Wednesday February 08 Ag News

 Fischer, Capito, All Republican Senators Formally Challenge Biden Admin WOTUS Rule Through Congressional Review Act

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and all 47 of their Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a formal challenge to the Biden administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.

The resolution comes after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a new rule in December 2022 repealing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), and changing the definition of Waters of the United States in a way that will expand federal regulatory authority.

“Nebraskans own the water in our state and already work carefully to protect this precious resource. We don’t need the federal government imposing even more regulations on private landowners. This reckless rule will unfairly hurt Nebraska’s agriculture producers, home builders, and small businesses. I’m proud to stand with Senator Capito to introduce this resolution to overturn the President’s burdensome regulation,” said Senator Fischer.

“With its overreaching navigable waters rule, the Biden administration upended regulatory certainty and placed unnecessary burdens directly on millions of Americans. This Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval will give every member of Congress the chance to stand with farmers, ranchers, landowners, and builders, and protect future transportation, infrastructure, and energy projects of all kinds in their states. I appreciate the widespread support we’ve received in both the Senate and House, and across the country, as we fight to place an important check on this misguided overreach from the Biden administration,” said Senator Capito.

In addition to Sens. Fischer and Capito, the resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), introduced an identical resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Background:
In 2015, the Obama administration finalized a rule that expanded the definition of WOTUS, creating confusion and burdensome red tape.

The Trump administration released a proposed rule to replace the 2015 WOTUS rule with a new one that provided much-needed predictability and certainty for farmers by establishing clear and reasonable definitions of what qualifies as a “water of the United States.” The NWPR was finalized in 2020.

On day one of his administration, President Biden signed an executive order to begin the process of rolling back the Trump administration’s NWPR.

In December 2022, the EPA issued a new rule repealing the NWPR and changing the definition of WOTUS in a way that will expand federal regulatory authority.



 Nebraska LEAD 40 Travels to Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama

Twenty-one Nebraska LEAD 40 Fellows recently returned from the 2023 International Study/Travel Seminar to Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama.  

“Our international study/travel seminar is designed to provide firsthand appreciation and understanding of our international community and the potential for people of all nations to work together,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program Director and group leader.      

During the January 5-18 seminar, LEAD Fellows visited and studied at CATIE (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza) near Turrialba. CATIE is an international entity with a unique combination of science, graduate education and innovation for development. LEAD Fellows received briefings and tours of CATIE’s research on agricultural practices in cropping, conservation and livestock systems. LEAD 40 also toured the Aquiares Coffee plantations and processing facility.  

While in Bogota, the LEAD Fellows participated in briefings that included Don Mason, Project Specialist in Colombia, U.S. Meat Export Federation; Abigail Mackey - Agricultural Attaché and Jose Quintero, Agricultural Specialist with the USDA Foreign Ag Service; and Miguel Galdos, Regional Director, U.S. Wheat Associates. Traveling outside of Bogota, LEAD 40 visited the working cattle ranch of Juan Ramon Giraldo Arciniegas, who shared the history, philosophy, and management of his family’s Normando cow/calf operation. Later, the class visited Ayura Flowers, a carnation flower production farm growing several varieties of export quality cut flowers.  

Near Cali, Colombia, the LEAD Fellows visited AGROSAVIA Research Center, which is dedicated to researching production of tropical fruits important to Colombian trade and economics. AGOSAVIA is funded primarily by the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to research, they are charged to preserve many of the varieties of tropical fruits common in the region. Near Medillen, Colombia, the LEAD Fellows visited the Colombian Coffee Federation’s scientific investigation headquarters (CENICAFE) and received presentations on coffee cultivation techniques, scientific development, main regions of productions, the role of the small producer, and sustainable development within the industry.  

While in Panama, the LEAD Fellows visited the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks, visited pineapple and watermelon farms and participated in briefings that included Ana Maria Ballesteros, Regional Director, U.S. Grains Council; Peter Olson, Agricultural Attaché, USDA Foreign Ag Service; Stephanie Bryant-Erdmann, Assistant Regional Director, U.S. Wheat Associates, and Carlos Salinas, Regional Director, U.S. Soybean Export Council.  

“The people-to-people encounters provided the members of Nebraska LEAD Group 40 an opportunity to view characteristics, conditions and trends in Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama allowing them to determine relationships to issues and situations in our country,” Hejny said. “Through this experience LEAD Fellows develop techniques in identifying comparisons and contrasts of the countries they studied in areas such as agriculture, politics, economics, energy, religion, culture and history as well as technology, trade, food, art and philosophy.”

Nebraska LEAD 40 Fellows by hometown that traveled to Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama are:  
AURORA: Mitch Oswald
COZAD: Andrew Bellamy
DAVID CITY: Nate Parde
GREENWOOD: Steve Landon
HEMINGFORD: Timothy Hashman
KEARNEY: Abe Smith, Hannah Swink
LINCOLN: Austin Benes, Kurtis Harms, David Moss, Rachel Prosser, Stephanie Schuler, Logan Sheets, Curtis Welsh
LITCHFIELD: Cole Lewandowski
MINDEN: Stephanie Nelson
NORFOLK: Trentee Bush
SAINT EDWARD: Dylan Haas
SCOTTSBLUFF: Blake Wohlers
UPLAND: Chris Grams
WAHOO: Eric Coufal

The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women, currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 42, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 104 Agricultural Communications Building, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0940, telephone 402-472-6810 or email the Nebraska LEAD Program at leadprogram@unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting in the afternoon of Monday, February 27, 2023, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus and Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Embassy Suites in Lincoln (1040 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska). The board will address regular board business on February 28.

The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to renee.tichota@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to promote the value of corn by creating opportunities.



WSSA Announces 2023 Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Weed Science
 
The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) recently honored nearly two dozen individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of weed science. The awards were presented during the organization’s 2023 annual meeting attended by individuals from academia, government and private industry.
 
FELLOWS (WSSA’s highest honor):
    Antonio DiTommaso, Ph.D., Cornell University
    Peter Porpiglia, Ph.D., AMVAC Chemical Corporation
 
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD
    John Lindquist, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
 
OUTSTANDING EARLY CAREER WEED SCIENTIST
    Vipan Kumar, Ph.D., Kansas State University
 
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
    Taylor Randell-Singleton, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Georgia
 
EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD
    Brad Haire, Southeast Farm Press
 
OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD
    Dean Riechers, Ph.D., University of Illinois

OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY AWARD
    Sandeep Rana, Ph.D., Bayer

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
    Bill Chism, Ph.D., EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs (Retired)
 
US-HRAC HERBICIDE RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT AWARD
    Amit Jhala, Ph.D., University of Nebraska−Lincoln

OUTSTANDING PAPER: INVASIVE PLANT SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT
Assessing the performance and accuracy of invasive plant habitat suitability
models in detecting new observations in Wisconsin. Authors:
    Mark Renz, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Niels Jorgensen, Ph.D., Opterrix

OUTSTANDING PAPER: WEED SCIENCE
Quantifying seed and establishment limitation to seedling recruitment of arable weeds: an example of barnyardgrass (Echniochloa crus-galli). Authors:
    Friederike de Mol, Ph.D., University of Rostock (Germany)
    Christian Selig, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Rostock
    Bärbel Gerowitt, Ph.D., University of Rostock
 
OUTSTANDING PAPER: WEED TECHNOLOGY
The Impact of Electrocution Treatments on Weed Control and Weed Seed Viability in Soybean. Authors:
    Kevin Bradley, Ph.D., University of Missouri
    Haylee Schreier, MS, University of Missouri
    Mandy Bish, Ph.D., University of Missouri
 
OUTSTANDING REVIEWER AWARDS
    Weed Technology: Pete Eure, Ph.D., Syngenta
    Invasive Plant Science and Management: Erik Lehnoff, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
    Weed Science: Thierry Besançon, Ph.D., Rutgers University
 
HONORARY WSSA MEMBER AWARD
    Michael Walsh, Ph.D., University of Western Australia
 
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world.



Crop Producers Need to Act on Farm Bill Decisions by March 15

Crop producers must make some important and timely decisions if they want to participate in the Farm Bill programs for 2023.

The deadline to make an election and enroll is March 15, according to Ann Johanns, education extension specialist and manager of the Ag Decision Maker with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

For program year 2023, producers have three options: Agriculture Risk Coverage-County (ARC-CO), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) or Agriculture Risk Coverage-Individual Coverage (ARC-IC). Even if producers have enrolled in the past and want to keep the same program, they still need to enroll this year, by March 15. Enrollment is an annual decision.

“To be eligible for payment, producers must complete the enrollment contract for each of their farms,” said Johanns. “Every situation is unique, so we need to make the best decisions for individual farm operations and take the opportunity to make changes if necessary.”

For this month’s Ag Decision Maker, Johanns created two YouTube videos (https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html) that explain the options and what producers need to consider in making the best option for their farm. In the first video, Kevin McClure, chief agriculture program specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, explains the programs and enrollment process.

In the second video, Alejandro Plastina, associate professor in economics and extension economist at Iowa State, discusses the tools producers can use to determine which program is best for their own situation. The tools include payment estimators for each program, and historical payment data by Iowa county.

“We are updating these tools as new price projections and yield data are made available,” said Johanns. “We know that every situation is unique and there are going to be folks out there making this decision for the first time. Updated tools are available, along with archived materials covering the programs more in-depth. Our farm management specialists are also available for those one-on-one conversations, before producers commit to a program.”



Grants Available for Communities Impacted by 2020 Derecho

The Iowa Legislature appropriated state infrastructure funds to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be used for a community-based tree planting program for derecho recovery tree planting in 27 impacted counties.

Additionally, through the USDA Forest Service & National Association of State Foresters 2022 State Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program, the DNR received Emerald Ash Borer Reforestation funds.

The Community Forestry Grant Program provides reimbursable grants to be used to purchase and plant trees suitable to Iowa in counties impacted by both the August 2020 Derecho and Emerald Ash Borer. A total of $125,220 in funds are available to state and local governments, schools and volunteer organizations, and service organizations in the 27 impacted counties.

Award recipients will be reimbursed $1,000 to $10,000 for the purchase of trees and materials from Iowa businesses. Qualifying public planting lands include, but are not limited to, street rights-of-way, parks, school grounds, courthouse lawns, public buildings, fairgrounds, cemeteries, libraries, and trails (DNR lands are not eligible).

The spring application and rules are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbanforestry. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on March 3.



Organic No-Till Production Guide Provides Useful Information

Organic producers looking to increase benefits from a no-till system now have a guidebook to walk them through the process.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication “Organic No-Till Production” at https://bit.ly/3DuwEnd provides a “how-to” for organic no-till production in Iowa, which utilizes a rolled down cover crop to facilitate weed suppression, with the commercial crop drilled, planted or transplanted into the rolled mulch. The publication offers an overview of different rolling/crimping systems, an economic outline of costs and returns, and provides producers with the resources they need to secure potential Crimping roller in action.funding from the USDA-NRCS cost-share programs supporting organic no-till.

More producers are investigating organic no-till production in Iowa, with best results coming from the rolled rye/soybean system. In order for the system to work successfully, the amount of cover crop biomass is extremely important. Research recommends at least 8,000 lbs. per acre of rolled rye biomass to create a thick enough mulch to block sunlight to the weeds, allowing the crops to better compete with the weeds.

“We see great benefits from organic no-till in relation to soil quality improvements,” said Kathleen Delate, organic specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “The challenge remains to ensure adequate rolled rye biomass to effect ample weed management to obtain competitive yields.”

Additional resources on organic agriculture can be found on the Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program website.



2022 Beef Exports Set Annual Records; Strong Finish for Pork Exports

U.S. beef exports set annual records for both volume and value in 2022, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports finished lower year-over-year but export value was the third largest on record, trailing only the highs reached in 2020 and 2021. Pork exports continued to gain momentum in December, led by another outstanding performance in Mexico. While lamb exports slowed in December, 2022 shipments were sharply higher than the previous two years, approaching the pre-COVID levels of 2019.

Beef exports reach new heights in several key markets
Despite slowing toward the end of the year, beef exports reached 1.47 million metric tons (mt), up 2% from the previous high in 2021. Export value climbed to a record $11.68 billion, up 10% from 2021 and nearly 40% above the previous five-year average. The U.S. exported a record share of its record-large beef production in 2022, and at higher prices. Export value to South Korea was $2.7 billion, up 13% and an all-time record for any single destination, while exports to China/Hong Kong jumped 22% to $2.55 billion. Other markets in which beef exports achieved annual records included Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Colombia, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

In December, beef exports trended lower than a year ago at 112,707 mt, down 7%, while value fell 21% to $782.6 million. The December decline was due in part to a sharp drop in exports to China/Hong Kong, where demand had been constrained by persistent zero-COVID policies. China lifted most COVID restrictions in early December and resumed some international travel in early January. Along with the recent easing of COVID-related cold chain regulations and inspections, these changes offer a more optimistic demand outlook for 2023.

“2022 was a ground-breaking year for U.S. beef’s international presence, with global demand stronger than I’ve seen in all my years in the industry,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Late in the year, exports certainly felt the impact of persistent headwinds in our large Asian markets, including depressed trading partner currencies and COVID-related challenges in China, but the long list of countries in which records were set showcases the industry’s focus on diversifying export markets. While the year ahead will be challenging due to supply constraints, the exchange rate situation has improved and we still see room for growth in the foodservice sector as more regions continue their gradual rebound from COVID.”

Pork highlights include $2 billion year for Mexico, value record for variety meat
Pork exports finished 2022 on a decidedly upward trajectory as December shipments reached 244,718 mt, up 13% year-over-year and the second largest of 2022 (slightly below November). December export value climbed 14% to $687.3 million. These results pushed 2022 exports to 2.67 million mt, down 8.5% from a year ago, while export value was $7.68 billion – down 5% from the record achieved in 2021. Exports of U.S. pork variety meat were the second largest on record at more than 530,000 mt, while export value was record-high at $1.27 billion.

Pork exports to Mexico set a volume record in December on the way to a record-breaking year in which exports increased 10% to nearly 960,000 mt. Export value to Mexico soared 21% to $2.03 billion, topping the $2 billion mark for the first time. December exports also set a value record in Central America and trended higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Australia. 2022 exports to the DR were record-large in both volume (85,551 mt, up 46%) and value ($233.6 million, up 55%).

“The Mexican market has been a star performer for U.S. pork for many years, but the 2022 results were truly remarkable,” Halstrom said. “In the face of growing competition in Mexico, the U.S. pork industry has expanded product offerings and found innovative ways to meet the needs of processors, retailers and foodservice operators. In addition to Mexico, it is gratifying to see such a broad range of markets contributing to our recent export growth, making the prospects for 2023 very promising.”

Strong year for lamb exports, led by Caribbean and Mexico
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts finished 2022 sharply higher year-over-year at 2,225 mt, up 59% and the largest since 2019. Export value increased 49% to $13.2 million, also the highest since 2019. Growth was led by strengthening demand in the Caribbean, where exports increased 47% to 1,043 mt, valued at $7.5 million (up 32%). Exports also increased substantially year-over-year to Mexico, Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan.



UAN Fertilizers Lead Prices Lower Last Week of January 2023

Average retail fertilizer prices moved lower again the last week of January 2023, continuing a trend that has been present since just before the beginning of the year, according to retailers surveyed by DTN. Once again, seven of the eight major fertilizers are less expensive compared to last month. Of these seven, five were markedly lower compared to last month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Leading the way lower are UAN32 and UAN28. UAN32 was 13% lower in price compared to last month and had an average price of $583 per ton. UAN28 was 10% less expensive looking back a month and had an average price of $518/ton. UAN32 is below the $600/ton level for the first time since the fourth week of October 2021. That week the average price was $522/ton.

A trio of fertilizers are 6% less expensive compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $704/ton, urea $698/ton and anhydrous $1,223/ton. Urea is below the $700/ton level for the first time since the first week of October 2021. That week urea's price was $653/ton. DAP and MAP were just slightly lower in price looking back a month. DAP had an average price of $847/ton while MAP was at $862/ton.

One fertilizer was just slightly higher in price compared to a month earlier. 10-34-0 had an average price of $754/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.76/lb.N, anhydrous $0.75/lb.N, UAN28 $0.93/lb.N and UAN32 $0.91/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower compared to one year ago. DAP is 3% less expensive, MAP is 8% lower, 10-34-0 is 9% less expensive, potash is 13% lower, UAN28 is 14% less expensive, UAN32 is 17% lower, anhydrous 18% less expensive and urea is 23% lower compared to a year prior.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/3/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending February 3, ethanol production contracted by 2.7% to 1.000 million b/d, equivalent to 42.00 million gallons daily. Production was 0.6% above the same week last year but 0.2% below the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.4% to 1.012 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.51 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks moved fractionally lower to 24.4 million barrels. Stocks were 1.5% less than a year ago yet 2.3% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, pared back 0.7% to 8.43 million b/d (129.20 bg annualized). Demand was 7.6% less than a year ago and 2.9% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 2.3% to a 5-week low of 819,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.56 bg annualized. Net inputs were even with year ago levels but 3.2% below the five-year average.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the ninth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of December 2022.)



RFA Reports Highlight Record Value of Ethanol, Distillers Grains Exports in 2022

According to new statistical reports released today by the Renewable Fuels Association, the value of the U.S. ethanol industry’s exports soared to a record level of $7.2 billion in 2022. Ethanol export volumes strengthened to 1.35 billion gallons in 2022, the fourth-highest level on record, amid tight global fuel supplies. Meanwhile, distillers grains shipments registered at 11.0 million metric tons, down slightly from 2021.

For a decade, RFA’s annual trade summaries have provided industry advocates, policymakers, news media, and the public with the latest data and analysis, demonstrating the importance of U.S. ethanol and distillers grains to the world market.

“At a time when global petroleum and agricultural markets were affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. ethanol industry was proud to enhance energy security at home while at the same time augmenting fuel and feed supplies overseas,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Exports generated over $7 billion in revenues, providing a vital market for U.S. ethanol producers. Additionally, American-made ethanol helped improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions in more than 80 countries around the world.”

As detailed in the ethanol trade summary report, the 1.35 billion gallons exported in 2022 represented an increase of 9 percent over 2021 and the highest volume since 2019. The value of U.S. ethanol exports surged to $3.77 billion, a record high and an increase of $1 billion over 2021. Shipments to Canada set an annual record for a single destination, tallying more than 500 million gallons. South Korea, the European Union, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom also were sizable markets.

U.S. imports of fuel ethanol rebounded 36 percent to 79 million gallons, with virtually all imports sourced from Brazil. Still, the United States remained a net exporter for the thirteenth consecutive year, as imports accounted for less than 1 percent of domestic consumption.

The second trade summary report released today covers co-product exports, including distillers grains, a high-protein feed ingredient for livestock and poultry. Distillers grains exports totaled 11.0 million metric tons in 2022, representing nearly a third of domestic production. While export volumes were 5 percent lower than 2021, their value surged to a record $3.4 billion.

The U.S. supplied distillers grains to more than 50 countries. Mexico remained the top export market with a 20 percent share, followed by Vietnam and South Korea.



RFA to Testify before Senate EPW Committee on Potential of a National Clean Fuels Program

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper has been invited to testify next week at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The focus of the hearing is on the prospects of low-carbon transportation fuels and considerations for a potential national clean fuels program.

“Ethanol and other low-carbon renewable fuels already have a proven track record for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector at a low cost for consumers,” Cooper said. “And as we look to the future, a technology-neutral clean fuels program could accelerate decarbonization, while simultaneously creating jobs and bolstering energy security. I look forward to sharing the industry’s perspective on how ethanol and a market-oriented clean fuels policy can help our nation achieve a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

Cooper noted that today’s ethanol already reduces GHG emissions by 44-52% and RFA’s producer members are committed to ensuring ethanol achieves a net-zero carbon emissions footprint by 2050 or sooner.