Thursday July 30 Ag News - SMFD TAPS Featured at ENREEC - Ricketts on Ending CAFE Standards - Fertilizer Price Slide Continues - Ethanol Prod Hits 28 Week High - USGBC Summer Meeting - and more!

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Announces Rural Radio Scholarship Recipients 

For adults pursuing higher education while balancing careers, families, and community commitments, financial assistance can make all the difference. The Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarship in honor of Max and Eric Brown was created to support individuals who are investing in their education and the future of Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities. 

This year, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded the scholarship to Kiley Conder of Hall County, Katy Denny of Lincoln County, and Emily Kammerer of Lincoln County. Recipients must be 25 years old or older, demonstrate a commitment to the future of agriculture and rural communities in Nebraska, and be enrolled in a Nebraska postsecondary education program, including community colleges, technical schools, or training programs. 

"The purpose of the scholarship is to give nontraditional students a financial break and to give them tangible encouragement to continue their education," said Eric Brown, retired general manager of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association and one of the scholarship’s honorees. "Since 2017, more than $52,000 in Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarships have been awarded by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. I'm glad the Foundation is the vehicle to fulfill this goal." 

Recipients may use the scholarship to pursue a variety of educational opportunities that help them grow professionally and continue serving their communities. 

Conder is completing her bachelor's degree while working full-time as an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Wood River Rural Schools. Denny is pursuing her master's degree as she prepares to become a K-12 school counselor at Wallace Public Schools. Kammerer, an agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Hershey High School, is working toward her first master's degree while balancing work and community commitments. 

"It is exciting to see the impact this scholarship can have for students who are working toward their educational goals while continuing to serve their communities," said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. "We appreciate the opportunity to support Kiley Conder, Katy Denny, and Emily Kammerer, and the work they are doing to strengthen rural Nebraska."



Soybean Management Field Days to Showcase TAPS Results, Production Strategies

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Nebraska Extension’s Soybean Management Field Days. This August, the annual event offers practical insights into cutting-edge soybean management practices and technologies, along with opportunities to network with fellow farmers and industry experts.

For the third consecutive year, the Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) soybean competition results will be featured during the field days, with updates on lessons learned from last season and progress in this year's contest.

The three-fold focus of the field days is to provide practical information, foster dialogue and showcase collaborative efforts:
    Learn about best practices and strategies to apply in your fields.
    Engage in productive discussions on issues ranging from local to global.
    Explore Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) initiatives in research, marketing and education.

"Our goal is to give growers real value they can take home and use," said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. "By highlighting programs like TAPS, we’re helping producers evaluate new ideas and learn directly from the results. In addition to TAPS, the field days also focus on timely topics that matter most to growers."

Throughout the four-day event, attendees will be able to participate in two different formats: one in the evening and the other during the day.

The evening meetings, held Tuesday, Aug. 11–Thursday, Aug. 13, will feature presentations on locally relevant topics and engage participants in interactive discussions.

To conclude the week on Friday, Aug. 14, a field day starting mid-morning will highlight the Soybean TAPS contest with interactive discussions and a plot tour.

Soybean Management Field Days is free to attend thanks to support from NSB. To help with a meal count, please pre-register two days in advance of each field day via the online form or by calling 402-624-8030.

Evening Programs
Tuesday, Aug. 11 – West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC), North Platte
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, short updates on western Nebraska soybean topics including weed control, irrigation, insect and disease control, fertility, and an update on the soybean crush facility project
    Speakers: Nicolás Cafaro la Menza, Milos Zaric, Abia Katimbo, Talon Mues, Todd Whitney, Chuck Burr, Andrea Rilakovic, Walter Cronin from White River Nutrition

Wednesday, Aug. 12 – Herbig Brothers farm, Central City
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition, managing iron chlorosis, and soybean irrigation
    Speakers: Dylan Mangel, Steve Melvin, Chris Proctor, Nicolás Cafaro la Menza

Thursday, Aug. 13 — Mike Gropp farm, Crete
Registration at 5:30 p.m., program from 6-8 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS competition and soybean gall midge research plot tour
    Speakers: Justin McMechan, Matheus Ribeiro, Chris Proctor, John Nelson

Morning Program
Friday, Aug. 14 — Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), near Mead
Registration at 9:30 a.m., program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Topics: Soybean TAPS update, avoiding farm financial mistakes, IPM recommendations, and tour of competition plots.
    Speakers: Garrett Ruskamp of Pioneer Farmer, Chris Proctor, Chuck Burr, Dylan Mangel, Aaron Nygren, Justin McMechan

Attendees will also have the chance to connect with representatives from NSB and Nebraska Soybean Association at each location.

Registration and information about the field days, including maps to the event sites can be found on the SMFD homepage https://enreec.unl.edu/soydays/, or by contacting NSB at 402-441-3240 or Nebraska Extension at 402-624-8030.



Ricketts Supports Ending CAFE Standards to Lower Automobile Costs for Nebraskan Farmers and Consumers

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Senator Crapo (R-ID) and four of his senate colleagues to introduce the Restoring Affordability in Automobile Manufacturing (RAAM Act). This bill would permanently eliminate the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.  This would increase consumer choice and lower automobile prices for Nebraskans. 

Republicans eliminated civil monetary penalties for noncompliance with CAFE standards as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts in July 2025. The Trump administration fully reversed President Biden’s CAFE standards by executive order in December 2025. The RAAM Act would permanently eliminate the standards and prevent future administrations from reestablishing these standards or stricter regulations.

“Affordability is at the top of minds for Nebraskans,” said Senator Ricketts.  “Biden-era fuel regulations impose unfair fuel standards that limit consumer choice and drive-up costs.  Last year, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which zeroed out these penalties.  To prevent future administrations from raising penalties again, I support permanently repealing the Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.  Nebraskans will have more control over the vehicles they purchase, and farmers will no longer have to pay the costs of burdensome regulations.  I support the RAAM Act to unleash American energy dominance, lower costs for consumers, and support our agriculture community.”

Senators Ricketts and Crapo were joined by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) for introduction of the bill.  

The legislation is supported by the American Petroleum Institute and Americans for Prosperity.

The RAAM Act would eliminate CAFE standards effective model year 2029.  
 
Background:
Congress enacted the CAFE program in 1975 following the OPEC oil embargo to reduce petroleum consumption, improve fuel economy, and strengthen the nation’s energy security. 

In recent years, CAFE standards became a partisan tool used by the Biden administration to advance its unpopular, partisan climate change agenda rather than its intended focus of protecting America’s fuel and energy security.

The CAFE standard regulations restrict consumer choice, harm U.S. farmers and businesses, and provide a lane for Communist China to infiltrate our automotive industry. 



USDA Designates More Nebraska Counties as Disasters; Frees up Loan Assistance to Farmers Impacted by Drought

The number of Nebraska counties adversely impacted by drought continues to grow. Governor Jim Pillen has announced the approval of two primary counties and 11 contiguous counties that will now be eligible for loan assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“This most recent secretarial disaster designation from Sec. Brooke Rollins will now increase the number of counties that can access to emergency loans. I appreciate Sec. Rollins, her constant attention to the needs of or farmers and ag producers who might require this assistance as a result of the drought impact during this growing season,” said Gov. Pillen.

The counties are listed below:
Primary: Lancaster, Saline
Contiguous: Butler, Cass, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Otoe, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, York

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with additional information.



Fertilizer Prices Keep Sliding  

Most retailer fertilizer prices continued their downward track in the third week of July for the seventh consecutive week, as five of the nutrients tracked by DTN were lower compared to the previous month. In all, four of the eight fertilizers saw significant month-over-month price drops. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The five fertilizers with average price drops were led by UAN32, which dipped 14% compared to last month with an average price of $461 per ton. Anhydrous prices dropped by 11% to $962/ton, after falling under $1,000/ton for the first time since the third week of March. The average price of UAN28 fell by 6% to $473/ton. DTN data shows that one year ago the price of UAN28 was 13% higher. Urea saw a 5% drop in average price to $683/ton, one week after falling below the $700/ton mark in 17 weeks. The nutrient 10-34-0 also fell by 1% to $718/ton. 

The remaining three nutrients showed slight increases from the previous month. MAP's average price increased by 1% to $958/ton, while DAP increased slightly to $913/ton and potash to $494/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.74/lb.N, anhydrous $0.59/lb.N, UAN28 $0.85/lb.N and UAN32 $0.72/lb.N. Seven of eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier, with UAN32 coming in 7% less expensive.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/24/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 24, ethanol production accelerated 3.6% to a 28-week high of 1.13 million b/d, equivalent to 47.59 million gallons daily and the second-largest level on record. Output was 3.4% higher than the same week last year and 6.3% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.4% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.76 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 1.0% to a 9-week high of 24.7 million barrels. Stocks were effectively even with the same week last year and 5.1% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 1.1% to a 4-week high of 9.04 million b/d (138.98 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 1.2% less than a year ago and 0.8% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol crept up 0.1% to 939,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.43 bg annualized, marking the highest volume since mid-May 2025. Net inputs were 2.1% more than year-ago levels and 2.0% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 13.3% to 137,000 b/d (5.8 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



USGBC Summer Meeting Focused On Trade Policy

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) opened its 66th Annual Board of Delegates meeting today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson welcomed attendees and shared a preview of the meeting’s upcoming content.

“My theme this year, The Time Is Now, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current environment,” Wilson said.

“At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains and ethanol around the world.”

The morning session was highlighted by a panel on advancing U.S. trade and agricultural priorities moderated by USGBC President & CEO Ryan LeGrand and featuring U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Julie Callahan and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Luke Lindberg.

The day included addresses from Anastasia Poull, the 79th Alice in Dairyland, and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski. Attendees also heard about strengthening supply chains through the great lakes from Great Lakes Lawerence Seaway Administrator Mike McCoshen.

The general session concluded with an organizational funding update presented by USGBC Vice President Cary Sifferath and USGBC Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz and a “State of the Council” address by LeGrand.

“I think the Council’s biggest advantage with new funding is we have been able to hire people who are specialized in very focused areas which will help us continue our global priorities and in developing markets,” Shultz said.

The day’s agenda ended with Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings where members had the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGBC programs and priorities.

The conference will continue Thursday with insights into the brewing industry, a presentation on sustainable marine fuel and trade policy outlook presentations.

The conference concludes Friday with the Council’s Board of Delegates meeting, financial, A-Team and sector reports and a vote to fill open positions on the Council’s board of directors.

The 66th Board of Delegates meeting runs through Friday. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains26



Secretary Rollins Visits Douglas Port of Entry, Announces $25 Million Commitment for New Arizona Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility

Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins visited the livestock inspection facilities at the Douglas, Arizona, Port of Entry, joined by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02), and Arizona Director of Agriculture Paul Brierley, highlighting the Department’s extensive preparedness measures ahead of the planned reopening of the port to livestock trade on August 24. During her visit, Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s commitment to invest $25 million toward the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona to strengthen the nation’s long-term response to New World screwworm (NWS).

“Protecting American agriculture begins with protecting our borders and ensuring we have the strongest animal health safeguards anywhere in the world. The Douglas Port of Entry will reopen only because USDA has implemented one of the most rigorous livestock inspection protocols in history, giving us confidence we can safely resume this critical trade while ensuring cattle crossing the border are free from New World screwworm,” said Secretary Rollins. “At the same time, today’s announcement marks another major investment in our long-term strategy to push this pest back into Mexico and ultimately eradicate it from North America. Together with our partners in Arizona, we’re strengthening the infrastructure needed to protect American ranchers for generations to come.”

Secretary Rollins also received updates from USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) personnel responsible for implementing enhanced inspection protocols for each and every animal entering through Douglas once trade resumes. Under USDA’s phased reopening plan announced last week, each animal will receive multiple veterinary inspections, including by USDA veterinarians before entering the United States. Any animal failing to meet APHIS import criteria will be denied entry, and detection of NWS would immediately halt imports through the facility.

Yesterday’s announcement also advances USDA’s aggressive strategy to strengthen sterile fly production and dispersal capacity. The proposed Arizona sterile fly dispersal facility would complement existing investments in Texas, Mexico, and Panama while improving the Department’s ability to respond rapidly to NWS threats along the Southwest border. USDA will continue working closely with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and state leaders to identify the specific location and operational plan for the facility in Douglas, Arizona. Depending on the selected site and available infrastructure, construction could be completed in as little as several months.

APHIS and Arizona state personnel have maintained trapping operations near Douglas over the last year, submitting nearly 1,000 flies, none of which were identified as NWS by scientific experts. USDA and Arizona officials have also conducted extensive coordination exercises, preparedness planning, stakeholder outreach, and response training to ensure the state is ready to respond should the pest ever threaten the region.

Last week, USDA announced a coordinated, phased reopening of southern livestock ports contingent upon Mexico’s continued adherence to the Joint Action Plan to combat NWS. Douglas was selected as the first port to reopen because Sonora maintains one of Mexico’s strongest animal health systems and remains the lowest-risk state for NWS, while the Douglas facility is well positioned to implement USDA’s enhanced inspection protocols. Following a successful reopening of Douglas and continued evaluation of disease risk, USDA will consider reopening the Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, ports.

USDA’s reopening timeline remains contingent upon continued progress by Mexico and ongoing risk assessments. The Department will continue monitoring conditions closely and stand ready to pause or adjust reopening plans should the risk profile change. Protecting the American livestock industry remains USDA’s highest priority.



Growth Energy Applauds Progress on E15 Approval in California 

Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today for proposing regulations required to fully implement the state legislature’s approval of E15, a fuel made with 15% American ethanol that can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today. 

The proposed rule would establish the technical standards necessary to bring E15 to California's fuel pumps, giving drivers access to a cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel option that has saved consumers 30 cents less per gallon on average in other states. 

"CARB's proposed rulemaking represents a critical step toward getting E15 into the fuel tanks of California drivers, who are looking for ways to save money," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "We applaud the agency for maintaining an approach that is consistent with interim rules adopted following passage of AB30 to make E15 available to California drivers." 

California's approval of E15 in 2025 opened the door for significant economic benefits to the state's drivers and agricultural economy. With E15 now legal in all 50 states, California's implementation of the necessary regulations will unlock new markets for American farmers while delivering immediate savings at the pump. 

Skor added: "We thank Governor Newsom, Assembly Members David Alvarez, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Heath Flora, and the California Problem Solvers Caucus who have made lower-cost fuel options a top priority, as well as regulators at CARB. We will continue to work with them to make retailer and consumer access to E15 as easy as possible. We also continue to work closely with the State Fire Marshal’s office to clear the final regulatory barriers to bigger savings at the pump."  



Apply Now for ASA’s 2027 Conservation Legacy Awards  

Are you a U.S. soybean farmer committed to conservation and sustainability? The American Soybean Association wants to hear your story.

ASA is now accepting applications for the 2027 Conservation Legacy Awards, recognizing soybean farmers who demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship while maintaining productive and profitable operations.

The Conservation Legacy Awards honor farmers who successfully integrate conservation practices that improve soil health, protect water quality, enhance efficiency, and support the long-term sustainability of their farms. Eligible practices include cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management, irrigation management, diversified crop rotations, buffer implementation, terraces and waterways, and precision agriculture technologies that help optimize crop inputs.

All U.S. soybean farmers are encouraged to apply. Applications will be evaluated based on excellence in soil, water, input, and environmental management, as well as overall conservation and sustainability efforts.

Each year, awards are presented across four regions: Midwest, Upper Midwest, Northeast, and South. One farmer from each region will be selected as a Regional Conservation Legacy Award winner and recognized during the 2027 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana. Of those four regional winners, one will also be named the 2027 National Conservation Legacy Award recipient.

Regional Conservation Legacy Award winners will receive:
    An expense-paid trip for two to Commodity Classic, March 2-5, 2027, in New Orleans, LA
    Recognition during the ASA Awards Celebration at Commodity Classic
    A feature story highlighting their farming operation and conservation efforts
    A professionally produced on-farm video showcasing their conservation practices

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by ASA, BASF, Bayer, Nutrien, Valent USA, and the Soy Checkoff.

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2026.

More information on the Conservation Legacy Awards, including recent winners and application details, is available here https://soygrowers.com/about/awards/conservation-legacy/.