Wednesday March 12 Ag News

 Fischer, Smith Urge Congress to Fulfill President Trump’s Pledge to Allow Year-Round Sale of E15

Tuesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03) at a press conference urging Congress to fulfill President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15.

During her remarks, Senator Fischer called on Congress to pass her Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, ending years of patchwork regulations and giving producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. Senator Fischer and Congressman Smith were joined by National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr., along with U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Mike Flood (NE-01), and Jim Baird (IN-04).

“Congress must pass our Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 to fulfill President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15 and give America’s producers the certainty they deserve. It’s a win for consumers and a diverse group of stakeholders—including organizations in the petroleum, fuel marketing, and retail sectors—and it is exactly what the ethanol industry needs: permanent, nationwide access. I look forward to working with Congressman Smith, our colleagues in the House and Senate, and President Trump to get our bill signed into law,” said Senator Fischer.

“Our agricultural producers face uncertainty every day, and in recent years, high fuel prices have hit Americans hard, forcing families to make tough decisions when filling their fuel tank,” said Congressman Smith. “Meanwhile, unscientific and misguided barriers to E15 have blocked access to this affordable and sustainable energy source and sowed regulatory uncertainty. Lifting the restriction on nationwide year-round sale of E15 would unleash investment to contribute an estimated 66.3 billion dollars to U.S. GDP and 188,000 additional jobs. It was President Trump’s first administration which paved the way for summertime sales, and it’s now well past time that we provide market certainty through law.”

“Especially as we face uncertainty in our foreign markets, increasing demand for corn domestically would be a much-needed boost for farmers and rural communities,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We appreciate the work of our allies in Congress who champion corn growers and our priorities and call on Congress to address this issue as soon as possible.”

“President Trump has already taken a significant step by allowing E15 to be sold year round across Midwestern states," Rep. Mike Flood. The next step is E15 for all — year round E15 in every state. E15 for all would stimulate our rural economy and support the hardworking farmers and producers who help fuel America. It is my hope that both chambers of Congress come together to work with the Trump administration towards this swiftly.”



Ricketts, Slotkin Lead Bipartisan Bill to Secure American Agriculture

Tuesday, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) led 8 colleagues in introducing the Securing American Agriculture Act. The bipartisan, bicameral bill would secure critical supply chains and reduce America’s reliance on adversaries like Communist China. U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Communist China’s strategic control over crucial sectors of our food and agricultural supply chains poses a serious national security threat,” said Senator Ricketts. “Losing access to key inputs could reduce productivity, increase food prices, and undermine food security. My bill will bolster and protect these supply chains and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries.”

“Food security is national security – and we need to treat threats to our food supply chain just like any other security risk,” said Senator Slotkin. “This legislation requires us to assess those risks so we can protect our food supply. Bottom line: We need to make sure America’s agriculture supply chain is secure and stays right here at home.”

“China has intentionally captured a significant market share of America’s agricultural inputs—which is vital to our food supply chain—ceding leverage to our top adversary,” said Representative Hinson. “Iowa farmers have told me firsthand that if China decides to shut off U.S. access to these critical inputs, our food production would be in jeopardy. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill that exposes and counters China’s grip on agricultural inputs to strengthen domestic manufacturing and food security. Plain and simple: we should bring our agriculture supply chain home.”

“The bipartisan, bicameral Securing American Agriculture Act is a critical step forward in protecting our nation’s food supply and farmers from foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, who threaten our agricultural security,” said Representative Krishnamoorthi. “America’s farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we must ensure they have the resources and safeguards needed to compete on a level playing field while securing our nation’s agricultural supply chains.”

BACKGROUND:
American farmers produce the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. The use of agricultural inputs has further increased efficiency, improved resiliency to disease and drought, and reduced impacts on the environment. Among other supply chains, China has gained significant market share in the production of essential agricultural inputs like vitamins, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and crop protection tools. China now controls over 90% of vitamin C and vitamin B6 production and up to 85% of amino acids used in animal feed.

Losing access to these key inputs could have major negative consequences on productivity, prices, and food security. A University of Wisconsin-Whitewater study found that the PRC’s domination of the amino acids market could potentially destroy 30,000 U.S. jobs and reduce economic activity by $15 billion per year. The Securing American Agriculture Act bolsters and protects our food production supply chain.

Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
    Requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct an annual threat assessment of critical food and agricultural supply chains, current domestic production capacity for critical inputs, and current and potential bottlenecks in the food and agriculture supply chain.
    Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide recommendations to mitigate potential threats from the PRC and for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce barriers to domestic critical input production.

The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO).



March 18 - Reduce Your Risk: Taking Action on Nitrate
For Healthier Homes and Communities

Join Nebraska Extension at the Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, NE on March 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, for a discussion on nitrate in your drinking water. Learn how high nitrate levels in your water can affect you and your family’s health, as well as options for mitigating those high nitrate levels with our presenter, Crystal Powers, a Water & Cropping Systems Extension Educator.

Registration requested! Go to https://go.unl.edu/ryr_nitrateawareness or call 402-584-2261.

Bring a water sample! Get a quick water test for free by the Lower Elkhorn and Lewis and Clark Natural Resource Districts that evening. Take samples day the of and keep it cold. If you have a filtration system, bring two samples: one before and one after the filtration.



CVA Celebrates International Year of Cooperatives

The United Nations General Assembly has officially declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), recognizing the vital role cooperatives play in economic development and sustainability. Under the global theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World," Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to join this movement by reinforcing its commitment to feeding the planet and strengthening the cooperative system.

As a farmer-owned cooperative, CVA understands that agriculture has always been rooted in collaboration - working together to produce food, fuel and fiber for a growing world. Through its ongoing "Room at the Table" campaign, CVA invites all members, employees and community members to embrace the cooperative spirit and take their seat at the table.

"Feeding the planet unites us," said Carl Dickinson, president and CEO of CVA. "As a cooperative, our strength comes from our member-owners, employees and communities. The Year of the Cooperative highlights the impact we can make when we work together to support farmers, advance sustainable agriculture, and ensure a strong future for the next generation."

Throughout 2025, CVA will celebrate IYC2025 by highlighting member stories, engaging employees and communities, and hosting events throughout the CVA territory. Follow along on social media throughout 2025 as CVA showcases the power of cooperatives.

"Cooperatives have always been about working together for the greater good," said Luke Carlson, CVA Board Chairman. "At CVA, we believe in the power of the cooperative model to create real, lasting value for our members. The International Year of Cooperatives is a perfect opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting our member-owners."



NARD Elects 2025 Officers

The voting members of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Board of Directors elected new officers during their board meeting March 10, 2025.

The NARD Board consists of representatives from each of Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). The board meets five times throughout the year and helps guide the association and NRDs in decision making that protects lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. The NARD Risk Pool Board governs the health insurance program for NRD employees.

Marty Graff, NARD President (Ainsworth, Nebraska)
Marty Graff of the Middle Niobrara NRD was elected president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Graff has served on the Middle Niobrara NRD Board 30 years and on the NARD boards since 2018. He farms with his wife, Brenda, and sons near Ainsworth. Off the farm, Graff serves on the East Woodlawn Cemetery Board (Johnstown, Nebraska) and is active in the Elks Club helping with youth baseball and wrestling.

Ryan Reuter, NARD Vice President (Minatare, Nebraska)
Ryan Reuter of the North Platte NRD was elected vice president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Reuter, a sales manager with Betaseed and ACH Seeds, has served on the North Platte NRD and NARD boards since 2018. Reuter and his wife Amie have two daughters, Avery and Addison.

Mason Hoffman, NARD Secretary-Treasurer (Juniata, Nebraska)
Mason Hoffman of the Little Blue NRD was elected secretary-treasurer of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. He farms outside of Hastings and has served on the Little Blue NRD Board since 2016 and on the NARD boards since 2021. Hoffman and his wife Michelle have three children, Mara, Natalie and Theodore (Tate).

Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD Past President (Syracuse, Nebraska)
Dr. Orval Gigstad from the Nemaha NRD serves as past president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. He served as president from 2022-2024 and has been on the boards since 1996. Gigstad has served on the Nemaha NRD Board since 1993 and serves as vice chair with the National Association of Conservation Districts Northern Plains Region. A practicing veterinarian for more than 45 years, he operates the Arbor Valley Animal Clinic in Syracuse. Gigstad and his wife Carolyn have two children, Grady and Amber, and grandchildren, Quincy and Amelia.

In addition to the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and past president, the NARD Board executive committee includes Terry Martin, Legislative Committee chair representing the Upper Republican NRD, and Bob Hilger, Information and Education Committee chair representing the Lower Platte North NRD.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts Managers Committee
On March 5, the NRD managers elected Wade Ellwanger, general manager of the Lower Niobrara NRD, as chair of the Managers Committee; and Kyle Hauschild, general manager of the Nemaha NRD, as vice-chair of the Managers Committee.

Wade Ellwanger, Lower Niobrara NRD
Wade Ellwanger was promoted to general manager of the Lower Niobrara NRD in March 2023. Prior to his promotion, he served the district for six years as a water resources coordinator and assistant manager. He also has more than 20 years of production management experience in the ag industry. Ellwanger earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a Class IX graduate of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. He is a native of Butte, Nebraska, and has six children and six grandchildren.

Kyle Hauschild, Nemaha NRD
Kyle Hauschild became the general manager of the Nemaha NRD in January 2021. He previously served as general manager of the Little Blue NRD (2018-2020) and stormwater/floodplain specialist at Lower Platte South NRD (2014-2018). Hauschild lives in Gretna with his wife Kelli and daughters Keira and Kaya.

The Managers Committee includes managers from all 23 Natural Resources Districts. The committee meets five times a year to coordinate NRD activities with state and federal agencies, conservation partners and other parties to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.



Iowans can Apply for Century and Heritage Farm Recognition

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig invites eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the Department and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

“Century and Heritage Farm families embody the very best of our state, showcasing the strength and perseverance that define Iowa agriculture. The pride, stories, and legacies of these multi-generational farm families are truly inspiring,” said Secretary Naig. “The Century and Heritage Farm ceremony at the Iowa State Fair is a celebration of Iowa agriculture, and I look forward to honoring these families every year. I encourage eligible families to submit their applications and join us at this great event.”

To be recognized in 2025, completed applications must be postmarked or received by the Department by June 1, 2025. The ceremonies honoring the 2025 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held on August 14, 2025, in the historic Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

“Agriculture drives our great state, and it’s an honor to partner with IDALS to recognize the multi-generational farm families leading that progress,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “Century and Heritage Farm families have deep roots in Iowa and these awards are a great way to honor their stories of dedication, innovation and perseverance.”

To apply, download and complete the application found on the Department’s website https://iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program and return it to:
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. Ninth St.
Des Moines, IA 50319

You may also request an application from Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.

This is the 49th year of the Century Farm Program, which started in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. To date, more than 21,000 farms from across the state have received this distinction. This is the 18th year of the Heritage Farm Program and more than 2,000 farms have been recognized since this program began in 2006.



National Farmers Union Concludes 123rd Anniversary Convention

National Farmers Union (NFU) on Tuesday concluded the 123rd Anniversary Convention in Oklahoma City after the assembled delegates voted to finalize NFU’s 2025 policy priorities. NFU welcomed over 450 family farmers, ranchers and supporters to Oklahoma City for the three-day convention.

“This is a challenging moment for family farmers. Rising costs, corporate consolidation and uncertainty around federal programs—including the lack of a renewed farm bill—are creating real hardships,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Yet through it all, the state of Farmers Union remains strong, resilient and prepared to turn the policies set at this convention into action for a stronger future in agriculture.”

The finalized policy priorities approved by NFU’s delegates include three special orders of business on timely topics: Fairness for Farmers, Family Farming and the Farm Bill and Family Farming and Our Federal Government.

“NFU’s democratic, grassroots efforts that determine the organization’s policy priorities each year have unified family farmers and ranchers for 123 years,” said NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley. “We are leaving Oklahoma City feeling energized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.”

NFU hosted many prominent speakers to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise, including:
·    U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02)  
·    Jon Doggett, Former CEO of the National Corn Growers Association  
·    Vanessa Maria Graber, Journalism and Media Education Director, Free Press  
·    R.J. Gray, President and CEO of Oklahoma Agriculture Cooperative Council, Inc.  
·    Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation  
·    Sarah Melotte, Staff Writer, the Daily Yonder
·    Harrison Pittman, Director, National Agriculture Law Center  
·    Jim Schultz, CEO of Open Prairie  
·    Todd R. Vogts, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Media at Sterling College
·    Majority and minority staff from the Senate and House Agriculture Committees

NFU also announced a Farmers Union Week of Action to take place May 5-9. Farmers Union members will join together both in Washington, D.C., and in their communities across the nation to call on Congress to make farmers, ranchers and rural Americans a priority.

NFU will host America’s family farmers and ranchers again at the 124th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, March 7-9, 2026.



USDA, HHS Share Update on Dietary Guidelines for Americans Process

Following the inaugural meeting of the Make America Healthy Again Commission yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced their continued work on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Guidelines).

The public comment period closed on February 10, 2025. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are currently conducting a line-by-line review of the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee—released in 2024 by the prior administration—and are committed to releasing the final Guidelines ahead of its statutory deadline of December 31, 2025. Moving forward beyond 2025, HHS and USDA are looking to make holistic process improvements to ensure transparency and minimize conflicts of interest.

“It is the dawn of a new day,” Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “The Trump-Vance Administration supports transformational opportunities to create and implement policies that promote healthy choices, healthy families, and healthy outcomes. Secretary Kennedy and I have a powerful, complementary role in this, and it starts with updating federal dietary guidance. We will make certain the 2025-2030 Guidelines are based on sound science, not political science. Gone are the days where leftist ideologies guide public policy.”

“We are going to make sure the dietary guidelines will reflect the public interest and serve public health, rather than special interests,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said. “This is a giant step in making America the healthiest country in the world.”

BACKGROUND
The Federal government has provided dietary advice for the public for more than 100 years through bulletins, posters, brochures, books, and—more recently—websites and social media. Dietary guidance has generally included advice about what to eat and drink for better health, but the specific messaging has changed throughout the years to reflect advances in nutrition science and the role of specific foods and nutrients on health.



Meat Institute to USTR: Remove Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade and Open New Markets

The Meat Institute today called for the removal of non-tariff barriers to trade and for access to new markets for meat and poultry products. The comments were submitted in response to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer’s request for comments on unfair trade practices and non-reciprocal trade arrangements.

“The Meat Institute welcomes the opportunity to work with the Trump Administration to reassert U.S. leadership to advance U.S. meat, poultry, food, and agriculture trade in a manner that revitalizes our farm communities and supports broad-based economic growth,” said Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts. “The Trump Administration has a unique opportunity to once again demonstrate American leadership in the global trade environment for the benefit of American workers and the U.S. economy. Policies, like those put forth in the America First Trade Policy Agenda, that seek to open markets and reduce trade barriers enable domestic companies, especially small- and medium-sized U.S. meat and poultry packers and processors, to more effectively plan production, make sourcing decisions, and establish export processes.”

The following are key industry concerns explained in detail in the comments (here):
    China Continues to Renege on Commitments Made in the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement
    China’s Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Meat Exports Constrain Growth
    Despite Progress, Persistent Regulations Impede U.S. Beef and Pork Exports to Taiwan
    Opportunities to Access Growing Markets in Southeast Asia are Constrained by Persistent Trade Barriers
    Removing Ongoing Restrictions on Beef, Addressing Other Emerging Concerns are Necessary to Fully Implement KORUS (US Korea Free Trade Agreement)
    European Union and United Kingdom Policies Unduly Restrict Meat and Poultry Exports
    Increasing Establishment Registration Requirements Risk Undermining Market Access for U.S. Meat and Poultry Exports in Global Markets, like Hong Kong

The U.S. meat and poultry industry is the economic engine powering the agriculture sector. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, meat and poultry processing is a $227.9 billion industry. Meat and poultry packers and processors employ more than 532,000 workers paying average hourly wages of $22. In 2021, the meat and poultry industry produced 27.95 billion pounds of beef, 27.67 billion pounds of pork, 53.2 million pounds of veal, 138.4 million pounds of lamb and mutton, and 50.4 billion pounds of poultry. Based on USDA Economic Research Service trade multipliers, in 2021, U.S. meat and poultry exports contributed additional export activity of more than $44 billion, supporting workers, communities, producers, and companies along the meat and poultry supply chain.



Growth Energy Urges USTR to Tear Down U.S. Ethanol Export Barriers

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, offered the Trump administration a list of foreign trade barriers that should be targeted for elimination by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Growth Energy shared the information as part of comments filed in response to the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs.
 
“Ethanol exports set a record in 2024, and we support USTR’s efforts make trade more fair and more beneficial for the rural economy,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “President Trump’s commitment to an America First trade policy agenda will help bring the economic and environmental benefits of U.S. ethanol to more markets around the world, just as it does here at home.”

“We are grateful for USTR’s work to date, and have already seen what positive, mutually beneficial exchanges can yield in terms of market access. We look forward to a continuation of these efforts and know that USTR will follow through on its commitment to address unfair trade barriers as this administration works to negotiate new trade agreements that support domestic strength in the rural economy,” added Skor.

Growth Energy’s comments called for reciprocal tariffs on Brazil, where producers enjoy unfettered access to U.S. markets while Brazil refuses to lift unfair barriers to U.S. biofuels. They also urged USTR to demand China fulfill an unmet commitment to dramatically increase imports of U.S. ethanol and other agricultural commodities. And they called attention to unscientific caps and restrictions on crop-based biofuels for meeting emissions reductions targets in the European Union., United Kingdom, and under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).