Friday April 03 Ag News - Reiners on USDA mission to Vietnam - CVA Approved Equity Redemptions, Donates to NE FFA Foundation - LRP for Ranchers course - Evaluate Alfalfa Stands - and more!

Nebraska Farmer Joins USDA Mission To Vietnam

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) recently participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers trade mission to Vietnam, where the delegation engaged with key coarse grain and co-product stakeholders in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

USGBC Vice Chairman Jay Reiners of Juniata, Nebraska, USGBC Deputy Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEA&O) Chris Markey, USGBC Vietnam Representative Tran Trong Nghia and USGBC Regional Ethanol Consultant Kent Yeo joined the mission’s principal, USDA Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg, for the program.

“The Council’s close alignment with USDA on expanding international markets for the U.S. corn, sorghum and barley farmer was further reinforced by this constructive mission to Vietnam,” said Reiners said.

“We appreciate Under Secretary Lindberg’s recognition of Vietnam’s potential as a key growth market for U.S. coarse grains and co-products, as well as its role as a strategic gateway to broader regional expansion for our farmers’ products.”

Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest growing fuel markets, with annual consumption of gasoline projected to surpass three billion gallons per year in 2027. The upcoming E10 policy, which will apply to the country’s RON95 grade of gasoline, will complement the existing E5 RON92 mandate implemented in 2018 – meaning 100 percent of gasoline in Vietnam will be blended with ethanol beginning in June. The new policy is expected to create a fuel ethanol demand of approximately 240 million gallons per year.

Vietnam continues to be a major market for U.S. DDGS and has recently emerged as a top export market for U.S. corn. More than 1.1 million metric tons (MMT) of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were exported to Vietnam in marketing year (MY) 2024/2025, making it the third largest export market for U.S. DDGS. Vietnam was the eighth largest customer of U.S. corn in MY 24/25 and is the seventh largest export market for U.S. corn in the current marketing year.

The mission commenced in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hub, where the delegation met with key ethanol customers, including PVOIL, to discuss procurement and implementation strategies ahead of the country’s introduction of E10 gasoline. The Council’s delegation also participated in the Food & Hospitality Vietnam Trade Show, the largest food and beverage expo in Vietnam, alongside other USDA cooperators promoting U.S. food and agricultural products.

The delegation continued to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and political nucleus, to conduct site visits and meetings with key importers. This included a visit to Haiphong International Container Terminal (HICT), a business roundtable with coarse grain and co-product importers and the USDA Ag Hall of Fame Reception, where Under Secretary Lindberg presented the U.S.–Vietnam Agricultural Hall of Fame Award to six Vietnamese companies.

Under Secretary Lindberg and the Council’s team also held an E10 promotional event at Petrolimex’s flagship retail fuel station, where Petrolimex Chairman Pham Van Thanh attended to discuss E10 and dispensed gasoline for local motorbike and passenger vehicle customers. The activity further underscored the strong partnership between Petrolimex, Vietnam’s largest fuel distributor, and the U.S. ethanol industry.

The Council, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association signed a quadripartite memorandum of understating (MOU) with Petrolimex in 2025 to assist the company in its preparation for increased ethanol blending.

“The significant agricultural trade partnership between Vietnam and the U.S. will only strengthen in the coming years with continued growth of the Vietnamese animal feed industry and rollout of E10 gasoline. The Council stands ready to support the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnamese industry in expanding protein production, dairy production and ethanol use,” Markey said.



Central Valley Ag approves $2.5 million in Age-Based Equity Redemptions

Central Valley Ag (CVA) Cooperative is proud to announce the approval of approximately $2.5 million in Age-Based Equity redemptions for eligible member-owners who have reached at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2025. The CVA Board of Directors authorized the redemptions, reinforcing the cooperative’s commitment to returning value to its members.

“Our success is rooted in the dedication and loyalty of our member-owners,” said Nic McCarthy, CVA President and CEO. “These equity redemptions reflect our ongoing commitment to returning value and recognizing those who have helped build and sustain CVA over the years.”

The approved redemptions include both Qualified and Non-Qualified Based Equity. Qualified Age-Based Equity Redemptions are non-taxable and Non-Qualified Age-Based Equity Redemptions are taxable.

“Our member-owners are the foundation of CVA’s strength and future,” said Luke Carlson, CVA Board Chairman. “By staying financially disciplined and forward-looking, we’re able to support today’s members while ensuring the cooperative remains strong for the next generation.”

CVA remains dedicated to building a cooperative system that benefits members today and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.cvacoop.com. 



Fuel up for FFA campaign raises $2,757 for Nebraska FFA Foundation

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to announce a donation of $2,757.15 to the Nebraska FFA Foundation following its Fuel Up for FFA campaign during National FFA Week. During this time, CVA donated 5 cents from every gallon of fuel purchased at CVA fuel sites with a CVA fuel card. Through this promotion, CVA and its fuel customers helped support the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

"FFA students represent the future of agriculture and leadership," said Jeff Ingalls, SVP of Energy at CVA. "When customers purchased fuel at CVA locations, they directly helped provide opportunities for young people who will drive our industry forward." 

The donation was presented during the Nebraska State FFA Convention held during March 25-27 in Lincoln, Neb. The convention provides students from across the state with opportunities to participate in leadership development events, connect with industry professionals and grow their leadership skills. 

"We are grateful to everyone who fueled up for FFA," said Stacey Agnew, executive director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. "Thank you to CVA for creating this promotion and for your continued support of FFA. Because of individuals and sponsors like you and CVA, the Nebraska FFA Foundation is able to invest in growing leaders, building communities, and creating career connections for students, teachers and programs across the state." 

Funds raised through this campaign support leadership development programs, state convention experiences, and local chapter initiatives across Nebraska. 



New Online Course, “Livestock Risk Protection Insurance for Ranchers,” Launches April 1

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is pleased to announce the launch of a new online course, Livestock Risk Protection Insurance for Ranchers, available beginning April 1.

This self-paced course is designed specifically for ranchers who want to better understand the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance program and how it can be used to manage price risk. Whether participants are new to livestock insurance or looking to refine their risk management strategies, the course provides practical guidance tailored to agricultural producers.

The course is taught by University of Nebraska–Lincoln agricultural economist Elliott Dennis, who specializes in livestock markets and risk management.

“Price volatility is one of the biggest risks livestock producers face,” Dennis said. “LRP can be a useful tool for managing that risk, but many producers aren’t familiar with how it works or when it makes sense to use. This course is designed to walk ranchers through the fundamentals and help them determine how LRP may fit into their operation.”

Participants in the course will:
· Learn the fundamentals of Livestock Risk Protection Insurance
· Explore when this insurance product may be most useful
· Discuss strategies for selecting optimal coverage levels

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance for Ranchers is $50 per participant. To enroll, visit go.unl.edu/ae.

This course is part of the Agri-Essentials program, supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2024-70027-42470. All participants are welcome regardless of race, gender, or any other protected status. 



SPRING ALFALFA PLANT EVALUATION 
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator 

As temperatures begin to rise, don’t’ forget to take a bit of time to assess alfalfa stand health going into this year’s growing season. Snow cover over the winter helped insulate plants from extreme temperatures, but exposed plants, older stands, or late harvested alfalfa still have a potential for winter kill.  

Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done.  While assessment before green-up occurs may seem a bit preemptive, pre-scouting now can focus scouting efforts to problem areas later on when time becomes precious during spring planting.  

    Dig up 4-5 random plants per 20 acres, being sure to get the crown and a good portion of the tap root (around 6 inches at least).  Split the root and crown open. A healthy plant will be white and firm while winter damaged taproots will be yellow to brown in color and stringy. Yield will begin to be impacted when damage is greater than 30% of the total root/crown area.

    Look for alive, in-tact basal buds at the crown of the plant.  Buds formed last fall will start growth sooner and boost first cutting yields.  A lack of basal buds doesn’t mean that the plant won’t recover, but first cuttings may be smaller.

    If plants have begun growth, look at where it is occurring on the crown.  Healthy plants will have growth fully throughout the crown while damaged plants will often have asymmetrical growth with more stems on one side than the other.

If more than 30% of the plants assessed have significant damage, yield for the upcoming year may be impacted. Options like interseeding perennial grasses, seeding a warm season forage crop after the first harvest, or terminating the stand may need to be considered.



Tyler Bose Advocates for Sorghum Producers in Washington, D.C.

Tyler Bose of Arcadia represented Nebraska sorghum producers last week in Washington, D.C., as part of his role on the legislative committee with the National Sorghum Producers. During his time on Capitol Hill, Bose met with policymakers and advocated for issues important to sorghum producers, working to advance policies that support agriculture in Nebraska and across the country.

Bose wrapped up his visit by attending the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House, joining agricultural leaders from across the nation.

“It’s an honor to represent Nebraska sorghum producers on a national stage,” said Bose. “Having the opportunity to visit directly with policymakers and share our story is critical to ensuring agriculture and sorghum specifically, continues to have a strong voice in Washington.”

Nebraska Sorghum Producers expressed appreciation for Bose’s leadership and commitment to the industry.

“Tyler’s involvement shows just how important it is for growers to be engaged beyond the farm,” said Kristine Jameson, Executive Director for Nebraska Sorghum. “These conversations help shape the future of agriculture, and it takes dedicated leaders like Tyler to make sure our industry is represented.”

Bose’s experience also highlights the value of leadership development within the sorghum industry. Programs like Leadership Sorghum, offered through the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, provide growers and industry professionals with opportunities to build skills, expand their networks, and engage in advocacy efforts that impact agriculture at every level.

Applications are now open for Leadership Sorghum Class VIII. The program equips participants with the tools and experiences needed to step into leadership roles and represent the sorghum industry both locally and nationally.

“Getting involved in programs like Leadership Sorghum is one of the best ways to grow as a leader and make a difference,” said Bose. “We encourage anyone with a passion for agriculture to apply.”

Nebraska sorghum producers and industry partners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.

For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/press-releases/united-sorghum-checkoff-program-opens-applications-for-leadership-sorghum-class-viii/



IRFA Urges EPA to Include Biodiesel in Clean School Bus Program

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) submitted comments this week in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) request for information on the Clean School Bus (CSB) Program. The EPA sought feedback on a broad range of fuel options that school buses could use to reduce emissions, including biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen, in their revamping of the program. 

In its comments, IRFA strongly recommended allocating substantial resources towards biodiesel infrastructure to enable the use of B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) or higher blends, engine modification technologies for buses to use blends as high as B100, and incentivizing the purchase of biodiesel to allow school districts to try it in their fleets. 

Key points from IRFA’s comments include: 

Biodiesel is a Drop-In Solution That Works Today 
“Unlike electric buses, which require significant capital investment both in terms of new vehicles and charging infrastructure, biodiesel blends of up to B20 can be used in every diesel school bus operating in America today. These fuels require no engine modifications, no new vehicles, and no specialized training. IRFA recommends allocating CSB Program funding toward biodiesel fueling infrastructure, including onsite storage tanks for school districts. While B20 is a drop-in fuel option, providing support for the initial capital investments required to install biodiesel-specific infrastructure, school districts will be more likely to try B20 or even higher blends.” 

Cold Weather Concerns 
“This modification technology [referring to products such as the Optimus Ecosystem, technology that upgrades heavy-duty diesel engines to run on 100% biodiesel] is currently enabling the use of year-round B100 in some of the United States’ coldest cities. Ames, Iowa; Madison, Wisconsin; and Washington, D.C. have all adopted these engine modification systems for their heavy-duty public works vehicles, including snowplows, demonstrating that concerns about biodiesel in cold weather can be addressed with affordable solutions.” 

Emissions and Health Improvements 
“Studies have consistently shown that biodiesel is a simple and effective way to reduce tailpipe emissions from heavy-duty engines. Compared to replacing an entire bus, as would be required under a transition to electric school buses, the emissions reduction per taxpayer dollar is much higher by simply dropping B20 into existing buses, or potentially making the relatively small investments required to adopt B100 modification technology. If the goal is to protect as many children as possible from potentially harmful tailpipe emissions, while working within the funding currently available, biodiesel is a far more effective option.” 

Biodiesel “Buy Down” Incentives 
IRFA participated in a study with Humboldt Community School District in Iowa to evaluate the benefits of switching its fleet from conventional diesel to B11. The study found a 3.4% increase in fuel economy, an 11.2% decrease in fuel burned for DPF regeneration, and consistent results when more buses in the fleet were switched to biodiesel. These results were discussed in the comments. 

In addition, IRFA said the following about incentivizing studies with school districts:  

“IRFA recommends that EPA allocate CSB grant funds toward helping “buy down” higher biodiesel blends for participating school districts. They may be interested and willing to make the switch to blends such as B20, but making any kind of change can be a risky decision, especially for districts with limited budgets. As demonstrated by the Humboldt pilot study, school districts that are incentivized to compare biodiesel blends with conventional diesel will see benefits, making continued adoption more likely.” 

In conclusion, IRFA stated: “Biodiesel is a clean-burning solution that can reduce emissions exposure for children, improve fuel economy, and reduce maintenance needs across existing school bus fleets.”  




Ag Groups Call for End to Fertilizer Duties

Over 50 state ag groups and eight national organizations sent a letter to the International Trade Commission this week urging the agency to revoke the countervailing duty orders on imports of phosphate fertilizer from Morrocco. 

The letter – signed by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cotton Council, National Sorghum Producers, Society of American Florists, USA Rice, US Rice Producers Association – said that continuing the duties will further worsen the dire economic conditions faced by American farmers.  

“Maintaining the phosphate fertilizer [countervailing duties] will allow a small set of powerful corporations to continue to limit supply options for farmers,” the letter said. “This has already prevented farmers from accessing the tools that meet their crop production needs and resulted in lower yields and negative economic impacts.” 

The duties stem from a decision in 2020 by ITC to impose duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. The decision came after the U.S.-based Mosaic Company petitioned the agency to do so.  

Mosaic claimed at the time that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling the products at extremely low prices. The petition was supported by another U.S. company, J.R. Simplot.  

The duties are now being examined under a sunset review process that will determine if they should continue. 

The duties have had major effects on the phosphate fertilizer market. At least one Moroccan company halted shipments of phosphate fertilizers into the U.S., which led to price hikes and tight supply conditions, saddling farmers with a hardship that has only become more dire in recent weeks with the conflict in the Middle East. Phosphate (DAP) prices peaked in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but have only eased moderately since, with the corn/phosphate price ratio (the amount of bushels needed to buy a ton of fertilizer) reaching record highs in 2025. 

The letter said that these fertilizer companies have gained at the expense of America’s farmer.  

“These companies—one of which the CEOs receives $9.8 million in annual compensation—do not need import protection to keep them healthy,” the letter said. “Farmers on the other hand do need help. The United States simply does not have sufficient domestic phosphate resources to meet agricultural demand on its own.” 

A recent letter from farmers to Mosaic and Simplot calling on them to rescind their petition went unanswered. 

The sunset review will progress over the next year, culminating in a decision by the ITC to determine if the duties should continue. The final decision is expected in the spring of 2027.  



February U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Exports Remain Robust Despite Pullback
Renewable Fuels Association

U.S. ethanol exports edged 1% lower in February to a still-strong 209.9 million gallons (mg), though volumes remained 36% above year-ago levels. More than half of February shipments went to Canada and the European Union, with the balance distributed across nine other countries. Canada remained the top overall destination, even as exports eased 12% to a 10-month low of 61.2 mg, and it accounted for 70% of all denatured fuel ethanol shipments. The European Union continued to lead as the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol. Total ethanol exports to the European Union surged 42% to a record 49.8 mg, led by the Netherlands. Exports to India jumped 120% to a three-month high of 26.7 mg. Brazil fell 30% from January to 25.7 mg; even so, U.S. exports to Brazil in just the first two months of 2026 already exceed Brazil’s full-year 2025 imports by 25%. Rounding out the top markets were Colombia (10.0 mg, -17%), the United Kingdom (9.3 mg, +17%), South Korea (6.9 mg, -2%), Mexico (6.5 mg, +57%), the Philippines (5.9 mg, -48%), and Peru (5.8 mg, up fourfold). Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports totaled 421.9 mg, 25% ahead of the same period last year.

U.S. ethanol imports remained minimal in February, with just 138,663 gallons arriving from Brazil and Canada. Total imports for the year remain below 200,000 gallons.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, declined 9% in February to 919,855 metric tons (mt). Much of the decline reflected a 23% drop in shipments to Mexico, the top destination, to 174,775 mt. South Korea increased 2% to 123,571 mt, while Indonesia rose 11% to 101,868 mt. Colombia slipped 19% from a record high to 84,597 mt. Vietnam dipped 1% to 70,438 mt, its lowest shipment volume in a year. Other major markets included Canada (46,460 mt, -14%), Turkey (45,245 mt, -24%), the European Union (40,639 mt, +17%), Morocco (40,233 mt, +63%), and Japan (26,250 mt, -12%). The remaining one-third of February shipments was spread across 27 additional countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports reached 1.93 million mt, 16% above the same period last year.



USDA Dairy Products February 2026 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.16 billion pounds, 3.9 percent above February 2025 but 9.0 percent below January 2026. Italian type cheese production totaled 506 million pounds, 6.8 percent above 
February 2025 but 8.8 percent below January 2026. American type cheese production totaled 451 million pounds, 1.9 percent above February 2025 but 9.3 percent below January 2026. Butter production was 221 million pounds, 9.1 percent above February 2025 but 8.2 percent below January 2026.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with February 2025)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 159 million pounds, up 8.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 28.2 million pounds, down 8.3 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with February 2025)
Dry whey, total - 67.3 million pounds, up 12.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 84.7 million pounds, up 1.0 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 38.3 million pounds, up 5.8 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with February 2025)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 57.6 million gallons, up 3.7 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 29.6 million gallons, down 2.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.64 million gallons, up 23.0 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.06 million gallons, up 2.0 percent.