Pro Farmer Crop Tour Results from Nebraska
Pro Farmer Crop Tour scouts spent one and a half days in and out of corn and soybean fields in Nebraska Monday and Tuesday this week as part of the 33rd year of the event. On Tuesday evening in Nebraska City, Pro Farmer announced the Nebraska numbers, pegging the corn yield at 163.61 bushels an acre, which would be down 8.85% from their estimate last year and down 5.6% from their 3 year average. For soybeans, Pro Farmer announces pod counts for a three foot by three foot area. This year's pod counts came in at 1219.6 pods, down 9.5% from their 2025 number and just 0.6% below the 3 year crop tour average. Western leg crop scouts will spend the day Wednesday touring western Iowa corn and soybean fields, with the eastern leg scouts working from Illinois into Iowa.
Nebraska expertise supports Ukraine's irrigation restoration efforts
Ukraine is working to upgrade aging irrigation systems and rebuild critical agricultural infrastructure damaged by the Russian invasion. To support that effort and strengthen the country’s recovery, a delegation of Ukrainian water managers, agricultural leaders and irrigation stakeholders traveled to Nebraska to learn about irrigation equipment, technologies and business.
Hosted by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska, the delegation visited university research facilities, irrigation manufacturers and government leaders to learn how Nebraska's expertise in water management, precision agriculture and agricultural technology can contribute to Ukraine's ongoing irrigation reforms.
The visit positioned Nebraska's irrigation industry and agricultural leaders central to business and trade relations with one of the world's largest agricultural restoration efforts.
A country's irrigation potential, disrupted by war
Ukraine has one of the highest potential irrigated areas in Europe. In 1991, the country had around 6.4 million acres with irrigation infrastructure and over 8 million acres with drainage infrastructure. However, much of that area deteriorated. According to the World Bank, irrigated cropping area was just over 1 million acres around 2021, but declined by 73% with the war, particularly with the destruction of the Kakhovka reservoir in 2023.
Ukraine's irrigation and drainage needs present a global challenge. The national strategy for irrigation development aims to support irrigation expansion on 1.8 million acres. However, the World Bank’s estimate for potential irrigation is upwards of 4.5 million acres. That area will be much higher as temperature and water scarcity rise.
Behind all these figures are producers working to keep their farms operating despite damaged infrastructure, unreliable electricity, scrambled internet, disrupted export routes and the ongoing risks of land mines and other perils of war. For Ukraine, restoring irrigation is essential to sustaining livelihoods, strengthening food production and building resilience for its future.
Ukraine pursuing farmer-led water reforms
Looking toward long-term recovery and resilience, Ukraine has pursued significant reforms to how irrigation and drainage systems are managed. Even as the conflict continues, Ukraine’s farmers are investing in irrigation and advancing reforms designed to strengthen local farmer ownership of water infrastructure. While difficult amidst war, reforms made now will accelerate recovery.
Supported through the U.S. Government-funded Ukraine Agriculture Growing Rural Opportunities (AGRO) Activity, Ukraine has begun transferring responsibility for on-farm irrigation and drainage infrastructure from the state government to farmer-led Water Users Organizations (WUOs). The Association of WUOs is now the largest association of farmers in Ukraine. The reforms are designed to improve efficiency of irrigated production; strengthen local decision-making on water use in agriculture; and create favorable conditions for private investment in irrigated agriculture.
As farmers and water managers assume greater responsibility for irrigation infrastructure, demand is growing in Ukraine for modern new technologies and equipment, engineering expertise and trusted industry partners.
Nebraska: A hub for irrigation expertise
Home to globally recognized expertise in irrigation, water management and agricultural innovation, Nebraska is a prime destination for Ukrainians to identify equipment to address a range of irrigation and drainage needs.
During their ten-day visit, delegates toured the University of Nebraska's Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), met with state leaders including Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton, and visited companies including Valmont Industries, Lindsay Corporation, Reinke Manufacturing, 360 Rain, T-L Irrigation and Agri Drain to learn how technologies could support crop water productivity and agricultural resilience, even during wartime. DWFI provided opportunities for business-to-business networking that serve to deepen U.S.-Ukraine commercial cooperation.
"The potential for irrigation in Ukraine is right now much larger than the actual irrigated land,” said Nicholas Brozović, DWFI director of policy. “That creates a business opportunity for Nebraskan companies, as well as an opportunity for producers in Ukraine to increase agricultural production, which ultimately strengthens regional and global food security." This end goal is at the heart of DWFI’s work.
Comparing technologies from the factory to the field
The trip gave delegates the opportunity to meet company sales and leadership teams and tour manufacturing facilities. They learned about the supply chain and distribution networks to deliver equipment in Ukraine and visited equipment in operation in the field, including equipment affected by recent wind damage. Seeing equipment in operation enabled them to evaluate suitability to their current conditions. The delegates signed several memoranda of understanding to continue conversations with industry after returning home.
"The first takeaway was that we've seen all of the key manufacturers here and how it is done,” said Dmytro Kohkan, head of the Association of WUOs. “We found specific equipment that is not present in my country, and that is the area where we can continue our cooperation."
Few places offer the concentration of irrigation expertise found in Nebraska, making it possible for delegates to meet with manufacturers and compare technologies in a single visit.
"Nebraska is really the natural place for [this delegation] to visit because they can meet a range of companies producing different types of irrigation equipment and understand what best meets their needs," said Nicole Lefore, DWFI associate director. "The delegation is very interested in understanding how U.S. companies and U.S.-produced equipment can meet the very specific needs and deliver to Ukraine, particularly given the challenges related to the conflict."
Nebraska's irrigation industry: a partner in rebuilding Ukraine
Rebuilding and modernizing Ukraine’s irrigation systems are even more urgent with rising food demand and changing weather. The World Bank has estimated that restoring Ukraine's water resources and irrigation infrastructure will require roughly $12 billion in public and private investment.
As Ukraine continues rebuilding and updating its irrigation infrastructure, the business connections formed between Nebraska companies and Ukrainian WUOs may help support future investment, technology adoption and agricultural resilience in both regions.
"We believe that irrigation is not just an option, it's a necessity...” said WUO manager Nikolai Nalbandian, “We believe that after the war ends there will be a prosperous time for Ukraine, for foreign investment and irrigation will have even more value than today."
Nebraska’s Personal Income Higher
Nebraska Farm Bureau reported last week that Nebraska’s real first quarter gross domestic product was off 0.90%. The news is more positive for personal income. The Bureau of Economic Analysis said the state’s personal income rose 8.8% in nominal terms in the first quarter, third highest in the nation.
Total personal income in Nebraska was $158 billion with farm earnings accounting for $7.8 billion, or about 5% of the total. Notably, farm earnings in the first quarter exceeded last year’s for the same period by $3 billion. Earnings from manufacturing, health care, and state & local government led the state.
Government transfer payments including social security, medical, veterans, and unemployment insurance benefits, up 13.6%, also contributed to the state’s higher income.
Personal income increased in 49 states with only Hawaii seeing a decline. North Dakota had the greatest gain at 22.4%, followed by South Dakota at 11.8%. Iowa had a 7.7% gain.
Husker Harvest Days debuts Ag Tech Pavilion
Husker Harvest Days will debut the Husker Harvest Ag Tech Pavilion (Lot #145) at its Sept. 15-17, 2026, event, providing a dedicated space for producers to explore emerging agricultural technologies and connect directly with the companies developing solutions for modern farming challenges. Presented by Farm Progress in partnership with The Combine and the University of Nebraska (UNL), the Pavilion will bring together leading agricultural technology (ag tech) companies, industry experts, researchers and innovators under one roof.
"Ag tech is transforming how farmers operate, and Farm Progress is excited to be at the forefront of that conversation," said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress senior national events director. "We're proud to partner with The Combine and UNL to give producers direct access to the innovations that matter most to their operations — now and in the future.”
Hands-On Access to Breakthrough Solutions
Farmers and producers can connect directly with ag tech exhibitors showcasing solutions in precision agriculture, automation and robotics, artificial intelligence, data management and analytics, connectivity solutions, equipment innovation and new technologies.
Expert Sessions Tackle Real Farm Challenges
Beyond the exhibit floor, the Pavilion will feature daily panel discussions and expert presentations focused on the logistics of technology implementation. Each 30-minute session includes time for Q&A and covers topics including:
Autonomy and automation
Practical AI applications farmers can use immediately
Irrigation efficiency with Nebraska's unique water policies
Robotics integration and ROI
Drone technology for crop scouting and livestock management
View the full schedule and register for complimentary admission to the show at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com.
IDALS Announces Major Expansion of Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the next phase of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program — a targeted initiative to scale up the use of conservation practices upstream to improve water quality downstream.
Secretary Naig joined Bryan Whaley, CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and cattle producers from Calhoun, Pocahontas and Webster counties at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair to announce the expansion of the popular Cattle and Conservation Working Lands program into the 22 counties located within the Greater Des Moines watershed. In addition to increasing the program area, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) will add two more project coordinators to be stationed in Calhoun and Greene Counties to lead outreach and engagement with local cattle producers.
The cost-share program supports cattle and other livestock producers in converting under-performing or highly erodible acres of row crops into pasture and hay ground. This provides land and forage to support the growth of the U.S. beef herd, while reducing soil erosion and improving water quality.
“The Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program is truly a win-win, balancing productivity while improving Iowa’s water quality and soil health,” said Secretary Naig. “By converting underperforming cropland into grazing land for cattle and other livestock, we can put every acre to its best use and keep working lands working. It's the right thing to do from an environmental perspective and it creates opportunities for young and beginning farmers, generates new revenue for landowners, and makes more land available to grow the cattle herd. Based on the program’s success in Iowa, I would like to see it become a model for reforming the federal CRP program.”
“Cattlemen have been stewards of the land for generations, and we take that responsibility seriously. The health of our soil and water, and improving them, has always been part of that responsibility,” said Bryan Whaley, CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “We’re grateful to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Sec. Naig for the additional allocation of funding from the Farm to Faucet Program to expand the Iowa Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program, which allows producers to enhance current practices and implement new efforts even quicker. As Iowa producers, we live here, raise our families here, and depend on these same water resources; we rely on clean water just as much as anyone. This is about building on the good work already happening on Iowa farms and giving producers the tools and support to do even more to improve our land and water.”
The Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program started as a pilot project in Taylor County in 2016, then expanded to include Adams, Carroll, Cherokee, Guthrie, Ida, Page and Woodbury counties. Leveraging the bi-partisan Farm to Faucet funding passed during the 2026 Legislative session, this farmer-led conservation program is once again expanding to Audubon, Boone, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Clay, Dallas, Dickinson, Emmet, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Polk, Sac, Webster, Winnebago and Wright counties.
To date, IDALS has six project coordinators who have helped enroll more than 1,100 producers in the program. More than 16,000 acres of less-productive agricultural land have been converted from row crops to pasture and hay. Participating producers have also established more than 195,000 acres of cover crops, which help hold soil in place, filter nitrates and provide forage for livestock.
Producers in eligible counties who would like to enroll in the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program can visit their local USDA Service Center or visit costshare.iowaagriculture.gov.
Cattlemen's Beef Quarters Adds New Menu Items
A longtime Iowa State Fair favorite is celebrating a major milestone. The Hot Beef Sundae turns 20 this year as the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters welcomes fairgoers with new menu items, beef tallow cooking and more ways to enjoy beef at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
Two Decades of the Hot Beef Sundae
First introduced at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters in 2006, the Hot Beef Sundae was an instant success. The original goal was to serve 4,000 during the Iowa State Fair, a mark reached within the first two days. More than 22,000 Hot Beef Sundaes were served that first year, and two decades later, the Hot Beef Sundae remains a staple at the Beef Quarters, with approximately 19,000 to 24,000 served each year.
Over the years, the Hot Beef Sundae has earned its place among the Iowa State Fair’s most celebrated foods, including being named the 2024 Best Choose Iowa Fair Food and receiving multiple Queen’s Choice Awards.
The Hot Beef Sundae has also become part of Iowa celebrations beyond the fairgrounds, making appearances at graduation parties, family gatherings and other events across the state. The dish features shredded beef and gravy served over a warm bed of mashed potatoes, sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese and topped with a cherry tomato.
“It is the epitome of comfort food,” said Kylie Peterson, director of marketing and communications for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “Twenty years later, the Hot Beef Sundae has become a tradition that people look forward to at the Iowa State Fair and a dish that has found its way into celebrations across Iowa.”
This year, fairgoers can join in the celebration with a commemorative 20th Anniversary Hot Beef Sundae T-shirt. Each shirt purchase includes a coupon for one free Hot Beef Sundae at the Iowa State Fair. To redeem the coupon, fairgoers must wear the anniversary shirt and present the coupon during the fair, August 13-23, 2026. The limited-edition shirt offers longtime fans and first-time fairgoers a fun way to celebrate one of the fair’s most beloved food traditions.
New Ways to Enjoy Beef
While the Hot Beef Sundae remains a fan favorite, the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters is bringing several new additions to the menu in 2026.
The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters is now cooking with beef tallow and has added two new menu items: the Pastrami Burger and Cattlemen's Breakfast Bowl.
Pastrami Burger
Features a beef patty topped with sliced pastrami, sliced American cheese and Cattlemen’s Gold sauce, all served on a bun.
Cattlemen's Breakfast Bowl
Breakfast Burrito Bowl
Combines scrambled eggs, tater rounds, chopped brisket and beef sausage gravy, topped with shredded cheese.
The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters is also putting a beef-forward twist on its breakfast menu, now featuring beef sausage gravy in place of traditional sausage gravy.
The new offerings join the Hot Beef Sundae and other beef favorites, giving fairgoers even more ways to enjoy beef throughout the day.
Visit the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters
The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters is located west of the Cattle Barn, directly north of the Horse Barn and east of the Walnut Center.
The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters will be open August 13-23, 2026, during the Iowa State Fair, with hours from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Breakfast will be served daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Michaiah Jones' citrus smoked turkey breast named grand champion of Iowa Farm Bureau's 62nd annual Cookout Contest at the Iowa State Fair
More than 40 contestants competed along the Grand Concourse for $4,600 in cash prizes during Iowa Farm Bureau’s 62nd annual Cookout Contest, with Michaiah Jones of Coralville winning the Grand Champion crown and title.
Jones’ Citrus Smoked Turkey Breast scored high marks from judges on taste, appearance and recipe creativity. He received $1,000, the champion’s crown and a trophy as the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest Champion. Jones also earned $400 for winning the turkey division.
An Iowa State Fair tradition since 1964, more than 2,450 Iowans completed in Iowa Farm Bureau’s Cookout Contest, which celebrates Iowa-raised meat and the commitment Iowa livestock farmers make every day to their animals, land and communities. Competitors signed up to compete in early May and were randomly placed in one of six categories: beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey and a youth division for ages 13-18.
“The Farm Bureau Cookout Contest is a fun way to bring people together around something Iowans know and love — a good, homegrown meal,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “It’s also a chance to celebrate the farmers who put food on our tables and take pride in doing it well. Every day, they work to earn consumers’ trust through responsible farming practices and a commitment to producing quality food.”
Other contestants taking first place, and $400 in cash, in their respective categories include: Refugio Contreras of Hampton, beef; Martez Stevenson of West Des Moines, chicken; Mitch Elliott of Muscatine, lamb; and Erik Gutierrez of Glenwood, pork.
Sawyer Brinkman of Carroll won first place in the youth division, receiving a gas grill valued at $1,000 and $300 cash, courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association.
Second place finishers included: Ben Zehr of Keswick, beef; Matthew Stout of Washington, chicken; Logan Kahler of Boone, lamb; Rick Slaymaker of Ottumwa, pork; and Erik Mortens of Polk City, turkey. All second-place category finishers received $200. Chris Andrews of Dayton finished second place in the youth division, winning $150.
Contreras also earned praise and $200 in the showmanship category for his flair behind the grill, use of side dishes and presentation.
Prize sponsors for the Farm Bureau Cookout Contest include Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau Financial Services, GROWMARK, Inc., Iowa Propane Gas Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the Iowa Turkey Federation and the North Central Poultry Association.
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