Managing Mud in the Feedyard: Focusing on What Matters Most
Connor Biehler, Nebraska Extension Educator
When feedyard profitability is discussed, attention is often focused on feed costs, cattle prices, and animal health. While these are all important, some of the most valuable investments a feedyard can make are not found in the ration or processing barn. Facility improvements that enhance pen conditions, cattle comfort, and labor efficiency can have lasting impacts on performance and cost of gain.
Poor pen conditions can quietly erode feed efficiency, increase maintenance requirements, and drive up cost of gain throughout the feeding period. While the weather cannot be controlled, feedyard design and maintenance decisions can help to minimize the impact of mud and protect profitability. After all, the greatest returns often come from investments that improve conditions for the cattle.
Start with Drainage
If the water cannot leave the pen, other improvements can be made less effective. Poor drainage leads to mud accumulation which can reduce cattle comfort, increase energy for maintenance requirements, and increase labor demands.
Producers should periodically evaluate the following questions:
Does water leave the pen quickly following a rainfall event?
Are there low spots where water consistently pools?
Are the drainage channels remaining open and functional?
Is runoff from roads, fields, or neighboring pens entering cattle pens?
Practical steps to improve drainage include:
Leveling pens to eliminate low areas that collect water.
Maintaining proper pen slope towards drainage channels.
Cleaning ditches and drainage ways regularly.
Diverting runoff from adjacent areas away from cattle pens.
Regularly removing manure accumulations that restrict water movement.
Repairing high-traffic areas where heavy cattle activity has altered drainage patterns.
Maintain Effective Pen Mounds
Even in well-drained pens, cattle benefit from having access to a dry resting area. Pen mounds provide cattle with an elevated location that remains drier than the surrounding pen surface during muddy times.
To maximize effectiveness, producers should consider:
Maintaining adequate mound height, generally 5 feet tall.
Providing at least 25 square feet per head of mound space.
Repair erosion and loss of shape over time.
Positioning mounds so water drains away from the resting area.
Signs that mounds may need maintenance include:
Flattened mound profiles.
Standing water near the base of the mound.
Excessive manure accumulation.
Cattle crowding onto a small portion of the mound.
Take-Home Message
Effective mud management starts long before wet conditions develop. The best strategy for managing mud is mitigating it before it becomes a problem. Feedyards that prioritize drainage and maintain functional pen mounds are often better equipped to minimize mud, improve cattle comfort, and protect performance during wet conditions. For more information on managing mud in the feedyard, please contact Connor at 402-624-8007 or cbiehler2@unl.edu.
Scholarship Opportunity Available for Aspiring Entrepreneurs at The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program
The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln is seeking students with a passion for entrepreneurship and a drive to turn their purpose into action. Scholarship applications for the 2027-2028 academic year are now being accepted, welcoming both incoming and current students of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources who have prior experience in FFA or 4-H. Applications are due by midnight on December 15, 2026. Applications can be found on the Engler website at https://englerjourney.com.
Since 2012 over $2 million has been invested in empowering future entrepreneurs and innovators through this program. The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program is designed to empower enterprise builders. Participation in the program is not restricted to scholarship recipients.
The Engler program began in 2010 with a $20 million gift from the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation. The mission of the program is to embolden people on the courageous pursuit of their purpose through the art and practice of entrepreneurship. The program offers an academic minor while serving as an intersection in which students from a diverse array of majors and business interests can come together in pursuit of the American Dream.
For more information, visit https://englerjourney.com or contact: Halle Ramsey at hramsey2@unl.edu, or Tom Field at field2@unl.edu.
Nebraska Cattlemen Applauds Nomination of Ibach for Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
Nebraska Cattlemen released the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Nebraska native Greg Ibach to serve as Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Nebraska Cattlemen applauds the nomination of Greg Ibach to serve as Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Greg is a longtime friend and champion of Nebraska’s cattle industry. His decades of experience and dedication to agriculture make him well suited for this important role. We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Greg and urge the U.S. Senate to move swiftly in confirming his nomination.”
USMEF Statement on Nomination of Greg Ibach for USDA Under Secretary for Trade
President Trump has nominated Greg Ibach to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Ibach is a former director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and was USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs during the first Trump administration.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:
USMEF has been honored to work closely with Greg Ibach for many years, when he was a true champion for agricultural trade at both the state and federal levels. He has seen firsthand the returns that exports deliver for the U.S. ag economy and understands the importance of expanding global demand for U.S. products. To the extent possible, USMEF encourages the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to expedite the scheduling of Ibach’s confirmation hearing and to advance his nomination to the full Senate. He is tremendously well-qualified for this appointment and we expect his nomination to receive strong bipartisan support.
Ibach was the 2018 recipient of USMEF’s most prestigious honor, the Michael J. Mansfield Award.
Nebraska Farmers Union PAC Announces General Election Endorsements
NEBFARMPAC, the political action committee of Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska’s second largest general farm organization announced its general election endorsements today for Congress, the Legislature, Governor, Public Power Districts, Natural Resource Districts, and other statewide and district races.
Based on their position on family farm and ranch issues along with returned candidate surveys for Legislature candidates along with input from county and district officers, the NEBFARMPAC Board of Directors announced the following endorsements: (* = Incumbents)
Federal
Congress First District: Chris Backemeyer
Congress Second District: Denise Powell
Congress Third District: Mark Cohen
U.S. Senate: Dan Osborn
State
Governor: Lynne Walz
Attorney General: Jocelyn Brasher
Secretary of State: Sarah Slattery
Auditor of Public Accounts: Mike Foley*
Legislature
LD2: Caitlin Knutson
LD4: Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek
LD6: Patrick Leahy
LD8: Erin Feichtinger
LD10: Cindy Johnson
LD12: Christy Knorr
LB14: SuAnn Witt
LD16: Cindy Chatt
LD18: Jess Goldoni
LD20: John Fredrickson*
LD24: Jana Hughes*
LD26: George Dungan*
LD30: Janet Bock
LD32: Mark Schoenrock & Shay Smith
LD34: Ben Blodgett
LD36: Darin Tompkins
LD38: Janell Anderson Ehrke
LD41: Jeremy Heneger & Joe Johnson
LD46: Danielle Conrad*
Public Service Commission: Wendy DeBoer
Public Power Districts
Subdivision 1: Mary Harding*
Subdivision 2: Bill Tielke
Subdivision 7: Wayne Williams*
Subdivision 9: Jerry Chlopek*
Omaha Public Power District
Subdivision 1: Sara Kohen
Subdivision 2: Mark Gudgel
Subdivision 3: Carol Blood
Board of Regents
District 1: Brent Comstock
District 2: Elizabeth Butler
State Board of Education
District 5: Michaela Conway
District 6: Grady Erickson
District 8: Sherrye Hutcherson
Natural Resource Districts
Lower Elkhorn NRD: Graham Christensen
Lower Big Blue NRD: Anne DeVries*
Lower Platte North NRD:
Subdistrict 8: Jerry Johnson*
Subdistrict 9: Larissa Schultz*
At Large: Thomas McKnight*
Lower Platte South NRD
Subdistrict 3: Melissa Baker*
Subdistrict 8: Tom Green*
County Commissioner
Lancaster Subdistrict 1: Sean Flowerday*
Lancaster Subdistrict 3: Bryan Seck
Lancaster Subdistrict 5: Rick Vest*
NEBFARMPAC is the political action committee of the Nebraska Farmers Union, which is a non-partisan, not-for-profit general farm organization founded in 1913 with a mission to protect and enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of family farmers and ranchers and their rural communities. NeFU is the respected voice of family farm and ranch agriculture with nearly 4,000 family memberships.
Top 5 Contenders for Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Revealed
Iowa’s iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is back in the spotlight. After diners evaluated restaurants across the state, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has narrowed its 2026 contest to five contenders, in alphabetical order:
Friends Hide-A-Way — Underwood
Wasted Grain — Carroll
Landmark Grill & Grind — Williamsburg
Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill — Waverly
Tin Roost — North Liberty
For these restaurants, a place on the list brings more than bragging rights. Past finalists have reported substantial increases in customers and pork tenderloin sales as Iowans and enthusiasts across the Midwest travel to try the sandwiches for themselves.
“Every restaurant on this list has earned its place, but judging a great tenderloin comes down to more than size,” said Greg Carlson, a contest judge and retired pork producer. “We look for pork that’s tender and flavorful, with breading that complements it. As a former producer, it’s rewarding to see restaurants put so much care into a sandwich Iowans love.”
How the contest works
The public nominates restaurants that serve a hand-breaded or hand-battered pork tenderloin sandwich on their regular menu. Restaurants must keep year-round, regular hours; food trucks, concession stands, seasonal establishments and caterers are ineligible. Judges then evaluate qualifying restaurants, with a final panel selecting the winner and runner-up.
The winner receives $500, a plaque and an outdoor banner. The runner-up receives $250 and a plaque.
The results will be announced in mid-October during National Pork Month, aka Porktober.
Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.29 million tons (210 million bushels) in August 2026, compared with 6.66 million tons (222 million bushels) in July 2026 and 5.94 million tons (198 million bushels) in August 2025. Crude oil produced was 2.45 billion pounds, down 5 percent from July 2026 but up 4 percent from August 2025. Soybean once refined oil production at 2.00 billion pounds during August 2026 decreased 1 percent from July 2026 but increased 6 percent from August 2025.
Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 528 million bushels in August 2026. Total corn consumption was down less than 1 percent from July 2026 but up 4 percent from August 2025. August 2026 usage included 92.6 percent for alcohol and 7.4 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.31 million bushels, down 11 percent from July 2026 and down 3 percent from August 2025. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 478 million bushels, was up less than 1 percent from July 2026 and up 4 percent from August 2025. Corn consumed in August 2026 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.2 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.85 million tons during August 2026, down less than 1 percent from July 2026 and down 2 percent from August 2025. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.28 million tons in August 2026, down 1 percent from July 2026 but up 5 percent from August 2025.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 278,611 tons during August 2026, up 11 percent from July 2026 and up 11 percent from August 2025. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 180,096 tons in August 2026, down 14 percent from July 2026 but up 2 percent from August 2025.
Thompson, Boozman Highlight $13.8 Billion ARC/PLC Support Under Improved Farm Safety Net
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) championed vital investments of $13.8 billion in the farm safety net improvements through the Working Families Tax Cuts that are now being administered by the Farm Service Agency. They issued the following statement as farm families are experiencing the benefits delivered with improvements to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) including increased reference prices, modernized payment limitations, and the allocation of 30 million new base acres.
“Farming is an inherently risky business. America’s producers need adequate risk management tools that deliver certainty and predictability to continue growing our food and fiber. After years of operating under an outdated farm safety net, congressional Republicans delivered enhanced policies to protect and manage against market volatility and diminished yields. The ARC and PLC payments farmers are receiving this month are critical to supporting our hardworking farm families, strengthening the stability of the industry and planning for a future in farming.”
These updates are the first meaningful investments to the farm safety net since 2002. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts will provide $13.8 billion in ARC/PLC support, more than double what farmers were expected to receive before these changes.
Implementation for improvements to ARC and PLC follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of other Working Families Tax Cuts provisions, including expanded access to and eligibility for standing disaster programs including the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and Livestock Forage Program (LFP), in addition to making crop insurance more affordable.
Farmers Call on President Trump to Provide Diesel Price Relief
As farmers and ranchers face record-high diesel costs, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today called on the president to take several steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the federal highway diesel tax.
“Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year – harvest,” wrote Mr. Duvall in a letter to President Trump. “Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops, livestock and inputs requires diesel. Farmers and ranchers cannot postpone harvest or simply stop using diesel when prices rise.”
The national average on-highway diesel price has reached $6.38 per gallon, while farm diesel in the heart of the Corn Belt climbed to nearly $6 per gallon. The federal highway diesel tax is currently more than 24 cents per gallon. Farm Bureau also urged the administration to waive federal penalties for emergency use of dyed diesel on highways. At least 10 states have taken similar actions to combat fuel prices.
USDA Highlights National Cooperative Month
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins today issued a USDA proclamation (PDF, 575 KB) to recognize October 2026 as the Department’s 62nd anniversary of National Cooperative Month.
“Cooperatives are a powerful engine of economic growth for our nation and central to President Trump’s America First agenda to strengthen our economy and empower communities,” said Secretary Rollins. “Today we celebrate our partnerships with these cooperative organizations and reaffirm our commitment to advancing the vital work they do to create jobs, build local prosperity, support critical infrastructure, and expand opportunity for rural America.”
Since the start of the Trump Administration and under the leadership of Secretary Rollins, USDA has invested more than $18.1 billion in loans and grants to support 242 cooperatives to spur economic development, invest in critical electric and broadband infrastructure, and build prosperity through rural cooperatives supported by USDA Rural Development’s programs.
During Cooperative Month, USDA will highlight ways the Department is investing in cooperatives and creating stronger and more resilient communities. Supporting cooperatives strengthens farmer profitability, expands market access, encourages innovation, creates jobs in rural communities, and reinforces the America’s role of leadership in agriculture, food production, and farm security.
This year’s theme for the month-long celebration is “Built for this Moment,” as selected by the National Cooperative Business Association. This theme acknowledges the electric co-ops delivering essential infrastructure to rural America, the food co-ops that support local farmers and agricultural producers, the housing co-ops creating lasting affordability and the worker co-ops preserving local businesses.
USDA Announces October 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for October 2026, which are effective Oct. 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.
Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans
FSA offers farm operating, ownership and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.
Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for October 2026 are as follows:
Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.375%
Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 6.250%
Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 4.250%
Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 2.250%
Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%
FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.
Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment. Loans that provide interim financing are also available to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low. Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation and are administered by FSA.
Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 5.250%
Farm Storage Facility Loans:
Three-year loan terms: 4.500%
Five-year loan terms: 4.625%
Seven-year loan terms: 4.750%
Ten-year loan terms: 4.875%
Twelve-year loan terms: 5.000%
Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 5.125%
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.
Michigan Farmer Matt Frostic Begins Term as NCGA President
Matt Frostic, of Applegate, Mich., began his term today as president of the National Corn Growers Association, a farmer-led trade association with offices in St. Louis and Washington.
Frostic, who farms 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, edible beans and sugar beets, spent his first day in the role outlining his priorities as president. These include securing passage of legislation that allows for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, passing the farm bill and diversifying demand for corn.
“These goals may seem ambitious, but we are going to do everything possible to make them a reality,” Frostic said. “Farmers work day and night, at times through difficult conditions, to produce a crop that feeds and fuels America and the world. We deliver, and we expect our representatives in Washington to work hard and deliver as well.”
Frostic brings extensive advocacy experience to his new role. He has spent the last year chairing NCGA’s Input Cost Task Force. In that role, he has worked to identify solutions to bring costs more in line with today’s commodity prices. He has also spent the last year serving as NCGA’s vice president and as chair of the organization’s resolutions committee, and as a member of the finance committee. Frostic is a former president and chair of the Michigan Corn Growers Association.
The NCGA board chooses a member from the governing body to serve as president each year. The term begins on October 1, the start of NCGA’s fiscal year.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Friday, October 2, 2026
Friday October 02 Ag News - Managing Mud in the Feedyard - Engler Scholarships - Iowa's Top 5 Breaded Pork Tenderloins Announced - Corn, Soybean Crush Slightly Lower in August - USDA Recognizes October Cooperative Month - and more!
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Thursday October 01 Ag News - Grain Stocks and Small Grain Summary - CVA Partners in Howells Feed Mill - Nominations Open for Golden Owl Award - Fertilizer Prices on the Rise - Opportunities for Meat in China - and more!
US corn ending stocks up 35% from last year, soybean ending stocks down 3%
Old crop corn stocks on hand as of Sept. 1, 2026, totaled 2.10 billion bushels, up 35% from Sept. 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Grain Stocks report released today. Old crop soybeans stored in all positions were down 3% from Sept. 1, 2025, and all wheat stocks were down 13% from a year earlier.
Of the total corn stocks, 787 million bushels were stored on farms, up 22% from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 1.31 billion bushels, were up 44% from a year ago. The June-August 2026 indicated disappearance was 3.20 billion bushels, compared with 3.09 billion bushels during the same period a year earlier.
Old crop soybean stocks in all positions on September 1, 2026 totaled 315 million bushels, down 3 percent from September 1, 2025. Of the total, 90.4 million bushels are stored on-farm and 225 million bushels were stored off-farm. June - August 2026 indicated disappearance is 744 million bushels, compared with 683 million bushels during the same period a year ago.
This report also contains revisions to the previous season’s production for corn and soybeans, which is normal for this time of year since the marketing year is complete. Production for 2025 corn was revised down less than 1 percent and soybean production was revised down slightly from the previous estimates.
All wheat stored in all positions on Sept. 1, 2026, totaled 1.85 billion bushels, down 14% from a year ago. On-farm stocks were estimated at 547 million bushels, down 21% from last September. Off-farm stocks, at 1.30 billion bushels, were down 10% from a year ago. The June-August 2026 indicated disappearance was 608 million bushels, down 14% from the same period last year.
By State (1,000 bu - On farm - off farm - total stocks)
Nebraska Corn ..........: 105,000 - 143,050 - 248,050
Iowa Corn .................: 140,000 - 275,547 - 415,547
Nebraska Soybeans ..: 8,800 - 18,672 - 27,472
Iowa Soybeans ..........: 11,500 - 39,768 - 51,268
2025 Production Estimates Bu/acre Total Prod (1,000 bu)
Nebraska Corn..........: 194.0 2,015,660
Iowa Corn.................: 210.0 2,761,500
Nebraska Soybeans...: 65.5 313,745
Iowa Soybeans..........: 63.5 595,630
In preparation for the Grain Stocks report, NASS conducted separate surveys for on-farm and off-farms stocks during the first two weeks of September. NASS also released the Small Grains Annual Summary report today. Key findings from that report include:
All wheat production totaled 1.53 billion bushels in 2026, down 23% from the revised 2025 total.
All wheat area harvested for grain totaled 31.9 million acres, down 15% from 2025.
The U.S. all wheat yield was estimated at 48.1 bushels per acre, down 10% from 2025.
The levels of production and changes from 2025 to 2026 by type were:
Winter wheat, 1.02 billion bushels, down 27%.
Other spring wheat, 450 million bushels, down 10%.
Durum wheat, 64.8 million bushels, down 24%.
The Grain Stocks and Small Grains Annual Summary reports and all other NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/publications.
2026 Nebraska Small Grain Acreage and Production
Winter wheat production is estimated at 17.2 million bushels, down 55% from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 520,000 acres, down 35% from 2025. Planted acreage totaled 910,000, down 4% from a year earlier. The yield is 33.0 bushels per acre, down 14 bushels from last year.
Oat production is estimated at 1.5 million bushels, up 51% from 2025. Area harvested for grain, at 29,000 acres, is up 45% from last year. Planted acreage totaled 155,000, up 24% from a year earlier. Average yield is 52.0 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from 2025.
Central Valley Ag and RJ Feed Milling LLC Partner to Support the Future of Livestock Production
Central Valley Ag (CVA) is pleased to announce a strategic investment in RJ Feed Milling LLC, a feed manufacturing facility located in Howells, Nebraska. The partnership reflects CVA's continued commitment to supporting livestock production, expanding feed manufacturing capabilities, and creating long-term value for producers across the region.
As livestock production continues to grow in Nebraska, the partnership strengthens CVA's ability to serve customers while helping create additional demand for local grain production. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to operational excellence, CVA and RJ Feed Milling LLC are positioned to support future growth in the livestock industry and meet the evolving needs of producers. This partnership brings together CVA's scale and resources with the strong manufacturing capabilities and customer relationships established by Russ Vering and his team.
“This investment reflects our confidence in the future of livestock and protein production,” said Brent Reichmuth, Senior Vice President of Operations at CVA. “By expanding our feed manufacturing footprint, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers, create value for producers, and help meet the protein needs of future generations.”
“We remain very optimistic about the future of livestock production in Nebraska,” said Kelby Vandenberg, Senior Vice President of Feed at CVA. “This partnership expands our manufacturing capabilities in a key livestock market and positions us to better serve producers as the industry continues to grow. Just as importantly, we are partnering with a team that shares our commitment to operational excellence, customer service, and long-term growth.”
“The feed industry is evolving at a fast pace, and success requires scale, efficiency, and a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Russ Vering. “Partnering with CVA gives us the opportunity to build a premier feed manufacturing business, expand our reach, and create a stronger platform for future growth.”
Effective October 1, 2026, CVA will operate and manage all aspects of the facility's business, while the partnership will be known as Howells Milling LLC.
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.
Nominate Local Nebraska Teachers for Top Agricultural Educator Award
Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry. To honor their contributions and support them with additional resources, Nationwide and the Nebraska FFA Foundation are accepting nominations for Nebraska’s leading agricultural teachers for a chance to be named the 2026-2027 Ag Educator of the Year.
Nationwide and its state partners recently recognized 107 exceptional agricultural teachers as 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award® finalists and then honored 15 grand prize winners as their state’s Ag Educator of the Year. Every finalist received $500 in funding to help advance their programs and the grand prize winners received an additional $3,000 to boost their efforts and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.
Nominate any Nebraska agriculture educator for the 2026-2027 Golden Owl Award from October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 here https://neffafoundation.org/what_we_do/programs/golden-owl-award.html.
“The Golden Owl Award seeks to thank agricultural teachers for the extraordinary care they bring to their work as they go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We encourage students, parents, fellow teachers, and others to nominate their agricultural teachers to acknowledge their hard work.”
Following the nomination period closing on 12-31-26, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select six finalists in Nebraska, who will be recognized in front of their peers and students and awarded a personalized plaque and $500. One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2026-2027 Ag Educator of the Year title for Nebraska and receiving the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000.
Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including the Nebraska FFA Foundation, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike. To nominate a teacher or learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit Nebraska Golden Owl Award https://neffafoundation.org/what_we_do/programs/golden-owl-award.html.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/25/2026
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 25, ethanol production contracted 2.0% lower to 1.01 million b/d, equivalent to 42.29 million gallons daily and the lowest weekly volume since the end of January. Yet, output was 1.2% higher than the same week last year and 3.0% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 2.4% to 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.26 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks dropped 3.3% to 23.9 million barrels, the lowest weekly volume since the start of 2026. Still, stocks were 4.8% more than the same week last year and 8.8% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the West Coast (PADD 5).
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slipped 1.8% to 8.69 million b/d (133.57 bg annualized). Demand was 2.0% more than a year ago but 1.1% below the five-year average.
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 0.8% to a 4-week high of 914,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.05 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.0% more than year-ago levels and 1.3% above the five-year average.
Ethanol exports expanded 16.4% to 142,000 b/d (6.0 million gallons/day). It has been more than three years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.
Anhydrous Leads Fertilizer Prices Higher, Up 25% From a Year Ago
For a second consecutive week, most fertilizers were more expensive compared to last month. Six fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, while the remaining two nutrients were slightly lower. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.
One fertilizer did have a notable price increase. Anhydrous was 6% higher compared to last month and had an average price of $977/ton. Five fertilizers' prices were slightly higher compared to a month ago. DAP had an average price of $926/ton, MAP $970/ton, potash $498/ton, urea $675/ton and UAN32 $479/ton.
The remaining two nutrients were just slightly less expensive looking back a month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $701/ton and UAN28 $423/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.73/lb.N, anhydrous $0.60/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N and UAN32 $0.74/lb.N.
All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. UAN28 and UAN32 are 1% higher, potash is 2% more expensive, DAP is 3% higher, MAP and 10-34-0 are both 5% more expensive, urea is 9% higher and anhydrous is 25% higher looking back to last year.
USDA Announces $12.65 Million Available to Support Dairy Business Innovation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $12.65 million in funding is available through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI). The funding will support regional initiatives that provide technical assistance and subawards to dairy businesses working to develop, produce, market, and distribute dairy products. These initiatives support agricultural businesses that help rural economies thrive and bolster the dairy supply chain, so all Americans have access to quality domestic dairy products.
The FY26 funding opportunity is open to the four existing DBI initiatives: the California State University Fresno Foundation, the University of Tennessee, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and the University of Wisconsin. These initiatives support dairy businesses through regional technical assistance, market development, product innovation, processing and packaging support, and subawards. USDA strongly encourages DBI Initiatives to prioritize subaward funding for equipment and infrastructure in their proposals for these funds. Equipment and infrastructure investments are critical to strengthening the dairy industry and overall dairy businesses capacity and DBI is currently uniquely positioned to offer such targeted funding opportunities.
Application Information
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available on the AMS DBI Webpage https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/dbi. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 1, 2026. Additional information, application resources, and information about previously funded projects, are also available on the AMS DBI webpage https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/dbi. For program questions, contact IPPGrants@usda.gov.
Meat Institute Issues Statement on Pork & Beef Trade Opportunities with China
Following the announcement that beef and pork were included in the list of goods qualifying for better trade treatment as a result of ongoing negotiations with China, the Meat Institute released the following statement:
“The Meat Institute is appreciative of Ambassador Greer’s ongoing efforts to secure greater access to Chinese markets for US pork and beef,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “It was great to see the inclusion of beef and pork on the list of non-sensitive goods, which will set the foundation for addressing persistently high retaliatory tariffs and trade-limiting non-tariff barriers on U.S. meat exports. This was one of the Meat Institute’s requests, and we thank the Trump Administration for its dedication to securing more favorable access for our exports. While we know these negotiations take time, we are confident Ambassador Greer and Ambassador Callahan will continue to work on the remaining, highly technical non-tariff barriers which continue to hinder access to China.
“The Chinese market is especially important for the beef supply chain. China is a key market for U.S. beef variety meats and offal – products that find little consumer demand in the U.S. and strong prices in China. These U.S. beef exports to China support higher carcass values and reduce price pressure on domestic cuts, contributing to more stable beef prices for American consumers. Strong export demand drives higher carcass value, which encourages cattle producers in the U.S. to rebuild the herd.
“We are particularly encouraged by the announcement of a technical agricultural working group established under the Board of Trade. We look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to ensure that outstanding issues impeding beef trade to China, including ongoing plant suspensions that violate the spirit of the Phase One Agreement, be addressed when this working group meets later this year.”
Several U.S. beef plants were delisted after first-offense detections of ractopamine or melengestrol acetate (MGA), contrary to the Phase One Agreement. The Meat Institute has called for China to align its ractopamine policy with the Agreement and implement a clear, transparent, and enforceable process to prevent plants suspended for MGA or ractopamine findings from being barred indefinitely.
U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Reacts To Ibach's Nomination As USDA Under Secretary
This week, former Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach was nominated to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) next under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) President and CEO Ryan LeGrand issued the following statement in support of Ibach’s nomination:
“Greg has vast experience at the state and national levels in advocating for U.S. farmers in the international marketplace and will do a great job in this role,” LeGrand said.
“The Council looks forward to continuing its strong relationship and track record of earning major wins for U.S. agricultural exporters in tandem with its partners at USDA.”
CHS Foundation Funds $1 Million Investment in 4-H to Prepare Future Agriculture Leaders
CHS Foundation and National 4-H Council today announce that CHS is investing $1 million to fund programs that focus on developing future generations of agriculture leaders. The two-year commitment builds on a strong 21-year partnership between the two organizations to help young people thrive and prepare for work and life.
Funding will support Beyond Ready; a 4-H initiative launched in 2024 to help teens build the confidence, competencies and real-world skills they need to succeed in school, work and life. The investment will also support:
- Beyond Ready innovation grants: Grants that support local 4-H programs led by Cooperative Extension. Young people will explore science, technology, and innovation shaping agriculture while building skills they can use throughout their lives.
- Youth recognition programs: Programs that elevate young people who are creating positive change in their communities, like 4-H Lead to Change.
- Ignite by 4-H: A national youth summit where more than 1,200 teens gain skills through real-world experiences.
- Storytelling: Efforts that elevate youth voices and showcase achievements throughout the year, demonstrating how 4-H builds real-world skills, leadership experience, and confidence.
"The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Our continued partnership with 4-H is one of the ways CHS and the CHS Foundation are investing in opportunities that connect young people to agriculture, expand their networks, and prepare them for success in work and life,” said Megan Wolle, President, CHS Foundation. “This investment focuses on bringing hands-on experiences closer to home for students and reflects our commitment to ensuring a strong future for agriculture."
After Ignite by 4-H, youth participants applied their skills through 4-H Lead to Change, a program that helps young people identify local challenges, develop solutions, and compete for up to $10,000 to bring their plans to life.
“Washington 4-H teens are a great example of what young people can accomplish when they have support to bring their ideas to life,” said Heather Elliott, chief development and marketing officer for National 4-H Council. “Through Lead to Change, they received funding for Leaf It Up, a project that helps college students experiencing food insecurity access fresh food through microgreen kits. Their work took them to the national stage at Ignite and shows how an idea can become a solution that makes a difference in local communities.”