Tuesday August 04 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - E15 Sales in Nebraska Jump 45% - USMCA Omaha Roundtable - Flame Weeding Wksp at ENREEC - Soybean Crush Up in June, Corn Down Slightly - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - Aug 02

                               Very Short     Short    Adequate     Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......:    33          37            29              01    
Subsoil Moisture .......:    38          35            26              01    

                              .....  Last year   Last week   This week   5YrAve
Corn Silking................:        86            79             89            91
Corn in Dough............:        37            18              38            38
Corn Denting............:        01            NA              01            02
Soybeans in bloom.....:        81            85              90            89
Soybeans setting pods.:        53            39             61            60
Winter Wheat Harvested:     90           92              96            91

                                              VP       Poor       Fair        Good       Excellent    
Corn Condition Rating ...:     05          12         29           42             12
Soybean Condition Rating    03          08          32          47             10
Pasture Conditions ..........:    44          27          22           07             00    



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 5.7  days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 2, 2026. This is 1.9 days more than last year, when there were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 10 percent very short, 25 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 10 percent very short, 27 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. 

Corn silking reached 93 percent, which is 2 percentage points ahead of last year. Forty-eight percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dough stage, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Four percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 4 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 80 percent good to excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 88 percent, which is unchanged from last year. Sixty-one percent of soybeans were setting pods, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. 

Eighty-seven percent of oats have been harvested, which is 25 percentage points ahead of last year. Oats condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 67 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Corn condition ratings continued to decline for a second consecutive week as good-to-excellent ratings fell, while soybean ratings held steady, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 90%, 4 percentage points ahead of last year's 86% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 87%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 43%, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 40% and 5 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 38%. Corn dented was estimated at 6%, 1 percentage point ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 5%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 61% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, 2 percentage points below the previous week of 63% and 12 percentage points below last year's 73%. Fourteen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 2 percentage points above the previous week's 12% and 7 percentage points above the previous year's 7%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming was pegged at 88%, 4 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 84%. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 62%, 6 percentage points ahead of last year's 56% and 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 55%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 63% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, steady with the previous week and 6 points below the previous year's 69%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 5 percentage points last week to reach 86% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 85% and steady with the five-year average.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: Ninety-eight percent of spring wheat was headed, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 95% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 97%.
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest jumped ahead 3 percentage points last week to reach 5% complete as of Sunday. That was 1 percentage point ahead of last year's pace of 4% and 3 percentage points behind the five-year average of 8%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 55% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 2 percentage points from the previous week's 53%. 



Nebraska's E15 Sales Surge as Farmer-Funded Infrastructure Pays Off

Nebraska drivers bought more gallons of E15 fuel in 2025, a nearly 45% jump from the year before, according to the Nebraska Department of Revenue's 2026 Report of the Statewide Ethanol Blend Rate. The increase comes as Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest checkoff dollars in the fuel infrastructure needed to make higher ethanol blends available at more pumps across the state.
 
E15 gallons sold rose, even as overall motor fuel gallons sold in the state held steady. That growth reflects a fuel market shifting toward higher blends, and a return on the investments Nebraska corn farmers have made for years to get E15 in front of more drivers.
 
"Nebraska corn farmers have invested checkoff dollars in the infrastructure it takes to get higher ethanol blends to the pump, and these numbers show that investment is paying off," said Matt Sullivan, farmer from Superior, Nebraska and district 2 director for the Nebraska Corn Board. "Every gallon of E15 sold is a direct result of retailers having the equipment in place to offer it, and as farmers, we are proud to help make that possible. This kind of growth is exactly the direction we need."
 
This growth does not happen at the pump alone. For multiple years, the Nebraska Corn Board has funded its Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program, offering fuel retailers up to $50,000 per location to install the equipment needed to offer E15 and other higher blends. The grants paid for through the corn checkoff help offset the cost of converting a standard pump into one capable of dispensing E15, E30 or E85, lowering the financial barrier for retailers across the state to add higher blends to their offerings. NCB is again offering infrastructure grants and encourage retailers to contact the NCB office for additional information.
 
The 2025 numbers show that investment translating into gallons sold. As more retail locations have added blender pump capability through the grant program, Nebraska drivers have had more places to choose E15, and they are choosing it in greater numbers every year.
Statewide, Nebraska's overall ethanol blend rate ticked up to 9.6% in 2025. The E15 growth reported this year moves the needle and shows what's possible when infrastructure keeps pace with demand.
 
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top corn-producing states, and ethanol remains one of the largest markets for the state's corn crop. As E15 availability expands, Nebraska corn farmers see it as both an economic win for drivers at the pump and a win for the farms growing the corn behind it.



Nebraska Policy, Trade and Ag Leaders Call to Strengthen and Renew USMCA at Omaha Roundtable

Last week, Farmers for Free Trade continued its national USMCA Roundtable Series at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, bringing together a cross-section of Arizona agriculture, trade, policy, and business leaders to make the case for strengthening the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, following the US not renewing the deal, triggering a yearly review of the agreement. 

The Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and the Nebraska Soybean Association supported the event. 

Congressman Bacon opened the event, underlining the importance of the agreement for Nebraska's economy.  Congressman Bacon also highlighted the importance of free trade broadly: “Free trade, we know, gives the best quality products at the best price in the most efficient manner. And anytime you impede that, you decrease one of those areas. You lose quality, or you can lose price, or you can lose efficiency. And so free trade makes us competitive. " The Governor also stressed that tariffs are “not productive or not helpful for particularly the Midwest,"  given how much the region produces in agriculture. 

The Congressman was joined by a panel of Nebraska ag and industry leaders: Heath Mello, President & CEO, Omaha Chamber of Commerce; Seth Mitchell, Executive Director, Nebraska Pork Producers Association; Kaitlin Taylor, Director of Public Policy, Nebraska Corn Growers Association; Lucas Miller, President, Nebraska Soybean Association; and Brian Kuehl, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade. 

The discussion centered on the value USMCA has delivered to Nebraska's ag economy. The panelists emphasized that Mexico and Canada are Nebraska's top or near-top trading partners across nearly every commodity. The speakers also noted that USMCA is particularly important now when growers are already struggling with economic uncertainty.  

Panel highlights:
Seth Mitchell, Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, stressed that "trade isn't just a policy discussion" but directly shapes the value of every hog sold, noting that nearly a third of US pork production is exported, generating over $66 per pig and supporting 155,000 jobs. Mexico and Canada are the top and fourth-largest export markets for US pork, together accounting for nearly half of all exports, and rank as Nebraska's third- and fourth-largest trading partners.. Because USMCA was in place, he said, pork was "largely excluded from retaliatory tariffs," which he called proof of the agreement's value, which helped the industry recover from a recent downturn in 2023 and 2024. He called on USMCA to stay in place and "preserve what is already working."

Kaitlin Taylor, Director of Public Policy for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, stated that she "can't emphasize just how much this agreement means to our growers," noting that Mexico is the top destination for US corn and Nebraska white corn specifically. Canada is also the top market for US ethanol. These markets are vital given that Nebraska is "a major player in this country in terms of corn production.. She warned that losing Mexico and Canada as markets would create a "very dire situation" that many don't yet grasp, especially since growers are already facing "negative or little to no return margins" for multiple consecutive years. She insisted the stakes go beyond statistics but about protecting the livelihood of growers and their families. 

Lucas Miller, President of the Nebraska Soybean Association, is a fifth-generation farmer near Randolph, Nebraska, and understands the stakes for a successful USMCA. He stated that "we're looking for a renewal, not a renegotiation," noting that Mexico has become the number two market for US soybeans since USMCA took effect six years ago. He also discussed how the industry broadly benefits from the agreement, including affordable fertilizer imports from Canada. Raising new tariffs on those inputs, he warned, would only drive up production costs further. Echoing the panel's emphasis on stability, he argued that farmers plan far in advance and need long-term certainty, concluding that "a sixteen-year agreement definitely does that."  



Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop - 2026

The Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop will present results from 15+ years of research conducted by the teams of Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture specializing in weed science, and George Gogos, professor of mechanical engineering. This work is also documented in over 20 scientific publications, 100+ abstracts presented at many regional, national and international meetings, and a patent for flaming  equipment.

Attend a full day Workshop, Wednesday, August 20, 2026, Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), University of Nebraska, Ithaca, NE 68033.

Participants will learn how to properly flame all major Midwestern weeds in eight agronomic crops – field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa, sunflower and wheat.

Propane fueled flame weeding is an acceptable method for weed and pest control in organic farming. It is also gaining interest among conventional producers due to the increase in weed resistance and costs of GMO crop seeds.

Propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data will be presented. Four row flamers with patented hoods for broadcast and banded flaming will be demonstrated along with flaming treatments applied at several crop growth stages in corn and soybean.

Several local organic farmers will share their experience with flame weeding on their farms.

Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/e366dba5-44c0-4945-a069-f0435cfca42c/summary

$150 binder and lunch provided. 

$15.00 Guest lunch fee for spouse/co-worker's. 

Cancellations will not be eligible for a refund.




ISU to Exhibit Resources, Agricultural Research at 2026 Farm Progress Show

Iowa State University will feature cutting-edge farmer resources and agricultural research at the 2026 Farm Progress Show, Sept. 1–3 near Boone. Farmers, ag retailers and all attending are encouraged to visit the Iowa State exhibit, bring their questions and meet with researchers and specialists.

This year’s exhibit covers a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, nitrogen management and various decision-making tools, giving visitors a chance to connect one-on-one with content experts.

“We’re always excited to exhibit at the Farm Progress Show and showcase topics that matter to the farmers attending. Some of our displays cover issues farmers are already dealing with, while others might introduce something they haven’t thought about yet," said Jay Harmon, associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director for agriculture and natural resources with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Our faculty and staff always enjoy hearing what’s on farmers’ minds — what's important to them and what they need to succeed. We’re here to serve, and we hope you’ll stop by, even if it’s just for ice cream and a visit.”

Content focus areas include:
    Artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture: web-based app for Midwest pest, disease and weed identification 
    Crop issues: disease-related decision tools
    Farm well-being: farm stress management resources for farmers and families 
    Horticulture: vegetable production, plant and insect diagnostics and turfgrass management
    Soybean research: plant stress sensors and robotics
    Nitrogen management: N-FACT (Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool)
    Prairie strips and pollinators: conservation practices that support water quality and habitat
    Mushroom cultivation: growing information for an emerging hobby or potential supplemental enterprise
    Weather resources: tools within the Iowa Environmental Mesonet and a precipitation reporting network

Iowa State-affiliated departments and centers represented include ISU Extension and Outreach, the Translational AI Center, Crop Protection Network, Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, Iowa Soybean Research Center, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) and the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium.

The Iowa State University exhibit space can be found at the corner of Seventh Street and Central Avenue.



Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting returns to Iowa

The premier national event in beef cattle reproductive management returns to Iowa this year, hosted by the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University. The 2026 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting is set for Nov. 10-11 in Des Moines at the Holiday Inn Des Moines- Airport/Conference Center. The meeting is organized by the Beef Reproduction Task Force.

IBC specialist and task force member Garland Dahlke said Iowa is a prime location for this annual meeting because of the sheer number of cows in the state and surrounding region. ARSBC was first held in Iowa in 2016, with 249 attendees from 29 states.

“We consistently hear from producers looking for scientifically sound practices to reach their breeding goals,” he said. “The goal of this task force and the ARSBC meeting is to get producers the information and tools they need to get more females bred to the ideal sire at the right time.”

The ISU extension and outreach beef team worked with the task force to develop this year’s schedule, and ISU extension cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson said the conference was created with U.S. beef industry professionals in mind.

“We wanted to make this conference applicable to everyone working in cattle reproduction across the region and successfully incorporated timely topics from excellent speakers,” she said.

Attendees can expect this 1½ day conference to tackle a wide range of topics. Estrus synchronization, embryo transfer, sexed semen, natural service herd sire management, and breeding a more efficient cow are just a few of the sessions. See the full schedule, hotel and registration information on the program website.  

The conference will be held Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Nov. 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The early registration rate is set at $200 until Sept. 15, when it increases to $250. Late registration, from Oct. 26-Nov. 11, increases to $300. This program has been submitted for RACE approval (not yet approved) for 12 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. Students can contact Beth Reynolds at bethr@iastate.edu for a $50 discount code to use during registration. Those who prefer to call in to register or want to pay by check should contact ISU Registration Services at 515-294-6222 or email registrations@iastate.edu.

The Beef Reproduction Task Force is a multi-disciplinary group formed by research and extension faculty members from universities across the U.S. with a focus on beef cattle reproduction, management and reproductive technologies.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.53 million tons (218 million bushels) in June 2026, compared with 6.39 million tons (213 million bushels) in May 2026 and 5.91 million tons (197 million bushels) in June 2025. Crude oil produced was 2.53 billion pounds, up 3 percent from May 2026 and up 8 percent from June 2025. Soybean once refined oil production at 2.02 billion pounds during June 2026 increased 5 percent from May 2026 and increased 12 percent from June 2025.

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 520 million bushels in June 2026. Total corn consumption was down 1 percent from May 2026 but up 5 percent from June 2025. June 2026 usage included 92.2 percent for alcohol and 7.8 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.83 million bushels, up less than 1 percent from May 2026 and up 25 percent from June 2025. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 467 million bushels, was down 1 percent from May 2026 but up 4 percent from June 2025. Corn consumed in June 2026 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.6 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively.

Flour Milling Products 
All wheat ground for flour during the second quarter 2026 was 222 million bushels, up slightly from the first quarter 2026 grind of 222 million bushels but down less than 1 percent from the second quarter 2025 grind of 223 million bushels. Second quarter 2026 total flour production was 103 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from the first quarter 2026 and up 1 percent from the second quarter 2025. Whole wheat flour production at 4.21 million hundredweight during the second quarter 2026 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the second quarter 2026 was 1.59 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the second quarter 2026 was 1.59 million hundredweight.




NCGA Letter Supports Action on Senate Farm Bill

The president of the National Corn Growers Association sent a letter today to the leadership and members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry expressing support for the Agricultural Act of 2026, the farm bill “2.0” that the committee is considering. The letter encouraged action by week’s end.
 
“Corn growers recognize there are limited legislative days remaining in this Congress for the farm bill and E15 to pass and be signed into law," Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower wrote in the letter. “With these views considered, NCGA urges the Committee to advance the farm bill this week ahead of the planned August recess.” 
 
Bower was particularly effusive in the letter as he addressed the inclusion of language in the bill that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends or E15.
 
“This deregulatory action will help corn growers and the rural economy during this difficult time and will also address issues around affordability by lowering prices at the pump,” he said. “NCGA is extremely grateful that year-round E15 is included in the Agricultural Act.”   
 
The letter also highlights specific policy details that are of interest or importance to corn grower members contained in the legislation.



Farm Bureau Encourages Senate Passage of Reconciliation Package Including Economic Aid

Following the U.S. House of Representative’s approval of a budget resolution that includes $12 billion in much-needed economic aid for farmers and ranchers, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall sent a letter today to Senate leadership encouraging the chamber to advance the budget resolution.

“Due to persistent financial challenges across the agricultural economy, the President has called on Congress to deliver additional farmer assistance this year, and the House of Representatives answered the call with $12 billion for U.S. agriculture in reconciliation,” Duvall wrote in the letter. “American Farm Bureau Federation supports the advancement of this Budget Resolution in the Senate, which will provide critical relief to enhance the farm safety net.

“We are grateful to the House for acting to deliver needed relief for agriculture, and for the Senate’s consideration of this Budget Resolution. We recognize that the cumulative losses for agriculture due to sustained economic pressures far exceed $12 billion and urge continued work to address these losses.”

The letter also details some of the factors influencing the farm economy, including historic inflation in production expenses and persistently low commodity prices.

“These factors have contributed to multiple years of losses for U.S. agriculture, which has made it increasingly difficult for farm families to stay afloat,” Duvall wrote. “U.S. agriculture delivers the food, fuel, and fiber that Americans rely on every day. Farmers are leaders in their communities and serve as the backbone of America, boosting our rural economy and protecting our food supply. We greatly appreciate your continued leadership and support of American agriculture, and we respectfully urge your support to bring relief for farmers and ranchers during this prolonged downturn in the farm economy.” 



NPPC’s Marotz, Zieba on Trade Mission to Philippines
 
National Pork Producers Council Vice President Todd Marotz, chief production officer for Wakefield Pork in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and NPPC Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba were in the Philippines last week on a trade mission with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and a number of Cornhusker farmers.

The delegation met with Philippines government officials and representatives of the Meat Importers and Traders Association and the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc., or PAMPI, as well as with H.E. Lee Lipton, the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines. The group also toured a meat processing plant in San Fernando, about 40 miles north of Manila, and met with officers of the Federation of Pork Producers of the Philippines (PROPORK).

Marotz spoke at the PAMPI general membership meeting, where he noted the longstanding partnership between the U.S. meat sector and the Philippine meat processing industry. He also pointed out that the U.S. and Philippines pork industries benefit from – and need – predictable trade policies.

“We know that businesses perform best when policies are rooted in transparency, science, and predictability,” said Marotz. “Stable trade policies help advance our industry by encouraging investment, long-term supply relationships, food affordability, and manufacturing competitiveness.”

NPPC has worked for years with the U.S. and Philippines governments to expand access for U.S. pork to the Philippines market. It strongly supports the U.S.-Philippines Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and the Philippines’ favorable trade treatment under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences.

The Philippines is an important market for the U.S. pork industry. Last year, America’s pork producers shipped more than $133 million of product to the island nation. For the past several years, the Philippines has been battling African swine fever, so it relies on the United States to meet its growing consumer demand for pork and expanding foodservice and processing sectors.



Growth Energy Statement on EPA 2023-2024 SRE Decisions

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision on six small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Specifically, EPA granted one full exemption (100%) and two partial exemptions (50%) for the 2024 compliance year, and then deemed one petition for 2024 and two for 2023 ineligible.

“Small refineries should only be granted exemptions when they can demonstrate that the RFS has caused them true disproportionate economic harm,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We continue to closely evaluate these decisions to ensure they do not undermine investments made in biofuels, agriculture, and our rural economy because of the RFS. Today's decision highlights the critical importance of SRE reallocation in any future RVOs." 



USDA Announces August 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for August 2026, which are effective August 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.        
Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans

FSA offers farm operating, ownership and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.   

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for August 2026 are as follows:        
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.250%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 6.000%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 4.000%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 2.000%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%   

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.    
Commodity and Storage Facility Loans 

Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.  
    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 5.000%       
    
Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
    Three-year loan terms: 4.125%  
    Five-year loan terms: 4.250%  
    Seven-year loan terms: 4.375%  
    Ten-year loan terms: 4.500% 
    Twelve-year loan terms: 4.625%  
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.875%  

More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. 



AgroLiquid Adds Humic and Fulvic Products to Help Growers Maximize Yield Potential

AgroLiquid has announced the addition of six humic, fulvic and sugar products – acquired as part of its purchase of Monty’s Plant Food – to its crop nutrition portfolio. The products will give AgroLiquid retail partners and the growers they serve new tools to improve nutrient efficiency, build healthier soils and maximize yield potential.

“Humic and fulvic products are a natural complement to a high-efficiency fertility program,” said Stephanie Zelinko, national agronomist at AgroLiquid. “They help growers get more out of every nutrient they apply by improving availability and uptake while still feeding the soil and driving long-term productivity. These products come with decades of performance behind them, and we’re excited to put them to work alongside AgroLiquid’s existing lineup.”

The additions pair Monty’s proprietary humic and fulvic technology with AgroLiquid’s high-efficiency crop nutrition programs. The new offerings include:
● Monty’s Liquid Carbon – A liquid soil conditioner that improves soil structure, supports nutrient availability and promotes long-term soil health.
● Monty’s Surge XD – Features proprietary humics and fulvics to improve nutrient uptake through plant tissue and help maximize every application.
● Monty’s Drivas – A premium, pure fulvic additive that increases nutrient availability and uptake while supporting plant growth and crop response.
● Monty’s Agri-Sweet FG – A refined sugar that feeds beneficial soil microbes, improving nutrient availability and soil activity.
● Monty’s Dri-Carbon – A concentrated humic soil conditioner that enhances soil biology, nutrient availability and overall soil performance.
● Monty’s Premium Blend – A versatile starter fertilizer designed to promote rapid emergence, strong root development and early season vigor.

Company leadership sees the new products as an extension of AgroLiquid’s overall mission of prospering the farmer.

“We are committed to bringing crop nutrition technologies to our grower customers that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them,” said Nick Bancroft, CEO of AgroLiquid. “When growers have the right tools, they see it where it matters most, in stronger plants, healthier soils and better returns at harvest.”

The products are now available through AgroLiquid’s retail network across much of the United States, subject to state registration. For more information about AgroLiquid products and services, visit AgroLiquid.com

Monday August 03 Ag News - NE Farmer Elected Chair of USGBC - Pillen Wraps Up Trade Mission - USDA Ag Land Value Highlights - 1776 Pork Chop Salute at Iowa State Fair - Senate Farm Bill Progress - Classical Scrapie Confirmed in US - and more!

Reiners Elected U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Chairman During Annual Summer Meeting

The delegates of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) elected Jay Reiners of the Nebraska Corn Board as chairman of its USGBC Board of Directors at its 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held in Milwaukee, WI, last week.

“Coming from Nebraska, American agriculture has always been in my blood, and I’ve felt a responsibility to represent agricultural resilience and innovation for a very long time,” Reiners said.

“I truly appreciate you trusting me to lead this outstanding organization in the role as your chairman.”

Reiners lives near Juanita, Nebraska, where he farmed corn and soybeans with his wife for 35 years. He is now retired from farming but is still active in the industry as a consultant. He previously served on the Council’s Western Hemisphere A-team and Asia A-team for four years each and was the chairman for the Nebraska Corn Board.

Reiners shared his goals for the year and unveiled his chairman’s theme, Feeding and Fueling the World, during his incoming remarks.

“We have a responsibility to feed and fuel the world, and we ensure that our products – U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and DDGS – are the best in the world and keep getting better,” Reiners said.

“It’s an honest picture of what we contribute – not just in the United States but around the world through the exports we send to those who want and need them.”

In addition to Reiners, the delegates elected Jay Fischer of the Missouri Corn Growers Association as vice chairman and Jon Rosenstiel of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board as secretary-treasurer. Jennie Schmidt of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board was re-elected and Mike LeFever of Colorado Corn Promotion Council was elected as at-large directors.

The newly elected sector director is Hagan Rose from Eco-Energy as the ethanol sector director and Adam Schindler of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program was reelected as the sorghum sector director and Josh Roe of Kansas Corn Commission was reelected as the state checkoff sector director.

The USGBC Board of Directors now includes:
    Jay Reiners, Nebraska Corn Board: Chairman
    Jay Fischer, Missouri Corn Growers Association: Vice Chairman
    Jon Rosenstiel, Illinois Corn Marketing Board: Secretary-Treasurer
    Mark Wilson, Illinois Corn Marketing Board: Past Chairman
    Jennie Schmidt, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board: At-Large Director
    Mike LeFever, Colorado Corn Promotion Council: At-Large Director
    Dylan Rosier, Missouri Corn Merchandizing Council: At-Large Director
    Greg Alber, Iowa Corn Growers Association: At-Large Director
    Sean Broderick, CHS: Agribusiness Sector Director
    Hagan Rose, Eco-Energy: Ethanol Sector Director
    Jolene Riessen, Iowa Corn Growers Association: Corn Sector Director
    Adam Schindler, United Sorghum Checkoff Program: Sorghum Sector Director
    Josh Roe, Kansas Corn Commission: State Checkoff Sector Director
    Matt Horlacher, Washington Grain Commission and Cold Stream Malt & Grain: Barley Sector Director
    Ryan LeGrand, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council: President and CEO

Find more information about the 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting on social media using the #Grains26.



Governor Pillen Concludes Successful Trade Mission to Japan and the Philippines 

Last week, Governor Jim Pillen concluded a highly productive trade mission to Japan and the Philippines. Priorities for the mission included (1) promoting Nebraska beef, pork, and wheat; (2) expanding markets for Nebraska ethanol; and (3) identifying opportunities for Nebraska to produce energy for Asian customers.
 
“Nebraska is investing in relationships with reliable U.S. allies in Asia, like Japan and the Philippines, while reducing dependence on Communist China,” said Gov. Pillen. “Japan routinely ranks among Nebraska’s top customers for beef, pork, and other agricultural products. Meanwhile, the Philippines has a fast-developing market economy and a growing appetite for U.S. food and fuel. The trade mission strengthened Nebraska’s position as a supplier of choice for key customers in both countries.”
 
The final day of the trade mission was packed with events. On Wednesday morning, Gov. Pillen and State Senator Rita Sanders met with San Miguel Corporation, a major conglomerate with approximately 60,000 direct employees. The company has more than 100 facilities in the Asia Pacific and imports food products from Nebraska.
 
“It was an honor to represent Nebraska in the Philippines and to showcase all that our state has to offer,” said Sen. Sanders. “The trade mission was a great way to raise our state’s profile and to tout our global leadership in food and ethanol production. The Filipino people are delightful, and I am grateful for the warm hospitality we received everywhere we went.”
 
Gov. Pillen also had a high-level meeting on Wednesday with Sharon Garin, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Energy. Leaders of Nebraska ethanol companies joined Gov. Pillen to highlight Nebraska’s low-carbon advantage in biofuel production.
 
“There is immense potential for Nebraska’s ethanol plants to meet the fuel needs of the Philippine market,” said DJ Eihusen of Chief Ethanol. “Additionally, there are great opportunities for Nebraska ethanol to partner with global energy producers. The carbon we’re capturing can be used to make cleaner gases that meet the energy needs of customers in Asia.”
 
In the afternoon, Governor Pillen joined U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton at the World Food Expo, which has been the most attended food and hospitality event in the Philippines for 20+ years. Together, they joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a brand-new booth to promote U.S. products. During the expo, Gov. Pillen and the Nebraska Beef Council took part in a live cooking demonstration to provide Filipino customers with a taste of high-quality Nebraska beef.
 
“Nebraska beef is tasty, nutritious, and known for being produced in keeping with the highest biosecurity protocols,” said Rosmary Anderson, a board member of the Nebraska Beef Council. “As the Philippines’ middle class grows, more families are buying beef—and in greater quantities. Nebraska is in a wonderful position to be a preferred provider to Philippine importers as they seek to meet rising demand for beef.”
 
An evening reception hosted by the USDA, followed by a dinner with the Philippines’ Meat Importers and Traders Association, capped off the Nebraska delegation’s mission to the Philippines.
 
“Nebraska grows things and makes things that are in demand worldwide,” said Gov. Pillen. “It’s amazing to see Nebraska-made products featured on shelves and in restaurants halfway around the world. I’m very pleased by the connections we made, and the opportunities we opened, that will help Nebraskans do even more business with Japan and the Philippines.”



Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for August, September

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in August and September. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
August:
    Monday, Aug. 10 — Sidney
    Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Alliance
    Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Ogallala
    Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Scottsbluff
    Tuesday, Aug. 25 — Norfolk

September:
    Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Fairbury
    Tuesday, Sept. 15 — Broken Bow
    Tuesday, Sept. 29 — Norfolk

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.

Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



USDA Agricultural Land Values Highlights

The United States farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $4,500 per acre for 2026, up $150 per acre (3.4 percent) from 2025. The United States cropland value averaged $6,020 per acre, an increase of $190 per acre (3.3 percent) from the previous year. The United States pasture value averaged $2,000 per acre, an increase of $80 per acre (4.2 percent) from 2025.

Years...............................:    '22         '23          '24         '25        '26       % '25-'26  
Nebraska Overall............:  3,450     3,820     4,080     4,250     4,400      3.5   
Nebraska, all cropland ..:  5,520     6,150     6,540     6,800     6,960      2.4  
     Irrigated ....................:  7,310     8,020     8,550     8,850     9,200      4.0  
     Non-irrigated ............:  4,420     5,000     5,350     5,600     5,650      0.9  
Nebraska Pasture............:  1,140     1,300     1,400     1,510     1,590      5.3   

Iowa Overall...................:  8,880     9,250     9,420     9,790    10,100      3.2   
Iowa Cropland................:  8,830     9,410     9,800    10,300    10,700      3.9   
Iowa Pasture...................:  3,000     3,170     3,500     3,650     3,800      4.1   

Total Value of Farmland and Buildings (millions of dollars)
Nebraska .......................: 129,204   151,800   168,080   179,520   186,575     3.9   
Iowa ..............................: 224,084   266,400   277,500   282,600   292,721     3.6   



1776 Pork Chop Salute to Celebrate America 250 During Iowa State Fair
    
For generations of fairgoers, a visit to the Iowa State Fair has been synonymous with one specific food item: the Pork Chop on a Stick ™. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) sells tens of thousands of them each year during the fair. This summer, that tradition will take on an extra measure of patriotic pride as the Iowa Pork Producers Association presents the 1776 Pork Chop Salute – A Taste of America 250.

On Sunday, Aug. 16, IPPA will give away 1,776 Pork Chops on a Stick™, beginning at 11 a.m. Fairgoers looking for the 1776 Pork Chop Salute Giveaway should enter the Pork Tent building from the north side near the Animal Learning Center. The giveaway is limited to one pork chop per customer and will continue while supplies last.

The promotion is designed to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial while recognizing the farm families who have helped feed America for generations. Just as the country reflects on 250 years of history, Iowa pig farmers continue a tradition of producing safe, wholesome pork while strengthening their local communities and supporting one of the state's most important industries.

“The Pork Chop on a Stick™ has become one of the most iconic traditions at the Iowa State Fair, so it's only fitting that we use it to help celebrate America's 250th anniversary,” said longtime Pork Tent Committee member Dave Moody, a Story County pig farmer. “This is our way of thanking fairgoers while celebrating the farmers who raise high-quality pork every day. There's nothing better than sharing a great Iowa pork chop, and I think the 1,776 people who receive one will remember this as a fun part of their State Fair experience.”

Along with the 1776 Pork Chop Salute, the Iowa Pork Producers Association is providing an exciting new way to enjoy this classic Iowa State Fair tradition. Every Pork Chop on a Stick™ will be smoked over applewood, bringing the unmistakable aroma and flavor that only natural hardwood can provide. It's a return to authentic barbecue traditions while continuing our commitment to serving premium Iowa pork.

While the giveaway on Sunday, August 16 takes place inside the Pork Tent, the Pork Chop on a Stick™ is available for purchase at two locations during the Iowa State Fair: the Iowa Pork Producers’ Chop Shops. One Chop Shop is located right next to the Pork Tent on the east end of the Grand Concourse. The other will have a new, high-profile location on the Grand Avenue Concourse. The former "lower Chop Shop," previously located near the Swine Barn, will now be situated next to Barksdale's State Fair Cookies, just southwest of the Grandstand.

“We are sad to be further away from our exhibitors in the livestock barns, but we are excited to be able to offer our delicious pork products to more fairgoers with this new location,” said Hope Brecht, consumer outreach director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.  

Fairgoers can also take home a limited-edition America 250 pork-themed souvenir cup, available free with the first 6,500 drink purchases at the Pork Tent, beginning on August 13.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association looks forward to welcoming fairgoers from across Iowa and beyond, August 13-23 at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. 



ASA Appreciates Senate Ag Committee Commitment to 5-Year Farm Bill

Ahead of a legislative markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the American Soybean Association shared appreciation for the Senate Agriculture Committee’s continued work in finalizing a comprehensive five-year farm bill that strengthens the farm economy. The revised farm bill released by Chairman John Boozman includes key priorities for U.S. soybean farmers and makes important investments in the farm safety net, conservation, rural development, research, and market opportunities for soybean farmers.

“America’s soybean farmers need the certainty that only a five-year farm bill can provide,” said ASA President and Ohio farmer, Scott Metzger. “Chairman Boozman’s proposal includes important improvements that strengthen the farm safety net and invest in the long-term success of U.S. agriculture. We urge Congress to get a five-year farm bill across the finish line this year.”

ASA is hopeful the Senate Agriculture Committee will advance the legislation before the August recess and urges Congress to enact a comprehensive five-year farm bill before the end of the year.

The Agricultural Act of 2026 includes several ASA-supported provisions, including legislation to advance plant biostimulants, expand conservation technical assistance, improve fertilizer research, strengthen rural broadband deployment, increase access to technical service providers, and support precision agriculture technologies. The bill pursues market expansion opportunities by reauthorizing international food assistance programs and improving programs that support innovative new uses for U.S. soy. The Agricultural Act of 2026 also addresses complex issues important to farm bill stakeholders more broadly, like authorizing a permanent waiver for the sale of year-round E15 and including a one-year delay in state cost-sharing requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 



NCGA Welcomes Farm Bill Progress

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Saturday released Farm Bill “2.0” text that includes language on several of NCGA’s Farm Bill priorities as well as expanding consumer access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends. In response to this development, Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
“We thank Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar for their leadership in ongoing Farm Bill negotiations and are looking forward to  the committee consideration planned for next week.  
 
“We are extremely grateful that year-round E15 continues to be part of the conversation. This is a top priority for corn growers, who greatly need expanded sources of demand, like the kind year-round E15 would offer. We will continue to review the released text to evaluate its impact on corn growers and importance for agriculture.”



NCGA Urges Thune to Prioritize Budget Reconciliation Legislation 

The leader of National Corn Growers Association sent a letter Friday to Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) urging him to prioritize consideration and passage of the budget reconciliation legislation that would provide additional and much needed short-term assistance for agriculture.
 
“Swift consideration and passage of the budget resolution by the Senate Budget Committee will ensure this critical assistance provides relief for America’s farmers as soon as possible,” Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower wrote. “This year is expected to be the fourth consecutive year of net income losses for corn growers with an expected loss of nearly $150 per acre.”

Bower noted that the United States Department of Agriculture has proven that the administration can deliver authorized assistance timely and accurately. “Corn growers applauded President Trump for the administration’s budget supplemental request which includes economic and disaster assistance for farmers and calls for permanent year-round sales of E15,” the letter said. “NCGA supported the successful passage of the budget resolution by the full U.S. House of Representatives.”



USDA Confirms Detection of Classical Scrapie in Sheep

Friday the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed classical scrapie in a sheep slaughtered in a facility in Oregon. The NVSL will conduct tissue‑matching and parentage testing on the affected sheep and two additional animals accompanying the affected sheep.

APHIS and state animal health officials recently initiated an investigation to determine the flock of origin. Scrapie is a neurodegenerative and chronic disease that affects small ruminants with a fatal outcome. The affected animal did not have an ear tag, which may limit traceability. Scrapie is typically contracted during pregnancy and newborn lamb periods, which is why locating the flock of origin is so essential to the investigation. This case highlights the critical importance of strong animal identification practices nationwide.

“The importance of official scrapie tags cannot be understated,” said Cindy Wolf, DVM and American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) Animal Health Council co-chair. “These tags have made trace back to the flock of origin possible in order to stop further spread,” added Roselle Busch, DVM and ASI Animal Health Council co-chair.  

The investigation stems from a component of the National Scrapie Eradication Program called Regulatory Slaughter Surveillance, where brains from adult sheep and goat are examined by USDA. The positive animal was QQ (at codon 171) for scrapie resistance (susceptible genotype). Breeding for natural resistance is an additional important effort for long-term success of the “scrapie-free” status. Prior to this confirmation, the United States had gone more than five years without a case. The United States was positioned to meet the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (WOAH) seven‑year benchmark for self‑declared scrapie freedom in January 2028. Unfortunately, this confirmed detection could reset the timeline.

APHIS expects minimal impact on international trade. Most countries restrict live animal exports only from affected flocks or premises, and products such as wool remain unaffected.

USDA provides tools and reinforces key practices to help producers protect their flocks and advance scrapie eradication efforts nationwide:
    Ensure sheep purchased outside of slaughter channels have flock of origin scrapie tags. This would include breeding ewes, rams, and other life stages for grazing.
    Use of genetically resistant breeding stock, significantly reducing disease susceptibility. More info here.
    Robust surveillance participation, including submission of clinical suspects and routine monitoring.
    Continued partnership with APHIS and state animal health officials to support investigation and long‑term freedom efforts.

ASI will continue working with APHIS and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to support the investigation. Finding this case demonstrates the strength and ability of this program to detect such rare disease and highlights the exceptional progress made possible by producer participation. Additional information about scrapie and APHIS’ eradication program is available at www.aphis.usda.gov.



Continued Growth of USDA’s Product of USA Label 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced six additional meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary Product of USA (POTUSA) label, continuing the strong momentum behind the Trump Administration’s efforts to help consumers easily identify products that are truly born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States.

As more processors adopt the Product of USA label, American families have greater confidence that when they purchase products bearing the claim, they are directly supporting American farmers, ranchers, processors, and rural communities.

"Product of the USA label is a win for American farmers, ranchers, processors, and consumers alike, and we are continuing to see companies respond to this demand," said U.S. Secretary Brooke Rollins. "American consumers want to know where their food comes from, and they deserve labels they can trust. Every new company that adopts Product of USA is helping strengthen rural America, create new market opportunities for U.S. producers, and make it easier for families to support American agriculture every time they shop."

The newest companies to adopt USDA’s Product of USA label include:
    Creekstone Farms – Kansas
    Caviness Beef Packers
    CS Beef Packers – Texas
    Greener Pastures – Texas
    Lone Star Beef Processors – Texas
    Claxton Poultry Farms – Georgia

The continued expansion of the Product of USA label complements President Trump’s and Secretary Rollins’ broader strategy to strengthen America’s livestock industry by supporting independent ranchers, family farmers, and domestic meat and poultry processors. By creating new market opportunities for products that are fully American from pasture to plate, USDA is helping producers and processors compete, grow, and meet rising consumer demand for American-raised meat.

The Product of USA initiative also complements USDA’s Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program, a $500 million investment to help eligible small- and mid-sized beef processors preserve and expand domestic processing capacity. Together, these efforts are strengthening America’s meat supply chain, expanding opportunities for U.S. producers, and increasing consumer access to high-quality American-raised products.

USDA continues to receive strong interest from processors across the country, with additional companies expected to adopt the Product of USA label in the coming months as consumer demand for authentic American-produced meat and poultry continues to grow.