Thursday July 23 Ag News - Pasture Heat Stress - Landlord-Tenant Wksps Locations Added - NeCGA urge Fertilizer Ind. Investigation - Milk Prod Up 2.4% in Q2 - Fertilizer Prices Drop - Ethanol Prod Rebounds - CME Launches Ag Index, Sorghum Basis Futures - and more!

PASTURE HEAT STRESS 
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator 

Heat stress is often talked about with feedlot cattle, but animals on pasture can be at risk too. All livestock can struggle when high temperatures, humidity, low wind, and warm nights stack together.

During a heat wave, water is the first place to start. During hot weather, livestock water demand can increase quickly. Check water sources before a heat event, not after animals are already stressed. Make sure tanks are clean, water flow is adequate, and animals have enough space to drink without crowding. Weak flow or limited tank space can lead to bunching, and bunching adds heat.

Shade can help, but only if it is used well. Natural shade from trees can be valuable, but it can also concentrate animals in one area. If shade is limited, cattle may bunch tightly, reduce airflow, damage grass, and avoid grazing. When possible, make sure water, shade, and grazing areas are not pulling livestock into one small spot during the hottest part of the day.

Air movement is also important. Wind helps animals cool themselves. Pastures with draws, heavy tree cover, or low areas may have less airflow, especially on still, humid days. Watch where animals are spending time and whether they have room to spread out.

Fly control also plays a role. Flies and other pests can cause cattle to bunch, stomp, and stand instead of grazing or resting. Good fly control will not eliminate heat stress, but it can reduce one more reason animals crowd together.

Finally, avoid handling, hauling, or rotating livestock during the heat of the day. If animals need to be moved or worked, do it early in the morning and keep it quiet and low stress.

Signs of heat stress include open-mouth breathing, heavy salivation, restlessness, bunching, and crowding around water or shade. Once severe signs appear, options are limited.



2026-2027 Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops - Locations Added

Wondering whether your cash rent reflects current land values, or whether your lease agreement covers you if something goes wrong? A new series of workshops across Nebraska this fall and winter is built to answer those questions.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will present a series of 2026-2027 landlord/tenant cash rent workshops for Nebraska landowners and operators, beginning in August 2026.

The workshops will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other land management considerations. The meeting will also include discussions on managing financial and legal risk, providing attendees with an opportunity to have their land questions answered. 

Extension agricultural economists Anastasia Meyer and Jim Jansen will lead the presentation. Both are with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

Schedule and Registration Details
    Fremont: Aug. 13, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Dodge County, 1206 W. 23rd St. Refreshments sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 12 at 402-727-2775. 
    Grand Island: Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Hall County, College Park, 3180 U.S. Highway 34. Lunch sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 17 at 308-385-5088.
    Lincoln: Aug. 20, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A. Lunch sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 19 at 402-441-7180.
    Geneva: Aug. 25, 1-4 p.m., at the Geneva Public Library, 1043 G St. Refreshments sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 24 at 402-759-3712.
    Columbus: Aug. 26, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Platte County, 2715 13th St. Refreshments sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 25 at 402-563-4901.
    Omaha: Sept. 1, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties, 8015 W. Center Road. Refreshments sponsored by Peoples Company. Register by Aug. 31 at 402-444-7804.

A meal or snacks and refreshments will be offered at each meeting, sponsored by Peoples Company.

The meetings are free to attend, but registration is requested by the day before each workshop by calling the local Nebraska Extension office. 



Nebraska Corn Growers Insists on Prompt Investigation of Fertilizer Industry
 
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA), along with 16 other state corn organizations, sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Richard J. Durbin urging for a quick investigation of collusive practices within the fertilizer industry.

In late May, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Fergusan called for an investigation of the fertilizer industry’s business practices. Shortly after, comments came from a senior official within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “that a duopoly has been manipulating the market”.

“Nebraska’s farmers need this investigation completed quickly as planning for the 2027 growing season begins,” said Michael Dibbern, NeCGA board president and grower from Cairo. “It is imperative that competition within the fertilizer markets is restored along with some stability back within the agricultural economy.”



April-June Milk Production up 2.4 Percent

Milk production in the United States during the April - June quarter totaled 60.2 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent from the April - June quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.67 million head, 44,000 head more than the January - March quarter, and 192,000 head more than the same period last year.

Nebraska.:    50,000 milk cows (unch from Q2'25)  -   315,000,000 lbs prod. (+0.3% from Q2'25)      
Iowa .......:   245,000 milk cows (+2000 from Q2'25) - 1,551,000,000 lbs prod. (+1.0% from Q2'25)     



New Poll Finds Iowa Voters Reject the Save Our Bacon Act
Press Release

Iowa voters oppose the Save Our Bacon Act by nearly a two-to-one margin, according to a new statewide poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, and released today by Farm Action Fund, a farmer-led nonpartisan organization dedicated to building a fair, competitive, resilient and healthy agricultural food system. The poll was first covered by Politico’s Weekly Agriculture newsletter. 

The survey of 625 registered Iowa voters, conducted July 6-8, found that 45% of Iowans oppose the legislation while just 23% support it. Opposition spans every congressional district, age group, party affiliation, and among both men and women. Among voters who had already heard of the bill before being polled, opposition climbs to 60%. 

The Save Our Bacon Act, which passed the U.S. House in April as part of the House Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), would prohibit states from enforcing many of their own standards governing the production and sale of agricultural products, overriding state laws approved by voters and legislatures. 

“Iowa voters have sent an unmistakable message: they don’t want Washington and a China-owned pork giant overriding the standards set by states,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund and a fourth-generation hog farmer. “They believe states—not powerful corporations or the politicians they fund—should have the right to set their own food and farming standards. Even in one of the nation’s leading pork-producing states, voters reject legislation that strips away states’ rights and undermines farmers who have already invested in meeting new market opportunities. Ashley Hinson is out of touch with her own constituents. Congress should listen to the 74% of Iowans – Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike – who want these decisions made close to home.” 

Hardin County farmer John Gilbert said this legislation threatens not only his premium market for the pigs raised on the farm, but also endangers the safety of the food system for all Iowans. Gilbert said, “This anti-Prop 12 bill is so broadly worded that many other laws regulating farming and food safety are likely to be nullified. Why? All because the pork monopolies and foreign packers won't take the 'No' from the U.S. Supreme Court which said Prop 12 is legal. Instead they have bought politicians like Ashley Hinson to do their bidding. Iowans deserve better than Big Pork’s gaslighting and deception about who this bill hurts, and who reaps the benefits. My independent hog farm is benefitting and so are many others.” 



ASA Applauds Efforts to Restore Prevented Plant Buy-Up Option

The American Soybean Association applauds Secretary Brooke Rollins and Senator John Hoeven for their efforts to restore the prevented plant buy-up option under the federal crop insurance program. ASA has long advocated for restoring this important risk management tool and appreciates USDA's commitment to working toward its return.

"Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net, and restoring the prevented plant buy-up option will provide farmers with greater certainty as they navigate increasingly unpredictable weather and challenging economic conditions," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer. "We appreciate Senator Hoeven's leadership and Secretary Rollins' commitment to this effort."

ASA looks forward to continuing to work with USDA until this important protection is restored. 



Fertilizer Prices Continue Downward Trend

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second full week of July 2026 continue to fall compared to last month. Mostly lower prices have been present for six straight weeks now, according to DTN price data. Six fertilizers were lower in price compared to last month while the remaining two were slightly higher for the fifth consecutive week. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. Four of the six nutrients with less expensive prices had substantial price moves lower.

Leading the nutrients lower was UAN32 and anhydrous. UAN32 was 15% less expensive than last month with an average price of $465/ton, while anhydrous was 11% lower than last month with an average price of $967/ton. Anhydrous was back under the $1,000/ton level for the first time in 17 weeks. The third week of March was last time the nitrogen fertilizer price was three digits. Also, considerably lower were both urea and UAN28. Urea was 7% lower compared to last month with an average price of $682/ton while UAN28 was 6% less expensive with an average price of $480/ton. Urea dropped below the $700/ton level for the first time in 17 weeks as well.

The remaining two fertilizers were just slightly less expensive compared to a month ago. Potash had an average price of $494/ton and 10-34-0 was $719/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $911/ton while MAP was $958/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.74/lb.N, anhydrous $0.59/lb.N, UAN28 $0.86/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. Potash is 3% higher, urea is 4% more expensive, both UAN32 and 10-34-0 are now 7% higher, DAP is 12% more expensive, MAP is 13% higher, UAN28 is 15% more expensive and anhydrous is 26% higher looking back to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/17/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 17, ethanol production rebounded 5.2% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.95 million gallons daily. Output was 1.5% higher than the same week last year and 3.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked up 0.1% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.69 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 0.4% to 24.5 million barrels. Stocks were 0.2% more than the same week last year and 4.2% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, strengthened 1.2% to 8.95 million b/d (137.53 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 0.2% less than a year ago and 2.6% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol swelled 3.5% to 938,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.42 bg annualized and the largest weekly volume since mid-May 2025. Net inputs were 2.3% more than year-ago levels and 2.6% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports sprang 95.1% to 158,000 b/d (6.6 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



CME Group's New Agriculture Index Delivers Unified Price Benchmark for the Global Farm Economy

CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today announced the launch of its Agriculture Index, a broad-based price benchmark designed to track the aggregate performance of five sectors fundamental to the global farm economy.

The index, which will be updated monthly, integrates futures prices from Grains, Oilseeds, Livestock, Dairy and Lumber. These components allow the benchmark to comprehensively track structural changes in supply chains, shifting industrial demand and changing consumer habits impacting the cost of farm goods around the world.

"Agriculture doesn't move one commodity at a time–and neither should the benchmarks that track it," said John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agricultural Products at CME Group. "By aggregating futures prices across five sectors on a single platform, the CME Group Agriculture Index gives producers, traders and analysts a more complete read on the farm economy and where it's headed."

The index methodology is designed to provide a fair representation of commodity costs, neutralizing price differences between delivery months for futures contracts and applying appropriate weightings across different markets.

The Agriculture Index complements the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a nationwide, monthly measure of 400 producers' sentiment and outlook on the agricultural economy.

For more information on the CME Group Agriculture Index, please visit https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/agriculture/agriculture-index. 



CME Group Launches Sorghum Basis Futures to Meet Global Feed, Export and Biofuel Demand

CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today announced plans to launch Sorghum basis futures. Trading is expected to start on August 24, 2026, pending regulatory review.

Sorghum is a versatile commodity uniquely positioned to meet global demand from the domestic feed industry, the international export market and, more recently, biofuels.

The new basis contract reflects the price difference between sorghum and corn, two types of grain used in animal feed as well as ethanol feedstock. Sorghum's premium over corn usually signals international demand driving values higher. A deep discount compels domestic buyers to shift feed rations toward cheaper sorghum.

"While sorghum prices tend to track corn closely over extended macroeconomic cycles, geopolitical events and regional supply shifts can disrupt that relationship," said John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agricultural Products, CME Group. "In recent years, the sorghum-to-corn cash spread has experienced considerable volatility, swinging from sharp premiums to steep discounts. The Sorghum futures contract will provide market participants a precise instrument to hedge that basis risk."

The contracts will be physically delivered, with grain being loaded out by truck or rail from a network of elevators in Kansas, the nation's largest sorghum-producing state, by using the established Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat delivery network.

CME Group achieved record quarterly volume of 2.1 million contracts for Agricultural products in Q2 2026. Corn futures and options reached record open interest of 4.1 million contracts in Q2 2026, with the second highest quarterly volumes on record at 695,000 contracts traded.

The new Sorghum basis futures contracts will be listed and subject to the rules of CBOT. For more information on these products, please visit  https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/agriculture/grains/sorghum. 



NSP Chair Amy France statement on proposed CME sorghum futures contract

In response to CME Group’s announcement of a proposed sorghum futures contract, National Sorghum Producers Chair Amy France, a Kansas farmer, issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement of a sorghum futures contract should be an exciting development for our industry. However, our responsibility is to look beyond the announcement and ensure the proposed product works for sorghum farmers. Significant questions remain.

Growers, through sorghum organizations like NSP, provided recommendations for more appropriate delivery points and other safeguards to support contract liquidity, but those recommendations are not reflected in the proposed CME product, which relies on a wheat-market model.

As implementation moves forward, we will continue advocating for improvements, seeking answers to outstanding questions and ensuring producers have the information they need to understand the product and its potential impact.”



USDA Asks Partners to Develop AI Solutions to Accelerate Crop Innovation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to speed up progress in plant science by calling on universities and stakeholders to help build new AI tools that can translate the huge amount of germplasm data the agency collects.

Through the Genesis Mission and the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA), USDA is expected to launch an Agricultural National Science & Technology Challenge later this year. The Challenge will ask innovators to create practical solutions that pull together different types of information—like images, field data, and lab results—so scientists can quickly spot important plant and seed traits and develop crops that are more resilient and productive.

“USDA is taking concrete steps to give scientists the modern tools they need to innovate agricultural solutions from the vast plant data that they collect,” said REE Under Secretary and USDA Chief Scientist Dr. Scott Hutchins. “When our partners help us to solve agricultural challenges by using AI tools, we’ll unlock faster discoveries with germplasm data and grow better crops that strengthen our food system for many future generations.”

The Genesis Mission, launched in November 2025, is a national effort coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to leverage artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery. The Mission will bring together America’s scientists, top innovative businesses, world-renowned universities; and data repositories, production plants, and national security sites — to use AI tools to solve the nation’s most complex science and technological challenges. Challenge teams will have access to the American Science and Security Platform, DOE-built shared infrastructure that will connect datasets, scientific instrumentation, and AI tools to accelerate discovery.