Friday August 07 Ag News - NE PSC Opent Compaint against The Andersons - NE Extension Hosts Virtual Crop Scouting Event - N Rate Risk Protection Program Open for '27 - Smidt Starts as NW IA Beef Specialist - Farm Bill 2.0 Fails to Move out of Senate Ag Committee - and more!

PSC SEEKS INFORMATION FROM NEBRASKA GRAIN PRODUCERS FOLLOWING NON-PAYMENT COMPLAINT AGAINST THE ANDERSONS

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has opened a complaint against The Andersons Inc., an Ohio-based agribusiness, for failing to make timely payments to a Nebraska grain producer. The company is licensed by the Commission as a grain dealer, which allows it to buy, sell and broker grain in Nebraska.

The complaint was filed Aug. 6 by the Commission’s Grain Warehouses and Dealers Department following an investigation into the producer’s report that The Andersons had not paid for multiple grain deliveries. The company and the producer have since reached an agreement.

While the complaint stems from a single report that has now been resolved, the Commission is encouraging any other Nebraska grain producers or sellers who have experienced similar payment delays involving The Andersons or other grain dealers to come forward.

“Our priority is protecting Nebraska’s grain producers and ensuring buyers meet their obligations under state law,” said Terri Fritz, Grain Department director. “If producers are not being paid in a timely manner, we want to hear from them. Information from other sellers will help us determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern.”

Nebraska grain producers or sellers who believe they have experienced delayed payment from The Andersons or other grain dealers are encouraged to contact the Commission by calling (402) 471-0222 or by sending an email to psc.grain@nebraska.gov.

The Commission reminds grain producers and sellers that timely reporting of payment concerns is critical. Prompt notification allows the Commission to investigate potential violations and take appropriate action to protect Nebraska’s grain community.



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Accepting Nominations for Distinguished Faculty Awards

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) is now accepting nominations for distinguished faculty awards. The two annual awards, the Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment Award and the Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment Award, recognize outstanding faculty members at post-secondary educational institutions in Nebraska.

Established in 2009, the Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment Award recognizes professors and instructors who made significant contributions to Nebraska's beef industry through teaching, research, extension, and student mentorship. NCF plans to award up to $5,000 annually to recognize excellence in beef industry-related education and research.

Established in 2011, the Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment Award honors professors and instructors whose work has advanced range management and conservation through teaching, research, extension, and student mentorship. NCF also plans to award up to $5,000 annually to recognize excellence in range management, conservation education, and research.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation encourages nominations of faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in one or more of the following areas:
    Excellence in teaching and student instruction
    Innovative research benefiting Nebraska agriculture
    Extension programming and outreach
    Leadership and service that strengthens Nebraska's beef industry, rangelands, and natural resources

These endowment awards reflect NCF's longstanding commitment to supporting higher education, research, and the future of Nebraska's cattle industry.

Submit nominations to:
Ashley McClinton
Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation
Email: ncf@necattlemen.org

Nominations for both awards are due by Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

 

Nebraska Extension Invites Public to Live Virtual Crop Scouting Event

Nebraska Extension specialists and educators from across the state will host a virtual, in-field crop scouting event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, livestreamed on the ScoutNebraska YouTube channel. The event is part of the free, public #ScoutNebraska initiative.

Attendees will follow extension experts as they scout fields of corn, beans and other specialty crops, identifying diseases, pests, and other issues currently affecting Nebraska growers. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of specialists in real time through the YouTube chat feature. Watch anywhere with YouTube access on a phone, TV or computer.

The event will also feature interactive audience activities, including a disease scavenger hunt where participants can suggest diseases they've encountered and challenge educators to find them during the livestream.

No registration is required. Join the livestream beginning at 9 a.m. on the Scout Nebraska YouTube channel.

About #ScoutNebraska
#ScoutNebraska is a statewide social media initiative that encourages farmers, crop consultants, educators and others to share photos and observations from Nebraska fields. By using the #ScoutNebraska hashtag, participants help create a real-time snapshot of crop conditions, insects, diseases and other issues across the state, making field observations easier to discover and learn from.




Program helps farmers save on fertilizer while protecting water quality

Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the biggest costs for many corn farmers. At the same time, Iowa continues to face water quality challenges. Practical Farmers of Iowa's N Rate Risk Protection Program helps farmers find the right nitrogen rate for their fields, lowering fertilizer costs while protecting water quality.

Enrollment is now open for Midwestern farmers who want to test lower nitrogen rates on their farms.

“Farmers shouldn't have to choose between making a profit and clean water,” says Sean Dengler, PFI's crop nutrition coordinator. "With fertilizer prices remaining high, this program helps farmers find the sweet spot for nitrogen while keeping excess out of waterways.”

Participants receive a field-specific phone call from a PFI agronomist to discuss nitrogen rates that could work for each field. They also receive $5 per acre for lowering their nitrogen rate. If a participant's yield drops below 95% of their 10-year average after lowering their nitrogen rate, they'll receive a $30 per acre payment.

The program has been successful. Over the years, only 9% of participants have qualified for a payout, meaning most farmers lowered their nitrogen rate without a yield loss large enough to trigger a payment.

"This program gave me the confidence to lower my nitrogen rate across my whole farm,” says Benjamin Storm, who farms in Dover, Minnesota. “In 2025, I raised the best corn I’ve ever grown using the lowest amount of nitrogen I’ve ever applied."

To be eligible, farmers must:
    Raise corn in 2027
    Be willing to reduce nitrogen by approximately 20 pounds per acre
    Manage conventional corn; certified organic acres are not eligible
    Farm in eligible counties in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota or Wisconsin

Enrollment is open through April 30, 2027. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/n-rate-risk-protection-program.

For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, contact Chelsea Ferrie at (515) 232-5661 ext. 1040 or farmadmin@practicalfarmers.org.



New northwest Iowa beef specialist brings experience and enthusiasm to the job

As the incoming extension beef specialist in northwest Iowa, Lauryn Smidt was ready to start meeting with people and learning the ropes of this new-to-her position. She probably didn’t realize how true that would be. Her July 13 start date was right in the middle of county fair season, and she spent much of the first few weeks visiting the fairs in her area and meeting extension staff and volunteers at each one.

Smidt is based in the Sioux County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county office in Orange City, and looks forward to working with producers and the beef community. She said her research and educational background will benefit her program here.

“I completed my B.S. in Animal Science at North Dakota State University and my M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln,” she said. “At Nebraska, I was trained in feedlot nutrition and assisted with many different research projects at their large research feedlot. Those opportunities with finishing, growing, and grazing projects help me better understand the various aspects that go into getting the animal to its final finishing phase.”

Her personal experience adds another dimension to her qualifications and led to her interest in Extension work.

“I am originally from Pipestone, MN and grew up on a small farm, where my family has a commercial cow-calf operation and a small feedlot of beef x dairy steers,” she said. “I was heavily involved in my family's operation, and I showed steers and dairy heifers in 4-H and was also involved in FFA.”

Smidt said she enjoys getting out and talking to producers and helping them learn how they can improve their operation, and she looks forward to even more interaction with those in her area

“As a beef specialist, I help deliver research-based education by putting on different conferences throughout the year,” she said. “I’ll also collaborate with different members of the community or extension in my area to promote engagement and answer any questions someone might have.”

You can reach Smidt by email at lsmidt@iastate.edu, cell phone at 507-215-6132, or through the Sioux County office phone at 712-737-4230.



Frustrated by Farm Bill Failure, NCGA President Calls for Urgent Bipartisan Action

The Agriculture Act of 2026 failed to garner enough votes to pass out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Thursday. The bill, also commonly referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0”, included many corn grower priorities, such as language that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends.  
 
In response to this development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
“We are extremely disappointed that legislation important to so many Americans failed to advance. This bill was particularly important to corn growers who have long pushed for legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of E15, a bright spot in an otherwise dim economic outlook.  
 
“We implore senators to approve a bipartisan farm bill that extends consumer access to E15 and serves the interests of America’s farmers. We are running out of time in this Congress and urge action as quickly as possible.”  



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Senate Ag Committee’s Failure to Advance Farm Bill

"Today is a disappointing day for Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and consumers. Simply put, food security starts with a strong farm economy, and the failure of the Senate Agriculture Committee to move a new Farm Bill to the Senate floor does nothing but create more uncertainty for our nation's food producers. It is also highly disappointing that, yet again, achieving year-round sales of E15 failed to advance after years of tireless work. We thank Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer for her support of the bill, and her unrelenting pursuit to get this bill along with year-round sales of E15 to President Trump's desk. Today, even in the face of this setback, Nebraska farm and ranch families remain resolute and determined to get this bill across the finish line." 



Fischer Statement on Democrats Blocking the Farm Bill in Committee

Thursday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after Democrats on the committee voted against advancing the Farm Bill: 

“It is disgraceful Democrats refused to advance the bipartisan Farm Bill out of committee. First, Senate Democrats refused to stand up for our service members by not moving the bipartisan NDAA. Now, they’re turning their backs on farmers, ranchers, and rural America. We worked with them to secure bipartisan support for E15 and offered a compromise on SNAP cost share concerns.

“What did the Democrats do? They voted against every policy they claim to care about: funding food banks, improving rural and mental health services, increasing access to safe drinking water, and expanded broadband connectivity.

“This is a massive disservice to producers and communities across the country. I certainly hope they wake up and realize the pain this will inflict on American families.”



NFU Reiterates Need for a Stronger Farm Bill

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew Thursday released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry failed to advance the farm bill:

“Family farmers can’t afford more delay, so it’s disappointing that the Senate Agriculture Committee did not come to an agreement on the farm bill.

“Family farmers and ranchers need the right farm bill – one that addresses today’s challenges and anticipates future needs. That means a farm safety net that accounts for high input costs and persistently low prices, along with stronger conservation funding and real protections against corporate monopolies.

“We saw some encouraging signs of bipartisanship through this process. The committee voted overwhelmingly to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling and adopted an amendment funding local food procurement programs. The bill also included year-round, nationwide sale of E15, a change that will benefit both farmers and consumers.

“It is essential that lawmakers work together to get a strong farm bill signed into law. Congress is running out of time to get this done. In the weeks ahead, Farmers Union members will continue pushing for farm and food policy improvements to help everyone in our communities.”



Farmers Left Waiting After Senate Farm Bill Fails to Advance

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today expressed deep disappointment in the failure of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to advance a farm bill. He called on senators to return to the negotiating table for the sake of rural communities across America.

“We are deeply disappointed that senators failed to advance a farm bill today,” said Duvall. “At a time when farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country are facing multiyear losses, the need for a strong, bipartisan farm bill, one that included the long-awaited year-round E15, has never been greater. We appreciate the efforts of Chairman Boozman and members who supported the bill and urge them not to give up.

“An overwhelming majority of Americans recognize that the farm bill is a matter of national security to ensure we continue to have a safe and abundant food supply. In fact, most Americans say they would be more likely to support a member of Congress who votes to reauthorize the farm bill, which makes the current gridlock even more puzzling.

“We urge senators to return to the table, work across party lines, and advance a farm bill out of committee in order to continue the negotiations toward a bipartisan farm bill that provides the long-term support and certainty our farmers, ranchers and rural communities need. The reality is that this might be our last chance this year to get it done. The stakes are too high to allow the opportunity to slip away.” 



Pork Producers Disappointed Senate Farm Bill Fails to Pass – Ag’s Needs, Including a Prop. 12 Fix, Still Stand
 
The National Pork Producers Council’s President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa, issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry’s farm bill failed to move forward.
 
“When Congress passes a new farm bill, it must include the ask of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers to finally stop the threat of a state-by-state patchwork of farm animal housing laws spurred by California Proposition 12.
 
“America’s pork producers deserve a robust farm bill, which should come with protection from being forced to rebuild their barns every time another state decides it knows what is best for animal welfare over farmers. 
 
“Not only does Prop. 12 make sustaining their businesses onerous for pork producers, but also it hinders the critical input and expertise of swine veterinarians.”
 
As farm bill negotiations continue, NPPC encourages Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to produce—and pass—a bipartisan farm bill that focuses on keeping pig farming in the U.S. affordable, checks the overreach of interstate commerce California has enjoyed, and bottom line, offers the best care for animals.



ASA Disappointed that New Farm Bill was not Advanced

The American Soybean Association is disappointed that the Agricultural Act of 2026 was not advanced during Thursday's markup by the Senate Agriculture Committee. While the legislation was tabled for further consideration, today's action delays much-needed progress toward enacting a bipartisan five-year farm bill.

America's soybean farmers continue to face a challenging farm economy marked by rising input costs, low commodity prices, and ongoing trade uncertainty. ASA urges lawmakers to use the August recess to continue bipartisan negotiations, engage directly with farmers and agricultural stakeholders, and resolve the remaining issues preventing the bill from moving forward. The Senate should return in September prepared to advance a comprehensive five-year farm bill and deliver the certainty and support America's farmers need.



USDA Dairy Products June 2026 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.23 billion pounds, 1.1 percent above June 2025 but 4.1 percent below May 2026. Italian type cheese production totaled 522 million pounds, 0.3 percent below June 2025 and 6.8 percent below May 2026. American type cheese production totaled 485 million pounds, 1.1 percent above June 2025 but 2.6 percent below May 2026. Butter production was 208 million pounds, 8.5 percent above June 2025 but 7.2 percent below May 2026.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with June 2025)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 165 million pounds, up 14.2 percent.
Skim milk powder - 28.7 million pounds, down 46.8 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with June 2025)
Dry whey, total - 80.9 million pounds, up 7.3 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 86.7 million pounds, down 11.5 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 42.2 million pounds, down 5.3 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with June 2025)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 68.7 million gallons, up 5.2 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 39.0 million gallons, up 7.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.04 million gallons, up 7.1 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.14 million gallons, up 0.9 percent.