Tuesday July 21 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress & Condition Report - Jobman Elected to NCGA - ICGA/ICPB Election Results - Scoular to Pay $10M in Foreign Bribery Case - EPA Farm, Ranch Advisory Committee - Canada Sec 338 Tariffs - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - July 19

                               Very Short     Short    Adequate     Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......:    26          39            34              01    
Subsoil Moisture .......:    33          38            28              01    

                              .....  Last year   Last week   This week   5YrAve
Corn Silking................:        52            26              60          59
Corn in Dough............:        09            01              06            08
Soybeans in bloom.....:        58            65             69            68
Soybeans setting pods.:        15            11              23          25
Sorghum headed ........:        14           08              16            11    
Winter Wheat Harvested:     45           42             59            58

                                              VP       Poor       Fair        Good       Excellent    
Corn Condition Rating ...:     02          07         26           42             23
Soybean Condition Rating    01          06          25          44             24
Pasture Conditions ..........:    35          33          24           08              00    



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 19, 2026. This is 2.4 days more than last year, when there were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 26 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 27 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. 

Corn silking in Iowa reached 72 percent, which is 14 percentage points ahead of last year. Eight percent of Iowa’s corn crop reached the dough stage, which is 8 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 80 percent good to excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 70 percent, which is 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Soybeans setting pods reached 34 percent, which is 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Soybean condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. 

Oats headed reached 99 percent, which is unchanged from last year. Thirty-nine percent of oats have been harvested, which is 6 percentage points ahead of last year. Oats condition 83 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 67 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Soybean condition ratings improved for a second straight week, while U.S. corn conditions slipped, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 59%, 6 percentage points ahead of last year's 53% and 5 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 54%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 13%, steady with last year and 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 11%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 1 percentage point below the previous week of 68% and 7 percentage points below last year's 74%. Nine percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 1 percentage point above the previous week's 8% and 3 percentage points above the previous year's 6%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming was pegged at 66%, 6 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 60%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 32%, 8 percentage points ahead of last year and the five-year average of 24%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 66% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, 1 point above the previous week of 65% and 2 points below the previous year of 68%. 

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 7 percentage points last week to reach 74% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 72% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 71%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: Eighty-six percent of spring wheat was headed, steady with last year's pace and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 85%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 53% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 5 percentage points from 58% the previous week. 



Nebraska Corn Congratulates Andy Jobman on Election to the NCGA Corn Board

Last week, farmers from across the country attended the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. During the event, Nebraska corn farmer Andy Jobman was elected to NCGA’s Corn Board.

“I am humbled to join the National Corn Board and continue serving corn farmers across Nebraska and the country,” said Jobman. “My commitment to the National Corn Growers Association remains the same as it always has: to uphold NCGA’s tradition of excellence and expertise and to use the relationships, knowledge and perspective I have gained to serve American corn farmers for corn and country.”

Jobman is a fifth-generation farmer from Gothenburg, Nebraska. Alongside his parents, brother and sister-in-law, his wife Becky and their two sons, he operates a diversified crop and livestock operation producing food-grade white and yellow corn, soybeans and alfalfa while raising cattle. Their farm combines family tradition with innovative management through precision agriculture, conservation practices and on-farm storage to deliver high-quality products to customers year-round.

Jobman brings more than a decade of leadership experience at the local, state and national levels of the corn industry. He currently serves as chair of NCGA’s Risk Management Action Team and previously served as chair of the Stewardship Action Team. He is also a past president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) and currently serves as chair of its Government Relations Committee.

“Andy has been a dedicated advocate for corn farmers and a respected leader within our industry for many years,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director for Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “His experience, perspective and commitment to serving growers will make him a valuable addition to the National Corn Board. We congratulate Andy on this well-deserved achievement.”

Jobman’s three-year term begins Oct. 1, 2026. The election took place during NCGA’s 2026 Corn Congress. The event focuses on shaping policy, setting priorities and meeting with policymakers for the U.S. corn industry. Corn farmer delegates from across the country participated in the discussions and election.

Jobman will join fellow Nebraskans Jason Lewis, Dan Nerud and Jan tenBensel on the 15-member Corn Board. 



I-29 Moo University Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar Series Continues On August 26 With A Focus On The Effects Of Growth Enhancing Technology On Mineral Requirements In DXB Cattle

The I-29 Moo University Beef On Dairy Dialogue Webinar Series continues at 12 noon CDT on Wednesday, August 26 featuring Dr. Dathan Smerchek discussing the effect of growth enhancing technology on mineral requirement in beef cattle.

Trace minerals (TM) are an essential component of the ruminant diet. Although required in small amounts, this component of the diet is vital in supporting and enhancing cattle growth and ensuring the profitability of beef production. Historically, TM requirements were set to prevent deficiencies. These requirements significantly improved growth and reproductive performance. In the United States, the beef cattle industry continues to increase total beef production with a shrinking mature cow herd. From 1977 to 2007, a 44% increase in beef cattle growth rates occurred, and this trend has continued, as evidenced by the consistent, year-on-year increase in hot carcass weight. These improvements in growth and production are achieved through improved cattle genetics, precision nutritional strategies, increased days on feed, and improved use of growth-enhancing technologies. Growth-enhancing technologies such as steroidal implants and beta-adrenergic agonists are valuable tools that significantly improve growth performance, feed efficiency, and lean tissue accretion. Thus, cattle grow faster and more efficiently than ever and to heavier finished weights. Given that many TM requirements were established over 40 years ago, it is important to reevaluate whether these standards still meet the needs of the modern beef animal.

Dr. Dathan Smerchek is an Assistant Professor in Animal Science at Iowa State University, my appointment is primarily research focused. My research program is currently in the early stages of development, but the overall goal of my research program is to foster innovation within the beef industry through science-based approaches to improve precision livestock nutritional and technological management to influence sustainability, productivity, and profitability of the industry.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/P4ZUFZ

For more information; in Iowa contact, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota contact, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; in Nebraska contact Kortney Harpestad at 402-472-3571; or in South Dakota contact, Warren Rusche, 605-688-5452.

I-29 Moo University is a consortium of Extension dairy and livestock specialists from the land-grant universities in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The I-29 Moo University is a multi-state learning collaboration and connects extension dairy staff with the dairy community to share research, information and management practices through workshops, webinars, e-newsletters, podcasts, and on-farm tours. University Extension and Outreach educational programs are supported by federal, state, and county funds, as well as grants, contracts, user fees, and donations. For more information about the I-29 Moo University Collaboration and programs visit www.i-29moou.com.



Iowa Corn Announces Election Results for 2026 Board of Directors

Iowa Corn announced Monday the 2026 Board of Directors election results for the Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB).  

Those elected as ICGA directors will continue to bring grassroots policy issues forward and be the collective voice for over 7,000 corn-farmer members lobbying on agricultural issues at the state and federal level. These individuals include:  
District 3: Ted Hamer 
District 4: Laura Foell* (Sac County)
District 9: Paula Ellis 
   *For those re-elected  

Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. ICPB directors will continue to promote a thriving Iowa corn industry through research into new and value-added corn uses, domestic and foreign market development and providing education about corn and corn products. These individuals include:  
District 1: Gina White 
District 3: Jason Orr* 
District 6: Lance Lillibridge 
District 8: Blake Reynolds 
   *For those re-elected  

Both ICGA and ICPB are tasked with creating opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. Elected directors will begin serving their districts on September 1, 2026. 



Agricultural Company to Pay Over $10M to Resolve Foreign Bribery Case

The Scoular Company (Scoular), an agricultural supply chain company based in Omaha, Nebraska, will pay over $10 million to resolve an investigation by the Justice Department into a years-long scheme in which it relied on bribery of Mexican officials to deliver trains of goods across the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Scoular entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed in the Western District of Texas charging the company with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

“The Scoular Company used customs brokers as part of a long-running scheme at the Mexican border to pay more than $400,000 in bribes to Mexican officials,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “A portion of those bribes ultimately benefited people who helped operate a cartel, even though Scoular did not know about it.  This resolution shows that bribery and corruption not only undermine fair play and competition for Americans, but also hurt our national security interests in stopping the scourge of dangerous cartel activity.”

“Nothing crosses into or out of Mexico without the approval and payment to Mexican drug cartels.  American businesses that engage in any cross-border trade bear a significant amount of responsibility to do so without benefitting those cartels and without threatening our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “The bribery scheme in which the Scoular Company engaged demonstrates the dangerous corporate corruption we in the Western District of Texas are committed to fighting on behalf of the American people.”

According to court documents, between 2013 and 2019, Scoular relied on multiple customs brokers to ensure that its shipments of corn and other products successfully crossed from the United States into Mexico. Under Mexican law, those shipments were subject to inspection for dirt, soil, and other impurities. To ensure that Scoular’s shipments successfully transited the border despite inspections that found such dirt, soil, and other impurities, Scoular authorized multiple third-party customs brokers to bribe Mexican officials at the border. At the direction of Scoular employees, and for Scoular’s benefit, those brokers paid bribes of approximately $2,000 per Scoular train and invoiced the bribes back to Scoular for reimbursement of reinspection fees, which Scoular paid. Scoular employees communicated about shipments and bribes via WhatsApp and other means. In total, Scoular authorized bribes of more than $400,000 and avoided fees and costs of more than $6.5 million.

As part of the DPA, Scoular agreed to pay a $9,769,521 criminal penalty and $414,351 in forfeiture. Scoular will also continue cooperating with the department in any ongoing or future criminal investigation arising during the term of the DPA. Further, Scoular has committed to implementing a compliance and ethics program designed to prevent and detect violations of the FCPA, and other applicable anti-corruption laws, throughout its operations. Scoular will periodically report to the department on remediation and implementation of compliance measures throughout the term of the DPA.

The department reached this resolution with Scoular based on a number of factors, including, among others, the nature and seriousness of the offense and the determination during the course of the investigation, that, unbeknownst to the company or its employees, a portion of the bribes paid in connection with Scoular’s shipments benefited persons associated with the criminal operations of a cartel operating at the U.S.-Mexico border. Scoular did not receive voluntary disclosure credit pursuant to the Department of Justice’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, because it did not voluntarily and timely disclose to the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section the conduct described in the Statement of Facts. 

Scoular received credit for its cooperation with the department’s investigation, which included (i) conducting an internal investigation into the misconduct and providing evidence to the department, including detailed factual presentations; (ii) providing information and evidence to the department that identified those involved in the misconduct; (iii) producing and organizing materials in response to the department’s voluntary document requests, notwithstanding certain deficiencies in the early part of the investigation; and (iv) securing counsel for current employees.   

Scoular also engaged in timely remedial measures, including (i) increasing compliance sensitivity across the organization through enhanced business engagement; (ii) implementing the findings of an external compliance program maturity assessment and an anti-corruption risk assessment, including by restructuring its compliance function and incorporating senior leadership oversight across compliance and business activities; (iii) reducing operational risk by eliminating the use of customs brokers associated with reinspection fees in Mexico; (iv) strengthening risk-based review and monitoring procedures, and coordinating those efforts through the use of specific software tools; (v) updating and launching a revised Code of Conduct, along with several key policies and procedures related to its compliance program, including anti-corruption, bribery, conflicts of interest, and third party management; (vi) improving and implementing risk-based screenings and approval requirements for third-party providers; implementing anti-corruption and audit right provisions in third-party contracts; (vii) implementing revised financial controls procedures that relate to high-risk transactions, and (viii) providing general and targeted anti-corruption training to relevant personnel.

In light of these considerations, the criminal penalty reflects a 25% reduction from the bottom of the applicable guidelines range, and the term of the DPA is for a period of three years.

In a related case, a customs broker who paid bribes on behalf of Scoular, Carlos Leopoldo Alvelais, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the FCPA on Oct. 23, 2025. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for July 20.



EPA Announces New Members to the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee

Monday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the appointment of 21 new members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The FRRCC provides independent policy advice and recommendations to the Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities. 

Mr. William Thomas McDonald, from Five Rivers Cattle Feeding LLC, has been appointed as chair, and Mr. Michael Crowder, from Brushy Creek Farms, will serve as vice-chair, leading the FRRCC’s work. Together, these members bring practical experience and represent a broad range of perspectives from academia, agriculture and allied industries, non-governmental organizations, and state, local and tribal governments. 

“The Trump EPA remains committed to ensuring American farmers and ranchers have a respected seat at the table in this Administration,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “The members of the FRRCC bring real-world knowledge and firsthand experience from across the country. Their insights will be instrumental in helping the EPA develop practical, commonsense solutions that enhance our rural communities and support viable farming operations. Together, we will power the Great American Comeback by building stronger, more resilient rural economies while protecting our shared environment.” 

The FRRCC will continue to serve as a productive and valuable resource to the EPA. The committee will focus on several key priorities, including improvements to the technical assistance EPA provides to rural communities, outreach and education on advancing artificial intelligence for precision pesticide application and reduced chemical use in U.S. agriculture, and the critical balance between agricultural conservation, nutrient pollution reduction, and long-term farm viability. 

The members of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee include: 
Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, Field to Market, Angola, Indiana
Chad Franke, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Lander, Wyoming
Chris Tanner, Tanner Farms, Norton, Kansas
David Graybill, Red Sunset Farm, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
Eric Orem, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Heppner, Oregon
James Henderson, Richfield Ranch Ag Ventures Inc., La Jara, Colorado
Jason Warren, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Jeffrey Tiberi, Montana Association of Conservation Districts, Helena, Montana
John Klar, MAHA Farmers Hub, Brookfield, Vermont
Katherine English, Pavese Law Firm, Fort Myers, Florida
Michael Crowder, Brushy Creek Farms, Richland, Washington
Nocona Cook, Cook Farms, Cordell, Oklahoma
Rick Naerebout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Twin Falls, Idaho
Dr. Russell Hamlin, Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, California
Ryan Schohr, Schohr Ranch, Chico, California
Dr. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia
Stephen Logan, Logan Farms, Giliam, Louisiana
Steve Keen, North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Stuart Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Galt, Iowa
Dr. Whitney Crow, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
William Thomas (Tom) McDonald, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Dalhart, Texas

The selection process for new members began in December 2025, with EPA issuing a request for nominations that drew more than 90 applicants. The agency selected individuals from a highly qualified pool, ensuring representation across the country. Members were chosen for their expertise in key EPA priority areas, including water quality and regeneative  agricultural practices and represent a variety of agricultural sectors, rural stakeholders and geographies. 



Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on President Trump Imposing Section 338 Tariffs on Canada 

Monday, Ambassador Greer issued a statement after President Trump exercised his authority under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose additional 50 percent tariffs on Canada to offset Canada’s discriminatory treatment of U.S. exports.

“While the Administration continues to secure fair and reciprocal trade deals with our trading partners, Canada, unlike other partners and allies, continues to retaliate against the United States for its efforts to rebalance trade and protect U.S. industry in national-security sensitive sectors,” said Ambassador Greer. “Specifically, Canada has taken U.S. alcohol products off Canadian shelves, given better market access to dairy products from the European Union, and has put a cap on U.S. vehicle exports to Canada from companies reshoring to the United States. Today, President Trump took decisive action to hold Canada accountable for its retaliation and discrimination, delivering on his promise to correct trade imbalances and ensure fairness for American workers, farmers, and businesses.”  

Background: 
Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1338) empowers the President to, among other things, impose duties of up to 50 percent on imports of a foreign country to offset the burden or disadvantage from a foreign country’s unequal imposition on or discrimination against the commerce of the United States.  On July 20, 2026, finding that the public interest will be served by his actions, President Trump took three separate Section 338 actions to level the playing field for important American exports to Canada—motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy.  To offset Canada’s unreasonable and discriminatory measures against these products, President Trump is imposing a 50 percent tariff on nearly $20 billion in imports from Canada, which will take effect in thirty days.



U.S. Dairy Industry Supports Administration’s Dedication to Defending U.S. Dairy Market Access into Canada

The White House announced earlier today that it is taking action to impose 50% tariffs on dairy imports from Canada to defend the rights of U.S. dairy exporters. The administration indicated it is invoking Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to “…hold Canada accountable for its retaliation and discrimination...” The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council support the administration’s efforts to identify all possible avenues to drive Canada to make the necessary changes to its protectionist dairy trade practices. 

"We appreciate the administration's commitment to standing up for dairy farmers and manufacturers eager to make full use of the market access commitments Canada made under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement [USMCA],” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “For far too long, Canada has intentionally misused its tariff rate quota system to impede the full use of USMCA dairy quotas. It’s time for Canada to come to the table and resolve this and other USMCA dairy issues. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that all the intended dairy benefits of USMCA are fully realized."

“Today’s assertive action by the administration makes clear to Canada that their dairy trade practices will no longer be tolerated,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “Canada simply cannot continue to discriminate against U.S. dairy farmers by effectively blocking negotiated access to its market. It is well past time for Canada to negotiate in good faith and tackle the outstanding USMCA dairy implementation issues to help drive a successful conclusion of the USMCA review.”

Under USMCA, Canada committed to providing important additional quantities of duty-free access for U.S. dairy product exports to its market through the creation of several tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). Regrettably, Canada’s decisions on how to administer those TRQs have resulted in persistent underfill, denying the U.S. dairy industry of the intended market access opportunities. Additionally, Canada has used loopholes to evade USMCA disciplines on dairy protein exports. Both topics are priorities NMPF and USDEC have urged the administration to resolve during the ongoing USMCA Review.



Keeping Replacement Heifers: Challenges and Opportunities
Hannah Baker 
State Specialized Extension Agent - Beef and Forage Economics
University of Florida / IFAS Extension

To keep or not to keep…that is the question facing many producers today when making the decision about weaned heifers. Many producers may wish they would have kept some heifers back two years ago to have calves to sell today, but record-high prices for feeder heifers are hard to pass on. Whether to retain or sell heifers is a long-term decision that depends on both market conditions and the resources available on an operation. Here are a few opportunities and challenges to consider.

Opportunity: While no one knows exactly how long today's strong cattle prices will last, current market fundamentals continue to support strong cattle prices. At the start of 2026, there were only 4.7 million beef replacement heifers available, the second-lowest inventory since the 1940s behind 2025 (4.6 million head). While beef cow slaughter has declined nearly 17% during the first half of 2026 after an 18% decline in 2025, reduced culling is only one part of herd expansion. Expansion also requires producers to retain more heifers, and those efforts have been slow. As a result, cattle supplies will remain tight, supporting strong prices until production increases substantially or beef demand weakens.

Challenge: Expanding the cow herd requires the resources to support additional females. Retaining heifers is a long-term investment that requires intensive management and significant costs, including nutrition, health, labor, breeding, and the expense of developing females that ultimately do not fit the operation. Resource availability is another key consideration. Although recent rainfall has improved pasture conditions in some areas, more than half of the country remains in drought, particularly across the Southeast and West. Additionally, high interest rates and concerns such as New World screwworm and pasture mealybug all add to the risk and uncertainty of investing in high-value breeding stock.

Considerations: Despite the challenges and high prices for weaned heifer calves, the expectation that strong calf prices may persist creates an opportunity to evaluate the economics of retaining heifers. However, those projections should include multiple market price and cost scenarios rather than assuming today's market conditions will continue indefinitely. Below are a few other considerations associated with retaining heifers:
• Why do I want to retain heifers? (Genetics, biosecurity, herd expansion, etc.)
• How quickly do I need revenue from calves?
  o Retaining a heifer means foregoing income from a calf for roughly 18 months compared to purchasing a bred heifer or selling a weaned heifer.
• Would retaining and breeding only a portion of my heifers make sense?
  o You may be able to develop a percentage of heifers but only keep the best heifers for your herd while marketing the remaining bred heifers. 

For producers with adequate forage, capital, and a long-term outlook, retaining replacement heifers may be a sound investment. At some point, the national cow herd must begin rebuilding, and waiting until expansion is well underway could mean buying replacement females at even higher prices when calf prices will start declining. Carefully evaluating an operation's resources, financial position, long-term goals, and market opportunities can help ensure the decision fits an operation in the long-run and not just in today's market.