Friday July 10 Ag News - NE Recovery & LIP - NE Mesonet Weather Stations hit 100 - ISU Late-term Feedlot Death Study - Global Whey Demand Supports Midwest Dairy Farmers - SHIC New Board Members, Officers - and more!

Nebraska Recovery Roundup: Livestock Indemnity Program

Wildfires can result in devastating livestock losses. The USDA Farm Service Agency's Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) was designed to help eligible producers recover financially when livestock deaths exceed normal mortality due to “eligible loss conditions,” including wildfires.

LIP provides financial assistance for livestock that die as a direct result of a qualifying wildfire. In some cases, assistance may also be available for livestock that were injured by the wildfire and subsequently sold at a reduced price.

There are four key pieces to qualifying for LIP
    A livestock owner must have legally owned the livestock on the day the livestock died and/or were injured by an eligible loss condition (wildfire)
    Livestock must be used for commercial production and held for sale
    Death or sale of injured livestock must happen within 30 days of an eligible loss condition
    Livestock death losses must be beyond normal mortality.

Why records matter
One of the most important steps producers can take after wildfire is documenting losses. USDA requires evidence that supports both the livestock inventory before the fire and the losses that occurred afterward. Accurate documentation of normal death losses is equally important so they can be counted as part of normal mortality for the year.
It is critical producers maintain records of damages, expenses, livestock inventories, grazing records, dated photographs, receipts, veterinary records, third party certifications, brand inspections, rendering records, processing records, and correspondence related to the wildfire. Good documentation today can make the recovery process much smoother.

Payment Rates
LIP payments for livestock death losses, adjusted for normal mortality, are calculated by multiplying the national payment rate for the applicable livestock category by the number of eligible livestock in that category times the producer’s share. The LIP national payment rates are calculated using market data based on the previous year. The 2025 rates were released April 11, 2025 (USDA FSA Notice LIP-12), and based on 2024 national average fair market value. Payment rates for select kinds, types, and weights are provided in the following table. Please note 2026 rates are not yet published. For a full listing of eligible animals, contact your local USDA FSA office.

Work with your local USDA FSA office
Producers should also notify USDA FSA as soon as possible after discovering losses.  Local FSA staff can help producers determine eligibility, identify required documentation, and complete necessary forms. Even if producers are uncertain whether losses qualify, scheduling a conversation with the local USDA Service Center is often the best first step. For 2026 wildfire losses, producers who are seeking LIP support must submit their Notice of Loss and final application for payment by March 1, 2027.

USDA disaster and conservation programs are often designed to address different types of wildfire losses. However, federal rules generally prohibit receiving multiple payments for the same loss, expense, or conservation practice. Producers should discuss all wildfire-related damages with their local USDA Service Center so staff can identify the combination of programs that best fits their situation.

In addition to program-specific eligibility requirements, USDA disaster and conservation programs are generally subject to payment limitations and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) rules. These provisions can affect the amount of assistance a producer may receive. 



Nebraska Mesonet installed 100th weather station
Nebraska Extension

Congratulations to the Nebraska Mesonet team in the UNL School of Natural Resources on installing their 100th weather station to serve Nebraska (and we're already up to 104 stations as of this week!).

Our vision is ambitious: to place everyone in Nebraska within about 12 miles of a high-quality weather station that provides the data needed for better decisions in agriculture, water management, emergency response, and research. Reaching that goal will require approximately 200 stations statewide.

A special thanks to Ruben Behnke and the entire Mesonet team for their persistence in securing funding, building partnerships, and installing these systems across Nebraska. Every new station strengthens our ability to understand weather conditions and serve communities across the state.



Looking at late-term feedlot death loss to improve future interventions

With any feedlot cattle death, the closer to the sell date, the higher the impact.  From a financial standpoint in terms of feed costs and lost opportunity to market, to the lowered morale of those who care for the animals, consequences can be costly.

An Iowa State University team from animal science and veterinary diagnostic production animal medicine is starting a two-year research project on late-term feedlot death loss, thanks to a grant funded by the Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Dathan Smerchek, assistant professor in animal science nutrition, is a PI and overall coordinator on the grant, “’Long fed deads’ — late-day feedlot death loss: a prospective analysis of risk factors, timing, and cause of death in late-day midwestern necropsied feedlot finishing cattlle."

“This grant will run from Aug. 1, 2026, to Aug. 1, 2028,” he said. “The extended timeline will allow our team to gather a sizeable, robust data set of necropsy reports from ‘long-fed’ feedlot cattle located in Iowa and some surrounding states.”

The project is designed to improve understanding of the risk factors, timing, and cause of death in late-day feedlot deads, Smerchek said.

“It will also be instrumental in developing future research objectives that can then inform management practices, nutritional interventions, and marketing strategies to reduce the death loss or simply the economic loss for the Midwestern cattle feeder,” he said.

Smerchek is joined by ISU VDPAM professor Terry Engelken, and clinical associate professors Rachel Friedrich and Drew Magstadt, on the grant. Engleken and Friedrich will work with the veterinary practices on expectations of the project, feedyard recruitment, student necropsy training and sample collection. Magstedt is the veterinary diagnostic lab contact who will evaluate samples from dead cattle and also assist with student necropsy training.

This project is one of two ISU proposals approved for funding by the Iowa Beef Industry Council board of directors for this year. Five total projects were approved for a funding total of $237,540.

To date, the Iowa State beef checkoff has funded 36 projects totaling more than $2.3 million.



Midwest Dairy Producers Face Expanding Export Opportunities as Global Demand and Whey Prices Surge
Fred Hall, ISU Dairy Field Specialist 

U.S. dairy exports continued their upward climb this spring, offering strong momentum for Midwest producers positioned to serve fast‑growing global markets. According to the U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. dairy shipments rose 14 percent year‑over‑year in May, marking the eighth straight month of export growth. Cheese, butterfat, and whey ingredients led the expansion, with total export value reaching $4.32 billion year‑to‑date.

Global Whey Prices Hit Historic Highs
The whey market has entered a period of unprecedented volatility and record pricing. Industry analysis shows whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) have surged to historic highs due to a combination of constrained supply and explosive demand. Manufacturers report that whey prices have climbed sharply as processors struggle to secure enough raw material to meet orders from sports nutrition, medical nutrition, and ready‑to‑drink beverage sectors.

Several factors are driving this spike:
    Tight milk and cheese production has reduced available whey streams.
    High‑protein consumer trends continue to accelerate worldwide.
    Ingredient buyers are competing aggressively for limited spot loads, pushing prices higher.
    Forward contracts are largely sold out, forcing buyers into secondary markets at elevated prices.

For Midwest producers, this means every pound of protein leaving the farm is more valuable than at any point in recent memory. Plants capable of producing isolate‑grade whey are capturing premiums that directly support stronger component‑based milk checks.

Vietnam: A Rapidly Expanding Market for U.S. Dairy
Vietnam continues to emerge as one of the most promising destinations for U.S. dairy exports. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service highlights Vietnam’s fast‑growing middle class, expanding food manufacturing sector, and rising demand for high‑quality imported dairy ingredients. Whey proteins, milk powders, and cheese are among the categories seeing the strongest growth.

Vietnam’s beverage and nutrition sectors are adopting Western‑style high‑protein products, creating new demand for U.S. whey ingredients — particularly WPC and WPI. This aligns directly with Midwest production strengths and offers long‑term export upside.

Positioning Midwest Dairy for Global Success
With whey prices at record highs and export markets expanding — especially in Southeast Asia — Midwest dairy producers are well‑positioned to benefit. Strategic alignment with processors focused on whey, cheese, and ingredient exports will be key to capturing these global opportunities.



AFBF, NFU Call on USDA to Preserve Protection for Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and National Farmers Union President Rob Larew issued a joint statement today on reports that USDA plans to rescind rules that protect farmers under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“America’s farmers are deeply troubled by news that USDA plans to rescind or continue to delay several rules that are specifically designed to benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. The rules help protect farmers from retaliation by large processors, increase transparency and improve pay systems for contract poultry growers. They make it clear that unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers will not be tolerated, and they take on the poultry tournament pay system that for too long created winners and losers based on factors outside of growers’ control.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, representing millions of farm families, worked for years advocating for a more level playing field. That progress is now at risk of being undone.

“The Trump administration has long said that it supports farmers and ranchers, but voiding these rules would do the exact opposite. Instead, more power would be given to large processing companies at the expense of America’s farmers. We urge President Trump and Secretary Rollins to demonstrate their commitment to farmers by leaving these critical safeguards in place.” 



SHIC Announces New Board Appointment and Officer Elections

The Swine Health Information Center welcomed a new board member during its June 22–23, 2026, meeting. Trish Cook, an Iowa pork producer and member of the National Pork Producers Council Board of Directors, joined the SHIC Board, filling the NPPC-appointed seat previously held by Jeremy Pittman, DVM. During the meeting, the board recognized Dr. Pittman, Smithfield Hog Production, for his dedicated service and contributions to SHIC.

The SHIC Board of Directors also held an election of officers. Joe Dykhuis of Dykhuis Farms, Hamilton, Michigan, was elected president of the SHIC Board. Jay Miller, DVM, The Maschhoffs, will serve as vice president. Kent Bang retains his position as secretary/treasurer and Paul Ruen, DVM, will now serve as past-president. Other board members include veterinarians Seth Krantz and Pete Thomas. Pork producers Alayne Johnson and Sarah Pillen round out the SHIC Board. SHIC staff includes Megan Niederwerder, DVM, PhD, executive director, Lisa Becton, DVM, MS, DACVPM, associate director, and Rhea Schirm, grant and contract administrator.

Sustaining the Mission
As SHIC transitions its board composition and leadership, the consistent theme from both incoming and outgoing members is a steadfast commitment to the organization's mission. The combined experience and perspectives of the board are poised to strengthen SHIC's strategic initiatives in disease preparedness, global monitoring, and targeted research, ultimately enhancing the resilience and profitability of the US swine industry.

Cook: Farm-focused Perspective
Cook brings a valuable on-farm perspective to SHIC's mission of protecting and enhancing the health of the US swine herd. As the newest member, Cook joins a board comprised of veterinarians, fellow producers, and industry leaders, adding the practical insights of a producer with more than three decades of experience raising pigs and serving in pork industry leadership roles.

Cook and her family operate CBL Farms, Inc. and Cook Brothers Ltd., a diversified farrow-to-finish pork and crop operation in Iowa. She has also served in leadership positions with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and has participated in numerous national pork industry initiatives. While recognizing the scientific expertise already represented on the SHIC Board, Cook said she is eager to contribute the producer's perspective. "I am a farmer, so I bring a producer's perspective at the farm level regarding raising pigs," she said. "I look forward to working with the SHIC Board and staff to enhance the health of the U.S. swine herd."

From her viewpoint as a pork producer, Cook sees SHIC as a trusted and reliable source of swine health information. She noted that producers benefit from the organization's investment in research and its commitment to delivering timely, science-based resources through fact sheets, webinars, podcasts, and newsletters. "Farmers on their own do not have the resources to investigate emerging diseases and report on disease monitoring," Cook said. "It is comforting to know that SHIC is doing this for our industry every single day."

Looking ahead, Cook believes SHIC's ability to identify emerging disease threats, coordinate research, and communicate critical information will remain essential to the industry's success. Although future challenges cannot always be predicted, she said producers can have confidence knowing SHIC is prepared to respond. "As a pig farmer, the health of our animals is the top priority," she said. "I feel fortunate that SHIC is a partner in this goal."

Pittman: Concluding Service
Dr. Pittman reflects on an experience marked by collaboration, industry leadership, and a shared commitment to protecting the health of the US swine herd. Among the most rewarding aspects of his service, Dr. Pittman points to the relationships built with fellow board members and the opportunity to contribute to work that benefits producers and veterinarians across the country. "Personally, it has been the interaction with other members of the board, some of whom I may have never met if not for the board," he said. "Professionally, it is the work the organization has done to generate and provide information to the swine industry; information that I hope has or will provide some real benefit to producers and veterinarians."

During Dr. Pittman's tenure, he witnessed growth in the scope and volume of SHIC's activities, enabling the organization to address emerging disease challenges with greater effectiveness. Pittman believes SHIC's ongoing evolution has strengthened its ability to serve the industry through research, preparedness efforts, and timely dissemination of critical information.

Looking back, Pittman is proud to have represented the swine industry through SHIC's involvement in national and international discussions shaping the future of animal health. "Being at the table" stands out as a defining accomplishment, he said. Through SHIC and other industry leadership roles, he participated in conversations that influenced policy, preparedness, and disease response strategies. He noted that SHIC consistently brought valuable information and support to these discussions, ensuring the interests of the US swine industry were represented. Dr. Pittman also emphasized SHIC's unique role in helping the industry stay ahead of emerging threats by focusing attention on potential challenges before they become major issues.

As he concludes his board service, Dr. Pittman encourages current and future directors to continue working collaboratively on behalf of the entire swine industry. Having served alongside incoming board member Trish Cook in other leadership capacities, he expressed confidence in the experience and expertise of SHIC's leadership team. He believes maintaining SHIC's role within an integrated national swine health strategy will be critical as new disease threats emerge. For Dr. Pittman, SHIC's mission is deeply personal. "I am a swine veterinarian," he said. "So SHIC's mission, at its core, is what my profession is about."



ACE Releases Preliminary Agenda, Highlights Key Speakers for Upcoming Conference

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has released a preliminary agenda showcasing general sessions and breakout tracks at the organization’s 39th annual ACE Conference, taking place August 19-21, 2026, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.

The agenda will feature several key speakers, including U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Tom Kloza, a world-renowned oil market analyst, and Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBC).

Representative Fischbach and Tom Kloza will be featured during the general session on Thursday, August 20.

"Biofuels are essential to the strength of our rural economy, providing market stability for our hardworking farmers, lowering costs for families at the pump, and reinforcing American energy independence," said Congresswoman Fischbach. "I look forward to joining the American Coalition for Ethanol at this year's annual conference to discuss how we can continue to advance and protect our homegrown energy priorities."

According to ACE CEO Brian Jennings, “Rep. Fischbach played a pivotal role in recently helping enact bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives ensuring year-round market access for E15. As we continue pressing the U.S. Senate to act on year-round E15, we are honored she will be giving a congressional keynote to our conference attendees.”

Kloza is considered one of the top oil market analysts in the world, gaining special acclaim when he correctly predicted prices in 2014 and 2015. “Given the turmoil in global and domestic petroleum markets due to the war with Iran and bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz, Tom Kloza’s keynote is likely to be the most popular session of our conference,” Jennings said. “Kloza’s unmatched market contacts, knack for witty observations, and reliably accurate market predictions make his keynote a must-see.”

Kloza is regularly quoted as an expert by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press and other major media outlets and has specifically covered futures markets, spot markets, and anything related to the North American fuel distribution system.

Ryan LeGrand will be a featured keynote speaker on Friday, August 21.

“Ethanol exports have been the shining star in terms of creating new demand, and LeGrand and his global team have successfully led efforts to develop new export markets for our members,” said Jennings. “We are privileged to have Ryan LeGrand join us to discuss efforts to continue growing the market for U.S. ethanol around the world.”

Additional speakers and session details will be added in the weeks ahead. For more information and to register, visit ethanol.org/events/conference.



Land O’Lakes, Inc. Announces Investment to Expand High-Value Dairy Protein Production at Tulare, California, Facility, Expanding Growth Opportunities for Farmer-Owners

Land O’Lakes, Inc. Thursday announced a strategic investment in its Tulare, California, dairy processing facility to expand capabilities into high-value dairy protein production, positioning the cooperative to meet rapidly growing global demand for protein-rich nutrition, while also creating new opportunities for its farmer-owners.

The investment will enable production of ultra-filtered milk; unlocking greater value from member milk, providing growth opportunities for farmer-owners and strengthening Land O’Lakes’ ability to compete in a changing food landscape increasingly centered on protein.

“At a time when protein is reshaping how consumers eat and how the food system operates, this investment positions Land O’Lakes, our Tulare facility and our farmer-owners to lead,” said Heather Anfang, EVP of Land O’Lakes and President of Dairy Foods. “We are continuing to build a more resilient, growth-oriented dairy business while creating new demand for member milk and laying the groundwork for long-term opportunity.”

Meeting the moment
Protein has moved beyond a niche health category to become a defining force in how consumers evaluate food. The moment is driven by rising nutritional awareness and new health trends such as GLP-1 medications that are shifting how and what people eat.

Against this backdrop, demand for dairy protein is accelerating globally and is expected to outpace supply through the remainder of the decade. Land O’Lakes’ expanded Tulare capabilities are designed to help close this gap while reinforcing dairy’s role as a trusted, functional source of high-quality nutrition.

Unlocking value for farmer-owners
As a farmer-owned cooperative, Land O’Lakes is focused on maximizing value for its member owners. This investment creates new demand for member milk and the opportunity to maximize member returns by adding production for higher-value protein applications that support expanded market access and long-term cooperative growth. The investment also recognizes the strength of the Tulare-area dairy community, including about 100 dedicated, innovative farmer-owners and farm families whose operations help make the region one of the most important dairy-producing areas in the country.

The Tulare facility, located in one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic milk sheds, offers existing scale, available capacity and strategic access to global markets, including high-growth regions that rely on imported dairy protein.

Investing in communities and the future of dairy
The Tulare investment reinforces Land O’Lakes’ long-term commitment to the region, supporting local jobs, strengthening the agricultural economy and ensuring the facility remains a critical hub in the cooperative’s dairy network.

“This is about more than a single upgrade. It’s about building the future of dairy,” said Anfang. “We are investing in innovation, in our members, and in meeting the evolving needs of consumers around the world.”3