Tuesday March 12 Ag News

 Corn & Soybean Producing Counties . . .
Nebraska Farm Bureau

Custer County ranked as Nebraska’s top corn-producing county in 2023 and Gage County topped the state in soybean production according to estimates by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers in Custer County produced 45.7 million bushels of corn while farmers in Gage County produced 8.1 million bushels of soybeans. Estimates on corn production are available for 69 counties, accounting for 80 percent of production, and for 61 counties for soybean production making up 88 percent of production.

Dawson County, 45.1 million bushels, and Hamilton County, 44.8 million bushels, followed Custer County as leading corn-producing counties. Corn production has historically centered in counties along Interstate 80 and the Platte River ranging from York and Fillmore Counties in the east to Dawson and Phelps Counties in the west and last year was no exception. Custer County is the only county outside this corridor which consistently shows up as a top producer. Lincoln, Holt, Antelope, Platte, and Merrick Counties have made appearances as top corn producers in the past but haven’t shown the staying power of the other counties.

For soybeans, Saunders County has regularly been the state’s top producing county but last year it was displaced by Gage County. Last year Saunders County ranked second with production of 7.7 million bushels. Cedar County followed with 7.2 million bushels. As in past years, soybean production in 2023 was centered in eastern Nebraska.



NRCS/LENRD Local Working Group Meetings Planned

A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet March 28, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk NE.

The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally.

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD).  Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Robin Sutherland, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group.

“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area.  This recommendation can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Sutherland.  This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent, she said.

Typically, Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs.  These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife.  This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, contact your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Celebrating National Ag Day

Farmers are known to be some of the most pioneering, innovative and driven individuals in the world. This National Ag Day, the Nebraska Corn Board is celebrating those who work day in and day out to feed, clothe and fuel the world.

Agriculture plays a vital role in our state. With over 90% of Nebraska dedicated to agriculture, the Nebraska Corn Board is proud to have national rankings. From white corn to irrigated acres to livestock and ethanol production, Nebraska ranks at the top. In 2023, Nebraska farmers produced over 1.7 billion bushels of corn, ranking third in the nation, a testament to their time, efforts and determination in the midst of adversity in weather and climate.

“At the Nebraska Corn Board, we understand the vitality of farmers and ranchers and know the impacts they make for the world each day,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Programs funded and partnered on by the Nebraska Corn Board ensure the future is in good hands whether that be research to help farmers expand their knowledge for innovation, finding new markets globally or promoting the industry.”

National Ag Day is celebrated on Tuesday, March 19 celebrating all aspects of the agriculture industry. Whether it be an agronomist, engineer, salesman, scientist, economist or anyone in-between, the Nebraska Corn Board is appreciative of their efforts today to be ready for tomorrow’s future.



NDEE Director Macy Retires from State Government

Yesterday, Governor Jim Pillen announced the retirement of Jim Macy, director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). His last day will be April 19.

Gov. Pillen thanked Dir. Macy for his nine years of public service and wished him well in all future endeavors.

Thad Fineran will serve as interim director of NDEE starting April 1. He is currently chief of staff to Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard. Fineran will continue as interim director until Gov. Pillen makes a permanent appointment. A national recruitment firm has been enlisted to conduct the search for a new director.



Powered by Beef, Bingham Woman Runs Marathons in all 50 States

If you frequently drive Highway 2 between Hyannis and Alliance, chances are you have seen Jacki Musgraves out pounding the pavement running, preparing for her next race. Musgraves, of Bingham, Nebraska, is a long-time research technologist at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, and recently accomplished her long worked-for goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.

“There is a 50 states marathon club you can join after you’ve ran in 10 states,” explained Musgraves. “I didn’t really have a timeframe, but I thought it would be a neat lifelong goal and way to see the country.”                 

Musgraves said that after having her two sons, walking, and eventually running was a way she was able to get in better physical shape. Her start to racing through all 50 states began in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore in 2006. It recently concluded in January when she crossed the finish line in Maui, Hawaii, with a crowd to cheer her on.                

“Of course, everybody said when you go to Hawaii, I’ll go along,” said Musgraves. “It’s always great to have a support crew. We had my whole family and some friends for a group of about 15 people there.”                

An identifiable part of Musgraves running gear is her “Team Beef” jersey that she wears at her races. She says that she started wearing it in 2010 while running the Boston Marathon and has continued ever since.                

“I’ve had almost entirely positive interactions with people while wearing the Team Beef jersey,” said Musgraves. “It’s a great way to combine two of the things I believe in strongly and be able to do a little bit of promotion for beef.”                

When it comes to refueling after a race, Musgraves says she likes to use beef as a tool to help with recovery because of its great source of protein, zinc, and iron. Musgraves added that her jersey and knowledge of beef are an interesting conversation starter with other runners too.  

“It’s got this big steak on the back,” said Musgraves of the jersey. “They’re (runners) are like where can I get one of those? I tell them to follow me to the steakhouse after the race.”                 

Next on Musgraves’ race docket is a 12-hour continual race in Kansas in April. For anyone interested in running, Musgraves advises starting with short runs and building up to the longer distance races.

For more information and to learn more about the Nebraska Beef Council, visit www.nebeef.org.



Millborn Seeds acquires Luhrs Certified Seed, expands production capability in Western Plains

Millborn Seeds, a seed company dedicated to enriching land and lives for more than 37 years, is continuing their focus on being visionaries in the seed industry by expanding their footprint through the acquisition of Luhrs Certified Seed in Imperial, NE. Millborn focuses on creating an integrated supply chain to deliver more than 1,200 species of seed solutions to farmers, ranchers, and landowners in all 50 U.S. states and abroad. Millborn’s expansion into Imperial, NE will create increased accessibility of diverse seed solutions throughout the Western Plains and all North America.

“Millborn aligns well with our goals and values at Luhrs, so we knew Millborn was the right fit,” says Tom Luhrs, owner of Luhrs Certified Seed. “We want to improve the seed supply chain for all producers, and that’s what Millborn is all about.”

Located in Imperial, NE, Luhrs Certified Seed is positioned in the heart of the Western Plains. They have exceptional seed production facilities, including two cleaning lines and large processing capacity. This makes the company an ideal fit for Millborn, who continues to invest in equipment and facilities that move the seed industry forward.

“Millborn’s goal is to create an integrated supply chain and provide the highest quality seed products for our customers. The addition of Luhrs Certified Seed allows us to reach farmers, ranchers, and dealers in the Western Plains faster, and with the highest quality product,” shares Matt Fenske, CEO of Millborn. “We’re excited to add the Luhrs personnel to our team and get involved in the Imperial community,” he adds.

This acquisition will allow Renovo Seed, the go-to-market brand of Millborn, to expand their distribution network into the Western Plains, as well. Shannon Kubik, Brand President at Renovo Seed, says the new facilities will improve accessibility of diverse seed options for farmers and ranchers.

“Renovo Seed is committed to making forage, cover crop, and conservation seed easy to access and simple to use on farms and ranches across the country. The Luhrs facility in Nebraska will allow us to serve our customers and dealers in the west even better,” Kubik shares.



Tyson Foods pork plant in Perry, Iowa closing

A pork plant and major employer in central Iowa is closing. The Tyson Foods plant in Perry will close permanently on June 28.

"After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our Perry, Iowa pork facility. We understand the impact of this decision on our team members and the local community. Taking care of our team members is our top priority and we encourage them to apply for other open roles within the company. We are also working closely with state and local officials to provide additional resources to those who are impacted," a spokesperson said in a statement. "While this decision was not easy, it emphasizes our focus to optimize the efficiency of our operations to best serve our customers. Iowa remains a key state for Tyson Foods, with employment of more than 9,000 team members across our other Iowa facilities."

Gov. Kim Reynolds yesterday released a statement about the closure:
“Tyson employees, the Perry community, and Iowa pork producers will have the full support of the state in the months leading up to the plant closure and after. Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Workforce Development are already engaged. We stand ready to assist impacted employees with finding new jobs in the area as soon as possible. There are more than 60,000 job openings currently posted on IowaWorks.gov, and IWD provides one-to-one career counseling for anyone seeking employment.”



Iowa NRCS Announces May 7 Deadline for Conservation Agreement Proposals

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing a funding opportunity for agreements that address Iowa-specific conservation issues. The proposal deadline is May 7, 2024.

Through the Iowa Partners for Conservation (IPC) Award, successful projects will address local natural resource issues, encourage collaboration, and develop state and community-level conservation leadership.

The purpose of the IPC awards will be to leverage NRCS and partner resources on proposals that address the following strategic goals of the Iowa NRCS Strategic Plan:
    Result in Soil Health engagement in the agronomic community (private sector) with the help of conservation agronomists.
    Conduct on-site (field) practice certifications and follow-up with producers on conservation seeding establishment.
    Conduct inventory and quantify benefits of conservation practices.
    Provide engineering planning and design for wetland restoration on easements.

Priority will be placed on projects that address Soil Health/Climate Smart Ag, Water Quality and Quantity, Habitat, Urban Agriculture, and Racial Equity. Projects will be executed through:
    Providing high quality technical services that help our customers achieve their conservation goals.
    Increasing adoption of conservation in Iowa.

In 2023, Iowa NRCS provided more than $1.9 million through four IPC projects. This year, an estimated $5 million will be available for IPC agreements, as funding allows. Funding amounts can range from $75,000 to $3.2 million through 2- to 5-year agreements.

Proposals must be submitted electronically at www.grants.gov. (Refer to USDA-NRCS-IA-MULTI-24-NOFO0001347 by 10:59 p.m. CST on May 7, 2024.

Additional details are available on the Iowa NRCS website https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/iowa/notice-of-funding-opportunity-iowa-partners-for.



Reminder - Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2024 Crop Year

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year have until March 15, 2024, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2024 crop year. 

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which provide crop-by-crop protection, or ARC-Individual, which protects the entire farm. Although election changes for 2024 are optional, producers must enroll, with a signed contract, each year. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm, the contract will continue for 2024 unless an election change is made.   

If producers do not submit their election revision by the March 15, 2024, deadline, the election remains the same as their 2023 election for eligible commodities on the farm. Also, producers who do not complete enrollment and sign their contract by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2024 year and will not receive a payment if one is triggered. Farm owners can only enroll in these programs if they have a share interest in the commodity. 

Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities:  barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.      



Rob Larew and Jeff Kippley Re-Elected as NFU President and Vice President   

Delegates to National Farmers Union’s 122nd Anniversary Convention Monday cast a unanimous ballot to reelect Rob Larew and Jeff Kippley as the organization’s President and Vice President, respectively. Each will serve another two-year term.

“It's an honor to have the trust and confidence of Farmers Union members across the country and a privilege to fight on their behalf each and every day," said Larew. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside Vice President Kippley on behalf of family farm agriculture."

As NFU President, Larew has overseen four years of consecutive membership growth since his election in 2020, as well as the development and execution of NFU’s Fairness for Farmers campaign that has successfully brought public awareness to the unhealthy level of corporate consolidation in the agriculture industry. Before his time as President, Larew worked in Congress and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and served for four years as the NFU’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications, from 2016 to 2020. Larew and his family still operate their family farm in Greenville, West Virginia.  

Kippley, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, begins his second term as NFU Vice President. Kippley and his family raise cattle, corn and soybeans and operate a tax business serving family farmers in their community.  

“I got involved with Farmers Union to build a better future for my family and community, so it means the world to me that other Farmers Union families appreciate and trust President Larew and I to continue advocating on their behalf,” said Kippley. “There’s a lot of important work to be done in the next two years and we’re ready to fight for our members.”  



USDA Finalizes Voluntary “Product of USA” Label Claim to Enhance Consumer Protection

Today, at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the finalization of a rule to align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. Secretary Vilsack also announced USDA is awarding $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity grant program to expand processing options for the meat and poultry industry and new actions to ensure transparency and a fair and competitive market in the U.S seed industry.

“Today’s announcement is a vital step toward consumer protection and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace where smaller processors can compete,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America.”

“In addition, the Local Meat Capacity grants are addressing critical processing infrastructure needs for local and regional livestock and poultry producers, ensuring their products get to market efficiently and cost effectively, which supports local economies, new jobs, and more choices for consumers,” Secretary Vilsack added. “USDA is also committed to boosting the farmer’s voice in our seed patent system and enforcing the disclosure laws on the books as we deliver more and better choices for farmers.”

These actions build on President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. They complement a series of other all-encompassing actions by USDA to increase competition in agricultural markets, create a fairer playing field for small- and mid-size farmers, lower grocery costs for consumers, and strengthen local and regional food systems.

“Product of USA” Final Rule
USDA’s final “Product of USA” rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The rule will prohibit misleading U.S. origin labeling in the market, and help ensure that the information that consumers receive about where their food comes from is truthful.

USDA’s final “Product of USA” rule is supported by petitions, thousands of comments from stakeholders, and data from a nationwide consumer survey.

Under the final rule, the “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim will continue to be voluntary. It will also remain eligible for generic label approval, meaning it would not need to be pre-approved by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) before it can be used on regulated product, but would require the establishment to maintain documentation on file to support the claim. The final rule also allows the use of other voluntary U.S. origin claims on meat, poultry and egg products sold in the marketplace. These claims will need to include a description on the package of the preparation and processing steps that occurred in the United States upon which the claim is made.

USDA has also published an updated labeling guidance on the use of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims to provide examples of claims and the types of documentation that establishments may maintain to support use of the claims. The guidance will be open for public comment for 60 days after publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov.

Establishments voluntarily using a claim subject to the final rule will need to comply with the new regulatory requirements by January 1, 2026, and are encouraged to do so as soon as practicable after the publication of this final rule.

Local Meat Capacity Grant Program
USDA is also awarding $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program. This initial set of awards through Local MCap is for Simplified Equipment Only projects.

In April 2023, USDA announced up to $75 million available for Local MCap to fund innovative projects designed to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by providing producers with more local processing options and strengthening their market potential. This is part of a larger, $1 billion commitment to expand independent meat and poultry processing capacity and give farmers additional, local options to obtain fairer prices for the animals they raise and give consumers more options in the marketplace. The Local MCap grant program is targeted to support meat and poultry processors with smaller-scale projects, with a goal to increase processing availability and variety for local and regional livestock producers. The program is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

AMS has entered into a cooperative agreement with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund (NHCLF) to execute and administer Local MCap awards. NHCLF is responsible for making grant awards and administering grant funds.

USDA will announce additional awards for both Equipment and Processing Expansion Local MCap grants at a later date.

USDA is announcing this first set of awards for simplified equipment projects in 27 states and Puerto Rico. This set of awards fund projects from $10,000 to $250,000 to purchase processing equipment such as meat grinders, stuffers, and smokers. For example:
    Yoder’s Butcher Barn, a Maryland-based livestock processing business, is owned and operated by third-generation butchers and specializes in livestock slaughter services for its community. They will use Local MCap grant funds to purchase a new smokehouse, linker, mixer-grinder, patty machine, and saws to double their weekly beef and pork capacity. In addition to improving processing efficiency, this project will create three to four new jobs and facilitate livestock sourcing from an additional 28 farmers.
    Nordik Meats is a small, independently owned meat processing facility in Southwest Wisconsin. Through Local MCap, Nordik Meats will purchase a grinder, meatball maker, and packaging equipment. This equipment will provide local producers with the ability to create new value-added products for local consumers, maximize the value of their animals, utilize byproducts, and increase animal harvest. Nordik Meats will increase the number of livestock processed annually by 100% over two years, implement new processing technologies, train 12 existing staff, hire four new employees, and benefit 350 local small family farms.

Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative
USDA is taking new actions to enhance transparency and competition in the U.S. seed industry through its Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative, which aims to elevate the voices of farmers, small- and mid-size seed companies, and independent plant breeders in policy and decision-making processes to improve competition, choice, and fairness in the seed marketplace.

Today, AMS announced it will be launching a nationwide Website Monitoring Program focused on Federal Seed Act brand and variety name compliance. Key to the monitoring efforts, regulatory specialists are conducting in-depth reviews of websites, including links to scanned pamphlets and PDFs, that advertise Federal Seed Act-regulated seeds. AMS will approach these reviews and any subsequent enforcement using a risk-based approach that considers the impact and reach of the violation and the efforts of those responsible for the website to make the information compliant. These efforts are the next steps in USDA’s initiative to boost variety transparency to the farmer at the point of sale and follow on the letters that USDA sent to the executives of the largest seed companies in November. Additionally, USDA will increase outreach efforts, including a webinar to further educate producers about labeling requirements and participation in industry meetings. The agency produced a similar webinar with the American Seed Trade Association.



NCBA Statement on “Product of USA” Final Rule

Today, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus released the following statement on the USDA's finalized rule on the "Product of USA" label:

“NCBA has been committed to finding solutions to this problem ever since a producer-led NCBA working group raised the alarm, years ago, that imported beef could be mislabeled as a Product of the USA incorrectly at the end of the supply chain. We appreciate USDA’s effort to address this loophole. During the implementation period, NCBA’s focus will remain on ensuring that these changes result in the opportunity for producer premiums while remaining trade compliant.”



Census and Feedlots
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

In mid-February, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The Census provides a comprehensive look at the structure of agricultural that complements the regular survey work on NASS, such as Cattle on Feed reports. For perspective, in 2022 there were 732,123 farms across the U.S. with a total inventory of 87,954,742 head of cattle. Both the number of farms with cattle and the total inventory of cattle are down or lower than when last measured this way in 2017. The Census provides different breakdowns of cattle on feed that give insights into feedlots and related trends.

Having cattle on feed is a specialized enterprise. Only 22,613 farms had cattle on feed in inventory at the start of 2022, down from 25,776 farms in 2017. Farms with 1 to 19 head on feed stayed constant in number, likely retained ownership for local consumption instead of a budding enterprise. The number of farms in the other small inventory levels, 20 to 999 head, all had significant declines, similar to or driving the overall decline in farms with cattle on feed. The largest inventory levels, 1,000 to 2,499 and 2,500 or more head, were relatively constant. Those largest categories also had increases in the number of cattle on feed compared to 2017. Thus, farms with small feedlots have become less common (either temporarily or permanently) while the largest feedlots have become larger.

The Census breakdown by cattle on feed sold reflects a similar contraction by farms with smaller feedlots. A total of 25,783 farms sold cattle on feed in 2022, down from 30,273 farms in 2017. All of the categories with 1 to 999 head had fewer farms represented with fewer aggregate head sold also. There were more farms with 1,000 to 2,499 head sold in 2022 than in 2017 and with a greater aggregate number sold. Farms with the largest sales levels had mixed results that did not change as much as among the other farms. Consistent with the inventory levels, there were fewer smaller feedlots marketing fewer cattle.

Spatially, the largest feedlots dominate inventory levels and changes in Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas. The Census gives a breakdown of custom fed cattle by state. While the U.S. saw fewer feedlots with custom feeding, 853 in 2022 versus 1,070 in 2017, the aggregate number sold was higher at 10.1 million head in 2022. Kansas feedlots had the most head custom fed, followed by Nebraska, then Texas. Iowa led states with 155 farms with custom feeding. In terms of changes in farms with feedlots, there were relatively more feedlots with more inventory in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho compared to 2017. There were relatively fewer feedlots with less inventory in Iowa and Minnesota, and to a lesser extent the neighboring states of Illinois and South Dakota.



California E85 Sales Set New Record in 2023

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the release of new data from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) showing that sales of E85 set a new record in the state in 2023.

“Californians used more E85 than ever last year, a fact that demonstrates how enthusiastic consumers are about higher biofuel blends, and their need for more ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "Everyone wants to help lower carbon emissions, and higher biofuel blends are one of the most affordable ways for them to do so. California and policymakers across the country should take note of E85’s meteoric rise in the Golden State and continue to lower consumer costs by increasing biofuels' share of the American fuel tank.”

“California should also fast track its approval of E15—another more affordable fuel blend made with 15% bioethanol that can be used in nearly-every light-duty vehicle or truck on the road today, whether it’s a flex-fuel vehicle or not,” Skor added.

Retailers feel the same way, according to Growth Energy Vice President of Market Development Jake Comer.

“California’s E85 numbers demonstrate that retailers and consumers alike are demanding greater access to more affordable biofuel blends. That’s why we’ve been spending a lot of time working with California retailers to help them offer these products,” said Comer. “However, when retailers ask us about offering E15, we have to deliver the unfortunate news that they aren’t allowed to sell E15 in California. Many of these retailers operate in multiple states and have seen the success of E15 elsewhere, so there is strong pent-up demand to offer this fuel option. We’re hoping that California—the only state that doesn’t allow E15 to be sold—will soon give customers and retailers more affordable, lower carbon biofuels at the pump.”

Background
California is the only state in the U.S. where E15—a blend made with 15% bioethanol that is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in all vehicles made in model year 2001 and newer—is not approved for sale. Still, fuel retailers in the state have taken steps to sell more E85 to California drivers, including through the use of funds awarded through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), a federal infrastructure grant program that helps fuel retailers offer higher biofuel blends, and that continues through most of this year. Growth Energy’s industry-leading Market Development team supports retailers writing grant submissions and guides retailers on the best way to market biofuels. California had 52 fuel stations apply for HBIIP funding in round one, and 25 apply in round two. We would expect even higher interest from retailers if California were to approve E15.



Statement by Secretary Vilsack on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Following historic progress made since the President took office—with nearly 15 million jobs created and inflation down two-thirds—the Budget protects and builds on this progress by lowering costs for working families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America and the American people, and reducing the deficit by cracking down on fraud, cutting wasteful spending, and making the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share.

“Looking ahead to 2025, it is critically important that USDA’s programs, staff and facilities are funded adequately to live up to its moniker ‘The People’s Department.’ The President’s budget proposal honors this commitment and enhances the opportunities available for millions of Americans, including in rural communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “Whether it’s the pay raises our firefighters deserve for their brave service, making sure infants and kids have access to nutritious foods, or investing in rural prosperity through housing and business capital, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to ensure people can find success in the places they call home.”

The Budget makes critical, targeted investments in the American people that will promote greater prosperity for decades to come. At USDA, the Budget will:

    Support a strong nutrition safety net. Women, infants, and children have better maternal and health outcomes when healthy, nutritious food is on their table. This budget requests $7.7 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to ensure that the program can serve all eligible pregnant women, mothers, infants and children who apply.

    Provide options for individuals and families in Rural America to find a place to call home. This budget requests nearly $1.7 billion to support President Biden’s action plan to help renters who are struggling with high rental costs, with a particular focus on building and preserving rental housing for low- and moderate-income families. This funding, along with related legislative proposals, will help nearly 300,000 eligible tenants nationwide afford to pay their rent through Rural Development’s rental assistance program, and go a long way toward preserving these properties as low income.

    Modernize the wildland fire workforce. Effective wildland fire management requires a workforce that is fairly compensated. This budget requests $386 million for investments in Forest Service’s wildland fire workforce to ensure equitable and competitive compensation through permanent pay reform, increase workforce capacity, provide vital health and well-being assistance, and improve Government housing, These investments further the President’s commitment to ensure that wildland firefighters receive the wages, benefits, and other investments for health and wellness that are necessary to support and grow this critical workforce.

    Equip farmers, ranchers, and foresters with the science, tools and information to succeed. Between 1948 and 2019, total agricultural output in the United States grew by 142 percent. The productivity stemmed from the adoption of a whole suite of innovations and technology – many of which are the fruits of publicly funded agricultural R&D. The Budget proposes a $3.8 billion investment in our research, education, and economics programs. This is done through the delivery of cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture.

    Improve the economic health of rural communities by increasing access to business capital and lowering energy costs. Guaranteed Business capital promotes the creation and expansion of rural businesses, financing of business expansion, and jobs creation, which helps to diversify the rural economy. The President’s budget supports $2.3 billion in B&I loan guarantees, which bolsters the availability of private credit by guaranteeing loans made by lenders to rural businesses. This program improves the economic health of rural communities by increasing access to business capital through loan guarantees that enable commercial lenders to provide affordable financing for businesses in eligible rural areas. The President’s budget also invests in programs that reduce energy costs for rural communities, including $1 billion for renewable energy loan guarantees for farmers and rural small businesses and $53 million in zero-interest loans for the Rural Energy Savings Program.

    Combat the climate crisis through conservation and protection of our lands. The President’s budget invests a total of $6 billion in more effective land management decisions on National Forest lands and in partnerships with landowners, local communities and Tribal Nations to address climate adaptation, conservation, and ecological resilience. This work will address the underlying conditions of drought that are impacting the productivity of our farms and forests throughout the country. Addressing climate adaptation, conservation, and ecological resilience now also has long-term benefits to the taxpayers, who shoulder the increasing Federal costs caused by climate change.

The Budget builds on the President’s record while achieving meaningful deficit reduction through measures that cut wasteful spending and ask the wealthy to pay their fair share.

For more information on the President’s FY 2025 Budget, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/.