Wednesday September 23 Ag News - Feeding the Cow Webinar Series - HPAI Returns to Iowa - IA Soybean Assoc Elects Leadership - Aug Milk Prod Up Slightly - Corey Scott to Lead DMI - EPA Launches Subscription Alerts - and more!

Nebraska Extension series to help cattle producers evaluate feed options amid drought, higher hay prices

With drought conditions affecting forage availability and higher hay prices increasing winter feeding costs, Nebraska Extension will offer its Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series this fall to help cattle producers evaluate feed options and make informed nutrition decisions.

The four-session online series will be held Nov. 9, 12, 16 and 19 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT.

Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow is designed to help producers better understand the nutritional needs of beef cows and how those needs change throughout the production cycle. Participants will learn how to evaluate available feed resources, compare alternatives and develop feeding strategies that meet cow requirements while managing costs.

The series comes as drought conditions and higher hay prices are prompting some producers to take a closer look at available forage supplies and consider alternative feeds. Knowing a cow’s nutrient requirements — and how to accurately compare feeds based on nutritional value and cost — can help producers determine which options make the most sense for their operations.

The series will cover four key areas:
    Understanding how a cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the production cycle;  
    Reading and interpreting feed test analyses and feed tags;  
    Comparing feed options and determining the best buy; and  
    Developing cost-effective, year-round feeding plans.  

Nebraska Extension educators Erin Laborie, Troy Walz and Brock Ortner will lead the series. Sessions are designed to provide practical information producers can apply to their own operations, with opportunities for participants to ask questions throughout the course.

More than 185 producers have participated in previous offerings of Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow.

Registration is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. Participation is limited to 40 people, and registration is due Oct. 26.

Register at go.unl.edu/feedingthecow

For more information, contact Erin Laborie at 308-268-3105 or erin.laborie@unl.edu. 



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Multi-Species Backyard Flock in Boone County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in Boone County. This case is Iowa’s seventh detection of H5N1 HPAI in 2026.

About H5N1 HPAI in Birds
H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys.

Heightened Biosecurity 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to continue bolstering their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks. The Department has numerous biosecurity resources to reference on its website.

Suspected Cases in Poultry 
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of H5N1 HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305. 

Clinical signs of H5N1 HPAI in birds may include:  
    Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
    Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
    Decrease in egg production
    Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
    Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
    Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
    Stumbling and/or falling down
    Diarrhea 

Food Safety 
It remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.

Wild and Migratory Birds
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks those who find 5 to 10 or more sick or dead wild birds in a small area to report their findings to local DNR Wildlife Management staff.

Public Health 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

List of Confirmed Cases
As H5N1 HPAI detections are confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, those cases are added to tracking websites located on the USDA APHIS website.



Iowa Farmers Elect New Leadership to Grow Markets and Advance Opportunities for U.S. Soybeans

Farmer-leaders of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors elected Lee Brooke of Clarinda as president during its September board meeting in Aberdeen, Washington earlier this month. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.

Brooke was first elected as an ISA district 7 director in 2021. He manages a diversified row crop and livestock farm in partnership with his son and son-in-law. He also serves as president of the Southwest Iowa Rural Water Association and has held leadership posts in a local cooperative, church and county cattlemen’s association.

“Soybean farmers are facing new challenges every day to feed a growing population in a cost-effective way,” says Brooke. “The ISA, with the involvement of soybean farmers and industry partners, can positively impact this need through developing new uses, expanding trade and keeping additional regulations in check. I’m grateful to represent Iowa’s soybean farmers in this capacity and look forward to digging in."

Four farmer-leaders were also appointed to serve on ISA’s Executive Committee, including:
    Scot Bailey, President-Elect – Anita
    Sam Showalter, Treasurer – Hampton
    Amanda Tupper, Secretary – Ionia
    Jeff Ellis, At-Large – Donnellson

Directors are chosen by Iowa soybean farmers through the ISA election in July and take office in September. Members voted for two farmers from their crop reporting district and four farmers to serve as at-large directors.

Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board were Josh Blair, Wall Lake (District 4) and Jeff Hedges, Oakville (District 9). Effective Sept. 1, Lisa Obrecht of Zearing (District 5) was appointed by the board to serve a three-year term following the resignation of Corey Goodhue.

Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Paul Kassel, Spencer (District 1); Sam Showalter, Hampton (District 2); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); Aimee Bissell, Bedford (At-Large); and Sharon Chism, Huxley (At-Large).

Also serving on the ISA board: Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); Mike Yegge, Lake Mills (District 2); Josh Schoulte, Farmersburg (District 3); Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4); and Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5); Brian Strasser, Homestead (District 6); Joe Sperfslage, Coggon (District 6); Summer Ory, Earlham (District 8); Brian Fuller, Osceola (District 8); Jack Boyer, Reinbeck (At-Large); and Neil Krummen, Linn Grove (At-Large).



August Milk Production in the United States up 1.7 Percent

Milk production in the United States during August totaled 19.9 billion pounds, up 1.7 percent from August 2025. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,049 pounds for August, 1 pound below August 2025. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.71 million head, 167,000 head more than August 2025, and 15,000 head more than July 2026.

Iowa Milk Production - August 2026
  - 505 million pounds - up 0.2% from Aug '25 
  - 243,000 milk cows (down 1,000 from Aug '25)
  - Average milk per cow - 2,080 pounds (up 15 lbs from Aug '25)



Dairy Management Inc. Board Selects New President and CEO to Lead Checkoff

Following a comprehensive national search, the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Corey Scott as president and chief executive officer.

Scott will become the third president and CEO in DMI’s history, succeeding Barbara O'Brien, who will retire following the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association, Oct. 19-21.

The appointment follows a months-long succession process conducted by the DMI Board of Directors to identify the leader best positioned to lead strategies designed to grow dairy sales, strengthen consumer trust and deliver value to the dairy farmers and importers who fund the checkoff.

“We are so excited for the next phase of DMI where Corey will focus on our program areas, strengthen our relationships and bring efficiencies to the incredible work that Barb O’Brien advanced during the past five years,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the DMI Board of Directors. “Corey will bring a positive and effective energy to the federation and will continue the amazing work that is implemented for dairy farmers and importers across the country. The search committee unanimously brought her forward, knowing her leadership skills, industry knowledge and humble service will carry us to the next level and secure strong opportunities for the future of dairy.”

As president and CEO, Scott will oversee more than 150 DMI and National Dairy Council employees on behalf of more than 23,000 dairy farmers and dairy importers. Scott also will serve as president and CEO of the checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Scott comes to DMI after serving as president and CEO of Midwest Dairy, where she led the dairy checkoff across a 10-state region representing 41.8 million consumers and more than 3,600 dairy farm families. Before joining Midwest Dairy in 2024, Scott served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Athian and spent more than 15 years in leadership positions with Land O’Lakes.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from the University of Minnesota and earned an executive MBA from the university’s Carlson School of Management.

“America's dairy farmers have built one of the most respected and successful checkoff organizations in agriculture, and I am honored by the opportunity to serve them,” Scott said. “The work of the dairy checkoff remains critical to growing dairy demand, connecting with today’s consumers and creating new opportunities for the next generation of farmers and importers. I look forward to working alongside the board of directors, our DMI team, state and regional checkoff organizations and our many partners to continue delivering results.”

O'Brien announced her retirement in March after a 25-year career at DMI, serving as president and CEO since 2021. During her tenure, the organization strengthened strategic alignment across the dairy checkoff, expanded innovation initiatives and advanced a unified strategy designed to grow dairy sales and build consumer trust. She is proud to hand the organization to Scott at a time of strength and momentum.

“Serving dairy farmers has been the privilege of my career,” she said. “I have every confidence that Corey and our outstanding DMI team will continue advancing the work of the dairy checkoff while remaining focused on the farmers and importers who make it all possible. The strategy and leadership are strong, and the future of the dairy checkoff is bright.”

For information on how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com. 



EPA Launches New Email Subscription Feature to Help Pesticide Users with ESA Requirements

Herbicide applied to a young corn field using a boom sprayer during early post-emergence growth.
Stay current on pesticide use requirements in your area: Sign up for EPA’s new email alerts about changes to Bulletins Live! Two, including new and updated Pesticide Use Limitation Areas.

On Sept. 22, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new email subscription feature to help pesticide users quickly receive updates from the Bulletins Live! Two system, including notifications about new Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULA) and changes to existing PULAs. EPA developed this feature in direct response to requests from pesticide users who asked for better access to Bulletins Live! Two updates. 

With this feature, whenever Endangered Species Act requirements are updated in Bulletins Live! Two, subscribed pesticide users will receive an email with the latest information, saving them time and making their jobs easier. 

Pesticide labels can direct users to the Bulletins Live! Two system for additional, area-specific measures needed to protect threatened and endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitat. Because EPA continually updates the system — including adding and revising PULAs for different geographic areas — a pesticide user might not see restrictions for a product today but could in the future. The new subscription feature will help pesticide users learn about relevant updates in near real time, so they can act quickly and with confidence based on Bulletins Live! Two information delivered directly to them. 

With this new email subscription feature, subscribers will receive: 
    Notifications of major Bulletins Live! Two system updates 
    Announcements of new PULAs 
    Alerts about changes to existing PULAs 

To subscribe, please visit the Bulletins Live! Two page https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins. 



Prices Up but Pressure Remains: Soybean and Corn Growers Still Navigating Tight Margins

A new report co-authored by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) documents ongoing economic pressures across farm country, despite recent price improvements in both commodity markets. The report analyzes and summarizes the results of a survey conducted by Farm Journal of 1,200 corn and soybean farmers across the country.

“What stands out in these results is how little margin for error farmers have right now,” said Scott Gerlt, ASA chief economist. “Even with some improvement in crop prices, the cost of putting a crop in the ground remains high. When nearly half of growers say they are more concerned about their financial situation than they were a year ago, it’s a reminder that stronger markets alone haven’t resolved the economic challenges on the farm.”

Survey results show nearly two-thirds of growers are moderately or very concerned about the farm economy, and 46% are more concerned about their farm financial situation than they were a year ago. Although both measures improved from the comparable 2025 survey, they continue to signal a situation of high concern rather than a return to financial stability.

“It’s an interesting time to receive this feedback from corn and soybean growers,” said Krista Swanson, NCGA chief economist. “Corn prices have improved substantially in recent weeks, which helps grower sentiment. But farm profitability doesn’t reset in one market move or one crop year. We saw a high level of concern in last year’s survey, and even with stronger prices today, this shows many growers are still managing financial pressure that has built over multiple crop cycles.”

Despite recent improvements to grain markets, survey showed farmer expectations for the 2026 crop leave little room to absorb additional cost increases. Not all growers are able to capture the benefits of those improvements equally, or potentially at all. Price improvements also do not address high input costs, which remain a key concern among farmers. This reflects the complex nature of on-farm economics, in which business decisions for a single growing season often stretch across multiple years, from the purchase of inputs through the marketing of harvested crops.

The survey captures a farm economy under pressure even as commodity markets improve. For policymakers and the agricultural supply chain, the survey highlights how sensitive farm profitability remains to pressure from fuel, energy, fertilizer, and other production costs.