Calving and Harvest Favorite Times for Sharon Portenier

A fourth-generation farmer in her family, Sharon Portenier was raised near Guide Rock, Nebraska. "I loved it growing up, even though I didn't get to run the tractor as much as I would have liked since I had brothers," she said. After marrying her husband Kif, they relocated to the Harvard farm that had been in his family for nearly 100 years. Other than a brief clerical stint filling in for a friend on maternity leave, Sharon has always worked on the farm. She handles the bookkeeping as well as helping with calving and harvest. On top of all that, she does laundry, cleans house, prepares meals and does the yard work. The mother of four daughters, Sharon has instilled a strong work ethic in her children.

"We're a family farm and we always made sure our girls understood that it takes the entire family to make it work," said Sharon. "The calves needed to be fed before they could go to the basketball game; there were things to do before we could move onto the fun stuff." At the same time, Sharon knows that her girls were able to have a life filled with great memories. "The girls got to take lunch out to the field to their dad and grandpa. We used to go camping out in the pasture where we had a pond stocked with fish. And I was there to see them off to school and pick them up at the school bus almost every day," she said. "We were able to make the afternoon school programs and athletic events."

As third-oldest daughter Jessie returns to the farm, Sharon appreciates having the additional help, especially with the cattle operation. "Owning livestock is a daily commitment. If you want to take a short vacation, you just can't take 350 cows to then kennel to have someone else take care of them," Sharon said. Calving starts in February and Nebraska's severe winter weather is typically a challenge to the newborn calves. "There have been many times that my husband and I will just stay in the pickup on a cold, wintry night and drive around every half hour or so to see if there's a new baby calf out there somewhere," she said. "If it's wet and cold, it's vital that you scoop them up and get them to the barn where they can be warm and dry to avoid getting sick. "That's another great benefit of having Jessie around--to help during this very busy time of year."

Like her daughter, Sharon is committed to providing the best care for the cattle they raise, while also understanding that some animals are raised for food, "You certainly get attached to the animals, but yet you're distanced from them," Sharon said. "They're on our farm for a purpose--to put meat on people's tables." Calving and harvest are Sharon's two favorite times of year. "Calving because we get to see those little babies being born and that new life is so good," she said. "And harvest because you get to reap the benefits of an entire year's work."

Corn Emergence at 90%

For the week ending June 5, 2016, temperatures averaged a few degrees above normal in eastern areas and near normal in the west, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall was limited to half an inch or less across most of the state. Field activities picked up as producers were able to get back into fields. Soybean planting was active, although wet spots remained in low-lying areas. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 6 short, 85 adequate, and 8 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 87 adequate, and 10 surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 20 fair, 67 good, and 11 excellent. Corn emerged was 90 percent, near 87 last year and the five-year average of 91.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE

Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE

Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE

Farm Women Ascend to Leadership Positions in Corn Organizations

Farm women are taking their place with their male counterparts to lead the corn industry in times of challenge and opportunity. A few examples include:

Debbie Borg, an Allen, Nebraska farmer, was appointed as District 4 director on the Nebraska Corn Board in 2013. She serves as chair of the Nebraska Corn Board's research committee and is a member of the Grower Services Action Team of the National Corn Growers Association. She also served as a director on the Nebraska Soybean Association for 9 years. "Farmers--both men and women--need to use their skill set to show the nation and the world how we care about our land, our livestock and our crops, and the people we are producing food, fiber, and fuel for," Debbie said. "According to credible statistics, women account for almost 85 percent of consumer spending in our country. Just by virtue of our gender, that means women in agriculture have a natural connection to the consumer, which gives us an urgent mission to share the positive story of agriculture in the consumer marketplace."

Deb Gangwish, a Shelton, Nebraska farmer, is the first woman in the Nebraska Corn Growers Association to be appointed to the board of directors since the organization was formed in 1972. Deb is a member of the current LEAD class and has recently challenged herself to becoming an even more active and involved advocate for agriculture in Nebraska. "I'm very excited to be engaged in agriculture at this level and I look forward to working with my fellow board members and other ag advocates to create opportunities for Nebraska's corn farmers," she said.

Pam Johnson, a Floyd, Iowa farmer, served as the first female president of the National Corn Growers Association during 2012-13. In that capacity she became the chief national spokesperson for America's corn farmers, testifying at Congressional hearings and representing the corn industry on national councils, organizations and initiatives. Prior to becoming NCGA president, Pam held a number of leadership and committee positions at the state and national levels.

Nebraska Corn on Track - 96% Planted, 78% Emerged

Photo courtesy of David City FFA Chapter

For the week ending May 29, 2016, numerous rain events limited planting activities, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Accumulations of an inch were common, with rainfall totals of three inches or more recorded across the southeast. Temperatures averaged two to four degrees above normal in the east, but near normal in the west. Crusting of soils was reported with some producers running pivots to help their crops emerge. There were 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 78 adequate, and 20 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 84 adequate, and 14 surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 26 fair, 62 good, and 10 excellent. Corn planted was 96 percent, near 93 last year and the five-year average of 97. Emerged was 78 percent, near 80 last year and 82 average. 

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.
Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE

Nebraska Corn 2016 Internships Announced

Seven Nebraska Students Selected to Represent Nebraska Corn in Internships

(L-R): Morgan Schilling, Laura Lundeen, Lauren Stohlmann,
Kelsey Scheer, Andrea Gurney & Colton Flower (Not Pictured, Maddy Breeling)

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska CornGrowers Association (NeCGA) are proud to support seven college students as interns starting this summer. 

Five of the seven interns will be hosted by national cooperators of NCB, including: the National Corn Growers Association in St. Louis, Missouri and Washington, D.C., the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Denver, Colorado and the U.S. Grains Council in Washington, D.C. and internationally in the Panama City, Panama office. The other two internship programs will be yearlong internships in the Nebraska Corn offices in Lincoln.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to offer these various internship opportunities to an excellent group of students,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director for the Nebraska Corn Board. “Nebraskans should be very proud of these bright and energetic collegiate candidates. They represent an insightful next generation of young people who will help bring a new dimension to producing food, feed, fuel and fiber for a growing world population.”

Below is a listing of students who were selected for this year's internships and a short description of what they'll be experiencing. You can keep up with these students and their experiences throughout the summer here on the blog under the "Interns 2016" label.

The National Corn Growers Association headquarters’ office in St. Louis, Missouri, will host Lauren Stohlmann of Murdock, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Lauren will be a senior in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be primarily working with market development on the American Ethanol NASCAR sponsorship as well as participating in a variety of other communications and grassroots activities.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) office in Washington, D.C. will host Colton Flower of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Colton will be a senior in Agricultural Education/Leadership with minors in Agribusiness-Entrepreneurship and Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During his internship, he will be involvedx with a variety of agricultural issues related to environmental regulations, transportation, free trade agreements, biotechnology, ethanol, and energy.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), located in Denver, Colorado will host Kelsey Scheer of St. Paul, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and USMEF. Kelsey will be a senior in Animal Science with a Production and Management option from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be assisting with beef, pork and lamb specific projects, as well as promotions and international relationship opportunities.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in Washington, DC will host Maddy Breeling of Omaha, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and USGC. Maddy will be a senior studying Global Studies, with minors in Business and National Security at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She will be working with the global programs team and assisting with preparation for international trade teams and other market development programs that help to develop demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products.

In cooperation with NCB, the U.S. Grains Council will also host Andrea Gurney from Torrington, Wyoming, as their international intern in the Panama City, Panama office. Andrea will be a senior majoring in Agricultural Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be working with the western hemisphere team on issues related to global trade in food and agricultural products, assisting with communication to importers. 

The NeCGA office in Lincoln is happy to welcome Laura Lundeen of Axtell, Nebraska, for a yearlong internship. Laura will be a junior in Agricultural Education with minors in Animal Science and Agronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will oversee NeCGA’s online communications as well as contribute to a variety of communication and outreach projects.

The NCB office in Lincoln is excited to welcome Morgan Schilling of McCook, Nebraska, for a yearlong internship. Morgan will be a senior studying Agricultural Education with a minor in Agronomy at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. As part of his internship, he will oversee Nebraska Corn’s crop progress report placement, contribute to communication programs and projects and will help coordinate educational and promotional activities.

“Nebraska Corn’s internship program has been engaging students for over 20 years and has been a great investment into Nebraska’s agricultural future.  As our board has observed, the educational and career advantages these internships have provided to students over the years, have been instrumental in motivating students go on to excel in agricultural focused careers,” added Brunkhorst.

One last look at my time as the NCB Intern

Exactly one year ago I was going through the training process for my internship. Morgan Zumpfe, the previous intern, did such a great job teaching me all about what the internship entailed and all of the duties that I would have for the upcoming year. Also during my time with Morgan, we attended the Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival in Grand Island, and taught Nebraska 4th graders about the importance of water to growing corn. Now, one year later, I have switched roles and am now training Morgan Schilling, who will be replacing me beginning this week as the new Nebraska Corn Board Intern. I know he will be a great addition to the Corn Board team.

During the past year, this internship has allowed me to learn so much about the agricultural industry. Attending ethanol promotions, traveling to Commodity Classic, going on the Nebraska Agribusiness Club Tour, and being a sponsor at Frog Fest were just a few of the highlights of my internship. Through all of my experiences, I have truly grown as an individual. Coming into this internship as a freshman with only one year of college under my belt, I was a little nervous about having an internship so soon, but I am so thankful that the staff at the Corn Board allowed me to have this great opportunity. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined, and this truly was a growing experience over the past year. Although I am sad that my time here has come to an end, I am so excited to see Morgan take over.

I want to extend my thanks especially to the Corn Board staff. These staff members have been there for me from day one, and have been the main reason of why I have enjoyed this internship so much. I can't think of a better group of individuals to come to work with each and every day. You will all truly be missed. Also, I want to thank all Nebraska corn farmers for their continuous support. It is your support that allows students like myself to attain these internships. It is internships like this that grow and develop our next generation of agricultural leaders.

Gov. Ricketts Highlights Benefits of Biofuels During Renewable Fuels Month

On Thursday, May 19, Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska and the importance of biofuels to Nebraska by kicking off a unique ethanol promotion at Sapp Brothers in Omaha.  The Governor previously designated May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska by signing a proclamation.

“With renewable fuels, we’re not only adding value to the crops we grow, but also expanding America’s domestic fuel supply while creating quality jobs all across our state,” Governor Ricketts said.  “Renewable fuels have a positive influence on our economic landscape in Nebraska.  By filling up with biofuels, you support Nebraska’s farm families and generate as much as $3 million in tax revenue for our rural communities.”

Nebraska’s economic prosperity is closely tied to agriculture, the state’s number one industry.  Nebraska ranks second national for ethanol production, which consumed 43 percent of the state’s corn crop in 2014 according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Both American Ethanol and soy biodiesel are clean-burning, renewable fuels made from homegrown Nebraska commodities.  These fuels and co-products greatly contribute to Nebraska’s economic vitality and make an impact across the entire country.  More than 1,500 people in rural Nebraska and more than 850,000 people nationwide are employed in the renewable fuels industry, according to a 2014 economic impact study released by Fuels America.

In addition to financial benefits, biodiesel and American Ethanol also provide many environmental and consumer benefits.  According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, some 70 percent of harmful air pollution is attributable to mobile sources such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and construction equipment.  Biodiesel reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent.  Similarly, American Ethanol is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that dramatically reduces the level of toxics added to gasoline, including proven and suspected carcinogens such as benzene, toluene, and xylene.

"When it comes to air quality, renewable biofuels such as American Ethanol and biodiesel burn cleaner and help make our air healthier,” Governor Ricketts noted.  “Renewable Fuels Month is a great way to bring awareness to the wide range of benefits biofuels provide.  Nebraska-produced biofuels are cost-effective, American-made, renewable, and better for our environment.”

In recognition of Renewable Fuels Month, Nebraska’s corn and soybean farmers announced they would give drivers in the Omaha metro cause to celebrate.  Renewable biofuels were offered at a steep discount from 4-7 p.m. at Sapp Bros. located at I-80 Exit 440 in Nebraska.

More photos of Renewable Fuels Month celebrations can be found here.

Corn Planted at 90% - Equal to Last Year

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

For the week ending May 22, 2016, dry conditions allowed producers to get back into fields and resume spring planting activities, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rain was experienced late in the week with an inch or more common in central and north central counties. Temperatures averaged two to six degrees below normal. Corn planting was winding up with producers focused on soybean acres. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 81 adequate, and 16 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 85 adequate, and 12 surplus.

Crop Progress: Corn planted was at 90 percent, equal to last year, and near the five-year average of 93. Emerged was at 51 percent, behind 68 last year and 62 average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE

May Proclaimed as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska

Biofuels Improve Economic Activity, Environment and Human Health Across the State

Ethanol and soy biodiesel have become major markets for Nebraska corn and soybeans—and are providing significant economic, environmental and consumer benefits. In recognition of the importance of renewable biofuels to the state, Governor Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska. 

Nebraska is the nation’s second largest ethanol producer, home to 25 ethanol plants with the capacity of more than two billion gallons of production. These plants, which employ more than 1,300 people, process more than 700 million bushels of corn a year into clean-burning ethanol as well as distillers grains, a high protein feed ingredient for livestock. Some Nebraska ethanol plants also produce carbon dioxide for bottling and food processing as well as corn oil for human food consumption.

Biodiesel production, which uses soybeans as a primary feedstock, is on the rise in Nebraska. A biodiesel plant in Beatrice is expected to begin commercial operation in 2016 with the capacity to produce 50 million gallons, requiring more than 33 million bushels of soybeans.

“Renewable biofuels have absolutely transformed the economic landscape in Nebraska,” said Ron Pavelka, a farmer from Glenvil and chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “The additional demand for Nebraska commodities created by renewable fuels production has created a new market for farmers, generated significant investment and tax revenue in rural communities, and created good paying jobs in areas of the state that really need them.” 

“The growth of renewable biofuels has helped reduce our nation’s dependence on imported petroleum, reduced prices at the pump and provided greater choice for consumers,” said David Merrell, a farmer from St. Edward and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “But perhaps the most important benefit of these fuels is their dramatically positive impact on the environment and on human health.”

For example, biodiesel reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent and reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 86 percent compared to its petroleum based counterpart. The 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel used in 2015 reduced the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by 18.2 million metric tons, the equivalent of removing 3.8 million cars from the road or planting 466 million trees.

Ethanol is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that dramatically reduces the level of toxics added to gasoline to increase octane, including proven and suspected carcinogens such as benzene, toluene and xylene. “Since these toxics do not completely combust in the engine, they enter the atmosphere through exhaust emissions and are directly connected to cancer, heart disease and asthma in humans,” Merrell added. “The more ethanol we add to gasoline, the lower the levels of these harmful toxics in the air we breathe.”


According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, some 70 percent of harmful air pollution is attributable to mobile sources such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses and construction equipment. “When consumers choose renewable biofuels at the pump, they are not only saving money and supporting a homegrown fuel, they are also making the choice for a better environment and cleaner, healthier air for their families,” Pavelka said.

Corn Planted at 74%, 30% Emerged

Photo Courtesy of Heartland FFA Chapter

For the week ending May 15, 2016, rain amounts of one to two inches were common across the eastern half of the state during the first half of the week, with heavier amounts in east central counties, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Hail accompanied the rain in portions of the State. Planting progress was limited in eastern counties as producers waited for soils to dry. Temperatures averaged two to six degrees below normal. Producers continued to move cows and calves to pasture.

There were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 80 adequate, and 18 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 86 adequate, and 11 surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn planted was at 74 percent, behind 82 last year and the five-year average of 81. Emerged was at 30 percent, behind 47 last year and 35 average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE.

Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE.

Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE.