AGP Executive Report

Grain Markets: Soybeans fell to a two-month low as Brazil’s election result sent the real tumbling, adding pressure to U.S. prices amid harvest-season selling. Fertilizer Manufacturing: A federal investment package totaling $1.34 billion is advancing eight projects to expand domestic production; Nebraska is among the states slated for new facilities. Crop Data: USDA corrected a processing error in its September corn report that affected Kansas and Nebraska yield and production estimates. Corn growers say the mistake hurt prices and farmer confidence in the agency. Food Processing: UNL’s Food Innovation Center is using high-pressure processing to help Nebraska food businesses improve safety and shelf life, with a public open house planned Oct. 30. Power Capacity: Omaha’s limited electricity capacity could constrain the region’s growth, raising a key infrastructure challenge for Nebraska employers and new development. Agricultural Technology: Nebraska’s new ag-data privacy law sets rules for farm information, while Claas is opening a research and development center in the state.

Fertilizer Manufacturing: USDA selected eight projects in a $1.34 billion push to expand U.S. fertilizer production. A proposed multistate project that includes Nebraska could receive nearly $100 million in federal funding to install modular ammonia units. Farm Data and Technology: USDA corrected September corn figures for Nebraska and Kansas after a processing error affected yield and production estimates, drawing sharp criticism from growers. CLAAS has also opened a new research and development center in Nebraska, while a new state law establishes protections for agricultural data. Power and Growth: Omaha’s available electricity capacity is tightening, raising concerns that the shortage could constrain business expansion as a Google data-center project moves forward. Land and Livestock: A 40,000-acre Nebraska ranch sold for $56 million to Texas buyers planning a major cattle operation. U.S. ranchers, meanwhile, are criticizing a tariff pause that has boosted Brazilian beef imports.

Fertilizer Manufacturing: Vice President JD Vance touted a $1.34 billion investment in fertilizer manufacturing, with new plants planned for Nebraska and the potential to lower costs for 32,000 farmers. Omaha’s Growth: The metro area is running short on power capacity, a constraint that could hinder business expansion. Construction and Housing: Omaha was selected for a Bloomberg program offering up to $750,000 and expert support to boost housing, including accessory dwelling units. Nebraska construction employers filed 159 H-1B petitions in 2025, up 52.9% from 2024; 158 were approved. Manufacturing: Claas opened a Nebraska research and development center, while Pacific Engineering opened a North Omaha facility and secured a Navy contract. Rural Energy: A new USDA rule may make energy grants harder for small farms and rural businesses to access by requiring projects to be completed and operated before applicants seek funding.

Construction Workforce: Nebraska construction employers filed 159 H-1B petitions in 2025, up 52.9% from 2024; 158 were approved. Kiewit Engineering Group led with 82 filings. Agricultural Talent: Nebraska FFA members earned two national championships and several top-five finishes. Gothenburg’s Carson Reiman won titles in public speaking and vegetable production. Power & Growth: OPPD projects less than 100 megawatts may be available for new or expanding large customers in coming years, raising concerns about Omaha’s ability to attract major employers as electricity demand climbs. Farm Inputs: USDA selected eight fertilizer projects representing $1.34 billion in proposed investment, with projects announced during Vice President JD Vance’s Nebraska visit. The effort aims to expand domestic supply and ease costs for farmers. Ag Equipment Innovation: Claas opened a new research and development center in Nebraska.

Agriculture Talent: Nebraska FFA members earned two national championships and multiple top-five finishes at the convention in Indianapolis; Gothenburg’s Carson Reiman won titles in public speaking and vegetable production. Farm Investment: Vice President JD Vance announced a $1.34 billion federal push for domestic fertilizer manufacturing, including projects in Nebraska, aimed at expanding supply and easing farmers’ reliance on imports. Manufacturing: Claas opened a larger Omaha research and development center to test farm machinery in North American conditions, adding capacity to a campus that already employs more than 250 people. Crop Data: USDA acknowledged a processing error affecting September corn figures for Nebraska and Kansas, but left its October U.S. yield forecast unchanged at 181.2 bushels per acre. Ag Technology: A new Nebraska law taking effect Jan. 1 will recognize farmers’ ownership and control of data generated on their farms. Infrastructure: The Army Corps authorized NDOT’s Highway 12 project in northeast Nebraska, clearing a federal permitting step for roadway rehabilitation.

Fertilizer Manufacturing: Vice President JD Vance announced a $1.34 billion federal push for domestic fertilizer production during a North Platte visit. Nebraska projects are included, but locations, timelines and job estimates have not been released. Farm Data Rights: A new Nebraska law taking effect Jan. 1 will give farmers ownership and control of data generated on their farms, setting a precedent as other states consider similar rules. Crop Reporting: USDA acknowledged a processing error in September corn data for Nebraska and Kansas, but left its October national yield forecast unchanged at 181.2 bushels per acre. Fuel Supply: Gov. Jim Pillen eased rules for fuel haulers amid Omaha-area station shortages, as harvest demand strains deliveries. Beef Market: Three months of record-low feedlot placements point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, but slow marketings and heavier carcasses are helping packers retain leverage. Agriculture Talent: Gothenburg FFA’s Carson Reiman won national titles in vegetable production and prepared public speaking, showcasing a student-built potato business.

Transport: NDOT has closed the Highway 15 Platte River Bridge south of Schuyler for emergency repairs, disrupting a key local route while the repair timeline is assessed. Fertilizer Manufacturing: A $1.34 billion federal-backed package will support eight projects across 16 states. Nebraska’s TalusAg project is slated for nearly $100 million to deploy modular ammonia units, aiming to expand domestic supply and ease farmers’ costs. Factory Investment: Lindsay Corp. plans to spend $90 million modernizing its Nebraska plant with robotic assembly lines and a 60,000-square-foot galvanizing facility expected to open in December. Food Processing Jobs: Nebraska has taken a major hit from plant closures and layoffs, including about 3,200 jobs lost at Tyson’s Lexington plant and 450 at Kellogg’s Omaha facility. Growth Constraints: Omaha-area power capacity is running low, raising concerns that electricity limits could hinder the region’s ability to attract and grow businesses.

Transportation: The Platte River bridge on Nebraska 15 south of Schuyler is closed for emergency repairs after an inspection; NDOT has not yet set a reopening date. Fertilizer Investment: Vice President JD Vance announced a $1.3 billion nationwide fertilizer push in North Platte, including USDA grants and private investment. TalusAg plans two Nebraska facilities, part of an effort expected to expand domestic supply and ease farmers’ costs. Growth Constraints: Omaha’s limited power capacity could hinder the region’s ability to attract new businesses and support expansion. Manufacturing: Pacific Engineering opened a North Omaha facility and secured a Navy contract; a Minden aerospace company was named Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year. Beef Processing: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says announcements are coming on plans involving shuttered Tyson plants, but has not said whether Lexington’s former plant is included. Fuel Logistics: Amid Omaha-area gas shortages, Gov. Jim Pillen extended fuel haulers’ operating hours to help keep deliveries moving.

Power and Growth: Omaha Public Power District expects less than 100 megawatts of capacity for new or expanding large customers in coming years, raising concerns about Nebraska’s ability to attract major employers. A large data center can require about 1,000 megawatts; typical residential and commercial growth is not at risk. Manufacturing: Pacific Engineering opened a 150,000-square-foot facility in North Omaha, the first business at the Omaha Airport Business Park. The defense contractor also won a Navy contract to develop a next-generation missile prototype and expects to offer salaries around $74,000. Agriculture: USDA’s October report raised Nebraska’s projected corn yield by 11 bushels per acre from September, contributing to higher national production estimates and pressure on corn markets. Recent rain also eased drought in parts of Nebraska. Economic Development: Nebraska’s economic development director defended management of a roughly $235 million North and South Omaha grant program amid lawmakers’ concerns about communication with recipients and whether projects can meet the December 2027 spending deadline.

Manufacturing: Pacific Engineering opened a 150,000-square-foot facility at Omaha’s North Omaha Business Park and secured a U.S. Navy contract to make components supporting national defense technology. Consumer Finance: A multistate settlement will cancel $2.65 million in Snap Finance lease payments owed by Nebraska consumers, who can keep their purchases. Agricultural Technology: UNL’s new Nebraska Digital Ag Hub brings researchers, producers and industry partners together to develop and scale digital tools for farms. Fuel Supply: Gov. Jim Pillen extended fuel-hauler hours as harvest demand and supply disruptions left some Omaha gas stations short. Jobs: Nebraska’s unemployment rate held steady in September, with mining and construction leading job growth. Data Centers: Lancaster County’s new task force will develop recommendations for regulating rural data-center development.

Agriculture: USDA payments totaling more than $900 million are headed to Nebraska farmers, ranchers and landowners, providing operating and conservation support as producers harvest a difficult crop year. Fuel & Logistics: With shortages reported at Nebraska gas stations, Gov. Jim Pillen extended fuel haulers’ work hours and allowed loads up to 10% overweight through Nov. 18 to help keep deliveries moving. Manufacturing & Jobs: A $1 million state grant helped Hornady Manufacturing expand its Grand Island facility and add jobs. Separately, September job gains in Nebraska were led by mining and construction. Bioeconomy: Nebraska’s strengths in agriculture, biosciences, renewable fuels and animal health could support more investment and high-quality jobs, according to a new industry-focused commentary. Infrastructure: Gretna approved bond financing for a $32 million I-80 interchange at 192nd Street and Capehart Road, a project aimed at easing traffic as Sarpy County grows.

Fuel Supply: Omaha stations reported outages as distributors struggled to keep up; Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order to ease fuel deliveries amid harvest demand. Farm Costs: Nebraska producers raised concerns about rising input costs in a roundtable with Sens. Pete Ricketts and John Thune. The federal government also announced $8 billion in one-time farm payments tied to planted acreage and crop type, though farm advocates called the aid a short-term fix. Jobs: Nebraska’s September unemployment rate held at 2.9%. Mining and construction led year-over-year job gains, adding 4,899 positions, while manufacturing added 189 jobs over the month. Power Grid: OPPD reported high electricity demand and growing transmission congestion, with about 800 miles of new lines and two power stations planned or underway. Inflation is raising infrastructure costs. Household Costs: Home insurance premiums in Nebraska rose 79% over the past decade, outpacing inflation and adding pressure to household budgets.

Harvest and Fuel: Nebraska’s delayed harvest has strained fuel supplies and driven up costs. Gov. Jim Pillen’s executive order eases truck driving-hour limits and allows fuel haulers to carry loads 10% heavier. Farm Relief: USDA announced $8 billion in one-time payments for farmers facing higher input costs and market disruptions; rates will be based on acreage and national cost estimates, not each farm’s fuel bills. Ag Technology: UNL’s Spur Ventures is connecting Nebraska producers, startups, investors and students to grow the state’s ag-tech sector, with AgConverge set for Grand Island Nov. 17–18. Renewable Fuels: Rep. Mike Flood joined a bipartisan push to let domestic vessels using renewable fuels qualify for federal credits, potentially opening a new market for fuels made from farm waste. Retail Growth: Trader Joe’s plans to add a Nebraska store as part of a 30-location expansion across 16 states.

Harvest and Fuel: Nebraska farmers are facing diesel costs more than $2.50 a gallon above last year, along with weak crop prices and uncertainty over export markets. The squeeze is also hitting Omaha drivers: stations reported fuel shortages, with the state petroleum group calling supplies tighter than usual as harvest demand and seasonal refinery work strain distribution. Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order to help address supply. Energy and Jobs: Google is putting $6 million toward OPPD and United Way programs for household bill assistance, efficiency upgrades and workforce development; eligible home improvements could cut energy bills by up to 30%. Livestock: Nebraska Extension will offer a November webinar series to help cattle producers compare feed options and manage higher hay costs. Transportation: Midland Public Transit takes over rural Hall County service Nov. 2, with the county estimating the arrangement could cost $95,000 to $100,000 less than the previous two years. Rail Investment: Sen. Deb Fischer announced more than $43 million in federal grants for Nebraska rail projects.

Agritourism: Nebraska farmers and ranchers can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to add farm stays or visitor attractions, offering a new way to diversify income. Agriculture Workforce: Chambers native Claire Woeppel is wrapping up a year as a national FFA leader, spotlighting the role of agricultural education in developing future talent. Rail Investment: Sen. Deb Fischer announced more than $43 million in federal grants for Nebraska rail projects, supporting the state’s freight network. Critical Minerals: Federal officials renewed backing for the Elk Creek project, with the Export-Import Bank targeting financing for about 65% of its upfront costs. Industrial Redevelopment: Lexington is seeking new industry for the former beef-plant site as Tyson sells assets.

Retail Workforce: Nebraska retailers filed 42 H-1B petitions in 2025, up 23.5% from 2024; 41 were approved. Nebraska Furniture Mart led the sector with 23 filings. Grain Exports: Export Exchange 2026 wrapped up with a record 500-plus attendees from 48 countries, connecting global buyers with U.S. corn, distillers grains and other commodities. Rail Investment: Sen. Deb Fischer announced more than $43 million in federal grants for Nebraska rail projects. Critical Minerals: Federal energy officials visited the Elk Creek project, where EXIM reiterated its target to finance about 65% of upfront capital costs. Agriculture and Fuels: Sen. Pete Ricketts is pressing to retain E15 provisions in the proposed farm bill, while September rains may have damaged Nebraska’s soybean crop. Beef Industry: Tyson is selling assets to Lexington as the city looks to attract new industry to the former beef plant site.