Tuesday September 01 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - UNL ARD Announces Acting Assoc. Deans - NE Corn Board Internships - Edge Dairy Coop Adds Western Territory Mgr - Reaction to EAP RINS Reallocation - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress: Soybean Near Seasonal Pace, Corn Maturity Lags

Nebraska corn and soybean continued advancing toward maturity last week, although corn maturity remains behind its typical late-August pace. Soybean development is tracking closer to average, while crop conditions remain generally favorable for both crops.

Meanwhile, soil moisture continued to decline across the state, and pasture and range conditions remain strained heading into September. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 19% very short, 30% short, 47% adequate and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 27% very short, 32% short, 40% adequate and 1% surplus. 

Producers had ample opportunity for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 30, with 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Field Crops Report:

Corn
    Dough: 92% — ahead of 87% last year and 91% for the five-year average.
    Dented: 63% — ahead of 58% last year but behind 65% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 4% — behind 12% last year and 14% for the five-year average.
    Condition: 6% very poor, 11% poor, 25% fair, 42% good, 16% excellent.

Soybean
    Setting Pods: 95% — ahead of 92% last year but behind 96% for the five-year average.
    Dropping Leaves: 11% — ahead of 4% last year but behind 12% for the five-year average.
    Condition: 3% very poor, 8% poor, 24% fair, 50% good, 15% excellent.

Sorghum
    Headed: 87% — behind 88% last year and 94% for the five-year average.
    Coloring: 43% — ahead of 41% last year but behind 51% for the five-year average.
    Mature: 3% — ahead of 2% last year and the five-year average.
    Condition: 5% very poor, 20% poor, 38% fair, 33% good, 4% excellent.

Oats
    Harvested: 95% — behind 97% last year and 99% for the five-year average.

Pasture and Range
    Condition: 33% very poor, 28% poor, 28% fair, 10% good, 1% excellent.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and other reporters across the state. 



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 30, 2026. This is 0.2 days less than last year, when there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. 

Ninety-four percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dough stage, which is 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Sixty-eight percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 8 percentage points ahead of last year. Six percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. 

Soybeans setting pods reached 93 percent, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. One percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. 

Ninety-eight percent of oats have been harvested, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. 

Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Corn good-to-excellent ratings held steady last week, while soybean ratings declined, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 92%, 3 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 89%. Corn dented was estimated at 62%, 6 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 56%. Corn mature was pegged at 13%, 1 percentage point behind last year's 14% and steady with the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, steady with the previous week and 12 percentage points below last year's 69%. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, steady with the previous week and 8 percentage points above the previous year's 9%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 95%, 2 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 93%. Soybean dropping leaves were pegged at 13%, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 10% and 4 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 9%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 58% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, 2 percentage points below the previous week's 60% and 7 percentage points below the previous year's 65%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest moved ahead 15 percentage points last week to reach 77% complete as of Sunday. That was 8 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 69% and 9 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 68%. 



ARD names three acting associate deans

The Agricultural Research Division at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced the appointment of three acting associate deans who will help guide the division in the months ahead.  

The new acting associate deans are:   
    Dr. Nicole Buan, Department of Biochemistry, who will lead efforts to advance innovation and growth in Nebraska's bioeconomy. 
    Dr. Amanda Ramer-Tait, Department of Food Science and Technology, who will focus on precision nutrition and rural health while expanding partnerships with UNMC and other strategic collaborators. 
    Dr. Brian Wardlow, School of Natural Resources, who will focus on spatial sciences and their integration with the bioeconomy, digital agriculture, natural resources, human health and prosperity, and artificial intelligence. 

Together, they will help advance key strategic priorities, leverage existing strengths, and strengthen collaboration across IANR, the University of Nebraska System, and external partners. In addition to advancing strategic initiatives, the Acting Associate Deans will support ARD's operational priorities. Each dean will serve in a 0.3 FTE capacity.  

“I’m thrilled to work alongside these three talented leaders as we continue advancing ARD’s work across IANR and throughout Nebraska,” said interim ARD Dean Tala Awada. “Each brings distinctive strengths, deep expertise and a strong commitment to our land-grant mission. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve in these roles and help guide ARD’s next chapter.” 



Nebraska Corn Board Now Accepting 2027 Internship Applications

Six paid internship opportunities are now open for application through the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), placing students in Lincoln, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. and Denver starting in May 2027. Each position pairs a student directly with NCB or one of its cooperator partner organizations for hands-on, real-world work across the corn and red meat industry.

Four internships run for the summer with partner organizations based outside Nebraska. The remaining two are yearlong positions hosted directly by Nebraska Corn in Lincoln.

2027-2028 Internship Opportunities:

Communications and Event Management Internship
Host: Nebraska Corn
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2027 and/or 2027-2028 School Year

Research and Demand Internship
Host: Nebraska Corn Board
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2027 and/or 2027-2028 School Year
 
Communications Internship
Host: National Corn Growers Association
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Duration: Summer 2027

Public Policy and Analysis Internship
Host: National Corn Growers Association
Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2027

Event Management Internship
Host: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2027

Promotion and International Relations Internship
Host: U.S. Meat Export Federation
Location: Denver, Colorado
Duration: Summer 2027

“These internships give students real experience across the corn industry, from communications and policy to trade and international relations. Every year we see interns come in eager to learn and leave with a genuine understanding of what this industry does for Nebraska,” said Andy Groskopf, chairman of NCB. “We're glad to keep offering these opportunities, and we look forward to meeting the next group of successful interns.”

Internships are open to all college students, with preference given to those enrolled in Nebraska colleges or universities. Apply online at nebraskacorn.gov/internships by Friday, October 9, 2026.



Wheeler joins Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative as Territory Manager – West

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the country based on milk volume, today announced the appointment of Lynne Wheeler to the newly defined role of Territory Manager – West.

In this role, Wheeler will work directly with members to provide support and services needed to meet policy, regulation and sustainability challenges in South and North Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. She will support the development and execution of territory-specific strategies that expand organizational reach, increase member engagement, develop state and regional policy and regulatory priorities and advance the mission of the Voice of Milk organizations.

“As our western territory continues to grow, we’re expanding our team in order to enhance the level of services we provide to our members,” Tim Trotter, Edge CEO, said. “Lynne brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership expertise in the dairy industry. We’re confident that she’ll be a valuable asset to the team, and we look forward to what is ahead.”

Wheeler has over 14 years of leadership experience in dairy operations, genetics and dairy advocacy. She has been a managing partner on her family’s farm, Coldstream Farm in Deming, Wash., since 2011 and currently resides in South Dakota.

“I am committed to advancing the dairy industry through engaging with farmers and advocacy efforts, which starts with building strong relationships and understanding their needs,” Wheeler said. “I look forward to supporting our members and ensuring they have the services needed to tackle the challenges they’re facing today.”



ISA Responds to EPA Refinery Waivers and RIN Reallocation

Iowa Soybean Association President Tom Adam offers the following statement on Monday’s announcement regarding Small Refinery Exemptions and supplemental rulemaking to reallocate record Renewable Identification Numbers.

“The Iowa Soybean Association welcomes EPA’s notice of supplemental rulemaking and their proposal to reallocate all Renewable Identification Numbers associated with newly expanded small refinery exemptions. Complete reallocation of all lost RINs from these newly exempt volumes is the only acceptable solution. Let us be clear, these new waivers will not lower gas prices, and any deviation from EPA’s proposal to completely reallocate is destruction of domestic markets critical to the bottom line of Iowa soybean farmers.

“Protecting domestic demand for soybeans is essential to Iowa farmers and the future of our industry. We appreciate the USDA and Iowa's congressional delegation for their steadfast advocacy on behalf of farmers. EPA must now immediately get to work to ensure their proposal to reallocate 100% of lost volumes is realized.

“ISA joins the American Soybean Association in urging EPA to move forward with supplemental rulemaking and ensure any additional small refinery exemptions for 2025–2027 are fully accounted for in renewable fuel obligations. Any attempt to delay reallocation until 2028 or reallocate less than 100 percent of the lost volumes can only be viewed as a broken promise to farmers. Maintaining a strong Renewable Fuel Standard is critical to protecting domestic markets Iowa farmers depend upon.

“Today’s action by the administration makes it even more urgent that the Senate pass the farm bill, including the E15 provision. Doing so will eliminate future administrations’ ability to use this small refinery mechanism to pull the rug out from underneath farmers and the biofuel industry.”

Biomass-based diesel represents a critical market for Iowa-grown soybeans, supporting soybean prices, farm income and economic vitality in our rural communities. Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of biodiesel and soybean oil. Iowa processes approximately 85% of our soybean crop locally into meal and oil, with most of the soybean oil used in the production of biomass-based diesel.



Secretary Naig Issues Statement on EPA’s RFS Small Refinery Exemption Announcement

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Monday issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) small refinery exemptions and 2026 and 2027 obligations:

“The use of more biofuels strengthens markets for farmers, bolsters American energy security and, at a time when affordability is top of mind, unquestionably helps to save drivers money. EPA’s decision to grant this level of small refinery exemptions today is unfortunate, and unjustified. However, I am encouraged that the proposed reallocation of the waived gallons into the 2026 and 2027 renewable fuel obligations can help minimize the impact. EPA must now follow through on its commitment for full reallocation – and do so quickly – to uphold the integrity of the RFS.”



IRFA Urges EPA to Account for Any Changes to 2026-2027 Refinery Exemptions

Monday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted 29 refinery exemptions (SREs) to Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) blending levels for the 2025 compliance year. The total number of RFS compliance credits, known as RINs, swelled to 1.76 billion, compared to an earlier projection of 990 million. The EPA further stated that by the end of October, the agency will propose to reallocate 100 percent of the difference between projected and actual exempted volumes for 2025 SREs into the 2026 and 2027 RFS blending requirements.

“Every day that passes while these new refinery exemptions are final but the reallocation is hypothetical leaves renewable fuels producers and farmers in the lurch,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “The EPA must act expeditiously to propose and finalize a rule that reallocates 100 percent of the new refinery exemptions. Nearly a billion gallons of renewable fuels demand hangs in the balance.”

President Trump garnered much praise from the agriculture community in March by finalizing the most robust RFS blending levels in history for 2026 and 2027, called the Set 2 rule.

“Since President Trump put the RFS back on track in March, it has been doing exactly what it was supposed to – driving demand for biofuels,” stated Shaw. “In Iowa, we had biodiesel plants that were shuttered or running at very reduced rates. Today they are producing at full capacity, buying soybean oil from our farmers, and hiring back workers that had been let go. It is almost unimaginable to pull the rug out from under this success story by granting what we believe are unjustifiable refinery exemptions. Exemptions should be extremely rare and only granted when a refiner experiences economic hardship due to the RFS. That’s just not happening. While we are disappointed by the exemptions, a swift and full reallocation can preserve every gallon of renewable fuels demand under the RFS.”

The March RFS rule also prospectively reallocated projected refinery exemptions for 2026-2027, similar to the 2025 projections. While EPA has not announced its intentions, if the agency granted similar refinery exemptions in 2026 and 2027 as it did in 2025, an additional 1.6 billion gallons of renewable fuels demand would be in jeopardy.

“The EPA should also make clear the agency will take steps to protect the historic RFS blending levels finalized in March,” stated Shaw. “Reallocating the new 2025 exemptions is important, but so is preventing any backsliding on 2026-2027 blending levels. The market needs certainty. The record-breaking RFS levels don’t mean a thing if they are undermined through unjustified refinery exemptions. IRFA members urge EPA to commit to full reallocation of any 2026-2027 refinery exemptions in excess of the projections formalized in the Set 2 rule.”

Shaw concluded: “We want to thank the Iowa delegation and all the renewable fuel champions for speaking up loudly when exemption rumors first surfaced. While we may disagree with the exemptions, our united voices ensured that 100 percent reallocation was part of the decision. Now we’ll stand united to ensure 100 percent reallocation is expeditiously implemented.”



NCGA Responds to EPA Decision on Biofuel Credits 

The Environmental Protection Agency Monday issued Small Refinery Exemptions equating to almost 1.8 billion credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, to small petroleum refineries. Today’s decision exempts a swath of refineries from blending renewable fuels as required by the Renewable Fuels Standard. EPA will propose to reallocate 100% of the difference between projected and actual exempted volumes for 2025 SREs into the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations before the end of October.
 
In response, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower released the following statement: 
 
"While we are disheartened by the high number of SREs that are being granted to exempt small refineries from meeting federal blending requirements, we are thankful that the Trump administration is taking action to offset this development by pledging to reallocate these RINs. Reallocation is essential for protecting farmers, biofuel producers and consumers alike.”  

“We need vibrant markets for our products, particularly when it comes to corn ethanol, and the nation's drivers need affordable fuel. Biofuels are a homegrown solution for increasing our country’s energy supply and reducing fuel costs. Recent history has shown that issuing SREs at this volume does nothing to reduce the price of gas.  
 
“We are appreciative of the White House and our advocates on Capitol Hill for hearing our concerns and acting. We will work closely with EPA and administration officials to ensure our growers' interests are protected as these specific announcements are implemented and as other decisions affecting the biofuels market are being made." 



ASA Statement on Small Refinery Exemptions & RIN Reallocation

The American Soybean Association Monday responded to the administration’s actions on 2025 small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions, which remove approximately 1.8 billion Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) from Renewable Fuel Standard compliance for small refiners but propose to reallocate 100% of those RINs to larger refiners in the current 2026-2027 period, thereby assuring no loss in biofuel demand. Without 100% reallocation in the current period covered by EPA’s Set 2 Rule, ASA had estimated that biomass-based diesel demand would drop by 500 million gallons and soybean farmers would suffer almost a $1 billion loss in revenue.

ASA appreciates the intervention of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and members of Congress, who highlighted the threat of SRE actions to biofuel feedstock producers and identified solutions to protect domestic soybean markets ahead of harvest. ASA also thanks the EPA for outlining the timeline to move forward with supplemental rulemaking before the end of October to hold soybean farmers and biofuel demand harmless by ensuring additional impacted volumes are 100% reallocated back into the historic renewable volume obligations finalized by the Trump administration in April.

“Soybean farmers greatly appreciate President Trump, Senator Grassley along with other biofuel champions in Congress, and USDA officials for sounding the alarm and working around the clock to ensure that soybean farmers and producers of homegrown biofuels are not negatively impacted by today’s SRE announcement,” said Dave Walton, ASA vice president and Iowa soybean farmer. “We appreciate the administration’s commitment to reallocating 100% of these additional exemptions and their intention to enter into supplemental rulemaking soon, but timing is critical. Any delay in reallocation risks undermining the domestic market demand that soybean farmers urgently need as we enter harvest season. EPA must move quickly to fully reallocate these RINs and ensure soybean farmers are held harmless.”

ASA also urges EPA to include 100% reallocation of updated expected SRE levels for 2026 and 2027. EPA proactively accounted for expected exemptions in setting those volumes, but SRE levels are now expected to be higher if new assessment methodology does not change. Addressing updated 2025–2027 SRE levels together would protect the integrity of the RFS and avoid the need for annual supplemental rulemakings.



NFU Statement on Small Refinery Exemptions

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew Monday shared the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency's announcement on 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard Small Refinery Exemptions: 

"We appreciate the administration's decision to fully reallocate the renewable identification numbers affected by these exemptions, protecting a stable market for family farmers. Farmers spoke out about the harm they'd face without full reallocation, and we appreciate EPA listening to those concerns. The uncertainty around potential changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard has not been helpful at a time when farm country needs predictability. We're glad to see the integrity of the program upheld and continued demand for what our farmers grow." 



Farm Rescue Encourages Referrals for Farm Families in Need of Harvest Assistance

As harvest begins across the country, Farm Rescue is reminding rural communities that help is available for farm families facing an unexpected crisis. When illness, injury or natural disaster strikes, the work on the farm doesn’t stop. Crops still need to come out of the field, and for a family already navigating a difficult season, harvest can quickly become an overwhelming challenge.

Farm Rescue provides free harvest assistance to farm families in crisis, bringing together equipment, volunteers and support to help families get their crops safely out of the field. This harvest season, Farm Rescue is asking farmers, neighbors, agricultural professionals, healthcare providers, community organizations, friends and family members to help identify those who may need assistance.

If you know a farm family facing a crisis this harvest season, refer them to Farm Rescue. Families can also apply directly for assistance at Farmrescue.org/need-help. Farm Rescue harvest assistance is available in: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Montana, and Kentucky.

“Farm families are strong and resilient, but when an unexpected injury, illness or natural disaster occurs, it can be a challenge to navigate on top of the needs of the farm,” said Shari Rogge-Fidler, Executive Director of Farm Rescue. “In rural communities, neighbors have always looked out for one another, but during harvest, those same neighbors are often working long days to bring in their own crops. That’s where Farm Rescue can step in. We’re here to help carry the load so families facing a crisis can focus on what matters most: their family and recovery.”



Rollins Announces Ranchers First Initiatives to Rebuild the Great American Beef Herd

Monday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a sweeping package of actions to continue rebuilding the Great American Beef Herd and put America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply. Building on USDA’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry, the Trump Administration is delivering again. 

American ranchers embody the independent spirit that drove the founding of America, 250 years ago. For more than two centuries, their independence, resiliency, and committed stewardship have provided American consumers with the safest and highest-quality beef and lamb in the world, and they remain foundational to America’s national security and to the strength and vitality of rural communities. Yet today the nation’s cattle herd sits at a 75-year low, with ranchers forced out of business by burdensome regulations and an outright war on beef waged at the altar of Green New Deal climate extremism. 

“Until President Trump took office, America’s ranchers were treated as a problem with policy geared toward their eventual extinction. The consequences were devastating: a war on beef, a cattle herd at a 75-year low, and the loss of tens of thousands of family operations,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “President Trump promised to put the American ranchers first, and the Ranchers First Initiative delivers on that promise. We are investing real dollars to rebuild the Great American Beef Herd, giving producers the risk management tools they need, cutting the red tape that has squeezed small and independent operators, and demanding transparency in a marketplace that has been consolidated and foreign-owned for far too long. President Trump will make certain the men and women who raise our cattle can hand their operations to the next generation, and that American families can put safe, high-quality, American-raised beef on the table.” 

Ranchers First Initiative Actions

New Tools to Support Heifer Retention
USDA is going to secure tomorrow's herd through the new Beef Retention and National Development (BRAND) endorsement for Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). The BRAND endorsement will allow producers to insure the economic value of retaining a heifer for breeding over a two-year period. The endorsement would establish a protected value based on the expected slaughter value of the heifer at the time of enrollment. If, at any time during the endorsement period, the heifer’s projected or realized slaughter value exceeds the economic value of retaining her as breeding stock, the policy would provide for the difference.    

ECP and Grassland CRP Maximization
USDA will allow producers to use the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to speed recovery after wildfires and other natural disasters.  This flexibility is a direct investment in rebuilding the Great American Beef Herd by providing ranchers the ability to rebuild critical infrastructure quickly and minimize long-term losses from disaster events. 

Continuing to Revitalize American Local Processing
Following up on the successful Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program to support small and regional beef slaughter facilities, USDA is creating a SPUR Guaranteed Loan Program to help support regional processing, including establishing processor co-ops, expanding small business footprints, and increasing the variety of animal proteins being processed.  

USDA will also establish a Regional Processor Continuity Effort designed to strengthen regional processing capacity and improve business resilience across the agricultural supply chain. With recent processing closure announcements, nearly 20% of beef processing capacity will be available as the herd grows. This is a tremendous opportunity to shift this capacity toward American-owned independent small, mid-size, and new co-ops and keep our critical meat supply out of the hands of foreign control. 

Prioritizing American Beef in Federal Spending
USDA will prioritize federal procurement of locally processed American beef by encouraging purchasing across federal and state institutions—including prisons, hospitals, and related facilities. By strengthening locally processed domestic sourcing requirements, USDA aims to bolster demand for American‑raised beef, support U.S. ranchers, and reinforce integrity and transparency within federal food purchasing programs. This builds on last week's Harvest to Hallways announcement advancing healthy food for schools, and will allow USDA to work with not just Health and Human Services, but also the Department of Justice, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of War in what food they purchase.  

Supporting New Farmers and Ranchers
Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, USDA was able to expand support for beginning farmers and ranchers for the first decade of operations and increase premium assistance during that entire time frame. New ranchers can also access specialized Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans to buy land, livestock, and equipment, receive free conservation and grazing management support through NRCS, gain risk management protection through livestock insurance programs, and connect with state coordinators.   

To help build on these programs, USDA will be establishing an initiative focused on Beginning and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Affairs. USDA will also be working with the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to leverage programs like Department of War’s (DOW) SkillBridge program, to recruit servicemembers departing military service into ranching and farming careers.