Thursday July 16 Ag News - Fischer Wildfire Bill Becomes Law - NCGA Recognizes Feenstra - IA Corn on Fertilizer Investigations - Women in Ag Tech Event Next Week in Des Moines - USTR on Brazil Trade Practices - and more!

Fischer Wildfire Disaster Assistance Bill Becomes Law

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) issued the following statement after her bill, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, became law:

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers will directly benefit from this law, and I am proud to have gotten it across the finish line,” Fischer said. “I will be urging USDA to quickly issue new guidance to FSA so producers can begin receiving this improved assistance.”  

Fischer reintroduced this legislation on February 19, 2025. After returning from Nebraska to assess the Morrill fire damage with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Fischer successfully passed the bill with a unanimous vote on the Senate floor. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 23, 2026.

The legislation is supported by the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.

Background
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) were created to help to reduce the burden of natural disasters by providing producers with financial and technical assistance to repair and restore their land.

These programs, however, are often slow to respond to wildfires, floods, and other disasters. This means producers face significant delays and red tape when trying to access financial assistance.

For many producers, that significant time delay forces them to put off needed repair work, or risk beginning the recovery process without a guarantee of federal help.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act addresses these issues by reforming the programs. The bill specifically gives producers impacted by disasters the option to receive an advance on cost-sharing relief that is based on existing USDA estimates.

This expedited option ensures family farmers and ranchers in dire need of help can begin the critical work of restoring their property to productive levels.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act also reframes eligibility for relief from wildfire damage to include any wildfire caused or spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires caused by the federal government.



Corn Growers Recognize Rep. Randy Feenstra with President’s Award

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recognized Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) with the President’s Award today during its summer Corn Congress meeting in Washington.

Feenstra, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, has been a long-standing champion for corn grower priorities, especially for expanding ethanol access. In May, the congressman was instrumental in passing legislation in the U.S. House authorizing the sale of year-round E15, a top priority of corn farmers.

“Rep. Feenstra has been an exemplary champion for rural American and corn grower priorities,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA Jed Bower. “The passage of year-round E15 in the House would not have happened without the tireless advocacy of the congressman, and we are grateful for his many years of service on this issue and so many others.”
 
The congressman expressed his appreciation to NCGA for the recognition.

“Representing one of the largest corn-producing districts in the country, it is an honor to accept the NCGA President’s Award and to serve as a strong voice for our corn growers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Since coming to Congress, I have seen firsthand how rising input costs continue to strain our corn farmers. That’s why I have been a strong advocate for year-round E15 and worked to help secure its passage in the House. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated advocacy of our corn growers, who traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with lawmakers and underscore the importance of this issue. While there is still more work to do, I remain committed to working with my Senate colleagues to pass year-round E15 and send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”

The NCGA President’s Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, is given each year to a recipient chosen by the organization’s board president.

NCGA voting delegates meet twice a year during Corn Congress meetings to debate the organization’s policies and vote on new board members for the organization.



Iowa Corn Growers Urge Swift DOJ Action on Fertilizer Industry Investigation

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), joined by 16 fellow state corn organizations, sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Richard J. Durbin requesting they call on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to expedite its investigation of collusive practices in the fertilizer industry. 

The letter highlights the efforts that have been made from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson calling for an investigation into the fertilizer industry’s business practices in late May. It emphasizes the importance of continued pressure to see the investigation through on behalf of U.S. farmers. 

“Announcements and reports of investigations are welcome news, but it will take decisive action to restore free and fair markets so that the same competitive environment farmers face when selling their crops is present when they purchase inputs like fertilizer,” the letter stated. “It is critical for multiple strategies to be deployed to make a difference for farmers. Specifically, the DOJ must conduct their review of collusive practices in the fertilizer industry with utmost urgency.” 



Women in Ag Tech Event Returns to Tech Hub LIVE, Spotlighting Leadership in Agricultural Innovation

Women in Ag Tech (WiAT), a one-day event empowering women in agricultural technology, will return as part of Tech Hub LIVE 2026, set for July 20 to 22 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

The event brings together professionals from across the ag tech ecosystem for a day of keynote presentations, panel discussions and small-group breakout sessions focused on leadership, innovation and career advancement for women in agriculture and technology.

Karen Hildebrand, Ph.D., Global Head of Industry and Partner Solutions at Amazon Web Services, will deliver the keynote presentation, "Cultivating Change: Leading with Authenticity and Innovation in Ag Tech." Hildebrand will discuss her path from family farm fields to global ag tech leadership, along with the role of interoperability and AI in transforming agricultural decision-making.

A panel of marketing leaders, Brooke Brown of Agtonomy, Jennifer Goldston of AgTech PR, Natalie Martinkus of Eco-Analytics, and Arha Padman of Niqo Robotics, will explore how marketing strategy bridges emerging technology with the farmers and growers who rely on it.

Sarah Medrano, Vice President of Product Management at Agri-Access, will moderate a conversation with Tami Craig Schilling, Founder DeepRoot Strategies, LLC on managing innovation across organizational levels. Drawing on her experience co-leading development of Bayer's GenAI tool E.L.Y., Schilling will discuss lessons learned in advancing AI initiatives, building cross-functional support, and translating innovation into business impact.

The afternoon includes Impact Huddles, small-group breakout sessions led by industry leaders. Sarah Medrano, Vice President of Product Management at Agri-Access, Connie Bowen, General Partner at Farmhand Ventures, and Natalie Martinkus, Founder of Eco-Analytics will lead huddle groups, with topics spanning vision development, mentorship and investment, and relationship building in ag tech.

"Women in Ag Tech was created to bring together the innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers shaping the future of agriculture," said Lauren Milligan, Content Specialist, AgriBusiness Group, Meister Media Worldwide. “We are excited to have created a space at Tech Hub LIVE where women from across the ag tech ecosystem can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. This event is about more than technology. It's about building relationships, fostering leadership, and empowering people driving innovation across agriculture. We're looking forward to welcoming attendees for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, professional development, and community building.”

Women in Ag Tech is open to all industry professionals seeking to connect with peers, explore emerging trends and help shape the future of women in agriculture and technology.

For the full WiAT agenda, visit techhublive.com/women-in-ag-tech-agenda/.

To register for Tech Hub LIVE and Women in Ag Tech, visit techhublive.com/register/.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/10/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 10, ethanol production lowered 4.8% to 1.04 million b/d, equivalent to 43.68 million gallons daily and the smallest weekly level since the start of May. Output was 4.3% lower than the same week last year and 2.3% below the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.4% to 1.09 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.68 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 1.9% to 24.4 million barrels. Stocks were 3.2% more than the same week last year and 5.1% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ticked down to 8.84 million b/d (135.95 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 4.2% more than a year ago and 0.6% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol edged up 0.6% to 906,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.93 bg annualized. Net inputs were 3.0% higher than year-ago levels and 1.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports decelerated 59.5% to 81,000 b/d (3.4 million gallons/day), a 13-week low. It has been more than two years since EIA has indicated ethanol was imported.



UAN Fertilizers Lead Nutrient Prices Downward

Most retail fertilizer prices continued falling during the first full week of July 2026, marking five straight weeks of mostly lower prices, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. For the fourth week in a row, prices for six fertilizers were lower compared to last month, while prices for the remaining two were slightly higher.

Four of the six nutrients that were less expensive saw significant price drops, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. Leading the nutrients lower were UAN28 and UAN32. Both were 7% less expensive than last month, with UAN28 having an average price of $493 per ton and UAN32 $529/ton. Also considerably lower in price were urea and anhydrous, both of which were 6% less expensive compared to last month. Urea had an average price of $714/ton, while anhydrous was $1,032/ton. The remaining two fertilizers were just slightly less expensive compared to a month ago. MAP had an average price of $954/ton and 10-34-0 $723/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $912/ton, while potash was $494/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.78/lb.N, anhydrous $0.63/lb.N, UAN28 $0.88/lb.N and UAN32 $0.83/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. Potash is 3% higher, UAN32 is 6% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 8% higher, urea is 9% more expensive, both DAP and MAP are 13% higher, UAN28 is 18% more expensive and anhydrous is 34% higher looking back to last year.



CARB Guidance Brings Regulatory Clarity for Soy-Based Biofuels

The American Soybean Association welcomes the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) release of updated implementation guidance for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Sustainability Guardrails, an important step toward providing the regulatory certainty needed to support U.S. soybean farmers and the renewable fuels industry.

"This updated guidance provides much-needed clarity for farmers and the biofuels supply chain," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer. "Clear, practical rules help ensure soybean farmers can continue supplying the renewable fuels market with confidence. We appreciate CARB's efforts to provide the certainty needed to support continued investment in low-carbon fuels."

The updated guidance answers several implementation questions raised by ASA, through the Biomass-Based Diesel Initiative, and other stakeholders by confirming that fuel producers can demonstrate compliance using practical supply chain documentation and mass balance accounting, rather than tracing soybeans back to individual fields. The approach provides a more practical path to compliance while maintaining the LCFS's strong sustainability standards.



USTR Section 301 Action on Brazil’s Unreasonable Acts, Policies, and Practices 

Wednesday, Ambassador Jamieson Greer is taking final action, at President Trump’s direction, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 by imposing a 25% tariff on certain goods of Brazil.  This follows a yearlong investigation by USTR that determined that certain Brazilian measures related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption interference; intellectual property protection; ethanol market access; and illegal deforestation are unreasonable and burden or restrict the commerce of American farmers, workers, innovators, and exporters.  This action comes after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) convened two public hearings, received over 360 public comments, and negotiated intensively with the Government of Brazil to seek resolution of U.S. concerns.

“Safeguarding American economic interests against unfair trade practices is the bedrock of President Trump’s America First policies.  Whether it is punishing U.S. technology companies for refusing to censor political speech, backsliding on anti-corruption enforcement, or allowing Brazilian farmers to exploit illegally logged land to gain an advantage over American farmers, Brazil’s unfair trading practices have prevented U.S. workers and producers from accessing this important market with over 210 million consumers,” said Ambassador Greer.  “Today’s action is necessary to address these unfair trade practices to ensure American workers and companies can compete on a level playing field. Extensive negotiations with Brazil over the past year have not resolved these issues, but we remain open to continuing negotiations with Brazil to bring about long-needed changes to the problems identified in this investigation.”

Background
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act), is designed to address unfair foreign practices affecting U.S. commerce.  Section 301 may be used to respond to unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory foreign government practices that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.  A Section 301(b) investigation examines whether the acts, policies, or practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.

At the specific direction of the President, on July 15, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (Trade Representative) initiated an investigation under Section 302(b)(1)(a) of the Trade Act regarding the acts, policies, and practices of the Government of Brazil related to digital trade and electronic payment services; unfair, preferential tariffs; anti-corruption enforcement; intellectual property protection; ethanol market access; and illegal deforestation.  On July 15, 2025, the Trade Representative requested consultations with Government of Brazil pursuant to Section 303(a) of the Trade Act, which were held on April 15 and 16, 2026.  On September 3, 2025, USTR and the Section 301 Committee convened a public hearing regarding the investigation.

On June 1, 2026, the Trade Representative determined under that certain of Brazil’s acts, policies, and practices related to these areas are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce, and are thus actionable under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act.  As a result of this determination, the Trade Representative proposed responsive action and invited the public to provide written comments by July 1, 2026, on the proposed action. USTR received, reviewed, and analyzed over 360 written comments.  On July 6 and July 7, USTR also held a public hearing regarding proposed responsive action in the investigation, at which 77 witnesses testified.



Growth Energy Welcomes USTR Determination on Brazil’s Unfair Trade Practices

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) latest response to Brazil’s unfair trade practices. The decision, which imposes tariffs of 25 percent on most goods from Brazil, followed a year-long investigation into policies that effectively ban American ethanol from Brazil’s market.

“For nearly a decade, Brazil has unfairly blocked U.S. ethanol imports, while their own producers enjoy complete and unfettered access to American markets,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “That imbalance has caused extraordinary harm to U.S. farmers and ethanol producers, and today’s decision marks an important step toward repairing the damage. We aren’t looking for preferential treatment — simply a return to the mutually beneficial trade that once defined the relationship between the world’s largest biofuel producers.”

As Growth Energy has repeatedly emphasized in testimony to USTR, Brazil has gone beyond tariffs and engaged in systematic discrimination against U.S. biofuels under Brazil’s clean fuel program, RenovaBio, while disguising deforestation by Brazilian producers. Those practices have stoked unfounded claims about land use change attributed to U.S. ethanol — harming U.S. exports to the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union.

“We applaud the Trump administration for standing up against Brazil’s efforts to limit U.S. ethanol’s global eligibility for new uses, such as in the maritime and aviation sectors,” added Skor. “Moving forward, we look forward to working with USTR on additional remedies to create a level playing field for America’s farm exports.”