger performance and long-term success in a changing dairy environment.



USDA Invests up to $310 Million in Partnership Projects to Boost Farm Operations and Conserve Natural Resources

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting Farmers First by investing up to $310 million to expand producer conservation activities across the nation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting RCPP project proposals now through August 24, 2026, to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners boost their operations and conserve natural resources.  

“This significant investment through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program will further enable us to leverage our partnerships as force multipliers in supporting America’s farmers,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “We’re looking forward to seeing the results on the ground while we also work to keep working lands in working hands.”  

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act is delivering the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, including support for RCPP. It will deliver $425 million in fiscal year 2026 and an increase to $450 million from fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2031.    

RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land.  In the past year, NRCS has improved RCPP, through streamlining partnership agreement processes and increasing flexibilities to ensure the program works more effectively for conservation partners and America’s farmers and ranchers. Now, 75% of the funding goes directly to the American farmer or is used to cover the cost of conservation practice implementation.  

About the Program  
There are two separate funding opportunities:   

    RCPP Classic: Projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners.    

    RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA): The lead partner works directly with agricultural producers to support the development of innovative conservation approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic.   

NRCS ranks proposals based on how they address the following priorities:   
    Addressing soil health, water quality, or wildlife habitat with an aim to improve land health, enhance resource management, and promote sustainable agriculture and long-term protection of agricultural, grassland, and forestland viability.  

    Soil health projects using practices that focus on minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing soil cover, increasing natural vitality, and maintaining living roots throughout the year.   

    Leveraging precision agriculture technologies to target conservation efforts based on specific field conditions, potentially reducing costs and improving resource efficiency.  

    Focusing on Farmers First projects, especially those that provide technical and financial assistance via contributions for planning and practice designs to support producer contracts.  

    Supporting projects led by Indian Tribes.   

More Information  
The $310 million is available for both RCPP Classic and AFA projects, including a $30 million set aside for projects with Indian Tribes.  

Details about RCPP Classic and RCPP AFAs are available on Grants.gov. Project proposals for RCPP are being accepted through August 24, 2026, on the RCPP portal. For more information about RCPP, visit the RCPP website.  

This investment builds on other recent NRCS investments to engage partners to extend the reach of conservation. In late May, NRCS announced its plans to invest $65 million through Conservation Innovation Grants.   

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.