Monday November 02 Ag News - NDA NE Ag Youth Council Members - CASNR Dean Search Underway - Bio-char Field Day This Week - Crop Insurance Harvest Prices Top Spring Prices - and more!

New report highlights Nebraska’s potential to lead in growing global bioeconomy

A new report by the Council on Competitiveness outlines why Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead in the rapidly developing industrial bioeconomy, which relies on biological resources, such as crops, microorganisms and organic waste, to create food, materials, energy and other products. The industrial bioeconomy is a major arena of global competitiveness and projected to grow from a $4 trillion annual sector today to more than 10 times that by 2050.

The report, titled “Nebraska: Leading the New Frontier in the Bioeconomy,” was released by the organization on Thursday. The report follows a Nebraska edition of the Council’s Competitiveness Conversations Across America series, a national initiative that brings regional, national, and global leaders together to identify emerging practices, policies, and opportunities to strengthen U.S. competitiveness. The 12th installment in the series was held April 29-30 at the Durham Museum in Omaha, and was co-hosted by the University of Nebraska System. 

The two-day convening — captured in-depth in the report — brought together more than 200 leaders from across industry, academia, government, agriculture, research, and other sectors, reflecting the breadth of expertise needed to translate Nebraska’s existing strengths into expanded economic opportunities. Participating companies and organizations included Procter & Gamble, HDR, Sustainea, Primient, Corteva Agriscience, Roebling, Cargill, Novonesis, Deloitte, Bluestem Biosciences, RAND, Gallup, and many others. Government participation spanned local, state, and federal levels, including Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, and Scott Hutchins, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.

The discussion also brought together leaders from across the University of Nebraska System and the state’s broader innovation ecosystem, including community colleges, farmers and ranchers, industry associations, and civic organizations. The shared focus of attendees was how to strengthen Nebraska’s and the broader region’s competitiveness by connecting agricultural resources, research, talent, and industrial capabilities to grow the industrial bioeconomy.

The report cites Nebraska’s many assets within this space, including 24 ethanol plants, livestock and grain production, growing biomanufacturing base, statewide public university system and an advanced logistics network as key indicators that Nebraska is well positioned to grow in the bioeconomy.

“Nebraska has an incredible opportunity to help shape the future of the bioeconomy — not just for our state, not just for our nation, but for the entire world,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Our resources, our transportation infrastructure, our agricultural and manufacturing industries, and, most importantly, our people, both at the University of Nebraska and across the state, make us perfectly suited for this task. I know we are up to it.”

The spirit of collaboration and close connections that Nebraskans share is another tremendous asset, said the Hon. Deborah Wince-Smith, president and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness.

“Innovation prowess and leadership span our great nation. And in this rich tapestry of imagination, insight, ingenuity, invention, and impact, Nebraska is distinctly demonstrating how a state can leverage its assets — from agricultural strength and research capabilities to manufacturing and infrastructure — to power an incredible engine for productivity and prosperity,” she said. “By connecting these assets and moving from collaboration to commercial scale, Nebraska has the potential and opportunity to shape the future of the region’s and country’s industrial bioeconomy and national security.”

Topics discussed during the two-day event included the intersection of the industrial bioeconomy and national security, economic growth, workforce development, and artificial intelligence and innovation, among others. The report identified several crosscutting themes that emerged from the meeting:
    Global competition in biotechnology has grown into an industrial strategy race.
    The United States must lead in both industrial bioeconomy discovery and domestic production at scale of those products.
    The convergence of AI, biology and advanced manufacturing is reshaping both the speed and scale of innovation.
    Demand certainty is a critical missing accelerator for scaling the industrial bioeconomy.
    Cutting-edge biotechnologies introduce dual-use risks that require modern governance frameworks.
    Workforce capacity remains a binding constraint across the bioeconomy system.

These priorities are already taking shape in regional initiatives. One example is RuralSTAMINA, an Iowa State University-led National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine involving the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and other partners. The initiative received an initial $15 million award from the National Science Foundation to help Iowa and Nebraska turn agricultural resources into higher-value biomanufactured products, strengthen rural economies, and create new opportunities for regional industry and workers.

Additionally, the University of Nebraska System’s work with the Council to advance the industrial bioeconomy extends beyond the Nebraska Competitiveness Conversation. NU has actively participated in the Council’s fall bioeconomy workshop series, helping identify opportunities to scale industrial biotechnology, strengthen domestic production, and elevate the industrial bioeconomy as a national priority. Both efforts reflect the Council’s longstanding role in bringing together business, academic, labor, and government leaders to develop actionable strategies that strengthen U.S. competitiveness, productivity, and economic growth in technologies and industries critical to the nation’s future.

“Nebraska already has so many strengths in this space,” Dr. Gold said. “Our next task is to continue to accelerate the conversion of those strengths into action.”



NDA ANNOUNCES 2026-2027 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS
 
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) develops and supports the next generation of ag leaders through the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). NAYC is a group of college students working together to share their passion and knowledge about agriculture with young people across the state. NDA is proud to coordinate the NAYC and announce the 2026-2027 Council members.

“Serving on the NAYC is a dedication of time and love for agriculture,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “These students work hard all year to make NAYC a success each year. Despite having busy schedules, they make time for the many different learning opportunities that NAYC offers not only to the members but for the students on the school visits they conduct. I look forward to working with these Council members and seeing how their efforts strengthen the ag industry in Nebraska.”

NAYC members coordinate and participate in a wide range of ag-focused activities and events throughout the year. They visit elementary schools to talk about where food comes from and visit with high school students about career opportunities in agriculture. The primary focus of NAYC is to coordinate the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), a five-day summer conference with speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for high school juniors and seniors.

NAYI is in its 56th year and is the longest running event of its kind in the nation.

Here is a list of the 2026-2027 NAYC leadership and their hometowns:
    Head Counselors: Cora Hoffschneider, Waco; Carson Mau, Sutton
    President: Baylor Behrens, Friend;
    Secretary: Gavin Bell, Hemingford;
    Vice President of Communications and Social Media: Libby Macklin, Blue Hill;
    Vice President of Alumni Relations: Austin Kamm, Lincoln;
    Vice President of NAYI Improvement and Promotions: Morgan Bonifas, Aurora;
    Vice President of Youth Outreach: Emily Holz, Syracuse; and
    Co-Vice Presidents of Sponsorship: Morgan Havlovic, Prague; William Vyhnalek, Friend.

Additional NAYC members and their hometowns include: Ian Schiller, Scribner; Ericka Larsen, Burwell; Preston Beattie, Sumner; Landon Peterson, Western; Alee Schicksnider, Orleans; Sam Cederburg, Minden; Parker Walahoski, Overton; Gracie Reynolds, Hooper; Colter Wright. Burwell; Maggie McCarthy, York; and Josephine Turnbull, Waco.

“The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is committed to spreading awareness about agriculture to everyone, starting with our state’s youth,” said Christin Kamm, NDA Director of Communications and NAYC Advisor. “Our Council members are dedicated young people who have already been impacted by NAYI and know what it can do for other students. I am so grateful they have chosen to use their time to be a part of NAYC and NAYI.”

To learn more, visit NAYC's website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/nayc.html or search for Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute on Facebook.



National search launched for next CASNR dean

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has officially launched a national search for the next dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).

The priority application deadline is Dec. 7, 2026. Preliminary interviews with selected candidates are expected to take place virtually in early January, followed by campus interviews during the spring 2027 semester.

The search advisory committee is co-chaired by Deb VanOverbeke, head of the Department of Animal Science, and Don Becker, head of the Department of Biochemistry.

Tiffany Heng-Moss, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, encourages faculty, staff and members of the IANR community to participate in the search process.

Community members are encouraged to recommend qualified candidates, participate in campus interview events and provide feedback throughout the process.

Individuals who know potential candidates are encouraged to share their recommendations with the search advisory committee co-chairs. Questions about the search process and timeline may also be directed to the co-chairs, Rich Bischoff or Heng-Moss.

Additional information, including the position announcement, application details and a complete list of search advisory committee members, is available on the CASNR dean search website https://ianr.unl.edu/about-ianr/career-opportunities/casnr-dean-search/.



Field day to expand network, redcedar-derived biochar production

Nebraska researchers are taking biochar research from experimental plots to producer fields, connecting ranchers removing eastern redcedar with farmers who can put locally produced biochar to use.

Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous material produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln indicates that biochar can improve soil carbon and nitrogen retention, reduce organic waste, and improve soil water-holding capacity.

Eastern redcedar encroachment threatens native grassland ecosystems, reduces forage availability and increases wildfire risk. Converting removed trees into biochar offers a potential way to address these challenges while creating a valuable soil amendment.

Tree professionals, ranchers, farmers, educators and members of the public are invited to the second annual Biochar Field Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 3 at a farm near Conestoga Lake by Denton, Nebraska.

The event will explore what biochar is, how it is used and how to produce it from removed eastern redcedar. Participants will also learn how biochar can improve soil health and support more resource-efficient crop production. 

Experts will demonstrate on-site biochar production using a mobile Charboss™ unit from Sandhills Biochar, providing guidance and educational opportunities throughout the process. 

“The field day is part of a broader effort to build a farmer-rancher network to scale up redcedar-derived biochar production and application,” said Michael Kaiser, associate professor in agronomy and horticulture.

Participants are encouraged to carpool, wear closed-toe shoes or boots, and bring water, lunch and a camp chair.

“We look forward to discussing and exchanging information and experiences on biochar production and application,” Kaiser said. 

Participants should register here https://ianrnews.unl.edu/article/field-day-to-expand-network-redcedar-derived-biochar-production.

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Reinkordt Family will host the event, organized in collaboration with the Nebraska Forest Service, Sandhills Biochar and the Nebraska Biochar Initiative.



Harvest Prices for 2026 Crop Insurance

Bucking a trend in recent years, farmers will see a boost in their crop insurance protection due to a higher harvest price, especially when it comes to soybeans.

Despite a downward trend in soybean and corn prices throughout October, the harvest price closed Friday for soybeans at an average of $12.63 a bushel, up from $11.09 for the spring crop insurance price. Corn closed October with an average of $4.75 a bushel, up from $4.62 for the spring price guarantee.

Crop insurance harvest prices are set based on a rolling average throughout October of the closing price for the November soybean contract and the December corn contract.

Based on Risk Management Agency (RMA) data, the crop insurance price guarantees apply to roughly 88.7 million acres of corn and 80.4 million acres of soybeans. Both totals are lower than USDA's planted acres because some farmers choose not to participate in the federal crop insurance program.

This year marks the first year since 2022 that corn prices at harvest have come in above the spring guarantee. Soybean harvest prices have not beat out the spring price since 2021. 



Dairy Market Report - OCTOBER 2026

Milk production grew 2.4% on a liquid basis in August driven largely by a 174,000 head year-over-year increase in the milking herd. Rising supply was met with divergent demand trends as superb demand for dairy proteins is juxtaposed by underwhelming consumption of cheese and butter.

Consumer economic conditions have worsened in recent months, particularly for lower-income individuals, as inflation accelerated to 3.7% in September on account of elevated energy prices driving costs higher throughout the economy and tightening consumer budgets. Economic pressure has eaten away at cheese retail sales and QSR foot traffic in particular, resulting in weaker cheddar prices for the last several months until a rally in mid-October. Still, despite the economic challenges, dairy—and dairy protein in particular—remains a consumer staple. NFDM prices have once again surged amidst strong competition for skim solids, and CME dry whey prices set all-time highs as the whey stream is increasingly directed towards protein concentrates.

August’s DMC margin fell to $9.34/cwt as a decline in the All-Milk Price coincided with an increase in feed costs. Although CBOT corn and soybean meal futures have eased from September highs, increases in fuel, electricity, labor, and borrowing costs continue to place pressure on producers.

Read the full report here - https://www.nmpf.org/dmr-oct-2026/.  



Dairy Farmers Welcome EPA Decision to Close Out Two-Decade-Old Air Emissions Study

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) welcomed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that it will not finalize air emissions estimating methodologies under the 2005 Animal Feeding Operations Air Compliance Agreement, and that it will move to terminate the agreement. The decision ends more than 20 years of uncertainty for the dairy farms and other livestock operations that volunteered for the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS).

“Dairy farmers signed up for this study in good faith two decades ago, and they’ve been waiting ever since to find out what it would mean for their farms,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “You can’t measure a handful of farms years ago and use those numbers to set expectations for thousands of other farms. We appreciate EPA following the data and giving farmers a clear, final answer.”

In comments filed last year, NMPF told EPA that its draft dairy emissions models were built on monitoring data from only five dairies. NMPF’s technical analysis found that the models produced per-cow emission estimates that swung dramatically with herd size, predicted negative emissions in below-freezing weather, and offered no way to account for the advances in feed, genetics, manure management and emissions control that dairy farmers have adopted since the data were collected.

EPA’s announcement reflects many of these concerns. The agency concluded the data are too old and too limited to support reliable methods and no longer reflect current barn designs, herd sizes and manure practices.

“There’s a saying in our industry: when you’ve seen one dairy farm, you’ve seen one dairy farm,” said Clay Detlefsen, senior vice president and staff counsel at NMPF. “That’s why this approach was never going to work. Farms vary too much from one another and change too much over time. We’re grateful to EPA staff for their professionalism over the years, and we look forward to continued collaboration on practical, science-based approaches.”

U.S. dairy farmers have a long record of continuous environmental improvement, and NMPF will keep working with EPA, USDA, land-grant universities and its member cooperatives to build on that progress.

EPA’s decision marks the second win for dairy farmers in the last week. On Oct. 29, USDA announced $165.5 million in Section 32 dairy purchases, which NMPF welcomed as timely support for demand during a difficult stretch for milk prices.



USDA Announces $472.5 Million Food Purchase to Support U.S. Producers and Strengthen America’s Food Supply

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its intent to purchase up to $472.5 million in American-grown and American-raised agricultural commodities to distribute to the charitable food network and other nutrition assistance programs.

"America's farmers, ranchers, and fishermen grow and harvest the safest, highest-quality food in the world, and President Trump is making sure their hard work is being rewarded," said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Today's $472.5 million investment moves American milk, cheese, lentils, almonds, rice, catfish, and more, straight from our farms to those in need, rather than being wasted. We are committed to putting farmers first in the Trump Administration and through actions like this we can Make America Healthy Again."

Section 32 purchases are one of USDA's most direct tools for supporting producers when market conditions are tight. This action:
    Helps stabilize agricultural markets. Through Section 32 authority, USDA can direct funding to support commodity markets during periods of imbalance, helping to steady prices and assist producers when they face economic hardship or sudden disruptions. This mechanism provides timely relief and contributes to maintaining a more stable and resilient agricultural economy.
    Reaches producers in every region. From pulse growers on the Northern Plains and in the Pacific Northwest, to tree nut, raisin, and citrus growers, to catfish farmers in the South, rice growers, pork and poultry producers, and the West Coast's Pacific whiting fleet, these dollars flow to farm country nationwide.
    Supports rural jobs. Every purchase supports the processors, packers, haulers, and workers who move food from the farm to the table, keeping dollars circulating in rural economies.

Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration nutrition assistance programs and are a vital component of the nation’s nutrition safety net.

USDA AMS will purchase $472.5 million of the following commodities:
    Chickpeas ($20 million)
    Lentils ($29 million)
    Split Peas ($37 million)
    Dried Fruit Mix ($10 million)
    Raisins ($25 million)
    Grapefruit ($10 million)
    Oranges ($10 million)
    Hazelnuts ($22 million)
    Almonds ($30 million)
    Pacific Whiting ($12 million)
    Farm-raised Catfish ($20 million)
    Pork ($41 million)
    Chicken ($20 million)
    Dairy ($165.5 million)
    Rice ($21 million)



Vylor Joins ASA to Continue Legacy of Young Leader Program

The American Soybean Association today announced Vylor will become the official sponsor of ASA’s Young Leader program, continuing decades of support from its heritage companies for the association’s longest-running leadership development program as it enters its 43rd year.

The newly renamed ASA Vylor Young Leader Program builds on a longstanding commitment to identifying and developing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will serve as voices for American farmers. The program equips soybean farmers and aspiring leaders with the training, skills, and connections needed to pursue leadership opportunities across agriculture. Vylor assumes the partnership following its separation from Corteva Agriscience.

“Developing strong farmer leaders is critical to the future of our industry, and the Young Leader program has been doing that work for more than four decades,” said ASA President Scott Metzger, an Ohio soybean farmer and member of the 2012 Young Leader class. “I have seen the impact of this program both as a participant and now as ASA president. Young Leader alumni are leading soybean organizations, advocating for farmers, and helping shape the future of our industry. We appreciate Vylor’s commitment to carrying that legacy forward.”

Through hands-on leadership and communications training, participants deepen their knowledge of the soybean industry while building lasting connections with growers from across the country. The program’s impact is reflected in its alumni who have gone on to lead state soybean associations, serve on the ASA board and executive committee, and represent soybean farmers in some of the industry’s key policy and advocacy discussions.

“The Young Leader program has prepared multiple generations of soybean farmers to become effective leaders and advocates for our industry, and we are proud to carry this legacy forward through our new partnership with ASA and the Young Leader program,” said Paul Fariss, U.S. Industry Affairs Lead with Vylor. "We have a shared commitment to supporting farmers and investing in the future of agriculture, and this program will help ensure that the next generation of leaders have the knowledge, skills and opportunities to make a lasting impact on our industry.”

The 2026-2027 class will be the first to participate in the Young Leader program under the new partnership with Vylor. Phase I will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Johnston, Iowa.