Wednesday August 12 Ag News - PVC Outlook Meeting - Crop Prod & Soil Health Clinic - NE LEAD 45 Fellows Announced - NCB Ethanol Infrastructure Grants - IA Corn 350 Recap - and more!

Resilient American agriculture begins with thriving youth
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

As the 2026 edition of the Cuming County Fair ends, a casual observation, of great influence in the future of American agriculture, is watching young people thrive as they participate in 4-H, FFA or other fair-sponsored events or while they simply act as kids. The thunderstorms and rain that came on Saturday, to the delight of all, particularly children, provided the perfect element to watch children thrive.

It did not take very long for many children to enjoy the water present in many situations. Water, either coming down from the sky, puddling and running down the street, or even through downspouts provided the perfect element for children to enjoy. Many children came running joyfully right down the stream of water draining the main thoroughfare. At times, running simply was not enough; many children resorted to rolling in it. Their giggles and laughter contagiously carried to many bystanders watching them from under buildings’ eaves. One, more adventurous youth, decided to drink water discharging from the downspouts of the Watson Livestock Arena roof. (Note to all concerned parents or health experts: by this time, it had rained sufficiently to rinse the metal roof of the building clean). Once he tasted it, he looked around satisfied that he had tried one new thing in his young life.

For many other youths, who chose to remain indoors, a pickup game of soccer on the sands of the Watson Livestock Arena gave them the opportunity to flex their muscles and use their lungs. For any adult witnessing this game, it was difficult to tell who belonged to what team or even where the goal posts were. Never mind what we adults thought, the children had their own rules. Or did they? At some point, perhaps imitating some so-called professional teams’ behavior during the recently completed World Cup, tempers flared. It took an adult referee to talk sense back into the situation. With great skill, this individual

diffused the situation; peace was promptly restored and children gained new experience.

What, might you ask, does any of this have to do with resiliency in American agriculture? Although I do not hold a degree in psychology or child development, when children act as children, exploring, testing, learning, and interacting with their peers, they develop their own sense of self while learning to manage inter-personal relationships. This is crucial to the development of a well-adjusted adult.

Someday, like their parents, some of these youth will take the reins of their parents’ businesses or begin their own. The experiences they accumulate as young people, including their days at the Cuming County Fair, will be the basis for their success as adults. In the meantime, I am grateful the Cuming County Ag Society, the Cuming County Fair Board, Cuming County 4-H, Cuming County Extension, and many volunteers and parents make this experience possible. American agriculture is resilient because it invests in its youth.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Outlook Meeting is Aug 17th
Joey Kratochvil, President

It is time for the Platte Valley Cattlemen annual market outlook meeting on Monday, August 17th at Doernemann's Barn in Clarkson. Social hour will begin at 6:00 pm and the meal at 7:00 pm. The guest speakers will be from Commodity Solutions, informing us on where they believe the markets are headed and different options they offer for market protection. 

They want to thank Pinnacle Bank for sponsoring the meal, and Commodity Solutions for sponsoring the social hour.

They look forward to seeing you on August 17th at the Barn.



Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic at ENREEC

Nebraska Extension is pleased to bring you the Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center on Thursday, August 27th. The Clinic will run from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm, with registration starting at 8:00 am. The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center is located at 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033. 

This day will feature in-the-field, hands-on sessions that will center around two themes:

Innovative practices for those interested in regenerative, sustainable farming.
·  Biochar and Compost Extract Effects – Britt Fossum, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and Jenny Brhel, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator
·  Beyond cereal rye: Summer annuals as cover crops – Katja Koehler-Cole, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Topics related to corn and soybean production to close out the 2026 growing season.
·  Corn and Soybean Growth: What Have We Seen in 2026 – Jenny Brhel and Aaron Nygren, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educators
·  Corn and Soybean Disease Update – Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Plant Pathology Specialist
·  Corn and Soybean Insect Update – Justin McMechan, Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist, and Silvana Paula-Moraes, Crops Integrated Pest Management Specialist
·  Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations – Javed Iqbal, Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist
·  Weed Science Update on Growth Regulators, Herbicide Programs, and Adjuvants - Luka Milosevic, Post-Doc Research Associate and Jon Scott, Research Technologist

A total of 7 CCA CEU credits have been applied for, covering 1 Soil and Water CEU, 1 Crop Management CEU, 2 Nutrient Management CEU's, and 3 Pest Management CEU's.

Please register by August 26th by clicking on this link: https://go.unl.edu/cmdc26 , calling Saunders County Extension at 402-624-8030, or by scanning the below QR code.

For those needing no CCA credits, there is a $35 registration fee to attend, which includes training, lunch, and reference materials. For those needing CCA credits, there is a $75 registration fee to attend.  

More information can be found at https://enreec.unl.edu/2026CropAndSoilHealthClinic/.



Nebraska LEAD Program Announces Class 45 Fellows

The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 29 exceptional individuals as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 45. Chosen for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities, these Fellows represent a wide range of backgrounds within Nebraska’s agricultural industry.

Starting this September and over the next two years, Class 45 Fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of state, national and global agricultural issues, all while preparing them to serve as leaders in their communities and industries.

“I’m excited to welcome the members of Nebraska LEAD Class 45 to the program,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “Each Fellow brings a different background, set of experiences and vision for the future of agriculture and Nebraska. Over the next two years, they’ll have the opportunity to challenge their thinking, broaden their understanding of the issues facing our state and build relationships with leaders from across Nebraska and beyond. I’m looking forward to watching this class learn from one another as they grow in their leadership journeys.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program, now in its 45th year, has a long-standing mission of developing agricultural leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska and beyond. Through in-state seminars, a national study experience and an international study/travel seminar, the program provides Fellows with the skills and experiences necessary to lead effectively in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

Nebraska LEAD 45 Fellows by city/town are:

BAYARD: Juan Manuel Acosta Jr.
BEATRICE: Brayden Frerichs
CAMPBELL: Kelli Conway
COLERIDGE: Annette Sudbeck
ELGIN: Jonathon Meis
GENOA: Alexander Cornwell
HICKMAN: Christina Barber
HOLDREGE: Grant Dahlgren
HUMBOLDT: Elizabeth Hodges
IMPERIAL: Kyle Sorensen
KEARNEY: Tyler Vreugdenhil
LIBERTY: Ryan Husa
LINCOLN: Alexa Davis, Karlin Warner
LINDSAY: Emily Beller
MINDEN: Colby Emal
MONROE: Asha Scheideler
OGALLALA: Blair Rhodes
PAWNEE CITY: Mark Bloss
PHILLIPS: Jesse Harding-Campbell
RAVENNA: Ethan Zoerb
SAINT EDWARD: Blake Merrell
SAINT PAUL: Kristine Dvoracek-Jameson
SARONVILLE: Tyler Bailey
SPALDING: Grant Marisch
SPRAGUE: Stephen Gruber
SUTHERLAND: Jared Muhlbach
VALPARAISO: Tanner Woita
WISNER: Kelsey Thompson

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit lead.unl.edu.



The Nebraska Corn Board Is Seeking Grant Applications for Ethanol Infrastructure Support

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) is now accepting grant applications for ethanol infrastructure support, which will help Nebraska fuel retailers add or expand higher ethanol blend options, such as E15. The program is designed to provide grants and partner with retailers to increase consumer access to safe, cleaner, more affordable fuels while driving new demand for Nebraska-grown corn through locally produced ethanol.
 
Retailers can apply for NCB’s ethanol infrastructure support based on the type of infrastructure they plan to install. Projects that add equipment capable of offering multiple higher ethanol blends, such as blender pumps dispensing E15 and two higher ethanol blends, are eligible to receive up to $75,000 per location. Retailers planning to offer E15 and one higher blend may be eligible to receive up to $50,000. Retailers planning upgrades to offer E15 only may receive up to $25,000.
 
Retailers may also apply to receive funding for E15 Mainstream which is intended for retailers replacing E10 base fuel with E15. These options allow retailers to choose the upgrade that best fits their retail site; whether they are expanding into full higher-blend offerings or taking the first step by adding E15.
 
Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, October 30, 2026. For further information, visit nebraskacorn.gov/corn-101/corn-uses/ethanol or contact Payton Schaneman at 402-471-2676.



Ambassador Greer to Travel to the Hawkeye State to Tour Des Moines Manufacturer and Visit Dozens of Vendors at the Iowa State Fair

This week, Ambassador Jamieson Greer will travel to the Hawkeye State to tour one of North America’s largest off-road tire manufacturers, Titan Tires, and visit dozens of vendors at the state fair, touring livestock barns and meeting with local producers.

While touring Titan Tires, Ambassador Greer and Administrator Kelly Loeffler will meet with blue-collar workers to highlight how President Trump’s pro-growth policies are creating jobs, reshoring production lines, and securing lasting wins for American workers and their families.

Following the manufacturing tour, Ambassador Greer will join Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Representative Ashley Hinson (IA-02), and Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) at the Iowa State Fair to visit a wide variety of vendors showcasing the best of Iowa’s agriculture and industry.



Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR Cup Series Race Drives Ethanol Demand

On Sunday, over 1,800 Iowa Corn Grower Association members and their families traveled to the Iowa Speedway to celebrate the power and performance of ethanol at the Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR Cup Series. The race is the perfect platform to promote Unleaded 88, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol created from Iowa grown corn, which powers NASCAR engines lap after lap. 

“The energy that overtakes Iowa Speedway during the Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race is undeniable,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) President and farmer from Belmond, Iowa, Joe Roberts. “Iowa corn fields surround the track, and it’s incredible to partner with NASCAR to use their national platform to make that connection to attendees not only in the stands, but to the millions of viewers watching at home, that the crop surrounding the track plays a huge role in fueling their favorite drivers. Additionally, we aren’t only promoting ethanol, but also the over 4,000 other products made from corn and the Iowa corn farmers who grow it.”  

Iowa has long been a leader in supporting expansion and access to ethanol blend fuels, and Iowan’s are already reaping the benefits. In 2025, Iowa drivers saved on average of 15 cents per gallon when fueling up with Unleaded 88, for a combined savings of over $60 million across the state. For one Iowa household, those savings equate to roughly $400 a year. 

“Iowa corn farmers lead the nation in corn production and we continue to produce more with less, which is why we need to tell our stories and invest in creating new demand, and that is exactly what the Iowa Corn Promotion Board aims to do in sponsoring this race.” Roberts said. “One of the easiest things consumers can do to support corn farmers and Iowa’s economy is to choose Unleaded 88 each time they fill up. I like to tell people, ‘If NASCAR trusts Unleaded 88 to give them the power and performance they need to stay competitive, you can trust it too, while feeling good about using a fuel that is cheaper, cleaner and homegrown by Iowa’s corn farmers!’” 

Iowa Corn is working to remove barriers to allow nationwide, year-round E15, also known as Unleaded 88, to be sold across the county and accessible to all Americans. To find the closest Unleaded 88 station near you to power your next trip, visit: drivecleaniowa.com. 



VANE APPOINTS MATT CASWELL AS VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

VANE, a leading provider of first-of-its kind field-level revenue insurance solutions for agribusinesses, today announced the appointment of Matt Caswell as Vice President of Strategic Relationships.

In this role, Caswell will lead VANE’s efforts to develop and manage strategic relationships with agricultural cooperatives, ag retailers, and other key partners across the agricultural value chain. He will work closely with industry leaders to identify opportunities where risk management solutions can help organizations protect revenue, differentiate their customer offerings, and drive business growth.
    
Caswell is an industry leader that brings more than two decades of executive leadership in agribusiness, stakeholder management, and corporate affairs to support VANE's continued growth.

Caswell will focus on fostering strong relationships with prospects, clients, and business partners, ensuring VANE’s continued excellence in the delivery of its unique revenue insurance solutions for agribusinesses. Throughout his career, he has built and managed relationships across the agricultural value chain while helping organizations navigate complex business environments and pursue strategic opportunities.

“We’re excited to have Matt bring his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and strong network of relationships within the cooperative and ag retail segments to VANE.” Said Clayton Becker, COO of VANE. “His deep understanding of the industry and proven career experience will be invaluable as we partner with key agribusinesses to better understand their unique risks and develop customized solutions that help protect and grow their businesses.”

Prior to joining VANE, Caswell spent more than a decade as Vice President of Member/Corporate Relations & Government Affairs at Ag Processing Inc. (AGP), where he served as a senior executive leader for one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives in the United States and led stakeholder and reputation management for the firm. In that role, he led initiatives spanning member-owner relations, stakeholder engagement, corporate strategy, communications, and government affairs.

In 2020, Caswell was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, the largest state agribusiness association in the country. Previous roles included leadership responsibilities at Syngenta, BP, and the Iowa Soybean Association. Caswell is a graduate of Drake University Law School and resides with his wife and two children in Omaha, NE.

“I am extremely excited about the truly innovative risk management support VANE provides to agribusinesses across the country, and especially cooperatives,” said Caswell. “Helping agribusinesses manage weather risk in new and unprecedented ways is critically important given the current situation in the agricultural sector. Joining the VANE team is a deep and humbling honor and I look forward to helping support and expand the business.”

Through his role at VANE, Caswell will help expand adoption of weather-related revenue insurance solutions among cooperatives, ag retailers, and other agribusiness partners seeking innovative approaches to risk management and business growth.

About VANE
VANE was founded to deliver innovative insurance solutions that help agribusinesses protect their revenue and balance sheet from weather-related financial risk. As weather events become more frequent and severe, agribusinesses face increasing exposure when their grower clients cancel products or services due to adverse weather conditions.

While growers have long relied on Federal Crop Insurance to protect their operations, VANE extends similar protection to agribusinesses. Through specialized revenue insurance solutions, VANE enables input manufacturers and distributors, ag service providers, ag retailers and cooperatives, grain handlers, and more to transfer weather-related risk, strengthen financial stability, and continue serving the growers who depend on them.