Friday August 14 Ag News - PFI Cover Crop Cost Share - Tyson Restructures Beef Business - DTN predicts NE Corn Yield 176, Soybeans 56 - Nebraska Water Conference Preview - IA Soybean Assoc Election Results - and more!

Farmers Can Apply for PFI Program That Helps Cover Crops Pencil Out

Midwestern farmers looking to make cover crops pencil out can now apply for Practical Farmers of Iowa's 2026 cover crop cost-share. The program provides $15 per acre on an unlimited number of acres of fall-seeded cover crops, plus one-on-one agronomic support.

“We know cover crops can reduce erosion, suppress weeds and improve soil health, but the upfront cost can keep farmers from trying them or expanding acres,” says Sean Dengler, PFI’s crop nutrition coordinator. “This program helps offset the cost while giving farmers the support they need to make cover crops work on their farm.”

In 2025, more than 2,400 farmers received $10 million in PFI cost-share to plant cover crops on more than 900,000 acres.
“Each year, thousands of farmers use this program because they’ve seen the value cover crops bring to their farms,” says Sean. “Whether the goal is improving water infiltration, reducing erosion, suppressing weeds or strengthening the operation for the next generation, the program helps farmers take the next step with confidence.”

Both first-time and experienced cover crop users are encouraged to apply. Conventional corn and soybean farmers in Iowa and parts of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin are eligible.

The application takes about 10 minutes to complete. Farmers can stack the cost-share with other publicly funded programs, including IDALS WQI, NRCS EQIP or CSP.

Participants also receive a complimentary one-year PFI membership, connecting them with a community of experienced cover crop users and practical resources to help answer their questions.

Nebraska row crop and livestock farmer Brian Brhel has participated in the cost-share program since 2023.

“Using plants as a tool to release nutrients, compete against weed pressure and shade the soil is something I believe in,” says Brian. “PFI's assistance to continue learning in this space is important and appreciated."

Enrollment is first-come, first-served and will close once available acres are filled. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/cover-crop-cost-share.
 
Funding for this program is made possible by PepsiCo and Cargill.



Tyson Foods Announces Network Restructuring for Beef Business to Strengthen Long-Term Performance

Tyson Foods is making strategic changes to its beef operations to position the company for long-term success. Tyson Foods will anchor its beef business around three strategically located beef facilities in the central United States: Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas and Amarillo, Texas, to create a more competitive footprint amidst one of the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced. Recent USDA cattle inventory data, which included continued evidence of limited heifer retention, indicates these supply constraints are likely to persist, requiring strategic action.  

The company will end operations at its Joslin, Illinois, beef facility and its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility. Capacity from these locations will be moved to more strategically located facilities with ample capacity to grow. Additionally, Tyson Foods is pursuing the sale of its Pasco, Washington, beef facility. With these changes, the company will ramp back up a second shift at its Amarillo, Texas facility as cattle become available. Collectively, these changes will allow the company to maintain a similar level of cattle harvesting across a more efficient and modern network.

Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and communities. The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities.

With these changes, Tyson Foods is ensuring that it will continue to deliver high-quality, affordable, and nutritious protein for generations to come.



NCBA Statement on Tyson Foods’ Joslin Plant Closure & Facility Changes 

Thursday, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response to Tyson Foods’ announced closure of its beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois, and additional restructuring efforts: 
 
“NCBA is troubled by the closure of the Joslin beef processing facility. For many years, the plant has played a vital role in the Midwest beef supply chain, and its closure will significantly impact cattle producers, employees, and rural communities across the region. We encourage Tyson to work closely with its longstanding customers to identify alternative marketing opportunities for their cattle. 
 
“Tyson Foods’ Pasco, Washington, beef processing facility is also critical for cattle producers in the Northwest, and we appreciate the company’s commitment to seek a buyer rather than pursuing an outright closure.  
 
“These decisions underscore the significant challenges that historically-low cattle inventories continue to create across the beef cattle industry. While we are disappointed by these developments, they also reinforce the importance of rebuilding the nation’s cow herd and maintaining adequate processing capacity to support cattle producers, strengthen market opportunities, and ensure a resilient beef supply chain for the future.” 



Nebraska Expects Below-Average Corn, Soybean Yields After Dry Spring

After the 2026 growing season started very dry across large swaths of Nebraska with concerns about late crop emergence, many areas received adequate moisture while others continued to struggle mightily this summer.

The DTN Digital Yield Tour forecasts Nebraska's state average corn yield to fall 6 bushels per acre (bpa) below the five-year USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) average for the state.  DTN pegs this year's Nebraska corn yield at 176.3 bu/acre, compared to USDA RMA's 5 year average of 182.3 bu/acre.

The DTN yield models forecast corn yields of 200 bushels or higher in 25 of 93 Nebraska counties including Adams, Antelope, Boone, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cass, Cuming, Dakota, Dawson, Dodge, Fillmore, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Kearney, Phelps, Platte, Polk, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thurston, Wayne and York. The number of counties above 200 is down from 30 during 2025's tour and 41 in 2024.

On the soybean side, Nebraska yields also are forecast below both last year and the RMA five-year average. DTN is pegging this year's Nebraska soybean yield at 55.9 bu/acre, compared to the USDA RMA 5 year average of 58.7 bu/acre.  Yields range from 66.1 bpa in Polk County to 35.4 bpa in Boyd County.

While the DTN Digital Yield Tour is in its ninth season, this is the third year that employs DTN's proprietary crop yield models. The tour estimates reported here are based on yield models as of Aug. 1. The models update every two weeks and do not incorporate weather forecasts.



Gov. Pillen Extends Executive Order to Support Wildfire and Drought Recovery

Governor Jim Pillen Thursday reissued an executive order extending relief for commercial drivers transporting hay and essential agricultural supplies to areas impacted by recent wildfires and ongoing drought conditions across Nebraska.

Due to the severe impact of wildfires and persistent drought on the state’s livestock feed supply, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted an additional 30-day waiver on Hours of Service requirements for drivers assisting with relief efforts.

Under the Governor’s executive order, standard hours-of-service regulations as well as over-dimension and over-weight size restrictions are waived for commercial motor vehicles delivering hay and necessary supplies to affected agricultural producers.

This order will be in effect through Sept. 11.



2026 Nebraska Water Conference

2026 Nebraska Water Conference: The State of Water in Nebraska
October 15 and 16, 2026
East Campus Union, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The 2026 Nebraska Water Conference will be held October 15 and 16. We’ll gather at the East Campus Union on the University of Nebraska - Lincoln campus to discuss The State of Water in Nebraska. This conference will provide news and updates from state agencies, natural resources districts, cities, researchers, and the private sector to share news and current efforts in Nebraska’s water use and management.

The draft agenda for the conference includes topics like groundwater modeling, Groundwater Management Planning, Education and Outreach, Emerging contaminants, Watershed management and flood control, Water use in agriculture, Groundwater quality and phase-based management, Data centers and water use, 150 Years of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and more. 

Several sessions are pending approval for continuing education credit hours.

This conference is sponsored by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UNL’s Agricultural Research Division, HDR, Central Platte Natural Resources District, Nebraska Corn Board, and UNMC’s Water, Climate and Health Program.

Conference Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026 Nebraska Water Conference. Registration includes all sessions and meals, parking on campus, and the Thursday evening reception.
    Regular registration: $375
    Faculty registration: $150
    Student registration: $50

Register for the conference by visiting go.unl.edu/2026WC.

Registration will be open through September 30, 2026..



New Course "QuickBooks Online for Farmers and Ranchers" Now Live!

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, is proud to announce the launch of a new online course, "QuickBooks Online for Farmers and Ranchers." This program is designed specifically for agricultural producers seeking to better understand and manage their finances using QuickBooks Online.

Whether you are brand new to QuickBooks or looking to improve your existing bookkeeping practices, this course provides step-by-step guidance tailored to the unique needs of farm and ranch operations.

By the end of the course you will be able to:
    Set up a QuickBooks Online account for agricultural operations
    Record income and expenses accurately, including common farm transactions
    Track inventory, equipment, and loan payments
    Generate financial reports to make informed business decisions
    Avoid common mistakes that lead to inaccurate records

The cost for the course is $55 per person. Participants will have access to the course for 90 days from the date of enrollment.  Click the link to see more information and to enroll: https://unl.advance.nebraska.edu/courses/quickbooks-for-farmers-and-ranchers. 



Yield of Dreams Beer Returns to the Iowa State Fair

Iowa Corn is proud to announce the return of Yield of Dreams, the popular craft lager brewed with 100% Iowa-grown corn, making its third consecutive appearance at the Iowa State Fair. Fairgoers can get their first taste of the returning favorite at Tap 88 inside the Iowa Craft Beer Tent starting August 13. 

Created in partnership with Big Grove Brewery, the Iowa Brewers Guild, Confluence Distributing and Choose Iowa, Yield of Dreams is a crisp, homegrown American lager made with corn donated by 18 Iowa farm families from across the state.  

While Iowans know corn powers our state's livestock and renewable fuels industries, beer is another delicious example of its incredible versatility. Corn is a key ingredient in over 4,000 everyday products—from eco-friendly packaging and household goods to premium craft beer. 

"The Yield of Dreams partnership continues to be a celebration of Iowa's corn farmers, agriculture and craft brewing industry," said Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President and farmer from Belmond, Iowa, Joe Roberts. "We continue to hear positive reviews as we share the over 4,000 products made from corn. Corn really is everything, and as we enter the third year of the partnership, we are excited to continue telling the story of Iowa's corn farmers one sip at a time!" 

Where to Find Yield of Dreams:
    When you visit the Craft Beer Tent at the Iowa State Fair, ask for Tap 88 to enjoy a refreshing glass of Yield of Dreams! 
    Yield of Dreams will land in taprooms across Iowa starting August 23! 

To learn more about the beer or find participating taprooms, visit yieldofdreams.beer, and to learn about the over 4,000 products made from corn, visit iowacorn.org/corn-products.



Eight Farmer-Leaders Elected to Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors

Eight farmers, including five incumbents, have been elected to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Newly-elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board include: Josh Blair, Wall Lake (District 4) and Jeff Hedges, Oakville (District 9). Effective Sept. 1, Lisa Obrecht of Zearing (District 5) was appointed by the board to serve a three-year term following the resignation of Corey Goodhue.

Five farmer-leaders were re-elected to three-year terms on the board. They include: Paul Kassel, Spencer (District 1); Sam Showalter, Hampton (District 2); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); Aimee Bissell, Bedford (At-Large); and Sharon Chism, Huxley (At-Large).

“Thank you to all of Iowa’s soybean farmers who took the time to participate in this year’s director elections, whether by casting a ballot, putting their name forward as a candidate or both,” said Tom Adam, ISA president and soybean farmer from Harper. “As a farmer-led organization, ISA is strengthened by the engagement of the farmers we represent. Their participation helps ensure a strong future for ISA and Iowa’s soybean industry.”

Directors are elected by Iowa soybean farmers in July and take office in September. Members vote for two farmers from their crop reporting district and vote for four at-large directors. The eight directors elected join 14 full-time soybean farmers in developing ISA’s policies and programs each year.

Those continuing their service as directors are: Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); Mike Yegge, Lake Mills (District 2); Josh Schoulte, Farmersburg (District 3); Amanda Tupper, Ionia (District 3); Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4); and Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5); Brian Strasser, Homestead (District 6); Joe Sperfslage, Coggon (District 6); Summer Ory, Earlham (District 8); Brian Fuller, Osceola (District 8); Jack Boyer, Reinbeck (At-Large); and Neil Krummen, Linn Grove (At-Large).

To learn more, visit iasoybeans.com.



NGFA asks STB to reject Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger

In a filing on August 13 submitted to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) asks that the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Corporation (the Applicants) be rejected.

NGFA’s submission was in response to the Applicants’ updated application filed on July 27, 2026, which the association maintains does not meet the standards set forth in the STB’s Major Rail Consolidation Procedures (2001). Those standards contend that railroad mergers should not just preserve existing competition, but actually increase and improve competition for customers.

The National Grain and Feed Association released the following statement about this development:

“Since the proposed merger was announced 13 months ago, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has made clear that it would undertake a deliberative, honest and thorough review of the proposed merger and its potential benefits and detriments to our member companies. Throughout this process, NGFA examined the applications and gathered feedback and perspectives from its members to help determine what position, if any, it would take in this matter.

“Over the past year, NGFA has consistently maintained that any agreement must deliver tangible benefits for rail customers and the agricultural supply chain. In its filings, NGFA has consistently asked the merger applicants to provide greater detail on how the proposed transaction would enhance competition and act in the public interest to meet the standards set forth in the Surface Transportation Board’s Major Rail Consolidation Procedures (2001). We appreciate the efforts of the applicants to respond to these concerns. However, the NGFA Board of Directors met today and determined that the application does not cross the bar required under the 2001 procedures and has voted to oppose the merger. This vote is reflected in the filing opposing the merger submitted today.”