Tuesday January 27 Ag News - Nebraska Ag Exports $8b+ - LENRD Approve New Irrigated Acres for '26 - Veterans and Agrotourism workshop - ISU Advanced Calving Clinic - Trump, Iowa & E-15 - and more!

Nebraska Ag Exports Exceeded $8 Billion in 2024 . . .

Recently released USDA figures show Nebraska’s agricultural exports were $8.19 billion in 2024, 4% more than 2023 exports. It marked the third-highest export total on record (in nominal dollars) behind $10 billion recorded in 2022, and $9.3 billion in 2021. Nebraska was the fifth-largest agricultural exporting state trailing California, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. Nebraska topped the nation in exports of beef ($1.67 billion) and hides and skins ($116 million); was the third-largest exporter of corn ($1.65 billion), feed ($1.19 billion), and processed grain products ($458.1 million); the fifth-largest exporter of soybeans ($1.61 billion) and soybean meal ($420.7 million); and the sixth-largest exporter of vegetable oil ($180.6 million).

Soybeans, corn, and beef remained entrenched as Nebraska’s top agricultural exports, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total exports. Exports of each exceeded $1.6 billion in 2024. Of the three, corn export value was up 14% and beef up 5%, but soybeans were down 8%. Poultry products (+44%), wheat (+16%), and pork (+13%) also saw exports increase in 2024. The largest purchasers of Nebraska agricultural products were Mexico, Canada, China, European Union, and Japan.

Nebraska agricultural exports in 2025 most likely trailed 2024 levels. The value of U.S. exports through October was off 1% compared to the same period in 2024. Trade conflicts, global competition, and economic uncertainty created headwinds to export growth. Of Nebraska’s big three export commodities, red meats were off 6% and soybeans down 25%. Corn exports, though, were up 31% compared to the prior year primarily due to a greater volume. More of the same is expected this year. The USDA forecasts agricultural exports in the fiscal year ending in September to be down almost $2 billion. 



Lower Elkhorn NRD Board Members Vote on Numerous Topics at January Board Meeting

After lengthy discussion, and numerous testimonies from the public, the Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors ultimately decided not to approve the Battle Creek WFPO Plan in a 9-6 vote. The Battle Creek WFPO Plan was a study of flood prevention measures for the community. Though all the Directors shared the same consensus, they want to help Battle Creek, many of them did not agree with the Engineer’s recommendation of a dam/levee option for the community.

Numerous items relating to the North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO Plan were approved by Directors. These items include approval of the North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed Agreement and the signing of the Resolution for the Agreement;  approval of LENRD staff submitting a letter of request to NRCS to extend the expiration date and amend funds from planning work to preliminary design work for the North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO Grant; and authorization of Brian Bruckner, General Manager, to sign the contract amendment with JEO Consulting Group to incorporate preliminary design work for North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO Watershed Plan-EA contract as presented.

The North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO Plan includes improvements for internal flood mitigation in the communities of Pierce and Osmond. Pierce is mainly focused on making improvements to the already existing levee system. Some improvements include increasing the height of the levee and construction of a seepage berm. In the plan there are also improvements to drainage in the northwest and southwest sides of town as well as stormwater pumping stations. The primary focus of the community is the updates to the levee system.

Osmond is focused on restoring high ground along the 4th Street corridor. Additional components of the flood mitigation plan for Osmond include voluntary building modifications to homes on the south side of the highway and a small berm/dike structure on the northeast side of town.

Directors agreed to have LENRD staff request a one-year extension of the Grant due to changes to the original contract and scope of work. Approximately $188,520.00 in funds were remaining at the completion of the planning phase for the North Fork WFPO Plan, and Directors agreed it would be appropriate to transfer those funds to the Design Phase. Those funds will be split between preliminary design work for the 4th Street Road Raise Project in Osmond and levee improvements for the Pierce Levee.

Eighty-nine applications for new irrigated acres were also approved. During the 2025 application period, 168 applications for new irrigated acres were received by the Lower Elkhorn NRD. At their January Board Meeting, Directors approved the LENRD staff recommendation to approve variance applications totaling 332.64 new groundwater irrigated acres in the LENRD Quantity Management Subareas; 3,694.69 new groundwater irrigated acres in the Non-hydrologically Connected Area; and 386.38 acre-feet of new peak-season streamflow depletions in the Hydrologically Connected Area.

At a Special Board Meeting held in October 2025, LENRD Board members heard the recommendation of an Ad-Hoc Variance Committee and voted to allow up to 350 new irrigated acres in the Quantity Management Subareas; up to 3,750 new irrigated acres in the Non-hydrologically Connected Area; and up to 400 acre-feet of new depletions in the Hydrologically Connected Area.

Additionally, the Board was introduced to Marcus Blunck, the new Project Coordinator for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area, and Nathan Kush, Conservation Planner for Madison and Pierce Counties. Jim Olson, who serves as the Source Water Protection Specialist, provided an update on his outreach to Wellhead Protection Areas in the Lower Elkhorn & Lewis and Clark NRDs. Reports were given by Robin Sutherland, NRCS; Gary Loftis on the Loess Hills RC&D; and Brian Bruckner on LB823 regarding change provisions relating to burning permits and the statewide open burning ban.

Anthony Wisnieski was appointed as the new Treasurer, replacing Jerry Alleman. Alleman had been serving as Treasurer for the past year after Mark Hall, who had been serving in that role, was not reelected to the Board in the 2024 election. 

Board members approved a recommendation from staff to start sending out notice of intent letters for entities who have not submitted flow meter readings by January 30th. Meter readings are due December 1st of each year, but due to the transition to ProducerConnect – the new online reporting platform for Natural Resources Districts – staff allowed more flexibility for delayed reports. 

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs, and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live. 



Nebraska Extension Announces Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series, Feb. 17–19

Nebraska Extension invites feedlot owners, managers, employees and allied industry professionals to attend the 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series, scheduled for February 17–19 at three locations across western and central Nebraska.

The Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series will feature timely, research-based discussions focused on feedlot management, cattle health, nutrition and market outlooks, providing practical information participants can apply directly to their operations.
Program details

Each roundtable will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $20, payable at the door via cash or check. Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is requested to assist with meal planning.

Dates and locations include:
    February 17 — Bridgeport, Nebraska - Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St.
    February 18 — Gothenburg, Nebraska - Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center, 76268 NE-47
    February 19 — West Point, Nebraska - Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave.

Featured topics and speakers
The 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series will include presentations on:
    Maximizing calf gain in the backgrounding phase
    Dr. Jim MacDonald, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Managing cattle health from feedlot arrival to finish
    Dr. Dan Thomson and Dr. Jacob Hagenmaier, Production Animal Consultation
    University of Nebraska–Lincoln research highlights
    Dr. Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    New World screwworm: What feedlots need to know
    Dr. Matt Hille, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Beef cattle market outlook
    Dave Weaber, Terrain (Farm Credit)

Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed online at https://go.unl.edu/2026roundtable

For more information, contact Dr. Galen Erickson at gerickson4@nebraska.edu. 



Ag land management webinar to offer updates on cash rents, leasing for 2026

The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will cover the latest trends in Nebraska cash rental rates, new leasing considerations, and more during its Land Management Quarterly webinar at noon central on Feb. 16.

Each quarter, the webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators, and related stakeholders interested in the latest insights on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land, and solutions to address challenges in the upcoming growing season. 

The February webinar will examine methods for setting cash rents, flex lease alternatives, and considerations for updating agricultural rental arrangements for 2026. It will include an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get answers to their land or lease questions. 

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics, and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements. 

“This webinar will help anyone with a stake in land better understand the financial and human forces reshaping rural agriculture landscape,” Jansen said.

The webinar is free and will be recorded. Past recordings can be viewed the day after each session, along with recordings from the entire series. 

Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.



NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES SALUTES SCHNABLE FOR PIONEERING WORK

The National Academy of Sciences has awarded Husker plant geneticist James Schnable one of its highest honors for multiple advancements he has achieved in plant science.

“Schnable’s pioneering innovations in plant genomics, quantitative genetics and phenotyping are reshaping how we understand, improve and sustain the world’s major crops,” the organization said in awarding him the 2026 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences. The honor comes with a medal and a $100,000 prize.

The award recognizes research by a mid-career U.S. scientist who “has made an extraordinary contribution to agriculture or to the understanding of the biology of a species fundamentally important to agriculture or food production.” Past recipients of the award are internationally recognized leaders in fields including genomic studies of plants and animals, food security, animal welfare and pollinator health.

Schnable, the Nebraska Corn Presidential Chair and professor of agronomy and horticulture, has pioneered and collaborated on a series of landmark research projects, including the complete mapping of the corn genome; a dramatically expedited process for identifying corn gene functions; and a current project to develop the first digital twin of a cornfield. 

Those projects, involving advanced interdisciplinary collaboration, fill in key gaps in scientific understanding and provide opportunities to develop more robust and adaptable hybrids through breeding or gene editing.

Practical impact for the agricultural sector provides the central guidepost for Schnable’s work.

“We work very collaboratively with people from very different disciplines, from different parts of the U.S.,” he said. “Our team always has to have a very rigorous focus on, does this matter? What is the impact going to be?”

Schnable’s research on plant genetics and breeding for crops including corn and sorghum incorporates technologies and capabilities from engineering, artificial intelligence and statistics. His work provides producers with insights into crop health and improved varieties needing less fertilizer and providing greater stress tolerance.

He has established three companies in bioinformatics, climate-resilient agriculture and precision agronomy, raising more than $7 million in funding from angel and venture investors.

His research grant awards have topped $30 million, with funding from a range of government agencies and organizations including the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research, private-sector companies and nongovernmental organizations. Many of his projects are part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Plant Science Innovation, known for its interdisciplinary work on advanced research in agricultural and food science.

Schnable is the youngest researcher to receive the NAS award. Past awardees have come from universities such as Cornell, Stanford and the University of California-Davis, which reflects how the university is “competing above our weight class” in this area of science, he said. Many of his former graduate students and postdoctoral candidates are now teaching at universities across the U.S. and abroad, and others are working at major seed companies and ag-tech startups.

His career at Nebraska has followed an ambitious trajectory. Trained in plant genomics, he has expanded his skill set in ever-wider ways. He developed an additional research program focused on plant phenotyping after Nebraska Innovation Campus made strategic investments in advanced greenhouse and sensor technologies. That work builds on his previous genomics-research experience partnering with computer scientists, statisticians and machine learning experts.

A few years later, he moved into cornfields.

“I moved from being somebody who just worked at a computer to somebody who also grew plants in a greenhouse and used computers to analyze the images,” he said. “Now my team is running a four-row planter and a tractor, with field trials all across the state, and I’m worrying about grain yields, weed pressure and rainfall.”

As a result, he has become “the person at that interface between the biology and the agronomy, the data science and the artificial intelligence, and being the person who can create the right data sets, ask the right questions, and pull in the collaborators from both of those worlds to answer the really big challenges,” Schnable said.

Those challenges, such as identifying corn-gene specifics or developing new techniques for improved drought tolerance, remain difficult, but Schnable takes heart that “we’re getting to the point where there are things we really can do better.”

Even in today’s high-tech age, walking directly through a field and taking plant measurements by hand remain important. But such work increasingly can be done effectively by robots. Satellite imagery of detailed field conditions demonstrates ever-increasing sophistication and value. The expense of genetic data-crunching in plant science continues to fall.

“In the last five years, the cost of measuring the RNA (genetic details) of each corn plant has gone from $200 to maybe $30,” Schnable said. “Lots of other things get harder, but the quality of the data gets better, the cost gets lower, and the tools for analyzing it are also getting better. It's really exciting to be living in an era when these things get better every year.”



Workshop series for veterans highlights agritourism 

Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops focusing on farm stays and outdoor experiences. This course is free for active military service members and military veterans.

Hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, the 11-session series, “Serving the Land: A Veteran’s Guide to Farm Stays and Outdoor Experiences,” starts in March and runs through August 2026. The workshops will rotate between online classroom sessions and on-farm sessions with an online option.

“During our classroom sessions, participants will learn directly from farmers and agritourism leaders about the business of hosting guests on working farms,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project manager with the Center. “They will also receive practical tools, examples, and worksheets to help prepare them for launching or expanding guest-based agritourism enterprises.” 

Participants will also visit and tour Nebraska operations.

“Experiencing operations within the state gives veterans and service members the chance to see firsthand how producers design guest activities, manage visitor flow, and build safe and welcoming spaces for recreation,” Bailey said.

Registration is required by March 16. To register, visit cfra.org/AgVets2026.

Participant stipends are available to cover approved expenses such as travel, meals, and child care. Individuals are welcome to attend with family members. For on-farm events, physical accommodations may be made upon request.

For more information, contact Bailey at 402.367.8989 or kirstinb@cfra.org.



CLAAS R&D Center Construction Advances on Omaha Campus 

Construction continues to advance on the new CLAAS Research and Development Center in Omaha, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term investment in North American agriculture. 

Following the official groundbreaking in August 2025, CLAAS has made substantial progress on the southwest Omaha campus corner where the building will be erected. The site has been fully leveled, storm drainage infrastructure installed and a water retention pond established to support sustainable site development. Crews are currently pouring concrete footings ahead of vertical construction, which is scheduled to begin in February.  

These early construction milestones keep the project on track for completion by the end of 2026.  

The new 44,800-square-foot Research and Development Center will serve as the hub for all CLAAS North American testing and analysis activities, supporting the development of next-generation harvesting and agricultural technologies tailored to the demands of U.S. and Canadian farmers.  

“The progress we’re seeing on this project is incredibly exciting for our entire engineering team,” said Markus Koch, Head of Engineering for CLAAS Omaha. “Establishing a dedicated R&D Center here in the United States allows us to work closer to the farmers, crops and conditions that define North American agriculture. This facility strengthens our ability to develop, test and refine innovative solutions that directly support our customers in the field.”  

Once completed, the facility will provide expanded office and workshop space, enhanced logistics and instrumentation areas, and improved security measures to protect critical intellectual property. While testing will continue across farms throughout North America under real-world conditions, the Omaha R&D Center will be where engineers analyze data, evaluate performance and advance machine development for future CLAAS equipment. 

Located on the growing CLAAS Omaha campus—home to the company’s North American headquarters, LEXION combine assembly plant and CLAAS Training Academy—the new R&D Center reinforces CLAAS’ decades-long commitment to the region. The campus employs more than 250 people and plays a critical role in serving farmers across the U.S. and Canada.  

Construction updates will continue as the project progresses toward completion in late 2026. 



Advanced Calving Clinic to Be Offered in Denison

The Iowa Beef Center with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer an Advanced Calving Clinic to help Iowa cattlemen and women prepare for a successful calving season and subsequent breeding period. The clinic will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Denison, located at 12 North 35th Street.

Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, extension beef specialist with Iowa State, said the clinics will feature a variety of learning sessions and opportunities to share questions and experiences. Session topics will cover essentials from conception to calving, including strategies for managing dystocia with practice using the life-size calving model, neonatal calf health and care, beef cow nutrition basics and calving distribution management.

“Whether you’ve calved 10 cows or 10,000 cows, there’s always a new technique to learn to help you get one more calf born alive,” she said. "Attendees of previous Advanced Calving Clinics have reported substantial satisfaction with the program, estimating an average benefit of $1,480 per operation."

Lundy-Woolfolk also noted that the life-size calving model is a popular hands-on feature of the clinics.

“Dr. Terry Engelken from the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine will help participants with tips and tricks for handling difficult delivery situations,” she said.

Iowa State cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson will present a session on improving rebreeding success, and Lundy-Woolfolk will lead a presentation on pre-and-post-calving nutrition.

Because the sessions are designed for individual hands-on learning, attendance is limited to 50 participants, and preregistration is required. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim, ISU Extension and Outreach Crawford County, and Blazin’ “B” Ranch, this Advanced Calving Clinic is offered at no cost to attendees.

A light meal will be served to registered participants at 5 p.m. Those interested in attending should register by Feb. 17 by contacting the ISU Extension and Outreach Crawford County office at 712-263-4697.

For more information, contact Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu.




Open Letter to President Trump: The Intersection of Economy and Energy in Iowa is E15

Iowa Corn and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today released an open letter thanking President Trump for his constant support of nationwide, year-round E15 and asking for his help to finally push E15 access through Congress. Despite strong support from Iowa and Midwestern representatives, the U.S. House failed to include E15 in recent spending bills, opting to create a task force instead. The deadline for task force action is February 28.

The letter states: “Congress has appointed a task force, co-chaired by Iowa’s Rep. Randy Feenstra, to consider the critical need for nationwide, year-round E15 with a vote scheduled for the end of February. Without permanent access to this market, the long-term viability of our state’s largest economic driver is at serious risk. Today, we are asking for your help to finally push E15 access through Congress.”

America’s corn farmers are struggling and often sell corn well below the cost of production. As a result, the entire Iowa economy struggles. In fact, the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank just listed Iowa as 50th in terms of economic growth. The best way to boost corn prices and create meaningful market demand is the immediate authorization of nationwide, year-round E15.

The letter continued: “Removing the outdated regulatory hurdle for E15 is exactly the type of government efficiency you’ve worked for. We urgently seek your ongoing assistance as Congress debates E15 over the next month. Permanent nationwide access to E15 is a common-sense, no-cost solution to strengthen American energy dominance and provide a vital lifeline to Iowa’s growers. We look forward to your continued leadership on this issue and remain ready to work alongside you to move this critical policy across the finish line. Now is the time.”



Iowa Biodiesel Production Plummets 31% in 2025 to 244 Million Gallons, Lowest Level in a Decade 

Iowa’s biodiesel plants produced 244 million gallons in 2025, down 31% from 353 million gallons in 2024. Only eight facilities reported production in 2025, with several running off and on, well under capacity. The industry faced great uncertainty in 2025 due to both low Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending levels and a lapse in federal tax policy.

“2025 was a real gut punch for biodiesel everywhere and Iowa was no exception,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “Lack of tax policy coupled with low RFS numbers sent producers into a tailspin. We have plants trying to hang on by their fingertips waiting for clarity from DC. Hopefully we can get final guidance on the 45Z tax credits soon and certainty on a robust RFS level for 2026 soon after.”

When it comes to Iowa biodiesel production, soybean oil use spiked, accounting for 92 percent of the production in 2025. Animal fats, used cooking oil (UCO), and corn oil each accounted for less than 5 percent of feedstocks. Iowa’s biodiesel plants have the capacity to produce over 400 million gallons annually if running at full capacity. The IRFA compiled production information from a confidential industry survey.

2025 represented the last of a disappointingly low 3-year RFS blend rule put in place during the Biden Administration. While the Trump Administration has proposed a much more robust RFS rule for 2026-2027, it has not yet been finalized, leaving the industry in limbo. Further, the long-standing biodiesel blenders tax credit was allowed to expire at the end of 2024, to be replaced with a new clean fuel production tax credit, referred to as 45Z. However, the Biden IRS did not finalize the 45Z rules before 2025, again leaving the industry in limbo. While 45Z was modified by Congress in 2025, the Trump IRS has also not yet finalized rules for the tax credit.

“With President Trump being in Iowa tomorrow, we are hopeful that he can go back to D.C. and nudge those agencies to move faster to finalize both the new RFS blend levels and 45Z tax credit guidance,” Shaw added. “If so, 2026 could be a rebound year for biodiesel production. There are biodiesel plants sitting idle in Iowa. We hope they can operate again in a matter of weeks.”



Soybean Growers Statement on the Establishment of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council

The American Soybean Association Monday released a statement warning of threats to the integrity of longstanding U.S. biofuel policies following the House of Representatives’ establishment of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council. The Council was developed to identify solutions to policy disputes preventing the passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, legislation to provide for the sale of year-round E15 fuel blends. However, the establishment resolution directs the Council to review a broad range of policies, including critical biofuel programs that support domestic markets for U.S. soybeans.

“The American Soybean Association appreciates the continued work of the House of Representatives to champion domestic biofuel production, but the broad latitude provided to the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council creates new threats to programs U.S. soybean farmers rely on to advance the production of soy-based fuels,” said ASA President and Ohio farmer Scott Metzger. “ASA supports the sale of year-round E15 but is concerned about the Council’s review of longstanding bipartisan policies that promote the production and consumption of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and other biofuels derived from soybeans. Congress and members of the Council must guard against all efforts that seek to weaken the Renewable Fuel Standard and other policies U.S. soybean farmers rely on for domestic market demand. The open-ended directives of this Council create a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundation of the U.S. biofuel industry. The Council should not open 25 years of RFS program success during only a few weeks of review.”

ASA has applauded the Trump Administration for the strong 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligations draft rule and Congress for making positive changes to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which will support domestic agricultural feedstocks. Strong domestic biofuel markets will reduce reliance on China, where U.S. soybean exports are down 50% this year, and insulate soybean farmers from additional economic damage. Instead of studying biofuel policies with longstanding proven success, Congress should be working with the administration to ensure the swift finalization of 45Z tax guidance, robust RVOs, and finalizing EPA’s proposed rule to give preference to domestic feedstocks and fuels. The work of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council cannot distract from getting these policies across the finish line. 



Clean Fuels Urges President Trump to Quickly Finalize RFS, 45Z Rules

Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to President Donald Trump highlighting the biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF industry’s contribution to U.S. energy security and rural prosperity, as the President embarks on visits across the country to highlight economic conditions. The letter emphasizes that the industry’s continued growth is at risk as farmers and fuel producers await regulatory rules – specifically, the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027 and rules for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit – that were due under the prior administration.

“As you visit Iowa this week and other American cities in the coming weeks, Clean Fuels and its members would like to draw your attention to the potential of America’s biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF industry,” Clean Fuels writes. “Our industry has made substantial investments to meet America’s demand for energy security and rural economic prosperity.”

“Our progress is threatened by delays in policy decisions that should have been made by the preceding administration. We anticipate that you will quickly finalize these policies and secure your promise as the most pro-biofuel president in history,” the letter continues.

Last week, the administration completed interagency review of proposed rules for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit – the final step before public release and a comment period.

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ VP of Federal Affairs, added, “The biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF industry has proven its ability to meet America’s demand for secure, affordable transportation fuels and to generate jobs and rural economy prosperity. We are hopeful that the administration is close to finalizing long-overdue regulatory rules. The delays and market uncertainty have taken a toll on our industry, undercutting fuel production and the value added to agriculture. As President Trump embarks on his economic tour, we invite him to visit biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to witness first-hand how policy decisiveness supports our resurgence.” 



USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden Calls Prop. 12 'Internal Protectionism'
 
In a webinar hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden once again spoke out against the unconstitutionality and dangerous impacts posed by California Proposition 12.
 
"While the United States is working to knock down foreign trade barriers, some states are simultaneously enacting domestic trade barriers, such as California's Proposition 12," Vaden said. 
 
"This internal protectionism is what led to the demise of the Articles of Confederation. If one state can block products from another state, the country ceases to function as a unified national market. 
 
"I strongly believe the Supreme Court got the Prop. 12 decision wrong, both on procedural grounds and in its interpretation of the Dormant Commerce Clause issue. This is not a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans, including President Trump and former President Biden, agree that California's law is unconstitutional. USDA expects continued litigation as underlying constitutional issues remain unresolved."



Fewer Heifers on Feed
David Anderson, Extension Specialist – Texas A&M University 

USDA’s Cattle on Feed Report, released on Friday, January 23rd, didn’t contain any real surprises. The most interesting number in the report was the number of heifers on feed and its implications for herd rebuilding.

Heifers on feed totaled 4.435 million head, down 140,000 head from last January 1. The 140,000 head decline amounted to a 3.1 percent decline from a year ago. The number of steers on feed also declined by 3.2 percent. That left the number of heifers on feed as a percent of total on feed at 38.73 percent, hardly different from last year’s 38.70 percent. It was the fewest January 1 heifers on feed since 2019. Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas had fewer heifers on feed, with Colorado having the largest decline of 85,000 head, followed by Texas, down 55,000 head. Other states either reported no change or, in the case of Nebraska, 10,000 more heifers on feed.

Spayed heifers imported from Mexico contribute to the total number of heifers on feed. The January Cattle on Feed report is the first full month of comparison to a year ago, with no cattle imports in either month. Approximately 145,000 fewer spayed heifers were imported from Mexico in the months leading up to January 1, 2026, compared to January 1, 2025. So, the decline in heifers on feed could largely reflect fewer imports rather than a significant decline in domestic heifer feeders being placed. 

While the decline in heifers on feed suggests some more herd retention, the reduction in supplies from Mexico and heifers as a percent of all cattle on feed indicates little herd rebuilding from additional heifer retention. 

The rest of the report did not differ much from expectations. Marketings were up about 2 percent, but with one more slaughter day during December, daily average marketings were below a year ago. Placements were 5.4 percent below a year ago. The total number of cattle on feed was down 3.2 percent a year ago. Supplies continue to tighten for months and years to come.