Wednesday May 07 Ag News

Pillen Proclaims May as Renewable Fuels Month

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Tuesday proudly joined Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen in proclaiming May as Renewable Fuels Month.
 
Nebraska’s ethanol industry is a cornerstone of our state’s prosperity. As the nation’s second-largest ethanol producer, Nebraska’s ethanol plants produce over 2 billion gallons annually. For drivers, that ethanol means lower prices at the pump—reducing the cost of gas by 77 cents per gallon, and delivering more than $750 in savings per year to the average U.S. family. Furthermore, ethanol often improves vehicle performance while driving down emissions.
 
Nebraska ethanol is vital to our economy. The industry supports thousands of high-quality careers across the state, including directly creating 1,800 jobs with average salaries near $80,000 each year between 2021 and 2023. Overall, the economic impact of ethanol in Nebraska is more than $6 billion per year.
 
Nebraska Ethanol Board Executive Director Ben Rhodes issued the following statement:
 
“Today’s proclamation of May as Renewable Fuels Month sends a clear message: Nebraska values the farmers, producers, and workers who make our ethanol industry a national leader. This industry doesn’t just fuel our vehicles—it fuels opportunity and growth across our state. The Nebraska Ethanol Board is grateful for Governor Pillen’s support and for our legislative partners who champion ethanol at both the state and federal level. But we’re not just celebrating this month. We remain committed to advocating for ethanol every day, ensuring Nebraska remains at the forefront of renewable fuels.”
 
Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, invites you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels this May. Learn more and find ethanol retail locations at fueledbynebraska.com.



HUSKER RESEARCH UNLOCKS SECRETS OF SORGHUM’S DEFENSES AGAINST FALL ARMYWORM

University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientists continue to advance the understanding of sorghum’s natural defenses, new findings that can strengthen crop resistance to a major pest threat, the fall armyworm.

These voracious caterpillars harm a variety of crops, including corn and soybeans. Once the creatures begin feeding on plant stems or leaves, producers typically lose at least a quarter of their crop. Originally native to the Americas, this invasive pest has spread to Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, posing a major concern for food security and agricultural sustainability.

The fall armyworm larvae feed at nearly all stages of plant growth, spread rapidly and display increased resistance to pesticides. In response, the university’s Department of Entomology is conducting multidisciplinary, federally funded research in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, focusing on sorghum.

In the latest findings, Joe Louis, Harold W. Eberhard Professor of agricultural entomology, and colleagues identified how the sorghum gene Brown midrib 12 (Bmr12) encodes an enzyme, COMT, important to the plant’s natural defenses. The team recently published its findings in a paper for Plant Physiology.

Louis said that sorghum plants that overexpress Bmr12 increase their production of certain hormones and flavonoids — compounds known for their antioxidant properties and various biological activities — increasing disruption of fall armyworm growth and development.

“Findings from this study could be useful for other crops, such as corn and soybeans, and their specific modes of action to defend against insects,” Louis said.

A key will be identifying each crop’s specific flavonoids contributing to plant defense.

Sorghum’s natural defenses spring into action when activated by the fall armyworm’s oral secretions, with a higher level of Bmr12 leading to enhanced defense, activating COMT-dependent flavonoid resistance to fall armyworm.

The researchers combined two approaches to arrive at this conclusion: a look at which genes activate during instances such as insect attacks and an examination of which chemicals sorghum produces when under stress. In combination, the two approaches enabled Louis and his colleagues to better understand how fall armyworm attacks cause certain genes to activate and certain chemicals to be released for the plants to protect themselves.

This knowledge of Bmr12’s benefits opens the long-term potential for breeding or gene editing to create hybrids with stronger natural resistance.

The Bmr12 research is the most recent in a long line of sorghum-focused studies to better understand the crop’s natural defenses. A previous Nebraska study identified a key plant hormone that enhances sorghum’s natural ability to fight off the sugarcane aphid.

Key support for the research comes from two federal grants — $1.2 million from the Plant Biotic Interactions Program, a joint initiative of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Science Foundation, and a $430,000 grant from NIFA’s Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems. The $430,000 grant was awarded to Louis, and the $1.2 million grant was awarded to him and his research colleague, Scott Sattler, adjunct professor of agronomy and horticulture and research leader with the USDA-ARS Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit on UNL’s East Campus.

Pritha Kundu, a postdoctoral research associate in entomology, is the lead author of the new paper, and the second author is Sanket Shinde, a recent doctoral graduate from the department. Sajjan Grover, now a senior scientist at Bayer, contributed to the research during his past work as a postdoctoral research associate at Nebraska.

“Natural plant compounds like flavonoids could be used to help protect sorghum from fall armyworm and potentially other insect pests in a safer, non-toxic way,” Louis said.

From those research findings, possibilities arise for variety-specific follow-up studies and, potentially, the creation of hybrids with robust natural resistance.



Fischer Reintroduces Precision Ag Package

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Tuesday reintroduced her Precision Ag Package—three pieces of legislation that will help America’s producers harness the full potential of precision agriculture.

“Precision agriculture equipment enables America’s farmers and ranchers to be stronger stewards of the land; however, high upfront costs and a lack of rural broadband connectivity create frustrating barriers to entry. My bipartisan Precision Ag Package would improve producers’ access to these exciting, innovative tools making their operations more productive, efficient, and less resource-intensive,” said Fischer.  

PRECISE Act:
The Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act would provide a suite of financial tools to help farmers and ranchers of all sizes increase their adoption of precision ag technologies through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, co-led the introduction of the legislation.

LAST ACRE Act:
The Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments (LAST ACRE) Act would create a new Last Acre Program at the USDA Office of Rural Development aiming to expand network connectivity across farmland and ranchland. Existing Rural Development programs support “last mile” broadband deployment, which connects broadband networks to single-point rural locations, like households or businesses. However, as the Government Accountability Office has found, USDA lacks a program focused on extending connectivity across rural acreage, reaching the “last acre.” This last acre connectivity is fundamental for farmers and ranchers looking to use precision agriculture technologies in their operations. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) co-led the introduction of the legislation.

PAL Act:
The Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act would create a program within USDA to provide loan financing to farmers and ranchers interested in purchasing precision agriculture equipment. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) co-led the introduction of the legislation.



Fischer to Agriculture Secretary: Nebraska Right Fit to Relocate Parts of U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Tuesday questioned Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on her plans to relocate parts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), like the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). During the hearing, Fischer advocated for Nebraska to be considered, given the proximity to land grant institutions, lower cost of living, and a strong existing relationship with the USDA’s ARS facilities in the state.

Fischer also raised concerns about the need to address overregulation to reduce the high maintenance costs of USDA’s ARS facilities, and whether the USDA would ensure that improvements made to these facilities are affordable.

In addition, Fischer emphasized the importance of preserving the customer service experience at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), highlighting the value of in-person interactions with clients.



Secretary Rollins Requires States to Provide Records on SNAP Benefits, Ensure Lawful Use of Federal Funds

Tuesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will require States to make certain all records associated with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and allotments are shared with the federal government.

“President Trump is rightfully requiring the federal government to have access to all programs it funds,” said Secretary Rollins, “and SNAP is no exception. For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data. The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today’s request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible.”

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14243, Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos, requiring agency heads to “take all necessary steps, to the maximum extent consistent with law, to ensure the federal government has unfettered access to comprehensive data from all State programs that receive federal funding, including, as appropriate, data generated by those programs but maintained in third-party databases.” The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is federally funded, administered by States, and includes relationships with processors and retailers, among others, all of which are information siloes. Today’s guidance prioritizes program integrity and will allow FNS, for the first time, transparency into the data long only held by States and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) processors.



Iowa Swine Day 2025 Is June 26 in Ames

Iowa Swine Day offers the most current information on emerging critical topics by renowned pork industry speakers. Organized and hosted by the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, the 14th annual event is set for Thursday, June 26, at the Iowa State Center in Ames.

The Iowa Swine Day planning committee of producers and allied industry representatives ensures that no two programs are alike, and that every program offers information not available elsewhere.

The four morning plenary session speakers will set the learning stage right from the start.

Gretchen Evans, who served in the U.S. Army, will share her story and offer wisdom on grit, resilience, hope and overcoming barriers. Dr. Matt Culbertson from PIC will discuss innovations in genetics and management. This is the inaugural Lauren L. Christian Lecture on Swine Management and Genetics supported by the Lauren L. Christian Swine Education Endowment. Brady Reicks will provide a producer perspective from Reicks View Farms and Dr. David Newman from National Pork Board will bring insight to the future of pork demand.

Following the morning plenary session and lunch, attendees choose their own schedule from the four concurrent topical sessions: producer resources, biosecurity and herd management, tech and the consumer, and ISU research. Each session has four presentations.

All attendees registered for Iowa Swine Day are welcome to attend the ISU Swine Networking Social sponsored by AB Vista, Lynch Livestock and TechMix held the evening prior. The BBQ social will be held at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Road in Ames, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on June 25.

The cost to attend the event is $100 through June 8, increasing to $115 on June 9. Walk ins are discouraged and parking is free.

The full program, information, registration forms and directions to the venues are available on the Iowa Swine Day conference website https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/iowaswineday.html.



2024 Iowa Renewable Fuels Economic Contribution Study Shows Impact of Stagnant Corn Demand Hitting Agriculture Economy

According to a new economic contribution study released today, Iowa biofuels production has begun to reflect stagnant corn demand throughout the agriculture economy. The direct impacts of biofuels still remain strong, but the multiplying effects of corn and soybean purchases have been reduced as commodity prices fell.

Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) conducted the study, commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The study found: “Even though a variety of factors converged in 2024 that created stresses for the biofuels industry in Iowa and lowered the economic contributions of the industry to the Iowa economy compared to prior years, Iowa’s renewable fuels industry set another record for fuel production.” Specifically, biofuels production contributes the following to Iowa:
·      Accounts for $5.7 billion, or about 2%, of Iowa GDP
·      Generates $2.6 billion of income for Iowa households; and
·      Over 34,000 jobs throughout the entire Iowa economy

“Renewable fuels production continues to be a core part of Iowa’s economy,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Yet, as farmers continue to produce more and domestic demand has leveled off, we saw commodity prices fall. That means the indirect impacts of converting corn and soybeans into renewable fuels also fell. Simply put, Iowa farmers need growing markets. The best way to open new ethanol markets around the world is with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). That is the most cost-effective and impactful tool we can provide our farmers and producers.”

In 2024, Iowa ethanol plants produced 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol and continues to lead the nation in ethanol production. Iowa biodiesel facilities produced 353 million gallons, up from 350 million gallons in 2023.

“Over the last couple of years, we have been warning of the coming economic storm in agriculture,” said Shaw. “In fact, as corn and soybean prices fell, American farmers lost $90 billion in net income over the last two years. Production has been steady in Iowa, but the impact of $7 corn is just bigger than $3.50 corn. Today’s study highlights why Iowa legislators need to stand up for Iowa farmers and renewable fuels producers’ ability to gain access to the massive ultra-low carbon markets before things get worse for farmers and our state economy.”



New Study Shows Clean Fuels Industry Contributes $42.4 Billion to U.S. Economy

A new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages.

The study, “Economic Impact of Biodiesel on the U.S. Economy 2024,” was conducted by GlobalData using actual 2024 data, including 5 billion gallons of domestic production. It evaluates direct, indirect and induced economic impacts and jobs across the entire value chain, from raw-material production, collection and processing to fuel production and distribution.

According to the report, nearly half of the total economic impact—$19.9 billion and 41,500 jobs—came from fuel production, while oilseed production supported 30,600 jobs and generated $15.3 billion in economic activity, delivering major benefits to soybean-growing states. Significant employment was also reported in oilseed processing (8,600 jobs) and rendering (12,700 jobs).  

“The numbers don’t lie; 2024 was a record-setting year for clean fuels, and the benefits reached deep into rural America,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels. “This study proves that biodiesel and renewable diesel not only lower carbon emissions but deliver real income and jobs, especially for soybean producers and the broader agricultural economy.”

Looking ahead, the industry’s continued growth could bring even greater returns to farmers, feedstock producers and fuel producers. The study also analyzes a near-future capacity scenario of 7.4 billion gallons, based on publicly announced investments in new or expanded facilities. At that level, the industry could support 145,700 jobs and contribute $60.25 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to GlobalData.



March U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports Post Strong Gains
Renewable Fuels Association

U.S. ethanol exports rebounded sharply in March, surging 41% to 195.8 million gallons (mg) amid broad-based improvements across most major markets. Shipments were 23% higher than year-ago levels. March also marked Canada’s fourth consecutive year as the leading destination for U.S. ethanol, with exports climbing 27% to a six-month high of 64.5 mg—accounting for two-thirds of March’s denatured ethanol sales. Exports to the United Kingdom, the largest foreign market for U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol, more than tripled to an 11-month high of 30.0 mg. The European Union boosted its imports by 21% to 21.2 mg, India’s imports rose 42% to 18.8 mg, and South Korea’s surged 80% to a ten-month high of 11.8 mg. Other notable markets included the Philippines (-28% to 10.8 mg), Colombia (+58% to 10.7 mg), Brazil (up from zero to 7.0 mg), Nigeria (up from zero to 5.8 mg), Mexico (-48% to 5.8 mg), and Peru (-10% to 5.5 mg). Collectively, these eleven markets accounted for 98% of total March ethanol exports. Cumulatively, U.S. ethanol exports for the first quarter reached 532.6 mg, a robust 19% increase over the same period last year.

The U.S. imported 1.6 mg of fuel ethanol in March, primarily sourced from Brazil. Cumulative imports for the first quarter totaled 3.33 mg, 19% ahead of the year-ago pace.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, rose 21% in March to 1.03 million metric tons (mt), propelled by a 79% surge in shipments to top customer Mexico. Sales to Mexico totaled 227,548 mt, rebounding sharply from a four-year low in February. Exports to South Korea edged 3% lower to 114,681 mt, while shipments to Indonesia jumped 66% to a nine-month high of 93,483 mt. Exports to Colombia and Vietnam each advanced 25%, reaching 92,712 mt and 83,665 mt, respectively. Collectively, these five markets accounted for half of March’s total DDGS exports. Other sizable destinations included Canada (-13% to 49,864 mt), Turkey (-4% to 40,211 mt), Japan (-3% to 40,177 mt), the European Union (-28% to 38,520 mt), and Thailand (+147% to 34,244 mt). The remaining quarter of exports was distributed across 26 additional markets. Cumulatively, U.S. DDGS exports for the first quarter totaled 2.69 million mt, trailing the prior year’s pace by 9%.



DMC Margin Loses $1.57/cwt in March, Mostly on Lower Milk Price
NMPF

The monthly Dairy Margin Program margin fell $1.57/cwt to $11.55/cwt in March as the U.S. average all-milk price fell $1.60/cwt to $22/cwt, more than outstripping a small decline in feed costs.

The DMC Decision Tool on the USDA Farm Service Agency website has long projected the monthly margin would reach a bottom for 2025 this spring, but the March downward move outpaced its projections. On the last day of April, the Tool showed the correct milk, corn and soybean meal prices for March, but anticipated a much lower premium alfalfa hay price and showed a projected March margin of $12.29/cwt.  At that time, it also projected the margin would reach a 2025 low of $11.05/cwt in June before rising again.



USDA Dairy Products March 2025 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.23 billion pounds, 1.4 percent above March 2024 and 9.8 percent above February 2025. Italian type cheese production totaled 518 million pounds, 0.2 percent below March 2024 but 9.2 percent above February 2025. American type cheese production totaled 500 million pounds, 4.6 percent above March 2024 and 13.0 percent above February 2025. Butter production was 229 million pounds, 8.6 percent above March 2024 and 12.9 percent above February 2025.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with March 2024)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 168 million pounds, down 9.1 percent.
Skim milk powder - 34.0 million pounds, down 11.9 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with March 2024)
Dry whey, total - 70.0 million pounds, down 12.4 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 100 million pounds, up 1.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 40.7 million pounds, down 8.5 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with March 2024)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 60.4 million gallons, down 7.9 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 35.4 million gallons, down 8.9 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.47 million gallons, down 16.2 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.74 million gallons, up 6.1 percent.