Wednesday November 04 Ag News - NE NE Beef Update & Trade Show Nov 24 - Dec Calving Prep Workshops - Wahoo Meat Processor Receives USDA RD Funds - NE Ag Expo Celebrates 20 years - Virtual Fencing Webinar Series - and more!

Beef management and emerging technology featured at Norfolk Nov. 24

Nebraska Extension and Northeast Community College will host the 2026 Northeast Nebraska Beef Update and Tradeshow on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Norfolk. The event offers cattle producers an opportunity to learn about current beef production issues, emerging technologies and management strategies for the coming year. 

The program will be held at the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex, 2301 E. Benjamin Ave., Norfolk. An optional hands-on session will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by the main program from 5 to 9 p.m. 

The program will bring together industry representatives, university experts and local producers to discuss practical approaches to improving cattle management, productivity and profitability. 

An optional practical session from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. will feature a Bud Box cattle-handling demonstration, biometric ear tags and applications for data collection and management in beef operations. 

The evening program will begin at 5 p.m. with an update from Nebraska Cattlemen, followed by presentations on beef cow reproductive traits and their importance in herd selection, as well as winter cow feeding and backgrounding strategies. 

Following supper and an opportunity to visit with tradeshow exhibitors, the program will shift to pasture and herd management concerns. Topics will include a review of 2026 pasture conditions and an outlook for 2027, along with the current status of New World screwworm and key considerations for cattle producers. 

The evening will conclude with a producer panel discussing the use of technology in the cow herd. Panelists will share practical experiences and perspectives on adopting new tools and technologies in their operations. 

Registration is $15 per person.  Students may attend free of charge by reaching out for a promo code. Supper is included in the evening program. Advance registration is required. 

For a complete agenda and to register, visit 2026 Northeast Nebraska Beef Update and Tradeshow web site here:  https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/10384/. 

For more information or accommodation requests, contact Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension, at bbeckman3@unl.edu or 402-254-6821. 



Nebraska Extension to offer calving workshops, webinar for beef producers

Nebraska Extension will offer a series of hands-on calving workshops and a free webinar in December 2026 and January 2027 to help beef producers prepare for calving season and improve outcomes for cows and newborn calves.

Led by Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance and Dr. Becky Funk, professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, the programs will cover the stages of labor, when and how to assist during birth, managing abnormal presentations, calf resuscitation and practices to keep both cows and calves healthy.

"Calving season is one of the most important times of year for cow-calf producers," said Waechter-Mead.  

"Our goal is to help producers recognize when assistance is needed and give them the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately."

The in-person workshops will provide participants with an opportunity to practice calving techniques using a life-sized cow and calf model. This hands-on approach allows producers to work through common calving challenges and develop practical skills they can apply to their own operations.

In-person workshop dates and locations include:
    Dec. 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. — Elwood Civic Center, Elwood, Nebraska. Meal sponsor to be announced.
    Dec. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. — Alma Country Club, Alma, Nebraska. Meal sponsored by Harlan County Meat Processors, Republican Valley Animal Center and Harlan County Cattlemen’s Association.
    Jan. 19, 2027, at 1 p.m. — Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), Ithaca, Nebraska.
    Jan. 20, 2027, at 1 p.m. — Tecumseh Community Building, 355 Clay St., Tecumseh, Nebraska.
    Jan. 21, 2027, at 10 a.m. — Fillmore County Extension Office, Geneva, Nebraska. Meal sponsored by Farmers and Ranchers College.

Registration is $20 per in-person workshop. Participants will also earn two Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) continuing education credits toward BQA recertification.

In addition to the workshops, Nebraska Extension will host a free live webinar Jan. 18, 2027, from noon to 2 p.m. Central time. The webinar will cover core calving management topics, providing an opportunity for producers to strengthen their knowledge ahead of the calving season.

Registration is required for both the webinar and in-person workshops. To register or learn more, visit https://go.unl.edu/calvingcollege2027.  For additional information, contact Lindsay Waechter-Mead at lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu



USDA Invests $250,000 in Meat Processing Facility in Wahoo

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Nebraska State Director Neil Moseman announced the USDA will invest $250,000 in Nebraska through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) Phase 4.

“Local meat processors play an important role in serving producers and consumers throughout rural Nebraska,” said Moseman. “USDA Rural Development is committed to supporting rural businesses through programs like MPEPP that contribute to economic growth and help meet the needs of their communities.”

Wahoo Locker LLC, in Saunders County, Nebraska, will receive a $250,000 MPPEP grant to purchase automated packaging equipment for pork and beef products at its meat processing facility. This investment will help the facility operate more efficiently, increase production, and strengthen its potential for revenue growth.

The primary purpose of MPPEP Phase 4 is to support the beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and opening local market opportunities. The applicant’s facility must primarily process cattle in order for the project to be eligible for the program, however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials.



Nebraska Beef Summit to highlight timely production and industry challenges

Beef producers, agricultural professionals, students and industry partners are invited to attend the 2026 Nebraska Beef Summit on Dec. 9 at the Younes Convention Center in Kearney. This year's summit will be held in conjunction with the Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show, bringing together producers, researchers and industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the beef industry.

Organized by University of Nebraska–Lincoln students, the summit will feature university specialists, veterinarians, economists and industry representatives addressing topics across the beef supply chain, including herd rebuilding, heifer-retention economics, cattle health, carcass value and international beef demand.

Two featured afternoon presentations will examine trends influencing the beef industry's future. Ty Lawrence, professor of animal science and director of the Beef Carcass Research Center at West Texas A&M University, will present "Where Does the Growth Stop? Strategic Insights into the Trend of Continually Heavier Finishing Weights." Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, will discuss "Why Exports Are Critical for the U.S. Beef Supply Chain."

With producers evaluating opportunities for herd expansion, the summit will also address heifer development and retention decisions. Shelby Rosasco, assistant professor and Extension beef specialist at the University of Wyoming, will present "Positioned for Expansion: Heifer Development Strategies for Improved Retention." Tyler W. Cozzens of the Livestock Marketing Information Center will follow with an economic and market outlook for heifer retention.

Additional sessions will explore autonomous feed trucks, heart failure risk in beef cattle, mineral programs, Beef Quality Assurance, generational transition planning, bovine theileriosis and the Asian longhorned tick.

Registration and networking will begin at 8 a.m., with presentations starting at 8:15 a.m. The summit is scheduled to conclude at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Registration is coordinated through Nebraska Cattlemen. The complete agenda, registration information and sponsorship opportunities are available at go.unl.edu/beefsummit.

For more information, contact Kacie McCarthy at 402-472-6074 or kacie.mccarthy@unl.edu.



Nebraska Ag Expo Celebrates 20 Years of Agricultural Innovation and Growth

The Nebraska Ag Expo will celebrate its 20th anniversary December 8-10, 2026, at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln. The milestone honors two decades of connecting farmers and ranchers with the equipment, technology, knowledge, and people moving agriculture forward.

The inaugural Nebraska Power Farming Show was held at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln in 2007, with 300 companies occupying 655 booth spaces across two buildings. Produced by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA), the event was modeled after INEDA’s successful Iowa Power Farming Show, now the Iowa Ag Expo. Its December timing and accessible northeast Lincoln location quickly appealed to producers and exhibitors alike.

“When we opened the doors in 2007, our goal was to build a show that served farmers and ranchers by bringing the best equipment, ideas, and people in agriculture together,” said Tom Junge, senior expo director and founder of the show. “Watching it grow from two buildings into the second-largest indoor farm show in the country has been one of the proudest accomplishments of my career.”

In April 2020, the show was renamed the Nebraska Ag Expo to reflect the evolution of agriculture and the event itself. Today, nearly 760 exhibitors occupy 2,200 booth spaces spanning 9.2 acres in five buildings, making it the second-largest indoor agricultural show in the United States. With additional expansion planned at the Sandhills Global Event Center, its future looks brighter than ever.

The anniversary also marks a meaningful leadership transition. Junge will retire October 1 after 33 years of dedication to the farm show industry, passing the torch to Expo Director Andy Tank.

“Tom built this show with a clear understanding of what producers and exhibitors need,” Tank said. “It is an honor to carry that tradition forward. We will protect what has made the Nebraska Ag Expo successful while continuing to expand the innovation, education, and connections that prepare agriculture for what comes next.”

As the Nebraska Ag Expo celebrates 20 Years Strong, attendees, exhibitors, and industry partners are invited to help recognize the people, relationships, and innovations that have shaped the show since 2007—and look ahead to its next chapter.

The 2026 Nebraska Ag Expo will be held December 8-10 at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N. 84th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Parking is free. Show hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday. Advance admission is $5, compared with $10 at the door.

For tickets, exhibitor information, floor plans, the show schedule, and 20th anniversary updates, visit NebraskaAgExpo.com. Follow @NebraskaAgExpo on Facebook, Instagram, X, SnapChat, and TikTok.
About the Nebraska Ag Expo

The Nebraska Ag Expo is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA). The 2026 Expo is generously supported by Diamond Sponsors: Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect; Gold Sponsors: Sukup Manufacturing Company and Stine Seed Company; Silver Sponsors: Nebraska Farm Bureau, Spraytec, and TractorHouse/AuctionTime; and Bronze Sponsors: IronHorse Land Company, and GRANIT PARTS, USA.



Nebraska Extension virtual fencing webinar series set for Nov. 17, 19 and 23

Nebraska Extension will host a three-part virtual fencing webinar series Nov. 17, 19 and 23 to help beef cattle producers explore the technology, compare available systems and learn from producers who have incorporated virtual fencing into their grazing management practices.

The 2026 UNL Virtual Fencing Pitch and Panel Webinar Series will be held online from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Central time (6 to 7:30 p.m. Mountain time) each evening. The webinars are free to attend, and each session will conclude with a panel discussion.

The series will bring together University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers, virtual fencing companies and livestock producers to discuss current research, available technologies and practical experiences with virtual fencing.

The webinar schedule includes:
    Nov. 17 — Virtual Fencing Research Updates: Researchers will discuss cattle stress responses, separating groups within a pasture, rangeland grazing, strip grazing and grazing move frequency. The session will also cover potential future cost-share programs for Nebraska producers.
    Nov. 19 — Product Pitches and App Walkthroughs: Representatives from Halter, Monil, Nofence and eShepherd (Gallagher) will provide an overview of their virtual fencing systems, including product features, platforms and app demonstrations.
    Nov. 23 — Producer Perspectives: Livestock producers who have adopted virtual fencing will share their experiences, including benefits, challenges, lessons learned and what they wish they had known before implementing the technology.

The series is designed to help producers better understand how virtual fencing systems work, evaluate available options and consider how the technology might fit into their grazing operations.

Attendance is free thanks to sponsorship support from Halter, Monil, Nofence and eShepherd (Gallagher).

Participants can register at https://go.unl.edu/26vf. Registered participants will receive instructions for accessing the webinars.

For more information, contact Marissa Eekhoff at meekhoff2@unl.edu or 402-472-5233, or Aaron Berger at aberger2@unl.edu or 308-235-3122.



USDA Invests $2.17 Million to Expand Iowa Meat Processing Capacity, Strengthen Competition and Support Ranchers

Recently, Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced that processors in 40 states would receive $57 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), this includes $2.171 million for two Iowa processors to expand their capacity and create new and better markets.

“Iowa farmers and ranchers have been striving to meet increasing demands for locally raised meat and poultry products,” said USDA Rural Development Director for Iowa Michael Sexton. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Rollins, USDA is taking action to spur meat industry productivity and foster value-added farming and ranching practices that lead to a strengthened food supply chain. We know these USDA investments will bring value to rural communities and businesses.”

In Iowa, the following processors received MPPEP grants: 
    Dayton Meats Products received a $171,459 grant. Dayton Meat Products, located in Malcom in Poweshiek County, will use grant funds to purchase and install meat processing equipment to expand value-added meat processing capacity, alleviate a key production bottleneck, improve efficiency, enhance food safety and product consistency, and increase opportunities for independent livestock producers and toll-processing customers. The new equipment will enable greater production of smoked and cooked meat products, reduce processing delays, support business growth, and create additional jobs.
    Upper Iowa Beef received a $2,000,000 grant. Upper Iowa Beef, an independently owned beef harvest and processing facility in Lime Springs in Howard County, opened in 2017. MPPEP funds will be used to address key bottlenecks related to animal harvest, offal and byproducts, and warehousing. As a result of these improvements, the business will create dozens of new jobs and increase procurement of local cattle.

MPPEP is managed by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Services and provides grants to help eligible independent processors expand their capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the program to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the United States meat processing sector and improve supply chain resiliency.

USDA has awarded more than $200 million to independent businesses under the MPPEP program. These projects have created thousands of jobs across the country. Learn more about USDA’s investments to strengthen the meat and poultry supply chain at usda.gov/meat.



USDA Highlights Funding to Beef Producers for Value-Added Agriculture Projects in Iowa

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today highlighted fiscal year 2026 awards to agricultural producers in Iowa made through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program to amplify the program’s reach. 

“This funding can help create additional options for farmers and other ag producers as they seek new revenue streams. They can use the grant funds from this program to develop value-added agricultural products, pay processing costs, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies,” said USDA Rural Development Director for Iowa Michael Sexton. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA is supporting innovative Iowa producers as they expand markets, strengthen local food accessibility, and help build a more resilient food supply chain.”

USDA Rural Development is investing $26.5 million in 194 agricultural projects across the country, with $11.6 million going to 80 beef producer projects. 

In Iowa, the following awards for fiscal year 2026 are:
    O'Connell Organic Acres LLC, a family-owned and operated farm business in Dubuque County, Iowa, received a $199,762 grant to provide working capital. This project will fund hired-labor expenses, marketing, processing, and purchasing supplies and e-commerce software to support meat and poultry production. Farm products include grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and poultry.     
    Blair Carney Farms LLC received a $48,000 grant, which will fund marketing and processing activities for the family-owned and operated company in Adair County, Iowa. This project will help the company expand its market for multiple Black Angus beef food products.

Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program are typically accepted for processing from agricultural producers between January and May, depending on when program funding is allocated.



USDA Awards $51.9 Million to 29 Partnership Projects to Combat Feral Swine on American Agricultural Lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $51.9 million to 29 partnership projects in 13 states to help partners respond to the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health. The awarded projects are part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working together to target feral swine.

“Feral swine pose a threat to America’s working lands, and through this program, we’re bringing together America’s agricultural producers and partners to combat feral swine and protect agricultural landscapes,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “The selected projects will take critical steps to eradicate and control feral swine across the nation where their impact is creating the most harm.”

“Feral swine continue to inflict serious damage on America’s farms, ranches, and natural resources, " said APHIS Administrator Kelly Moore. "APHIS looks forward to continuing to work with NRCS partners to augment and strengthen our efforts to eradicate and control feral swine populations for the benefit of agricultural and natural resources. Together, we can and will advance the eradication of feral swine and reduce the harm they cause to American farmers and the nation’s natural resources.”

Projects were awarded in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The funding for the projects was provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which delivers the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades.

Feral swine can have significant negative impacts on plant and wildlife habitats, soils, water quality, as well as other natural resources. Livestock and humans are also susceptible to diseases carried by feral swine.

The partners selected to participate in the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program will provide landowner assistance for restoration and on-farm trapping efforts and provide related services, like training. Funding for these services will be provided through grant agreements between partners and NRCS. 

All projects will be a collaborative and coordinated effort among the selected partner, NRCS and APHIS.