Wednesday January 07 Ag News - NC Foundation Scholarships - Doran Enters ICA Hall of Fame - DMC Drifts towards Payments - Ethanol Blend Rates tops 11% - and more!

 Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Now Accepting 2026 Scholarship Applications

The Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation (NCF) announced they are now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year from qualified youth in Nebraska with an interest in the beef industry.

NCF President Malina Lindstrom stated, "The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is dedicated to supporting future professionals who are driven and passionate about the beef industry. We understand the importance of the next generation of beef industry leaders, and want to ensure they have the tools for success as they pave the way to their careers and seek to advance beef production."

The prestigious Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship awards a $10,000 scholarship to an outstanding college junior, senior or graduate-level student. Eligible students must be residents of Nebraska and be enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry-related degree. The scholarship will be awarded based on student need, Nebraska beef industry involvement including past achievements and future plans, and academics. Completed applications are due by Sunday, March 1, 2026. Incomplete applications and applications received after the due date will be disqualified. Finalists will be invited to a personal interview with the selection committee.

NCF offers numerous other $1,000 minimum scholarships, awarded on the basis of academic achievement, beef industry involvement, and goals/quality of application. Completed applications are due by Sunday, March 1, 2026. Incomplete applications and applications received after the due date will be disqualified. Scholarship recipients must be a high school senior or college student, have a "C" or higher grade point average, and be enrolled or intending to enroll full time in a college or university that offers a bachelor's degree, an approved vocation or trade school, or a state accredited junior college. 

Applications are available on the Nebraska Cattlemen website. Questions can be referred to Ashley McClinton at AMcClinton@necattlemen.org or by calling the NCF office at (402) 475-2333.

All scholarship winners will be announced during the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Midyear Meeting in June 2026.



IOWA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION HONORS 2025 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR AND HALL OF FAME WINNERS

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, named the 2025 Producer of the Year and 2025 Hall of Fame award winners at their annual convention in mid-December. It is with great pleasure that they announce Dennis Clarahan from Keokuk County as the 2025 Producer of the Year. Beth Doran, retired beef specialist in northwest Iowa with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, was inducted into ICA’s Hall of Fame for 2025.

Producer of the Year
Dennis Clarahan is the fifth-generation of Clarahans to raise cattle in Keokuk County. Clarahan Farms is located in Harper, Iowa, and run by Dennis and his wife, Sheryl, along with their two sons, Ryan and Neil. The operation consists of both cattle and crops. Clarahan Farms earned its Century Farm title in 2023.

Dennis’s family shared that he got his start like most rural children, showing cattle in 4-H and FFA. Dennis has fed cattle since he was seven years old, proudly telling anyone who will listen that he has been in the business for over 60 years.

The cattle operation is very focused on carcass quality, as apparent by Dennis’s dedication and participation in the ICA annual Carcass Challenge. Starting with an Angus cow base, they use Chianina genetics on the bull side, which has led to high-yielding, high-quality carcass characteristics.

In the application, his family shared that Dennis’s herd has shown continuous improvement over the last several decades in key performance indicators, thanks to sustained selection pressure, careful management, and data-driven decision-making.

These improvements have contributed directly to an increase in the total pounds of beef produced per acre for the operation. By tracking individual performance, monitoring herd health, and maintaining detailed enterprise records, Clarahan Farms has been able to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and continue building a more productive and efficient cow herd.

Dennis is a leader – not only within the operation, but within the industry and his community. Dennis served two terms as a district director on the ICA board. He also served two terms with the American Chianina Association. He has hosted several tours of the farm as well as freeze branding clinics for local 4-H clubs. Dennis was recognized as the 2024 Commercial Cattlemen of the Year through the American Chianina Association. Last year, he and Sheryl were also recognized for being 40-year members of that association, too.

The ICA Producer of the Year nomination is meaningful as it must come from another ICA producer member. This year, Bob Noble submitted the nomination and worked with Ryan Clarahan to complete the official nomination form.

Some words shared to describe Dennis are that he is noted for quality bulls and hospitality at his sales. Bob shared that he has quite the operation and welcomes you right in. Other board members recognize him as a friendly face. In the nomination form, his family said that Dennis has instilled a love of cattle in his sons and all seven of his grandchildren.

At the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention in December, his granddaughter Reagan shared a few words and spoke to his dedication to their family farm. Words like consistency, integrity, doing things the right way, and commitment were used.

In Reagan’s words, “Beyond the cattle and the land, my grandpa has also been a teacher and a role model. He has taught our family the value of hard work, perseverance, and how to take pride in what you do. He leads by example, showing us

that success isn’t just measured by awards, but by the legacy you leave behind and the people you impact along the way. Grandpa, we are incredibly proud of you. Thank you for everything you’ve taught us, for the lessons you may not even realize you’ve given, and for showing us what it truly means to be a producer.”

Hall of Fame
Beth Doran’s passion for the cattle industry stemmed from 4-H, where she spent nine years as a youth exhibitor at a young age. This is where she began her passion for showing livestock and custom fitting. According to her brother, Gene Doran, Beth was one of the best showmen.

Beth was also scholastically talented. She has a bachelor’s degree in home economics and one in animal science. From there, she went on to get her master's degree and doctorate from Oklahoma State in feedlot nutrition. She then took an extension livestock position with Michigan State University, where she says she learned a lot, particularly about water quality and the impacts of environmental pressures. Beth attributes much of her success to the numerous mentors she was exposed to throughout her education journey and during the early years of her career.

In 1993, Beth joined ISU Extension and Outreach in a new position -- a beef specialist in northwestern Iowa. Beth said that originally it was meant to have a focus on feedlots, but having her background of showing and raising cattle on her family’s cow-calf operation, she covered both. In this role, she served 17 counties and worked directly with beef producers in the industry, supporting them with problem-solving, information, and resources.

Beth also noted that she not only worked with producers, but with the strong ag business industry in the area. She said that Northwest Iowa has a tremendous infrastructure in terms of all the goods and services that support the robust cattle industry in that part of Iowa.

One of Beth’s main contributions in this role revolved around continuous education, and some of her larger accomplishments included planning and executing Iowa’s Feedlot Forum, which is held each winter in the northwest part of the state. She has put on and delivered numerous other courses and learning events for cattle enthusiasts of all ages.

At the core, Beth said it was the people with whom she had the opportunity to work with that kept her so passionate about her job. She said that the producer's passion is contagious and that her producers were very committed to what they do and how they can keep on the cutting edge.

Beth recently retired after nearly 27 years of selflessly serving producers. She said that she is currently working on getting moved back to central Iowa to be closer to Gene and the family farm. She said she’ll remain involved in the industry, but in a different way that she’ll need to figure out.

Beth was inducted into the ICA’s Hall of Fame at the 2025 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention held in mid-December. One of the most special components of this award is that the nomination comes from peers, and for Beth, it came from a group of cattle producers from Northwest Iowa who came together to recommend her for this award.

ICA congratulates both Dennis and Beth as winners of this year’s Producer of the Year and Hall of Fame and thanks them for their commitment and dedication to bettering Iowa’s cattle industry.



Secretary Naig to Introduce First-Ever Iowa Farm Act to Strengthen Iowa Agriculture in 2026 Legislative Session

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced plans to introduce the Iowa Farm Act, a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive legislative package designed to support Iowa farmers, strengthen rural communities, and position Iowa agriculture for long-term success.

“The Iowa Farm Act is about meeting today’s challenges while preparing for the future,” said Secretary Naig. “It brings together ideas we have heard directly from farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state. This package expands economic opportunities, supports the next generation, and strengthens our readiness to respond to animal disease threats. It also delivers targeted tax relief and removes unnecessary barriers that hold farmers back. I look forward to working with the Legislature and Governor Reynolds to get this package enacted to show strong support for agriculture, the cornerstone of our state’s economy.”

The legislation reflects priorities raised directly by farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders and is intended to provide practical, workable solutions across Iowa agriculture.

“We thank Secretary Naig for his leadership and for bringing forward the Iowa Farm Act, a forward-looking package that supports Iowa farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities,” said Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. “This legislation demonstrates a strong commitment to Iowa agriculture and the long-term success of our state’s number one industry.”

“The Iowa Farm Act strengthens Iowa’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to a foreign or major animal disease outbreak by improving coordination, expediting the deployment of equipment, and protecting producer confidentiality,” said Aaron Juergens, President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and a farmer from Carroll. “Iowa’s pig farmers are grateful for Secretary Naig’s leadership and appreciate the Department’s commitment to building long-term resilience in agriculture by investing in the next generation of farmers and rural veterinarians through this legislation.”

“In these uncertain economic times in agriculture, we appreciate Secretary Naig’s leadership as we work to advance policies important to Iowa farmers this upcoming legislative session,” said Brent Johnson, President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and a farmer from Manson.

“Iowa cattle producers know firsthand how important it is to be prepared for the future, especially when it comes to animal health, workforce availability, and passing operations on to the next generation,” said Craig Moss, President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and a farmer from Hull. “We thank the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for taking a forward-thinking, proactive approach to these issues, and the Iowa Farm Act demonstrates a real commitment to protecting producers and keeping Iowa agriculture strong for the long term.”

“The North Central Poultry Association actively supports the Iowa Farm Act for strengthening safeguards against highly pathogenic avian influenza such as enhancing foreign animal disease preparedness and protecting producer confidentiality,” said Breck Hunt, Executive Director of the North Central Poultry Association. “Additionally, removing regulatory barriers, investing in future generations, and modernizing standards will aid Iowa’s poultry and egg producers. This legislation helps ensure Iowa remains a national leader in safe, reliable, and competitive animal agriculture.”

“From protecting farm succession and investing in beginning farmers, to expanding local markets, the Iowa Farm Act is a bold investment in Iowa's future,” said Tom Adam, President of the Iowa Soybean Association and a farmer from Harper. “We greatly appreciate Secretary Naig and his team for championing Iowa farmers and the rural communities they call home.”

“Iowa State Dairy Association proudly supports Secretary Naig and the Department’s work through the Iowa Farm Act to strengthen and grow Iowa agriculture,” said Robert Horst, President of the Iowa State Dairy Association and a farmer from Bristow. “We appreciate his leadership in ensuring Iowa remains a place where farmers can thrive.”

“The Iowa Corn Growers Association applauds the introduction of the Iowa Farm Act and Secretary Naig’s commitment to strengthening Iowa agriculture. This comprehensive package reflects the voices of farmers across our state and addresses the real needs facing rural communities today,” said Mark Mueller, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Waverly. “We are especially encouraged by the focus on modernizing regulations, delivering tax relief and growing new markets for Iowa corn and other farm products. We look forward to working with Secretary Naig, the Legislature and fellow commodity partners to move this important legislation forward and keep Iowa agriculture strong for generations to come.”

“When producers, cooperatives, and policymakers pull in the same direction, Iowa agriculture wins,” said Bobby Martens, Executive Director of the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives. “The Iowa Farm Act’s provisions deliver practical, fair relief that allows cooperatives to invest in rural infrastructure, support farm succession, and reduce costs for farmer members. That’s how we protect Iowa Agriculture and set up the next generation for success.”

“On behalf of propane marketers and fuel retailers across Iowa, the Iowa Propane Gas Association strongly supports the Iowa Farm Act,” said Michelle Brown, CEO of the Iowa Propane Gas Association. “The Act’s provisions aligning storage tank tax assessments with recent judicial rulings provide much-needed clarity, eliminate inequities in tax treatment, and support a fair, predictable business environment for energy providers and the customers who rely on them.”

“Rapid response and farmer support are critical when a foreign animal disease or other major disease outbreak occurs on an Iowa farm,” said Josh Berg, President of the Iowa Turkey Federation and a farmer from Early. “Iowa’s turkey farmers applaud the proposed Iowa Farm Act for strengthening response capabilities and clarifying farmer confidentiality. These forward-thinking provisions will enhance Iowa’s ability to support Iowa’s family farmers during times of crisis.” 

The Iowa Farm Act is a forward-looking proposal that expands economic opportunities, delivers targeted tax relief, supports beginning farmers, strengthens biosecurity and foreign animal disease response, and improves the efficiency of state government.

Expanding Economic Opportunities for Iowa Farmers
The Iowa Farm Act expands opportunities for farmers to diversify products and income, access new markets, and operate with greater certainty by:
    Modernizing Iowa’s farm zoning exemptions to clarify that value-added processing, direct-to-consumer marketing, agritourism activities and events, and other farm-supporting operations are included under Iowa’s farm exemption.
    Strengthening Iowa’s agritourism framework by updating the definition of an agricultural experience to reduce regulatory barriers and encourage farms to welcome more visitors, customers, and educational opportunities.
    Supporting Iowa’s Christmas tree industry by explicitly including tree farms in Iowa’s agritourism liability protections, providing certainty for these family-owned operations.
    Expanding local food markets by making the Choose Iowa School Purchasing Pilot Program permanent, connecting schools with Iowa farmers and food producers and creating reliable new markets for Iowa-grown food.

Delivering Tax Relief and Fairness
The Iowa Farm Act delivers targeted tax relief that lowers costs, promotes fairness, and supports farm succession by:
    Protecting family farms and succession planning by expanding the retired farmer rental income tax exemption to include modern farm business structures such as partnerships, S corporations, trusts, and estates.
    Reducing costs for grain businesses by eliminating the grain excise tax paid by cooperatives and grain handlers, supporting local elevators and a more uniformed tax system.
    Supporting growth in Iowa’s honey industry by exempting the purchase of honeybees from sales tax, reducing input costs for beekeepers and strengthening pollination services.
    Eliminating county-by-county uncertainty by codifying that above-ground storage tanks under 91,000 gallons are not subject to property tax.

Supporting Iowa’s Beginning Farmers and Ag Workforce
The Iowa Farm Act invests in the next generation of Iowa agriculture and the workforce that supports it by:
    Prioritizing young and beginning farmers in Choose Iowa grant programs, helping new producers access capital and build viable operations.
    Strengthening rural veterinary services by exempting rural veterinarian loan repayment grants from state income tax to improve recruitment and retention in underserved areas and ensure continued care for Iowa’s livestock industry.

Strengthening Biosecurity and Protecting Producers
The Iowa Farm Act strengthens Iowa’s readiness and protects producers during disease events by:
    Safeguarding producer confidentiality during a foreign animal disease or major disease outbreak to encourage early reporting and rapid response without fear of public exposure.
    Authorizing the Department to lease space for storing foreign animal disease response equipment, ensuring faster deployment and a more coordinated response.

Modernizing Department Functions and Improving Government Efficiency
The Iowa Farm Act improves efficiency while maintaining strong consumer and marketplace protections by:
    Modernizing agricultural equipment transportation standards to improve safety and efficiency for ag equipment dealers and manufacturers.
    Increasing trucking gross weight allowances for dairy products, reducing hauling costs and improving market access.
    Clarifying Grain Indemnity Fund updates through technical clean-ups to improve readability and consistent application of the law.
    Providing flexibility to expand marketing opportunities and grow demand for Iowa-made, Iowa-raised and Iowa-grown food and agricultural products through the Choose Iowa program.
    Improving flexibility in large scale inspections by allowing alternative inspection methods and scheduling discretion for the IDALS Weights and Measures Bureau.
    Streamlining and updating Iowa Code through technical clean-ups that eliminate outdated language, reduce duplication, and improve efficiency across Department operations.

As part of the Department’s broader FY27 proposal, Secretary Naig is also requesting a modest 1.6 percent budget increase of $1.335 million to maintain essential operations in animal health, food safety, consumer protection, and water quality initiatives that support Iowa farmers, consumers and rural communities.

Secretary Naig looks forward to working with the Iowa Legislature and Governor Reynolds to advance the Iowa Farm Act during the 2026 legislative session and financially support the essential operations of the Department.



Secretary Rollins Announces New Slate of Political Appointments to USDA

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is building a powerhouse team of Presidential Appointees deeply committed to uplifting rural America and putting Farmers First. With strong experience in agriculture, public service, and national security, this team will protect family farms, expand opportunities, and proudly implement America First policies,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I look forward to working together to deliver real results for the American people, particularly the farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed and fuel our nation.”

Starlyn Perdue Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Iowa
Starlyn Perdue serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa. A lifelong resident of southwest Iowa, Starlyn and her husband raise their sons on their family’s Century Farm. With a background in economic development, agricultural advocacy, and program administration, Starlyn is committed to strengthening Iowa’s rural economy through workforce training and business development. She remains deeply rooted in Iowa’s agricultural community and is a strong advocate for policies that support farmers and strengthen America’s rural economy.



Secretary Naig Congratulates Starlyn Perdue on her Appointment as Iowa's Farm Service Agency Director

Secretary Naig issued the following statement after Starlyn Perdue of Pottawattamie County was appointed to serve as Iowa’s USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director:  

“Congratulations to Starlyn Perdue on being named Iowa’s USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director. As a family farmer from southwest Iowa, Starlyn understands how vital county FSA offices are to Iowa farmers and the importance of the Farm Bill programs that FSA administers. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for this selection, and I am confident Starlyn will provide strong leadership for FSA. I look forward to working closely with her to support Iowa farmers and strengthen rural communities.” 



Secretary Naig Congratulates Doug Hoelscher on UN Appointment 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig provided the following statement after Doug Hoelscher, a native of Hamilton County, was appointed to serve as Minister-Counselor to the U.S. Mission to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations:

“Congratulations to Doug Hoelscher on his appointment as Minister-Counselor to the U.S. Mission to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Raised on a family farm in north central Iowa, Doug brings a firsthand understanding of agriculture and a lifelong commitment to the people and communities it supports. Throughout his career in public service, Doug has built a distinguished record of advancing sound policy and strengthening agriculture’s role both here at home and around the world. Iowa agriculture will be well represented on the global stage, and I wish Doug great success as he begins this important new role.”



USDA Announces Dr. Justin Benavidez as Chief Economist

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Tuesday congratulated Dr. Seth Meyer for his years of service to our country and announced Dr. Justin Benavidez as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Chief Economist.

“Seth Meyer has been a trusted and steady leader at USDA, providing rigorous, objective economic analysis that has helped guide USDA and America’s farmers and ranchers’ insights into complex commodity markets. I am grateful for his years of service and the lasting contributions he has made to American agriculture,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “As we thank Seth for his leadership, I am pleased to welcome Justin Benavidez to USDA as our new Chief Economist. Justin brings strong policy experience, deep roots in production agriculture, and a clear understanding of the economic realities facing farmers and ranchers. I look forward to working with him as we continue to put Farmers First and ensure USDA’s work is guided by sound, data-driven analysis.”

Retirement of Seth Meyer from USDA
Seth Meyer has served as USDA Chief Economist since 2021, providing rigorous economic analysis and objective market insight to support USDA leadership, policymakers, producers, and stakeholders across the agricultural economy. During his tenure, Dr. Meyer oversaw USDA’s economic forecasting and analysis, including leadership of the World Agricultural Outlook Board and the widely followed World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report.

Prior to and during his time at USDA, Dr. Meyer brought decades of experience in agricultural economics, global trade analysis, and policy evaluation. His leadership helped guide USDA through periods of market volatility, global supply chain disruption, and evolving policy priorities.

Appointment of Justin Benavidez to USDA
Justin Benavidez has been appointed to serve as USDA Chief Economist. Dr. Benavidez previously served as Chief Economist for the Majority Staff of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, where he provided economic analysis on farm bill policy, commodity markets, and agricultural legislation. Before his service on Capitol Hill, Dr. Benavidez worked as an agricultural economist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, focusing on farm and ranch management, production economics, and policy analysis. He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University.

As USDA Chief Economist, Dr. Benavidez will lead the Department’s economic analysis and forecasting efforts, ensuring USDA’s policies and programs continue to be informed by sound, data-driven economic research that supports America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

About the Office of the Chief Economist
The Office of the Chief Economist provides independent economic analysis to inform USDA decision-making, including market outlooks, policy evaluation, and global agricultural assessments that support U.S. agriculture and food systems.



NCBA Congratulates Justin Benavidez on USDA Chief Economist Appointment

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement on the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez to serve as Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
 
“U.S. cattle producers depend on economic analysis from USDA to make business decisions every day on their operations. The USDA Chief Economist is crucial to ensuring that quality data reaches farmers and ranchers around the country. Dr. Benavidez has spent his career analyzing the U.S. agricultural economy from his time at Texas A&M University to being the Chief Economist for the House Agriculture Committee. He is highly qualified for this new role and NCBA is excited to continue working with him to the benefit of America’s cattle producers.” 



USDA Dairy Products November Production 2025 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.22 billion pounds, 5.9 percent above November 2024 but 3.4 percent below October 2025. Italian type cheese production totaled 526 million pounds, 6.8 percent above November 2024 but 2.7 percent below October 2025. American type cheese production totaled 474 million pounds, 5.6 percent above November 2024 but 3.7 percent below October 2025. Butter production was 180 million pounds, 2.2 percent above November 2024 but 3.4 percent below October 2025.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with November 2024)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 108 million pounds, down 9.8 percent.
Skim milk powder - 40.5 million pounds, down 9.9 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with November 2024)
Dry whey, total - 64.8 million pounds, up slightly.
Lactose, human and animal - 87.2 million pounds, up 2.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.7 million pounds, up 4.9 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with November 2024)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 49.8 million gallons, down 2.0 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 24.4 million gallons, down 5.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.45 million gallons, up 10.0 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 2.42 million gallons, down 9.5 percent.



DMC Margin Drifts Toward Payments
NMPF Newsletter

The November margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage Program fell to $10.04/cwt in November, another month of decline, as margins neared the $9.50 trigger level for payments at the maximum level of coverage.

The November decline was driven by a $0.18/cwt rise in the DMC feed cost formula and a $0.30/cwt drop in the all-milk price over the month. At the end of the year, the DMC Decision Tool on the USDA website predicted the December margin would be $9.19/cwt, which would generate a $0.31/cwt payment for $9.50/cwt coverage should that occur. That would be the only DMC payment for 2025.

DMC margins declined in September and October, according to USDA data released after the recent government shutdown, were $10.87/cwt and $10.52/cwt, respectively.



U.S. Ethanol Blend Rate Tops 11% in October, as E15 Expansion Continues

Ethanol accounted for 11.06 percent of the nation’s gasoline in October, marking the first time in history that the monthly ethanol “blend rate” has topped 11 percent, according to newly released data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The Renewable Fuels Association said the record-high blend rate reflects the expanding use of E15 and flex fuels like E85, and should put to rest—once and for all—the myth that a so-called “blend wall” prevents ethanol from making up more than 10 percent of the gasoline pool.

The 12-month average blend rate, which reflects longer-term trends, also hit a record of 10.48 percent in October. Expanding availability of E15 appears to be the driving factor in the blend rate increase, according to RFA. In Iowa, for example, E15 accounted for roughly 25 percent of total gasoline sales in November, virtually doubling since the start of 2025. And with E15’s legal approval in California in October, RFA is working with retailers in that state to make the more affordable blend available to Golden State drivers as soon as possible.

“The new data from EIA and the Iowa Department of Revenue provide clear evidence that ethanol is continuing to gain market share in the U.S. fuel market as American drivers increasingly choose lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 and flex fuels like E85,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The numbers also prove that the fictitious ‘blend wall’ is nothing but an imaginary barrier created by those who oppose American-made renewable fuels produced from American-grown crops.”

Cooper noted that expanding sales of E15 in 2025 were facilitated, in part, by the Trump Administration’s timely issuance of emergency fuel waivers allowing E15 sales to continue throughout the summer months. However, the emergency waivers are a “band-aid fix,” he said. “To truly unleash lower-cost E15 in the marketplace, we need Congress to pass legislation that permanently removes the decades-old regulatory red tape that prevents most retailers from offering E15 to their customers during the busy summer driving season. Passing year-round E15 legislation would not only continue to build on the progress we saw in 2025, but it would also open a badly needed new market opportunity for our nation’s farmers.”

RFA also underscored the importance of quickly finalizing EPA’s proposed 2026-27 renewable volume obligations, which include the highest-ever renewable fuel blending requirements.

“The continued expansion of E15 depends, in large part, on EPA’s pending action to finalize robust RFS volumes for 2026-27 and full reallocation of any small refinery exemptions granted for 2023 and later compliance years,” Cooper said. “Indeed, EIA’s data clearly show that the average ethanol blend rate actually reversed course and fell when EPA granted SREs en masse in the 2018-19 timeframe and failed to reallocate the lost volume. Farmers, ethanol producers, and consumers simply can’t afford a repeat of the demand destruction we experienced due to SREs seven years ago.”

Based on EIA’s latest short-term energy outlook, maintaining an average blend rate of 11 percent for a full year would equate to 15 billion gallons of domestic ethanol consumption.



USDA Publishes 2024 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today published the 2024 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The summary shows that more than 99 percent of the samples tested had pesticide residues below benchmark levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Each year, USDA and EPA work together to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis by the PDP. In 2024, tests were conducted on 9,872 samples from 19 commodities of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, nuts and fish. AMS partners with cooperating state agencies to collect and analyze pesticide residue levels on the selected food commodities.

USDA tests a wide variety of domestic and imported foods, with a strong focus on foods that are consumed by infants and children. EPA relies on PDP data to conduct dietary risk assessments and to ensure that any pesticide residues in foods remain at or below levels that EPA has set. The data also provide regulators, farmers, processors, manufacturers, consumers and scientists with important insights into the actual levels of pesticide residues found on widely consumed foods.

The annual pesticide residue results are reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA in monthly reports as testing takes place throughout the year. FDA and EPA are immediately notified if a PDP test discovers residue levels that could pose a public safety concern.

The 2024 data and summary can be found on the Pesticide Data Program page of the AMS website. 



Farm Service Agency Announces Updated Schedule for County Committee Elections

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee voting period, and eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country should receive ballots this week.  

Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Feb. 2, 2026, for those ballots to be counted. Newly elected members will take office on March 2, 2026.        

“Voting in your local county committee election isn’t just a ballot – it’s your voice shaping how federal programs impact your livelihood,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “County committees guide decisions on disaster assistance, conservation and farm program delivery at the local level, and every producer who serves on an FSA county committee helps ensure the decisions the committee makes reflect the needs of their neighbors and their community.”   

To be eligible to vote in the county committee elections, producers must participate or cooperate in a USDA program and be assigned to the LAA that is up for election. Each year, at least one LAA in each COC jurisdiction is up for election on a three-year rotation, and each producer is assigned to vote in a single LAA. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.   

For purposes of FSA county committee elections, every member of an American Indian tribe is considered an agricultural landowner if the land on which the tribal member’s voting eligibility is based is tribally owned or held in trust by the U.S. for the tribe, even if the individual does not personally produce a commodity on that land. Tribal agricultural landowners 18 years and older can contact their local FSA county office to register to vote.    

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agriculture community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are comprised of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, safety-net, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues.    

Ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person to the local FSA office by close of business Feb. 2, 2026, to be counted. Newly elected committee members will take office March 2, 2026. Producers can identify LAAs up for election through a geographic information system locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/elections and may confirm their LAA by contacting their local FSA office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office.