Thursday July 24 Ag News - NDA Hiway Hay Permits - Reax to Announced Trade Deals - Prop 12 Legislation - Carbon Transparency Project - and more!

Deadline Approaches to Register for 2025 Governor’s Summit

Governor Jim Pillen is issuing a reminder about the deadline to register for this summer’s Governor’s Summit: Growing Nebraska. Registrations should be submitted online at govsummit.nebraska.gov by Thursday, July 31st.

“Our state’s incredible economy is driven by two main engines—agriculture and manufacturing,” said Gov. Pillen. “In Nebraska, we grow things and make things that are in demand worldwide, and we do it better than any place else in the world. At this summer’s Summit, we’ll explore how to generate even more value by uniting our strengths in ag and manufacturing to lead the nation’s new bioeconomy.”

This year’s Governor’s Summit takes place August 13-14 in Kearney. It will feature breakout tracks on workforce development, manufacturing, and the bioeconomy. Husker football coach Matt Rhule will give the keynote address on Thursday morning, August 14th.

A complete rundown of activities and breakout sessions can be found on the website (govsummit.nebraska.gov).

In conjunction with the main conference, the State is hosting the inaugural Governor’s Youth Summit on August 14th in Kearney. The experience is designed for high school students and recent graduates, providing them with direct access to career opportunities in Nebraska. During the event, student attendees will connect one-on-one with businesses and colleges to learn about internships, scholarships, and other career pathways. More information about the Youth Summit is available at govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth.

For an agenda and registration information for the 2025 Governor’s Summit, go to govsummit.nebraska.gov.



NDOT Announces Hay Permit Applications Accepted Online Beginning July 30

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has announced hay harvesting permit applications for the public will be accepted through an online application portal beginning July 30 at 12:01 a.m. CST. Individuals must have a permit to harvest hay on State Right of Way.

Hay harvesting permits can be purchased online from July 30 until the permits expire on September 15, on a first-come, first-served basis. Each permit is limited to five miles of roadside hay, and only one permit is allowed per person. The hay is for private use only. All baled vegetation shall be removed from the right-of-way within 10 days after being baled or by September 15, whichever comes first. Applications will be processed in the order they are received during normal business hours beginning July 30.

Customers and staff can utilize an integrated online map to assist in selecting miles to mow. The map will be routinely updated showing miles available for permits.

Landowners are given the opportunity to renew last year’s permits between March 1 and July 29.

The Hay Harvesting Permits Application and Help Docs will be available at the NDOT website. The option to purchase permits from specified NDOT locations will still be available. Please visit ndot.info/haypermit for more information.



Nebraska Wheat Board Announces August Meeting

The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) will hold its next meeting Wednesday, August 06, 2025, at the UNL Dinsdale Learning Commons, Lincoln, NE. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. CST.

During the meeting, the NWB will receive reports from members on committee activities as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Wheat Growers Association. The board will review committee assignments and conduct election of officers as well as determine travel and participation in upcoming meetings and events. The public is welcome to attend any open portion of the meeting. Interested individuals may contact the NWB office for a copy of the detailed agenda or for more information.



Grants Announced for 24 Projects to Bolster Access to Biodiesel, E15 in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved an additional 24 applications from Iowa fuel retailers to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects. These investments help drivers save money by providing expanded access to lower cost and cleaner burning homegrown biofuels like biodiesel and E15 (Unleaded 88). The more than $1.12 million in cost-share grants was awarded by the RFIP Board during its quarterly meeting on July 17. 

The 24 approved project sites are in 17 different counties and total $1,124,750.86 in state cost-share. One example of the grants awarded in this round is Taylor Oil Company Inc., Oakland (Pottawattamie County) $50,000 for a Retail Biodiesel Site.  

“Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program cost-share grants help Iowa families save money at the pump by expanding access to lower-cost, cleaner-burning biofuels like E15 and biodiesel,” said Secretary Naig. “Biofuels provide consumers with more fuel choices, all while supporting Iowa farmers and jobs in rural communities. As the nation’s leader in both ethanol and biodiesel production, Iowa is uniquely positioned to use more of the fuel we produce right here at home. These investments strengthen our economy and keep us moving forward with more affordable, homegrown energy.”

These ethanol investments are also helping more Iowa fuel stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard. Iowa is the first state to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers 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 fuel stations that need assistance coming into compliance, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can provide cost-share funding through the RFIP.

Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested more than $63 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure within Iowa. This has been matched with more than $270 million by Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers. With additional 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. The application deadline for consideration at the next quarterly meeting is 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2025. 



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Japan, Indonesia, Philippines Trade Deals
 
“Nebraska Farm Bureau welcomes the trade announcements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines as important steps toward opening markets and reducing barriers to U.S. agricultural products. Agricultural trade is vital to our national economy and the sustainability of farm and ranch families here in Nebraska.

I’ve had the opportunity to promote Nebraska products in each of these countries on past trade missions and know firsthand they are strong trading partners. Each of these countries considers U.S. agricultural products to be of high quality and are eager to purchase from us if agreements can be established.

These announcements couldn’t come at a better time, particularly Indonesia’s $4.5 billion commitment to purchase soybeans, wheat, and cotton. With harvest season quickly approaching and products moving from field to market, we urge swift implementation of these agreements to ensure Nebraska farmers can take full advantage of the new opportunities.”



NCGA Applauds Trump Administration's Deal with Japan

The Trump administration announced today that the United States has agreed to a trade deal with Japan. In response to the announcement, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. made the following statement:
 
“We appreciate the work that the administration has dedicated to brokering a deal with Japan, worth $2.7 billion, and we welcome today’s announcement. Japan is the second largest market for U.S. corn exports, and we support any effort to expand the purchase of corn and corn products, like ethanol. U.S. corn growers produce an abundant crop year in and year out, and NCGA has long advocated for increased access to foreign markets, which will support American farmers and rural economies.”  



ASA Welcomes U.S.-Indonesia Trade Framework Supporting Ag Exports

Yesterday, the United States and Indonesia issued a joint statement announcing a framework for reciprocal trade between the two countries. As part of the framework, the White House announced Indonesia would eliminate 99% of tariff barriers for all U.S. food and agriculture products.

While U.S. soybeans and soy products already enjoyed duty-free access into the market, the framework also announced a commitment from Indonesia to purchase $4.5 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans and soybean meal. In Marketing Year 2023/2024, Indonesia imported $1.23 billion of U.S. soybean products, making the country U.S. soy’s fifth largest trading partner by volume according to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association president and Kentucky soybean farmer, said, “We appreciate President Trump and his administration’s efforts in maintaining market access for U.S. soybeans into Indonesia, and the commitment from USTR to address non-tariff barriers in that market. We look forward to future deals like this that reduce tariffs and ensure continued and increased market access for U.S. agriculture.”



Council Reacts to U.S. – Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement

President Donald J. Trump announced a landmark economic agreement with Japan—one of America’s closest allies and most important trading partners, reflecting the strength of the relationship between the countries. The agreement includes more than $550 billion in new investment by Japan into core American industries. The agreement also includes Japan purchasing $8 billion in U.S. goods, including corn, soybeans, fertilizer, bioethanol and sustainable aviation fuel.

In a statement, U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand said:
“The U.S. Grains Council applauds the Trump Administration on this agreement with our second largest trading partner – Japan. In the 2023-24 marketing year, Japan was the second largest importer of U.S. corn; the third largest importer of U.S. sorghum; the fourth largest importer of U.S. barley; and the 9th largest importer of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles, totaling 14 million metric tons in corn-equivalent exports or $5.95 billion. This deal is an embodiment of our countries’ longstanding partnership and includes ethanol and SAF that fits into Japan’s policies of increasing the use of renewable fuels, that include U.S. ethanol. The Council looks forward to nurturing the important trade relationship for many more years to come.”



U.S. Dairy Industry Praises Indonesia Trade Agreement

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) applauded the announcement late yesterday of a new trade framework between the United States and Indonesia that eliminates tariffs on the vast majority of U.S. exports and contains pledges to remove longstanding nontariff barriers affecting American dairy products.

“This looks like it will be a significant win for U.S. dairy. We commend the Trump Administration for securing an agreement that should deliver real benefits for our dairy farmers,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “We are pleased to hear this framework removes roadblocks to trade and will help grow dairy sales in one of the world’s most populous markets. NMPF looks forward to reviewing the details of the agreement and working with the Administration to ensure Indonesia upholds its end of the bargain.”

As outlined in a White House factsheet issued yesterday, Indonesia will eliminate tariffs on approximately 99% of U.S. exports; recognize U.S. regulatory oversight, including by listing all U.S. dairy facilities and accepting certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities; and commit to implement a fair and transparent process for handling geographical indications (GIs) to ensure common cheese names are respected.

“Yesterday’s announcement is an important step forward in advancing opportunities for U.S. dairy exporters. This deal is poised to strengthen our long-term partnership with Indonesia while giving U.S. dairy companies a better shot at competing fairly,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “While verification that Indonesia honors its commitments will be necessary, the removal of both tariff and nontariff barriers is precisely what our industry needs to create new momentum for U.S. dairy exports and deeper collaboration with a key Southeast Asian partner.”

“The prospect of having Indonesia commit to a more transparent and balanced approach to GIs would be a meaningful advance in the global fight to preserve the use of common food names like parmesan and feta,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “We commend the U.S. negotiators for prioritizing this issue, particularly at a time when European Union is attempting to expand their GI abuse in growing dairy markets and shut out the United States. We will work diligently with the U.S. government to hold Indonesia accountable to their commitments on common names.”

The United States exported $246 million in milk powders, whey products, cheese and other dairy ingredients to Indonesia in 2024, making it the seventh largest U.S. dairy export destination. The agreement complements ongoing work by NMPF and USDEC to support integration of school milk into Indonesia’s new Free Nutritious Meals program and foster greater collaboration on trade.

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN also welcomed the news that agreements had been struck this week with the Philippines and Japan, with details forthcoming. 



Growth Energy Cheers Trade Deals with Indonesia & Japan

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the White House and President Trump today following the announcement of two major trade deals that would open new markets for American biofuels and other agricultural co-products. The trade deal with Indonesia is expected to eliminate up to 99 percent of the tariff barriers on U.S. goods – including the 30 percent tariff currently imposed on U.S. ethanol exports. As part of the deal with Japan, the White House secured a commitment to purchase $8 billion in U.S. agricultural goods, including corn, soybeans, ethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel. 

“Ethanol exports set a record in 2024, and President Trump’s latest deals will help to ensure that American farmers and biofuel producers continue to benefit from new and growing markets in Asia,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “We commend President Trump for following through on his commitment to unleash American energy dominance and tear down unfair barriers to exports from rural America. We also thank the teams at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their tireless work to deliver these trade deals and removing trade barriers for U.S. ethanol.”  



RFA Thanks President for Japan, Indonesia Trade Announcements

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked President Donald Trump for announcing important framework agreements with Japan and Indonesia that will benefit U.S. farmers and ethanol producers.

“We’re grateful to President Trump and his team for ensuring U.S. agriculture and renewable fuels are prominently included in these framework agreements,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “These deals will ultimately help open important Asian markets and allow greater access for American farm products, renewable fuels, and co-products like distillers grains. This administration clearly understands the leading role American farmers and renewable fuel producers can play when it comes to feeding and fueling the world, and we salute President Trump’s efforts to secure fair and reciprocal agreements around the globe. Breaking down barriers to fair trade strengthens our rural economy and the United States as a whole.”

Cooper added that Indonesia and Japan are especially important markets for U.S. distillers grains that continue to grow. Indonesia was the fourth-largest export market in 2024, importing 987,000 metric tons—a 6 percent increase over 2023—while Japan ranked eighth, purchasing 454,000 metric tons, a 15 percent increase over the prior year. Both countries also are potentially large future markets for exports of U.S. ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and other renewable fuels.  



Make Agriculture Great Again Trade Wins: President Trump Secures Greater Ag Market Access to Australia for American Beef

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins issued a statement congratulating President Donald J. Trump on the major trade breakthrough that gives greater access to U.S. beef producers selling to Australia:

“American farmers and ranchers produce the safest, healthiest beef in the world. It’s absurd that non-scientific trade barriers prevented our beef from being sold to consumers in Australia for the last 20 years. Gone are the days of putting American farmers on the sidelines. This is yet another example of the kind of market access the President negotiates to bring America into a new golden age of prosperity, with American agriculture leading the way,” said Secretary Rollins.



President Trump Opens Australian Market to U.S. Beef in Win for American Cattlemen

Wednesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that for the first time in 20 years, Australia will accept shipments of fresh and frozen U.S. beef, ending decades of bureaucratic red tape and prolonged negotiations that have prevented American cattle producers from accessing the Australian market. NCBA thanks President Donald J. Trump for delivering yet another trade win for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.

“For 20 years, U.S. beef was denied access to Australia while Australia exported $29 billion of beef to U.S. consumers. The lack of two-way, science-based trade has been a sticking point for many years, and we are pleased that President Trump has successfully opened the Australian market to American beef,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “NCBA has spent decades working to correct this trade imbalance and we are proud to have a President who is willing to fight for American farmers and ranchers, expand export markets, and fix unfair trade agreements across the world.”

The U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2005 and was intended to allow U.S. beef to be sold in Australia. Over the last 20 years, Australia has used countless tactics to delay implementation of the agreement and prevent any shipments of fresh or frozen U.S. beef from entering Australia. Over the same 20 year period, Australia has sold $28,759,340,461 worth of their beef in the United States.

“The United States is the gold standard for safe and delicious beef, and we have some of the highest animal health and food safety standards in the world,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “Opening the Australian market to American beef will benefit our producers at home, while also offering Australian consumers the opportunity to enjoy our high-quality beef. We greatly appreciate President Trump delivering another win for America’s family farmers and ranchers.”



USMEF Statement on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement

The White House released additional information Wednesday on the trade and investment agreement reached with Japan.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF greatly appreciates the Trump administration’s agreement with Japan, reassuring and expanding opportunities in the #2 export destination for U.S. beef and pork. In President Trump’s first term, the critical U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement was reached, returning U.S. red meat to a level playing field in Japan and restoring its position as an extremely reliable market. According to the information released by the White House, the new agreement focuses on reinforcing the long-term economic partnership between the U.S. and Japan, which for decades has delivered tremendous benefits for the U.S. livestock and meat industries and for Japanese consumers, importers and customers.

USMEF looks forward to continued growth and mutual benefits, and we thank the team at USTR and the Trump administration for another agreement reached in the critical Asia Pacific region. 



Growth Energy Congratulates New EPA Air Chief

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Aaron Szabo as Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation:  

“We congratulate Assistant Administrator Szabo on his confirmation. We look forward to working with him to build on EPA’s momentum in delivering a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and expanding access to lower-cost fuels like E15,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.  

“Szabo brings more than a decade of public service and regulatory experience to this important role. His leadership will be essential to ensuring homegrown, American biofuels continue to play a central role in improving our nation’s environment while growing the bioeconomy. We are committed to continuing to partner with EPA to secure year-round E15 nationwide, drive investment in rural communities, and promote U.S. energy dominance.”  



NPPC Celebrates Bill to Save Family Farms Protection from Patchwork Regulations a Win for Pork
 
U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Save Our Bacon Act to help save family farms across the country by providing certainty against a dangerous and chaotic web of conflicting farm regulations, including California Proposition 12. 
 
National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, spoke to pork producers’ support of the bill.
 
“We sincerely appreciate Representative Hinson for consistently engaging with family farmers and championing legislation that provides the certainty we need to pass along our farms to the next generation. Without legislation to shield America’s 60,000+ pork-producing family farms from heavy-handed, multi-state regulations, many producers otherwise would be faced with business-crushing decisions.”
 
Bipartisan support for averting a web of contradictory state laws continues to grow, with support from President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and their respective Agriculture Secretaries, Brooke Rollins and Tom Vilsack.
 
If left unchecked, Prop. 12, along with a wave of contradictory farm regulations, will soon sweep the nation, to include:
    Serious threats of industry consolidation, pushing multi-generation farm families – especially small and medium-size farms – out of business.
    Skyrocketing grocery bills, with some pork products experiencing price hikes of as much as 41%.
    Far-reaching and harmful impacts on both farmers and consumers.
    Unfair costs forced on farmers to pay for out-of-state regulators to audit their farms.
    Significant increases in the cost of raising pigs—by as much as 15% on each pig marketed.
    Potential harm to pigs, as arbitrary, unscientific laws hamstring farm veterinarians’ herd health plans.



House Ag Hears Directly from Pork Industry the Impacts—and Imminent Consequences—of California’s Prop. 12  

Pat Hord, Ohio pork producer and vice president of the National Pork Producers Council, and Holly Cook, NPPC economist, testified before the full House Agriculture Committee on the implications of California’s Proposition 12 for farmers and food prices. On behalf of the industry, they called for Congress to support Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) efforts to address this severe threat to the U.S. pork industry, including the spiderweb of state regulations it invites.
 
Hord shared his family farm’s story with the Committee, saying “Despite producing Prop. 12-compliant pork, I am here to say Prop. 12, and an unmitigated regulatory patchwork, threatens our farm."
 
Prop. 12, a California ballot initiative, bans the sale of pork that does not comply with the state’s prescriptive and arbitrary production standards. Though enacted in a single state, Prop. 12 has created sweeping consequences nationwide by fueling market volatility, imposing costly new mandates on producers, and paving the way for a patchwork of inconsistent state regulations. These disruptions have raised pork prices for consumers and continue to push small, multigenerational farms out of business.
 
Hord and Cook explained how widespread adoption of measures like Prop. 12 would lead to even more consumers paying higher prices for pork, a result already felt by Californians, who eat 13% of U.S. pork despite producing less than 1% of the U.S. pork supply. There, prices from bacon (+16%) to loins (+41%) increased significantly due to Prop. 12, per USDA.
 
“A patchwork of conflicting, Proposition 12-style regulations around the country would also lead to even more consolidation of the industry as pork producers are forced to constantly reconstruct their operations or close their doors,” said Hord.
 
Beyond rising consumer prices and industry consolidation, Hord spoke to misconceptions that Prop. 12 enhances food safety (it does not) and animal welfare, citing American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Swine Veterinarians opposition to Prop. 12 and how those pen requirements can “unintentionally cause harm” to animal welfare.
 
Economist Cook discussed the significant financial impacts on producers converting to Prop. 12-compliant housing, as well as USDA research and recent scanner data confirming the impact on consumer costs.
 
“Proposition 12 has been called an “unfunded mandate,” meaning voters approved the measure, but consumers had not demonstrated an ability or willingness to pay the premium required to consume the same volume of pork products,” she shared.
 
A report by USDA economists showed that in the first eight months of implementation, prices for pork products covered under Prop. 12 increased by 20% on average as a result, with many jumping even higher, as noted above.
 
Cook explained, “It’s been more than a year since that report was released, and updated scanner data shows these trends continue to hold. Retail prices in California are still more than 20% higher than before Prop. 12 took effect, while the total sales volume is down by double digits. This means Californians are spending more but consuming less pork than they were before Prop. 12.”
 
Prop. 12 opens a Pandora’s box of state regulatory overreach that threatens family farms across the country. This overregulation hurts farmers, increases prices for consumers, and compromises our nation’s food security.
 
On behalf of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, NPPC thanks Chairman Thompson for his efforts to fix Prop. 12 in the farm bill and calls on Congress to help restore regulatory certainty for American family farms by supporting Thompson and other legislators’ efforts to fix Prop. 12.
 
Pat Hord’s full testimony can be found here, and Holly Cook’s full testimony here. Others testifying before the Committee in the hearing were Matt Schuiteman, farmer and board member, Iowa Farm Bureau, Sioux Center, IA; Travis Cushman, Deputy General Counsel, Litigation & Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation, Washington, D.C.; Lilly Rocha, Executive Director, Latino Restaurant Association, Los Angeles, CA; and, Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Professor & Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Department of Agricultural Economics, Amarillo, TX.
 


National Corn Growers Association and Ag Data Transparent Launch New Carbon Transparency Project

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and Ag Data Transparent announced today a new partnership to bring clarity to farmers interested in carbon market contracts.  

“The rapid expansion of carbon programs and solution providers in agriculture presents immense opportunities - but also significant risks,” said Sean Arians, NCGA vice president, Sustainable Production and Value Chain Engagement. “As new programs and players enter the space, farmers are left with limited information, unclear standards, and inconsistent program guidelines, making it difficult to evaluate opportunities and confidently participate.”  

Without a neutral, transparent informational foundation, farmers risk unforeseen obligations and uncertain returns. Recognizing this urgent need, NCGA is launching this initiative in partnership with ADT while also working to secure additional funding from industry organizations and businesses. The first phase of this project will launch in Fall 2025. 

In alignment with ADT’s mission, this project aims to bring the same level of transparency, simplicity and trust to carbon initiatives in ag that ADT has successfully delivered in the agricultural data sector.  

“By building on ADT’s trusted brand and established framework, this new carbon-focused initiative will help farmers make informed decisions and navigate both existing and emerging carbon programs with confidence,” said Todd Janzen, partner with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law and ADT administrator. 

Agricultural stakeholders who support transparency in the carbon marketplace are encouraged to participate and contribute. Wide industry engagement will improve the initiative’s ability to provide a transparent certification and propel the emerging market while limiting risks for farmers. To learn more about the project, interested parties can reach out to Todd Janzen at janzen@aglaw.us. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/18/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 18, ethanol production slowed by 0.8% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.28 million gallons daily. Output was 1.6% lower than the same week last year but 0.7% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate was unchanged at 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.63 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks sprang 3.4% to a nine-week high of 24.4 million barrels. Stocks were 3.0% more than the same week last year and 4.3% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded by 5.6% to 8.97 million b/d (137.84 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 5.2% less than a year ago and 2.7% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed suit with a 4.2% increase to 917,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.10 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.1% less than year-ago levels but 0.9% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports expanded 14.9% to an estimated 108,000 b/d (4.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.

 

Average Retail Prices for Five Fertilizers Continue to Climb

Most average retail fertilizer prices continued to be higher than last month during the third week of July 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Once again, however, prices of several fertilizers were lower. For the fifth week in a row, no fertilizer saw a significant price move, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

Five fertilizers had slightly higher prices than the previous month. DAP had an average price of $811 per ton, MAP $847/ton, potash $481/ton, 10-34-0 $672/ton and UAN32 $499/ton. Three fertilizers were slightly lower in price than the prior month: Urea had an average price of $654/ton, anhydrous $769/ton and UAN28 $417/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.71/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.78/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP by 3%, 10-34-0 and DAP by 5%, anhydrous 11%, UAN28 23%, urea 29% and UAN32 by 33%. Potash, the remaining fertilizer, continues to be lower in price by 5% compared to last year.



HHS, FDA and USDA Address the Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods

Under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture are accelerating federal efforts to address the growing concerns around ultra-processed foods and the current epidemic of diet-related chronic disease that is plaguing America. The agencies are announcing a joint Request for Information (RFI) to gather information and data to help establish a federally recognized uniform definition for ultra-processed foods—a critical step in providing increased transparency to consumers about the foods they eat.

"Ultra-processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "We must act boldly to eliminate the root causes of chronic illness and improve the health of our food supply. Defining ultra-processed foods with a clear, uniform standard will empower us even more to Make America Healthy Again."

Currently, there is no single authoritative definition for ultra-processed foods for the U.S. food supply. Creating a uniform federal definition will serve as a key deliverable on the heels of the recently published Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, which recognizes that the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods is one of the driving factors of the childhood chronic disease crisis.

“President Trump has made it a priority to improve health outcomes for American families and communities. And this Request for Information is yet another step in seeking commonsense ways to foster improved and more informed consumer choice. A unified, widely understood definition for ultra processed foods is long overdue and I look forward to continued partnership with Secretary Kennedy to Make America Healthy Again. As this process unfolds, I will make certain the great men and women of the agriculture value chain are part of the conversation,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.

“I am delighted to lead this critical effort at the FDA,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “The threats posed to our health by foods often considered ultra-processed are clear and convincing, making it imperative that we work in lockstep with our federal partners to advance, for the first time ever, a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods.”

It is estimated that approximately 70% of packaged products in the U.S. food supply are foods often considered ultra-processed, and that children get over 60% of their calories from such foods. Dozens of scientific studies have found links between the consumption of foods often considered ultra-processed with numerous adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity and neurological disorders. Helping to address overconsumption of ultra-processed foods is a key element to Make America Healthy Again.

A uniform definition of ultra-processed foods will allow for consistency in research and policy to pave the way for addressing health concerns associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The RFI will be publicly available tomorrow in the federal register and seeks information on what factors and criteria should be included in a definition of ultra-processed foods.

Alongside developing a uniform definition, the FDA and National Institutes of Health are investing in high-quality research to help answer remaining questions about the health impacts of ultra-processed foods through its recently announced Nutrition Regulatory Science Program. The Department will also continue to pursue developing and implementing other key policies and programs that seek to, collectively, dramatically reduce chronic disease and help ensure a healthy future for our nation.