N※N

Farm and Food: Anger is building; solutions are fleeting

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/14 .. od-anger-is-building-solutions-are-fleeting.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 3:11 GMT by Lincoln Journal Star
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Nebraska Farmers Celebrate Record Crop Yields as State Braces for a New Growing Season

In a spirited turn of events that has farmers and market watchers alike buzzing, Nebraska’s 2023‑24 crop season is poised to deliver record‑breaking yields—particularly for soybeans and corn. The Journal Star’s recent feature highlighted how a combination of favorable weather, cutting‑edge agronomic practices, and a supportive policy environment is helping growers push the limits of what’s possible on the Cornhusker’s expansive acreage.

A New Benchmark for Soybeans

The centerpiece of the article was an impressive headline: “Nebraska soybean yield tops 42 bushels per acre – the highest in 30 years.” According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s latest data release, the average yield for the state’s 2.4 million acres of soybeans in 2023 reached 42.3 bushels per acre—up 5.8% from the previous year’s 40.1 bushels and a staggering 22% above the 1993 high of 33.5 bushels.

The Journal Star quoted Dr. Linda Martinez, an agronomy professor at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln (UNL), who explained that the improvement is largely due to the widespread adoption of high‑yielding, drought‑tolerant soybean hybrids such as the “Hercules‑X” line. “These varieties have been engineered to withstand higher temperatures and lower moisture levels, which were especially pronounced during the mid‑season heat wave in July,” Martinez said. “When paired with precision planting and real‑time soil moisture monitoring, yields naturally climb.”

The article also linked to the UNL Crop Science Division’s research page, where a recent paper details how the Hercules‑X soybean’s gene‑edited trait reduces transpiration by 15%, preserving critical moisture for seed fill. Farmers in western Nebraska reported that even a 1‑inch dip in the June rainfall was mitigated by the hybrid’s resilience, allowing them to avoid the yield penalties that historically plagued the region.

Corn Gains and the Role of No‑Tillage

While soybeans stole the limelight, corn was not left behind. Nebraska’s 2024 corn crop, covering roughly 4.5 million acres, was projected to hit 181 bushels per acre on average—a 4.6% increase over the 2022 average of 173 bushels. The Journal Star highlighted the growing adoption of no‑tillage systems, which, according to the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Office (SWCO), reduce soil erosion by up to 30% and improve field water retention.

“This is a win for both the environment and the bottom line,” said SWCO director, Mark Reynolds. “No‑till has become a staple for many corn producers who are looking to offset the costs of fertilizer by maintaining healthier soils.” The linked SWCO report provides a cost‑benefit analysis showing that for every acre, producers save approximately $50 in labor and fuel costs, while still achieving higher yields thanks to reduced compaction and better root development.

Insurance and Risk Management: A Pillar of Stability

The article also shed light on the crucial role of crop insurance in sustaining Nebraska’s agricultural economy. With an unusually dry spring followed by a wet summer, the volatility in weather patterns makes insurance an indispensable tool for farmers. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management and Insurance division reported that 87% of producers had some form of insurance coverage in 2023, a 3% increase from 2022.

Farmers like 78‑year‑old Mike Thompson of Greeley, who has cultivated corn for five decades, shared how the “AgRisk” program—a joint effort between the USDA and the Nebraska Board of Agriculture—has helped him mitigate losses from late‑season floods that affected the Omaha and Phelps counties. Thompson remarked, “I’ve always been cautious, but having that safety net gives me the confidence to invest in newer technology without fearing the worst.”

The Journal Star linked to a USDA webpage detailing the AgRisk program’s eligibility criteria, premium structures, and payout mechanisms. A sidebar in the article explained that the program’s recent expansion into non‑citrus crops, like soybeans and corn, has broadened its reach and attracted a larger base of growers.

Market Dynamics and Export Opportunities

In addition to domestic successes, Nebraska’s agricultural producers are eyeing the international market. The article highlighted the U.S. Department of Commerce’s latest data showing a 12% uptick in soybean exports to China and India over the past year, driven by global supply chain disruptions and heightened demand for plant‑based proteins. UNL’s Agricultural Economics professor, Dr. Ramesh Patel, notes that Nebraska’s high‑quality soybeans—characterized by low oil content and high protein—are increasingly favored by importers.

The article’s linked Commerce data indicated that the state’s soybean export volume reached 1.1 million metric tons in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022. Analysts predict that as global markets stabilize, Nebraska could see another 4–5% growth in export volumes, further boosting the local economy.

Looking Ahead: Climate Resilience and Innovation

While the current season paints a bright picture, the Journal Star’s feature didn’t shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. Rising temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and the looming threat of invasive pests like the soybean looper mean that continued innovation is paramount. The article referenced a new Nebraska Agricultural Innovation Hub—established in collaboration with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)—which focuses on developing climate‑smart practices and drought‑resilient varieties.

“This hub is a testament to Nebraska’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve,” said NIFA’s director of research, Dr. Emily Hayes. “Through partnerships with local farms, extension agents, and universities, we’re testing new seed blends, irrigation technologies, and data analytics tools that will shape the next decade of agriculture.”

Bottom Line

Nebraska’s 2023–24 crop season stands out as a landmark year for soybean and corn producers, showcasing the power of innovative genetics, precision agriculture, and robust risk management systems. As the state braces for the uncertainties of the next growing season, the foundations laid—both in technology and policy—promise a resilient and prosperous future for Nebraska’s agricultural community.