Thursday September 18 Ag News - Comments Open on USMCA Review - Northeast's Keller recognized - AgCeptional Conference - Farmers report grimm economic outlook - and more!

Smith Encourages Nebraskans to Submit Comments as USTR Opens Public Consultation on USMCA Review

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), as directed by Congress, announced the beginning of a 45-day public comment period in advance of the 2026 Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) yesterday said, "As we near the six-year review of USMCA, it is important for Nebraskans to share their perspectives on the agreement’s successes and potential improvements.  When negotiated in 2018, USMCA set a new standard for market access, science-driven standards, and effective enforcement. Feedback from the American people is an essential component to strengthen our shared economic security and ensure the full benefits of the agreement are realized by producers and consumers." 

The deadline for submitting comments is November 3, 2025. USTR also invites the public to express interest in participating in a public hearing on this topic.



Northeast Faculty Member Earns Award for Western U.S. Region

A Northeast Community College ag instructor has been honored nationally for his excellence in teaching both inside and outside the classroom.

Brandon Keller was chosen as the recipient of the 2025 Association of Community Colleges Trustees (ACCT) Western Regional Faculty Award. The award will be presented during the Annual ACCT Leadership Congress, which will take place in New Orleans on October 22-25. The announcement was made Thursday. 

Leah Barrett, Northeast president, said Keller creates a positive classroom experience and is an active college community member, leading and collaborating throughout Northeast.

“Brandon is an exceptional instructor.  He connects contemporary issues with hands-on classroom experiences in ag business and farm management practices.  Moreover, he provides out-of-the-classroom learning by taking students to programs like the USDA Ag Outlook Forum in Washington, D.C., ag business competitions and international experiences in Costa Rica, the United Kingdom and Scotland.”

Keller will be the sole nominee from the Western Region for the prestigious Faculty Member Award that will be presented at the annual Awards Gala on Friday, October 24. All Regional Award winners will be recognized, with the national Faculty Member Award chosen from the regional nominees. 

In addition, Keller is an integral part of the campus community. He is a grants specialist; serving as a grant administrator on awarded grants and as a review panelist for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and USDA as well as being an NSF Mentor-Connect Fellow.

Charlene Widener, vice president of Educational Services, noted Keller's extensive involvement on- and off-campus in her nomination letter.  

"Mr. Keller is a respected member of the faculty, campus community, and northeast Nebraska community," Widener said. "He puts students’ success first and is dedicated to personal growth. His work on campus and communities supports the development of people across the region."  

Widener noted that Keller developed and currently advises the Ag Business Club. This club organizes monthly speakers, some of whom are open to the public. He has also been part of two Innovation Mini Grants developed to support institutional strategic goals.  

"Four years ago, Brandon redeveloped the Agribusiness curriculum to better reflect workforce needs and to ensure that students have the flexibility to take courses tied to career goals. This was part of the collegewide Rural Guided Pathways process." 

Keller is working on his PhD coursework in Ag Leadership. He also has active roles with the Boy Scouts of America, the Norfolk Community Theatre, and the Norfolk Family YMCA. Due to his service to both the college and community, he was recognized as a Norfolk Connect Top 20 Under 40 in 2023. In 2026, Keller will be leading the 2026 United Kingdom Contingent for the Pony Express Council, Scouting America.

Barrett was able to share this honor with the college community earlier this week. As his peers provided a standing ovation, she concluded by saying, “The entire college community is so proud that Brandon is receiving this well-earned honor.” 



2025 Husker Beef Nutrition Conference
An event for Consulting Nutritionists, Allied Industry, and Academics 

Nebraska Extension will host the Husker Nutrition Conference on Friday November 7, 2025, at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center (1071 Co Rd G, Ithaca, NE 68033) beginning at 8am. 

Full Agenda
8:00 am     Registration
8:30 am     Welcome & Introduction
8:45 am     What a demand driven market means- Mike Murphy, CattleFax
9:45 am     Managing stress, maximizing feedlot performance – Dr. Jessica Sperber, UNL
10:30 am    Coffee Break
11:00 am    Beef on Dairy: Lessons learned and the road ahead – Dr. Tara Felix, Penn State
12:00 pm    Lunch, Networking & Graduate Student Poster viewing
1:00 pm     Graduate Student Poster Session 
2:00 pm     A 10-Year review of feedlot mortality using a closeout database – Dr. Jacob Hagenmaier, PAC
2:45 pm     Carcass weight or final live body weight? – Dr. Galen Erickson, UNL
            University of Nebraska-Lincoln Research Update – Dr. Galen Erickson, UNL
3:45 pm       Meeting adjournment

Please register by November 4th to secure your spot for lunch. Register at https://go.unl.edu/2025huskernutrition. Cost is $50 paid via cash or check at time of registration or pay online. Student registration is free. 



AgCeptional Conference to Celebrate and Empower in Agriculture Community

Northeast Community College is proud to announce the 17th annual AgCeptional Conference, set for Friday, November 21, at the Norfolk Lifelong Learning Center.

This one-day event is designed to celebrate, connect, and empower those working in agriculture with practical tools, inspiring stories, and hands-on learning.

Since its beginning, the AgCeptional Conference has grown into one of the region’s premier agricultural events, welcoming producers, ag professionals, and community members from across Nebraska and beyond. This year’s theme, “Your Brand, Your Story,” celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic that define the agriculture industry.

Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions covering critical topics in agriculture today ranging from farm transition planning and financial tools to women’s health, stress management, regenerative practices, and marketing strategies. Presenters include farmers, attorneys, educators, mental health professionals, and entrepreneurs who bring both expertise and real-world experience to the conversation.

This year’s conference includes an exclusive floral workshop with Blossom + Birch, where participants can design their own fresh fall centerpiece to take home. Seating is limited to 50 participants and requires an additional $60 registration fee.

“The AgCeptional Conference is about more than education—it’s about celebrating the people who make agriculture strong,” said Connie Sixta, Northeast Community College’s dean of Science, Technology, Agriculture, Math, and Humanities. “For 17 years, we’ve brought together producers, families, and ag professionals to share knowledge, encouragement, and ideas that strengthen both operations and communities.”

The conference will conclude with a social networking opportunity downtown at Black Cow Fat Pig’s Event Space for participants in the Blossom + Birch workshop.

Registration is open now at the Northeast Community College website under Events, or by searching AgCeptional Conference. Early bird registration is available through October 31. After that date, ticket prices will increase. The Nebraska Soybean Board is recognized as the Legacy Sponsor of the AgCeptional Conference.

For more information or questions please reach out via email at agceptional@northeast.edu.



Iowa Corn Growers Applaud Reintroduction of Fertilizer Research Act

This week, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to shine a light on market factors driving the high cost of fertilizer, which is a major expense for farmers. The Fertilizer Research Act would require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market and their subsequent impacts on price.  

Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller, released the following statement:  

“The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) sincerely appreciates Senator Grassley once again honoring our request for a study to review the competition and transparency within the fertilizer industry. Fertilizer prices have continued to increase, putting pressure on Iowa corn farmers who are already faced with low corn prices and increased input costs, making profit margins slim or even nonexistent.  

“We need to assess the fertilizer industry to better understand pricing practices, tariffs and the exertion of market power by companies within the industry. This request came directly from ICGA, and Senator Grassley and Senator Ernst’s continued commitment to corn growers is evident with reintroduction of the Fertilizer Research Act. 

“Iowa Corn will continue to work with Iowa’s U.S. House Delegation to get a companion bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.” 



Iowa Expands Access to Biofuels with Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program

Iowa's cost-share Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) recently awarded $1,864,344 in grants for 48 applicants to add biofuels to retail sites. Four applications aimed to add B11 at select sites, while the remaining forty-four focused on expanding E15 availability at retail locations. 

“Following RFIP’s latest round of grant awards in July, it is exciting to see even more retailers take advantage of this opportunity to provide biofuels to customers,” said IRFA Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt, who sits on the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board. 

To qualify for the program, biodiesel retailers must use the infrastructure to offer biodiesel blended fuel classified as B11(11 percent biodiesel) or higher. During colder months, retailers can offer B5. Ethanol retailers can qualify for E15 and higher blends. 

To date, the program has granted over $61 million to help fund ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure across Iowa, allowing retailers to add necessary equipment to their stations to offer higher blends of biofuels. RFIB consists of voting members appointed by the Governor of the State of Iowa. 



9 Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grants Announced

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today nine Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant recipients to expand small-scale meat processing capacity within Iowa. These cost-share grants, totaling $355,000, will help small businesses, many of whom are located in rural communities, make essential equipment purchases and facility improvements. Projects include the addition of new smokehouses, installation of freezer systems, expansion of processing lines, and the replacement or modernization of vital equipment, among other improvements. Secretary Naig made the announcement at Maxwell Custom Beef in Des Moines, one of the recipients of the grant.

“Choose Iowa is growing rapidly as more Iowans seek fresh, local products and more farmers and food businesses recognize the networking and promotional benefits offered to members,” said Secretary Naig. “These grants are helping small meat processors across Iowa expand their operations to better serve both producers and customers. Iowa’s livestock industry depends on accessible, high-quality processing, and these projects are a smart investment in that infrastructure. The strong demand for this Choose Iowa program also shows just how competitive these grants were, with far more applications than funding available. We’re proud to support these hard-working small businesses and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats (Food Locker Service, Inc.) | Holstein | $45,000
Addition of a smokehouse.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $129,877
 
Weaver Meats | Afton | $40,000
Purchase of a RTE cooler and Enviro-Pak smokehouse.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $105,119

Friedrichsen Meat Company | Sutherland | $25,000
Purchase of a meat slicer, vacuum sealer and automatic double clipper for ground meat packaging.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $110,436
 
Cherokee Locker | Cherokee | $75,000
Purchase of a freezer and expansion of the cut and packing line.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $512,287
 
Maxwell Custom Beef (formerly Amend Packing Company) | Des Moines | $20,000
Upgrade and modernization of processing equipment.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $57,683
 
Yetter Locker | Yetter | $25,000
Incorporate harvest floor improvements, a rail processing cooler, and a finished product walk-in freezer.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $388,872

Milo Locker Meats (Tribal Meat LLC) | Milo | $75,000
Purchase and installation of a freezer facility.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $282,000
 
Skoglund Meats | West Bend | $25,000
Addition of a smokehouse.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $292,180
 
Winthrop Locker LLC | Winthrop | $25,000
Purchase of a 500T smokehouse.
Anticipated Total Project Cost: $62,166
 
The Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant replaces a previous program that was created in 2021 and administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The Legislature authorized this new Choose Iowa grant program during the 2024 legislative session and allocated nearly $250,000 for its first year. An additional $250,000 was authorized during the 2025 session. This round of funding is utilizing appropriations from both fiscal years.

Choose Iowa received 23 grant requests totaling over $1.5 million, showing the strong interest and demand from processors statewide. The investment of $355,000 will leverage a combined investment of approximately $1.94 million across nine counties. Awardees could receive up to $100,000 and are required to provide at least a one-to-one financial match.

Full details about the grant requirements are available on the Choose Iowa website https://www.chooseiowa.com/grants.



NASDA Members Elect Maine Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal as 2025–2026 President

During the 2025 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, members elected their 2026 officers. Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal will be NASDA’s 2025–2026 President.

“I am honored to be elected NASDA president and grateful for the opportunity to serve my fellow members. Working alongside some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated leaders in American agriculture, including our commissioners, secretaries, directors, and their expert staff, is inspiring. Through NASDA, we will continue collaborating across states to advance meaningful policies and actions that create lasting, positive change for our farmers and others within our agricultural sector,” Beal said.
 
As part of her presidency, Commissioner Beal will lead NASDA in hosting the 2026 Annual Meeting, Sept. 13 -16, in Portland, Maine. The gathering will bring agriculture leaders from across the nation to the state, highlighting Maine’s farms, fisheries, and forests, and reinforcing NASDA’s role in shaping resilient agricultural policy. The theme of the 2026 meeting, “Resilient Roots, Bountiful Future,” captures the organization’s shared commitment to strengthening the foundations of American agriculture while creating new opportunities for future generations.
 
NASDA’s 2026 Board of Directors includes:
    President: Commissioner Amanda Beal, Maine
    Vice President: Director Derek Sandison, Washington
    Second Vice President: Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa
    Secretary-Treasurer: Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia
    Past President: Secretary Wes Ward, Arkansas
    At-Large: Director Jillien Streit, Montana 

Massachusetts Commissioner Ashley Randle, Maryland Secretary Kevin Atticks, Wisconsin Secretary Randy Romanski and Arizona Director Paul Brierley will serve as the Northeastern, Southern, Midwestern and Western representatives respectively.
 
Commissioner Beal also announced the leadership of NASDA’s six policy committees:
    Animal Agriculture: Director Sherry Vinton (NE), Chair; Secretary Randy Romanski (WI), Vice Chair
    Food Systems and Nutrition Committee: Secretary Karen Ross (CA), Chair; Commissioner Ashley Randle (MA), Vice Chair
    Marketing and International Trade: Commissioner Richard Ball (NY), Chair; Secretary Mike Beam (KS), Vice Chair
    Natural Resources and Environment: Secretary Jeff Witte (NM), Chair; Secretary Kevin Atticks (MD), Vice Chair
    Plant Agriculture & Pesticide Regulation: Director Chris Chinn (MO), Chair; Director Chanel Tewalt (ID), Vice Chair
    Rural Development and Financial Security: Secretary Anson Tebbetts (VT), Chair; Director Don Lamb (IN), Vice Chair 

Beal has served as Commissioner of DACF since 2019, guiding the department’s work in agriculture, forestry, conservation, and public lands. Previously president and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust, she also serves on the Maine Climate Council and has held leadership roles in regional and national agricultural organizations. A Maine native who grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Litchfield, Beal lives in Warren, Maine, where she and her husband own a diversified fruit farm.
 
NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships, and public engagement. 



Farmers Report Grim Economic Outlook

An overwhelming majority of corn growers from across the United States say that the nation’s farm economy is possibly already in a crisis or on the brink of one, according to a new survey released today by the National Corn Growers Association.

The findings were released during an NCGA-sponsored economic roundtable in Washington where experts stressed the seriousness of the economic problems facing farmers.

During the discussion, NCGA leaders said Congress could alleviate some of the pain by passing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would remove an outdated provision in the Clean Air Act that restricts the summertime sales of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15.

“Farmers are in a lot of economic pain right now” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “It’s a four-alarm fire in the countryside, and we need members of Congress to act fast to remove barriers to markets. Passing legislation for the year-round, nationwide sale of higher blends of ethanol would be an important first step in addressing this problem.”

In the survey of 1,034 farmers conducted by Farm Journal from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10, nearly half (46%) indicated that they believe the United States is on the brink of a farm crisis. A total of 80% of those surveyed indicated they believe the farm economy may be or ‘is’ on the brink of a farm crisis. And 65% said that they are more concerned about their farm financials now than they were a year ago.

In what could be a troubling sign for the larger economy, those surveyed indicated that the top changes they were considering making next year would be holding off on equipment purchases, reducing fertilizer applications and looking for options to increase off-farm income.

“These findings point to a once-in a generation problem for the agricultural economy,” said NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson. “The survey findings suggest that this crisis could have a long reach, affecting every area of the economy, as farmers are less likely to make purchases and will certainly make budget cuts that could affect their local communities.”

The findings come as farmers face the largest three-year decline in net cash receipts in history because of declining crop farm profitability associated with lower prices and elevated input costs. On top of that, the Department of Agriculture is projecting record crops this year. Despite demand forecast at a record level, it still trails production, and any reduction could further drive down corn prices.  
 
During the roundtable discussion, experts noted that the difficulty of accessing affordable loans could further complicate matters for farmers looking for a life raft.

“In the current environment, interest rates are more expensive, and the rate curve is steeper,” said Dr. John Newton, an economist and executive head of Terrain Ag, an offering of leading Farm Credit associations. “As a result, there is less flexibility for lenders on payment terms, and efforts to assist distressed borrowers may not ultimately lower their cost structure.”

Newton echoed Hartman’s call for increasing markets for farmers, noting that increasing the use of homegrown biofuels is one way to accomplish that goal.

A study released this week by the National Corn Growers Association, showed that, at full adoption, providing consistent access to E15 year-round would provide an additional $25.8 billion to U.S. gross domestic product, boost incomes by $10.3 billion, support 128,000 additional full-time jobs and provide a home for some excess corn crops at full adoption.

Corn growers are visiting Capitol Hill this week to highlight their economic concerns and to call for action on the E15 legislation.



USDA Accepts Nearly 1.8 Million Acres Through 2025 Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced acceptance of 1.78 million acres into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through 2025 General, Continuous, Grassland, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program enrollments.

According to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), about 25.8 million acres are currently enrolled in CRP, the agency’s flagship conservation program through which landowners, farmers and ranchers voluntarily convert marginal or unproductive cropland into vegetative cover that improves water quality, prevents erosion, restores wildlife habitat and in the case of Grassland CRP, enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

“What better way to celebrate CRP’s 40th anniversary and mark four decades of voluntary private lands stewardship than to announce an extremely successful 2025 enrollment for CRP’s many program options,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “I think the numbers speak for themselves; America’s agricultural producers recognize the value of preserving and protecting our most sensitive lands and are very committed to conserving our natural resources.”  

FSA received offers on more than 2.6 million acres. The program’s total acreage is capped at 27 million acres for fiscal year 2025 of which 1.8 million was available for enrollment, after offsetting for expiring acres and an administrative reserve, making for a highly competitive process for those who submitted offers for CRP.  

About 955,795 acres are expiring Sept. 30 this year. Producers submitted re-enrollment offers for just over 624,000 acres and offers for enrollment of new land totaled 2 million acres.  

Kansas, South Dakota and Colorado hold the top three slots for accepted acres for all 2025 CRP enrollment opportunities.

The American Relief Act, 2025, extended provisions for CRP through Sept. 30, 2025.  



DAP Leads Fertilizer Prices Up Again

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mixed, according to locations tracked by DTN for the second week of September 2025. Four fertilizers were higher compared to last month while the other four were slightly lower. For the second week in a row, one fertilizer had a sizeable move. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

DAP was 5% more expensive compared to last month. The phosphorous fertilizer has an average price of $862/ton. Three other fertilizers had slightly higher prices. MAP had an average price of $917/ton, potash $488/ton and anhydrous $768/ton.

Four fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. Urea had an average price of $631/ton, 10-34-0 $667/ton, UAN28 $414/ton and UAN32 $482/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.69/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.75/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. The last holdout, potash, is now 5% higher. 10-34-0 is 5% more expensive, both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are 12% higher, MAP is 14% more expensive, DAP is 17% higher, UAN28 is 26% more expensive, urea is 29% higher and UAN32 is 37% more expensive looking back to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/12/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 12, ethanol production shifted 4.5% lower to 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to 44.31 million gallons daily and a 17-week low. Yet, output was 0.6% higher than the same week last year and 8.0% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.4% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.54 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks drew down 1.0% to 22.6 million barrels. Stocks were 5.0% less than the same week last year and 0.2% below the three-year average. Inventories thinned across the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3)—which declined to the lowest volume since November 2023—but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, improved 3.5% to 8.81 million b/d (135.43 bg annualized). Demand was 0.4% more than a year ago and 3.6% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rebounded by 4.8% to 922,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.17 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.5% more than year-ago levels and 3.3% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports decreased 14.9% to an estimated 103,000 b/d (4.3 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Ethanol Industry Joint Statement on U.K. Trade Mission

U.S. ethanol industry leaders joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg in the United Kingdom (U.K.) this week, meeting with top U.K. officials to underscore the priorities of the U.S. ethanol industry while identifying opportunities to increase ethanol exports and open the U.K. fully to the U.S. market. 

Discussions with local stakeholders and government officials, supported by Secretary Rollins, Ambassador Warren Stephens, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and leading ethanol exporters pointed to the immediate opportunity for ethanol as well as future growth potential toward E15 and beyond in the U.K.  

In acknowledgement of the efforts by the USDA, the top three U.S. ethanol industry associations – USGBC, Growth Energy, and RFA – said jointly: 

“The U.S. ethanol industry would like to thank USDA and Secretary Rollins for the opportunity to meet and discuss growth opportunities for U.S. ethanol in the U.K., as well as to acknowledge the importance the recent trade deal holds for American farmers. The industry looks forward to continued collaboration not only in the U.K. to meet a 1.4-billion-liter (370 million gallon) demand, but also to expand markets in Mexico, Asia and around the world to build increasing export potential for our homegrown fuel.” 



National Survey: Americans Strongly Support Year-Round Access to E15

New polling conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Renewable Fuels Association shows strong support for legislation allowing year-round access to E15, a lower-cost fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol. The survey of nearly 2,000 registered voters also showed a record level of support for the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

Voter support for increasing availability of the E15 blend is at its highest level—72 percent—since RFA began quarterly polling in 2016. Two-thirds of respondents back the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation to allow the nationwide year-round sale of the blend, while just 12 percent say they oppose the legislation and 21 percent had no opinion.

Roughly one-quarter of survey respondents say they have had the opportunity to purchase E15; and of those respondents, 62 percent said they purchased the fuel. Yet, slightly more than half of those surveyed have not had an opportunity to buy lower-cost E15, and another 23 percent were unsure if they have had that opportunity.

Voter support for the Renewable Fuel Standard policy is at 69 percent, the highest ever since RFA began quarterly polling.

“These survey results show that Americans want more options at the pump, and more consumers are recognizing that access to ethanol blends like E15 means greater energy independence and real savings every time they fuel up their vehicles,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Ethanol plays a key role in the Trump administration’s America First energy strategy, and these new polling results show that voters are starting to connect the dots. Voters are clearly looking to Congress and the administration to remove the barriers that prevent lower-cost fuels like E15 from accessing the marketplace.”

The survey also shows continued support for the use of E85 flex fuel, with 68 percent of respondents backing the promotion and sale of flex fuel vehicles that can use either that blend or regular unleaded gasoline. Fifty-eight percent said they are very or somewhat interested in buying an FFV, compared to only 39 percent for electric vehicles.

Finally, the survey asked about consumer attitudes on the importance of energy independence. Eighty-eight percent of respondents believe it is important for America to be energy independent, and 79 percent are very or somewhat concerned about gas price fluctuations. Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) believe renewable fuels like ethanol are important to energy independence and that is very or somewhat important for their fuel to be made in America. Almost two-thirds (65 percent) oppose banning vehicles with liquid-fuel engines.

The survey was conducted online Sept. 10–12, among a sample of 1,825 U.S. registered voters. Data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, 2024 presidential vote, and region. Results have a 2% margin of error.