Thursday October 22 Ag News - NE Soybean Bd CASE Celebrates 10 Years - IFBF Annual Convention Registration is Open - Fertilizer Prices Move Mostly Higher - Ethanol Production Hits 5 Week High - USDA, FBI Webinar on Fraud Prevention - and more!

Yardage revisited
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Recently, I was calculating potential returns to retain calves on a backgrounding diet. Hypothetically, calves would be weaned in November and sold sometime in January. Calves would be appraised at $436/cwt as 5-wt and $379/cwt at 7-wt. The gross margin would be $253 per head.

Whenever we think of these options, the first thing that comes to mind is feed cost. Considering recent corn grain price trends and the effects of drought on forage prices, thinking of feed costs first is important. A diet containing (dry basis) 50% corn grain, 15% distillers grains, 32% hay and 3% supplement would cost $255/ton dry matter. At a rate of gain of 2.38 lb., a steer consuming 17.85 lb. dry matter would require $143 return to pay for the feed. That leaves $110 for the rest of expenses to get this steer to 700 lb.

What all goes into yardage then? Facilities depreciation, labor, and equipment costs (one could use rental rates to get a direct figure) and interest.

Using custom rates published by University of Nebraska or other universities, one can get a good idea of the rental rates for equipment needed to feed cattle and manage their pen environment. When the operation has the option to use manure derived from the cattle feeding operation, one can credit the value of manure as fertilizer. Yet, before this is done, the cost of bedding, scraping, and hauling manure must be included.

As the reader may have already determined, determining yardage cost is not easy. This is why I recommend using custom rates and a decent idea of hours involved in various operations around the feedlot to estimate yardage.

A crude example of the potential misconception in determining yardage cost is derived by simply estimating that it takes about one individual to feed and manage 1,000 head in a feeding operation. If we use custom rates to guide our idea of labor rates, then we simply divide the labor cost for an 8-hour day by 1,000 head for a per head daily yardage cost. Assuming that the payrate for general labor at the feedlot is $20, then the daily labor rate per head is $0.16 ($160 a day divided by 1,000 head).

Most tractor-driven equipment including mixers, scrapers, payloaders, etc. with 150 or greater HP costs $150/hour to rent. The implement, whether it is a mixer or even a manure spreader, costs about $3,000 a month to rent or close to $20/hour if operated 40 hours a week. So, nearly every hour operating equipment to feed cattle or manage pens costs $170.

Basing time calculations for feeding or managing pens is not easy for operations feeding fewer than 1,000 head because of the economies of scale. Yet, assuming a 0.25-hour daily feeding schedule and a 0.25-hour cleaning schedule (derived from dedicating 1.75 h a week for cleaning) for every 1,000 head adds $85 daily to yardage or $0.085/head.

Mileage rates for tractors are between 15 to 20 liters per hour. Using the 0.5 hours estimated above to manage 1,000 head daily results in an additional $54 of cost or $0.05/head.

Lastly, but not least, interest rates are affecting yardage calculations significantly. A $2,500 investment in a calf or yearling will cost $0.30 daily in interest at 8% rate.

Additionally, producers should consider adding a depreciation figure to yardage calculations to cover repair or replacement costs. The value of this depreciation cost is dependent on replacement cost not on initial cost of the facility. In most cases, depreciating a facility for 20 years with little to no salvage value results in yardage costs of $0.05 to $0.25 depending on the type of facility.

Adding the components of yardage cost using $0.16 for labor, $0.085 for equipment, $0.05 for fuel, $0.30 for interest, and $0.10 for depreciation results in $0.695 per head. If this value is applied to the example above, then another $44 is subtracted from the remaining margin permitting a net return of $66.

Calculating yardage costs is not easy. Keeping track of hours spent feeding cattle, managing bunks, and using custom rates to determine yardage is a simple alternative to guide this calculation. The alternative to not determining yardage costs is to permit the facility (and ourselves) to be worn out and to lose our capital over the long run. 



Ten Years. 100 Teachers. Thousands of Students.

For 10 years, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) has invested in Nebraska agricultural education through support of Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) teacher professional development. Since 2017, NSB has funded CASE experiences and soybean curriculum development for 100 agricultural educators, creating resources that continue to reach students across the state.

While the investment begins with teachers, the real impact happens in the classroom. CASE-trained educators are developing soybean-focused lessons that help students connect science, technology, engineering and math concepts to Nebraska's most important crops. Through hands- on activities, students gain a deeper understanding of soybean production, food science, agribusiness and value-added products while building critical problem- solving and analytical skills.

Ashley Looper, agriculture educator at Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools, said the CASE experience helped her learn from experienced teachers while gaining classroom-ready resources.

"I learned a lot from attending the Intro to AFNR CASE. As ag teachers, we have a lot of resources available to us, but sometimes it can be overwhelming,"

Looper said. "This CASE institute gave me the chance to work with teachers who have taught this themselves and what works well in their classroom." Looper also appreciated the flexibility CASE provides. "I also appreciate how much it provides for you to use, but you also have the chance to add in your own lessons and
activities," she said.

That flexibility led to the development of several soybean-centered lessons. Students investigate soybean germination by testing how water and temperature affect seed growth and collecting data to determine ideal growing conditions. Through another lesson, students follow the journey from soybean oil to soy wax, creating their own soy candles while learning about value-added agriculture and product development. In a food science unit, students compare chocolate made with and without soy lecithin to understand the role soybean-derived ingredients play in everyday products.

At Hershey Public Schools, former agriculture educator Donavan Phoenix has used CASE training to bring soybean examples into plant science curriculum and make lessons more relevant to students.

"This training equipped me with curriculum, knowledge, skills and so much more on the topic of plant science," Phoenix said."I now feel that I am in the greatest position to teach plant science this school year."

Phoenix said soybean-based curriculum creates a natural connection between classroom learning and local agriculture. "I am also very excited that this professional development has given me the opportunity to teach about soybeans, a crop that my students are very familiar with," he said.

His curriculum modifications help students explore soybean plant anatomy, nutrient management, seed development and crop growth. Students calculate growing degree days, evaluate planting scenarios and use real-world production data to understand how weather and management decisions influence crop success.

"Originally, this lesson used tomatoes as an example; however, tomatoes are not grown on a large scale anywhere near Hershey, Nebraska," Phoenix explained." So, I decided to change tomatoes to soybeans, a crop that is grown and all my students are aware of." The result is curriculum that helps students see the science behind agriculture while better understanding the role soybeans play in Nebraska's economy and communities.

As the Nebraska Soybean Board approaches this milestone anniversary, the impact extends well beyond a single classroom. The soybean-focused curriculum developed through CASE training will continue benefiting educators and students for years to come. 



CAP Webinar: Making Every Acre Count: Connecting Wildlife Science with Agricultural Decisions
Thur Oct 29th - 12 noon

How can conservation fit the practical realities of working farms? The Applied Wildlife Ecology and Spatial Movement (AWESM) Lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln connects applied research, Extension, and partnerships to help landowners support agricultural production and wildlife conservation. 

This webinar will highlight research on perennial grasses for bioenergy and their potential to support grassland birds. With high input costs prompting scrutiny of less productive acres, we’ll explore how precision conservation can help identify where conservation practices may fit and how wildlife monitoring can evaluate their ecological benefits. We’ll also discuss a landscape learning network approach to track changes over time, share lessons, and adjust management based on evidence. 

We’ll focus on reducing barriers to adoption and helping producers evaluate conservation options that fit their land, operations, and goals. 

Presenter: Andrew Little, associate professor, landscape ecology and habitat management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Register here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars/



Registration open for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting & County Leadership Conference

Registration is now open for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) 108th Annual Meeting, Dec. 8-9 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines. Farm Bureau members and leaders can register to gain timely agricultural policy insights, explore practical on-farm uses for artificial intelligence, prepare for successful farm transitions and take part in leadership sessions, networking opportunities and awards recognizing county Farm Bureau achievements. 

“Iowa Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting gives members an opportunity to connect, gain actionable insight for their farms, and celebrate the people and achievements that strengthen our organization,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “We look forward to recognizing our county Farm Bureaus, Ag Leaders graduates and young farmer award recipients whose leadership demonstrates the strength of our grassroots organization.” 

On Dec. 8, county Farm Bureau leaders can attend sessions focused on creating a positive culture, strengthening engagement, building member value and navigating difficult moments with confidence.

Farmer and author Jolene Brown will share real-world lessons to help farm owners transfer knowledge and business assets to the next generation during the educational seminar, “The Positives of Passing It On,” at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8.

During a breakout session at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, Paul Gormley, a growth project manager for Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research, will discuss practical ways farmers can use artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, support decision-making, analyze information and create new farm management opportunities. 

American Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs Brian Glenn will provide an ag policy update covering the latest on farm bill negotiations, how the 2026 election changed the outlook in Washington and what farmers can expect from the 120th U.S. Congress, when it convenes in January 2027. 

A Dec. 8 celebration luncheon will feature graduates of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Ag Leaders Institute, a year-long program focused on building skills and knowledge in agriculture and communication. County Farm Bureaus and members will also be honored for their outstanding service to agriculture and their communities, as well as their efforts in recruiting new members.

Iowa Discussion Meet semi-finalists who advanced from preliminary rounds at the Young Farmer Conference earlier in January will compete in the finals during the afternoon of Dec. 8. The Discussion Meet is a cooperative-style dialogue on agricultural issues. The winner will be announced during the Young Farmer evening reception and will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in January. Three young farmers will be presented with the Young Farmer Leadership Award for their involvement with their local Farm Bureau, community service and commitment to their family farms.

On Dec. 9, Farm Bureau agencies, community partners and Distinguished Service to Agriculture (DSA) award recipients will be honored. President Johnson will deliver remarks, followed by a keynote from U.S. Air Force Veteran Mark Lindquist featuring lessons from his life and career. 

Lindquist’s life journey — from a South Korean orphanage to a Minnesota farm, U.S. Air Force serving during the war in Afghanistan and leading humanitarian missions in Ukraine today — shapes his message about service, perseverance and making a greater impact through life and work. 

A former sergeant in the United States Air Force, Lindquist is a motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed live for over 4 million people in 27 countries and all 50 states. He has been on a self-directed humanitarian mission to Ukraine since March 2022, delivering more than $15 million worth of aid to those in need in eastern Ukraine. He has received a medal for outstanding volunteerism from the chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine, and his work has been featured in major media outlets worldwide. 

“We are honored to welcome Air Force veteran Sergent Mark Lindquist as this year’s keynote speaker,” said Johnson. “His stories of perseverance, humanitarian service and sacrifice will offer a powerful message that resonates.”

The annual meeting will conclude with a voting delegate session at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9, including elections for Iowa Farm Bureau vice president, director in district 5, 7 and 9, AFBF voting delegates and an Iowa Farm Bureau internal study committee member.

For the full agenda and registration details, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.



Cattle Producers Welcome Increased Market Transparency 

This week, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins announced important updates to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) cash cattle reports. These updates serve as an important step in supporting the U.S. cattle industry and addressing ongoing confidentiality challenges in negotiated cattle trade reporting. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association appreciates the efforts of Secretary Rollins and USDA to increase the amount of data that is publicly reported while maintaining confidentiality requirements. This announcement helps improve transparency and provide more market information to cattle producers.  



UAN32, UAN28 and Anhydrous Lead Fertilizer Prices Higher

Fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher, according to prices tracked by DTN for the second week of October 2026. For the third week in a row, seven fertilizers were higher looking back to last month while just one nutrient was slightly lower. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Three fertilizers had a considerable price increase. UAN32 was 6% more expensive looking back a month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $486/ton. Both anhydrous and UAN28 were 5% higher compared to the prior month. Anhydrous had an average price of $987/ton, while UAN28 was $441/ton. The remaining four nutrients' prices were just slightly more expensive. DAP had an average price of $937/ton, MAP $981/ton, potash $503/ton and urea $674/ton.

One fertilizer's price was just slightly less expensive looking back a month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $702/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.73/lb.N, anhydrous $0.60/lb.N, UAN28 $0.79/lb.N and UAN32 $0.76/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. DAP is 2% higher, potash 3% is more expensive, UAN32 is 4% higher, both MAP and 10-34-0 are 5% more expensive, UAN28 is 7% higher, urea is 13% more expensive and anhydrous is 18% higher looking back to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/16/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 16, ethanol production accelerated by 2.7% to a 5-week high of 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.95 million gallons daily. Output was 1.6% lower than the same week last year but 1.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.6% to 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.22 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks sprang 2.6% to 24.6 million barrels. Stocks were 12.0% more than the same week last year and 14.0% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, leapt 6.8% to an 8-week high of 8.98 million b/d (138.07 bg annualized). Demand was 6.2% more than a year ago and 1.1% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slipped 0.9% to 891,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.70 bg annualized and the lowest weekly level since mid-April. Net inputs were 2.2% less than year-ago levels and 2.3% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports increased 9.1% to 132,000 b/d (5.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than three years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Join a USDA and FBI Webinar for the Produce Industry on Fraud Prevention
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is partnering with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to host a webinar on fraud prevention for produce‑industry members. USDA continues to encourage industry members to be aware of sophisticated imposter‑fraud schemes targeting buyers, sellers, and transporters across fruit and vegetable supply chains. Recent allegations reported to USDA’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Division reflect a nationwide pattern of fraudulent procurement attempts involving spoofed identities, falsified credentials, altered email domains, and deceptive trust‑building tactics.

This webinar is part of ongoing coordination between USDA and FBI to strengthen industry awareness and prevention efforts through outreach and information sharing.
Webinar Details

Title: USDA–FBI Produce Industry Fraud‑Prevention Briefing
Presenter: Wade A. Greening, Supervisory Intelligence Analyst & Private Sector Coordinator, FBI Omaha Field Office
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM EST
Webinar Link: https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/join-usda-and-fbi-webinar-produce-industry-fraud-prevention Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 279 834 785 666 187 and Passcode: wM6LK3aD)



Innovation Never Stops Returns for Season 2, Bringing More Industry Insights and Expanded Educational Resources  

Helena Agri-Enterprises announced Wednesday the Emmy-nominated documentary series Innovation Never Stops will return for a second season at the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alongside the new season, Helena is introducing expanded classroom resources and a grant opportunity to help educators bring agricultural innovation into the classroom. Debuting in November, the new season will continue giving teachers and students an inside look at the people and technologies shaping modern agriculture.

“Supporting the next generation of ag innovators starts with educators,” says Bill Smith, National Integrated Marketing Manager with Helena. “Since its launch at the FFA Convention last year, Innovation Never Stops has reached 134 educators across 36 states with classroom-ready agricultural resources.” 

Innovation Never Stops takes viewers on a journey across the country, visiting laboratories, research facilities and diverse growing operations to reveal how Helena products come to life and drive progress. Told through the experiences of farmers and the Helena experts working alongside them, Innovation Never Stops explores agronomic challenges and uncovers solutions to define what it means to innovate. Throughout the series, what starts with an experiment at the Helena Products Group (HPG) Innovation Center in Tennessee goes through years of refinement before finding its place on a livestock operation in California or a fruit and vegetable operation in Michigan.  

Each episode includes companion curriculum designed to take lessons from the field to the classroom and broaden student knowledge of the industry and its impact on their lives. Lesson plans break down episodes into vocabulary, fun facts and discussion topics for youth, with the goal of introducing students to the world of crop science and ag business and the career opportunities they provide. New educator curriculum and interactive activities are now available, providing teachers with engaging, real-world tools to help students experience agricultural innovation firsthand. 

Along with new classroom materials, Helena will sponsor its 2nd Annual Innovation Grant. FFA chapters will be eligible to win this grant by participating in the AI360® simulation at booth 2672 during the FFA Convention this week. AI360 is a data and spatial information management platform, powered by AGRIntelligence®. Through the power of AI360, users can input key field attributes, access state-of-the-art processing technology and produce insights founded in strong agronomic principles and practices.  

Teachers are encouraged to sign up at helenaagri.com/innovation/ffa to claim their free materials before Season 2 of Innovation Never Stops drops in November. The program also extends beyond the classroom guide itself. Educators are invited to stay connected to future Innovation Never Stops resources and request a Helena representative to visit their classroom or FFA chapter to share field insights, lead demonstrations and discuss careers in agricultural innovation. 

Innovation Never Stops is a production of HPG, the research, development and formulation arm of Helena Agri-Enterprises. Season 1 and new episodes will be available on helenaagri.com/innovation.