Thursday July 09 Ag News - Gillespie Soil Health Fund Update - HazMat Night Out - CRP Adds 2.2m Acres - NALC New Board Members, Officers - Audobon Co Cattlemen Summer Social - Pork, Beef Export Strong in May - CHS Q3 Report - and more!

Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund invests in Nebraska’s next generation of soil health leaders

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF) continues to strengthen Nebraska agriculture through investments in youth engagement, farmer innovation and hands-on soil health education.

Over the past year, the fund has supported projects advancing regenerative agriculture, water infiltration, soil biology, biodiversity and agricultural education—helping producers, students and communities explore practical solutions that improve soil resilience, water quality and long-term farm sustainability.

Among the fund’s recent investments was support for a student-led soil health research project through Battle Creek FFA. Working alongside sixth-generation farmer Jeremy Grant, students studied the environmental and economic impacts of various farming systems, including no-till and cover cropping practices. Their research revealed dramatically improved water infiltration in soils managed with no-till and cover crops compared to conventional tillage, helping students connect scientific research to real-world agricultural outcomes.

“This project hopes to answer the question of how soil health practices make sense not only environmentally, but economically,” said Grant. “Students are helping put measurable data behind what many producers have observed for years.”

The impact of this project extended far beyond the students involved. In January, Battle Creek FFA members presented their findings at the No-Till on the Plains Conference, sharing their research with soil health leaders and agricultural experts from across the region. The data generated through the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund-supported project also served as the foundation for their presentation at the Nebraska FFA Agriscience Fair, where the team advanced to the national competition to be held this October.

DGSHF also partnered with Green Cover to support soil health-related projects at the Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair, recognizing student research at the middle and high school levels in areas such as no-till farming, water conservation and regenerative agriculture.

In addition to youth research, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund continues to support producer-led innovation. A recent grant to southeast Nebraska organic farmer Barry Young is helping evaluate alternative methods of establishing cereal rye cover crops during corn production to improve soil function and cropping outcomes.

“Receiving this grant will ease the burden of daring to be different,” Young said. “Repairing our soil ecosystems requires patience, thought and financial support.”

Thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate donors—including WK Kellogg Co and Cargill—the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund will increase its maximum grant award to $2,500 for the next two grant cycles, with application deadlines of October 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027. This support enables DGSHF to continue investing in the next generation of soil health leaders while advancing practical, producer-focused solutions that strengthen Nebraska agriculture, communities, and natural resources.

"We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and support its expanded grant program,” said Sarah Ludmer, Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer, WK Kellogg Co. “Investing in soil health and agricultural education helps create opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders and we're excited to see these grants helping bring new innovative ideas and learning opportunities to life."

For more information about the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund or to support its mission, visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund. 



Hazmat Night Out

The Elkhorn Local Emergency Mgt Planning Committee is hosting a 2026 HazMat Night Out
Thurs July 9 – 6pm – 8pm
at the CVA 81-20 location – 86524 Hwy 81 – Randolph, NE
Visit with first responders about hazardous materials in the area
Tour CVA’s 81-20 location, with an emphasis on chemicals and emergency response
Wear long pants and close-toed shoes for the tour
Find out about emergency planning activities in your community
Registration is free – but you must register ahead of time at https://forms.office.com/r/xqpwLYFUnQ
Food provided by CVA – the public is invited to attend!



USDA Accepts 2.2 Million Acres Through 2026 Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment to Benefit Natural Resources, Ag Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting 2.2 million acres into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2026. Through CRP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers agricultural producers and landowners incentive payments for their conservation efforts while benefiting their agricultural operations and protecting the nation’s natural resources. 

“The Conservation Reserve Program continues to demonstrate the strength of voluntary, producer-led conservation across the country,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “The success of the 2026 enrollment period reflects USDA’s Farmers First commitment and the dedication of America’s farmers and ranchers to protecting our natural resources.” 

Producers and landowners submitted offers on nearly 2.5 million acres through the General, Grassland and Continuous CRP signups. Because the program’s total acreage is capped at 27 million acres for fiscal year 2026, only 2.2 million acres were available for enrollment, making for a highly competitive process for those who submitted offers for CRP.   

Of the nearly 1.5 million acres set to expire on Sept. 30, producers submitted re-enrollment offers for just over 982,000 acres. Additionally, producers submitted offers to enroll 1.5 million acres of new land.   

Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota hold the top three slots for accepted acres for all 2026 CRP enrollment opportunities.   



New Board Members and Officers Begin Service with Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council

The Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council (NALC), the governing board of the Nebraska LEAD Program, welcomed new members and officers as the organization’s new fiscal year began on July 1. While the individuals were elected during the NALC Annual Meeting on March 13, 2026, their terms officially began July 1. 

Three individuals have been elected to serve three-year terms on the NALC Board of Directors: 
    Andy Chvatal, Lincoln – Executive Director of the Nebraska Soybean Board 
    Kristen Hassebrook, Lincoln – Partner with Mueller Robak, Schaefer, Hruza & Hassebrook 
    Andy Jobman, Gothenburg – Farmer and graduate of Nebraska LEAD Class 35 

In addition, Kerry Glandt, a graduate of Nebraska LEAD Class 14 and current president of the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association, joined the board as the association’s representative. 

The council also reelected Scot Blehm, Chris Roth and Matt Dolch to second three-year terms on the board. 

The Nebraska LEAD Program and NALC also recognized three outgoing board members whose terms concluded June 30: Mary Eisenzimmer, Jessica Groskopf and Bobbie Kriz-Wickham. Their leadership and service have played an important role in advancing the mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program. 

Following the annual meeting in March, the NALC Board also elected its officers for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Effective July 1, the officers are: 
    Matt Dolch, Chair 
    Tracy Behnken, Vice Chair 
    Stephanie Schuler, Secretary 
    Scot Blehm, Treasurer 

“We’re thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to the NALC Board,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Each brings a deep understanding of Nebraska agriculture and a strong commitment to developing future leaders. We’re also incredibly grateful to our outgoing board members, whose service and insight have helped strengthen the Nebraska LEAD Program and position it for continued success.” 



Audubon County Cattlemen's Summer Social

The third annual Audubon County Cattlemen's Summer Social will offer an evening of networking and learning from keynote speaker Joe Goggins of Billings, MT. Joe and his family are heavily involved in the cattle industry, and he is currently serving as president of the Livestock Marketing Association. Luke Frantz of Kapco Futures will also be presenting current industry trends in the cattle markets. Proceeds will be used to promote beef and support local beef exhibitors at the Audubon County Fair. The event will be held on Saturday July 11 from 5pm-9pm at the Exira Event Center, 106 N. Jefferson, Exira, IA.  $20 per person.  RSVP's are appreciated to Clara Lauritsen at 712.304.4451.



Naig Opens Sign-Up for Annual Cover Crop Cost-Share Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged Iowa farmers and landowners who are planning to seed cover crops this fall to enroll in the state's annual Cover Crop Cost-Share Program. This program is open to first-time and returning cover crop users in all 99 counties and offers cost-share assistance on up to 160 acres per participant.

“More Iowa farmers are choosing to plant cover crops because they've seen the benefits in their own fields, while also delivering cleaner water for Iowans downstream. Cover crops prevent runoff, hold nutrients in place, improve soil health, reduce weed pressure and can provide forage for livestock, making them one of the most effective tools we have to protect Iowa’s water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “Cover Crop Cost-Share has become one of our most popular conservation programs and has helped drive record adoption of cover crops in recent years. I encourage farmers and landowners to visit their local USDA Service Center or cleanwateriowa.org to explore the conservation programs available and sign up early because demand continues to build each year."

Cover Crop Cost-Share
    Farmers planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre.
    Farmers who have previously planted cover crops are eligible for $20 per acre.
    Cost-share funding through the statewide program is limited to 160 acres per participant.

Additional Cost-Share Assistance for First-Time Users
    Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre.
    Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
    Cost-share funding through these programs is limited to 160 acres per participant.

The statewide program complements the Department's recent conservation announcements including expanded incentives for cover crops and streamside buffers in the Greater Des Moines Watershed.

Additional Opportunity for Farmers and Landowners in the Greater Des Moines Watershed
Farmers and landowners located within the 22-county Greater Des Moines Watershed may be eligible for additional cost-share incentives. The Greater Des Moines watershed cover crop program provides $25 per acre on up to 500 acres to accelerate adoption of cover crops. Together, those programs offer eligible farmers the opportunity to receive state cost-share assistance on up to 660 acres of cover crops, subject to the requirements of each program.

Applications are now being accepted through county Soil and Water Conservation District offices located within each county USDA Service Center and costshare.iowaagriculture.gov. Funding is limited and demand for the program remains strong each year. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to enroll in the statewide cost-share program as soon as possible.



Offal Restrictions Impact May Pork Exports; Beef Export Value Above Year-Ago

Although May exports of U.S. pork were higher year-over-year, volumes were significantly diminished by Mexico’s restrictions on pork offal items, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). May beef exports were below last year’s volume but edged higher in value.

May pork exports to Japan, Colombia, Central America offset lower totals for Mexico
Pork exports totaled 245,874 metric tons (mt) in May, up 10% from a year ago, with value up 8% to $701 million. But exports in May 2025 were unusually low due to heightened trade tensions with China, which temporarily pushed China’s tariff rate on U.S. pork as high as 172%. This impasse heavily impacted exports of pork variety meat, which totaled just over 30,000 mt in May 2025. While pork variety meat exports exceeded 40,000 mt in May 2026, this was easily the lowest total of the year as January-April shipments averaged nearly 49,000 mt. May variety meat exports to Mexico were just 3,157 mt, down 80% from a year ago, due to restrictions imposed after the April 30 detection of pseudorabies virus (PRV) antibodies in five boars in Iowa. May bright spots for U.S. pork included the largest shipments to Japan since 2021, an outstanding performance from Colombia and strong growth in Central America. Export value per head slaughtered topped $71.

For January through May, pork and pork variety meat exports totaled 1.28 million mt, up 5% from a year ago, while value was also up 5% to $3.59 billion. In both volume and value, pork exports are less than 1% below the record pace established in 2024.

“While U.S. pork exports are posting a strong performance in 2026, the May results underscore the urgent need for Mexico to fully remove its PRV-related restrictions on pork offal and other products,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explained. “This situation is costing the U.S. industry millions of dollars per week and severely impacting customers in Mexico, who are scrambling to find alternative products and suppliers.”

Although Mexico modified its restrictions in early June to allow pork offal shipments from states other than Iowa and Texas, source verification requirements, and the importance of Iowa as the leading hog-producing state, continue to pose significant obstacles for exporters.

May beef export highlights led by value growth in Taiwan, Japan, Latin America
May beef exports totaled 91,925 mt, down 5% from a year ago. But value increased 2% to $818.1 million, bolstered by value increases in Taiwan, Japan, the ASEAN region, Central and South America and Egypt. Export value per head of fed slaughter soared to $468 in May, the highest in nearly four years. Despite China’s mid-May renewal of expired U.S. beef plant registrations, May exports to China remained minimal as technical obstacles are yet to be resolved.

For January through May, beef exports were 10% below last year’s pace at 457,063 mt, while value fell 5% to $3.95 billion. But when excluding China from these results, January-May beef exports were down less than 1% in volume and were 6% higher in value.

“Despite significant headwinds, we are seeing some encouraging trends on the beef side,” Halstrom said. “Many facilities remain suspended and unable to export to China, while exporters overall remain reluctant to ship until technical obstacles are resolved and China agrees to meet its Phase One Agreement commitments. But Taiwan has been a major bright spot this year and while exports to South Korea have trended lower, we expect an uptick in Korea’s demand when a higher tariff rate on Australian beef is triggered later this month.”

By mid-July, Korea’s imports of Australian beef are expected to exceed the safeguard threshold established in the Korea-Australia FTA. Through the end of the year, Korea’s tariff rate on Australian beef will increase from 5.3% to 24%. U.S. beef enters Korea at zero duty under the Korea-U.S. FTA. Australia triggered its beef safeguard for China on June 18, and has since faced a 55% tariff for exports entering that market.

Lamb exports continue downward trend
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 215 mt in May, down 41% from a year ago, valued at $1.3 million (down 28%). After a strong start to the year, January-May exports slipped 8% below a year ago in volume (1,257 mt) and 5% lower in value ($7 million). Larger exports to the Caribbean and Central America have been offset by lower shipments to Mexico and no exports to Canada have been reported in 2026. 



NCGA Report: U.S. Farmers Pay Substantially More for Inputs than Brazilian Counterparts

A new report released by the National Corn Growers Association today details the price premiums U.S. farmers pay for their inputs compared to Brazilian farmers, their largest global competitor. The premiums are, in some cases, more than double the costs paid by farmers in South America. The study was conducted by Kynetec in partnership with NCGA.

“I think there has long been a belief among U.S. farmers that we pay more for the same products compared to our international counterparts,” said Matt Frostic, Michigan farmer and NCGA first vice president. “This work confirms our fears: we are paying substantially more for our inputs. But the price gouging that is happening for U.S. farmers is even worse than many of us suspected.”

The findings include:
    Across all corn seed comparisons, U.S. prices were considerably higher, averaging a 68% premium over Brazil from 2023–2025.
    Fungicides show some of the largest price differences, with some comparisons showing U.S. prices more than double Brazilian levels depending on the crop, product category, active ingredient and year. 
    Across corn and soybeans, U.S. herbicide prices were higher than Brazilian prices, with many comparisons showing U.S. prices near double Brazil’s levels.
    Insecticide gaps varied by crop but often favored Brazil: U.S. corn insecticide prices were materially higher, averaging 87% higher from 2023 to 2025.

The report is the culmination of months of work by NCGA’s Inputs Task Force, chaired by Frostic and formed to identify the factors contributing to sustained record or near-record input cost highs facing farmers in recent years. The task force identified the research to understand U.S. costs vs. those of their South American counterparts as a foundational piece of work for understanding how input costs affect global competitiveness.

“In recent years, rising input costs have put intense pressure on corn farmers,” said Krista Swanson, NCGA chief economist. “It’s easy to focus on corn prices when talking about the farm economy, but that misses a big part of the story. The other side of the equation is what farmers are paying to put a crop in the ground, and those costs have kept climbing to levels that are becoming unsustainable.”

NCGA has been raising concern about and acting on rising input costs for years. Beyond seed and pesticide products, phosphate prices spiked in 2021 following a successful petition by the Mosaic Company, and later, J.R. Simplot, to add countervailing duties to imported phosphate. Corn growers forcefully opposed that petition and called on Mosaic to withdraw its petition. Corteva Agriscience followed suit several years later, with a successful petition to impose duties on 2,4-D supplies; and, just last week, Bayer filed a similar petition to impose duties on imported supplies of glyphosate.

“Corn farmers are on track to lose money for a fourth consecutive year,” said Frostic. “We certainly want to see higher prices for our corn – and NCGA works every day on building demand – but we can’t ignore the prices we’re paying for inputs right now. On top of the premiums we’re paying, companies are now using trade remedy laws to consolidate their market share and increase prices even further. If this trend continues, input providers will force their own customers out of business.”

NCGA is calling for increased transparency from input providers and for pricing to better reflect the realities of the current economic environment. It is also pursuing policy initiatives that will make U.S. farmers more globally competitive, calling out how Brazil imposed tariffs and trade barriers on U.S. ethanol, while at the same time enjoying lower input prices. NCGA is also pursuing legislative reform to the countervailing duty process that will require the interests of the public to be considered before duties on agricultural products are imposed by the Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission.



USDA Introduces More Crop Insurance Options for Forage Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding coverage options to add revenue protection for forage producers in 12 states, part of the Department’s efforts to put Farmers First through improved crop insurance. Implemented by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), the new coverage options guard against both yield losses and decline in price due to market changes.  

“We closely collaborated with forage producers and industry stakeholders to develop this expanded policy to provide these coverage options in the areas where it is needed the most,” said RMA Administrator Pat Swanson. “We are dedicated to delivering risk management tools that are responsive to the needs of American farmers and ranchers, and offering this enhanced product to forage producers only strengthens that commitment and continues to put Farmers First.”  

This insurance policy will be structured similarly to other Federal crop insurance revenue programs, replacing Actual Production History (APH) coverage for forage production in select counties located in California, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin beginning with the 2027 crop year.  

Forage producers in eligible areas will have three plan options under this change:  
    Yield Protection (YP): Provides coverage against loss in yield.  
    Revenue Protection (RP): Provides coverage against loss in revenue due to a yield loss, price decline, or yield loss at higher prices.  
    Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusions (RP-HPE): Provides coverage against loss in revenue due to a yield loss, decrease in the harvest price below the projected price, or both.  

Interested producers in eligible areas should contact a crop insurance agent to enroll before the sales closing date of Sept. 30, 2026. The existing APH-based Forage Production insurance program will continue to be available to producers in all other states where the program is currently offered.  



CHS reports third quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings

CHS Inc., a global agribusiness and the nation’s leading cooperative, today released results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2026. The company reported net income of $267.4 million attributable to CHS and revenues of $11.6 billion for the quarter that ended May 31, 2026, compared to net income of $232.2 million and revenues of $9.8 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Key highlights for third quarter fiscal year 2026 financial results:
    Our energy segment benefited from strong refining margins, driven by global market dynamics, which were mostly offset by record-high expenses for renewable energy credits (RINs). 
    Grains performance was driven by continued global headwinds affecting grain margins, partially offset by strong oilseed crush margins.
    Continued strong performance by our CF Nitrogen equity method investment was partially offset by lower sales volumes of agronomy products, due to high prices and ongoing weakness in the U.S. farm economy. 

“The diversity of our ag and energy businesses continues to be a key strength for CHS, as shifting policy and market conditions create both headwinds and tailwinds,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS. “We saw strong operational execution during the busy spring planting season, but we also recognize that ongoing market volatility continues to create a challenging environment for farmers and member cooperatives. We remain focused on operating efficiently and managing costs as we provide the products and services farmers need, while working every day to create additional value for our owners.”

Energy 
This segment includes our refined fuels, propane and lubricants product lines. Energy reported pretax earnings of $10.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, which represents a $66.6 million increase versus the prior year period and reflects: 
    Improved margins driven by higher refining margins resulting from global conditions and increased U.S. energy exports, as well as strong operational execution from CHS refineries. 
    Robust seasonal sales volumes of diesel fuel, partially offset by softer consumer demand for gasoline.  
    These favorable results were mostly offset by record-high RIN costs.  

Grains
The grains segment primarily includes our corn, oilseeds, wheat and specialty grains product lines. The pretax loss of $33.6 million represents a $0.7 million decrease versus the prior year period and reflects:
    Reduced global grain margins and increased transportation costs, partially offset by strong corn export volumes.
    Strong oilseed volumes and increased oilseed crush margins in response to U.S. biofuels policy enhancements and the resulting impact on biofuels feedstock markets.

Agronomy
This segment includes crop nutrients, crop protection and CF Nitrogen. Pretax earnings of $275.0 million represent a $27.6 million increase versus the prior year period and reflect:
    Strong performance for our CF Nitrogen equity method investment due to favorable market conditions for urea and UAN, which was partially offset by reduced fertilizer sales volumes in response to the weak U.S. farm economy.

Corporate and Services
This segment includes CHS Capital and CHS Hedging, as well as our Ardent Mills and Ventura Foods joint ventures. Pretax earnings of $30.6 million represent a $70.2 million decrease versus the prior year period. The previous year's results included gain on sale of a business by Ventura Foods in 2025, which did not reoccur in the current year. 



Six Fertilizers Lead Retail Fertilizer Prices Lower for Third Consecutive Week

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the week of the last few days of June and first few days of July 2026 were mostly lower compared to a month earlier. Mostly lower prices have now been present for a full month, according to DTN price data. For the third consecutive week, six of the eight major retail fertilizers were lower compared to last month while the remaining two were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Four of the six fertilizers with lower prices had significant price declines. Leading all nutrients lower was urea, which was 12% less expensive with an average price of $718/ton. UAN32 was 9% lower compared to last month at an average price of $533/ton, anhydrous was 7% less expensive at an average price of $1,036/ton, and UAN28 was 6% lower at an average price of $504/ton. The remaining two fertilizers with lower prices were just slightly less expensive compared to a month ago. MAP had an average price of $953/ton and 10-34-0 had an average price of $725/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $910/ton and potash had an average price of $494/ton.

On a price-per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.78/lb.N, anhydrous was $0.63/lb.N, UAN28 was $0.90/lb.N and UAN32 was $0.83/lb.N.

Looking back one year, all eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to a year earlier. Potash is 3% higher, UAN32 is 6% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 8% higher, urea is 9% more expensive, DAP is 12% higher, MAP is 13% more expensive, UAN28 is 20% higher and anhydrous is 35% more expensive compared to one year ago.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/3/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 3, ethanol production pared back 2.1% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.91 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 0.7% higher than the same week last year and 4.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.4% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.91 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks dropped 3.1% to 23.9 million barrels, the lowest weekly volume since the start of 2026. Stocks were 0.1% less than the same week last year but 4.1% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slid 3.1% to 8.85 million b/d (135.97 bg annualized). Demand was 3.4% less than a year ago and 1.0% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, down 2.2% to a 5-week low of 901,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.85 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.1% less than year-ago levels and 0.3% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports vaulted 58.7% to 200,000 b/d (8.4 million gallons/day), a 13-week high. It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports Improve in May

U.S. ethanol exports totaled 189.7 million gallons (mg) in May, rebounding 11% from April's sharp downturn as shipments strengthened across most major markets. Canada remained the leading destination for denatured fuel ethanol, with exports climbing 18% to a six-month high of 76.3 mg. Exports to the European Union, led by the Netherlands, increased 15% to 39.1 mg, continuing to underpin demand for undenatured ethanol. Together, Canada and the EU accounted for 61% of total May exports. Nigeria imported 12.7 mg—its largest monthly volume of U.S. ethanol since December 2021—while exports to Colombia surged 72% to 10.9 mg. In contrast, shipments to South Korea fell 38% to 10.1 mg, and exports to the United Kingdom slipped 4% to 9.9 mg. Exports to Vietnam more than quadrupled to 7.7 mg, while exports to the Philippines declined 34% to 7.3 mg. Notably, exports to both Brazil and India remained essentially zero. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports reached 1.00 billion gallons, running 11% ahead of the same period last year.

U.S. fuel ethanol imports totaled 256,801 gallons in May, with Brazil supplying 70% and Canada accounting for the remaining 30%. Imports reached their highest monthly volume since March 2025. Still, through the first five months of 2026, total fuel ethanol imports stood at just 462,120 gallons.

May U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed coproduct generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, increased 6% to 1.08 million metric tons (mt), reflecting higher shipments across most major export markets. Shipments to Mexico climbed 2% to 210,925 mt, while exports to South Korea advanced 14% to 138,272 mt. Exports to Indonesia slipped 2% to 136,543 mt, and shipments to Vietnam eased 1% to 113,288 mt. Meanwhile, exports to the European Union surged 64% to 102,872 mt. Collectively, these five markets accounted for roughly two-thirds of all DDGS exports in May, with nearly 30 additional destinations making up the remainder. Through the first five months of 2026, cumulative DDGS exports reached 5.06 million mt, up 14% from the same period in 2025. 



USDA Requests Comments on Beef Grade Standards
 
The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced Wednesday that it is seeking input from the public and stakeholders on how the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef may be updated to better serve the needs of industry, large volume food buyers and modern consumers. Since the last update to the Beef Grading Standards have been implemented beef production and quality assessment methods have changed significantly, as have consumer preferences.

As such, USDA requests comments including data, recommendations, and other information from stakeholders so that the Beef Grading Standards can incorporate necessary updates to maintain relevance and meet consumer needs. The official Request for Information is available here: Federal Register - United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/08/2026-13761/united-states-standards-for-grades-of-carcass-beef.  

AMS develops and maintains official grade standards for beef carcasses, which measure factors such as meat yield, fat covering, ribeye area, degrees of marbling and carcass defects such as dark cutting beef and blood splash. The standards are applied to determine the quality of the product, and are not a reflection of wholesomeness, which is determined by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) prior to the grading process.

Beef producers, packers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, food service operators, food retailers, and consumers rely on USDA’s voluntary beef grading services to ensure that requirements are met for quality and other factors. USDA grading offers an independent third-party opinion on product quality based on the USDA requirements to help producers market their products and assures buyers that the quality meets or exceeds those standards.



NMPF - May DMC Margin Gains Eight Cents Over April

The May margin under USDA’s Margin Coverage Program was $10.62/cwt, $0.08/cwt higher than the month before and marking the third consecutive month this year for which the program generated no payment at any coverage level.

The higher margin was driven by a $0.50/cwt increase in the all-milk price from April, to $21.30/cwt, which was mostly offset by a rise of $0.42/cwt of milk in the May DMC feed cost formula, driven by increases equivalent in the formula to $0.18/cwt of milk in both the corn and the premium alfalfa prices and $0.06/cwt of milk in the soybean meal price.

At the end of June, the DMC Decision Tool on the USDA website projected no other DMC payments this year, other than a possible small one for August. The forecast continues to show a somewhat unusual two-peaked structure for the monthly DMC margins for the remaining seven months of the year, hitting peaks of $11.51/cwt in June, November and December, with an interim trough of $9.75/cwt in August, while averaging $10.25/cwt for the year.



High input-cost concerns continue to weigh on farmer sentiment

Producers continued to express concern about farm finances as the June Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded a 6-point decline in farmer sentiment to 113. The Current Conditions Index fell to an 18-month low of 102, and the Future Expectations Index dropped 7 points. High input costs remained producers’ top concern, with 47% identifying them as the biggest challenge facing their operation, followed by low crop and livestock prices at 23%. A related question revealed that 42% of respondents feel high input costs are limiting improvements in their financial position this year. The survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from June 15-19.

Additional survey results illustrated the financial challenges facing producers. Just 12% of respondents said their farms were better off financially than a year ago, while only 22% expected their operations to improve over the next 12 months. Reflecting that cautious outlook, the Farm Capital Investment Index has continued its fall from the March 2026 survey to 40, its lowest level since September 2024.

When asked what was limiting improvement in their farm’s financial situation, 42% of respondents cited high input costs, while low output prices, at 17%, ranked second among responses. Weather risk (14%), policy uncertainty (11%), labor and equipment concerns (9%), and debt or financial pressure (8%) rounded out the remaining responses.

“While high input costs remain the primary constraint on farm financial performance, producers are continuing to make decisions in a broader environment shaped by technology adoption, trade expectations and long-term land value outlook,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture.

This month’s survey included two questions on the use of AI and other data-driven tools in agriculture. When asked about potential benefits, 23% of respondents cited increased production as the primary advantage, 14% cited reduced labor needs, and 11% cited reduced risk or uncertainty. However, a majority of respondents (52%) said they did not see a meaningful benefit from these tools.

Respondents also expressed skepticism about the practical use of data-driven tools. Approximately 63% said AI-generated recommendations would be sometimes difficult to follow, while 22% said they would often be difficult to follow.

Producers expressed generally positive expectations for agricultural exports over the next five years and showed strong support for free trade. While 9% of respondents expected agricultural exports to decline, 43% expected exports to increase over the next five years. Eighty-five percent agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that free trade benefits agriculture and most other American industries.

Beyond trade expectations, longer-term outlooks for the farm sector weakened compared with a year ago. The percentage of respondents expecting “good times” over the next five years fell to 32% in June, 17 percentage points lower than in the June 2025 survey. Expectations also continued to vary notably by sector, with 25% of respondents expecting good times for crop producers compared with 68% for livestock producers.

Short-term farmland value expectations declined in June, with the index falling from 130 in May to 124. In contrast, long-term expectations remained strong, rising to 166 and tying the record high. Respondents cited alternative investments, net farm income and inflation as the factors with the greatest influence on farmland values.

Since July 2025, producers have been asked whether they think the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” or on the “wrong track.” After averaging 71% during the final six months of 2025, the percentage of producers reporting the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” was 52% in May and 53% in June.



John Deere Reinforces Commitment to Diagnostic and Repair Tools for Farmers Under Agreement with FTC and States

An agreement announced today by John Deere, the Federal Trade Commission, and five states ensures farmers and ranchers will have access to the diagnostic and repair tools that help them and independent service technicians maintain and repair their current and future John Deere equipment.

“This is good news for our customers and for the future of how Deere equipment is supported,” said Denver Caldwell, vice president of aftermarket and customer support. “Producers and equipment operators demand flexible and world class capabilities enabling the maintenance and repair of their machines; we are and will continue to deliver on that expectation.”

This agreement reinforces Deere’s continued innovation toward more flexible repair options, emphasizing increased access and transparency for customers. It formalizes Deere’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to diagnostic and repair tools—helping customers and independent service providers maintain and repair equipment with greater choice and control—while providing the FTC and states with the ability to verify that Deere is meeting this commitment now and into the future.

“We’ve said from the beginning that our focus is on helping customers keep their machines running when and how they need them,” said Caldwell. “This agreement bolsters that commitment, and we’re confident it will make a real difference for the people who depend on our equipment every day. We share the Administration’s and the states’ desire to put farmers first while preserving Deere’s ability to support American agricultural productivity, equipment safety   and innovation.”

The agreement brings to a close the matter filed by the FTC and states in early 2025 and allows the company to move forward with a continued focus on supporting its customers. Recent settlements and related agreements in this space have similarly emphasized increased access and transparency for customers, reinforcing Deere’s continued innovation toward more flexible repair options.

John Deere will continue to invest in tools, technology, and services that give customers more ways to care for their equipment, whether they choose to do the work themselves or through a repair provider they trust. The company remains committed to delivering reliable equipment, strong dealer support, and practical solutions that help customers stay productive in the field.



Farmers Win in FTC Settlement with John Deere

National Farmers Union (NFU) celebrates the settlement announced Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general in Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, resolving a lawsuit against Deere & Company over restrictions on farm equipment repair. 

"Farmers Union championed this win from the beginning, and we are happy to see the settlement provide farmers with what they should have had all along: the right to repair their own equipment," said NFU President Rob Larew. “Today’s action didn't happen by accident. Farmers across the country refused to stay quiet about this injustice. This settlement belongs to them."

NFU filed a formal complaint with the FTC in 2022 and has long been at the forefront of the fight for farmers’ right to repair.

The settlement requires Deere, for the next 10 years and under the supervision of the FTC and the participating states, to provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources currently available only to Deere's authorized dealers. Deere is also barred from discriminating or retaliating against customers who choose to repair their own equipment.

“Every farmer, no matter what state they farm in or what equipment they run, deserves this same right. We will keep fighting for a permanent, nationwide right-to-repair law that guarantees farmers fair and lasting access to the tools, parts and information we need to keep our operations running,” added Larew.



NFU Urges USDA to Reverse Course on Packers and Stockyards Act Rollback

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew shared the following statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed to rescind three regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“We are deeply concerned by USDA's proposal to rescind rules that protect family farmers and ranchers from retaliation, discrimination and unfair treatment by powerful meatpackers and processors.

"The Trump administration has rightly pointed to consolidation and monopoly power as a driver of higher consumer prices and tighter margins for farmers and ranchers. But that acknowledgement must be reinforced by strong rules to protect farmers and increase fairness and competition in livestock and poultry markets. We hope the administration stands up for family farmers by strengthening these protections, not rolling them back.

"NFU will keep fighting to ensure these common-sense protections, pursued by family farmers for generations, stay in place, and we urge USDA to reverse course."