Wednesday July 29 Ag News - Farmland Value Up 2% Over 6 Months - NE Trade Mission to Japan, Philippines - LENRD Meeting Summary - Ag Land Mgt Webinar - IA Cattlemen Help Move National Policy - USGBC Meeting in Wisconsin - and more!

Cow Size and Efficiency
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Much is written about what it costs to keep a cow in America and how size affects costs. Recently, we reported on cow weight increases over time associated with heavier carcasses from fed cattle.

If cows are getting heavier, at least relative to the weights of cows originally studied in the 1980’s, what are the implications on their energy requirements for maintenance? I had the opportunity to investigate how the requirements of cows resulting from modern genetics changed. In addition, I studied whether breed, region of the country, stage of production, and metabolic activity affected their energy requirements.

The good news is that despite a trend for heavier cows, their energy requirements for maintenance per unit of metabolic size have not changed. Neither region of the country nor whether cows were the product of beef or beef x dairy crosses affected energy requirements. This is good news unless of course as cows got heavy, weaning weight of their calves did not increase to compensate for greater energy needs.

Using data from auction markets reporting to USDA between 2019 and 2026, we determined calf weights for Northwest, Northern Plains, Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southern Plains, and Southeast regions of the country. Except for calves in the Southern Plains, cows in northern states had calves that weighed 40 lb more than cows in other southern states. Yet, cows in northern states were also heavier (they should be weaning heavier calves to compensate for greater maintenance requirements).

Relative to their requirements, however, cows produced calves in either region at the same efficiency. It takes 4,600 to 4,900 lb of TDN (or from 8,300 to 8,800 lb hay) to produce a weaned calf weighing 510 or 550 lb in southern or northern states respectively. Calculating the ratio of weaned calf to TDN results in an efficiency of energy capture of 11%. Data from cows tested in the 1980’s resulted in similar efficiency of energy capture.

We can safely conclude that although cows have gotten heavier, their offspring is also heavier offsetting the net increase in energy requirements of the modern beef cow. Some of us believe this increase in weight was necessary to permit their offspring to reach harvest weights needed to maintain beef production at the current (and perhaps) future cowherd inventories.

Relative to the efficiency of energy transformation of solar panels from solar to electric (around 25%), the humble cow may be considered only half as efficient. Yet, production of calves to weaning (and beyond) incorporates use of forage fiber of little use to other livestock or humans. Therefore, this system relies on energy sources that result from photosynthesis transforming forage nutrients into nutritious and flavorful beef protein and other beef nutrients. 



Tight Margins Haven't Shaken Producer Confidence in the Farmland Market

Despite ongoing pressure from lower commodity prices and tighter margins, benchmark farmland values remained stable during the first half of 2026 across the eight states served by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), AgCountry Farm Credit (AgCountry) and Frontier Farm Credit including Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming, according to the Collaborating Associations' recently released farmland values report. The findings underscore the resilience of the agricultural real estate market and optimistic producer sentiment.  

According to the farmland values report, benchmark farms continue to show stability.  Over the last 6 months, the average percentage change of the benchmarks was an increase of 1.9%.  The 12-month value average change was an increase of 3.5%.  

"What we've seen this year is a farmland market that has remained steady despite a more challenging commodity outlook than many expected," said Tim Koch, executive vice president and chief banking officer for FCSAmerica and Frontier Farm Credit. "Farmland values tend to reflect the confidence producers have in agriculture's future which is based on the long-term earning potential of the land, and what we’re currently seeing is farmland values continuing to reflect the long-term strength of agriculture, rather than short-term swings in commodity prices.”

"What continues to stand out is how steady the farmland market has remained despite a more challenging operating environment." said Mark Vetter, executive vice president business development for AgCountry. "Today's farmland values remain constant at record levels, yet the economics of our marketplace is very similar to what we experienced during 2013-2021. A significant number of producers retained the financial strength they built during the strong years, and they're gradually deploying that capital into farmland purchases when opportunities arise."

Farmers and ranchers continue to be the primary buyers of farmland, while limited supply has helped support values across much of the region. 

Benchmark Farmland Values Trends
The chart below illustrates the average dollar per acre of 61 predominantly cropland benchmark farms across the eight states over the past 10 years.

STATE          SIX-MONTH  ONE-YEAR  TWO-YEAR  FIVE-YEAR  TEN-YEAR 
Iowa (21)             0.0%           -1.4%                -4.3%             31.6%           51.1%
Nebraska (18)      1.2%            3.2%                  1.7%            42.9%            39.2%

Cropland and Pasture/Ranch Benchmarks 
Below is a state-by-state summary of benchmark values for cropland and pastureland over the past 6 and 12 months. 

Nebraska
Cropland benchmark values over the past 6 months showed a 1.3% increase and a 2% increase over the past 12 months. Pasture/ranch benchmark values increased 3.5% over the past 6 months and 16.7% over the past 12 months. The pasture market in central Nebraska has seen a strong increase in demand over the last year, which has been driven by a historically strong cattle market over that time.

Iowa
Cropland benchmark values decreased -0.7% over the past 6 months and -2.6% over the past 12 months. An increase in mixed use tracts (cropland and pasture) offset the slight weakness shown by puritan crop land values. 

Overall, the stability seen in the first half of 2026 demonstrates the continued confidence farmers and ranchers have in the long-term strength of agriculture and the enduring value of productive farmland. To download the full report, visit FCSAmerica Benchmark Farmland Values Report https://www.fcsamerica.com/services/appraisals/land-values. 



Governor Pillen Leads State Trade Delegation to the Philippines
 
Governor Jim Pillen led Nebraska’s trade delegation from Japan to the Philippines on Monday, kicking off the second phase of the state’s trade mission to Asia. The mission to the Philippines follows a busy 24 hours in Osaka, Japan where the Governor promoted Nebraska beef, pork, wheat, and low-carbon energy production.
 
“I am thankful to have Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and businesses joining me on this strategic mission to Asia,” said Gov. Pillen. “They’ve been incredible advocates for Nebraska. In both Japan and the Philippines, companies have shown tremendous interest in purchasing more of the food, fuel, and energy we produce.”
 
On Sunday evening in Japan, Gov. Pillen and the Nebraska delegation met with Marudai, a key buyer of Nebraska beef and pork, to thank the company for being a longstanding, loyal customer. On Monday morning, Nebraska’s trade team met with the Japanese office of the U.S. Meat Export Federation to confer about promotional strategies. The Governor and Nebraska Wheat Board Vice Chair Mary Eisenzimmer then toured Kinki Flour Milling Company on to discuss opportunities to grow Nebraska wheat exports to Japan.
 
The second leg of the trade mission began on Tuesday morning in the Philippines, as Gov. Pillen and State Senator Rita Sanders met with U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton to gain insights on the Philippine economy. Nebraska’s delegation then met with leaders of Gardenia Bakery, the largest breadmaking company in the Philippines, to promote Nebraska wheat. The Philippines purchased an average of $783 million of U.S. wheat per year from 2021-2025, ranking as the #2 export market for American wheat.
 
“It’s always great to connect with customers in person to tell the story of the wheat we grow in Nebraska,” said Eisenzimmer. “Nebraska’s wheat farmers take great pride in what we do. Being able to share this pride during face-to-face meetings is a wonderful way to build relationships that are key to the profitability of Nebraska wheat production.”
 
Participation in an ethanol promotion roundtable was a highlight of Tuesday’s trade activities in Manila. State leaders highlighted the Nebraska’s ability to help Filipino companies meet the country’s E10 fuel mandate and move toward adoption of E20 fuel. The Philippines relies on imports to meet about 50% of the annual demand for fuel ethanol, and U.S. ethanol enjoys tariff-free access to the Philippines market.
 
“The Philippines has tremendous need to import ethanol, and Nebraska is well positioned to supply it,” said John Krohn of the Nebraska Corn Board. “More than a third of the corn grown in Nebraska goes into the ethanol production. By expanding markets for corn ethanol, and for byproducts like dried distillers grains, we’re helping to create tremendous opportunities for Nebraska’s farmers.”
 
“One of the takeaways I’ve had from today was that the products that we provide, not just from the United States, but specifically Nebraska, are sought after,” said DJ Eihusen, president of Chief Industries. “They’re viewed as high quality products.”
 
Tuesday’s full slate of activities also included a visit to Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of more than 17,000 U.S. and Allied service members. Gov. Pillen laid a wreath to honor U.S. servicemen buried at the cemetery, most of whom lost their lives in combat during World War II. After fighting as allies in the Second World War, the U.S. and the Philippines entered into a formal military alliance. This year marks 75 years since the two countries signed their Mutual Defense Treaty.
 
“We enjoy freedoms as Americans because so many brave soldiers have willingly risked their lives to defend them,” said Gov. Pillen. “It was deeply moving to honor the American servicemen who are buried in Manila. We will never forget the sacrifices they made while fighting for our country in the Pacific.”
 
Sen. Sanders said being in the Philippines held special meaning for her. 
 
“My heart belongs to the Philippines and what an amazing country! It’s a developing country and that’s exactly where we want to be to start trade with them early on,” she added. “The Governor’s doing a great job and everyone that’s been here that we’ve crossed paths with today is excited to do business with Nebraska.”
 
The state trade mission will wrap up on Wednesday. The final day’s schedule includes a meeting with San Miguel Corporation, owner of some of the largest food brands in the Philippines. Gov. Pillen will also meet with the Philippines Department of Energy and attend a luncheon with the Philippine Association of Meat Processors. Additionally, the Governor will represent Nebraska at the World Food Expo, the largest food trade show in the Philippines.



Nebraska Corn Board to Meet on August 12, 2026

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Holthus Convention Center (3130 Holen Ave.) in York, Nebraska. The meeting is open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment. The board will conduct regular board business.
 
A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to NCB.info@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of a 1-cent-per-bushel on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.



Meeting Recap from the Lower Elkhorn NRD July Board of Directors Meeting
 
At the monthly Board Meeting held on Thursday, July 23rd, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors heard monthly reports and voted on numerous water-resources and project related items.
 
Directors approved updates to the Average Cost Dockets for the Agroforestry, Cover Crop, and Conservation Cost Share programs. Except for tree planting and cover crops, all practices will increase 5% across the board. Costs for tree planting in Fiscal Year ’27 will be based off the actual expenses in FY ‘26. Directors were presented with two options for the cover crop program: Option 1 – an increase of 5%, but rounded to the nearest whole dollar; or Option 2 – an increase of 5%, which is in line with the other practices. Directors ultimately agreed with the staff recommendation of Option 1 where costs would be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
 
Derek and Austin Becker will once again be tasked with Flow Meter preventative maintenance services in the District. The scope of work for the upcoming year includes 561 meters in Colfax, Platte & Stanton Counties at a cost of $61.00 per irrigation well flow meter for inspection. The Beckers have been conducting flow meter preventative maintenance for the district since 2018.
 
Four contracts for the NET Vadose Zone Monitoring Project were also accepted by Directors at the meeting. The “Observing Water and Nutrient Mobility in the Vadose Zone” study will work closely with producers to help LENRD staff evaluate nutrient and water movement underground and under various farming practices while accounting for weather, soil, and geology. This information will help staff evaluate which best management practices are better with which soil types to protect water quality and maintain or enhance recharge to our aquifers. The contracts approved for the General Manager’s signature include: Study Tasks 2 and 5: University of Nebraska Lincoln, not to exceed $191,423.00; Study Task 3: Vista Clara, LLC, Not to exceed $157,000.00; and Study Task 6: Downey Drilling, $72,590.00. Study Task 1 is contingent on contract negotiations with Surveying and Mapping, LLC.
 
A public hearing for the Certification of Acres was also held at the meeting. Assistant Manager, Curt Becker, also provided updates on the Maple Creek and North Fork WFPO Projects. The design phase of the Maple Creek WFPO for Nickerson was approved by NRCS and Becker received approval from the Board to begin the tasks of engineering/construction as well as permit acquisition for the project. Becker also indicated that he had received a letter of commitment from the community of Osmond to continue to the design phase of the North Fork WFPO project. The community of Pierce is slated to discuss what their next steps will be at their August City Council Meeting.
 
To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be August 27th, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



Ag land management webinar to offer the latest on cash rents, lease arrangements for 2026

The latest trends in 2026 Nebraska cash rental rates and issues related to landlord and tenant communication will be covered during the next Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability at noon Central time on Aug. 17.

Each quarter, the webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insights on trends in real estate, agricultural land management and practical approaches to challenges in the upcoming growing season. 

The August webinar will cover recent findings from the 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, including updates on average cash rental rates, land values and trends in real estate transactions in Nebraska. The presentation will also include a special segment on terminating verbal lease arrangements, communicating crop progress on leased land and considerations for fall harvest. The session will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get live answers to their land or lease questions.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements.

Registration and past recordings are available at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.



New Century Farmer Conference Explored Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Central Indiana

The National FFA Organization, the nation’s premier school-based student leadership organization with over one million members, recently hosted the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference in Indianapolis, July 18-22. The conference brought together 45 elite FFA alumni from 23 states to advance their leadership and career skills while learning about working in the industry of agriculture. 

“One of the most valuable aspects of New Century Farmer is bringing together young producers from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn from industry experts and one another,” said Emma Slavens, National FFA Program Manager, Alumni and Supporters. “The conversations, mentorship and hands-on experiences inspire participants to think differently about the future of their businesses while building a network they’ll rely on throughout their careers.”

New Century Farmer Conference attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry experts on topics that are relevant to young producers, explore diverse farm business operations, engage directly with leaders in agriculture, communications and business, network with other extraordinary young entrepreneurs and develop a vision statement for the future of their operation.

As part of the conference, participants visited four Central Indiana businesses - Simply From Scratch, Corteva Agriscience, CNH Industrial and Reynolds John Deere dealership. Simply From Scratch, a family-owned farm-to-table business in Noblesville, hosted discussions with Firestone Ag and Tractor Supply Company. Corteva Agriscience held a speed dating and crop protection tour, and CNH Industrial held a tour and discussions. Reynolds John Deere, a premier equipment dealer proudly serving farmers, homeowners, landscapers, and commercial contractors, hosted attendees for a tour. In addition, Farm Credit held a discussion with participants on the financial aspects of getting into or starting a business.  Breakout sessions were also facilitated by National FFA throughout the conference.

The following FFA alumni were selected to attend the conference: 

Nebraska
Ian Schiller, Scribner
Jadyn Tidyman, Chadron

The New Century Farmer Conference occurs annually, and the 2027 conference will be held in Kansas City, MO from July 17-21. Applications will open on December 15, 2026.

The Level 1 Corporate Partners of the FFA New Century Farmer Conference are Case IH, Corteva Agriscience and John Deere. 

To learn more about the National FFA Organization, visit www.ffa.org, and to learn more about the 2027 New Century Farmer Conference, visit www.ffa.org/participate/conference/new-century-farmer. 



ICA LEADS ON CRP REFORM AT NCBA SUMMER BUSINESS MEETING

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association continues to deliver results for Iowa cattle producers, both in Iowa and across the nation.

At the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Summer Business Meeting held in Denver, Colorado, earlier this month, ICA led successful efforts to strengthen national policy in two critical areas:

Conservation & Grazing: ICA led the way on the update and modernization of NCBA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) policy along with Kansas, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The policy amendment focused on giving NCBA stronger direction to support grazing as a primary conservation tool within CRP, driving marginal land to become long-term pasture, and advocating for cost-share tools to be extended to enrollees to ensure grazing infrastructure is supported.

Equipment & Regulations: ICA and the Kansas Livestock Association were the leading drivers behind new NCBA policy directing advocacy for the removal of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems without penalty, eliminating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and opposing any future regulation/legislation that uses Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems.

“These policy victories reflect the priorities Iowa cattle producers have been bringing forward for years," said ICA President Craig Moss. "Whether it's expanding grazing opportunities through CRP or reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on producers, our members are helping shape policies that support the long-term success of the cattle industry. We're proud to lead these conversations and ensure Iowa producers have a strong voice at the national level."

As Congress continues its work on the Farm Bill, the opportunity to advance these priorities has never been stronger. ICA is committed to ensuring CRP benefits both the environment and cattle producers by expanding grazing opportunities and supporting long-term pasture as we rebuild the nation's cow herd. At the same time, our strong relationships with federal agencies and policymakers position us to continue reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens that limit producers' ability to operate efficiently.

These victories demonstrate what a strong, producer-led association can accomplish. ICA members don't just react to policy. They help shape it. And our work is not finished. ICA will continue building on this momentum to ensure the voice of Iowa’s cattle producers remains influential.



USGBC Members Arrive In Wisconsin For 66th Annual Board Of Delegates Meeting

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) members touched down this week for the organization's 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Our primary purpose is to roll up our sleeves and work on planning and executing our organization’s global reach for the future,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGBC president and CEO.

“We still hold tight to our mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives around the world for everyone who needs and wants what we have to offer.”

The meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets, trade policy impacts and strengthening supply chains and highlight USGBC program successes.

The meeting will feature a panel on advancing U.S. trade and agricultural priorities moderated by LeGrand and including U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Julie Callahan and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, a presentation from Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski and global trade policy outlook presentations.

Advisory Team (A-Team) and sector meetings will happen throughout the event where members will have the opportunity to make recommendations to the board for consideration on future USGBC programs and priorities.

The conference will conclude on Friday with the Council's board of delegates meeting, financial, A-Team and sector reports and a vote to fill open board of directors positions.

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



USDA Clarifies Wetland Determinations to Provide Certainty to Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting farmers first and supporting government accountability by providing clear guidance around wetland determinations, which helps inform agricultural producers’ decisions for their operations. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published an interim final rule that ensures most determinations made since 1990 are considered certified, and producers can rely on the determinations to work farmland. 

“We want to empower farmers, ranchers and landowners to do what they do best – farm the land,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “Farmers’ direct relationship with the land makes them uniquely qualified to guide its stewardship, and we took action to provide regulatory certainty in order to make operational decisions.” 

Producers rely on certified wetland determinations when making decisions about their agricultural operations, which impacts USDA program eligibility such as farm loans, conservation assistance, crop insurance and commodity programs.  

Through this interim final rule, NRCS addressed inconsistencies in how wetland determinations have been certified and issued in the past. It aligns USDA policy with statutory requirements, protects producer reliance interests, and reduces unnecessary administrative burden by preventing the reinterpretation or replacement of previously certified determinations unless the producer asks for a review. 

Specifically, the interim final rule ensures all wetland determinations issued after Nov. 28, 1990, are certified if:  
    the producer was notified of the determination; and 
    the producer was given appeal rights at the time.  

Farmers can rely on the decision to install drainage, clear land, and conduct other land alternations without risking USDA program eligibility so long as the determination shows the area is not a wetland in accordance with the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985. 

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.