Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Highlights Agriculture’s Economic Impact on Omaha and Nebraska
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation hosted a news conference to emphasize the crucial role agriculture plays in the state’s economy, showcasing its impact on Nebraska's growth and sustainability as they celebrate National Agriculture Day, March 18.
According to economic data, Nebraska’s agricultural sector supports more than 244,000 jobs statewide and contributes $97.4 billion in sales output. The industry also generates over $6 billion in tax revenue, further cementing agriculture as a vital economic driver for the state.
“Nebraska’s agricultural industry continues to be a cornerstone of our economy, providing jobs, economic growth, and tax revenue for our communities,” said Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation board of directors. “From small family farms to large agri-businesses, agriculture is integral to every corner of our state.”
Agriculture is responsible for more than 40% of jobs in 54 of Nebraska’s 93 counties, reflecting its far-reaching influence. Douglas County stands out as a major contributor, adding an impressive $3.9 billion in value to the local economy, which is $1 billion more than the next leading county. Lancaster County follows closely, contributing $1.4 billion. Douglas County also leads the state with over 29,000 agriculture-related jobs, solidifying its role as Nebraska's agricultural hub.
“Douglas County’s leadership in agricultural value and job creation highlights the sector’s impact not only in rural areas but also in urban centers,” said David Bracht, president of the Agriculture Council for the Greater Omaha Chamber. “Agriculture offers vast opportunities for Nebraskans, from production and processing to world-leading innovation.”
Agriculture is Nebraska’s driving industry impacting every community across Nebraska-rural and urban. Omaha is a hub for agribusiness creating career opportunities across the agriculture sector.
“Omaha innovators have created a city where you can dig in the dirt or dive into data,” said Sherry Vinton, director of Nebraska Department of Agriculture. “Whether a gearhead, number cruncher, sustainability dreamer or a content creator, Nebraska agriculture has a place for you!”
Agriculture touches everyone’s life! From food on the table to fuel in vehicles and everything in between, agriculture is a part of everything! Today we celebrate National Agriculture Day and the industry that feeds, clothes, and energizes the world!
“Think about everything you’ve done today—the food you ate, the clothes you wore, and the fuel you used to get around—all are made possible by agriculture. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of agriculture’s vital role in both rural communities and urban areas across the state. Agriculture is part of our everyday lives. It starts on the farm and ranch,” McHargue added.
NDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2025 POSTER CONTEST DURING NATIONAL AG WEEK
In recognition of National Ag Week, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is announcing the winners of its annual poster contest. This year’s theme, “Agriculture is Amazing,” highlights and celebrates Nebraska’s number one industry. The poster contest was open to Nebraska students in grades 1-6. National Ag Week, March 16-22, is the perfect time to highlight and celebrate Nebraska’s number one industry.
“NDA’s poster contest is a favorite time of the year for us because teaching youth about agriculture is important, and it helps instill an appreciation for agriculture in future generations,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The students who participated in this year’s contest recognize and appreciate how diverse and amazing Nebraska agriculture is, and how agriculture positively impacts our lives every day.”
NDA announces the winners of its annual poster contest during National Ag Week to highlight the diversity of Nebraska agriculture and to celebrate the food, fuel, and fiber that farmers, ranchers, and ag industry workers provide. The winning posters and the names of the schools submitting entries are on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids.
“National Ag Week is a chance to give thanks to farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community for providing the food, fuel, and ag products that we rely on every day,” said Vinton. “NDA teammates look forward to this poster contest every year and are amazed at the talent these young artists possess. I’d like to thank everyone for participating, and I’d also like to thank Nebraska parents and teachers for taking time out of their busy schedules to teach young people about agriculture and how important the ag industry is to Nebraska.”
NDA’s ag poster contest is in its 22nd year. The posters were judged in three separate categories: first and second grade; third and fourth grade; and fifth and sixth grade. The winners will receive a certificate and letter from Gov. Jim Pillen and NDA Director Sherry Vinton.
In the First and Second Grade Category:
1st place: Everly Exum, 2nd grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial
2nd place: Ryker Stunkel, 2nd grade, Longfellow Elementary School in Hastings
3rd place: William Cross, 2nd grade, Maywood Public Schools
Governor’s Choice: Mirra Fuehrer-Martinelli, 2nd grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial
In the Third and Fourth Grade Category:
1st place: Emily Chelewski, 4th grade, Seward Elementary School
2nd place: Grace Evans, 4th grade, Mary Our Queen School in Omaha
3rd place: Makayla Kensler, 3rd grade, Gordon Elementary School
Governor’s Choice: Rosa Helgerson, 4th grade, St. Pius X/ St. Leo School in Omaha
In the Fifth and Sixth Grade Category:
1st place: Violet Sinclair, 6th grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial
2nd place: Hannah Detlefsen, 5th grade, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School in Laurel
3rd place: Connor Pojar, 6th grade, St. Wenceslaus School in Dodge
Governor’s Choice: Henry Dvorak, 5th grade, St. Wenceslaus School in Dodge
The Right Bull at the Right Price: Using the Bull Value Cow-Q-Lator Tool
Mar 20, 2025 12:00 PM
Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economist and Extension Educator
Randy Saner, Livestock Systems Extension Educator
Matt Stockton, Agricultural Economics Professor
It’s that time of year when commercial ranchers and cattle producers are preparing to purchase bulls for their operations. With numerous breeds and types available, selecting the right bull at the right price can be challenging. To assist in making the best choice, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Economics Team developed the Bull Value Cow-Q-Lator (BVCQL). This tool allows producers to compare the value of their current bull with up to ten other bulls.
Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.
Webinar Series Helps Beef Producers Plan for Profitable Marketing
In recognition of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week, a webinar series on profitable marketing will be offered to beef producers in all 99 counties across the state.
The three-part series, “Planning for Profitable Cattle Marketing” takes place over the noon hour on April 8, April 9 and April 10. Registration is required and there is no cost to producers.
“This is one way to show our appreciation for the people who support and participate in our educational programs throughout the year,” said Tim Christensen, farm management specialist.
The webinar series covers key profitability considerations.
April 8, Cost of Production, by Tim Christensen, farm management specialist
April 9, Yield and Quality Grade, by Chris Clark, beef field specialist
April 10, Marketing Strategies, by Joseph Lensing, farm management specialist
Cattle and calves are Iowa’s fourth largest agricultural commodity, contributing more than $5 billion in agricultural sales to the economy annually. With all-time record highs for both cost of production and cattle prices, more dollars are at stake than ever before.
The series begins with ideas and tools to calculate the true cost of production. “When you know your numbers, you’ll know when you have the opportunity to make money,” said Christensen. Managing feed costs is a big part of the profitability equation, but there are many other costs to take into account.
No matter what part of the beef supply chain producers are in, its important to understand how carcasses are evaluated. “It all begins with genetic selection and it’s important for everyone in the industry,” said Clark. Quality and yield grades and how they apply to grid marketing will be covered in the second webinar.
The final webinar will focus on price risk management. “In the current environment, there are record setting sales and also record setting costs, so managing risk has never been more important,” said Lensing. Livestock Risk Protection insurance has become a useful and user-friendly management tool for today’s small-to-medium-size producers.
“Join us for this timely discussion of profitability during ISU Extension and Outreach Week,” said Lensing. “ISU Extension and Outreach delivers education, facilitates collaboration and sparks action. We’re making a difference for the people of Iowa whether measured in improved farm profits, stronger families, healthier communities, or youth who are ready for their future.”
Funding for this program was provided by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.
Register online for the webinar series https://go.iastate.edu/CATTLEMKTWEBINAR. More information about this program can be found at the ISU Ag Decision Maker website.
Dealing with leg fractures in calves
Spring calving season is in full swing across the Midwest and producers are working hard to get each baby off on the right foot. Newborn calves are susceptible to various illnesses and injuries, and even the best calving seasons can be peppered with occasional health challenges. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said one such challenge is fracture of limbs.
“Fractures, or broken bones, in calves can occur from various types of trauma such as being stepped on by a cow, getting caught in a fence, or simply slipping or falling,” he said. “Being aware of potential risk areas can help prevent bone fractures in young calves.”
Here are some precautionary tips to keep in mind.
Avoid overstocking pens and buildings.
Provide creep areas where calves can rest and relax separately from cows.
Minimize mud and slick areas that can contribute to slips and falls.
Provide adequate bunk space/feeder space so cows are not fighting one another for access to feed.
Maintain pens, fences, and gates to reduce opportunities for a calf to get a leg caught or pinch points in high traffic areas.
If such injuries do occur, know how to address them. This begins with consulting your veterinarian for advice and/or direct medical care to help with diagnosis, stabilization, and pain management.
“A definitive diagnosis is a key piece of information because there are many causes of lameness, including sprains, strains, bruises, infections, and limb deformities, as well as fractures,” Clark said. “Swollen joints sometimes occur secondary to navel ill and septicemia. Fractures are sometimes obvious based on deformity of the affected limb, but in some cases your veterinarian will be needed to help identify the problem.”
Broken bones should be stabilized at the joints above and below the fracture. Sometimes this can be done with something rigid to create a splint, like a cast or PVC pipe cut in half lengthwise. Cotton wrap should be used around the leg to cushion and protect the limb, and prevent lacerations, pressure sores, strangulation, etc. Vet wrap is often used as the outer wrap with tape used as necessary to secure it. The wrap should be kept relatively clean and dry.
A simple, nondisplaced fracture of a long bone near the center of the bone length can be relatively simple to stabilize, Clark said. However, circumstances such as compound or open fractures (where the skin is open and bone exposed), displaced fractures, fractures that involve joints and/or growth plates, or fractures where bone is broken in multiple places all can be much more complicated.
Pain management is another important consideration.
“In some cases, controlled drugs for sedation may be warranted for casting or splinting, and some of these medications can help manage the pain,” Clark stated. “Most sedatives, anesthetics, and controlled pain medicines require strict veterinary oversight. There may be some other options, too, in terms of anti-inflammatories but they would likely have to be used in an extra-label manner so, again, would require veterinary oversight.”
Most fractures will heal in approximately 6 weeks, and splints and casts are often applied for 6-8 weeks. Calves grow quickly and it is sometimes necessary to change the splint/cast at approximately 3-4 weeks to maintain a good fit. Keep in mind that ill-fitted splints and/or casts or ones left on for too long can cause discomfort and secondary injury. Contact your veterinarian with any questions.
Secretary Rollins Highlights President Trump’s Proclamation on National Agriculture Day
Tueday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins celebrated National Agriculture Day, reinforcing the importance of American farmers, ranchers, and producers as outlined in President Donald J. Trump’s official proclamation marking the occasion.
“Today on National Agriculture Day, we recognize the people who make it all possible. The farmers, the ranchers, and the producers who dedicate their lives to feeding, to fueling, and to clothing our nation,” said Secretary Rollins. “Every day, through challenges and triumphs, the men and women in agriculture show up. They adapt, they solve problems, and they push forward ensuring that future generations can continue this proud tradition. To every farmer, to every rancher, and to every producer, we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.”
In his proclamation, President Trump underscored the essential role of American agriculture in the nation’s economy and way of life:
“From the earliest days of our Republic, our farmers and agricultural communities have been the source of American success — enduring the elements and defying hard conditions to cultivate our land and feed the people. Farming is indelibly engrained in our history, customs, and culture, and stands to this day as the bedrock of our economy and way of life.
“For centuries, American farmers and ranchers have been the lifeblood of the American economy. Today and every day, we extend our unending gratitude to the dedicated men and women in farming communities who embody the timeless virtues of hard work and self-reliance. As we continue our new chapter of American prosperity, we commit to embolden the heroes of our agricultural community who work tirelessly with their unwavering American pride to nourish our Nation, feed our families, and fuel our way of life.”
USDA Expediting $10 Billion in Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.
“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” said Secretary Rollins. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”
Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.
Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates
The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:
Wheat - $30.69
Corn - $42.91
Sorghum - $42.52
Barley - $21.67
Oats - $77.66
Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton - $84.74
Long & medium grain rice - $76.94
Peanuts - $75.51
Soybeans - $29.76
Dry peas - $16.02
Lentils - $19.30
Small Chickpeas - $31.45
Large Chickpeas - $24.02
Eligible oilseeds:
Canola - $31.83
Crambe - $19.08
Flax - $20.97
Mustard - $11.36
Rapeseed - $23.63
Safflower - $26.32
Sesame - $16.83
Sunflower - $27.23
Producer Eligibility
Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.
Applying for ECAP
Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.
If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:
Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).
AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
SF-3881, Direct Deposit.
Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.
If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.
ECAP Payments and Calculator
ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.
For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator.
SDA Details Commodity Economic Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that starting on March 19 farmers can apply for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program. Corn growers are eligible for the program with a payment rate of $42.91 per acre for the 2024 crop year.
The new program was authorized by Congress through the American Relief Act, which passed in December. The economic assistance comes as growers are facing multiple years of low crop prices paired with high input costs.
“We appreciate USDA making economic assistance a priority and available to farmers who need it most,” said Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa.
The sign-up period will run through August 15, and USDA will mail pre-filled applications to producers over the coming days. Growers can also go online, beginning tomorrow or to their local Farm Service Agency to complete the process.
Initial payments will be factored by 85% to ensure the total program does not exceed the funding provided by Congress. Once the sign-up period ends in August, USDA may provide a second payment if additional funds are still available.
National Farmers Union Statement on USDA Rollout of Emergency Economic Relief
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today gave the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement to issue up to $10 billion to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP):
“Farmers Union fought hard to secure this funding at the end of 2024, and we’re pleased to see Secretary Rollins take quick action to distribute the much-needed relief for family farmers and ranchers,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “With growing uncertainty and economic volatility, this support is essential—but it’s not enough. We remain committed to working with lawmakers on delivering a comprehensive, five-year farm bill that gives farmers the long-term certainty they deserve.”
NFU successfully advocated for the inclusion of both economic and disaster aid for farmers and ranchers in the American Relief Act, 2025, passed by the 118th Congress in December 2024.
NFU has repeatedly called on Congress to pass a new, comprehensive farm bill to avoid further economic strain caused by volatile commodity prices and higher input costs.
Farm Bureau Appreciates Distribution of Aid to Farmers
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that it will release $10 billion in economic assistance for corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, rice and other field crop farmers, which was authorized by Congress in December.
“We appreciate Secretary Rollins for prioritizing delivery of the first $10 billion in much-needed aid. It will help farmers who are facing low commodity prices while wrestling with inflation, high interest rates and increased supply costs. For the third straight year, farmers lost money on almost every major crop planted.
“AFBF engaged with lawmakers to ensure they understood the challenges facing rural America, and we were pleased that aid for farmers was included in the December continuing resolution. We urge USDA to move quickly to distribute the remaining aid approved by Congress, including support for farmers hit hard by natural disasters.
“Farmers are committed to growing the food America’s families rely on. This emergency assistance is critical in helping farm families navigate an agricultural economy under severe strain, ensuring they can continue to make ends meet until market conditions improve.”
Dairy Market Report - MARCH 2025
January began this year positively for U.S. dairy exports, following a weak fourth quarter last year, rising by 0.5% from January 2024. In contrast, fluid milk sales, which in 2024 saw its first annual gain since 2009, were 0.5% lower in January than the previous January.
Meanwhile, following end-of-year data revisions by USDA, a national dairy cow herd expansion would seem to be on back track with January’s preliminary estimate showing the national herd was 41,000 larger than a year earlier.
The January U.S. average all-milk price rose by $0.80/cwt from December to $24.10/cwt, and the DMC January feed cost formula increased by $0.33/cwt of milk, moving the DMC margin up by $0.47/cwt of milk for the month, to $13.85/cwt. At the macroeconomic level, the closely-watched overall retail price inflation index eased slightly in February, rising by 2.8% from a year earlier. The February Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all dairy products and those for the various individual dairy products were reported below their respective high levels, many of which were reached about two years earlier.
Clean Fuels, Farm, Feedstock Groups Ask EPA to Set 5.25-Billion-Gallon 2026 RFS BBD Volume
This week, Clean Fuels Alliance America, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, North American Renderers Association, and U.S. Canola Association sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin encouraging the agency to establish robust, timely Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and beyond. The letter asks that EPA propose and finalize the 2026 biomass-based diesel volume at 5.25 billion gallons.
“We write today to ask that EPA without delay set 2026 RFS standards and adopt a robust step change in biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volumes,” the letter states, adding a request for the 2026 biomass-based diesel volume to be 5.25 billion gallons, along with a commensurate increase in the advanced biofuel volume. “Setting these volumes for 2026 and establishing consistent growth for 2027 and beyond based on the industry’s investments and projections will ensure that American consumers can access affordable and clean transportation options. These volumes will support farm security, create jobs and economic opportunity, and further President Trump’s goal for U.S. energy dominance.”
Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ VP of Federal Affairs, added, “Clean fuels are essential to U.S. energy security. Production of biodiesel and renewable diesel has doubled in the last few years, following investments in new capacity as well as in feedstock collection and processing. EPA needs to make a step-change in the RFS volumes for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels to account for proven production capacity and to support continued investment and economic growth.”
IRFA Calls Upon USDA to Set Gold Standard for Regenerative Agriculture Accounting Practices
Tueday the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the proposed interim guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. IRFA stressed that agriculture needs this rule to be finalized, and it needs to be right.
The comments stated: “Regardless of future U.S. energy and tax policy, it would be a huge benefit to American farmers if the USDA stepped forward and finalized science-based regenerative ag guidelines that fully and fairly credit farmers for the innovative work they are doing. The USDA should set the Gold Standard for recognizing these practices, measuring their impact, and ensuring full value back to the American farmer. While these guidelines can and should be incorporated into U.S. tax policies like the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, they can also serve as a beacon to private programs and as a benchmark for any programs around the world seeking to engage agriculture as a solution.”
Also included in the comments, IRFA recognized the additional farm practices included in the proposed interim rule but asked the USDA to recognize many more as to not limit farmer participation. With the diverse range of soils and climates across the nation, farmers deserve the opportunity to use the practice that works for them.
ACE Provides Feedback on USDA’s Biofuel Feedstock Guidelines and Carbon Intensity Calculator
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) provided feedback on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) technical guidelines for quantifying, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with agricultural production of biofuel feedstock and the Department’s Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator (FD-CIC), welcoming that they overall sufficiently inform farmers how individual conservation practices can reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of their crops.
ACE CEO Brian Jennings commended USDA for providing farmers with a practical, science-based pathway to lower their CI scores and create new revenue opportunities. “USDA’s guidelines are a significant step forward in acknowledging the critical role farmers play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Jennings said. “By avoiding the all-or-nothing bundling approach and allowing farmers to stack practices like reduced tillage and nutrient management, these guidelines create flexibility and real-world applicability for producers.”
ACE highlighted the importance of ensuring these guidelines are fully integrated into the implementation of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and adopted consistently in state and regional clean fuel programs. "Regulated fuel markets historically penalize ethanol based on many outdated assumptions around farm-level GHG emissions. It is long overdue for farmers to get credit for their conservation practices which, according to the latest science, reduce the overall carbon footprint of ethanol and other biofuels, and these USDA guidelines help unlock that value," Jennings added.
The organization also emphasized the need for continuous improvement of the FD-CIC tool. ACE recommended accounting for specific crop yield, climate, soil, and management-specific estimates of nitrogen use efficiency and nitrous oxide emissions, as well as making updates based on real-world data, such as findings from ACE’s own USDA-funded Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects. Through these RCPP projects, ACE is working with farmers across 10 states and 167 counties to implement conservation practices on nearly 100,000 acres. The initiative will gather extensive soil and crop data to validate greenhouse gas benefits and inform updates to lifecycle models like GREET.
“We’re proud to lead this effort to collect real-world data on the benefits of low carbon feedstocks for biofuels,” Jennings said. “Our goal is to empower farmers and ethanol producers with the tools to capitalize on their low carbon practices through clean fuel markets and tax credits such as 45Z.”
ACE also urged USDA to coordinate closely with the Treasury Department to streamline verification and recordkeeping, leveraging USDA’s existing expertise and infrastructure. “Farmers have trusted USDA to administer conservation programs for decades. It makes sense to build on this system rather than creating new, costly requirements,” Jennings said.
Finally, ACE reiterated its support for a book-and-claim system that allows farmers to decouple carbon intensity attributes from physical grain, maximizing participation and efficiency — similar to successful approaches like the generation of renewable energy credits from low carbon electricity production and biomethane production.
RFA to USDA: Follow the Science and Market to Maximize Benefits of Feedstock CSA Rules
The Renewable Fuels Association today submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Energy and Environmental Policy regarding the interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. RFA commended USDA for its efforts to support climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and emphasized the importance of policies that empower farmers while ensuring a robust and efficient renewable fuels market.
“USDA’s approach to climate-smart agriculture must ensure that farmers are incentivized to adopt sustainable practices while maintaining market flexibility,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We support efforts to streamline verification processes, expand access to USDA’s Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator (FD-CIC), and enhance opportunities for farmers to participate in carbon reduction programs.”
In its comments, RFA highlighted the benefits of a book-and-claim supply chain management system, which would allow farmers to sell the emissions reduction value of their on-farm practices separately from their physical crops, thereby ensuring flexibility in the grain market while still incentivizing sustainable farming.
RFA also advocated for a web-based version of the FD-CIC tool to improve accessibility and ease of use for producers and inclusion of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) in the final rule, recommending clear standards for verifying reduced nitrogen application rates that significantly lowers emissions from agriculture.
Additionally, RFA urged USDA to ensure that CSA initiatives do not impose unnecessary regulatory burdens that could discourage farmer participation. By implementing practical and science-based policies, USDA can enhance farm productivity, reduce emissions, and expand opportunities for biofuel producers to source sustainable feedstocks.
What Do You Get from a Seed Treatment?
The start of the growing season is similar to a first impression, says AgriGold Agronomist Steven Heightchew. “You only have one chance to get it right, and seed treatments can help crops start strong.”
“If farmers plant too early or don’t protect against a pest and they have to replant, they’ll likely be in the red,” Heightchew explains. “This season, especially, farmers need to have all their ducks in a row. That includes protecting stands with a seed treatment.”
What does a seed treatment protect?
“Seed treatments act like an insurance measure,” Heightchew says. “They help get crops off to a strong start, protect stands and limit the odds for a replant.” They do so by protecting the seminal root system against seedling disease and early pest pressure until the V3 or V4 growth stage. This is when the corn plant starts relying on its nodal root system.
Corn seed treatment packages are multilayered and typically include fungicide and insecticide. That combination helps protect the corn plant against an early disease infection or pest damage that might inhibit early development and lead to yield loss. In recent years, AgriGold added the fungicide Vayantis® to provide additional protection against threats like Pythium.
Last season, Fusarium caused issues with cornstalk intactness in Heightchew’s southern Indiana territory. Weakened corn plants were also more vulnerable to other issues like tar spot. Consequently, keeping Fusarium away is a major farmer concern this year.
Soybean seed treatments, while multilayered, are more dependent on the specific threats farmers are facing. “Let’s say you plant soybean seed with a lower score for sudden death syndrome. You may want a higher seed treatment rate with a nematicide for added protection,” Heightchew explains.
Not a bailout for poor soil conditions
While seed treatments can help corn and soybeans get off to a more robust start, farmers shouldn’t rely on them to make up for poor planting conditions.
“Trials show seed treatments are effective in limiting replants, but you don’t want to make its job harder by planting into poor soil conditions,” Heightchew says. When a crop is mudded in, the root system will likely be restricted by the compaction layers.
Planting in proper field conditions will improve the odds of successful germination and the formation of robust root structures that support corn and soybean plants from planting to harvest.
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