Tuesday September 29 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress Report - Ibach Nominated for USDA UnderSecretary Position - Fat Iron Steak Turns 25 - ASA on US/China Board of Trade - Ethanol as a Marine Fuel - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress

Persistent rain left Nebraska producers with just 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 27. Corn maturity moved ahead of last year’s pace, but wet conditions held back harvest across major crops and delayed winter wheat planting. More rain in the forecast could prolong those delays this week.

The rain improved topsoil moisture, though deeper soils remained dry in parts of the state. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 10% very short, 20% short, 58% adequate and 12% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 16% very short, 27% short, 52% adequate and 5% surplus.

Field Crops Report

Corn
    Dented: 97% — ahead of 91% last year and near the five-year average of 96%.
    Mature: 70% — ahead of 61% last year and near the five-year average of 72%.
    Harvested: 11% — near 10% last year but behind the five-year average of 15%.
    Condition: 5% very poor, 12% poor, 29% fair, 39% good and 15% excellent.

Soybean
    Dropping leaves: 80% — near 81% last year but behind the five-year average of 86%.
    Harvested: 5% — behind 10% last year and 17% for the five-year average.
    Condition: 2% very poor, 8% poor, 28% fair, 48% good and 14% excellent.

Winter Wheat
    Planted: 38% — behind 54% last year and 60% for the five-year average.
    Emerged: 14% — behind 28% last year and 21% for the five-year average.

Sorghum
    Coloring: 88% — near 90% last year but behind the five-year average of 96%.
    Mature: 57% — ahead of 45% last year and 53% for the five-year average.
    Harvested: 5% — behind 8% last year and 9% for the five-year average.
    Condition: 6% very poor, 17% poor, 38% fair, 34% good and 5% excellent.

Pasture and Range
    Condition: 26% very poor, 17% poor, 34% fair, 22% good and 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 1.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 27, 2026. This is 5.1 days less than last year, when there were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 39 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 27 percent surplus. 

Ninety-seven percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is unchanged from last year. Seventy-two percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 6 percentage points behind last year. Five percent of corn has been harvested, which is 9 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. 

Sixty-two percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 18 percentage points behind last year. Three percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 12 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 70 percent good to excellent.



USDA Crop Progress Report

After running ahead of normal the past few weeks, U.S. corn and soybean harvest progress slowed last week, bringing both crops back in line with the five-year average pace, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

Disruptions to harvest activity and winter wheat seeding could continue this week, as heavy rainfall is forecast across the Central and Southern Plains. But the moisture could substantially improve drought conditions and bolster wheat prospects heading into fall.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn dented was estimated at 96%, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 94% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 95%. Corn mature was pegged at 72%, 3 percentage points ahead of last year's 69% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 71%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 18% of corn had been harvested nationally as of Sept. 27, 1 percentage point ahead of last year's 17% and now equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 57% of the crop remaining in fields was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 9 percentage points below last year's 66%. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 75%, 1 percentage point behind last year's 76% and equal to the five-year average.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 17% of soybeans had been harvested as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's pace of 18% and now equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 58% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 4 percentage points below the previous year's 62%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting was estimated at 27% complete nationally, 5 percentage points behind last year's 32% and 7 percentage points behind the five-year average of 34%.
-- Crop development: Winter wheat emerged was estimated at 8%, 4 points behind last year's 12% and 3 points behind the five-year average 11%.



Ibach nominated for return to USDA in trade role

Nebraska ag leader Greg Ibach is headed back to Washington after President Donald Trump nominated him to serve as under secretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

The White House sent Ibach’s nomination to the U.S. Senate on Monday. The post focuses on expanding overseas markets and advancing U.S. agricultural trade. The nomination requires Senate confirmation.

Ibach served as USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs during Trump’s first administration. Before going to USDA, he was Nebraska’s longest-serving state agriculture director, holding the post for 12 years.

Ibach and his wife, Nebraska state Sen. Teresa Ibach, have three grown children.

Fischer Statement on Gregory Ibach USDA Nomination
“Congratulations to Greg on another well-deserved nomination. Having worked with Greg over the years, I know he will bring his experience and expertise to USDA at a time when farm country truly needs it. I look forward to working with him and finding new ways we can help producers in Nebraska.”



CAP Webinars

Nebraska Crop-Share Leases: Findings from 92 Lease Arrangements
Oct 1, 2026 12:00 PM  
With Anastasia Meyer, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL
How are Nebraska landlords and tenants dividing crop inputs, field operations and irrigation responsibilities? This webinar will share findings from 92 crop-share lease arrangements reported through the Nebraska Crop-Share Lease Survey. Participants will learn how common 50/50, 60/40 and other arrangements handle seed, fertilizer, crop-protection products, field operations, irrigation energy and equipment costs. The program will also explain how to use the findings as a benchmark for lease discussions—not as a one-size-fits-all formula—and identify important provisions to address in a written crop-share lease.

Nebraska Ballot Issues: November 2026
Oct 8, 2026 12:00 PM 
Dave Aiken, professor and water law/ agricultural law specialist at Nebraska 
Three issues will be on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot in Nebraska: (1) authorizing online sports betting, (2) prohibiting transgender females from participating on female school sports teams, and (3) making it more difficult for state senators to amend voter-approved laws. 

Register for webinar at the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



25 Years Later, the Flat Iron Steak Remains a Model for Beef Innovation

Twenty-five years ago, a relatively unknown muscle from the beef chuck began appearing on restaurant menus in Nebraska. Today, the flat iron steak is a familiar choice at restaurants, grocery stores and meat shops across the country. Its story is one of the beef industry's most successful examples of turning research and innovation into value.

The story began in Nebraska in the late 1990s, when researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln joined a multi-state effort to better understand the individual muscles that make up the beef chuck and round. The Muscle Profiling project examined 39 individual muscles, evaluating characteristics including tenderness, flavor, composition and processing traits. The research was completed in October 2000.

Dr. Chris Calkins, a University of Nebraska meat scientist, helped lead the research. The project revealed that some muscles traditionally considered part of lower-value cuts had characteristics that made them well suited for premium steak products.

One of the most significant discoveries was the infraspinatus muscle, located in the beef shoulder. By removing a layer of connective tissue and using a different cutting method, researchers were able to turn the muscle into what became known as the flat iron steak.

"We weren't necessarily looking for another steak," said Dr. Chris Calkins, professor emeritus of animal science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. "We were trying to understand the value that was already in the beef carcass. When we started looking at individual muscles, we found some real opportunities to take something that had traditionally been ground up for hamburger and turn it into a high-quality steak eating experience."

The research was funded through the Beef Checkoff, an investment made by America's cattle producers to strengthen demand and build value for beef. The original research was conducted through the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and University of Florida in cooperation with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The project ultimately led to the development of the flat iron steak, along with other value-added cuts including the petite tender and ranch steak.

"The flat iron is a great example of what can happen when beef producers invest in innovative research," said Ann Marie Bosshamer, executive director of the Nebraska Beef Council. "The investment didn't just result in a new steak, it helped add value for the entire beef industry, from the farmers and ranchers all the way to the consumer."

From Nebraska research to the national marketplace
The flat iron's journey from the University of Nebraska meat laboratory to American dinner tables moved quickly.

In 2001, Nebraska-based Whiskey Creek Steakhouses were among the first to serve the new steak at their restaurants while Omaha’s iconic Johnny’s Café offered flat irons as part of their special events menu. An Omaha World-Herald story published in October 2001 highlighted the cut and its potential to become a beef-lover’s new favorite steak. The article was eventually picked up by national media outlets and soon the flat iron steak moved beyond its Nebraska beginnings.

The early reaction from diners was strong as they compared the flat iron's tenderness to filet mignon while appreciating its rich beef flavor. At the time, however, processors were still learning the specific cutting technique necessary to produce the steak. As processors refined the fabrication process and restaurants and retailers demonstrated consumer demand, the flat iron became available to consumers nationwide.

Today, flat iron steaks can be found in restaurants and grocery stores throughout the world. In Nebraska, the flat iron steak appears on menus of all sizes from some of the state’s best-known steakhouses to the small-town cafes and bar-and-grills that serve their local communities.

Creating value from the whole carcass
The significance of the flat iron extends well beyond the steak itself.

The Muscle Profiling research was prompted in part by a disparity in the value of different portions of the beef carcass. The chuck and round had been declining in value while the rib and loin commanded higher prices. Researchers set out to better understand the characteristics of individual muscles and identify opportunities to market some of those muscles as higher-value products.

The approach changed the way the industry looked at the beef carcass.

Instead of viewing the chuck primarily as a source of roasts and ground beef, researchers demonstrated that individual muscles could be evaluated and marketed according to their unique characteristics. Calkins and his research team's work ultimately helped create several new beef cuts and has been credited with adding significant value to market cattle. The University of Nebraska estimates the broader muscle profiling project has had an annual economic impact of approximately $1.5 billion.

"The flat iron is really a story about using science to find value where we didn't realize it existed," Calkins said. "Consumers got another great steak. Restaurants and retailers got another product to offer. Processors found another way to merchandise the carcass. And producers ultimately benefited because we were creating more value from the animal."

The success of the flat iron also helped establish a model for continued innovation throughout the beef industry. Research into individual muscles has continued to identify additional opportunities to develop new cuts and give consumers more choices while improving the value of the beef carcass.

For Nebraska, the flat iron carries an additional point of pride in a steak now enjoyed around the world with its roots here in The Beef State.

"Twenty-five years after the flat iron first made its way onto Nebraska menus, it is a great reminder that innovation can have a lasting impact," Bosshamer said. "It started with producers willing to invest in research, scientists willing to ask different questions and an industry willing to take a new idea to the marketplace. That's a success story worth celebrating."



NEBFARMPAC Endorses Mark Cohen for Third Congressional District 

Nebraska Farmers Union’s Political Action Committee, NEBFARMPAC announced its endorsement of independent candidate Mark Cohen for Congress in CD3 in the general election.

Vern Jantzen, NEBFARMPAC President from Plymouth said, “As voters, it is our job to determine whether or not the status quo is working for us, or against us. When times are good, we usually stay the course and retain our public officials who are our management team. Affordability is a good way consumers can measure whether or not the status quo is working for or against us. As a farm organization, the performance of the ag economy weighs heavily on our assessment. By the vast majority of affordability indicators, consumers are paying more for almost everything we buy. It is no secret the ag economy continues to face the worst financial crisis since the 1980s. Our PAC board believes it is time for a change. We believe Mark Cohen has a unique set of skills and experience to champion the interests of family farm and ranch agriculture and consumers as a whole with badly needed new ideas and energy.”  

John Hansen, NEBFARMPAC Secretary said, “Mark Cohen is the first independent candidate our PAC has supported for Congress CD3 since it was formed. His experience in ag law with the 1980s farm crisis financial meltdowns, and his military legal skills and service with distinction make him uniquely qualified to provide CD3 with new energy and fresh new ideas while avoiding many of the pitfalls of partisan politics that have paralyzed Congress. American agriculture has lost far too much money for far too many years for us to blindly repeat old voting habits. If we always do what we have always done, we will continue to get what we have always gotten. That is not a path forward to a better future. That is a sure-fire way to dig the economic hole we are in deeper. It is time for a change. Mark Cohen gives us a long overdue better way to vote for both our values and our pocketbook.”

“Time after time, Congress has failed family farmers and ranchers during this growing economic crisis. This Congress has not done their obvious job to pass an updated and improved Farm Bill for the past three years. Instead, this Congress passed HR1 giving the bulk of the permanent tax breaks to the richest of the rich while poor rural youth and older citizens have seen their eligibility for food and medical assistance reduced. The 47% of Affordable Care Act recipients in rural areas of our state saw the costs of their premiums go up 20 to 26%. Our PAC board felt Mark Cohen is a high quality and independent candidate that has the right set of experience and skills to provide leadership on agricultural and rural issues, and earn the support of all voters in the Third Congressional District,” said Jantzen.

 

ASA Says China Soybean Commitments are Critical Amid Continued Tariffs  

Following the summit between Presidents Trump and Xi, the American Soybean Association points to China’s continued commitment to purchase a minimum of 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually in years 2026, 2027, and 2028. These annual commitments provide important demand and greater certainty for U.S. soybean farmers.

“As soybean farmers look to strengthen and expand markets, China’s annual commitment to purchase 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans provides critical stability, and we expect those commitments to be fully met,” said ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer Scott Metzger. “China remains an important market for U.S. soybeans, and we want to see a strong trading relationship that allows more customers in China to purchase our soybeans.”

ASA is disappointed U.S. soybeans were not included among the agricultural products receiving additional tariff relief from China. China’s remaining 10% retaliatory duty limits access for private Chinese importers, meaning soybean trade will continue to be handled primarily by China’s state-owned enterprises. Removing the tariff would improve the competitiveness of U.S. soybeans and provide greater opportunity for private Chinese buyers.

ASA is encouraged that the U.S. and China have made commitments to meet two more times before the new trade truce deadline of Jan. 10, 2027, and continues to urge trade negotiators to pursue a trade deal that provides additional support for U.S. soybeans. Further, President Trump has championed a strong Renewable Fuel Standard and other policies to benefit biomass-based diesel, which is a key domestic market for U.S. soybean farmers. While pursuing a more beneficial trade deal with China, protecting and growing our domestic biofuels markets remains critical to protect soybean farmers’ bottom lines entering harvest season.  



U.S. Dairy Statement on U.S.-China Board of Trade

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council welcomed an announcement today of the operationalization of a U.S.-China Board of Trade and its initial product scope:

Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
"America's dairy farmers welcome the launch of the U.S.-China Board of Trade, and we commend USTR for prioritizing agricultural exports. Retaliatory tariffs continue to put U.S. dairy at a disadvantage in China while our competitors gain ground. We are encouraged by dairy’s inclusion as products slated for retaliatory tariff reductions. U.S. dairy farmers look forward to seeing China’s tariff retaliation on dairy fully lifted and urge the inclusion of dairy in as key part of China’s agricultural purchase commitments. The positive momentum today is good for farmers, good for trade and good for both countries."

Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council
"The U.S. dairy industry strongly supports the launch of the U.S.-China Board of Trade and the prospect it offers for giving U.S. dairy exporters and their customers the predictability they need. We are encouraged by the inclusion of U.S. dairy exports on the list of products to be considered for tariff reduction. USDEC urges the Board to swiftly deliver the full elimination of the retaliatory tariffs that still weigh on U.S. dairy so our suppliers can compete on a more level playing field. The two-month extension of the tariff truce is also a welcome step forward. As wider talks continue, it is essential that proposed port fees on Chinese ships are not passed along to U.S. agricultural exporters. Added freight costs would undercut the very gains the Board of Trade is meant to achieve."

Announcements by the U.S. and China governments indicated that the Board of Trade’s tariff relief will be implemented “consistent with their respective domestic laws and processes” rather than taking effect immediately. In July, NMPF and USDEC provided input on the Board of Trade's design and product coverage, stressing the need for relief from retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy exports. Both organizations will continue working with the U.S. government to remove remaining barriers to trade and prevent new ones.



Ag Coalition Emphasizes Importance of Trilateral Trade Impact as Accord Begins

Officials from the United States, Mexico and Canada are meeting this week in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, as part of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord. In response to this meeting, Agricultural Coalition for USMCA spokesperson Bryan Goodman released the following statement:

"Trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada is extremely important to the U.S. agricultural sector, rural America and the U.S. economy. In fact, agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico accounted for $149 billion in economic output in the United States in 2024. This kind of economic impact would not be possible if not for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

"This week's accord will provide all involved with the opportunity to move beyond select disagreements, listen to each other, reflect on the incredible benefits of this agreement and identify opportunities for enhanced cooperation. We hope the conversations at the accord will contribute to the renewal of the agreement for the benefit of producers and consumers in all three countries."



New Report Shows Ethanol's Potential as a Marine Fuel 

Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the release today of a new report by the National Lab of the Rockies (NLR), "Evaluation of Ethanol Use in Marine Shipping," that demonstrates ethanol's technical, economic, and environmental potential as a viable, low-carbon fuel for ocean-going vessels.  

"This report makes it clear that the American ethanol industry could have a potentially transformative impact on the maritime sector," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "The things that make ethanol such an attractive option as a fuel for ships are the same things that make it vital as a fuel for light-duty vehicles—lower emissions, cost competitiveness, and scalability. We thank NLR for its critical work outlining the ways in which ethanol can meet the needs of today’s shipping sector and look forward to working with our members and the entire industry to secure ethanol's global future as a maritime fuel." 

"Ethanol has advantages that few other potential marine fuels do. Its robust compatibility with methanol infrastructure, its overall scalability, and its environmental benefits make it uniquely suited to help the shipping sector achieve its goals,” said NLR Senior Research Fellow and author of the report Robert McCormick. “We hope this research paves the way for greater collaboration between ethanol producers and shippers, and that it encourages further study to fully grasp the impact ethanol could have in maritime applications.”  

“The marine fuel market is key to new growth for ethanol,” said U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “Even modest adoption could create billions of gallons of new demand, providing another long-term market for corn growers while helping the shipping industry reduce emissions.” 

The report details the many advantages ethanol offers when used as a fuel for ships, including: 
    Molecular similarity to methanol: “Large dual-fuel methanol engines can operate on ethanol with no changes.” 
    Lower emissions: “A cited study estimated U.S. corn ethanol at approximately 51.4 gCO2eq/MJ, about 46% lower than petroleum fuels, with additional reductions possible through carbon capture and sequestration.” 
    Lower toxicity: Ethanol has “lower human toxicity” compared to other marine fuels, and in the event of a spill, “rapid dissolution and low bioaccumulation [of ethanol] reduce long-term environmental persistence compared to conventional oil spills.” 
    Abundant supply: “The United States has about two billion gallons per year of idled production capacity (nearly six million mt).” 
    Energy density: “Ethanol has approximately 35% higher energy content than methanol...” 

The report also identifies marine shipping as a potentially significant market for ethanol producers, estimating that the currently operating methanol dual-fuel fleet alone could consume roughly two billion gallons of ethanol annually under high-substitution scenarios.



The Impact of Heifer Slaughter on Herd Expansion & Beef Supply
Hannah Baker, Beef and Forage Economics, University of Florida / IFAS Extension

It is no secret that record-high beef prices over the last year are a result of tight cattle supplies and strong consumer demand. The average monthly retail price for all fresh beef products in July was $9.63/lb. This is down from the high of $10/lb. in April but is still 5% higher than the same month last year and 31% higher than the 5-year historical average for August.

Demand shifts among beef products are normal for this time of year as we transition from the grilling months of summer to the pot roast days of fall. As we get closer to the holiday season, we can expect to see more demand shifts and seasonal price changes among beef products. Additionally, fuel prices continue to require a larger portion of household incomes that could otherwise be spent on grocery items such as beef. However, the overall story is that consumers still want to buy beef amidst tightening cattle supplies further supporting beef prices.

Beef production so far in 2026 (as of September 1) has declined by 5%, or 829.4 million pounds, compared to the same period in 2025. While average dressed weights for both steers and heifers have increased by roughly 30 pounds since last year, the increase has not been enough to offset the decrease in the number of cattle being processed. At the time of writing this, year-to-date federally inspected steer and heifer slaughter are down by 5.6% and 11.2%, respectively.

The decline in heifer slaughter does imply more heifers are being retained, but the percentage of heifers being slaughtered so far in 2026 is 30.7%. When we started holding back heifers from 2012-2016 for the last expansion period, this percentage ranged from 28.6% to 25.6% before heifer slaughter began increasing again in 2017. Fundamentally speaking, as more heifers are retained, beef production can be expected to decrease in the short-term until more calves enter the market, resulting in an increase in beef production in the long-term.