Happy Memorial day!

Happy Memorial Day!

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Sarpy, Platte, Jefferson, Hall, Blaine

Kansas: Phillips, Republic, Decatur

CROP PROGRESS REPORT

USDA Crop Progress Report summary for May 18, 2026

CORN PROGRESS

U.S. Corn Percent Planted as of May 17, 2026, was 76% (+19%) compared to 76% this week last year and 70% 5-yr average.

U.S. Corn Emergence as of May 17, 2026, was 39% (+16%) compared to 47% this week last year and 37% 5-yr average.

SOYBEAN PROGRESS

U.S. Soybean Percent Planted as of May 17, 2026, was 67% (+18%) compared to 63% this week last year and 53% 5-yr average.

U.S. Soybean Emergence as of May 17, 2026, was 32% (+12%) compared to 32% this week last year and 23% 5-yr average.

Today’s report is neutral for corn prices. Today’s USDA estimate for corn planting progress is equal to last year, 6 points ahead of the 5-year average and 1 point above market expectations. However, corn emergence is 8 points below last year and just 2 points above the 5-year average.

Today’s report is neutral for soybean prices, with the soybean planting pace 4 points above year-ago, 14 points above the 5-year average and just 1 point above market expectations. Soybean emergence is now equal to last year’s pace and 9 points above the 5-year average.

19% of the nation’s corn crop was planted last week, matching the previous week’s advancement and doubling the percentage of the crop planted relative to just two weeks ago. Over 60% of the corn crop is now planted in all but 4 of the states that the USDA tracks. Only Pennsylvania (43%), Michigan (47%), Ohio (52%) and North Dakota (58%) are below 60% planted. Kansas (-5) and Michigan (-5) are the only two states well below the 5-year average. Soybean planting at the national level has also doubled compared to two weeks ago.

Though above-average precipitation is expected in the extended forecasts, most of the remaining crop is expected to be planted in a timely manner. Warmer weather ahead should give a boost to crop development.

SOURCE: Pioneer, Ron Sabatka

REGIONAL DROUGHT CONDITIONS

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TESTIMONIAL

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How crops are shaping up…

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

NEBRASKA: Valley, Johnson, Holt, Otoe, Jefferson, Saline

KANSAS: Smith

IOWA: Pottawattamie, Harrison

CROP PROGRESS REPORT

USDA Crop Progress Report summary for April 20, 2026

CORN PROGRESS

U.S. Corn Percent Planted as of April 19, 2026, was 11% (+6%) compared to 11% this week last year and 9% 5-yr average.

U.S. Corn Emergence as of April 19, 2026, was 4% compared to 2% this week last year and 2% 5-yr average.

SOYBEAN PROGRESS

U.S. Soybean Percent Planted as of April 19, 2026, was 12% (+6%) compared to 7% this week last year and 5% 5-yr average.

Today’s report is neutral for corn prices. Today’s USDA estimate for corn planting progress is equal to last year, and just slightly ahead of the 5-year average and market expectations.

Today’s report is slightly bearish for soybean prices, with the soybean planting pace well above a year ago and the 5-year average and slightly above market expectations.

Planting is nearly equal to or ahead of the 5-year average pace in most key states. Only Iowa (-6), Missouri (-4) and Kansas (-2) are more than 1 point behind the 5-year average corn planting pace. Only Iowa (-3) is more than 1 point behind the 5-year average soybean planting pace. However, with extended forecasts pointing to more precipitation possible at times over the next 10 days, the market will continue to keep an eye on potential problem areas even as we remain in the relatively early stages of planting on a national basis.

SOURCE: Pioneer, Ron Sabatka

REGIONAL DROUGHT CONDITIONS

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TESTIMONIAL

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Upcoming Auction: ONLINE ONLY MARCH 23rd, 8 AM – MARCH 26th, 11 AM

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION:

REGISTER TODAY!!

BIDDING OPENS MONDAY, MARCH 23RD @ 8:00 AM

BIDDING CLOSES THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH @ 11:00 AM

We have an upcoming Dryland Farm auction in Dakota County, Nebraska! This is an online auction for 76 +/- acres in Dakota County, Nebraska. The 76 +/- acres will be offered in one (1) individual tract. Online bidding will take place beginning at 10:00 am CDT Monday, March 23rd, 2026, and will “soft close” at 11:00 am CDT Thursday, March 26th, 2026. At 11:00 am CDT on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, bidding will continue in five-minute increments until five minutes have passed with no new bids. NextAg Real Estate will be in Pender, Nebraska (715 South 4th Street, Pender, NE 68047) at 9:00 am CDT until the conclusion of the online auction. Please come during the scheduled time to discuss the property, and if you need assistance with the online bidder registration process. Bidders do not have to be present to bid online; however, you are required to be available by phone.

REGISTER HERE

REGIONAL DROUGHT CONDITIONS

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IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Saline, Jefferson, Gosper, Merrick, Nance, Nemaha, Nuckolls

Kansas: Republic, Smith, Jewell

Iowa: Pottawattamie, Harrison

TESTIMONIAL

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Upcoming Auction!

SAVE-THE-DATE:

Upcoming Auction

We have an upcoming Dryland Farm auction in Dakota County, Nebraska! Stay tuned for additional details…

REGIONAL DROUGHT CONDITIONS

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SAUNDERS COUNTY LAND OPPORTUNITY

Dryland Cropland in Saunders County, Nebraska

P

roductive, Mostly Tillable Dryland Cropland in Saunders County, Nebraska. Tame Slopes (0-11%). 38,000 bushel Grain Bin. Tiling and terraces in place to help erosion control.

Legal Description: Balance of the North Half of the Southwest Quarter (NWSW4) in Section 18-14N-7E of the 6th P.M. in Saunders County, Nebraska. (Parcel ID #001897001)

Total Acres: 64.73 +/-

FSA Data: 63 +/- Cropland Acres

2024 Real Estate Taxes: $3,368.76

Property Type: Dryland Cropland

Location: From Highway 77 & Highway 92 Junction, 2 miles West and 1.5 miles South.

Mineral Rights: All mineral interests the seller owns, if any, will be conveyed to the buyer(s).

Possession: 2026 Crop Year

The property is being sold in AS-IS condition.

I'M INTERESTED

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Gosper, Harlan, Dakota, Fillmore, Nance, Saline, Jefferson, Merrick, Clay, Saunders, Burt

Iowa: Pottawattamie

TESTIMONIAL

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Time to start planning!

NEW YEAR, 2026

This is the year to achieve your 2026 goals, and we’re here to support you! Whether you need farm management or estate appraisals, we have the expertise to help you succeed. Contact us today, and let’s take decisive action on your 2026 planning!

REGIONAL DROUGHT CONDITIONS

REACH OUT

SAUNDERS COUNTY LAND OPPORTUNITY

Dryland Cropland in Saunders County, Nebraska

Productive, Mostly Tillable Dryland Cropland in Saunders County, Nebraska. Tame Slopes (0-11%). 38,000 bushel Grain Bin. Tiling and terraces in place to help erosion control.

Legal Description: Balance of the North Half of the Southwest Quarter (NWSW4) in Section 18-14N-7E of the 6th P.M. in Saunders County, Nebraska. (Parcel ID #001897001)

Total Acres: 64.73 +/-

FSA Data: 63 +/- Cropland Acres

2024 Real Estate Taxes: $3,368.76

Property Type: Dryland Cropland

Location: From Highway 77 & Highway 92 Junction, 2 miles West and 1.5 miles South.

Mineral Rights: All mineral interests the seller owns, if any, will be conveyed to the buyer(s).

Possession: 2026 Crop Year

The property is being sold in AS-IS condition.

I'M INTERESTED

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Cuming, Wayne, Thurston, Lancaster

Iowa: Kossuth, Wright, Franklin, Pottowattamie

Kansas: Cloud

TESTIMONIAL

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Have an Oral Lease? Your notice deadline is approaching!

ORAL LEASE?

If you are on an ORAL lease and thinking about making a tenant change or are thinking about selling your property this fall or next spring, you are required to give notice to your tenant in writing by September 1st of this year. In Nebraska, the oral lease period runs from March 1st to February 28th of the next year. Per Nebraska statute, you must give 6 months’ notice to your farm tenant to terminate a lease (September 1st); otherwise, the tenant has the right to farm the next cropping season.

Even if there is a possibility that you want to sell your property or make a change in tenant on an oral lease, it is a safe practice to give notice in writing. This does not mean that your tenant can’t farm your property next year. It may be a good point to switch to a written lease at that point if you don’t decide to change tenants or sell.

FALL AUCTIONS

We’re scheduling Fall 2025 auctions! Please don’t hesitate to reach out TODAY if you need auction services. We offer multiple auction formats and are happy to discuss your options.
REACH OUT

CROP CONDITIONS

by Ron Sabatka

The WASDE report was surprising this month. See a summary below. Disease pressure continues with more white mold observations coming in each week. Southern rust may force consideration of a second fungicide application this year. More on this below.

WASDE summary:
The August WASDE report raised 2025/26 U.S. corn production by 1.0 billion bushels this month through an increase in corn acreage and corn yield. USDA increased 2025/26 corn acreage to 97.3 million acres based on USDA/FSA data, an increase of 2.1 million acres relative to USDA’s June Acreage report. U.S. corn yields for 2025/26 were increased to 188.8 bushels, an increase of 7.8 bushels from their July estimate and outside of the upper end of pre-report estimates.

The increase in U.S. corn production resulted in USDA lowering the 2025/26 U.S. corn price to $3.90 per bushel.

The August WASDE report decreased 2025/26 soybean area to 80.9 million acres, a decrease of 2.5 million acres relative to the June Acreage report. No change in price per bushel at $10.10.

Disease reports:
The current Pioneer Disease Tracker shows further spread and intensity vs. last week. I will add last year’s AUG report if you would like to compare. Generally, Tar Spot is heavier this year, and Southern rust was just starting to pop northward. Southern rust became much more prevalent in late AUG/SEP. Most fields still have at least 30-40 days before the black layer. I hate to say it, but a second fungicide application may be a consideration this year. Southern rust is being found primarily below the ear leaf at this time, but will spread upward with new spores being produced. It will be a good idea to watch fields for the next couple of weeks to make sure the disease is not progressing at or above the ear leaf.

https://corteva.showpad.com/share/OQYznmH4LhhsmAuqwoqSt

2024 AUG Pioneer Disease Tracker: https://corteva.showpad.com/share/OeTxjFq310MbvAaXVMPQc

Current Tar Spot by county:
Soybean aphids are being reported more broadly than in the past few years. We have a really good product called Ridgeback® Insecticide with two modes of action.
Features: Two MOA with Bifenthrin (grp 3A) + Sulfoxaflor (grp 4C) for more effective aphid control, including those aphids’ grp 3A resistant.

States with confirmed resistance to grp 3A: IA, MN, ND, SD
https://corteva.showpad.com/share/Anl174tbG42isdXBKewQB

FOR SALE:
JOHNSON COUNTY

Dryland Cropland/Pasture/Recreation in Johnson County, Nebraska

Nice combination dryland cropland, pasture, and recreational opportunities with Class II – IV soils. Tiling and terraces in place to help erosion control.

Legal Description: S2S2 & N2N2 in Section 1-6N-9E & One (1) Acre in the SE4 of Section 2-6N-9E of the 6th P.M. in Johnson County, Nebraska. (Parcel ID #490002234 & 490002129)

Total Acres: 319.12 +/-

FSA Data: 209.01 +/- Certified Cropland Acres (97.71 +/- on North Parcel; 111.30 +/- on South Parcel) (PLC Yield – Corn 93 bu./ac Soybeans 27 bu./ac)

2024 Real Estate Taxes: $7,358.20

Property Type: Dryland Cropland / Pasture/ Recreational

Location: 3 Miles North of Sterling, Nebraska

Mineral Rights: All mineral interest the seller owns, if any, will be conveyed to the buyer(s).

Possession: Negotiable. Subject to a current 60/40 lease agreement. Buyer will take landlord position in lease for 2025 crop year.

The property is being sold in AS-IS condition.

VIEW LISTING

HIGH PLAINS DROUGHT MONITOR

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Pawnee, Cass, Burt, Nemaha, Cuming, Otoe, Gosper, Hamilton

Kansas: Republic

Iowa: Adair

TESTIMONIAL

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Land FOR SALE: Johnson County Nebraska

FOR SALE:
JOHNSON COUNTY

Dryland Cropland/Pasture/Recreation in Johnson County, Nebraska

Nice combination dryland cropland, pasture, and recreational opportunities with Class II – IV soils. Tiling and terraces in place to help erosion control.

Legal Description: S2S2 & N2N2 in Section 1-6N-9E & One (1) Acre in the SE4 of Section 2-6N-9E of the 6th P.M. in Johnson County, Nebraska. (Parcel ID #490002234 & 490002129)

Total Acres: 319.12 +/-

FSA Data: 209.01 +/- Certified Cropland Acres (97.71 +/- on North Parcel; 111.30 +/- on South Parcel) (PLC Yield – Corn 93 bu./ac Soybeans 27 bu./ac)

2024 Real Estate Taxes: $7,358.20

Property Type: Dryland Cropland / Pasture/ Recreational

Location: 3 Miles North of Sterling, Nebraska

Mineral Rights: All mineral interest the seller owns, if any, will be conveyed to the buyer(s).

Possession: Negotiable. Subject to a current 60/40 lease agreement. Buyer will take landlord position in lease for 2025 crop year.

The property is being sold in AS-IS condition.

VIEW LISTING

HIGH PLAINS DROUGHT MONITOR

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month, we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Buffalo, Platte, Stanton, Saunders, Gosper, Phelps, Cuming, Thurston, Greeley, Harlan

Kansas: Rawlins, Phillips, Saline

Iowa: Woodbury, Pottawattamie

TESTIMONIAL

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Drought Conditions & Turn-Out

Consider Grazing Wheat and Delaying Turn-out on Drought-stressed Pastures

By Aaron Berger – Beef Extension Educator

Drought conditions persist in the Nebraska Panhandle region, with many areas receiving limited precipitation in April. Pastures would benefit from delaying turnout, as the cool-season grasses have very limited growth. Delaying turnout will give existing plants the opportunity to grow and fully utilize what precipitation does fall without being cut off. Leaving new grass and last year’s grass growth to provide ground cover will help to catch and keep whatever rain does fall.

For integrated crop and cattle producers, low wheat prices, high cattle prices and the value of grazing may present a situation where utilizing winter wheat as forage may have more value than harvesting it for grain. The current market value of beef-quality hay ranges from $80 to $120 per ton. That equates to $1.50 to $2.50 per cow-calf pair per day just for the hay. In May and early June, with some moisture, an acre of wheat can provide 30-45 days of high-quality grazing for a cow-calf pair. At a value of $2 per day, this is a value of $60-$90 per acre. Thirty-bushel wheat at $4.25 per bushel generates $127.50 per acre and will require additional costs to harvest it.

With those values in mind, the option to graze wheat may net more dollars than harvesting wheat as a grain crop under current expected yields and new crop wheat prices. This is especially true if recent drought conditions, disease or insect infestations have damaged wheat, which will significantly reduce expected grain yields.

READ MORE

HIGH PLAINS DROUGHT MONITOR

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Howard, Buffalo, Kearney, Phelps, Sherman, Seward, Hamilton, Gosper, Saunders

Iowa: Adair, Woodbury

Kansas: Republic, Rawlins

TESTIMONIAL

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Preparing For Summer Drought Conditions

PREPARE FOR DROUGHT WITH SUMMER GRAZING

By Jerry Volesky

While we are still just in late winter, it is never too early to start thinking about the coming spring and summer’s grazing and forage plans. Last fall and this winter has been dry, leaving most parts of the state in some level of drought. While we do not know for certain how much moisture lies ahead, long-term forecasts into this spring and summer suggest the possibility of drier than normal conditions.

With the possibility of droughty conditions for the coming season, an important first step is to develop or adjust a good forage and grazing drought plan for your operation. Some components of this might include things like stocking rates, turnout dates to summer pastures, purchasing any supplemental hay or feed, securing additional pasture, fertilizer decisions on introduced grass pastures, or seeding of any annual forages.

For spring or cool-season annual forages, the recommended planting period of late March to early April will be here soon. Forages would include things like oats, spring barley, spring triticale and field peas. With that planting date, these would provide grazing beginning in late May through early July.

READ MORE

HIGH PLAINS DROUGHT MONITOR

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska – Saunders, Stanton, York, Saline, Dodge, Stanton, Sherman, Frontier, Cedar, Lancaster, Holt, Franklin, Thurston, Buffalo, Dakota

Kansas – Ellsworth, Republic

Iowa – Beuna Vista, Hancock, Adair, Cerro Gordo

TESTIMONIAL

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Considered selling by auction?

Considered selling by auction?

This is a simple question with a complicated answer. What kind of auction format should I use? Are the market conditions right for an auction? Who should I have conducted the auction? These are all questions raised when considering selling your land via auction. At NextAg we guide you through this decision process and custom tailor our approach to you and your property’s needs.

Selling Your Land via Auction
What kind of auction format should I use?
There are many ways to conduct an auction from a traditional auction setting to a more modern approach with Online Only Auctions. Let’s highlight a few options we offer at NextAg and how they could pertain to your situation.

Simulcast Auction/Live Auction – A modern twist on the traditional auction setting, the simulcast/live auction method combines the traditional in-person auction with the online-only approach. The simulcast allows you to have an in-person auction where patrons can come in-person and bid while also allowing your bidders the chance to bid anonymously via our online bidding platform.

Online-Only Auction – A simple, effective auction format that allows total anonymity for the bidders through our online bidding software. This auction method allows anyone from anywhere in the world with internet access to bid on your property. This method is usually timed and ends after all bidding has ceased for a set amount of time.

Sealed Bid Auction – The sealed bid auction can be a very useful tool in the right situation. This method is a slower-paced auction environment where bidders submit their bids on a standard bid sheet to us, here at NextAg. There is usually a deadline to submit bids and then we sit down with the sellers and either select a winning bid or we can invite back the top bidders to perform a small exclusive mini-auction of the top sealed bids. This method allows the sellers a comfortable, slower timeline to make their decision.

Are the market conditions right for an auction?
Market conditions for agricultural land right now are strong. Higher commodity prices and unstable stock market conditions have driven up farmland prices in the Midwest. The ability to buy land in an instant via online auctions, etc. has also played a part in higher land sales. Auctions in the current market conditions allow for fast, efficient sale times resulting in top market values.

Who should I have conducted my auction?
The NextAg advantage, when it comes to selling your property, is that we know how important this transaction is because we are landowners, as well. We are a family-owned and operated business with the owner himself raised on a multi-generational Nebraska farm where hard work and doing the right thing is the standard. Your farm and the generations of hard work and sacrifice do not go unnoticed when we are working with you and your family during this process. Our goal is to be honest, and transparent, and strive to get you the best results for the sale of your farm.

How do we get the best results?

  • Instant contact with thousands of landowners around your property with up-to-date mailing lists
  • State-of-the-art bidding software
  • Efficient and effective marketing techniques
  • Local knowledge of the area

Still have more questions or maybe you are ready to get started? Please reach out today! We are happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your specific needs. You can also visit our website at, https://nextagrealestate.com/ or call us at, 402-540-0053.

HIGH PLAINS DROUGHT MONITOR

IN YOUR STATE

Live in the Midwest? We serve Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas! This month we are conducting appraisals in the following counties:

Nebraska: Saunders, Stanton, Holt, Antelope, Lancaster, Otoe, Johnson

Iowa: Plymouth, Buena Vista, Winnebago, Hancock, Jasper, Cerro Gordo

Kansas: Ellsworth and Republic

TESTIMONIAL

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