Nebraska Crop Progress: Rain Improves Soil Moisture as Harvest Advances
Wetter conditions improved soil moisture across Nebraska but reduced fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20, as corn and soybean harvests began slightly ahead of last year but remained behind their five-year averages. Producers had 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork, down nearly two days from the previous week.
Corn harvest reached 7%, with 54% of the crop mature, while soybean harvest reached 3% and 60% of the crop was dropping leaves. Winter wheat planting remained well behind average at 22%, and pasture and range conditions continued to reflect moisture stress, with 57% rated poor or very poor.
Topsoil moisture supplies rated 14% very short, 29% short, 53% adequate and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 24% very short, 30% short, 45% adequate and 1% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
Dented: 94% — ahead of 87% last year and 93% for the five-year average.
Mature: 54% — ahead of 44% last year but behind 56% for the five-year average.
Harvested: 7% — ahead of 5% last year but behind 8% for the five-year average.
Condition: 7% very poor, 11% poor, 30% fair, 38% good, 14% excellent.
Soybean
Dropping leaves: 60% — ahead of 57% last year but behind 69% for the five-year average.
Harvested: 3% — ahead of 2% last year but behind 6% for the five-year average.
Condition: 3% very poor, 8% poor, 25% fair, 49% good, 15% excellent.
Winter Wheat
Planted: 22% — behind 32% last year and 35% for the five-year average.
Emerged: 4% — behind 5% last year and 7% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
Coloring: 84% — equal to last year but behind 93% for the five-year average.
Mature: 40% — ahead of 25% last year and 32% for the five-year average.
Harvested: 2% — behind 4% last year and near 3% for the five-year average.
Condition: 6% very poor, 18% poor, 41% fair, 29% good, 6% excellent.
Pasture and Range
Condition: 32% very poor, 25% poor, 28% fair, 14% 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 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20, 2026. This 3.2 days less than last year, when there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus.
Nine-five percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Fifty-six percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 7 percentage points behind last year. Four percent of corn has been harvested, which is 3 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 76 percent good to excellent.
Forty-six percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 12 percentage points behind last year. Two percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 75 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition rated 70 percent good to excellent.
USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report
Despite heavy rain across much of the Corn Belt last week, the nation's corn and soybean harvests continued ahead of their average paces, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.
CORN
-- Crop development: Corn dented was estimated at 92%, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 90% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 91%. Corn mature was pegged at 58%, 4 percentage points ahead of last year's 54% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 55%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 13% of corn has been harvested nationally, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 10% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 11%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 9 percentage points below last year's 66%. Seventeen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, equal to the previous week and 7 percentage points above the previous year's 10%.
SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 62%, 4 percentage points ahead of both last year and the five-year average pace of 58%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 12% of soybeans had been harvested as of Sunday, 4 points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 8%
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 58% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 3 percentage points below the previous year's 61%.
SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest reached 96% complete as of Sunday. That was equal to both last year's pace and the five-year average.
WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting was estimated at 17% complete nationally, 2 percentage points behind last year's 19% and 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 21%.
-- Crop development: Winter wheat emergence was estimated at 2%, 2 points behind both last year's pace and the five-year average.
Nebraska Corn: Safety Today, Success Tomorrow
As harvest season approaches, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are reminding farmers, rural communities and motorists to prioritize safety during National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 21-25. This year’s theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to stay safe during one of the busiest seasons in agriculture.
Nebraska's farms and ranches support one in four jobs across the state, yet agriculture consistently ranks among the nation's most dangerous occupations. Long hours, heavy machinery and unpredictable weather put farmers and rural residents at risk every season, making safety a year-round priority rather than an afterthought.
"Every harvest reminds us that farming's rewards come with real risks. Taking safety seriously today, whether in the field, on rural roads or around equipment, is what allows our farms and families to thrive tomorrow," said Andy Groskopf, chairman of NCB. "We also want farmers to take care of themselves both physically but just as importantly mentally. Harvest is a time of long hours and can be emotionally taxing, and it's important to check in with each other, ask for help when needed and know that support is available. Looking out for our mental health is just as critical as looking out for our physical safety."
Often, the most important thing farmers and motorists can do is slow down, stay aware of their surroundings and make safety part of every decision. With long hours and plenty of responsibilities both in the field and on the road, keeping safety top of mind can help ensure a successful harvest season.
Nebraska Corn reminds those traveling through rural areas to be patient during harvest traffic so everyone gets home safely.
Nebraska Corn encourages both farmers and the public to keep these safety reminders top of mind this fall and beyond:
Equipment and Roadway Safety
Verify all safety shields and guards are in place before operating equipment.
Test lights, flashers and warning signals regularly to ensure equipment is visible on the road.
When approaching harvest equipment, do so from the front to ensure the operator sees you.
Motorists should slow down and use caution when sharing the road with farm machinery, which often travels well below highway speeds.
Health and Wellness
Fatigue and stress can impair decision-making; schedule breaks and get adequate rest.
Stay hydrated and keep water readily available during long harvest days.
Pay attention to mental health needs, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when stress builds during harvest.
Generations of Farming
Teach youth safe habits early, including the importance of staying away from running equipment.
Assign age-appropriate tasks and ensure children are supervised around harvest activity.
Confined Spaces and Grain Bin Safety
Never enter a grain bin while equipment is running.
Always have a harness and lifeline and never work in a bin alone.
Fire Prevention
Remove crop residue and dust buildup from machinery regularly.
Inspect equipment for damaged wiring and other potential fire hazards.
Ensure fire extinguishers are charged, accessible and available in combines, tractors and trucks.
Cancer Prevention
Wear sunscreen, hats and protective clothing during long hours in the field.
Use proper respiratory protection when working around dust, chemicals or grain particles.
Schedule regular health screenings, since early detection improves outcomes.
Mental Health
Fatigue is a leading contributor to farm equipment accidents; treat rest as a safety requirement, not a luxury.
Stress and distraction reduce reaction time around grain bins, augers and machinery
Build short breaks into long days. Even 10–15 minutes matters for focus and safety.
Stay connected: check in with neighbors, family and fellow farmers regularly.
Maintain sleep and meal routines as much as the schedule allows.
Share the workload where possible; ask for help rather than pushing through alone.
Nebraska Corn also reminds those traveling through rural areas to be patient during harvest traffic and be aware of Nebraska’s move-over law. The measure requires drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles and vulnerable road users, which includes agricultural vehicles and equipment. Slowing down, staying alert and giving equipment plenty of room can prevent accidents and help keep everyone safe today and tomorrow.
NRCS in NE Accepting Applications for Conservation Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to put Farmers First through a historic investment in conservation on agricultural lands through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a result of the conservation funding provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
“We know that America’s producers know the land the best and are the best stewards,” said NRCS State Conservationist Robert Lawson in NE. “We encourage producers interested in conserving natural resources and keeping their operations productive, profitable and sustainable for future generations to contact their local NRCS office.”
While NRCS accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers in NE should apply by October 16, 2026 to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include:
· Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): The Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement. The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.
· Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation.
· Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides producers with the technical and financial resources they need to address resources concerns on their land including improved water and air quality, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion, improved natural vitality and more. NRCS is also providing additional financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application for EQIP and CSP. RPP is part of USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system.
ADM Plans Entry into Voluntary Carbon Market with Over 800,000 Tons of Annual Removal Capacity
ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, Monday announced its planned entry into the voluntary carbon dioxide removal market with credits generated by the 800,000+ ton-a-year capacity carbon capture operations at the company’s Columbus, Nebraska, corn processing complex.
The credits are undergoing certification and issuance by Puro.earth, a highly respected infrastructure provider for engineered carbon dioxide removal, under its Geologically Stored Carbon methodology (Edition 2024).
“ADM has more than a decade of experience supporting carbon capture and geologic storage, including operating Class VI wells at our Decatur, Illinois, facility. That experience, together with Tallgrass’ CO2 transportation and sequestration system and the capabilities of other project participants, positions us to connect agricultural production with growing carbon removal markets at scale,” said Kris Lutt, ADM’s vice president of Innovation & Growth. “We’re already working with customers in our own value chains to help them meet their ambitious goals. This substantial carbon removal offering will allow us to expand our efforts to new customers across multiple industries, from technology and finance to aviation and pharmaceuticals.”
Certification and issuance of the initial carbon removal credits is expected by year end. Upon successful completion of the certification and verification process, ADM will begin a 15-year crediting period, positioning the Columbus carbon capture facility to deliver carbon removal credits for years to come.
Jan-Willem Bode, President, Puro.earth, commented, “We are delighted to be working with ADM on this very exciting project. Certifying carbon removal at this scale demands real rigor, and we believe ADM has approached every stage – from measurement and data collection through to third-party audit – with the discipline and transparency that an investment-grade market requires. The audit process has run exceptionally smoothly, which is testament to the team ADM has built around this asset, and the hard work of the Puro.earth team coordinating with them. That partnership is what turns one of the world’s largest bioethanol carbon capture facilities into verified, investable carbon removal, and it sets a replicable benchmark for this sector worldwide.”
ADM, in partnership with leading energy infrastructure provider Tallgrass, inaugurated carbon capture and storage operations in Columbus in 2025. Biogenic CO2 is captured from ethanol fermentation at ADM’s corn processing facility and then purified, compressed, and transported to Tallgrass’s Eastern Wyoming Sequestration Hub for safe, permanent underground storage via CCS wells regulated under a Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Class VI permit.
“Our growth strategy is predicated on smart investments that build on our world-class footprint, and carbon capture is a great example of that. More broadly, we view agriculture as a powerful engine to lower carbon, and our capabilities uniquely position us to help deliver for stakeholders across value chains,” Lutt added. “From our leadership in regenerative agriculture, to our expanding capabilities in renewable natural gas, to our innovative work in CCS, we’re working to advance new ways in which agriculture can drive business results and power emerging lower-carbon solutions.”
ADM has more than 650 employees in Nebraska, and its processing complex in Columbus includes wet and dry mills that transform corn into food ingredients, fuels and animal feed products that are used every day by people around the world.
Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes Three Ethanol Producer Voting Members
The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) today welcomes three Nebraska ethanol producers to the board as voting members. Todd Good from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Joe Shanle from Trenton Agri Products (TAP), and Brent Hoops from Chief Ethanol were appointed by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to fill the three newly-created ethanol producer seats on the NEB, effective immediately.
“We’re very excited to welcome ethanol producers to the NEB, and Todd, Joe, and Brent are all excellent choices,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “All of them are highly respected in the industry, with each bringing vast experience and expertise to the table. Having their voices—and votes—in the room moving forward marks a critical component of the NEB’s long-term goal to deliver maximum value for Nebraska’s ethanol producers. We thank them for their willingness to serve and know they will do a terrific job.”
The NEB’s strategic plan legislation, Legislative Bill (LB) 815, passed earlier this year by the Nebraska Legislature with supermajority support and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Pillen, includes provisions adding three ethanol producer seats to the NEB. The seats became open on Sept. 1 and were required to be filled with initial appointees within 30 days. Good, Shanle, and Hoops have immediate voting privileges at NEB meetings with the announcement from the Governor’s office of their appointments.
Todd Good is the plant manager at ADM Corn Processing in Columbus. With 24 years of ethanol and oilseeds industry experience, Good has worked in several roles at ADM, including plant engineer, extraction superintendent, and plant superintendent, before assuming his current role in July 2019. Good is widely respected in the Nebraska ethanol industry for his expertise and leadership. He grew up on his family’s farm in Indiana and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Good served as an ex oficio ethanol producer advisor to the NEB from August of 2024 to now.
“I’m excited to join the NEB as a voting member at such a critical time in the industry,” Good said. “Having served as an advisor for the past few years, I know firsthand that the NEB is heading in the right direction. As a voting member, I will bring the producer perspective to all board meetings and events, and make decisions with the industry’s best interests in mind. I’m looking forward to helping shape the conversation as we move ahead.”
Joe Shanle is the vice president of operations at TAP in Trenton. Shanle has significant experience in ethanol plant management, including past roles as production manager at Flint Hills Resources and senior plant manager at Midwest Renewable Energy before joining TAP as plant manager in 2020 and promoting in 2023 to vice president of operations. Shanle holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hastings College and an MBA from Chadron State College. Shanle also served as an NEB ex oficio ethanol producer advisor from August of 2024 to now.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the NEB in a voting seat,” Shanle said. “This industry provides many benefits to our state, and the NEB has been involved in much of its development. As an official member, I will ensure that producer interests are properly voiced and that the NEB’s work continues to show results for the industry. I look forward to working with the Board to make sure that Nebraska continues to lead the ethanol industry in the future.”
Brent Hoops serves as the commodities director at Chief Ethanol Fuels, where he leverages his extensive experience in agriculture and commodities trading to enhance the company's operations. His agricultural background includes 15 years as a commercial producer of corn and soybeans in Adams County, Nebraska. He also has worked as a commodities trading adviser, where he assisted farmers with risk management and grain marketing. In his current role, Hoops focuses on optimizing ethanol production margins and exploring the emerging role of carbon markets in both the ethanol and corn sectors. He holds an engineering/industrial management bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“I’m honored to join the NEB as one of the initial ethanol producer appointees,” Hoops said. “The industry is changing, and the NEB is doing its part to change with it. Being one of the ethanol producer voices in the room is a perfect opportunity to represent my colleagues and ensure the NEB remains responsive to producers’ needs. As the ethanol industry continues to develop, I look forward to helping steer the conversation.”
Gov. Pillen also reappointed Jamie Bearup to the NEB labor position for a four-year term, and Scott McPheeters was reappointed for another term, now in the general farming position. McPheeters replaces Michael Thede, who retired from the NEB at the conclusion of his term on Aug. 31.
“The NEB thanks Mike Thede for his 20 years of dedicated service,” Rhodes said. “Thede’s farming expertise and steady presence was appreciated as he helped navigate the ebb and flow of the ethanol industry over the past two decades. We are thankful for all he did for us and wish him the best in his next endeavors.”
The NEB now has nine voting members, each representing a sector of the fuel value chain. Ethanol producers Good, Shanle and Hoops join Chairman Jan tenBensel (wheat), Vice Chairman Scott McPheeters (general farming), Secretary Randy Gard (petroleum marketers), Jamie Bearup (labor), Taylor Nelson (corn), and Tracy Zink (sorghum) as voting members. The Board is also supported by a technical advisor. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Dr. Hunter Flodman holds that position.
ACE 2026 Awards Honor Ethanol Industry Contributors
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) honored a select group of advocates for their contributions to the ethanol industry during its 39th annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month.
The Merle Anderson Award, named after the organization’s founder, was presented to Mike Jerke this year. ACE CEO Brian Jennings presented the award to Jerke during the event’s awards ceremony.
The Merle Anderson Award is presented annually to recognize an individual who has made distinguished and lasting contributions to advancing the U.S. ethanol industry. Jerke retired in 2025 – after many years of active leadership in the industry. Jerke served as CEO of Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP), Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC), Guardian Energy, Corn Plus, and Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). He valued the importance of grassroots advocacy, having participated in several ACE DC fly-ins and other efforts to promote the legislative and regulatory priorities for ethanol.
“I was completely humbled to receive the award,” said Jerke. “Anybody that remembers and knows Merle understands why the award was named for him. Merle is an icon and is legendary for his drive, dedication, and just persistence in pushing this industry forward. He was actively promoting ethanol, encouraging others to get engaged in the industry I think right up until his passing, when he was 96 years old. I’m incredibly honored to receive an award named after him.”
ACE chief strategy officer Ron Lamberty presented the Grassroots Award to Kenton Johnson in recognition of his longstanding dedication to ACE, the ethanol industry, and rural America. As a farmer, founding member, and board member of several ethanol plants, Johnson has consistently supported ACE and the broader industry through his passion, leadership, and commitment to strengthening rural communities and the domestic ethanol industry. Johnson has been a steadfast advocate for the ethanol industry’s grassroots movement for many years. His active participation in ACE and other industry leaders’ conferences, fly-ins, and board meetings reflects his continued commitment to advancing the industry and ensuring the voices of rural America are heard.
“It’s a true honor to receive this award,” said Johnson, “I’ve had a fantastic experience here at ACE. I think I was 22 or 23 years old when I first stepped on the board and went on my first Hill visit and kind of dove into policy with Ron Lamberty and Brian Jennnings and some key board members that have kind of mentored me along the way, and it’s a real honor to win this award. We’ve done a lot of great work around here.”
During a retailer panel discussion, Lamberty presented the Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award to the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association for its sustained leadership in expanding ethanol demand and increasing consumer access to higher ethanol blends. Through its work on infrastructure grants and other program funding, Unleaded 88 fuel pump promotions, consumer education through studies that highlight E15 benefits and use, advocacy for pro-biofuel policies, and coordination of congressional visits with ethanol plants, the Association has played a pivotal role in market development. These efforts have helped fuel retailers successfully offer higher ethanol blends and contributed to Minnesota achieving five consecutive years of record E15 sales.
“It’s really an honor to be recognized with this award from the American Coalition for Ethanol, said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. “They do so much work with grassroots, with ethanol plants, with ethanol plant board members, so it’s really an honor to be recognized for the work that we are also doing at the grassroots level – going out, working with fuel retailers, helping them install new infrastructure that can accommodate higher blends of ethanol like E15, but also doing that consumer education piece.”
ACE has also designated its 2026 Policy and Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN) for her strong leadership on biofuel issues, including her recent leadership in the House Rules Committee and on the House floor, which was instrumental in securing passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346) to ensure nationwide and permanent access to low-cost E15. The Congresswoman joined ACE to speak to attendees and accept her award during the Thursday morning general session.
“It was an honor to receive my award for my work on the E15 legislation,” said Congresswoman Fischbach. “But most of all, it’s incredibly important that we passed that E15, and we will continue to fight through the Senate, making sure that we get this done and signed into law.”
EPA Proposes Final ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking defining “Waters of the United States.” The notice addresses legal concerns raised during the review of the previous proposal and requests comments on additional proposed approaches to better align with the Supreme Court’s direction. The public comment period on the supplemental notice regulation ends Oct. 9.
Last November, the agency released an interim final regulation on WOTUS, a revision of the 2023 rule enacted by the Biden EPA, which ignored a U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited EPA’s authority over waterways.
The Waters Advocacy Coalition supports the Trump administration’s latest WOTUS rule, which makes jurisdictional waters that are “permanent,” defined as those that are perennial; wetlands that touch a jurisdictional water and hold surface water for a required duration year after year; and tributaries that connect directly or have predictable, consistent flow to traditional navigable waters.
In comments submitted to EPA in January, the coalition said the interim final rule “better aligns the regulatory definition of WOTUS with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent” – in particular by defining critical terms, providing clarity and transparency, and preserving the states’ primary role in regulating water resources and land use within their boundaries.
WOTUS rules under the Obama and Biden administrations included features with even a tenuous connection to navigable waters, such as drains, ditches, stock ponds, and low spots on farmland. Those regulations could have required CWA permits for routine agricultural activities near those features and subjected agricultural producers to civil and criminal penalties for violations of the rule.
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