Thursday January 08 Ag News - NeFB on WOTUS Proposal - Eastern NE Corn/Soy Expo - CHS Q1 Earnings - Call for Nationwide E-15 - New Dietary Guidelines Released - and more!

Nebraska Farm Bureau Submits Comments on EPA’s Latest Waters of the U.S. Proposal

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) this week submitted formal comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corp of Engineers on its latest proposal addressing the federal definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act.

For more than a decade and across three presidential administrations, Nebraska farm and ranch families have faced ongoing uncertainty caused by repeated changes to federal WOTUS rules. Nebraska Farm Bureau says EPA’s latest effort to clarify and simplify federal jurisdiction is a step in the right direction.

“For Nebraska farm and ranch families, WOTUS isn’t something debated in a courtroom — it’s something we deal with every day,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president. “Federal regulation should apply only to real, lasting waters, and that’s the clarity we’re asking for.”

In its submitted comments, NEFB emphasized the need for a commonsense approach that reflects conditions across Nebraska. The organization urged EPA to limit federal jurisdiction to waters that normally contain water, such as streams, rivers, and lakes, and to exclude dry draws, gullies, and channels that only carry water immediately following rain or snowmelt. NEFB cautioned against relying too heavily on maps, modeling, and computer-based tools when making jurisdictional determinations.

“Storms can leave behind banks or water marks that look like a stream on a map, even when local landowners know it’s usually dry,” McHargue said. “Decisions need to be based on real-world observation and local knowledge, not just datasets or desk-based determinations that can mislabel features and create surprise liability for landowners.”

Additionally, NEFB’s comments call for strong protections for normal farming, irrigation, drainage, and conservation activities. The organization stressed the importance of clear exclusions so producers can maintain ditches, tile drainage, and irrigation systems, manage groundwater, and idle land for conservation or drought recovery without triggering federal permits.

“Our farmers and ranchers rely on irrigation and drainage infrastructure to remain productive and resilient,” McHargue said. “Routine maintenance and conservation practices should not require federal permission.”

The comments also urge EPA to preserve long-standing protections for prior converted cropland, ensuring land does not suddenly fall under federal regulation unless it has truly been abandoned for more than five years and reverted to wetland conditions.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau’s comments reflect the real-world concerns of Nebraska farm and ranch families,” McHargue said. “We look forward to continuing to work with EPA to ensure rules are clear, practical, and allow farmers and ranchers to continue feeding, fueling, and clothing our country and the world.”



Nebraska Extension Hosts Eastern Nebraska Corn & Soybean Expo 

Join us on Thursday, January 22nd at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center for the Eastern Nebraska Corn & Soybean Expo.

This event is sponsored by Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Soybean Board, and the Nebraska Corn Board.

This year’s expo will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with soy donuts from the Saunders County Soybean Growers and time to visit vendors, speakers start at 9:00 am and will finish up at 3:00 p.m.

Complimentary lunch will be provided as well as door prizes at the end of the day.

Plan on joining us to learn from a variety of speakers and visit a variety of vendors about important topics for corn and soybean production in 2026!

Topics and Speakers Include:
Using Farm Financial Averages to Plan Ahead 
Tina Barrett, Executive Director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.
This presentation will highlight Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.’s 2024 farm financial averages and discuss early projections for 2025. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to use these benchmarks to make informed management and planning decisions heading into 2026.
 
Soybean Management Misconceptions 
Mark Licht, Associate Professor, Extension Cropping Systems Specialist, Iowa State University
This session will be a refresher of soybean growth and development. Along the way, soybean management misconceptions will be dispelled.

Managing Nitrogen in 2026 – Farmer Panel

Grain Marketing and Insurance – Tredas

What Did We Learn About Drone Application in 2025 – On-Farm Research Update

Updates will also be provided by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Soybean Association.

Vendor spots are still available, contact Aaron Nygren for more information or go to https://enreec.unl.edu/easternnebraskacornsoybeanexpo/

For more information, call Aaron Nygren at 402-624-8030, e-mail anygren2@unl.edu , or Mailson Freire de Oliveira at 402-727-2775, email mfreiredeoliveira2@unl.edu. 



2026 I-29 Moo University Webinar: Dairy Markets and Policy Update 

The 2026 I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series kicks off on Monday, January 12 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CST, focusing on milk markets with Dr. Leonard Polzin.

This webinar provides an update on U.S. dairy markets and recent Federal Milk Marketing Order reforms, with a focus on how current market and policy dynamics are affecting milk prices and producer revenues. The discussion examines the ongoing downturn in dairy prices by analyzing key supply, demand, and trade factors, explaining why prices have declined, why the downturn has emerged at this point in the cycle, and how competing market signals are creating mixed price indications.

Leonard Polzin grew up on a century-old Wisconsin dairy farm and received bachelor’s Degrees in Dairy Science and Agricultural Business from UW River Falls. He completed his graduate work in Agriculture and Resource Economics from Michigan State University. He brings extensive experience as an educator and analyst to the position, having developed and provided programing on topics including market analysis, outlook and market expectations, risk management, and policy analysis.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/25NNVN

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; in Nebraska, Kortney Harpestad, 402-472-3571; or in South Dakota, Maristela Rovai, 605-688-5488.



Dairy Team 2026 Webinar Series Continues With Focus On Cyber Security

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Wednesday, January 14 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CST. This program will be presented by Doug Jacobson the Director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach.

Jacobson will discuss cyber threats on the dairy and around the farm.

Doug Jacobson is Director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is the lead PI in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity sponsored ReCIPE coalition which is focused on securing cyber-physical systems. Doug also created the Iowa Cyber Hub which is dedicated to increasing the cyber workforce in Iowa. Doug has given over 300 presentations in the area of computer security. He also created a computer security outreach program targeted at the general public, post-secondary students, and faculty.

Due to requests from participants who want to document education in our webinars, beginning in January 2026 requests for a “Certificate of Attendance” will be available when requested with the registration. There is the requirement to be logged on to each webinar for at least 85 percent of the total minutes of the program. With the requirements met, you will receive an email to collect the charge. Each certificate will be $5 to cover the cost of handling and shipping.

Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on January 14 by pre registering at least one hour before the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/DAIRYCYBERSECURITY

 For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu. 



CHS reports first quarter fiscal 2026 earnings

CHS Inc., a global agribusiness and the nation’s leading cooperative, today released results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2026. The company reported net income of $260.5 million and revenues of $8.9 billion for the quarter that ended November 30, 2025, compared to net income of $244.8 million and revenues of $9.3 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the company's financial segments have changed to align with its new end-to-end product-line operating model.

Key highlights for first quarter fiscal year 2026 financial results:
    Strong performance in refined fuels driven by strengthened refining margins and record premium diesel sales volumes.
    Continued headwinds in grains due to global trade factors, challenged U.S. soybean markets and lower margins for certain commodities.
    Solid performance in agronomy driven largely by our CF Nitrogen joint venture, but partially offset by a weaker U.S. farm economy.

“CHS was well positioned to serve our owners during a strong harvest, contributing to higher performance in our energy segment. However, the ag market overall continues to be challenged both by global market dynamics and a tighter spending environment for farmers,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS. “By prioritizing efficiency, diversified supply chains and operational excellence, we continue to be focused on bringing value to our owners. At the same time, our new operating model, which is now reflected in our financial reporting, allows us more visibility into our end-to-end supply chain, positioning CHS for long-term growth.”

Energy
This segment includes our refined fuels, propane and lubricants product lines. Energy delivered pretax earnings of $152.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, which represent a $136.6 million increase versus the prior year period. This reflects:
    Higher refining margins due to favorable crack spreads.
    Strong diesel demand driven by heavy harvest activity, resulting in record sales volumes of Cenex® premium diesel.

Grains
The grains segment primarily includes our corn, oilseeds, wheat and specialty grains product lines. Pretax earnings of $36.2 million represent a $130.8 million decrease versus the prior year period and reflects:
    Weaker soy crush and spring wheat margins, decreased soybean export volumes and timing impacts of mark-to-market adjustments.
    Increased corn export volumes and winter and white wheat volumes, as well as higher export margins in some markets and strong processing margins for ethanol and canola.

Agronomy
This segment includes crop nutrients, crop protection and CF Nitrogen. Pretax earnings of $36.8 million represent an $8.7 million increase versus the prior year period, and reflect:
    Strong performance by our CF Nitrogen equity method investment due to favorable market conditions for urea and UAN.
    Decreased volumes in crop nutrients due to tighter purchasing decisions by U.S. farmers and lower margins in both crop nutrients and crop protection influenced by strong competition and market dynamics.

Corporate and services
This segment includes our CHS Capital, CHS Hedging and transportation businesses, as well as our Ardent Mills and Ventura Foods joint ventures. Pretax earnings of $46.8 million represent a $1.2 million decrease versus the prior year period.

CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) creates connections to empower agriculture. As a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, CHS serves customers in 65 countries. We provide critical crop inputs, market access and risk management services that help farmers feed the world. Our diversified agronomy, grains, foods and energy businesses recorded revenues of $35.5 billion in fiscal year 2025. CHS is committed to reducing our impact on the planet, finding and developing new solutions in agriculture and energy, and investing in ways to build a better future for our owners, customers, employees and communities. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/2/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 2, ethanol production declined 2.0% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.12 million gallons daily. Output was 0.4% lower than the same week last year but 6.0% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate edged down 0.2% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.08 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 3.1% to 23.7 million barrels. Still, stocks were 2.1% less than the same week last year and 1.9% below the three-year average. Inventories built primarily in the Midwest (PADD 2); the West Coast (PADD 5) was the only region where stocks decreased.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, fell 4.6% to 8.17 million b/d (125.59 bg annualized). Demand was 3.7% less than a year ago but 0.6% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol sank 13.2% to 771,000 b/d, equivalent to 11.85 bg annualized and the lowest level since the first week of 2023. Net inputs were 1.0% less than the year-ago level and 1.6% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports decreased 23.6% to an estimated 113,000 b/d (4.7 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Prices for 5 Fertilizers Lower at End of 2025

Average retail prices for five of the eight major fertilizers were lower than the previous month during the last week of 2025, while prices for the remaining three fertilizers were slightly higher, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Prices for two fertilizers were considerably lower, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. The average retail price of DAP was down 8% at $847 per ton. The average price of MAP was down 5% from last month, at $876 per ton. Prices for three other nutrients were down slightly from a month ago. Potash had an average price of $484/ton, urea $566/ton and UAN28 $411/ton.

Prices for the remaining three fertilizers were up slightly from last month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $674/ton, anhydrous $867/ton and UAN32 $466/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.53/lb.N, UAN28 $0.73/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

Prices for all eight fertilizers are now higher compared to one year earlier: MAP by 8%, potash 9%, 10-34-0 10%, DAP 15%, Urea 16%, anhydrous 18%, UAN28 27% and UAN32 by 28%.



Ag, Biofuel Groups Continue Call for Year-Round Sales of Lower-Cost E15

In a letter sent today to congressional leadership, a coalition of more than 70 biofuel and agricultural organizations called for the immediate passage of legislation to allow year-round nationwide sales of the American-made E15 fuel blend, containing 15 percent ethanol. Year-round E15 would benefit drivers with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon and improve markets for America’s farmers.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a record 16.8-billion-bushel corn harvest in 2025—up roughly 13 percent from 2024,” the groups wrote. “While this demonstrates the strength and productivity of America’s farmers, it also intensifies pressure on corn prices and farm incomes. Expanding E15 access is one of the most immediate and practical ways to address this imbalance. When fully scaled, year-round, nationwide E15 is poised to create new domestic demand for billions of bushels of corn and sorghum, help stabilize markets, support farmers, and deliver consumer savings at the pump.”

The letter was led by Growth Energy, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association.

In recent years, the organizations noted, E15 availability during the summer driving season has depended on temporary emergency waivers. While these annual actions provide short-term relief, they are not a sustainable or reliable solution. Year-to-year uncertainty discourages investment in fuel infrastructure, confuses consumers, and undermines confidence among retailers and refiners.

“With a record corn crop filling bins across America, farmers cannot afford another season of uncertainty and negative margins. Markets need consistency and predictability, which requires permanent legislative action by Congress. We respectfully urge you to act this year to pass year-round E15 legislation,” the groups wrote.



Ag and Renewable Fuel Groups Urge Congress: Pass Year-Round E15 Now

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, alongside over 70 national and state renewable fuels, corn growers, and agricultural associations, are calling on Congress to act swiftly and approve legislation enabling nationwide, year-round E15 sales. 

In a letter spearheaded by the Renewable Fuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association, the coalition emphasized that “when fully scaled, year-round, nationwide E15 is poised to create new domestic demand for billions of bushels of corn and sorghum, help stabilize markets, support farmers, and deliver consumer savings at the pump.” 

The letter also highlighted findings from a recent study showing the economic potential of unleashing E15: 
    Add up to $25.8 billion to U.S. GDP 
    Generate up to $10.3 billion in household income 
    Support more than 128,000 new full-time jobs across the economy 

“With the current agriculture economy in the worst shape in several decades, unlocking new markets like year-round E15 is essential for the future of farmers,” said Executive Director Monte Shaw.  “IRFA is proud to stand behind this united effort. Congress must act, and act now!” 



ACE Joins Ag, Biofuel Groups in Urging Swift Congressional Action to Secure Year-Round E15

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Wednesday joined a broad coalition of organizations representing farmers, ethanol producers, and renewable fuel stakeholders in urging congressional leaders to swiftly pass legislation securing permanent, year-round access to E15 nationwide.

In a letter sent to bipartisan leadership in the U.S. House and Senate, the coalition emphasized that permanent year-round E15 is a commonsense solution to support farmers, strengthen rural economies, and provide consumers with a lower-cost fuel option at the pump.

“With record corn and sorghum crops filling bins across America, farmers cannot afford another season of uncertainty and negative margins. Markets need consistency and predictability, which requires permanent legislative action by Congress,” the coalition wrote.

In recent years, E15 availability during the summer months has relied on temporary emergency waivers, creating uncertainty for retailers and consumers alike.

“Without a permanent legislative solution, uncertainty will continue to hold back market growth and limit access to E15 for consumers,” said Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol. “Congress must act now to remove outdated regulatory barriers and expand consumer choice, strengthen energy security, and support economic growth across rural America.”

Permanent, year-round E15 remains ACE’s top policy priority. In the absence of congressional action, the issue will be front and center when ACE members travel to Washington, D.C., for the organization’s annual Fly-In March 17–18, meeting directly with lawmakers to urge swift passage of a legislative solution.



Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, marking the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades. The new Guidelines deliver a clear, common-sense message to the American people: eat real food.

The U.S. faces a national health emergency. Nearly 90% of health care spending goes toward treating chronic disease, much of it linked to diet and lifestyle. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly 1 in 3 adolescents has prediabetes. Diet-driven chronic disease now disqualifies many young Americans from military service, threatening national readiness and limiting opportunity.

“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” Secretary Kennedy said. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”

“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation,” Secretary Rollins said. “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”

Under President Trump’s leadership, the Administration is restoring scientific integrity, accountability, and common sense to federal health guidance. The 2025–2030 Guidelines reestablish food—not pharmaceuticals—as the foundation of health and reclaim the food pyramid as a tool for nourishment and education.

The Guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science:
    Prioritize protein at every meal
    Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars
    Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms
    Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
    Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates
    Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives
    Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level
    Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration
    Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health

The Guidelines also provide tailored recommendations for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and vegetarians and vegans, ensuring nutritional adequacy across every stage of life.



AG Hilgers Claims Victory as New Federal Dietary Guidelines Reject Push to Demote Beef

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers today announced a major policy victory for the State of Nebraska following the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. The final guidelines reject proposals to move beef and other animal-based proteins to the bottom of the federal government’s protein priority list. 

In February 2025, Nebraska led 23 States in filing a comment letter supporting the importance of beef to a well-rounded and protein-rich diet. A committee of Biden-Harris appointees recommended that beans, peas, and lentils should be listed as the best source of protein, with meat, poultry, and eggs moved to last on the list. Today, the Trump Administration—agreeing with the Nebraska-led coalition—soundly rejected that radical proposal. 

“This is a clear win for Nebraska, for common sense, and for science,” said Attorney General Hilgers. “The federal government ultimately agreed with what we said all along: animal-based proteins like beef play a critical role in a healthy diet and should not be sidelined by ideological or unproven theories. We are pleased that the final guidelines listened to the states and the evidence.”

The new guidelines maintain meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood as core components of the protein foods group and do not reorder protein sources to place red meat last. They also emphasize adequate protein intake across life stages and acknowledge the unique nutritional benefits of animal-based proteins. The benefits of animal-based proteins, like beef, for a healthy diet are well known. No other food has as much protein, calorie for calorie, as beef and other meats. Sufficient protein consumption is linked to satiety, proper childhood development, combating anemia, and building and maintaining muscle. Beef is also an excellent source of micronutrients, which contribute to metabolic functioning, cognitive development, and hormone regulation.

“This outcome matters for Nebraska families, Nebraska ranchers, and consumers nationwide,” Hilgers added. “Our coalition made clear that downplaying beef would have ignored decades of nutritional science and harmed vulnerable populations who rely on nutrient-dense foods. The Administration’s decision not to demote red meat reflects a course correction in the right direction.”

Nebraska was proud to lead a multistate coalition advocating for science-based dietary guidance and will continue to stand up for policies that respect both evidence and the livelihoods of Nebraskans.

Joining Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers on the comment were attorneys general from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.



New Dietary Guidelines Emphasize Beef’s Place in a Healthy Diet

Wednesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). The updated DGAs nearly double the recommended daily amount for protein intake, increasing it to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram body weight, depending on your age group and individual caloric needs. The document focuses on building a healthy diet around whole foods, limiting highly processed foods and added sugars, and prioritizing protein at every meal like nutrient-dense beef. Red meat is specifically mentioned as a healthy source of protein in a varied, balanced diet.

“As a mom, I understand the importance of eating nutritious wholesome protein and as a rancher, I see the hard work that goes into providing the best possible food for our communities. The updated and simplified Dietary Guidelines will help more families like mine learn the facts about beef’s nutritional value and make the best decisions when they’re shopping for a nutrient-rich, whole, and delicious protein,” said Kim Brackett, an Idaho rancher and NCBA vice president. “Beef provides high amounts of protein plus nine other essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, and gold-standard clinical studies have consistently shown that it is easy to incorporate beef into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy underlining the role of beef as an important part of a healthy diet.”

The Dietary Guidelines released today are simplified and more consumer-friendly than previous cycles. The streamlined approach taken by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. keeps science-backed recommendations at the heart of the DGAs, but makes them far more practical for the families, caregivers, school administrators, and medical professionals who are making decisions every day about what to feed our children, seniors and Americans of all ages. Other recommendations in the DGAs include:
    Incorporate beef tallow and other healthy fats into the cooking process.
    Use healthier cooking methods like baking, broiling, roasting, stir-frying, or grilling, all of which can be used with the wide variety of retail beef cuts available to American families.
    Introducing nutrient-dense foods like meat during infancy and early childhood to support growing children.

Although much discussed in recent months, the DGAs do not make any changes to the existing recommendation that saturated fats should not make up more than 10 percent of daily calories. The guidelines do note that healthy fats are a natural part of real foods like meat, and these fats support many important functions in the body like nutrient absorption.

“As Americans face the double burden of being overfed and undernourished, they are searching for reliable, affordable solutions to meet their nutritional needs and personal preferences. Thankfully, there are a wide range of beef options in the marketplace,” said Registered Dietitian and nutrition scientist Dr. Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition science for NCBA. “On a per-gram basis, beef offers more nutrient value that many other animal and plant options. Incorporating beef in the diet can help support the overall health and well-being for all Americans.”



U.S. Pork Producers Pleased New Dietary Guidelines Put Pork Front and Center on Plate
 
The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which encourage Americans to "consumer a variety of protein foods from animal sources, including eggs, poultry, seafood, and red meat."

"America's pork producers appreciate the 2025 Dietary Guidelines putting pork front and center on the plate. They took note of producer concerns and rightly gave pork and other high-protein, nutrient-dense, and delicious meats their due when it comes to Americans' health and dietary habits," said Rob Brenneman, NPPC president-elect and pork producer from Washington, Iowa.

Quintessentially American foods like pork chops and Easter hams can remain a staple of American households, and the guidelines go so far as to recommend parents introduce nutrient-dense foods including meat early and continue focusing on "nutrient-dense foods such as protein foods" throughout childhood.

NPPC has long advocated for sound science, including how the Dietary Guidelines are developed. The "upside down" pyramid released by the administration encourages consumers to feel good about eating and enjoying their protein as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and America's pork producers are proud to play a part in their wellbeing by providing readily available, affordable, enjoyable pork products.

NPPC will continue to review the new guidelines and work with the Trump administration to ensure future food policy decisions serve the health and nutrition interests of the American public and that pork continues to play a vital part.



NMPF Statement on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
President & CEO Gregg Doud

“NMPF thanks HHS and USDA for recognizing dairy’s critical role in a healthy diet in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as shown by its continued recommendation of three servings of dairy for Americans, its recognition of dairy’s benefits at all fat levels, and dairy’s prominence in diverse diets. We are proud to benefit American health in fundamental ways, and we welcome the potential these guidelines hold for expanding upon dairy’s critical role in the diet. 

“As also shown in the scientific report that preceded today’s guidelines, reducing or eliminating dairy from the diet leads to undernourishment in key nutrients for millions of Americans. These guidelines encourage consumption of dairy nutrients critical to human health. Meanwhile, not all fats are created equal, and because the guidelines acknowledge this, dairy’s benefits are better reflected in this iteration of the guidelines.

“Now that the guidelines are out, the federal government will begin applying them across federal programs. We look forward to working with the entire nutrition community to ensure that dairy is best used to generate positive health outcomes for families across America.”



ASA Responds to 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines

The American Soybean Association responded to the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2025-2030. The new Guidelines highlight the importance of increased protein consumption, including plant-based proteins such as soy-based foods. They also emphasize prioritizing healthy fats, including oils rich in essential fatty acids like soybean oil. However, the report’s addenda continue to call into question the process of soybean oil extraction, which is scientifically proven to be safe for human health. 

“Soybean oil and soy protein play a critical role in the health and nutrition of Americans. U.S. soybean farmers are proud to grow a heart-healthy and high-protein crop that can feed the country and the world,” said ASA President and Ohio farmer Scott Metzger. “ASA appreciates that the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans acknowledge the importance of soy as part of a well-balanced diet, but we remain deeply concerned by the rhetoric and selectively cited studies regarding the health and safety of soybean oil in DGA supporting material. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration as we educate MAHA Commission leadership on the health benefits of soy-based foods and soybean oil.”

ASA will continue to address claims that disparage the use of soybean oil and promote solutions that are healthy and safe for consumers.