Friday October 09 Ag News - NE FSA Hosts ARC/PLC Webinar - USDA Announces $1.8B Conservation Payments - Boots in the Barn Series in SW Iowa - New Soybean SCN Ratings out from ISU - Celebrate Porktober! - and more!

Farm Service Agency, University of Nebraska-Lincoln to Host Commodity Crop Safety Net Information Webinar on Oct. 15

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is partnering with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) on a webinar designed to educate commodity crop producers on the 2026 and 2027 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs election and enrollment process. Producers can make elections and enroll for the 2026 crop year from now through Dec. 11, 2026, and for the 2027 crop year from Nov. 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027. Producers can learn about the ARC and PLC options for 2026 and 2027 during the FSA/CAP webinar scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Cathy Anderson, FSA production and compliance programs chief in Nebraska, and Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, will present information relevant for producers, ag professionals and ag stakeholders. Webinar attendance is free. Register on the CAP website at cap.unl.edu/webinars.

ARC and PLC are key USDA safety-net programs that help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. These programs were extended to the 2031 production season through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

“With the 2026 ARC and PLC election and enrollment window now open, we’ll review key points producers need to know as they work with their local FSA office,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Hilary Maricle. “All ARC and PLC program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections and enroll ahead of the deadline. If producers do not make a 2026 ARC or PLC program election by Dec. 11, 2026, they will be ineligible for 2026 program assistance.”

Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist with CAP, said program changes and a different price outlook could shift how producers approach their ARC and PLC decisions for 2026 and 2027.

"After a year when producers automatically received the higher of the two programs, 2026 brings back an active choice between ARC and PLC," said Lubben. "Higher reference prices and changes to ARC shift the math from what producers have seen in past years. Understanding the program mechanics and analysis will help producers make sound enrollment decisions with FSA."

In-person ARC and PLC education meetings also are being planned for several locations across the state and will be announced soon. 



USDA Announces $1.8 Billion in 2026 Conservation Program Payments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and landowners for their participation in key conservation programs for 2026. These payments include Grassland CRP payments that play an important role in the Trump Administration’s Ranchers First Initiative announced by USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins that includes sweeping actions focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd and putting America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply.

This year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted offers on nearly 1 million new acres of Grassland CRP, providing ranchers with rental payments and cost share assistance to maintain rangeland and pastureland as grazing areas. After 2026 enrollment, Grassland CRP acreage is anticipated to account for more than 40% of all CRP enrolled acres.

“Under the Trump Administration we have committed to putting American farmers and ranchers first. As we continue to work to rebuild the American cattle herd, today’s announcement will help continue this effort by protecting nearly one million acres of grazing land for our ranchers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This change will encourage greater growth of our cattle industry, while preserving our nation’s natural resources.”

“These conservation payments play a key role in helping landowners preserve and protect natural resources, while also promoting working lands conservation,” said Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce. “Enrollment in our conservation programs has been a highly competitive process. These payments support landowners with an interest in voluntary land stewardship, helping them drive conservation efforts on their land to keep their operations moving forward while protecting our nation’s natural resources and supporting rural communities across the country.”

Conservation Payments
The $1.8 billion in annual rental payments are being made to agricultural producers and private landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Grassland CRP. These annual rental payments are made to eligible farmers and ranchers who establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative covers. Additionally, annual rental payments provide a steady income stream for participants, helping to stabilize farm income.

CRP helps reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. Grassland CRP is a working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

For fiscal year 2027, a total of 26.8 million acres will be enrolled in CRP after FSA accepts offers on 2.2 million acres through Grassland, General and Continuous CRP signups for 2026.

The following states rank in the top five for CRP payments for 2026: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri.



Cattle Producers Invited to Boots in the Barn Series in Southwest Iowa

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a Boots in the Barn workshop series in southwest Iowa on Nov. 17 and 24 and Dec. 1 and 8. All sessions will be at the Lakin Community Center, 61321 315th Street, Malvern. A meal starts at 5:30 p.m., and the program runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The series features hands-on learning exercises and open discussions led by ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and local veterinarians. Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the series is a valuable opportunity to ask questions and put ideas into practice.

“With cattle numbers at historic lows, producers have a real opportunity to capitalize on the high beef prices, but there is also little room for error," said Lundy-Woolfolk. "Having a game plan in place for things like herd health, pasture management and marketing strategies all affect the bottom line. Boots in the Barn brings together specialists, veterinarians and fellow producers in an open setting where people can ask questions and take home ideas they can put to work right away.”

Each night focuses on a different topic:
    Nov. 17: Feedlot Management, Kristi Drake, feedyard manager at Balance4Ward
    Nov. 24: Farm Management, Tim Christensen, farm management sp. with ISU Extension and Outreach
    Dec. 1: Pasture Management, Aaron Saeugling, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach
    Dec. 8: Herd Health, Fremont County Veterinary Clinic

Registration
Those interested in attending must register online https://go.iastate.edu/OATMLB. The cost is $30 per session, or $100 for all four sessions, a $20 savings. Registration closes one week before each session.

The program is offered by ISU Extension and Outreach offices in Fremont, Mills, Montgomery and Page counties. It is sponsored by the Mills-Montgomery County Cattlemen and Boehringer Ingelheim.

For more information, contact Erika Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu. 



Iowa Pork Producers Celebrate Porktober with Focus on Protein, Flavor, and Farm Values
    
This October, Iowa Producers are celebrating Porktober by highlighting one of pork's biggest nutritional strengths: protein.

With "protein-maxxing" trending among consumers looking to add more protein to their diets, pork offers a flavorful, affordable way to do so, thanks to the farm families and workers who raise it with care.

Pork is one of the most convenient ways to meet your protein needs at the dinner table. A single 3-ounce serving delivers an average of 23 grams of protein, helping you work toward the at least 100 grams of protein per day now recommended for most adults under the updated federal Dietary Guidelines.

Lean cuts like pork tenderloin meet the criteria for the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark (which means they contain less than 5 grams of fat, 2 grams or less of saturated fat, and 480 milligrams or less of sodium per label serving) proving you don't have to sacrifice nutrition for flavor.

Per 3 oz. serving:
    Pork Loin: 23 grams protein
    Pork Sirloin Roast: 26 grams protein
    Pork Tenderloin: 22 grams protein (also leaner than skinless chicken breast!)

And behind every cut is a story of care for the pigs raised responsibly, the Iowa farm families and workers who raise them, and the land and environment they depend on. Porktober celebrates all of it: real nutrition, real flavor, and the people committed to doing it right.

To help home cooks put that protein power to work, IPPA is featuring three recipes this Porktober:
    Street Corn Pork Chops — Juicy, seasoned grilled pork chops topped with a creamy, charred corn salad, finished with lime, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño. With 46 grams of protein per serving, it’s a protein-packed dinner with bold, fresh flavor.
        Sausage Gnocchi — A hearty, one-pan weeknight meal pairing savory pork sausage with pillowy gnocchi for a comforting dish (packed with 32 grams of protein per serving) the whole family will ask for again.
        Pork Tenderloin Pimento Sandwich — Tender, lean pork tenderloin piled high with creamy pimento cheese for a Southern-inspired sandwich that turns a high-protein, lean cut into a satisfying, craveable meal with 37 grams of protein per serving.
    
"Pork is one of the easiest ways for families to get more protein on the table without sacrificing flavor," said IPPA President Dean Frazer, a pig farmer from Conrad. "Whether it's a weeknight sausage gnocchi or grilled pork chops with friends, every recipe this Porktober is built around real nutrition families can feel good about."

Recipes, cooking tips, and more information about pork's nutritional benefits are available at iowapork.org/recipes.



Soybean Cyst Nematode-resistant Soybean Varieties for Iowa in 2027

Growing resistant soybean varieties is key to profitable soybean production in fields infested with the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Available SCN-resistant varieties change from year to year. To help Iowa farmers and those who advise them battle SCN, Iowa State University annually compiles a list of SCN-resistant soybean varieties for each upcoming season. This effort is supported by soybean checkoff funds from the Iowa Soybean Association, and the information is available in ISU Extension and Outreach publication CROP1649, “Soybean Cyst Nematode-resistant Soybean Varieties for Iowa.” 

The publication was recently updated and is available from the ISU Extension Store https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/crops-and-soils/pests-and-diseases/crop1649.html. 

Hundreds of choices, two sources of genetic resistance
There are 796 SCN-resistant varieties across maturity groups 0, 1, 2, and 3 listed in the publication. The varieties are from 30 different seed brands sold by 22 different companies.

All but eight varieties in the list possess resistance from the breeding lines PI 88788 or Peking. The list also contains information on two varieties possessing resistance from both PI 88788 and Peking and six blends, or physical mixtures, of varieties with PI 88788 and Peking resistance.

In addition to company and variety name and source of resistance for each variety, other details provided in the publication include relative maturity, herbicide resistance or tolerance (if any), and iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) tolerance score. SCN is frequently present in alkaline soils, where IDC also occurs, making IDC tolerance an important defensive trait for SCN-resistant soybean varieties grown in such soils. 

In addition to compiling the list of resistant varieties each year, Iowa State University also evaluates SCN-resistant soybean varieties for yield and for SCN control in replicated experiments annually in fields in all nine USDA Crop Reporting Districts in Iowa. This work is supported by soybean checkoff funds from the Iowa Soybean Association. The annual report of results from these experiments is published in ISU Extension and Outreach publication IPM52, “Evaluation of Soybean Varieties Resistant to Soybean Cyst Nematode in Iowa,” which will be available online in December 2026 from the ISU Extension Store. 



USDA Commodity Programs Trigger for 2025 Crop Year

Corn growers are expected to receive $5 billion in payments nationwide this month from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for the 2025 crop year. The two commodity safety net programs are designed to help farmers experiencing sharp crop or revenue declines. 

The payments to corn growers are part of the $13.8 billion in gross payments to eligible agricultural producers that were announced this week by Secretary Brooke Rollins.  

NCGA quickly weighed in on these developments. 

“Corn growers appreciate USDA’s work to implement changes to important farm safety net programs," said Michigan farmer and NCGA President Matt Frostic. “These announcements reflect the challenges growers have faced in the farm economy throughout the 2025 crop growing and marketing year. NCGA continues to work to build demand and strengthen markets for corn.”  

Corn growers have been working on multiple fronts to increase corn demand, Frostic noted. This includes work to pass legislation that would eliminate a dated regulation that prevents the summertime sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15. The U.S. House has passed a standalone bill in May addressing the issue and the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed a farm bill this September containing similar language. 

NCGA is also working to secure additional markets for ethanol beyond on-road use, including maritime fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and biobased products.  
 
On the commodity program front, USDA reminded farmers that the national and commodity specific numbers do not account for payment limitation reductions and the 5.7% sequestration rate required by statute that will be applied to all ARC and PLC payments. 

Corn growers are encouraged to enroll and make elections between the programs for the 2026 crop year from before December 11, 2026, and for the 2027 crop year between November 2, 2026, through March 15, 2027. 

USDA previously announced that 30 million additional new base acres will be added to farms eligibility nationwide starting with the 2026 crop year. According to USDA, growers will receive eligibility for ARC and PLC on over 11.9 million new corn base acres.  

These recent announcements by USDA stem from federal investments provided through last year’s H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.  



Evolve, Engage and Empower: 99th National FFA Convention & Expo Returns to Indianapolis 

More than 70,000 FFA members, advisors and supporters are expected to head to Indianapolis this month for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s event runs from Oct. 21-24 with activities happening at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, local hotels, and several other locations around the state. 

The National FFA Organization is the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country, with more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members come from rural, suburban and urban communities, many of whom are drawn to the organization by the wide range of career opportunities in agriculture, with more than 350 to explore. Over the past 99 years, FFA has evolved alongside agriculture itself, and today it impacts middle and high school students through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and leadership and life skills. The National FFA Convention is the largest annual gathering of FFA members. 

"What makes this convention special is that our members don't just receive recognition – they engage with one another and empower each other,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “Whether they're presenting research on the Student Showcase stage, serving alongside one another in the community or earning their American FFA Degree, they leave Indianapolis ready to lead back home."

Last year's event drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 73,000 people. This year's attendees will engage through award ceremonies, career exploration, hands-on service projects and more.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS
    Members will participate in a variety of competitive events.
    5,816 American FFA Degrees will be awarded to outstanding members for their achievements.
    236 Honorary American FFA Degrees will be awarded to individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education.
    Members and chapters will also receive awards and recognition for various individual and chapter activities. 

ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING
    The Student Showcase stage will feature FFA members and chapters presenting their agriscience fair research and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), giving members the chance to share their experiences and empower one another.
    Members from rural, suburban and urban communities across the country will connect and engage with one another throughout the week as part of the Chapter Connect program.
    An estimated 3,240 delegates and students will serve at 27 local nonprofits to give back to the greater Indianapolis area.

PERSONAL GROWTH
    Members and advisors can attend student and teacher workshops at the Indiana Convention Center and general sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium.
    Keynote speakers include Scott McKain on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, and Reagan Pugh on Friday morning.

CAREER DISCOVERY
    FFA members can explore more than 350 careers in agriculture at the National FFA Expo.
    The School Leaders' Summit will invite superintendents, principals, counselors and career and technical education directors to attend special sessions featuring FFA members, advisors and administrators. Participants will learn about the convention's educational relevance and take a behind-the-scenes tour of select convention sites.

ECONOMIC IMPACT
    The convention is expected to bring an estimated economic impact of $40 million to the city of Indianapolis.
    More than 100 hotels are estimated to be used during the week.
    The National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through 2040.

The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo officially kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 21, when the Expo Hall opens at 9 a.m. and concludes on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 24, with the election of the new National FFA Officer Team. For those unable to attend in person, FFA Live! will provide full streaming coverage. Student hosts and reporters will bring audiences closer to the action with live coverage of key moments, interviews with award winners, and conversations with special guests. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information.