Wednesday September 16 Ag News - Kellogg Co Supports Gillespie Fund - CVA Life Fund - UNL Ag Digital Hub Launches - NE LEAD & National Guard Experience - Johanns Feature in Heuermann Lecture - and more!

WK Kellogg Co Increases Support of Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund

WK Kellogg Co has again pledged to support the work of the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF), an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

WK Kellogg Co’s third contribution of $7,500 to the fund brings its total support to $22,500, making the organization the largest donor in DGSHF’s five-year history.

"The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is creating meaningful opportunities for farmers, students and agricultural communities to learn, collaborate and advance soil health practices," said Sarah Ludmer, Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer at WK Kellogg Co. "We're honored to continue supporting the Fund's work to expand access to education and resources that can drive long-term benefits for both people and the planet."

The DGSHF honors Dan Gillespie, a life-long farmer and no-till advocate. Following a courageous battle with ALS, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund was established to allow Gillespie’s family, friends, and fellow soil health enthusiasts across the nation to carry on his work with soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Randy Pryor, DGSHF Advisory Chairman stated, “The DGSHF is focused on building an endowment with WK Kellogg Co. and other generous corporate and private donor support. The generosity of WK Kellogg Co. has enabled the fund to increase award grants to $2,500 twice a year.”

The DGSHF grants support education and programming for youth, current and future farmers, ranchers, and others directly involved in agriculture in Nebraska and surrounding states. Past DGSHF grants have supported organizations like Future Farmers of America (FFA), individual farmers incorporating new regenerative soil health practices, No-Till on the Plains, UNL Extension, and other youth-centered sustainable agriculture projects and programs.

The next DGSHF grant award will be made from new grant applications due October 1, 2026. For more information on the grant application and to support the work of the fund, visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund.



Central Valley Ag launches Apparel Store for CVA Life Fund Fundraiser

Central Valley Ag Invites employees and community members to rally around a simple idea: when someone is facing a difficult season, we show up. From Sept. 15–25, CVA will offer a limited collection of apparel recognizing first responders and cancer awareness. Causes that symbolize service, strength and communities coming together. Proceeds will benefit the CVA Life Fund, which provides financial assistance to CVA employees experiencing unexpected hardship.

The First Responders apparel recognizes those who dedicate their time and service to communities throughout CVA's trade territory. The fundraiser is organized by CVA's Unity Council, an employee-led group focused on strengthening employee engagement and supporting initiatives that bring employees together across the cooperative.

CVA will match the dollars raised through apparel sales, doubling the amount contributed to the Life Fund through the fundraiser.

“The LIFE Fund reflects the way our employees continue to support one another, especially when someone is facing an unexpected hardship,” said Chad Carlson, Senior Vice President of Talent at Central Valley Ag. “This fundraiser gives our employees and communities an opportunity to be part of that support while also recognizing the first responders who give their time to serve others. CVA is proud to stand behind that effort and invest in the people and communities we serve.”

First Responders apparel will be available to order Sept. 15-25. Orders will be shipped directly to the purchaser's home address, with shipping costs paid by the purchaser. Apparel is expected to arrive during the month of October.

To view available apparel and place an order, visit (https://stores.inksoft.com/cva_first_responders/shop/home).



UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA–LINCOLN LAUNCHES NEBRASKA DIGITAL AG HUB

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln launched on Sept. 15 a new initiative aimed at helping producers make better use of digital agriculture technologies — from developing new decision-support tools to improving existing technologies and training the next generation of innovators.

The Nebraska Digital Ag Hub, announced during Husker Harvest Days, brings together Husker researchers, Nebraska Extension professionals, instructional faculty, staff, students, producers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and state and federal partners to develop technologies with producers’ needs at the center.

“Our vision is that Nebraska is where digital ag and innovation happens,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor for the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Nebraska vice president. “It’s where it’s created, it’s where it’s tested, where it’s validated, and it’s where it’s going to be scaled up.”

For decades, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been a leader in the development, testing and adoption of digital ag technologies, said Guillermo Balboa, interim director of the hub. The university was an early adopter of drones, soil moisture sensors and other precision ag tools.

Today, the university has more than 40 programs focused on digital agriculture — including precision nitrogen and irrigation management, robotics and automation, livestock technologies, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and data science — as well as an academic minor. The On-Farm Research Network, launched more than 30 years ago, has helped producers statewide adopt precision tools and measure their effectiveness. Sentinel Ag, a Nebraska-based startup that uses satellite data to help producers optimize nitrogen fertilizer application, was started by a Husker graduate student, tested through the network and is now serving producers in 25 states.

In fact, the idea for the hub grew from conversations between Husker faculty and producers, Balboa said.

“We heard enormous excitement about digital agriculture — but also real challenges,” said Balboa, a research assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. “Producers told us there are too many technologies. Systems do not always communicate with each other. The return on investment is not always clear. And we need more people with the skills to turn enormous amounts of data into better decisions.”

The Nebraska Digital Ag Hub aims to map and connect existing digital agriculture assets in Nebraska and build a network spanning the university, Extension, producers, industry and government. It will also launch new interdisciplinary research, create new experiential opportunities for students and offer new digital agriculture education and credentialing opportunities for students and producers alike with the goal of refining and connecting existing tools and innovating new ones.

The university is already part of the NASA Acres Farm Innovation program, which is developing the next generation of Earth-observation technologies for agriculture. Nebraska producers are taking part in the program, as well.

“Together, we are using Nebraska fields as a real-world testbed — connecting field measurements and producer knowledge with emerging satellite and hyperspectral technologies to explore how the next generation of Earth observations can improve decisions around crop management, water and nutrients,” Balboa said.

Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead the work, Heng-Moss said. The scale and diversity of the state’s agricultural industry and natural resources, combined with the university’s deep expertise and strong partnerships with producers, industry and communities, create an environment where new technologies can be developed, tested and put to work. Those strengths, she said, give Nebraska an opportunity not simply to respond to the changes ahead, but to help shape them.

“Nebraska is where the future of digital ag is happening,” she said.

For more information, visit https://digitalag.unl.edu.



Pillen Reissues Order Relaxing Commercial Motor Carrier Operations

Governor Jim Pillen has reissued an executive order to assist with continued commercial motor carrier operations in support of Nebraska farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires. The order relaxes certain requirements, facilitating the delivery of feed and other supplies.

The order applies to hours of service and over-dimension restrictions. It is effective through October 11.
Similar orders have continued to be issued by the Governor since mid-March, when the first wildfires occurred.



Nebraska LEAD Program and Nebraska National Guard Announce New Leadership Development Collaboration

The Nebraska LEAD Program and the Nebraska National Guard are joining forces to provide Nebraska agricultural leaders with a firsthand look at military leadership, decision-making and the Nebraska National Guard’s role in serving communities across the state.

As part of a new collaboration, Nebraska LEAD Fellows will participate in a one-day Nebraska National Guard experience Monday, Sept. 21, during the kickoff seminar for Nebraska LEAD Class 45. The experience will bring together leaders from the military and emerging leaders from the Nebraska LEAD cohort to explore leadership principles and the challenges of making decisions in complex and rapidly changing environments.

The Nebraska National Guard experience will include sessions focused on military leadership and organizational leadership, decision-making for agricultural leaders and a senior leadership panel featuring representatives from the military, agriculture, private industry and government.

The experience will also provide Nebraska LEAD Fellows with a greater understanding of the Nebraska National Guard’s role beyond its military mission, including its support of Nebraska communities during natural disasters and emergencies. Nebraska National Guard personnel have assisted communities during events such as wildfires and floods and have provided support for major events and other situations requiring additional personnel and resources.

"Leadership is about much more than the position a person holds. It’s about making decisions, bringing people together and being prepared to respond when circumstances change," said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.

"This experience gives our Fellows an opportunity to learn from leaders who make those kinds of decisions every day. Just as importantly, it will help them better understand the Nebraska National Guard and the important role it plays in supporting communities across Nebraska, whether responding to a wildfire or flood, assisting during a major event or helping communities navigate an unexpected challenge."

Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, said the collaboration provides an opportunity to connect military leadership principles with the leadership challenges faced by agricultural and community leaders.

"Leadership requires preparation, adaptability and a commitment to the people you serve," Strong said. "The Nebraska National Guard is proud to share our experiences with the Nebraska LEAD Fellows and demonstrate how those principles guide our Soldiers and Airmen as they serve Nebraska and our nation. We look forward to learning from these agricultural leaders as well and building a relationship that benefits both organizations."

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the Nebraska LEAD Program, the Nebraska National Guard and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources to developing leaders who are prepared to serve their organizations, communities and state.

"Strong leaders are lifelong learners who seek out experiences that challenge their thinking and broaden their understanding of the world around them," said Tiffany Heng-Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"This collaboration creates an exceptional opportunity for Nebraska LEAD Fellows to learn from the Nebraska National Guard while also connecting leadership lessons to agriculture, business, government and communities across our state. These experiences help prepare our Fellows to lead with confidence, perspective and a strong sense of service."

The senior leadership panel will further emphasize the importance of collaboration across sectors and the value of bringing diverse perspectives to complex issues facing Nebraska.

The Nebraska LEAD Program, administered through the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, prepares and motivates men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership. The two-year program combines classroom learning, seminars, travel and hands-on experiences designed to develop informed, engaged leaders who can contribute to the future of Nebraska agriculture and communities.

The Nebraska National Guard is composed of the Nebraska Army National Guard and Nebraska Air National Guard. In addition to its federal mission, the Nebraska National Guard supports the state during emergencies and disasters and provides assistance to communities and state agencies when requested.

The Nebraska LEAD Class 45 kickoff seminar will take place Sept. 21–23 in Lincoln, with the Nebraska National Guard experience serving as a featured component of the Fellows’ first seminar in the program. 




Johanns to discuss rural vitality in Heuermann Lecture

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host a Heuermann Lecture on Sept. 22 with Mike Johanns, former U.S. secretary of agriculture. Johanns, who also served as governor of Nebraska and as a U.S. senator, will take part in a fireside chat and panel discussion on rural vitality, agricultural innovation and Nebraska’s future.

The lecture will take place at 3 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive. A reception will follow at 4:30 p.m.

After serving as Nebraska’s governor from 1999-2005, Johanns became the U.S. secretary of agriculture under President George W. Bush. He served in that role until 2008, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, serving on committees focused on agriculture, among other areas. Today he acts as a strategic adviser for Avalo, an ag tech company aimed at using artificial intelligence to improve crop production.

“Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse,” Johanns said. “We are blessed with abundant natural resources, coupled with hardworking, innovative producers. The cow-calf ranchers in western Nebraska produce the world’s best beef. Our row crop farmers have perfected their corn and soybean crops in a way that is world-class. The story continues with all other producers, from pork to popcorn and everything in between.

“My message is that we need to continue our progress in building for the future. Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Nebraska and needs to be a top priority. Investment in technology and education is an imperative for our future. We must focus with real determination on making sure that our entire state is the beneficiary of investment and innovation.”

Johanns will join Tiffany Heng‑Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR and University of Nebraska vice president, for a discussion on Nebraska's unique position as a national leader in agriculture and its importance as an economic engine for rural communities and the broader economy.

“It is an honor to host Mike Johanns on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus for this important discussion,” Heng-Moss said. “His deep ties to agriculture, policy, innovation and, of course, Nebraska, give him incredible insight on the unique strengths of our state. I am so excited for this important discussion.” 

Following the discussion, attendees will hear from panelists as they explore how Nebraska's agricultural strengths, research enterprises and rural communities can continue to drive economic growth and innovation for the state and nation.

Panelists include:
    Mary Emery, director of Rural Prosperity Nebraska;
    Brad Lubben, associate professor of agricultural economics;
    L.J. McElravy, associate professor of agricultural leadership, education and communications; and
    Jordan Rasmussen, program leader for Rural Prosperity Nebraska.

“People working together is the most important ingredient in creating positive change,” McElravy said. “Implementing one new idea or innovation, no matter how big or small, is how communities increase capacity. I hope that people leave the lecture knowing how the university’s tools and human resources can be leveraged to support rural Nebraska.”

The Heuermann Lecture series, which began in 2015, focuses on providing information and ideas to help sustain the world in the areas of food, natural resources and renewable energy for people, as well as securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.




ACE Thanks CARB for Recognizing Ethanol’s Role in Reducing Emissions in California

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted comments yesterday on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed amendments to the California Reformulated Gasoline Regulations (CaRFG). The proposal would establish a fuel specification for E15 gasoline within the CaRFG and clarify the standards under which fuel suppliers may continue to offer both E10 and E15 fuel blends in California.

The rulemaking implements AB 30, which was signed by Governor Newsom on October 2, 2025. The legislation authorized the sale of E15 until CARB either adopts a permanent E15 fuel specification or determines that such a standard cannot be established without adverse impacts on public health or the environment.

“ACE writes today in support of these regulations the State’s Reformulated Gasoline regulatory framework to allow for E15 sales in California as intended with the passage of AB 30 last year,” said ACE chief strategy officer Ron Lamberty in written comments.

ACE’s comments highlighted the importance of allowing retailers to blend E15 at the pump, mentioning that allowing blending could expand the availability of both E15 and E85 as well as dramatically reduce the cost of infrastructure for offering E15.

“Blending at the pump will also require being able to meter the actual gallons sold by product, to properly tax pump-blended E15 fuel made with fully taxed E10 and E85 which is taxed at a lower rate. Allocating sales properly is also necessary to avoid overstating E85 sales which could exceed current sales limits on the fuel.”

ACE also touched on the limits of E85 sales, suggesting that limits should be removed in order to allow Californians to fully benefit from the pollution reductions and cost savings that E85 provides, writing, “both of which are highly beneficial to drivers’ pocketbooks while protecting the state environment and public health.”

Lamberty points out that the combination of the enactment of AB 30 and the recently passed E15 clean-up legislation could allow E15 availability in California as soon as the first quarter of next year.

“ACE appreciates CARB's timely work on this rulemaking and its recognition of the part ethanol can play in reducing emissions in California.”



FFAR Research to Test Fogging Approach to Reduce Avian Influenza Transmission

H5N1 influenza, commonly known as bird flu, continues to threaten U.S. poultry and egg production. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and Entomol Products, LLC are investing $448,940 in a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to test an innovative, plant-based approach to reduce transmission of avian influenza. Researchers are determining whether intermittently fogging or misting hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO), a product with demonstrated antiviral properties, in poultry housing can interrupt transmission of avian influenza viruses.

Avian influenza has severe economic consequences for the U.S. poultry and egg industries. The virus spreads rapidly among birds and leads to mass depopulation of infected flocks. This influenza virus is classified as High or Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza based on how it affects poultry. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry, while low pathogenic avian influenza is a mild or asymptomatic viral infection.

“Producers need practical solutions to reduce avian influenza transmission that work with existing infrastructure to protect their flocks and limit losses,” said Dr. Jasmine Bruno, FFAR scientific program director. “As fogging is a widely used practice in poultry houses, we want to know if it’s a promising mechanism for protecting birds.”

HCO is a modified plant essential oil and an EPA-registered active ingredient used in commercially available insect repellents. Previous research found that aerosolized formulations containing HCO significantly reduced H1N1 influenza virus in the air. Led by Dr. David Hallahan, chief science officer at Entomol, and Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, assistant professor of poultry medicine at Purdue University, researchers are testing whether HCO can reduce avian influenza transmission. The researchers are using low pathogenic avian influenza to evaluate HCO’s antiviral effects against avian influenza and inform its potential application against highly pathogenic avian influenza. The team is also establishing effective aerosol delivery parameters, including HCO concentration, fogging duration and frequency, effective range and overall efficacy.

“Entomol's hydrogenated catmint oil technology has demonstrated the ability to disrupt influenza viruses in the air and on surfaces at very low concentrations, said Dr. Hallahan. “This FFAR-supported project will allow us to rigorously evaluate its potential as a practical biosecurity tool for poultry producers.”

FFAR is investing in this research to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research priority on Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers. This research aims to develop a practical, science-driven intervention that strengthens national readiness for avian influenza outbreaks and protects U.S. poultry producers’ livelihoods.

FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the U.S. food supply or agricultural systems.