Harvest USA Report

Alright, how about some fun facts to start off the day for our Harvest USA Report? Did you know... When foraging, worker honeybees fly at 15 to 20 miles an hour beating their wings 200 times a second? That's what makes the iconic buzzing sound! This ag fact from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
 
Applications are open for the 2026 Harvest for Van Dreisten Harvesting. Are you ready for a summer you'll never forget? You have a passion for ag and farming? If so, this is for you. Van Dreisten is looking for a truck driver. See that post on Harvest USA Report on Facebook.
 
There is no better display of faith than a farmer planting seeds in a field and working it to grow a crop. Growing a crop is truly a demonstration of faith. And there are no better products than that which are made in the United States.
 
So what does made in America mean? It means a standard. An American standard. It means it was born here, raised here, processed here. It means the healthiest food for a healthier future. If you're going to use the American flag, it better be American. From start to finish, supporting American farmers and producers. This is what America looks like. Built on grit, backed by the people who live it. From generation to generation. There's no faking the standard does when you see this label. It means exactly what it says. Born here, raised here, processed here, from the land of the free. Product of USA.

Let's take a look at what's going on around the ag and harvesting world today.
 
It looks like Sanders harvesting and trucking has been busy lately, hauling some cement blocks. While Kylie Massingale represented Kansas Corn at the Kansas Department of Agriculture Ag Month celebration at the Kansas State Capitol, Kylie connected with consumers and legislators, sharing how Kansas Corn works on behalf of farmers across the state. She also joined fellow ag organizations in distributing Kansas-made products to legislators and their staff, highlighting the strength and impact of Kansas agriculture.
 
Agriculture exports valued at $170.5 billion in 2025. New data shows that farmers share of the money consumers spend on food continues to shrink. The latest market intel from Farm Bureau economists show that in 2024, farmers and ranchers received a combined 5.8 cents of every food dollar after accounting for expenses. Please support our local American farmers by purchasing local and homegrown whenever possible.
 
And the recovery effort continues as far as the eye can see across the Nebraska Sandhills according to the Tri-State Livestock News who recently wrote that the Morrill Fire left behind "a landscape unrecognizable, unfamiliar, barren and bleak, blowing ash and sand fill the skies and shift the contours of hills." Charred remains of life are stark reminders of just how quickly things can change. But also remaining are the Sandhills ranch families who have called the area home for generations. Their pioneer ancestors faced impossible odds, survived and thrived, and so will they. 

Farm Rescue volunteers have been in Nebraska for a week, helping farm families recover and prepare for the planting season. From delivering hay with Operation Hay Lift to planting crops free of charge, we’re here for the next steps.
 
Know a farm family in need? Refer them online.

Our co-host David Woodruff has Howard Winberg on the phone and they are talking about the upcoming March 28th Cowboy Poetry event that David is heavily involved in. 
LISTEN IN!
 

Welcome to the Harvest USA Report. Today we reflect on the tremendous fire response in Nebraska and a looming CDL crackdown.
I'm sure many of you have heard about the fires in Nebraska and the convoys of hay trucks have been literally rolling in. Van Newkirk Herefords sat right in the middle of this whole fire in Oshkosh, Nebraska and their place was ravaged. They posted some pictures and wrote, "How bad does this area need the hay?" In the picture shown it looks that way for 70 miles.
"This is what our neighbors pastures, hay meadows and calving lots look like. They have nothing left to feed or graze. They're in the heart of calving and have to find grass ASAP."
 
 
Oklahoma Week Commission and Oklahoma Week Growers Association were represented in Washington DC this past week at National Wheat Improvement Committee meetings urging Congress and administration to prioritize wheat research needs across the US. This work continues to become more important so we can develop better drought tolerant varieties that can also be more efficient in managing disease and plant stresses.
 
 
In a report from RFD-TV, a new rule took effect this week that will phase out thousands of commercial drivers license held by immigrant truckers. The White House says the regulatory move is necessary for safety but some worry it could increase prices for those who rely on the network. Federal officials will restrict who can get or renew a CDL if applicants cannot prove lawful immigration status. Under the new rule H2A and H2B agricultural workers may apply for and renew their credentials but those with asylum or refugee status cannot. Drivers can continue using their current licenses but those who do not meet the new guidelines will not be allowed to renew. Find that information and that post from RFD TV on our Harvest USA Facebook page.
 

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

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."