Friday April 11 Ag News

 FNBO Invests in the Future of Agriculture with $38,950 Donation

FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) is investing in the future of agriculture by supporting FFA with donations in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, South Dakota and Wyoming, announced Christina Kahler, Managing Director, Marketing and Philanthropy. FNBO’s contributions are part of its broader efforts that celebrated National Ag Week and will help provide positive educational experiences for the students enrolled in agricultural education across the region.

“Through meaningful donations, we are proud to contribute to the development of the future of agriculture,” added Kahler. “As one of the nation’s top ag lenders, FNBO takes pride in supporting organizations like FFA that are preparing the next generation to lead the ag industry.”

In Nebraska, FNBO is sponsoring the Nebraska FFA Launch! Program for the eighth year with a $12,000 donation. The funds will support the year-long program that serves as a catalyst in entrepreneurship-based education for Nebraska FFA members and agricultural education students.

The bank is also continuing its support of the Colorado FFA Foundation with a $2,500 donation. The funds will support agricultural education for students in Colorado.

Additionally, FNBO is donating $24,450 to over 60 local FFA chapters in greater Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Continuing the tradition of personal commitment to agricultural education, FNBO agribusiness lenders will be volunteering with more than 40 FFA chapters in their communities sharing their expertise and supporting the next generation of ag leaders in 2025.



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes Ben Rhodes as Executive Director
 
The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) today welcomed Ben Rhodes as its new executive director. Rhodes had been serving as interim executive director since Feb. 12 and was confirmed to the permanent position by a vote of the NEB on April 9.
 
“I’m honored and excited to lead the NEB moving forward,” Rhodes said. “This is a transformative time in the renewable fuels industry, with great progress made and many opportunities ahead. The NEB, as the only state agency in the country devoted to the promotion and development of the ethanol industry, is in prime position to capture and create value for our state’s producers. Under my administration, the NEB will continue and advance our diligent work on behalf of this state.”
 
Rhodes first joined the NEB staff in 2022 as the ethanol program manager. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing the NEB’s research and technical projects, as well as contributing to policy and market development efforts. He holds a bachelor’s degree and has an MBA in progress, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
 
“The NEB has a 50-year proven history of delivering results for the industry and Nebraska, and as executive director I will focus my efforts on continuing that trend,” Rhodes said. “I’d like to thank NEB board members and staff for their support, and I greatly look forward to working with Nebraska’s ethanol producers and our other partners to achieve the industry’s goals.”



Nebraska Soil Health Coalition welcomes Network Director

Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC), in partnership with Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), recently welcomed Davis Behle as the first network director.

Prior to joining SHC, Behle worked in sales and education for Green Cover, a Nebraska-based cover crop seed company. During that time, he worked with more than 1,000 producers throughout North America, helping them identify the soil health practices, including cover crops and the role of livestock, that could help them build healthier soil. Behle grew up raising cattle and working with farmers, which sparked his lifelong passion for agriculture. After earning his Agribusiness degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he spent several years working on a ranch in California, followed by a role at a cattle operation near Seward, Nebraska.

Behle’s wide-ranging experiences enhanced vital skills and abilities to effectively work with stakeholders who influence agricultural decision-making and economics. The Nebraska Soil Health Coalition is creating regional Soil Health Hubs that engage government agencies, educational institutions, lenders, farm managers, medical providers, producers and landowners, among others, in a single unified effort to improve water quality, soil and human health. In his new role, Behle’s leadership is integral to further building Hub 1 in south-central Nebraska and beginning Hub 2 in southwestern Nebraska.

Behle and the NSHC have developed an innovative, three-pronged approach: a stakeholder visioning group, a producer learning community and long-term demonstration-education sites. The foci on soil health ROI and socio-behavioral change in combination with the first, national affiliation with NCF intertwine strengths.

“One day I might be wearing blue jeans and meeting someone in the field,” he said. “The next day I might be suiting up to meet someone at UNMC or the Capitol in Lincoln. I like that combination to build deep relationships.”

After an intensive search and quality applicants, NSHC leaders are excited about the next steps. Nebraska Soil Health Coalition board members view Behle’s hiring as a major move toward achieving the organization’s vision.

“Davis’ knowledge and experience in regenerative agriculture and his leadership ability are a direct fit with the NCF-NSHC model,” said NSHC Chair Tom Hoegemeyer. “By focusing on leaders and difference-makers, our Hubs are utilizing a strength-based approach to build five Hubs across the range of state ecosystems.”



Nebraska Craft Brewery Board to Award Grants for Projects Designed to Help Grow Industry

The Nebraska Craft Brewery Board’s mission, “Grow Local. Brew Local. Buy Local,” is the inspiration behind the goal of growing the state’s craft brewery industry. To help achieve that goal, the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board is seeking project proposals from growers, industry organizations, state and local agencies, educational groups, and others to fund research, development, and marketing projects in Nebraska’s craft brewing industry. This year, the Board anticipates allocating approximately $120,000 in grants to fund such projects. The deadline to submit proposals is April 30, 2025.

“Craft breweries are popular because consumers are interested in drinking unique, flavorful beer that supports local businesses,” said Josh Christensen, Chair of the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. “Craft breweries create jobs, add tax revenue, and attract tourism to Nebraska. The Nebraska Craft Brewery Board grants represent opportunities for those interested in growing Nebraska’s craft beer industry.”

In Nebraska, craft breweries are defined as small, independent breweries producing less than 20,000 barrels of beer per year. There are 53 licensed craft breweries in Nebraska.

Those interested in receiving grant funds must submit a detailed proposal for review and approval by the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. Applications, instructions, program guidelines, and performance measures are available online at craftbreweryboard.nebraska.gov/application-instructions and must be submitted by April 30, 2025.

Project proposals must clearly explain how the funds will be used and how they will benefit the craft brewery industry in Nebraska. All projects will begin no earlier than July 1, 2025, and end no later than June 30, 2026. Grant applicants will be asked to present their projects to the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board at the next meeting, June 17, to give Board members an opportunity to ask questions. Nebraska Craft Brewery Board members represent different aspects of the craft beer industry including brewers, manufacturers, distributors, consumers, and farmers growing barley and hops.

For more information about project proposals and the grant process, contact Casey Foster, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, at 402-471-6857, or by email at casey.foster@nebraska.gov.



Iowa Corn Growers Commend Decision to Postpone Reciprocal Tariffs

On Wednesday, President Trump announced his decision to temporarily pause and reduce the reciprocals tariffs announced last week. In response, Stu Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President and farmer from Galt, Iowa, released the following statement:  

“We commend the administration's decision to suspend the reciprocal tariffs introduced this week temporarily. We urge President Trump and his team to use this opportunity to negotiate increased market access for farmers across the nation by strengthening existing trade channels and setting up new ones.

“As Iowa corn farmers prepare for planting in the coming weeks, it is imperative that we have assured buyers for our corn crop come fall. With farmers experiencing tight profit margins and a declining net farm income, U.S. agriculture must have access to domestic and international markets.”



ICPB to Hold Director Elections for USDA Crop Reporting Districts 2, 5, 7 and 9  

Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program.   

On July 15, 2025, corn farmers in crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. The board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research of new and value-added corn uses and education on corn and the farmers who grow it.    

Corn farmers within districts 2, 5, 7 and 9 who have produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year (September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024) and are interested in running for a position may still file a petition with the ICPB. Petitions can be obtained by contacting the Iowa Corn office and must contain the signatures of 25 corn producers from the same district as the prospective director candidate. Completed and notarized petitions must be delivered to the Iowa Corn office no later than 4:30 PM on April 22, 2025. Once all grower petitions have been received, a final list of candidates will be generated, and candidate names will be listed on the election ballots.  

The current candidates are as follows: 

USDA Crop Reporting District 2
    Jerry Maier, Wright County
    Caleb Renner, Hancock County

USDA Crop Reporting District 5   
    Nick Helland, Story County
    Eric Weuve, Story County  

USDA Crop Reporting District 7
    Darin Proffit, Page County 
    Karen Seipold, Mills County  

USDA Crop Reporting District 9  
    Heath Greiner, Davis County   
    David Vandenberg, Lee County  

Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the local ISU extension office on July 15 can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested beginning May 21 and must be made no later than June 16 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or on our website at www.iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned to the Iowa Corn office no later than July 15. The results of the election are announced publicly on July 18.     

For more information visit our website at www.iowacorn.org/about/director-elections/.



Record Number of Iowa Fuel Stations Receive Quarterly Biofuels Infrastructure Grants

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved 114 project applications from Iowa gas stations, totaling more than $2.88 million, for new and expanded ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure projects. This sets a new quarterly record for the number of investments in biofuels projects. These investments help drivers save more money by providing expanded access to lower cost and cleaner burning homegrown biofuels. The grants were awarded by the RFIP Board during its quarterly meeting at the end of March.  

New ethanol fueling infrastructure will be funded with the help of 112 RFIP cost-share grants for E15 projects totaling $2,733,943.66 at gas stations in 44 Iowa counties. The board also approved two biodiesel cost-share grants – one for retail and one for terminal storage – totaling $150,000.

Examples of grants include (by county):
Plymouth - Hy-Vee Inc. 1201 12th Avenue SW Le Mars - $11,200.07 - Ethanol
Pottawattamie - Taylor Oil Company Inc 408 Dr Van Zee Rd Oakland - $75,000.00 - Ethanol
Pottawattamie - Hy-Vee Inc 21 S 25th St Council Bluffs - $10,127.72 - Ethanol
Woodbury - Kwik Star 100 South Lewis Blvd Sergeant Bluff - $75,000.00 - Ethanol

“Every time a new pump is added or upgraded to offer E15 and higher biofuel blends, Iowa drivers get another opportunity to save money at the gas pump. It’s exciting to see the growing momentum in our state’s biofuels industry, with our plants achieving record production, our drivers setting records for use, and more stations than ever using state cost-share funds to provide consumers with more fueling options,” said Secretary Naig. “We’re committed to sustaining this momentum for ethanol and biodiesel in Iowa. Biofuels are proven to save drivers money at the pump, bolster rural employment, expand markets for farmers, and help unleash American energy dominance."

These state funded grants are in addition to the federal Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grants recently announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during her visit to Iowa last week. HBIIP funding will incentivize 543 projects, totaling $537 million in 29 states, including Iowa.

The grant announcements come at a time when biofuels usage continues to build momentum in Iowa, with E15 sales hitting another record in 2024. The Iowa Department of Revenue announced on April 3 that sales of E15 grew by 44 percent over 2023 sales, which had also been the previous yearly record. With 256.7 million gallons of E15 sold in Iowa in 2024 at an average discount of 15 cents per gallon compared to E10, Iowa drivers saved over $38.5 million last year by choosing E15 at the pump. Last year also represented a record year for the sale of B20 and higher blends of biodiesel, demonstrating that homegrown renewable energy continues to be popular when made available to consumers.

These investments are helping more gas stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard, which goes into full effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Iowa is the first state to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers and gas stations to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026. The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Reynolds in 2022. For those convenience stores and gas stations that need assistance coming into compliance, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can provide cost-share funding through the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. Since the grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested approximately $56.6 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure within Iowa. This has been matched with more than $260 million by Iowa gas stations and fuel retailers.

With cost-share funding available, the Department welcomes grant applications to assist more fuel stations in improving and upgrading infrastructure. Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP, and will be considered by the RFIP Board at an upcoming quarterly meeting.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Mixed Species Backyard Flock in Hardin County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a mixed species backyard flock in Hardin County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s seventh detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.



NCGA Statement on Tariff Pause

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he was placing a 90-day pause on all reciprocal tariffs, with the exception of China. In response to this development, Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:

“We appreciate the administration’s decision to place a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs it had put in place earlier this week. We ask President Trump and his administration to use this delay to negotiate market access opportunities for American-made products, including corn.

“Planting is about to begin in much of the country. The longer that uncertainly exists the more concerned we become that our growers could harvest billions of bushels of corn for which they will not have reliable markets. Our farmers want certainty that our customers at home and abroad will buy our products in the months and years ahead.”



U.S. Ethanol Exports Pass One-Billion-Gallon Mark Just Six Months Into Marketing Year 2024/2025

U.S. ethanol exports have crossed the one-billion-gallon threshold halfway through Marketing Year (MY) 2024/2025, a 27 percent increase from the same period in MY 2023/2024, according to new information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The sharp rise in ethanol sales contributed to an 11 percent increase in U.S. grains in all forms (GIAF) exports compared to last year’s data.

“Passing one billion gallons in ethanol exports just six months into MY 2024/2025 is a testament to the quality and versatility of U.S. ethanol,” said Alicia Koch, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) director of global ethanol export development.

“It’s a sign that the U.S. ethanol industry is ready and willing to handle increased global demand and the Council is effectively implementing its international marketing strategies to generate interest in biofuels across consumers and policymakers around the world.”

Canada is maintaining its place as the top importer of U.S. ethanol, purchasing 19 million more gallons than at this point in the last marketing year, and the European Union is showing strong appetite for U.S. ethanol by importing 78 million additional gallons.

Other notable improvements include the development of exports to Brazil and Nigeria, nations that previously imported little to no U.S. ethanol. Ethanol exports to Mexico are up 68 percent, launching it into seventh place among U.S. ethanol’s largest trading partners.

“Building new demand is a pillar of the Council’s commitment to U.S. producers because of the financial benefits derived from diversified markets for U.S. ethanol, and we certainly see the potential for further breakthroughs in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, the Philippines and others,” Koch said.



RFA to Treasury: 45Z Tax Credit Regulation Needs ‘Clarity, Certainty and Stability’

In detailed comments submitted today to the U.S. Treasury, the Renewable Fuels Association urged the department to clarify and improve several key provisions in its upcoming proposed regulations for the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, often referred to as the “45Z credit.” The comments were submitted in response to the Treasury’s January 10 “notice of intent to propose regulations” for 45Z.

“If properly implemented, the 45Z tax credit has the potential to advance U.S. energy security, prioritize domestic energy resources, strengthen rural economies, and create a transformative incentive for the adoption of new technologies in the renewable fuels and agriculture sectors,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper wrote to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “The technology-neutral intent of 45Z represents the most economically efficient and environmentally responsible approach to boosting U.S. energy production. However, for the 45Z program to truly drive innovation and value creation in the marketplace, Treasury must move expeditiously to propose, finalize, and promulgate implementing regulations. Clean fuel producers, including RFA’s members, are in desperate need of clarity, certainty, and stability in the regulatory framework supporting the 45Z tax credit.”

Cooper added that RFA believes the final 45Z regulations must recognize the realities of today’s biorefining and agriculture sectors and the complexities of our nation’s transportation fuels marketplace. At the same time, final regulations must maintain an intuitive and manageable approach to registration, reporting, and recordkeeping that creates the kind of dependable value that empowers businesses to invest.

Among RFA’s comments:
    Treasury needs to clarify its intentions and definitions around “qualifying sale,” an “unrelated person,” a “member of a consolidated group,” and the applicability of safe harbor provisions.
    Treasury’s approach to rounding of emissions factors should be reconsidered.
    Treasury should formally integrate climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices into the 45Z program.
    Treasury should modify Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements.
    Treasury should expeditiously implement the Provisional Emissions Rate (PER) process and allow a more flexible approach.
    The short duration of 45Z, and Treasury’s delay in promulgating rules, is discouraging innovation and investment and undermines the objectives of the program.
    The proposed structure for 45Z creates an unintended disincentive for the production of alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In response to specific questions from Treasury, RFA commented that the 45ZCF-GREET model offers a far more current and thorough understanding of lifecycle emissions than either CORSIA or the approved pathways under the RFS program. Also, Treasury should include emissions rate pathways for biofuel derived from corn kernel fiber and sorghum kernel fiber and provide the option to segregate those gallons for 45Z credit generation purposes.



ACE Urges Swift and Science-Based Implementation of 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has submitted comments to the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding Notices 2025-10 and 2025-11 on the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. ACE comments highlight how the 45Z credit can be leveraged to unlock new markets for farmers and biofuel producers, supporting certainty and economic growth, at a time when they have a lot of money on the line.
 
“The 45Z credit not only promotes U.S. energy security … but can also create good-paying jobs and unlock new markets for farmers and domestic biofuel producers,” ACE CEO Jennings stated in the comments.
 
Today, the value of U.S. corn production has fallen, and input costs have risen. ACE’s comments cite National Corn Growers Association data that farmers are forecast to experience their third consecutive year of net profit losses in 2025, projected to lose more than $160 per acre on average.
 
“Recently, the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act was introduced in Congress. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would extend the life of 45Z to December 31, 2034, beyond its current 2027 expiration date, and provide much needed long-term certainty. But we also need the final rules for this critical tax credit,” Jennings said.
 
“Treasury should rapidly finalize 45Z guidance and include the technical guidelines for biofuel crops and carbon intensity calculator developed by USDA in the final 45Z rules, so ethanol producers and farmers can unlock new market opportunities,” Jennings added.
 
Among key recommendations in ACE’s comments:
    Support for the 45ZCF-GREET Model: ACE strongly supports the use of the most current 45ZCF-GREET model to determine emissions reductions from clean fuels, and recommends Treasury consistently update the model to reflect the best available science.
    Integration of USDA Guidelines and Carbon Intensity Calculator: ACE called on Treasury to fully adopt USDA’s Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator (FD-CIC) and technical guidelines for biofuel feedstocks into 45Z. These tools, grounded in real-world data—like the ACE-led Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects—enable accurate lifecycle emissions assessments and allow farmers to “stack” conservation practices for enhanced benefits.

“While we support the 45ZCF-GREET model for both non-aviation and aviation fuel in 45Z, the modeling is incomplete until and unless Treasury and the IRS fully incorporate the USDA technical guidelines for biofuel crops used as feedstocks and their FD-CIC tool into the final regulations,” Jennings stated.



Growth Energy Welcomes Introduction of 45Z Extension

Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, welcomed news that Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced a bill today that would extend the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit for seven years beyond its current expiration, set for the end of 2027.

"Farmers and businesses need to know this tax credit is here to stay before they can invest in dozens of new energy projects across rural America. With this bill they'll have the certainty they need to accelerate innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and secure new markets for farmers and biofuel producers," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "We applaud Sen. Marshall and Sen. Klobuchar for their leadership and thank all our rural champions for working to put American renewable fuel producers and farmers in the best possible position to succeed in next generation fuel markets."

Growth Energy’s own research found that, if implemented properly, the 45Z tax credit would add $21.2 billion to the U.S. economy, generate nearly $13.4 billion in household income, support more than 192,000 jobs across all sectors of the economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on corn grown using regenerative agriculture practices and used as feedstock at an ethanol plant.  



Growth Energy to U.S. Treasury: Unleash American Biofuels

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, called on the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to swiftly finalize guidance for the implementation of the 45Z clean fuels credit. In a letter submitted in response to IRS notices 2025-10 and 2025-11, Growth Energy provided a detailed roadmap for changes that would unleash U.S. energy production and unlock investments needed to restore the rural economy.

“The Trump administration has an important opportunity to give farmers and biofuel producers the freedom and flexibility to dominate clean fuel markets around the world and ensure that America wins the global race for the future of the skies,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The previous administration passed on making 45Z an economic engine for rural America, but this U.S. Treasury could unleash billions of dollars of investment in America’s farm economy. We’re grateful to the Trump administration for taking a fresh look at 45Z, and we urge regulators to move quickly to restore our competitive edge across the heartland.”

Growth Energy’s own research demonstrates that, if implemented properly, the 45Z tax credit would add $21.2 billion to the U.S. economy, generate nearly $13.4 billion in household income, support more than 192,000 jobs across all sectors of the national economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on corn farmed using regenerative agriculture practices and used at an ethanol plant.