Harvest USA Report

HUSA March 20 2026 - Warm Start to Spring

Our thoughts and prayers are with the ranching families and communities across Nebraska facing the devastation of recent wildfires. There are several organizations across Nebraska and in other states that are helping with this effort. Two such organizations that are helping with that are the Nebraska cattlemen and the Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief. Find those resources on our Harvest USA Facebook page.
We've had warmer temperatures and that can mean trouble for stored grain. North Dakota State University Extension experts recommend checking grain temperatures every couple of weeks, monitoring moisture levels and using aeration when needed to help prevent spoilage as we move into spring.
In a little trivia from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, do you know which part of the sorghum plant is used to make ethanol? Is it the roots, the stock, the head or the leaves? Tune in for that answer on tomorrow's Harvest USA Report.
You heard us talking about Van Dristen harvesting recently. Well they need some truck drivers. They're getting ready for the harvest season and looking for dependable hard working truck drivers ready to hit the road and be part of a crew that feels like family. They offer competitive hourly pay, housing, travel across multiple states, equipment and support is supplied and one unforgettable harvest season included. Requirements are a valid CDL, valid drivers license and passport, 6-12 months driving experience and a clean driving record. Apply online at VanDriestenHarvesting.com and of course you can find that on our Harvest USA Facebook page.
 
Photo by Kylene Scott, through the High Plains Journal

HUSA March 19 2026 - National Ag Week

Wheat farmers and researchers were in DC this week, urging Congress and the administration to prioritize wheat research. Research is one of the most powerful tools farmers have to stay competitive, develop better varieties, manage disease, and produce the highest quality wheat. To some, agriculture is a way of life. It's growing crops, livestock, and families. Years of hard work, passion, and dedication to the land and lifestyle. To others, it's reliable food on grocery store shelves, the clothes in our closets, or the fuel in our vehicles. It can be a career like transporting products, food safety, marketing, and more.
In Texas, one in seven people have a job related to agriculture. How about your state? Young or old? Conventional or organic? Dry land or irrigated? Agriculture is a celebration of abundance. The goals never change, leave the land in better condition for the future, teach and inspire another generation, and continue the legacy of sustainable agriculture and enjoy a nutritious meal with loved ones. We recognize agriculture across the nation during National Agriculture Week. It's a time to celebrate the food on your plate and those who grow it, because agriculture is part of us all.
According to RFD TV, one U.S. farm feeds an average of 166 people worldwide. But that food doesn't get to your table without many of those custom harvesters out in the field. Van Driesten Harvesting writes, "Our custom harvest crews have grown into an extended family over the years. Yes, there are long days and hard work, but there's also laughter, late nights, and memories that stick with you. We celebrate birthdays, share life's moments, and take care of each other along and away. It's more than a crew. It's a family you never forget. It's your Harvest family."

HUSA March 18 2026 - Spring is Near

Today the farmer's almanac presents the Spring Equinox, arriving March 20th. Did you know, day and night are equal? 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. Welcome Springtime, the first day of springtime to plant, sow and grow.
 
 
One way to grow your knowledge is by listening to podcasts. On this week's radio report from the Nebraska Wheat Board, Royce Shainiman of the Nebraska Wheat Board and Dr. Catherine Frells of UNL discussed the Wheat Quality Council Meeting, where a University of Nebraska Wheat Variety earned the Miller's Choice Award for the first time in many years. Listen to that on the Nebraska Wheat Board's podcast called the Wheat Report. Find that link on Harvest USA report. Kansas Wheat has a podcast called Weets on Your Mind. And in episode 404, Aaron Harries sits down with Stonax experts, Michael Day and Josh Linville to talk about wheat markets, fertilizer supply and how disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are adding to the volatility to both. From rising crude oil to tighter nutrient supply, this episode breaks down what it means for producers and where the opportunity could be.
Farm Rescue is busy with Operation Haylift. It's still underway in Oklahoma and Kansas following the Ranger Road Wildfire. Volunteers continue working alongside impacted farm and ranch families to deliver much needed hay and support during recovery. Farm Rescue was asked, what about Nebraska? And they replied that they typically respond after the initial emergency, and that Nebraska is definitely in their area and on their radar.
And how about a recipe for honey butter roasted pecans? The recipe is right there on our Facebook page at Harvest USA report. (or see it below!)
 

HUSA March 17 2026 - National Ag Week

National Ag Week is the perfect time to thank farmers, ranchers, and others for providing the food, feed, fuel, and other products we depend on every day.
Commodity groups support producers and our agricultural industry all year, and especially during National Ag Week. Our commodity groups that help support agriculture are the Wheat Board, the Beef Council, the Dairy Council, the Soybean Board, the Corn Board, the Ethanol Board, and the Sorghum Board, just to name a few.
With the raging wildfires across the state, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is concentrating efforts on assisting our farm and ranch families and their livestock. Producers that have been impacted by the wildfire and need hay, feedstuffs, fencing, materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc. should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. NDA staff will be gathering this information, identifying needs, and sharing where resources can be obtained. A list of disaster relief resources for Nebraska farmers and ranchers is also available online on the website at nda.nebraska.gov. This website also includes links to the United States Department of Agriculture's USDA Farm Service Agency programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program and information from the Nebraska Extension.
The wildfires in Nebraska have destroyed over a half a million acres. Find this information on our Harvest USA Report or use our Agricultural Search Engine to find these resources at agsearch.us.

HUSA March 16 2026 - Extreme Weather

We currently have just about every type of weather going on across the country. Extreme heat watch, blizzards, tornado watches and warnings, freeze warnings, cold weather advisories, wildfires in Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, dust storms in Texas, flooding in the Northeast, severe thunderstorms and hail. Every type of weather possible throughout the country right now.
Speaking of those wildfires, there are several organizations that have come together to be the point of contact for fire relief. The official page for Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Relief is the Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief page. Speaking of that, the Sandhills Fire that has left families, ranchers and entire communities facing devastating losses, homes, livelihoods and landscapes that have stood for generations are now forever changed and the road to recovery will be long. If you're able, please contact any local organizations providing relief.
In Nebraska, that would include the Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief in conjunction with a fund that is set up at the Oregon Trail Community Foundation in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. That one has also labeled the Sandhills Fire Relief Fund and the United Way of Western Nebraska has announced that they can also get funds to individuals in need. There is an official Facebook page for that Morrill Fire, the largest fire in Nebraska history. You can find it on our page pinned at the top.
The Morrill Fire, which started in Morrill County, Nebraska, has now burned over a half a million acres is the largest fire in Nebraska history, has claimed one death and could possibly break into the top 10 for largest fires in US history. Please continue to pray for our farmers, ranchers, firemen and everyone involved.

HUSA March 13 2026 - Diminishing Farmland

We've lost 536,543 farms. Over half a million farms.
The loss of farmland to large solar projects, data centers and housing developments is concerning. Once productive farmland is paved over or covered with infrastructure, it's usually gone for good. That means less land available to grow food for future generations. As farms disappear, food production becomes more concentrated in fewer areas and controlled by fewer producers. That can make the food system more fragile and lead to higher food prices, supply shortages and less local food security. There's also a loss to local rural communities. Farms support local economies, equipment dealers, feed mills, veterinarians, truck drivers and small businesses all depend on agriculture. When farmland disappears, those communities often shrink with it. That's why many farmers say farmland is the most valuable resource we have, because it feeds people, supports communities and once it's gone, it's extremely hard to get back.
C & K Harvesting and Trucking is gearing up for the season. They wrote, "spring is springing around here, winter seems to have gone by fast, it doesn't feel like we've slowed down much at all this winter. Trucks continue to stay busy hauling and harvest prep continues, which will be here before we know it."
 
 
Kiowa Honey Company, located in both California and Nebraska, says spring is sprung on the west coast. As the bees begin to bring in nectar and build up, we prepare for the next venture. Orange honey is on its way. See more on that post about honeybees from Kiowa Honey Company on our Facebook page at Harvest USA Report. 
 

HUSA March 12 2026 - National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and it's the perfect time to evaluate your eating habits and consider adding more nutritious foods to your daily meals. Fun fact, many of the ingredients that contribute to a balanced and healthy diet wouldn't be possible without honey bees, including foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and crop seeds. Join us this month in celebrating the humble honey bee and all they do to keep our food world buzzing.
Do you know about the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure? The RSFI is a USDA-led initiative designed to strengthen local and regional food systems by building critical links between farm production and consumer access, including processing, aggregation, storage, transportation, and distribution. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has funded 7 infrastructure grants and 8 equipment-only grants through this initiative. You can view a list of programs funded at the grants at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website at nda.nebraska.gov. You can also find a link to that right on our Harvest USA Report Facebook page.
Don't forget about the BRAD scholarship. That's from Hale Harvesting LLC. The application deadline is April 4th. No further applications will be accepted. Bradley-Heil Memorial Advancing Agriculture Scholarship is open to all students interested in pursuing an agriculture education or career or AG adjacent education or career. Find this information on our Facebook page at HarvestUSA report.

HUSA March 11 2026 - No Offseason For Some

Off-season, there's no off-season according to Van Driesten Harvesting. They recently posted that some people relax in their spare time. We talk about the harvest, think about the harvest, and dream about the harvest. They're not sitting around doing nothing in the off-season.
March is a nutty month according to the Texas Farm Bureau, and that's not just because of the unpredictable weather, but because it's National Peanut Month. Did you know that peanuts grow underground and that one acre of peanuts will make about 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches? Did you know Texas is the only state to grow all four varieties of peanuts and organic peanuts? Peanut butter is the leading use of peanuts. Every American eats enough peanut butter to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon. Brothers Brandon and Matthew Bourner are two Texas farmers who grow peanuts in pilot point. See those photos by Shelby Shank on our Facebook page at Harvest USA Report from the Texas Farm Bureau.
Well, the American Beekeeping Foundation has a SA contest. That's right, it's the 2026 4-H Honey Bee SA contest. For this SA 4-H student should answer these questions, how is pollen important to bees? Has pollen been changing in plants and in our landscapes? And if so, are those changes affecting bees? When do you observe the most and least pollen in your colonies and how does that impact their temperament and productivity? All rules can be found on the website listed on our Facebook page at Harvest USA Report. All essays must be submitted by May 1st. That's from the American Beekeeping Foundation.