Thursday July 17 Ag News - Nebraska E-30 Demo Report - Adrian Smith Receives Corn Grower Recognition - Flood Control Works - and more!

Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes E30 Demonstration Interim Report

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) today announced the publication of the interim report for Phase II of the E30 Demonstration. The project is demonstrating the viability of E30 fuel (a blend of 30% ethanol and 70% gasoline) in non-flex fuel vehicles. Phase I was conducted in 2019, and the ongoing Phase II began in 2023. So far, the 94 State of Nebraska light-duty vehicles involved in Phase II have collectively driven more than 215,000 miles on E30 fuel. The research team, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has found further evidence of the conclusions from Phase I: E30 is safe and effective for non-flex fuel vehicles, and E30 is economically viable for broader consumption.
 
“The results in the interim report are very encouraging,” NEB Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “While we’re not surprised to learn that non-flex fuel engines can safely utilize E30, it’s still exciting to see the data demonstrate that fact. Plus, the report makes it clear that E30 is far cheaper than E10, which we know is thanks to the inclusion of more ethanol. This price advantage comes with a fuel economy gain for some vehicles on E30 compared to E10—a groundbreaking result—or only a very small reduction that is more than covered by the cost difference. These are all strong signs that mid-level ethanol blends like E30 are a prime long-term option for the world’s transportation energy needs.”
 
Currently, E30 fuel is only approved for flex fuel vehicles, but the demonstration has specific approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to test E30 in non-flex fuel vehicles. The interim report analyzes data from several key different aspects of vehicle and engine performance, including short- and long-term fuel trim (STFT and LTFT), downstream oxygen (O2) sensor voltage, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) count, fuel economy, engine coolant temperature (ECT), catalytic converter temperature (CT), and throttle parameters. All analysis indicated that engines remained within safe operational margins while using E30.
 
The interim report highlights the results drawn from data collected by the onboard diagnostic (OBD) tracker connected to each involved vehicle. The vehicles are split into two groups: one control group using E10, and an experimental group using E30, with both groups designed to maximize diversity in vehicle makes, models, years, and engine types. This expands the demonstration beyond the scope of Phase I, which studied a much more limited set of vehicles.
 
Key results from the Phase II interim report:
    LTFT distributions shift upward and widen under E30 while STFT and downstream O2 sensor behavior remain stable, collectively indicating that modern engine control unit (ECU) strategies effectively manage E30 fueling through long-term adaptation without compromising real-time fuel control or emissions after-treatment.
    For vehicles 2020 – 2024, the average fuel economy for vehicles operating on E30 was 20.75 miles per gallon (MPG), compared to 22.03 MPG for vehicles on E10, a reduction in fuel economy of only 5.8% for E30, which is more than offset by E30’s 16.3% price advantage.
    For vehicles 2003 – 2019, the average fuel economy for vehicles operating on E30 was 17.08 MPG, compared to 15.81 MPG for vehicles on E10, an E30 mileage advantage of 7.5%.
    The average price of E30 in Nebraska was $2.70 per gallon, while E10 averaged $3.22 per gallon, resulting in a 16.28% price advantage for E30.
    No vehicles in either group exhibited coolant temperatures exceeding critical thresholds, indicating that E30 is thermally compatible with modern engine cooling architecture and does not induce abnormal heating or cooling behavior.
    The increased CT observed with E30 enhances catalyst performance without inducing thermal overstress.
    Although the E30-fueled vehicles exhibited higher throttle angle values, all readings remained within safe operational margins, indicating that drivability and engine responsiveness were not compromised.
    Long-term durability testing of E30-fueled vehicles confirmed that the increased throttle activity did not accelerate actuator wear or induce throttle-body fouling, reaffirming the mechanical robustness of current systems under mid-level ethanol operation.

“With a year’s worth of data still to be collected and analyzed, the interim report is clear evidence that Phase II of the E30 Demonstration is moving in the right direction,” Rhodes said. “The report validates all the hard work done so far, and it generates momentum for the remainder of the project. Today’s publication of the interim report marks an important step toward the long-term goal of widespread E30 adoption and use.”
 
The full interim report can be read here. A final report is expected in late 2026.



MINNESOTA GRAIN DEALER NO LONGER LICENSED IN NEBRASKA

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to ensure grain producers are aware that World Foods Processing, LLC, d/b/a PURIS, Minneapolis, Minnesota can no longer do business as a Grain Dealer in Nebraska.

On Tuesday, July 15, the company surrendered its Nebraska Grain Dealer License to the PSC. By surrendering its license, World Foods Processing, LLC, cannot take any action that would classify it as a grain dealer in the state, including, but not limited to buying grain from producers/sellers with the intent to sell such grain.

If you are a producer/seller who may have done business with this company and has any questions you are encouraged to contact the PSC grain department. 

Grain department contact information along with a list of licensed Grain Dealers in Nebraska can
be found on the Grain Department page of the PSC website https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain. 



NE Cattlemen Seek Donations for Military Appreciation
NC Farmer Stockman Council

As Americans, we are forever indebted to our veterans and military service members who make the freedoms we relish every day possible. As a way to thank them for their service and sacrifice, Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to support our troops through our annual Beef for Troops event.

Since 2009 the Nebraska Cattlemen Farmer Stockmen Council has sponsored beef drafts for military members on Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the Nebraska State Fair. The Farmer Stockman Council will again honor veterans and active-duty service members in the Beef Pit at the 2025 Nebraska State Fair during the Veteran’s Day Celebration. 

As we come together to honor our military veterans and service members, we need your help! We will be accepting cash donations through August 15, 2025. These donations are used to purchase beef drafts, which are given randomly to our veterans and active-duty service members who eat at the Nebraska Beef Pit at the Nebraska State Fair.

Please mail your donations to:
Nebraska Cattlemen
4611 Cattle Drive
Lincoln, NE 68521
*Please note your donation is for Beef for Troops

We appreciate your support of Nebraska Cattlemen, but more importantly, we appreciate your support of our military personnel. Your name will be listed on the beef draft envelope to thank you for your donation. 

Questions can be directed to Bonita Lederer at (402) 450-0223 or blederer@necattlemen.org.



Bacon and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect U.S. Farmland from Foreign Ownership

Recently, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) along with Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Michael Bost (R-IL-12), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4362, the AFIDA Improvements Act of 2025, to address concerns about foreign farmland ownership.

The AFIDA Improvements Act codifies recommendations published by the GAO to amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) to ensure there is timely and detailed data sharing of foreign investments in agricultural land transactions, better oversight and validation of information, and a better way to help identify those foreign entities who do not file notification they have purchased land in the United States. This legislation will help the United States better track and combat the CCP trying to buy up farmland. 

“The AFIDA Improvements Act is a bipartisan path to address the national security concerns stemming from the growing purchases of farmland by the Chinese Communist Party. This legislation, among other things, will ensure there is timely and detailed data sharing of foreign investments in agricultural land, better reviewing and validating of information, and identify those foreign entities who do not file notification they have purchased land in the United States,” said Rep. Bacon. “Having actual processes in place will strengthen the security of our nation in the event nefarious foreign agents, such as the CCP, try to purchase agricultural lands within our nation. These lands must be protected as they are essential to feeding our country and other parts of the world, feeding livestock, fueling vehicles, and other uses.”

Last Congress, AFIDA was successfully included in the Farm Bill passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Bacon looks forward to working with the Committee this Congress to advance this critical initiative.



Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith Recognized with NCGA President’s Award

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recognized Rep. Adrian Smith (Neb-R) with the President’s Award today during its summer Corn Congress meeting in Washington, D.C.

Smith, who serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, has been a legislative champion for corn growers on key issues, including international trade, tax policy and ethanol.

The congressman also led congressional efforts to challenge and resolve a dispute with Mexico over genetically modified corn, chaired the Rural America Tax Team and has sponsored legislation to allow year-round sale of E15 nationwide since 2015.

“Rep. Smith has played a crucial role in many of our legislative wins, and his work has benefited corn growers at every level,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “He cares deeply about farmers and is not afraid to go to the mat for us. We are excited to honor him as a key congressional ally.”

The congressman expressed his appreciation to NCGA for the recognition.
 
“I am honored to receive this award," said Congressman Smith. "I consider it a great privilege to represent one of America’s leading districts feeding and fueling the world through corn and ethanol production. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to champion sound policy such as robust foreign market access, risk-based, science-driven standards, and increased availability of higher-blend biofuels."

The NCGA President’s Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, is given each year to a recipient chosen by the organization’s board president.

NCGA voting delegates meet twice a year during Corn Congress meetings to debate the organization’s policies and vote on new board members for the organization.



Northeast Nebraska Flood Infrastructure Saves more than $1.3 million in Damages

A turbulent week of weather in northeast Nebraska put flood control systems to the test—and in Dixon County, those systems passed with flying colors.

Between July 9-11, 2025, northeast Nebraska endured another round of severe weather triggering a tornado watch, a flood advisory, and multiple severe thunderstorm warnings. Powerful storms dumped nearly four inches of rain across Dixon County making conditions ripe for flash flooding, erosion, and infrastructure strain.

But thanks to decades of thoughtful investment and infrastructure planning, Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District’s Aowa Creek Watershed flood control structures did exactly what they were designed to do—protect lives, property, and the future.

The morning after the storm, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) DamWatch Software issued threshold exceedance alerts for numerous Aowa Creek Watershed structures. However, the Lewis & Clark NRD was already ahead of the curve. General Manager Annette Sudbeck and her team were in the field early that morning, proactively inspecting dams, monitoring site conditions, and ensuring the safety of downstream communities.

Despite the intense rainfall, no auxiliary spillways were observed flowing, and the system held firm.

“This storm is exactly the kind of event these structures were built for,” said Sudbeck. “The flood control dams performed exactly as intended. By temporarily detaining runoff water and releasing it in a controlled manner we can reduce downstream flood damage.”

In total, the 48 Aowa Creek Watershed structures received significant rainfall and worked in concert to prevent major flooding. Together, these structures are capable of temporarily detaining more than 7,000 acre-feet of floodwater—water that is safely stored and released at a controlled rate over time. According to USDA-NRCS, the estimated benefits of these structures during the July 9-11, rainfall event were more than $1.3 million—including $896,000 in flood damage reduction and $488,000 in non-flood benefits such as erosion control and sediment retention.

One of the key elements of the flood reduction infrastructure in northeast Nebraska is an extensive network of PL-566 watershed structures. The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, often referred to as PL-566, authorizes USDA-NRCS to help local organizations and units of government plan and implement watershed projects.

The Aowa Creek flood infrastructure was developed in response to persistent flooding issues in the region, particularly for the communities of Newcastle and Ponca. Completed in the 1970s through the early 2000s, the project includes flood retarding and grade stabilization dams across more than 55,000 acres of drainage area. Two of these structures, Buckskin Hills and Powder Creek, are managed as public Wildlife Management Areas.

“The proactive measures and robust engineering of the flood protection systems played a crucial role in minimizing the impact on local communities,” said Allen Gehring, USDA-NRCS state conservation engineer. “The larger watershed contains a network of infrastructure that minimized the overall flooding from the Aowa Creek and its tributaries.”

Beyond flood protection, the project delivers long-term benefits in erosion control, sediment retention, wildlife habitat, and public recreation.

Throughout the state, Nebraska’s NRDs have utilized this federal funding and worked in partnership with USDA-NRCS to build and maintain flood reduction infrastructure.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for every dollar spent on flood mitigation, an average of $6 can be saved in post-disaster recovery costs.

The Lewis & Clark NRD continues to build on its long-standing commitment to flood resilience. For the past two years, the District has been working on a plan to upgrade two key structures located north of Highway 12 to enhance protection for downstream areas. These proposed plans for the structure upgrade are expected to be available for public review in winter 2025-2026. In addition, the Lewis & Clark NRD is developing a preliminary plan for new flood control practices or structures in the neighboring South Creek Watershed. These proposed improvements would help reduce erosion and provide added flood protection for the nearby communities of Ponca and Martinsburg.

The flood infrastructure in northeast Nebraska is a result of collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal partners, as well as engineering firms and community stakeholders. Through these partnerships, investments in flood mitigation continue to pay off today enhancing their overall effectiveness in the face of extreme weather events.



Five Nebraska Counties to Receive Wheat Payments

The 2024/25 marketing year for wheat concluded on May 31, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the final marketing year average wheat price at $5.52 per bushel, which is $0.02 above the effective reference price. This means the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program will not trigger payments for the 2024 wheat crop, as the price did not fall below the reference price.

However, some Nebraska counties faced yield losses last year that caused county-level revenues to drop below their respective Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) benchmarks. According to agricultural economist Robin Reid from Kansas State University, this will result in ARC-County payments for wheat producers in certain areas.

Five counties in Nebraska will be receiving these payments: Rock ($6.87 per acre), Hall ($31.78 per acre), York ($34.57 per acre), Nance ($31.03 per acre), and Seward ($34.04 per acre).

The ARC-County payments are calculated on a per-acre basis and will be applied to 85% of a farm’s wheat acre base. These payments are expected to be issued in October. These payments are designed to help mitigate the financial impacts farmers face due to unexpected yield losses and income shortfalls.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/11/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 11, ethanol production notched 0.2% higher to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to 45.65 million gallons daily. Output was 1.7% lower than the same week last year but 1.6% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.6% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.63 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks contracted 1.4% to 23.6 million barrels, the lowest volume since late December 2024. Yet, stocks were 2.1% more than the same week last year and 1.5% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, retreated 7.3% to a six-week low of 8.49 million b/d (130.49 bg annualized). Demand was 3.3% less than a year ago and 2.6% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 2.4% to a 14-week low of 880,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.53 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.6% less than year-ago levels and 1.1% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports slowed 22.3% to an estimated 94,000 b/d (3.9 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Prices for Six Fertilizers Push Higher Again  

Average retail prices for most fertilizers continued to be slightly higher during the second week of July 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. However, for the third week in a row, prices for multiple fertilizers were also lower. No fertilizer saw a substantial price move in either direction for the fifth week in a row. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Six fertilizers were slightly higher in price from a month ago. DAP had an average price of $810 per ton, MAP $847/ton, potash $481/ton, urea $658/ton, 10-34-0 $672/ton and UAN32 $501/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly lower in price than last month. Anhydrous had an average price of $769 per ton, and UAN28 was $417/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.72/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.78/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP by 3%, 10-34-0 5%, DAP 7%, anhydrous 11%, UAN28 23%, UAN32 30% and urea by 32%. The remaining fertilizer, potash, continues to be lower in price. It is 5% lower compared to last year. 



USGC Lauds USTR’s Section 301 Investigation Into Brazil

The U.S. Grains Council appreciates the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiating an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, announced Wednesday.

“The Council is encouraged by the news of the investigation into Brazil that has – for years – placed unfair tariffs on American ethanol imports,” said USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand.

“Finally, we may see U.S. ethanol, its farmers and producers get a fair shake when it comes to access in Brazil. Our thanks to USTR for its tireless effort to make trade fair for all parties.”



Corn Grower Leaders Call on Trump to Intervene with MAHA Commission

The president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and farmer leaders from 19 state-based corn grower groups sent a letter to President Trump Wednesday asking him to intervene as the Make America Healthy Again Commission prepares to release policy recommendations that question the safety of pesticides that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Our alarm stems from the initial assessment, released in May, which raised pesticide safety questions that have already been answered repeatedly over the decades by research and regulatory agencies,” the letter said. “If such language is included in the policy recommendations, it could significantly hamper the work of America’s farmers and raise prices on consumers without providing any additional layer of safety for the American public.”

The letter is notable because of the president’s popularity among farmers and rural Americans and comes as corn growers express concerns about the aggregate effects of tariffs, low corn prices and rising input costs. A loss of critical production tools would be another blow at an already difficult time.

Today’s letter zeroed in on the specific effect the recommendations could have on growers.

“If the pesticides in the original report were to disappear completely, crop yields could decrease by more than 70% due to pests, weeds and disease,” the grower leaders noted.

The EPA is exacting in its review process of pesticides, the letter explained.

“Every pesticide approved for use must submit dozens, if not hundreds, of test results for EPA review and consideration, including tests examining potential effects on child development, dietary exposure, and long-term toxicity,” the letter noted. “The EPA’s reviews, required by law, are repeated at least every 15 years, or sooner if new data become available.”

The corn grower leaders said they were happy administration members have met with them recently but also said more needs to be done.

“While we appreciate that members of your administration have met with agricultural groups and leaders in recent weeks, our farmers remain deeply troubled,” the signatories noted. “The initial assessment and a long list of unfounded statements that key architects of the MAHA report have repeated, are prime fodder for trial attorneys seeking to profit and protectionist trading partners who are determined to erect barriers to American agricultural products.”

The administration is expected to release the strategy document in August. The letter is the latest in a series of actions by the nation’s corn growers to express their concerns about MAHA’s efforts. 



Montana Farmers Union Member Delivers Testimony to House Agriculture Subcommittee on Credit and Risk Management 

Montana Farmers Union member John Wicks Wednesday testified in front of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit, to detail the importance of credit and risk management to family farmers. 

In his testimony before the subcommittee, Wicks emphasized the challenges family farmers and ranchers face and how improvements to credit, risk management tools, and other parts of the farm safety net can help them build and sustain successful agricultural operations.

“While access to affordable and reliable credit and well-functioning risk management tools are important for family farmers, we must have fair and competitive markets and a robust farm safety net,” said Wicks. “Farm bankruptcies are on the rise. Recent changes to improve the farm safety net may help alleviate some challenges with persistently high input costs and low commodity prices. But farmers will face major economic stress as long as corporate monopolies in agriculture remain unchecked, the way they are today.” 

To strengthen support for producers, Wicks presented the following recommendations to improve Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs: 
    Increasing loan limits to reflect the current economic environment;  
    Making it more feasible for farmers to restructure debt when needed; and   
    Ensuring these programs meet the unique needs of all types of producers. 

Wicks, a fourth-generation farmer from Montana, owns and operates Tiber Ridge Organics, where he grows lentils, chickpeas, wheat, durum, rye and barley. 



Corn Refiners Comment on Potential Product Reformulation

Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement on reports of product reformulation consideration.

“Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense. President Trump stands for American manufacturing jobs, American farmers, and reducing the trade deficit. Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.”

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber. 



CattleCon 2026 Keynote Speakers Announced

CattleCon 2026, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 3-5, will feature keynote speakers two-time Daytona 500 and NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and bestselling author Jon Acuff. These two speakers will inspire and spark innovation. Sharing their unique stories and a bit of humor, they are sure to compel attendees and drum up excitement for the future of the cattle industry. 

A third-generation racer in a family forever connected to American motorsports, Earnhardt Jr.’s innate ability and intrinsic instincts behind the wheel have propelled him to 50 victories and two championships in NASCAR’s top two national touring series. His common-sense charisma and down-to-earth disposition have catapulted his popularity well beyond the race track, resulting in a record 15 consecutive NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards. In addition, he is involved in a variety of businesses and is active in charities and non-profit organizations.

New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff is also joining the CattleCon 2026 line-up. Published in dozens of languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he's not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world.

CattleCon 2026 will be in a new location in the heart of downtown Nashville. Music City is full of activities for music lovers, history lovers, sports fans and families. Music City Center, home of CattleCon 2026, is walking distance from well-known attractions like Lower Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and so much more.

Getting to Nashville is made easier with discounted flights on United, early bird rates and a registration payment plan. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2026 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant. 

CattleCon 2026 registration and housing open Wednesday, Aug. 20. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org.