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U.S. ethanol exports slip to start the year
U.S. ethanol exports declined slightly at the start of 2026, reflecting shifting global fuel demand and changing trade flows in the biofuels market. Exports totaled roughly 212 million gallons in January, down about 4% from the previous month, according to industry reports and federal trade data. Analysts say shipments remain historically strong but can fluctuate month-to-month as international fuel markets adjust. The United States is the world’s largest ethanol producer and a major exporter...
Will EPA back rural America or Big Oil?
As the push for higher ethanol blends accelerates, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says some of the most important decisions still ahead rest with the Environmental Protection Agency. She says the way EPA handles small refinery exemptions, reallocation, and long-term...
Food Bank of Iowa receives fourth annual Meat the Need donation
This morning, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Farm Bureau delivered 25,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Iowa for the fourth consecutive year of the Meat the Need initiative. The donation will provide 100,000 servings of high-quality protein to Iowans who are food...
Applications open for 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program
USDA announced it is now accepting applications for the 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP). U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the program, first announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in late September, was authorized...
Nationwide E15 legislation could be on the table in near future
As we approach the tail end of the year, little opposition remains to year-round E15 sales. The biggest issue holding back legislation at the federal level is an opportunity to move an E15 bill through Congress says the Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO...
USDA to provide $7 million for advanced biofuel production
USDA announced Friday that it is making $7 million available nationwide to advanced biofuel producers through the Advanced Biofuel Producer Payment Program, Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said. The funding, authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill, will support...
Producers urged to rethink screwworm wound risks
Producers have received plenty of updates from USDA about New World Screwworm, most of which focus on border surveillance, wildlife movement, and federal protocols. But the greatest threat to livestock may not be at the border at all. It may be on the farm, where...
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More Ag News
Fertility management takes priority as margins tighten
Farmers heading into the next growing season are facing a familiar challenge. Input costs remain elevated, margins are tight, and uncertainty in the broader economy continues to weigh on nearly every decision made on the farm. In an environment like this, agronomists...
Syngenta’s PLINAZOLIN technology receives EPA registration
Syngenta recently announced that PLINAZOLIN technology- the latest insect control tool- received official registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The technology is now available for use, subject to state approvals. PLINAZOLIN technology powers...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-16-25)
As the markets start to focus more on the weather in South America, farmers are just finishing planting the next crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there is a good amount of dryness in the forecast for Brazil. McBride said the conditions are similar...
Grassley discusses hurdles to farm labor reform efforts
Farm labor reform remains one of the big topics in the agricultural sector but that doesn’t mean that changes to the system will come easily. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Tuesday if he will be involved in any efforts to reform the H-2A...
2025 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance awards
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) celebrated four outstanding Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) award recipients during the 2025 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention, held Tuesday, December 16, at the Prairie Meadows Convention Center. The awards ceremony recognized cattle...
