Thursday May 14 Ag News - Year-round E15 Passes US House - NE Beef Council New Dir of Prod Relations - CVA Updates Daykin Feed Mill - Ricketts on Rural Bank Revitalization - and more!

Nebraska Corn Growers Association Celebrates Passage of E15 Legislation

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is celebrating the passage of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act Wednesday.

“We are one step closer to year-round, nationwide E15, and it has been a long journey to get here,” said NeCGA board president, Michael Dibbern, a farmer from Cairo, Nebraska. “We appreciate Nebraska’s Congressional delegation, especially Rep. Adrian Smith, for championing this legislation and pushing it across the finish line.”

By providing drivers with another option at the pump and corn growers with market security, year-round E15 continues to prove a benefit to both urban and rural communities across the country.

“We implore Senate Leader John Thune to advance this bill to the Senate floor and deliver it to President Trump for signature,” said Dibbern. “Corn growers are ready to claim year-round E15 as a victory for farmers and consumers.”



Flood: ‘House-Passage of Year-Round E-15 Supports Farmers, Families, and Rural America’

Wednesday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following house-passage of  H.R. 1346, also known as the “Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.” Congressman Flood is a cosponsor of the legislation, which lifts restrictions on the sale of 10 to 15 percent ethanol nationwide.

“For years, corn growers, working families, and President Trump have pushed for E15 to compete fairly as a nationwide fuel option,” said Congressman Flood. “Today, the House finally took action and passed this commonsense answer to lower costs at the pump and expand domestic markets for our producers. Nationwide sale of E-15 supports farmers, families, and rural America and is set to be a boon for Nebraska. I look forward to Senate passage and President Trump’s signature so families can finally have more choice and support our farmers at the pump.”

Congressman Flood delivered remarks ahead of votes, which can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcomed to use the recordings for their reporting purposes. 



Iowa Corn Growers Applaud House Passage of Year-Round E15 Legislation 

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) celebrates the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of nationwide, year-round E15 legislation. 

In response to the vote, ICGA President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller, released the following statement: 

"Today’s House vote is a monumental win for Iowa’s corn farmers, rural communities and millions of American drivers. Expanding E15 access drives market growth for U.S. corn and ethanol, promotes cleaner air and delivers real savings at the pump for consumers. 

“This victory would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Representatives Feenstra, Nunn, Miller-Meeks and Hinson. We thank them for their bipartisan efforts in moving E15 one step closer to the finish line. E15 is a real solution to high prices at the pump as a homegrown solution with outdated regulations that has caused a long-fought battle, and we are not finished yet. ICGA looks forward to working with the U.S. Senate to make E15 a reality for all Americans. 

“ICGA has long advocated nationwide access to higher blends of ethanol and applauds lawmakers for listening to farmers, biofuel producers and consumers for access to markets and options at the pump.” 



ASA Statement on House Passage of Year-Round E15 Legislation

The American Soybean Association continues to fully support year-round access to E15 and policies that strengthen domestic biofuels demand and create new market opportunities for farmers. However, the bill passed today contains more than just E15 provisions. Based on the findings of the recent Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri and Congressional Budget Office analyses, which also consider the permanent small refinery exemptions included in the bill, the House-passed legislation would result in reduced net farm income and negative economic impacts for soybean growers and the broader agricultural economy. Moving forward, ASA will continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance solutions that enable year-round E15 without rewarding petroleum refiners who do not comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard at the expense of a critical domestic market for U.S. soy. Year-round E15 legislation must be pursued with a collective goal of strengthening farm income and supporting markets for both soybean and corn farmers.



Corn Growers Thrilled by Passage of E15 Legislation 

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 218 to 203 today to pass H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. In response, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: 

“We are thrilled to see that E15 legislation passed the House today and are deeply appreciative of the legislation’s sponsors, co-sponsors and all its congressional supporters.  

“Passage of this bill is essential to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs. It would also help drivers across the country who could save 10 to 30 cents per gallon on gas as fuel prices continue to rise.  

“We encourage members of the Senate to quickly take up this bill and send it to the president’s desk for signature.” 



NFU Celebrates Major Step Toward Year-Round E15

National Farmers Union (NFU) applauds House passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation that would allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 fuel. NFU President Rob Larew released the following statement after the bill’s passage: 

“The House today delivered truly bipartisan legislation that provides meaningful benefits for family farmers, their communities and consumers. Year-round, nationwide access to E15 is a kitchen-table issue, helping families save money at the pump while creating stronger domestic market opportunities for America’s farmers. 

“At a time when both producers and consumers are facing continued economic pressure, expanding access to E15 is a commonsense step that strengthens competition in the fuel marketplace, supports homegrown energy and agriculture, and keeps more dollars circulating in rural America. 

“The Senate must quickly take up this legislation and send it to the president’s desk so farmers and families across the country can see meaningful savings and economic relief.” 



Farmers Applaud House Passage of Year-round E15 Sales

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on House passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which will allow for year-round sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, known as E15. 

“Farmers applaud the House of Representatives, which proved what is possible when lawmakers work together on behalf of the American people. The bipartisan vote to allow the sale of year-round E15 will benefit drivers and farmers at a time both are desperately in need of good news. Fuels blended with 15% ethanol will increase demand for corn, which will help a struggling farm economy. America’s drivers will also have the choice to fill their tanks with fuel that is typically 10 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon. 

“We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and get this to the desk of President Trump, who has already signaled his support for E15. It’s a win-win for farmers, and for all of America.”



Pillen Highlights E15 Affordability, Supports EPA Waiver

Governor Jim Pillen announced Wednesday that the State of Nebraska will comply with recent guidance from Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to help address fuel supply and address affordability issues.

“E15 is great for the people of Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “It’s good for the environment and a cheaper option that helps families keep more money in their pockets. The corn used to produce it is grown right here in the Good Life by Nebraska’s hard-working farmers. E15 is a win-win for the Cornhusker state.”
The State of Nebraska will be honoring the EPA National Fuel Waiver issued March 25, 2026 for the duration of the EPA regulatory control season, just as it has in past years.

“E15 has been overlooked by federal legislators since 2011, but not in Nebraska,” said Nick Bowdish, president and CEO of Siouxland Ethanol. “Thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Governor Pillen, Nebraskans have access to higher blends of ethanol and are saving money at the pump with E15. While the Iranian War drives attention to fuel prices, ethanol’s practical solution is shining bright as always!”

In 2023, Gov. Pillen signed LB562 into law, creating the E15 Access Standard which requires all newly built gas stations to offer E15 at 50% of their fuel dispensers and will require existing stations to offer E15 at a single dispenser if that state-wide ethanol blend rate is not above 14% by 2027.

Generally, E15 options run about $0.20 less than regular fuel. The EPA has approved E15 for all standard vehicles produced after 2001 and the University of Nebraska -- Lincoln has completed studies showing no adverse effects of using it in standard vehicles.



NE Beef Council Announces new Director of Compliance and Producer Relations 

Growing up on a row-crop and cow-calf operation south of Kearney, Jacey Smidt developed a passion for the beef industry at an early age. From showing cattle through 4-H to helping build her family’s operation, Smitty Cattle Company, agriculture has always been at the center of her life. Now, Smidt is bringing that passion to her new role as Director of Compliance and Producer Relations for the Nebraska Beef Council. 

A graduate of Axtell High School, Smidt continued her education at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, earning degrees in livestock management and Ag business. After college, she interned with Aurora Cooperative before spending nearly three years working in animal nutrition out of the cooperative’s Minden location. While she valued the experience, Smidt knew she wanted to continue advocating for the beef industry in a different way. 

“I just want to continue to advocate and help others in the beef industry and promote the awesome industry that we’re in,” Smidt said. 

In her new position, Smidt will work closely with producers across the state while also overseeing compliance efforts with sale barns, packing plants and beef checkoff procedures. However, it is the producer relations side of the role that excites her most. 

“I really enjoy talking to producers and working with them,” she said. “I enjoy being a resource for them and helping them in any way that I can.” 

Smidt is also looking forward to connecting with the next generation of agricultural leaders through FFA programs and Ag education outreach. Whether speaking in classrooms or helping with beef promotion events, she hopes to share the story of the Beef Checkoff and the importance of the cattle industry with students across Nebraska. 

“I’m excited to be here and work with producers and everybody on the Beef Council team,” she said. 

Today, Smidt lives in Hildreth and remains actively involved in Smitty Cattle Company alongside her family, continuing the cattle operation that first sparked her love for the beef industry years ago.



Central Valley Ag Announces Investment in Daykin Mill Expansion to Support Evolving Protein Production

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is pleased to announce a strategic investment in its Daykin, Nebraska feed mill, positioning the cooperative to support the evolving needs of protein production across the region. Construction is expected to be completed in May 2027.

This investment includes expanding pelleting capabilities, additional ingredient storage, improved loadout capacity, and the addition of natural gas service. Together, these enhancements will increase efficiency, improve throughput, and strengthen CVA’s ability to meet growing and changing demand.

“This investment reflects our commitment to growing alongside our customers and the broader protein production industry,” said Doug Rowse, Senior Vice President of Feed at Central Valley Ag. “As production continues to evolve, we’re focused on making strategic improvements that enhance efficiency, expand capacity, and position CVA to capture future opportunities.”

CVA currently supports a range of livestock and poultry producers across its trade territory, delivering consistent, high-quality feed solutions. The Daykin expansion will further strengthen CVA’s capabilities in feed manufacturing, pelleting, and overall operational efficiency.

“This project reinforces CVA’s long-term focus on supporting producers, adapting to market challenges, and investing in infrastructure that enables sustainable growth,” Rowse said. 



Ricketts Introduces the Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act to Strengthen Rural Banks

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) Wednesday introduced the Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act to strengthen rural institutions, protect small-town depositors, and keep local credit flowing.  The legislation would also identify burdensome red tape and regulations that prevent the opening and growth of rural banks.

“Nebraskans rely on community banks and credit unions,” said Ricketts.  “They underwrite farm equipment.  They help small businesses and manufacturers get started.  They enable Nebraskans to become homeowners by providing first mortgages.  Regulations written for big banks should not apply to rural ones.  This bill helps make the Good Life possible for all Nebraskans.”

The Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act would:
    Direct the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to:
        Identify methods to improve the growth, capital adequacy, and profitability of depository institutions in the United States that primarily serve rural areas;
        Identify Federal statutes or regulations of the Federal banking agencies that limit the establishment of de novo depository institutions in rural areas;
        Create a report to Congress with their findings no later than a year after enactment.

BACKGROUND
Rural communities rely on their local institutions to provide them flexible credit.  New bank formulation is staggeringly low since 2009.  The total number of banks has declined by more than 70% since the 1980s.  The Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act would identify solutions to ensure rural banks can be created and continue to thrive.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/8/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 8, ethanol production accelerated 6.4% to a 4-week high of 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.44 million gallons daily. Output was 9.0% higher than the same week last year and 8.1% above the five-year average for the week. Yet, the four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.0% to 1.04 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.94 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks dropped 4.4% to 24.9 million barrels, the lowest volume since the first week of October 2025. Stocks were 2.3% less than the same week last year but 6.9% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions, including a 41-week low in the West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slid 0.7% to a 5-week low of 8.75 million b/d (134.57 bg annualized). Demand was 0.5% less than a year ago and 2.4% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol increased 0.7% to 908,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.96 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 2.3% less than year-ago levels and 1.1% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports expanded 16.5% to an estimated 162,000 b/d (6.8 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



USDA requests producer input to support transparent reporting of 2026 crops, inventories, and values

Over the next several weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the June Agricultural Survey by contacting over 90,000 producers across the nation to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2026.

“The June Agricultural Survey is one of the most significant and recognized surveys NASS conducts,” said Joseph L. Parsons, NASS administrator. “When producers take part, they help ensure that the nation’s agricultural reporting remains accurate, transparent, and free from speculation. Their responses directly support decisions made by farmers, ranchers, researchers, private industry, and policymakers who depend on trustworthy data.” Producers can respond to the June Agricultural Survey online at agcounts.usda.gov, by phone, or mail. They will be asked to provide information on planted and harvested acreage, including acreage for biotech crops and grain stocks.

“We recognize that this is a busy time for farmers, but the information they provide helps U.S. agriculture remain viable and capable. I urge them to respond to these surveys and thank them for their participation,” said Parsons.

NASS will publish the data in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage and quarterly Grain Stocks reports on June 30, 2026. These data also contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual Crop Production reports, the annual Small Grains Summary, annual Farms and Land in Farms and Land Values reports, various livestock reports, including Cattle, Sheep and Goats, and Hogs and Pigs, and USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.