Friday January 16 Ag News - RMI Above Growth Neutral - NE FSA Committee Announced - Ankerson Begins as UNL Interin Chancellor - NE/IA at AFBF - IFBF & ISA Legislative Priorities - and more!

Rural Mainstreet Index Records Highest Reading Since July 2023
More Than One-Third of Bank CEOs Report Local Recession 

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed above growth neutral 50.0 for January, according to the latest monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for January climbed to 52.0, its highest reading since July 2023, and up from December’s 50.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“More than one of three bankers, or 34.7%, indicated that their local economy was currently in a recession. Another 26.9% expect their local economy to experience recession conditions in the first half of 2026,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Regarding President Trump’s imposition of tariffs, almost four of 10 bankers, or 38.4%, support pulling back on tariffs.

The Federal Reserve’s interest rate setting committee, the FOMC, meets January 27-28 to consider changing rates. Almost one in four bankers, or 23.1%, recommend reducing short-term interest rates by .25%. Approximately 73.1% advocate no change, while the remaining 3.8% support a rate increase.  

Farming and ranchland prices: After rising above growth neutral in December, the farm and ranchland index fell below the threshold for January with an index of 46.0, which was down from 52.5.    

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first 10 months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, fell from $9.9 billion in 2024 to $9.7 billion in 2025 for a decline of 2.4%.    

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index sank to a very weak 18.8 but was up from December’s even weaker 15.0. “This is the 29th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. Lower interest rates and the impending $12 billion of federal farm support have yet to stimulate farm equipment purchases,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The state’s Rural Mainstreet Index for January declined to 49.2 from December’s regional high of 54.2. The state’s farm and ranchland price index for January sank to 44.2 from December’s 53.0. Nebraska’s new hiring index increased to 48.1 from December’s 46.4. According to the latest trade data from the ITA, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first 10 months of 2025 stood at $1.1 billion, compared to $733.1 million for the same period in 2024, for a 45.1% increase.

Iowa: January’s RMI for the state climbed to 52.7 from 47.6 in December. Iowa’s farm and ranchland price index for January sank to 46.1 from 51.3. Iowa’s new hiring index for January increased to 49.0 from December’s 43.7. According to the latest trade data from the ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first 10 months of 2025 stood at $1.6 billion, compared to $1.4 billion for the same period in 2024, for a 34.7% increase.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



USDA Names Trump Administration Appointees to the Nebraska Farm Service Agency State Committee

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Thursday announced the appointment of five leaders in agriculture to serve on the Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.  

Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and, in support of the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment, members of the FSA state committee are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders and keeping producers informed about current FSA programs.  

Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for Nebraska are:

Scott A. Spilker, Chair (Beatrice) - Spilker owns and operates a family crop and livestock operation that he started in 1988. He is a former livestock production specialist responsible for balancing feed rations and coordinating feed operations at a large agriculture cooperative.

Crystal Klug, Member (Columbus) – Klug is the office manager for her family feedyard where she oversees payroll, billing, and financial records. She was previously the communications coordinator for a livestock certification company where she was responsible for verifying cattle for third‑party programs and managing customer documentation.

Brent Robertson, Member (Elsie) – Robertson owns and operates a diversified farm in southwest Nebraska, where he produces irrigated and dryland corn, wheat, soybeans, forage sorghum, and maintains an Angus cow‑calf herd. He is a former agronomy sales and precision ag manager at a local cooperative and expanded into licensed seed sales in 2012.

Rylee Wagner, Member (Winnetoon) – Wagner owns and operates an agritourism business that offers you‑pick flowers, pumpkins, and seasonal experiences. She is also actively involved in her family’s operation that raises sheep, a cow/calf herd, and produces row‑crops and alfalfa.

John Walvoord, Member (Waterloo) – Walvoord is a third‑generation farmer who manages crop production, accounting, and farm operations. He has experience in livestock production, including cattle feeding and feeder‑to‑finish hogs.  

“These individuals, selected by Secretary Rollins in partnership with key stakeholders in each state, are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.”



Ankerson takes helm; pledges bold, forward-focused leadership

Katherine S. Ankerson began work Jan. 12 as interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, opening her tenure with a call for collaboration, dialogue and a shared focus on the university’s future.

Ankerson, a longtime campus leader and educator, was appointed Jan. 5 by Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. She steps into the role with a focus on engaging students, faculty and staff as the university navigates a period of transition and planning for the future.

In a message to the campus community, Ankerson emphasized resilience and the importance of working together.

“How we respond to challenges defines us and builds resilience,” Ankerson wrote. “We are strongest when we face obstacles together — working with humility and purpose to build a positive future.”

She encouraged the university community to engage openly in shaping the institution’s next chapter and highlighted upcoming events, including a Charter Day observance in February, as opportunities to celebrate UNL’s work and look ahead together.

Ankerson previously served as the university's executive vice chancellor from January 2022 until retiring in December 2024. Her 35-year career in higher education includes 24 years at UNL, where she has also served as dean, associate dean and professor in the College of Architecture.

As dean from 2016 to 2022, Ankerson led a revitalization of the College of Architecture, producing gains in faculty distinction and student success. During that period, the college’s six-year graduation rate increased from about 51% to nearly 72% and post-graduation employment rates consistently ranged from 95% to 100%.

Before joining UNL in 1996, Ankerson held academic appointments at Radford University, Washington State University and Kansas State University, and worked in private architectural practice and design. She was named the International Interior Design Association’s Educator of the Year in 2020.

Gold said Ankerson’s deep knowledge of the campus and years of leadership experience make her well-positioned to guide UNL toward the future. 

“I appreciate Kathy’s willingness to step into this role at an important moment for the campus,” Gold said. “I am confident she will lead with purpose and care.”

In her message, Ankerson said she is committed to fostering transformative learning experiences, strengthening community and guiding the university as it looks to the future.

“I am honored to lead UNL as we boldly contribute to Nebraska’s tomorrow of limitless promise and potential,” Ankerson said.

Ankerson is the second woman to serve as the leader of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Joan Leitzel, a mathematics professor and university administrator, served as the university's interim chancellor for six months, from July 22, 1995 to Jan. 31, 1996.



Nebraska’s Presence Guides National Policy Set at American Farm Bureau Convention 

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) played an active role in shaping national agriculture policy during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 107th Annual Meeting and Convention, with delegates advancing priorities that directly impact farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across the country.

“The strength of Farm Bureau is in its members. When farmers and ranchers from across the country come together to discuss issues important to agriculture, it ensures that members are directing our policy positions. We’re pleased that many of the policies recommended by Nebraska farmers and ranchers will now become policy of the American Farm Bureau,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president.

Protecting private property rights while balancing growing demands for energy and infrastructure emerged as a top issue during policy discussions. McHargue emphasized the importance of balancing infrastructure needs with protecting productive farmland.

“Private property rights are something we hold very dear in the ag community. When we take farm ground out of production, it limits the ability for the next generation to come back,” McHargue said. “But we also know we need property for things like data centers, solar, and wind to produce the energy that our country needs. Developing policy around how we balance those needs is incredibly important right now.”

Trade was also another central focus at the convention as delegates discussed expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products. McHargue said strong trade relationships are essential for farm profitability and long-term sustainability.

“We need more destinations for the products we produce on our farms,” he said. “Trade brings optimism back to agriculture, and it’s critical for keeping our operations viable.”

Delegates also addressed nutrition and food policy, emphasizing the importance of science-based discussions that reflect how food is produced.

“No matter how food is processed, the focus should be on nutrition, safety, and affordability,” McHargue said. “Farmers produce high-quality, nutritious food, and consumers should have confidence in that.”

Delegates to the national convention re-elected McHargue to the AFBF Board of Directors, underscoring the value of collaboration among farmers and ranchers from across the country.

“When agriculture does well, our communities and our nation do better,” McHargue said. “Farmers and ranchers working together to shape policy gives me confidence that we’re building a better future for the next generation.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau state board members serving as delegates to the AFBF Annual Convention included Mark McHargue of Central City (NEFB President), Katie Olsen of Atkinson (NEFB 1st Vice President), Adam Boeckenhauer of Wakefield (Northeast Region), Andy DeVries of Ogallala (Northwest Region), Jim Stewert of Lincoln (Southeast Region), and Steve Stroup of Benkelman (Southwest Region).

Beyond policy changes, Nebraska Farm Bureau members also participated in AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events during the annual convention. Lance Atwater, an Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau member, was recognized as Nebraska’s representative for the Achievement in Agriculture award and was named a Top 10 national finalist. Lydia O’Brien, an Arthur County Farm Bureau member, competed in the YF&R Discussion meet.



Iowa Farm Bureau programs and members receive highest award at 107th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention

Farm Bureau members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico gathered at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention this week in Anaheim, California to set the organization’s national policy direction for 2026 and recognize and celebrate the achievements of state Farm Bureaus.  Several Iowa policies were adopted, including greater flexibility for producers participating in carbon markets.   

During the convention’s general session, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) was presented the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can be awarded for program and member achievement.   IFBF earned awards of Excellence in all four program areas for outstanding member programs.  The four program areas include: Advocacy, Coalitions and Partnerships, Engagement and Outreach, and Leadership and Business Development.

“Earning the AFBF Pinnacle Award is a tremendous honor for our organization and is a great source of pride for our members,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “The prestigious award is a testament to the strength of our grassroots organization and the value provided to our members through innovative programs and resources.”  

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered a keynote speech to members highlighting USDA’s support for farmers and opportunities ahead.  Rollins highlighted efforts over the past year to reduce the agricultural trade deficit and grow trade markets, expanded markets for E15 and biofuels and continued efforts to reduce surging input costs.  

Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and lifelong supporter of agriculture, Bill Northey, was posthumously honored with AFBF’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.  For decades, Northey worked for farmers and ranchers across Iowa and the country. He was elected as the Iowa secretary of agriculture three times – in 2006, 2010 and 2014 – before being tapped by President Donald Trump to be under secretary for farm production and conservation at USDA. He held that post until 2021 and became the CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa in May 2022.   Northey passed away in February 2024 at the age of 64 leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to agriculture.  

Following his passing, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson commented on Northey’s life. 

“It is impossible to completely describe Bill’s impact on agriculture,” said Johnson. “It didn’t matter if we were talking about the latest heavy-hitting agriculture issue or tractors or family; Bill was always an intensive listener, and I never saw him distracted by what was happening in the background or who walked into the room. When talking with Bill, Bill was talking with you.”

Keaton Keitzer of Des Moines County represented IFBF on the national stage during the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet competition. The YF&R Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting with active discussion and participation.  Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic about agriculture and food production today.  Keitzer qualified for the competition by placing first in IFBF’s Young Farmer Discussion Meet held during the IFBF Annual Meeting in December.  

Along with Johnson, Iowa’s other voting delegates to the 2026 AFBF policy session were: IFBF Vice President Brian Feldpausch of Grundy County; District 5 director Allen Burt of Marshall County; Randy Dreher of Audubon County; Laura Cunningham of Floyd County; Brent Koller of Lee County; Nate Hofmann of Linn County; Michael Johnson of Page County and Cordt Holub of Tama County. 

Members attended workshops, panels and keynotes covering an array of topics, including opportunities and challenges on the horizon for agriculture, ag policy impact, new technology and innovation, strategies for managing farm succession planning, farmer perspectives on mental health and more. 

State Farm Bureaus will gather again for the 2027 AFBF Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, January 8-12.  



Naig Supports WOTUS Updates, Urges Additional Relief to Accelerate Conservation Efforts and Improve Water Quality

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recently submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supporting proposed updates to the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), while urging additional flexibility and relief to better enable conservation projects that improve water quality.

In his comments, Secretary Naig praised the Administration’s efforts to provide greater clarity and predictability under the Clean Water Act, noting that clarity is essential for farmers, landowners, and conservation partners who want to invest in voluntary conservation practices like water quality wetlands. Wetlands play a critical role in implementing Iowa’s nutrient reduction strategy, helping to significantly reduce nitrates, slow water movement and improve downstream water quality.

“We need to ensure federal regulations are not unintentionally standing in the way of conservation work that delivers real environmental benefits,” Secretary Naig said. “In Iowa, overly burdensome permitting requirements have hindered the construction of water quality wetlands, and those practices are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce nitrates and improve water quality.”

In his comments, Naig emphasized that Iowa has an extensive network of artificial drainage infrastructure designed to manage excess precipitation and protect soil health. He noted that some drainage ditches, particularly those influenced by underground tile drainage, can trigger federal jurisdiction, resulting in additional red tape that delays projects and increases administrative and construction costs to taxpayers. Under the current permit system, many projects are forced to be re-sited to less impactful areas to avoid federal jurisdiction, or the project is abandoned altogether due to onerous permitting requirements.

Secretary Naig specifically urged the Corps and EPA to provide regulatory relief and clear exclusions for conservation-based improvements, including wetland restoration and construction projects that deliver multiple benefits, including water quality improvements, wildlife habitat and flood mitigation.

“Iowa farmers and landowners want to be part of the solution,” Secretary Naig said. “Federal policy should encourage—not discourage—science-backed conservation practices that are proven to work. Providing regulatory certainty and appropriate exemptions will help accelerate wetland projects that benefit agriculture, the environment, wildlife, as well as all Iowans.”



Iowa Farm Bureau sets 2026 legislative priorities 

During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including property tax reform and the prioritization of tax policies that support farmers and the agricultural community; funding to advance water quality and soil conservation practices; and landowner protections when underground natural resources are extracted.  

Throughout the past year, members from all 100 county Farm Bureaus provided input on policy important to Iowa agriculture and rural communities. Issues were voted on and prioritized by members to shape the organization's efforts for the 2026 Iowa legislative session. 

As tax reform continues to be a focus in Iowa, Farm Bureau will work toward prioritizing tax policies that support farmers and rural communities.   Rising property taxes place an increasing financial burden on Iowa farmers, and IFBF will advocate for tax reform that provides property tax relief for all classes of property, including ag property.  

Farm Bureau members appreciate the legislature’s support of long-term, dedicated funding for proven water quality and soil conservation practices.   Farmers continue to make steady progress accelerating water quality and soil conservation efforts and look to continue that momentum.  In 2024 alone, Iowa farmers planted over 3.8 million acres of cover crops to hold soil in place and prevent runoff, up 90% from the previous five years.  Thanks to support from cost share funding, Iowa farmers have restored more than 416,000 acres of wetlands and constructed nearly 140 new water quality wetlands, which can reduce nitrate runoff from farms by up to 90%.  IFBF will advocate that the legislature continue funding these water quality programs which will further advance conservation goals.   

IFBF will encourage the legislature to update laws to ensure landowners are protected when underground natural resources are extracted. The possible extraction of naturally occurring hydrogen has potential benefits for landowners, agriculture and the state’s economy, but it will require updates to current law.  Farm Bureau will work with the legislature to ensure reforms provide adequate landowner protections.  

“IFBF’s member involvement and grassroots policy process have provided clear direction on legislative priorities for the upcoming session,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “Agriculture is essential to Iowa, responsible for one in five jobs, but we’re at a critical time right now as farmers face several challenges.  We look forward to working with lawmakers and Governor Reynolds to advance policies supporting the vitality of Iowa agriculture and our rural communities.”  



Soybean farmers set 2026 legislative priorities

Iowa soybean farmers are looking to the Statehouse with optimism and resolve as the 2026 Iowa Legislative session kicked off earlier this week in Des Moines. Facing growing uncertainty in global markets, input costs and regulatory pressures, farmers are uniting around clear policy priorities that support stability, innovation and long-term viability for Iowa agriculture.

Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer leaders say thoughtful, farmer-focused policymaking will be key to strengthening the industry in the year ahead.

“The beginning of a new legislative session brings new opportunities for Iowa soybean farmers,” says Tom Adam, ISA president and soybean farmer near Harper. “Grassroots engagement is at the core of ISA's advocacy efforts and is key to making sure our voice is heard and represented at the Capitol. With growing uncertainty in the soybean industry, staying engaged is more important than ever.”
Notable ISA priorities during this year's legislative session include:

Crop protection tool labeling
Supporting consistency and clarity in pesticide labeling. Once a product has undergone the rigorous scientific review process and is issued a registration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the approved label should be consistent from state-to-state regarding health and safety information and should satisfy state-level notice requirements.

Property taxes
Support tax policies that keep Iowa producers competitive and encourage productive land use for agriculture. This includes eliminating the property tax exemption for forest and fruit tree reservations. ISA is opposed to shifting the tax burden from exempt landowners to those in the rest of the county.

Food ingredient bans
ISA supports the use of locally produced vegetable oils made from Midwest-grown crops, offering consumers a proven healthy, safe and affordable choice.

Conservation
Supporting voluntary conservation programs designed to benefit farmers and the environment.

Building a roadmap
“As we continue to work on policy impacting Iowa farmers, we extend thanks to ISA Advocate members who are directly supporting these efforts and keeping ISA's priorities top of mind with key decision makers on behalf of the soybean farmer,” adds Adam.

Farmer delegates from each of Iowa's nine crop districts met in December to adopt ISA's Policy Resolutions document for 2026. The document serves as an advocacy roadmap for soybean farmers and staff. Guiding principles are affirmed pertaining to conservation, trade, biofuels, biotechnology and a host of other soybean-related topics.



Agricultural Groups Sound Alarm about Farmers’ Future

Agriculture groups sound an alarm about the economic crisis in rural America in a letter sent today to Congress. 56 organizations representing a cross-section of agriculture signed the letter, sending a strong message to Congress.

The letter describes an existential threat looming over many farms, stating, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop.”

Farm losses are the result of a multitude of challenges over several years of downturns that have led to devastating farm losses. The letter goes on to say, “For the last three to four years the reality of record-high input costs and rapidly declining and historically low crop and specialty crop prices have culminated in many U.S. farmers experiencing negative margins and losses approaching one hundred billion dollars nationwide… These trends aren’t just statistics; they represent an economic crisis in rural America.”

The letter, organized by the American Farm Bureau Federation, acknowledges—and expresses appreciation for—the significant investments over the past year in farm programs, a bridge assistance program, and other aid to support farmers. It also notes that losses for commodity crops and specialty crops remain deep and the gap needs to be closed, saying, “In addition to continuing to pursue federal policies to increase long-term domestic demand for U.S agricultural commodities, we urge Congress to provide immediate economic support to fill in the gap of remaining losses for both field and specialty crop farmers.”

Farmers appreciate that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged the deep losses on family farms and the need for additional aid. Today’s letter emphasizes the urgency of the economic crisis as farmers question whether they can afford to plant another crop. Stabilizing the farm economy benefits all Americans by ensuring our food supply remains strong and secure.



Eight Additional New World Screwworm Cases Reported in Mexico

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today alerted Texas livestock producers following confirmation from Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Public Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) of eight new cases of New World screwworm (NWS) in the state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas. These new detections raise the total number of confirmed cases in Tamaulipas since December 30, 2025, to eleven.

“It’s just plain cowboy logic—when you’re seeing this many cases, this fast, it tells you there may be established screwworm fly populations in Tamaulipas,” Commissioner Miller said. “We’re grateful sterile fly deployment has begun, but make no mistake: Texas producers need to stay on high alert along our border.”

The Texas Department of Agriculture has not received confirmation that the affected animals reported by SENASICA have a history of movement outside Tamaulipas, raising concerns that the pest may now be spreading naturally rather than being introduced through animal movement. TDA continues to work closely with USDA and animal health partners and urges Texas producers, especially those along the border, to take preventive action now.

“Producers should be checking livestock every day and treating any wound as a potential entry point,” Commissioner Miller said. “Pay close attention to navels on young animals, isolate anything suspicious, and report concerns without delay. Early detection and aggressive surveillance are how we protect Texas livestock.”

Expanded TDA Surveillance and Trapping Efforts
TDA has activated a comprehensive NWS trapping plan to bolster early detection across high-risk areas along the Texas–Mexico border. The effort includes strategic trap placement at:
    Ports of entry
    Livestock export facilities
    Other locations where pest introduction or livestock movement risk is highest

TDA inspectors monitor traps regularly, with samples rapidly assessed in partnership with federal agencies to ensure fast identification and response.

“TDA is on the ground every day with its own surveillance traps, working in lockstep with USDA and our state partners to keep a sharp eye on the border,” Commissioner Miller said. “If it gets here, we will know. Now, Texas producers must stay informed and vigilant. With preparation and rapid action, we will stop the screwworm. Texas agriculture will win this fight.”

For more information on New World screwworm and how to report suspected cases, visit www.screwworm.gov.



Council, Ethanol Industry Partners Meet Government Representatives, Industry Stakeholders In Canada

Last week, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Chairman Mark Wilson and USGBC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand traveled with Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper to Ottawa, Canada for meetings with government officials and other leaders in the energy and transportation sectors.

“Canada is one of U.S. agriculture’s most important export markets, with room to continue growing especially in biofuels,” Wilson said. “Both Emily and Geoff brought their expertise and outlooks on the state of U.S. ethanol production, and I think together we made an impression that our industry is ready to meet any and all increases in Canadian biofuel consumption.”

The delegation’s first meeting was with PAA Advisory for consultation on the current state of biofuel use in Canada and areas for expansion. Later at the U.S. embassy, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra spoke about his perspective on the trade relationship between the countries.

The next day was focused on groups and governmental branches affecting all aspects of biofuel production and use, including the Canadian Fuels Association, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Conversations covered the human and environmental benefits of ethanol and biofuels’ role in uplifting producers and the broader agricultural community.

Finally, the group met with Natural Resources Canada and Global Trade Canada to discuss proposed changes to Canada’s clean fuels regulation and reinforce the benefits of strong trade relations between the countries.

“The Council highly values its relationship with our industry and governmental counterparts and our mutual goal of keeping biofuels flowing for the betterment of the environment and consumers’ savings versus alternative options,” LeGrand said.

“There are so many factors that make Canada such a vital market for our producers, ranging from sheer demand to its proximity to key U.S. growing regions, and the Council and its partners will always seek to defend and expand U.S. market share with our neighbors to the North.”



New Dietary Guidelines Reinforce Soy’s Role in Healthy Diets

United Soybean Board (USB), representing nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers, welcomes the newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which reinforce the value of soy foods as part of a healthy, balanced diet. 

"The Dietary Guidelines affirm what soybean farmers have long delivered – a safe, sustainable and nutrient-rich food that helps nourish American families," said Brent Gatton, United Soybean Board Chair and Kentucky soybean farmer. "We appreciate the emphasis on farmers and ranchers as part of the solution in building a healthier nation, because real food starts on the farm. Providing high-quality nutrition to consumers has always been our top priority." 

Soy foods align closely with the Dietary Guidelines’ emphasis on nutrient-dense, plant-based protein sources. They recognize foods such as tofu and tempeh for their protein content, as well as fermented soy foods like miso, which are valuable for gut health. As a complete plant protein, soy provides all nine essential amino acids, supporting protein needs across a variety of eating patterns. Beyond protein, decades of scientific evidence show that soybean oil is mostly comprised of a beneficial, unsaturated fatty acid which has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and may lower the risk for heart disease and stroke.

The guidelines also recognize the important role of animal proteins, including eggs, poultry, seafood, red meat and dairy, as part of healthy eating patterns alongside plant-based options like soy. The priority is all proteins working collaboratively as part of a balanced diet to nourish Americans and the global population.

While limiting processed foods is included in the guidelines, it’s important to keep in mind that a food’s healthfulness is best measured by its nutrient content and how it affects health—not merely its processing level. In the case of soy foods, methods such as fermentation and fortification support nutrition, food safety and accessibility, helping make nutrient-dense options more widely available to consumers. 
 
Research suggests that consuming soy may have a positive impact on your health in many ways. Soy foods may lower blood pressure, alleviate inflammation, improve cognitive function, and potentially reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. 

"Soy has been consumed for centuries, and there’s overwhelming consensus that soy foods can help Americans meet their dietary needs, while also enjoying delicious options like edamame, tofu, soymilk, soy nuts and soy-protein smoothies,” said Julie Ohmen, CEO of the Soy Nutrition Institute Global. "Concentrated sources of soy protein lower blood cholesterol levels, which is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s health claim is used for foods containing sufficient amounts of soy protein per serving. When it comes to dietary fat, the American Heart Association recommends prioritizing sources of polyunsaturated fat including omega-6 fatty acids – which soybean oil contains – as part of a healthy diet.”

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are released every five years and provide science-based recommendations that serve as the foundation for federal nutrition programs, including school meals, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Alignment between the Dietary Guidelines and soy’s nutritional profile reflects decades of farmer-funded investment in research and innovation through the Soy Checkoff – a program funded by U.S. soybean farmers to support research, education and promotion of U.S. soy. Farmers have long invested in science-backed research to understand soy’s role in human health, food accessibility and sustainable diets, helping ensure soy foods continue to meet the evolving needs of consumers.