Monday March 30 Ag News - Ag's Impact to NE Economy - Dist 16 Legislative Forum - Irrigation Efficiency Webinar - EPA announces RVO's '26-'27, Responds to DEF Sensor Concerns - and more!

The Impact of Agriculture on Nebraska

Nebraska is built upon agriculture. It is no surprise that this number one industry in the state has a huge economic impact. Data from American Farm Bureau shows how much of each state’s economy comes from the agriculture and food industry. Nationwide food and agriculture are responsible for 20% of U.S.economic impact and over 48 million jobs.

Nebraska and Iowa hold first place for largest percentage share of a state’s economy at 44%. This is a huge percentage. This means when agriculture is impacted nearly half of Nebraska’s economy is impacted. The report goes on to detail jobs, wages and taxes from agriculture that make up that 44%. The report estimates that around 545,929 jobs and $38.19 billion in wages are from food and agriculture in Nebraska. These figures include direct economic impact, supplier economic impact and induced economic impact.  Business taxes contribute over $21.9 billion dollars into Nebraska’s economy. Of these taxes roughly almost $13 billion is in federal taxes and almost $9 billion is in state taxes.

When crop prices are low or producers’ margins are tight, state growth may slow down. But when agriculture is supported and profit margins are widening growth and innovation are guaranteed. These figures are incredibly important when determining how to build a better future as a state. With nearly half a million jobs impacted by agriculture, this industry is vital to so many families and communities. Supporting this industry and allowing ample room for growth is necessary for Nebraska’s families, growth, and prosperity.



County Farm Bureaus to Host Legislative District 16 Candidate Forum

Those interested in learning more about the candidates running for the Legislative District 16 seat in the Nebraska Legislature are invited to participate in a candidate forum sponsored by the Burt, Cuming, Stanton, and Washington County Farm Bureaus.

The candidate forum will be held:
Tuesday. April 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. (CT) at the West Point Community Theatre, 237 N. Main St, West Point, Neb.

The forum will provide an opportunity for the public to meet and ask questions of the candidates who are seeking to represent the district in the Nebraska Legislature. The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open 30 minutes before the forum begins to enable attendees to have the opportunity to meet the candidates and submit written questions for consideration at the forum. The forum will last 90 minutes.

All the filed candidates seeking to represent Legislative District 16 have been invited to participate, including Cindy Chatt of Tekamah and Ted Japp of Blair.

Legislative District 16 encompasses Burt, Cuming, Stanton, and Washington Counties. The seat is currently held by Sen. Ben Hansen, who is term limited and unable to seek re-election. 



Powering Your Pivot: Finding the Most Cost-Effective Irrigation Energy Option
Apr 2, 2026 12:00 PM 
Shannon Sand, Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist
Matt Stockton, Professor and Agricultural Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

This program evaluates four current electrical options for irrigation and uses a model to determine the most cost-effective choice based on a producer’s location, system size, and individual operating conditions under current price structures.

Register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 



Renewable Fuel Standard 2026-2027 Volume Obligations Released by EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday released the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligations for 2026 and 2027. This final rule implements the highest-ever renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the RFS, including 15 billion gallons of conventional renewable fuels like corn-based ethanol in both 2026 and 2027.
 
“We welcome these strong finalized RVOs, particularly the 15 billion annual ethanol gallons,” said Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes. “These volumes show a clear commitment to American-made renewable fuels. Robust RVOs are critical to keeping prices at the pump lower for consumers while also supporting our ethanol producers and farmers. With worldwide fuel supply chains in disruption, we thank EPA for finalizing these volumes and bringing certainty to the market.”
 
In addition to the implied 15 billion gallons of ethanol in both compliance years, the final rule requires 10.82 billion advanced biofuels renewable identification numbers (RINs) in 2026 and 10.98 billion advanced biofuels RINs in 2027. The rule also shows that EPA will reallocate 70% of renewable fuel volumes waived under small refinery exemptions (SREs) for 2023 – 2025.
 
“We advocated for 100% reallocation, but 70% is a step in the right direction,” Rhodes said. “This action will restore over two billion gallons of previously exempted demand. Given current economic conditions, ensuring a healthy market for renewable fuels is crucial to supporting America’s ethanol and agricultural producers. Furthermore, today’s ruling greatly enhances American energy security, which was the main intent behind the RFS originally and is even more important today.”




ICGA Applauds EPA’s RFS “Set 2” Rule, Securing Long-Term Demand for American Ethanol

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” rule for 2026 and 2027. This announcement was made earlier today at the White House’s “Great American Agriculture Celebration,” with ICGA in attendance. The rule sets renewable fuel volumes at their highest levels in the program’s 20-year history, with the EPA estimating that biodiesel and renewable diesel production and use will need to increase by over 60 percent compared to 2025 volumes. 

The release included quotes from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, specifically calling out that the rule will “create a $31 billion dollar value for American corn and soybean oil for biofuel production in 2026, which is $2 billion more than in 2025.” Furthermore, the rule is expected to increase net farm income by $3 to $4 billion nationally, generating over $10 billion for rural economies and creating over 100,000 new jobs within the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. 

“Today’s announcement is great win for Iowa’s corn farmers and ethanol industry” said ICGA President Mark Mueller, who farms in Waverly, Iowa. “By maintaining the 15-billion-gallon floor for conventional ethanol and setting record-breaking total volumes, the EPA is sending a clear signal that homegrown, cleaner burning ethanol is the backbone of American energy independence. This rule ensures that Iowa grown corn will continue to be a leader in supplying American made energy, while increasing corn grind and supporting local communities.” 

ICGA remains committed to working with the EPA and the administration to ensure the successful implementation of these RFS standards, continuing Iowa’s legacy as a leader in corn and ethanol production. 



Secretary Naig Issues Statement on the Trump Administration’s RFS Volumes

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Friday issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized strong renewable volume obligations (RVO) within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2026 and 2027: 

“Biofuels lower costs at the pump, strengthen corn and soybean markets, and support jobs in rural America. I thank President Trump and his administration for reinforcing the original intent of the RFS by expanding the use of homegrown fuels and reducing our reliance on unpredictable global energy markets—especially during times of supply disruption and price volatility. These volumes are strong for ethanol and historic for biodiesel, sending a clear growth signal to a sector that has been needing stability and predictability.

Iowa’s experience with E15 shows that when more biofuels are available, consumers choose them because they’re the most affordable option. This announcement, combined with the recent E15 emergency waiver, is a positive step forward, but Congress must finish the job by passing year-round nationwide E15. It’s time to deliver long-term certainty for America’s drivers, farmers, biofuel producers, and fuel retailers.”



National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers 

President Trump released the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard during an event Friday for farmers at the White House.  

Growers also noted the approach to the partial reallocation of small refinery exemptions, the mark was set at 70%.

In response to the development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower, who was present at the White House for the announcement, issued the following statement: 
 
“Our deep thanks goes to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for releasing these robust RVO numbers in an exceptionally timely manner and, appropriately, during an event honoring America’s farmers. This action provides certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry.

“Today’s announcement, coupled with the Trump administration’s E15 summertime waiver earlier this week, is a positive move for the nation’s corn growers who are navigating an exceptionally difficult economic environment.
 
“There is still more to be done to help our growers, and we look forward to working side-by-side with the president and our allies in Congress to get permanent year-round E15 legislation over the finish line.” 



Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration’s Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture

Friday, the American Soybean Association applauded President Trump, Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Secretary Brooke Rollins for finalizing historic renewable volume obligations for biomass-based diesel for 2026 and 2027, which will bolster U.S. soybean farmers and boost soy-based domestic biofuel production. The new RVO rule supports the directive of the Trump Administration to champion American energy dominance, with the future intention to prioritize U.S.-grown biofuels.

“U.S. soybean farmers needed a win to boost domestic markets this year, and President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Rollins delivered in a big way. ASA is grateful for the tireless efforts of EPA and USDA to ensure the soy biofuel value chain could benefit from the strongest RVOs ever finalized,” said Scott Metzger, ASA President and farmer from Ohio. “The 2026-2027 RVOs will increase soybean oil use, boost U.S. soybean processing, and grow domestic biofuel markets for our crop. ASA and our soybean farmer members applaud the Trump Administration for getting this tremendous rule across the finish line.”

The updated 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligation rule will increase biomass-based diesel blending to approximately 5.4-5.5 billion gallons—an over 60% increase from 2025 volumes. Further, the rule reallocates 70% of retroactive 2023-2025 small refinery exemption volumes that EPA took action on last year in addition to the 2026-2027 compliance years. ASA appreciated EPA clearing a significant backlog of legacy SREs dating back to 2016, which were remanded to the agency, and is glad to see a significant reallocation of volumes back into the blending pool to support additional biofuel production and increase soybean demand.

While the rule does not make immediate changes to prioritize domestically sourced biofuel feedstocks, ASA celebrated the EPA announcement to reduce credit generation for imported biofuels and biofuel feedstocks beginning in 2028. If maintained in the next RVOs, the credit reduction for imports will serve as a significant economic driver for the entire domestic biomass-based diesel value chain and will catalyze domestic demand for U.S. soy.

Domestic biofuel production accounts for over half of all domestic soybean oil consumption and serves as a critical U.S. market for soybean farmers. Renewable volume obligations set through the Renewable Fuel Standard are the cornerstone of driving domestic soy-based biofuel demand. The EPA 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligations are the most significant year-over-year improvement in Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking for biomass-based diesel and, subsequently, for U.S. soybean farmers. 



NFU Welcomes Renewable Fuel Standard Updates

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew commented today following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” rule, which sets renewable fuel volume requirements for 2026 and 2027.

“We thank EPA for finalizing updated Renewable Volume Obligations under the RFS. These increased targets for biodiesel and renewable diesel send a strong signal to the marketplace and create meaningful new demand for America’s family farmers and ranchers.

“At a time of significant economic pressure across agriculture, policies that strengthen domestic demand are more important than ever. Expanded biofuel volumes translate directly into stronger markets for our corn and soybean growers, helping support farm income and rural communities.

“We are especially encouraged by steps that prioritize domestically produced feedstocks. Ensuring that American-grown commodities remain at the center of biofuel production is critical to delivering the full economic benefits of the RFS here at home.

“We look forward to continuing to work with EPA and policymakers to build on this progress and secure long-term, stable growth in renewable fuel markets that works for family farmers and ranchers.”



Farm Bureau Applauds President’s Call to Support Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Friday on President Trump’s call on Congress to pass a farm bill and to provide market relief for America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Farm Bureau thanks President Trump for outlining action to deliver regulatory relief and for advocating for Congress to deliver much-needed certainty for farmers and ranchers working on behalf of all of America’s families.

“Farmers need a lifeline to make it through this growing season, and we appreciate the president’s support for including emergency assistance in the next funding bill. His call for quick passage of a new, modernized farm bill also underscores the need for Congress to come together to pass the legislation, which has been delayed for years.

“We also appreciate the Environmental Protection Agency for finalizing record-high renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027, which will help drive increased demand for American grown crops. Now is the time for Congress to take the next step and make E15 blended gasoline available year-round and we welcome the president’s push for Congress to take action. Drivers deserve a year-round choice of lower cost gasoline that will help grow the farm economy by boosting demand for corn by almost 50%.

“We stand ready to work with the administration and Congress to move these priorities forward to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to meet the food, fiber and fuel needs of America’s families.”



NCBA Joins White House to Celebrate Working Farm and Ranch Families

Friday, leaders and members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) joined a White House event celebrating the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. NCBA played a key role in advancing this legislation, advocating for its passage and building on years of effort to expand the estate tax exemption, also known as the Death Tax, to help preserve family-owned cattle operations.

“One of NCBA’s longest standing priorities was expanding the Death Tax exemption and delivering much needed tax relief to rural America. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, American cattle producers are in much better shape this tax season than last year,” said NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver. “This tax relief protects countless family farms and ranches from being sold off to pay tax debts and the money that producers are now saving can be reinvested in these cattle operations for future generations. NCBA thanks President Trump for supporting America’s farming and ranching families.”

The White House event also highlighted the real‑world impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts on cattle producers across the country. Several NCBA members in attendance shared how the provisions have strengthened their operations, including a first-generation ranching family from South Dakota who have benefited from small-business and Section 179 deductions that make critical ranching investments such as equipment and fencing, tax deductible. Those savings helped them expand their cow herd and launch a direct-to-consumer retail beef business. A ranching family from Pennsylvania also underscored the long-term benefits of the legislation, noting they are opening a Trump Account for their newborn child, an investment they say could kick-start opportunity for the next generation.

Earlier in the day, NCBA participated in a tax roundtable with the Treasurer of the United States Brandon Beach discussing the opportunities created by the Working Families Tax Cuts. 



Trump Administration Announces Latest Action to Address Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Complaints, Saves American Farmers and Truckers Over $13 Billion Annually

Friday, at the White House Great American Agriculture Celebration, President Trump announced another decisive action U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has taken to address nationwide concerns from farmers, truckers, motor coach operators, and other diesel equipment operators regarding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures by removing the DEF sensor requirement for all diesel equipment. EPA understands that sudden speed losses and shutdowns caused by DEF system failures that compromise safety and productivity are unacceptable and problematic. While EPA continues to pursue all legal avenues to address Americans’ complaints, today the agency is implementing another part of Administrator Zeldin’s plan to help keep American operators from losing days in the field or on the road because of faulty DEF systems. EPA’s new guidance, which removes DEF sensors, will provide immediate relief and save billions of dollars in repairs and lost productivity. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), this guidance will save farmers $4.4 billion a year and this action will provide $13.79 billion a year of savings to Americans.

On February 3, 2026, EPA demanded critical data on DEF system failures from the manufacturers that account for over 80 percent of all products used in DEF systems. This information will arm EPA with what it needs to permanently address DEF system failures. Thus far, the agency has received data from 11 of the 14 manufacturers, and in less than a month, EPA has turned around preliminary findings to issue today’s guidance demonstrating Administrator Zeldin’s commitment to fixing this issue. 

“Failing DEF systems are not an east coast or west coast or heartland issue; it is a nationwide disaster. I have heard from truck drivers, farmers, and many others complaining about DEF and pleading for a fix in all 50 states I visited during my first year as EPA Administrator,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin. “Americans are justified in being fed up with failing DEF system issues. EPA understands this is a massive issue and has been doing everything in our statutory power to address this. Today, we take another step in furthering our work by removing DEF sensors. Farmers and truckers should not be losing billions of dollars because of repair costs or days lost on the job.” 

“Since joining the Trump Administration, I have worked hand in glove with Administrator Zeldin and consumers who have been hampered by faulty Diesel Exhaust Fluid systems. Through this partnership, we have seen historic actions taken to rectify the problems everyday Americans are facing in their trucks and non-road equipment,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “I’m proud to see the EPA responding to the demands of these consumers and working to implement real change to solve these issues. The action today will allow engine manufacturers to update their systems to monitor the pollutants we are targeting rather than the Diesel Exhaust Fluid itself which has caused many of the system failures. This powerful step will provide much needed relief, but we will continue to work towards a solution that protects the environment while eliminating damages to farmers and truckers nationwide.”

The preliminary review of the warranty data suggests that DEF sensor failures are a significant source of warranty claims and DEF-related inducement. Farmers and truck drivers should not have their vehicles stop working because a sensor isn’t working properly. EPA is taking immediate action on this new information. The agency’s new guidance makes clear that under existing regulations, manufacturers can stop inaccurate DEF system failures by removing traditional emission sensors, known as Urea Quality Sensors, and switching to nitrous oxide (NOx) sensors. 

EPA also affirms that approved NOx sensor-based software updates can be installed on existing engines without being treated as illegal tampering under the Clean Air Act. This is in line with EPA’s February 2026 Right to Repair clarification guidance, which removed a major barrier keeping farmers from fixing their faulty DEF systems in the field. EPA anticipates the switch will greatly curb errors that traditional sensor technologies have been prone to and reduce the issues Americans face with inaccurate DEF failures.