Tuesday October 13 Ag News - Nebraska Net Farm Income Jumps 34% in '25 - CLAAS Opens Omaha R&D Center - SIRE Acquires Ord Ethanol Plant - IA Butchery Grants Available - Nominate for NCBA Environmental Stewarship Awards - and more!

Net Farm Income Leaps 
NeFB Economic Tidbits newsletter

Livestock receipts and federal government payments underpinned a leap in Nebraska net farm income last year. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates nominal (non-inflation adjusted) net farm income in Nebraska was $8.12 billion in 2025, a 34% increase over the prior year. It was the third time income exceeded $8 billion, and the third-highest in history in nominal terms. The record is $9.3 billion, hit in 2023. Among states, real (inflation-adjusted) net farm income was highest in California at $26 billion, followed by Texas at $15 billion, Iowa at $10 billion, and Nebraska. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the four states accounted for more than 30% of the nation’s net farm income. The ERS pegged national net farm income at $238 billion, up just over 1% from 2024.  

Nebraska’s total value of agriculture production last year was estimated at almost $38 billion, a record, rising almost 12% from 2024. Driving the rise were meat animal receipts, up 14%, and poultry and egg receipts, up 37%. Crop receipts were down 3%. Government payments also saw a marked increase, up almost $1 billion. Not surprisingly, expenses were higher too, up 11%. The largest increases were seen in livestock purchases, pesticides, and machinery hire and custom work.  

Last year continued a pattern of sizable annual swings in income since at least 2010 (Figure 2). The average percentage change over the 15-year period in absolute terms was 39%, meaning that farmers must manage for significant year-to-year fluctuations in income. Weather, global events, politics, and international competition all contribute to the volatility which confronts farmers in all phases of their operations — production, marketing, purchasing inputs, and financial management. The volatility only adds to the complexity of managing farms and ranches in today’s agriculture.  

The ERS’s September forecast predicted U.S. net farm income for this year would rise 2%. Again, positive returns for livestock producers and federal government assistance are expected to fuel the rise. Just last week, the USDA announced it will distribute $13.8 billion in federal farm payments this fall. Forecasts by economists at the Universities of Nebraska and Missouri last spring projected Nebraska net farm income could exceed $9 billion this year. Updated estimates, though, should be forthcoming this fall. The livestock sector and government payments will continue to support higher income, but positive returns for crop producers will be a challenge.   



CLAAS Opens New Research & Development Center in Omaha

CLAAS officially opened its new Research & Development Center in Omaha, Nebraska last week, marking another significant investment in the company’s long-term commitment to farmers across the United States and Canada. The new facility expands CLAAS’ ability to develop, test and refine agricultural technology specifically for North American farming conditions.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joined CLAAS employees, community leaders, and other guests for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 8.
 
“This ribbon cutting underscores CLAAS’ confidence in Omaha as a hub for innovation serving North American agriculture," said Jan-Hendrik Mohr, CEO, CLAAS Group. “The new R&D Center brings together local expertise, customer insights and CLAAS engineering capabilities, enabling us to develop agricultural machinery tailored specifically to North American farming. It is a key element of our multi-year, $100 million investment and growth strategy for North America. By combining these strengths in Omaha, we will develop the next generation of high-performance agricultural technology.”

Located on the growing CLAAS Omaha campus — home to the company’s North American headquarters, LEXION combine assembly plant and CLAAS Training Academy, where dealers, employees and future agricultural professionals are trained and developed — the new R&D Center reinforces CLAAS’ long-standing commitment to the region.

“We are delighted that CLAAS continues to invest in its Omaha campus and in Nebraska,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new CLAAS R&D Center. “For more than 25 years, CLAAS has been an important employer in our region. This investment strengthens our economy, creates high-quality opportunities for skilled workers and reinforces Nebraska’s strong connection to agriculture.”

CLAAS has been part of the Omaha community for more than 25 years, and the company’s continued investment demonstrates the important role Nebraska plays in CLAAS’ North American operations.

The campus employs more than 250 people and plays a critical role in serving farmers across the U.S. and Canada. The Omaha operation brings together manufacturing, engineering, training and customer support — creating a North American base from which CLAAS can respond to the needs of farmers and agricultural businesses across the continent.

“CLAAS’ commitment goes well beyond manufacturing,” Governor Pillen added. “The company is investing in research and innovation, customer experience, quality jobs and vocational training. By helping develop the skilled workforce Nebraska needs, CLAAS is creating lasting value for our agricultural community and for the future of our state.”

“We appreciate the partnership and support of Governor Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development,” said Mohr. “Nebraska is an ideal location for this investment because of its deep agricultural roots, skilled workforce and connection to farmers across North America.”

Investing in Nebraska and North American agriculture
The new R&D Center represents another major investment in Omaha, strengthening CLAAS’ role in Nebraska’s agricultural, manufacturing and technology economy. The 44,800-square-foot facility — including approximately 12,000 square feet of enclosed space — provides 25% more capacity than the previous off-site R&D location and supports high-value engineering and manufacturing jobs across the region.

Designed to support the full development process, the center features two levels of office space, expanded instrumentation, logistics and equipment areas, a heated indoor wash bay and enhanced physical and electronic security. These capabilities enable CLAAS teams to collect field data, analyze results and refine machine performance more efficiently.

“This facility strengthens our ability to develop, test and refine innovative solutions that directly support our customers in the field. By tailoring our machinery to the local conditions, crops and operating demands of North American agriculture, we can deliver technology that performs where it matters most — on the farm,” said Claudius Knierbein, Head of Engineering for CLAAS Omaha.

Testing for North American farming conditions
The new CLAAS Research & Development Center will be the hub for all North American testing activities. While much of the testing will take place on farms throughout the country under various soil, weather and crop conditions, the analysis of those tests will be interpreted by engineers working in the new facility.

That connection between the field and the engineering team is central to the Omaha R&D operation. Testing in real-world North American conditions allows CLAAS engineers to evaluate machine performance across the wide range of crops, soils, weather and farming practices found throughout the United States and Canada.

“Our customers farm in some of the most diverse agricultural conditions in the world,” said Knierbein. “The ability to test machines in those conditions, bring the data back to Omaha and work directly with our engineering teams helps us develop solutions that are relevant to North American farmers.”

A long-term North American commitment
The new R&D Center builds on CLAAS’ established presence in Omaha, which includes the company’s North American headquarters, LEXION combine assembly operation and CLAAS Training Academy. Together, these operations make Omaha an increasingly important center for CLAAS’ North American activities.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Endorses Governor Jim Pillen for Re-Election  

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) has endorsed Jim Pillen for Governor. Pillen is seeking re-election to the office he’s held since 2022. The NEFB-PAC endorsement is based on results of the organization’s grassroots selection process, which involves gathering input from members and County Farm Bureaus across the state.  

“We are pleased to endorse Governor Jim Pillen, for re-election,” said Katie Olson of Atkinson, chair of the NEFB-PAC and first vice president of  Nebraska Farm Bureau. “Governor Pillen understands the importance of agriculture to Nebraska and shares many of our broader policy goals.” 

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue echoed those sentiments in making the announcement.  

“Nebraska needs a Governor who is committed to protecting and defending Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. We need a Governor who understands the importance of growing Nebraska’s economy through agriculture. We need a Governor who can help create an environment where it’s possible for the next generation to come home to our farms and ranches. We believe Governor Pillen is the right choice to make those things happen and we look forward to working with him to achieve those ends,” said McHargue.  

“Nebraska agriculture is the beating heart of this state,” said Governor Pillen. “I’m grateful for unity in Nebraska’s agricultural community behind our campaign – and, as the first Nebraska governor from agriculture in over 100 years, I will keep fighting for our family farms and the values that make this state great.” 



SENATOR RICKETTS UNVEILS REBUILD THE AMERICAN HERD PLAN, RECEIVES NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN SUPPORT

Last week Friday, Senator Pete Ricketts unveiled his Rebuild the American Herd Plan at the Sustainable Beef plant in North Platte, a comprehensive strategy to grow the American cattle herd, strengthen Nebraska ranchers, and lower beef prices for families.

Senator Ricketts was joined at the press conference by Sustainable Beef Co-Founder Rusty Kemp, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue, State Senator Tanya Storer, and Former Nebraska Cattlemen President Steve Hanson.

Senator Pete Ricketts said: "I will always stand up against foreign beef that undercuts Nebraska ranchers. We helped build Sustainable Beef to give ranchers an alternative to the Big 4 packers and a fair price for their product. This plan keeps that fight going."

At the press conference, Senator Ricketts received the support of the Nebraska Cattlemen Association.

Nebraska Cattlemen Past President Steve Hanson said: "Nebraska Cattlemen is grateful for our longstanding relationship with Senator Pete Ricketts, as he has proven time and time again that he will go to bat for our industry. He is a trusted leader with a proven record of supporting policies to protect cattle producers. We are proud to support his re-election for the United States Senate and his plan to rebuild the American cow herd."

Senator Ricketts is the only candidate in this race who understands agriculture and has a record of delivering for ranchers. As governor, he was the first in the country to stop Biden's 30x30 land grab. He secured $20 million in infrastructure to help launch Sustainable Beef, a rancher-owned packing plant in North Platte.

He led trade missions that produced record ag exports three years running. In the Senate, he fought the EPA's WOTUS rule, made the death tax exemption permanent to protect more than 44,000 Nebraska family farms, introduced the PLOT Act to stop Communist China from buying American farmland, and introduced the Securing American Agriculture Act to bring critical feed production home from Communist China.

The Rebuild the American Herd Plan addresses nine key areas: competition in meatpacking, honest labeling, export markets, protecting family ranches, standing up to Communist China, faster disaster recovery, stopping New World screwworm, securing America's feed supply, and training the next generation.

Read the full plan: petericketts.com/rebuilding-the-american-cattle-herd-plan



Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC to Acquire GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC from Pilot Travel Centers

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC ("SIRE"), a farmer-owned ethanol producer, announced it has acquired GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC, a subsidiary of Pilot Travel Centers LLC ("Pilot"). GreenAmerica Biofuels Ord LLC owns and operates an approximately 70 million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant in Ord, Nebraska.

The acquisition is a direct step in SIRE's stated growth strategy: expanding its production base, strengthening its scale, and creating new opportunities for value-added agriculture by acquiring high-quality assets with strong operating track records, reliable feedstock supply and access to diverse markets. Upon closing, SIRE's combined production capacity will grow to approximately 230 million gallons of ethanol per year across two plants in Iowa and Nebraska.

"Our strategy is simple and disciplined: grow by investing in Council Bluffs and acquiring quality assets that make SIRE stronger for our members, our farmers and our customers," said Eric Fobes, President and CEO of SIRE. "The Ord plant fits that standard. It is a well-maintained facility with an experienced team, located in the heart of one of the most productive corn regions in the country. We see it as a strong complement to our Council Bluffs operation, and we're excited to welcome the Ord employees to the SIRE team."

The Ord facility sits in central Nebraska's corn belt, giving SIRE a second origination region, added scale in marketing ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, and greater operational diversity across its asset base. SIRE plans to retain the plant's workforce and continue local grain purchasing, maintaining the facility's role as a key market for area farmers.

The transaction closed October 9, 2026. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed and remain confidential. SIRE was advised by Omaha, NE based law firm McGrath North Mullin & Kratz PC LLO.



Community Meat Lockers Invited to Apply for Choose Iowa Butchery Equipment Grants

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today invited small-scale meat processors and custom lockers to apply for a Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 of state funding to purchase cold storage, meat processing and/or packaging equipment that helps increase meat and poultry processing capacity in Iowa.

“As I travel the state meeting with farmers, I consistently hear about the need for more local meat and poultry processing. That need continues to intensify as we see larger plants closing and Iowa’s livestock producers working to grow the U.S. beef herd,” said Secretary Naig. “The Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation grant program helps local meat lockers and custom processors grow their businesses to better serve local farmers and consumers. I will continue asking the Iowa Legislature for additional funding for this and other Choose Iowa programs that support farm families, small businesses and rural communities, and help strengthen the local food system.”

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has allocated $105,000 to support the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant program in FY2027.

“The Butchery Innovation Grant Program continues to be an important tool for Iowa's independent meat processors,” said Iowa Meat Processors Association President Katie Anderson, co-owner of Edgewood Locker in Edgewood. “These investments help businesses modernize operations, improve efficiency, and create opportunities for future growth while continuing to provide high-quality processing services to Iowa livestock producers and consumers.”

How to Apply
State or federally inspected, small-scale meat processors based in Iowa are eligible to apply for the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 to purchase cold storage, meat processing and/or packaging equipment that helps increase meat and poultry processing capacity in Iowa. Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one financial match. Grant funds are paid out as a reimbursement after the project is completed. Full details including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility, and scoring criteria are available on the Choose Iowa website https://www.chooseiowa.com/grants/butcheryinnovation.

Grant applications should be submitted through the link provided on the Choose Iowa website by 12 p.m./CT on Nov. 20, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced in December 2026. The project cannot be in progress before the application is submitted and projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Questions about the Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant or the Choose Iowa marketing program and member benefits may be emailed to chooseiowagrant@iowaagriculture.gov.

In 2025, IDALS awarded $355,000 in Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation grants to nine local businesses. Approved projects required at least a one-to-one financial match, generating a total investment of about $1.94 million to expand local processing capacity in nine Iowa counties.



2026 Siouxland Agricultural Lender’s Seminar Set for October 29 in Sioux Center

Agricultural lenders, consultants, farm financial advisors and producers are invited to attend the 2026 Siouxland Agricultural Lender’s Seminar on Thursday, October 29, at the Terrace View Event Center, 230 St Andrews Way, Sioux Center, Iowa.

This year’s seminar will provide attendees with current, research-based information to support their work with agricultural producers in managing risk and making informed financial decisions. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with programming running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Seminar topics and presenters include:
    Water Quality Rights and Regulations- Dan Anderson, Associate Professor, Iowa State University works with manure management and treatment, water quality, and nutrient cycling in agroecosystems. Anderson will discuss the things producers will consider as they seek to invest in water infrastructure and how each falls into their rights and abides by state and federal regulations.
    Rewriting the Rules: Policy, Markets, and the Decisions Reshaping Agriculture- Susan Stroud, Founder of No Bull Agriculture. She will discuss trade deals, biofuel policy and shifting global demand are reshaping crop and livestock markets. This session examines what is driving prices into 2027, where margins are most vulnerable and what lenders should be watching as producers make decisions in a rapidly changing market.
    Land Markets, Machinery and the Economy R.D. Schrader, Shrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc. A lifelong auctioneer from Indiana, Schrader pioneered the M3 or Maximum Marketing Method land auction process. Today, almost every farmland auction in the country is conducted in this manner. He will share his insights on the land and equipment market.
    What’s Up With the Farm Bill; Guang Tian, assistant professor, Agricultural Economics, Iowa State University. Guang will outline the action or inaction concerning the Farm Bill.
     Dairy Market Outlook and Risk Management, Will Babler, Pinion Risk Management. Babler has worked in commodity risk management since 2005 advising producers, processors, and endusers on margin management in dairy, grain, livestock and biofuels. He leads PRM’s Dairy Risk Management group and helps guide the firm’s technology strategy and crop insurance solutions. He will share his insights into what’s happening in the dairy market.
    Non-traditional ag partners- Eric Weuve, the North Central Iowa Farm Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Weuve will discuss the trend of non-traditional management and financial partners in production agriculture.
    Review of Iowa Dairy Producer Survey- Fred Hall, Dairy Field Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Every five years the dairy team does a producer survey and Hall will recap what the current survey tells us about the Iowa producers.

“This seminar has proven itself in assisting Siouxland lenders and financial advisors as a local source for current information which they can use as they help producers manage risk,” said Fred Hall, ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist.

Registration Cost for the day:
    $100 for the first attendee
    $75 for each additional attendee from the same business
    $30 for students
    $125 for day-of registrations (lunch not guaranteed)

The Preregistration deadline is October 23, attendees can register online at go.iastate.edu/AGLENDERS2026 or by mail. Make checks payable to Sioux County Extension and send to ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County, 400 Central Ave. NW, Ste 700, Orange City, IA 51041.

For questions or more information, contact Fred Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.



Corbet Scientific Launches IRRAMAX, Advancing a New Era in Irrigation Technology

Corbet Scientific today announced IRRAMAX, a polymer-based irrigation enhancer designed to improve water distribution and moisture retention in the crop root zone. The company introduced IRRAMAX at the CAPCA conference in Anaheim, California, on October 11, 2026, at booth 516.

IRRAMAX uses a long-chain polymer to promote lateral water movement and retain moisture in the root zone. The technology is designed to improve irrigation efficiency by reducing uneven water distribution and water loss below the root zone.

Field Trial Results
From August 2023 through May 2026, Corbet Scientific evaluated IRRAMAX in five paired-plot field trials conducted in collaboration with agriMeasures, LLC. The trials included strawberries and citrus in Florida, cotton in Texas, and corn in Nebraska. Each trial compared IRRAMAX-treated plots with grower standard practice (GSP) check plots. Soil moisture was measured using Sentek capacitance probes across all sites.

IRRAMAX-treated plots recorded higher volumetric soil moisture than GSP check plots in all five trials. In an 83-day Texas cotton trial, the longest of the five studies, soil moisture in the top 12 inches of the treated plot was more than three times that of the GSP plot. In an eight-day Nebraska corn trial, soil moisture readings in treated plots averaged approximately 17% higher than GSP, with a more uniform moisture profile at depths of 4 to 12 inches.

Salinity was also monitored at the Florida citrus and Texas cotton sites. At both sites, IRRAMAX-treated plots recorded lower and more stable salinity readings than GSP check plots.

“I’ve spent nearly five decades in agriculture as a grower and researcher, and across these trials the pattern was consistent: IRRAMAX increases the soil’s holding capacity,” said David Lankford, Research Director at agriMeasures, LLC, who led the trials.

Results varied by site, measurement depth and trial duration. The studies used paired-plot comparisons rather than large-scale replication. The full technical report is available upon request.



Nominations Accepted for 2027 Environmental Stewardship Award

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Environmental Stewardship Awards. Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers across the country.

“Cattle producers across the country work tirelessly to steward the land for the next generation,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “This program celebrates their conservation efforts and shares their success stories.”

Any individual, group or organization is eligible to nominate one individual or business raising or feeding cattle. While individuals and families may not nominate themselves, they should be involved in the preparation of the application. Past nominees are encouraged to resubmit applications; however, previous winners may not reapply.

Along with a typed application, one nomination letter and three letters of recommendation highlighting the nominee’s leadership in conservation are required. The application deadline is Feb. 15, 2027. Nominees do not have to be members of NCBA but should support the objectives of their state and national organization.

Award winners are selected by a committee of representatives from universities, cattle production, conservation organizations as well as federal and state agencies. Judges consider the management of water, wildlife, vegetation, air, and soil along with leadership abilities and the viability of the business. Regional winners will be recognized in summer 2027, and the national winner will be announced during CattleCon 2028 in New Orleans, Louisiana, in February 2028.

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is an initiative of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and is made possible with generous support from Corteva Agriscience and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information and to download the nomination packet, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.