Thursday September 03 Ag News - Nebraska Farm Expences Top $32 Billion - NE Farm Real Estate Values Mixed - Crop Insurance Decisions - IA Lawmakers Recognized Biofuels Support - and more!

Nebraska Farm and Ranch Production Expenses Rise to $32.4 Billion in 2025

Farm and ranch production expenditures for Nebraska totaled $32.4 billion in 2025, up 6% from a year earlier, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Livestock expenses, the largest expenditure category, at $11.6 billion, increased 33% from 2024. Feed, the next largest total expense category at $3.4 billion, decreased 10% from 2024. Rent, the third largest expense category, at $2.8 billion, increased 1% from 2024. 

Livestock expenses accounted for 36% of Nebraska's total production expenditures. Feed accounted for 11%, rent 9%, and farm services 7%.

The total expenditures per farm or ranch in Nebraska averaged $734,127 in 2025, up 7% from 2024. The livestock expense category was the leading expenditure, at $263,039 per operation, 6.6 times the national average. The average feed expenditure, at $77,098, was 2.0 times the national average. Rent expenditures, at $63,946 per operation, were 3.4 times the national average. Farm services expenditures per operation, at $52,834, were 1.8 times the national average. 

These results are based on data from Nebraska farmers and ranchers who participated in USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey. NASS collected the 2025 farm expenditure data from producers between December 2025 and May 2026.



Nebraska 2026 Farm Real Estate Value and Cash Rent

Nebraska's farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, increased from 2025, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farm real estate value for 2026 averaged $4,400 per acre, up $150 per acre (3.5%) from last year. 

Cropland value increased 2.4% from last year to $6,960 per acre. Dryland cropland value averaged $5,650 per acre, $50 higher than last year. Irrigated cropland value averaged $9,200 per acre, $350 above a year ago. Pastureland, at $1,590 per acre, was $180 higher than the previous year.

Cash rents paid to landlords in 2026 for cropland increased 0.4% from last year to $227 per acre. Irrigated cropland rent averaged $283.00 per acre, $3.00 below last year. Dryland cropland rent averaged $168.00 per acre, $2 higher than a year earlier. Pasture rented for cash averaged $29.50 per acre, $1 above the previous year. 



Changing Farm Economics Prompts Producers to Revisit Crop Insurance Coverage

Crop insurance is becoming a more strategic business decision for agricultural producers as tighter margins, high input costs, and ongoing market uncertainty drive renewed focus on risk management heading into the 2027 crop year, according to the Collaborating Associations of AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry), Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), and Frontier Farm Credit.  

The crop insurance landscape has evolved significantly over time, and today's producers have more ways to manage revenue risk than in previous generations. Crop insurance programs have expanded from a basic safety net into a more flexible risk-management tool that can be adapted to the needs of different farming operations.  

“These strategies can provide producers with greater confidence when making operating, investment, and lending decisions during periods of economic uncertainty,” said Tony Jesina, senior vice president of insurance at FCSAmerica.  

AgCountry, FCSAmerica, and Frontier Farm Credit insurance professionals are seeing an increasing number of agricultural operations evaluating crop insurance tools alongside grain marketing, financing, working capital, and debt-management strategies rather than treating coverage as a standalone annual decision.  

The shift comes as many producers face increased financial complexity. Beginning farmers are focused on protecting cash flow and building equity, growing operations are balancing expansion with risk exposure, and producers approaching retirement are working to protect accumulated wealth and support farm transitions. Those differing priorities often require different crop insurance strategies.  

"The best operators know that risk management is not one decision. It's a combination of crop insurance, marketing, working capital management, and debt management," said Troy Andreasen, senior vice president of retail lending at AgCountry. "The producers who are best positioned for the future are looking at how all of those pieces work together."  

 Every farm is different, so what works for one operation may not be the right approach for another.  

“Today's crop insurance decisions should reflect an operation's current financial position, growth plans, transition goals, and tolerance for risk" Jesina said.  

Receiving increased attention from producers is the use of area plans as a complement to traditional crop insurance coverage. As margins tighten and producers seek ways to strengthen their risk-management strategies, insurance professionals are seeing more interest in evaluating whether area plans fit into an operation's broader financial and risk-management objectives. 

"We're seeing more producers take a closer look at all of the tools available to them, including area plans," Jesina said. "They're asking how different coverage options work together and whether adding a supplemental layer of protection makes sense given their operation's financial position and risk tolerance.”  

It’s more imperative than ever that producers understand their balance sheets, take time to review their history, evaluate options, and coordinate decisions across their operations to uncover opportunities to strengthen their overall risk-management strategy.  



New Online Course Helps Farmers Navigate Crop Insurance Options

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is proud to announce the launch of a new online course, "Crop Insurance for Farmers," designed to give agricultural producers the knowledge and tools they need to better understand their crop insurance options and make informed risk management decisions.

Crop insurance is an important part of managing production and financial risk, but selecting the right coverage can feel overwhelming. This course breaks down the fundamentals of crop insurance into practical, easy-to-understand lessons that producers can apply to their own operations.

Participants will learn:
    Understand the roles of the USDA Risk Management Agency, Approved Insurance Providers, insurance agents and adjustors.
    Explore key concepts such as Actual Production History (APH), coverage levels, projected and harvest prices, guarantees, liabilities, premiums and indemnities.
    Compare major policy types, including Yield Protection and Revenue Protection, and explore how different coverage options work.
    Explore real-world scenarios to see how choices such as unit type and coverage level, along with changes in yields and prices, can affect crop insurance protection.

The course is designed to help producers become more confident when discussing crop insurance with their insurance agent and better understand how different choices may fit their operation.

Take advantage of this free online course, launching Sept. 1. Participants receive 60 days of access beginning on their enrollment date. Sign up today: go.unl.edu/cropins.

"Crop insurance can be an important risk management tool, but producers need to understand what they are buying and how their coverage works," said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program. "This course is designed to give farmers the foundation they need to ask better questions and make more informed decisions."

The material is supported by USDA/NIFA Award Number 2024-70027-42470. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender or any other protected status. 



Smith, Moran Lead Letter Urging Admin to Expand Markets for America’s Ranchers

Wednesday, U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03), Chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led 51 of their colleagues in urging President Trump to prioritize policies that expand trade market access and provide certainty for American cattle producers. This comes after the president’s recent proclamation to increase the “other countries” quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for 90 days beginning on September 1, 2026, and indicating that such imports will be sold at 25 percent below market price. 

“American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply,” the lawmakers wrote. “Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.

“As you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders,” concluded the lawmakers. “We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef.”

In addition to Smith and Moran, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jim Justice (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and John Hoven (R-ND), and U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Max Miller (R-OH-07), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03), Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Warren Davidson (R-OH-08), Gabe Evans (R-CO-08), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-02), French Hill (R-AR-02), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Greg Murphy (R-NC-03), Frank Lucas (R-OK-03), Andy Barr (R-KY-06), John Rose (R-TN-06), Troy Downing (R-MT-02), Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND-AL), Tim Moore (R-NC-14), Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), John McGuire III (R-VA-05), Darin LaHood (R-IL-18), Tim Cole (R-OK-04), and Mark Harris (R-NC-08). 

Read the full letter here or below:

President Trump, 

We appreciate your attention to the issues impacting American consumers, farmers, and ranchers. A strong American agriculture industry leads to greater efficiency, availability, affordability, and security in our food supply chain. American farmers and ranchers face significant headwinds, including years of prolonged drought, devastating natural disasters, animal disease and pest threats, market swings, and burdensome regulations.

As you know, the cattle industry is facing 75-year low inventory yet continues to efficiently raise cattle and produce beef that is unmatched in quality anywhere in the world. This does not happen by accident. American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply. Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.

Long term certainty can be delivered by fostering existing domestic demand and continuing efforts to expand overseas markets for American beef products, building on the successful trade deals you have already secured. As proven through the deals you struck with the United Kingdom and Australia, there is significant opportunity for advancing market access for American beef around the world. These trade deals, coupled with the significant benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts, will drive long-term confidence in the market and create a natural incentive for ranchers to rebuild and expand their herds. Additionally, your support for a modernized Farm Bill would strengthen access to capital and expand flexibility within grazing and conservation programs, providing producers with the tools they need to strengthen and expand the cattle herd.

As you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders. We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef. 



Record Cover Crop Cost-Share Signup in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the initial results of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program during the Farm Progress Show in Boone. The first phase was designed to encourage farmers and landowners in the Greater Des Moines Watershed to plant more cover crops to improve water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The successful program enrolled more than 300,000 acres in the Greater Des Moines Watershed in state cover crop cost-share programs in 2026, up from 109,000 acres of cover crops enrolled in these 22 counties in 2025. For the first time, statewide cover crop cost-share enrollment exceeded 1 million acres, up from 700,000 acres of statewide cover crops enrolled in state cost-share programs in 2025.

Farmers and landowners can continue signing up for cover crop cost-share through their local USDA Service Center until 4:30 p.m./CT on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Secretary Naig also revealed funding for the expanded Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program was fully obligated to Iowa livestock producers within just 10 days of the program expansion being announced at the Iowa State Fair. Because of the overwhelming demand for the program, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is allocating an additional $2.1 million for the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program through the end of the calendar year. The program, currently offered in 28 counties, is designed to improve water quality, keep working lands working, and grow Iowa’s beef herd by helping farmers convert underperforming row crop acres into pasture and hay ground.

“The Greater Des Moines Watershed Program shows what we can accomplish when we have dedicated resources and intentionally focus on fields in parts of the state that can have a significant impact on water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “It also reinforces that farmers are eager to embrace responsible farming practices to protect their land for future generations, and they want to be part of the ongoing work to improve Iowa’s water quality.

Based on the success of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program, I will ask the Iowa Legislature to provide additional funding to expand the Working Lands Program statewide during the 2027 Legislative session. There’s no finish line when it comes to conservation, meaning there’s always more work to do, and we’ve got to keep this momentum going.”

Funding for the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program was provided by the Farm to Faucet package secured by Secretary Naig and Gov. Reynolds and passed by the Iowa Legislature during the 2026 session. Gov. Reynolds also allocated remaining State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to scale up water quality projects in the Greater Des Moines Watershed.

To learn more about the ongoing work to improve water quality in the Greater Des Moines watershed, or to enroll in one of the eligible cost-share programs, visit cleanwateriowa.org or costshare.iowaagriculture.gov.



Iowa Lawmakers Recognized for Their Leadership and Support of Biofuels

Wednesday, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) PAC recognized 12 Iowa state legislators as its 2026 “Champions of Renewable Fuels.” To be eligible, the honorees must be state legislators seeking reelection who have demonstrated strong and consistent support for renewable fuels through their voting records and leadership on biofuels issues. This marks the ninth election cycle in which the IRFA PAC has recognized Iowa lawmakers for their commitment to advancing renewable fuels.

“IRFA PAC is proud to recognize the Iowa legislators who have consistently stood up for renewable fuels and the people who depend on them,” said IRFA PAC Treasurer Chad Kuhlers. “Renewable fuels strengthen the value of Iowa’s agricultural products, create economic opportunities across our state, and help deliver dependable, homegrown energy for Americans. Strong legislative leadership is essential to keeping that momentum going. We are grateful for our many strong supporters in the Legislature, but these Champions of Renewable Fuels have been there for us on each and every vote over the last two years. We’re proud to stand with them.”

Recipients of the 2026 Champion of Renewable Fuels awards are:

Senate Champions
Sen. Annette Sweeney     SD 27
Sen. Carrie Koelker          SD 33
Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen    SD 41

House Champions
Rep. Brent Siegrist          HD 19
Rep. Brian Meyer             HD 29
Rep. Ross Wilburn           HD 50
Rep. Brett Barker            HD 51
Rep. Michael Bergan        HD 63
Rep. Chad Ingels             HD 68
Rep. Norlin Mommsen      HD 70
Rep. Dave Jacoby            HD 86
Rep. Matthew Rinker        HD 99



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/28/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 28, ethanol production decreased 0.2% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.62 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 3.3% higher than the same week last year and 9.7% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked  up 0.1% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.02 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 0.7% to 25.0 million barrels. Still, stocks were 11.0% more than the same week last year and 12.7% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, declined 1.3% to 8.92 million b/d (137.15 bg annualized). Demand was 2.1% less than a year ago and 2.4% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 1.8% to 940,000 b/d—the highest weekly volume in more than 5 years—equivalent to 14.45 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.7% more than year-ago levels and 3.0% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports moderated, down 35.8% to a 7-week low of 104,000 b/d (4.4 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Ethanol’s Contribution to U.S. Gasoline Supplies Is at Record High, Helping Ease Pump Prices

The average ethanol content of gasoline sold in the U.S. surpassed 11 percent for the second consecutive month in June, and the 12-month average blend rate hit a new record of 10.58 percent, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data reviewed by the Renewable Fuels Association.

A large majority of the gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10 percent ethanol, a blend known as E10, and the new EIA data demonstrate that sales of mid-level blends like E15 and flex fuels like E85 have accelerated this year. Ethanol has been priced at a discount of $1 per gallon or more to gasoline blendstock at the wholesale level and Renewable Fuel Standard RIN credits have provided additional value.

“Ethanol’s blending economics have been compelling this spring and summer, and consumers and fuel suppliers have clearly responded,” said RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman. “The response would have been even greater if legislation permanently allowing year-round sales of E15 had already been enacted. The additional volume would have helped hold down prices at the pump even more, at a time when U.S. fuel supplies have tightened and oil refineries have been running near full capacity.”

In an RFA Perspective last month, Richman noted how a significant increase in ethanol consumption would be expected to result in a substantial easing of prices of RIN associated with ethanol. “Refiners who have complained about high RIN prices should welcome this prospect,” he wrote.

California—whose drivers consume over 13 billion gallons of gasoline a year—is preparing to offer E15 for the first time, and legislation is currently in front of Congress that would allow the fuel blend to be sold year-round. If outdated restrictions on E15 are removed, American families will benefit from lower-cost fuel, farmers will benefit from stronger grain demand, and refiners will be able to meet RFS volume requirements more easily.



American Ranchers Need More Support

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Ranchers First Initiative, announced earlier this week:

"We're glad to see the administration focus on the US beef market, and several pieces of this plan are steps in the right direction. Better risk protection tools, expanded credit and new processing loans will help. But they aren't enough on their own. Farmers and ranchers need a durable, long-term commitment to rebuild their herds and compete on a fairer playing field against the corporate monopolies that dominate the cattle market. We're ready to work with the administration to get there.

"One piece is still missing: where the beef comes from. Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, highest-quality beef in the world, but without mandatory country-of-origin labeling, meatpackers can blend imported beef into products marketed as American, leaving both consumers and those who raised that beef shortchanged.

“We urge the administration to build on this plan by backing mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and we urge Congress to move COOL legislation forward without further delay."