AgNewsWire

Ethanol Report on E15 Win in the House

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:16:07 +0000

The ethanol industry is re-energized this week after a bipartisan majority in the House passed long overdue legislation giving E15 a place at the pump year-round. But the job is still only half done and the focus now shifts to the Senate.

Renewable Fuels Association Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs, Troy Bredenkamp, discusses how ethanol supporters overcame challenges to finally get the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act over the finish line, and how work will begin immediately on the Senate side to deliver the bill to the president.

Ethanol Report 5-14-26 23:26

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Ethanol Supporters Set Record Straight on E15

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:10:04 +0000

Supporters of E15 legislation in Congress

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chair of the biofuels caucus and original sponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues at a press conference Tuesday urging Congress to lower prices at the pump for consumers and increase much-needed market access for ag producers by passing the bill that will allow year-round access to E15 nationwide.

During his remarks, Smith set the record straight by debunking E15 opponents’ false claims while encouraging his colleagues to support commonsense policy as opposed to political gamesmanship. “Our opponents claim this legislation is an unfunded mandate. That is simply false,” said Smith. “What it does is provide certainty and flexibility for retailers who choose to offer E15 during the remaining three months of the year. It expands consumer choice—it does not impose government mandates.”

“They say ‘E15 raises prices for consumers.’ When in reality, E15 does the opposite. In fact, it has proven to lower prices at the pump by 30 cents per gallon on average. At a time when families are already stretched thin, lower fuel costs matter, and that is exactly what E15 delivers.”

Smith was joined by National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower, along with U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Shontel Brown (D-OH). Budzinski stressed the bipartisan nature of the legislation. “I am calling on my colleagues – Republicans and Democrats alike – to come together and finally pass permanent, year-round E15 nationwide,” said Budzinski. “Let’s deliver certainty for our growers. Let’s deliver lower costs for consumers. Let’s strengthen American energy independence. And let’s show the American people that Congress is still capable of coming together to solve real problems.”

Listen to their remarks here:
E15 Congressional presser 27:40

SAN Agrow Marks Major U.S. Milestone with California Registration of DURALEV® Fungicide

Cindy Zimmerman — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:40:08 +0000

Expanded State Registrations Strengthen Commitment to Specialty Crop Growers

SAN Agrow announces that its innovative new product DURALEV, a biological fungicide and bactericide, is now registered for use in California ‒ marking a major milestone in the product’s U.S. launch. With this approval, DURALEV is now registered in 15 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, with additional registrations underway.

The California approval offers growers in one of the nation’s most diverse specialty crop markets a new disease management solution, and underscores SAN Agrow’s ongoing focus on providing effective, science-driven tools.

“California’s diverse specialty crop industry represents a vital segment for innovation,” said Jared P. Jensen, PhD, U.S. Technical Services Manager at SAN Agrow. “With DURALEV, we’re helping growers elevate their crops’ defenses through multiple modes of action, streamlined integration, and dependable disease protection.”

A Preventive, Systemic Approach to Disease Management
DURALEV is a systemic resistance inducer designed for preventive protection against plant diseases. Applied ahead of disease pressure, it activates crops’ natural defense mechanisms so plants can better withstand future bacterial and fungal attacks.

By incorporating DURALEV early in disease management programs and reapplying periodically, growers can maintain consistent protection and reduce the risk of disease establishment.

Broad-Spectrum Protection and Program Flexibility
DURALEV provides broad-spectrum protection against key bacterial and fungal diseases, including Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Botrytis, and Alternaria. Its expansive label covers all major crop groups, offering growers unmatched versatility in program development.

The product’s easy-to-use formulation features broad tank mix compatibility and fits seamlessly into both conventional and organic production systems. Residue free prevention, combined with an excellent crop and worker safety profile, helps growers meet the practical and regulatory needs of modern fungicide programs.

A Three Way Approach to Fungicide Programs
The DURALEV registration strengthens SAN Agrow’s integrated fungicide portfolio, providing three complementary modes of action for comprehensive disease management:
· GARGOIL® a contact kill for insects, mite and disease control
· BOTECTOR® a biological fungicide that forms a protective barrier
· DURALEV® a systemic defense booster that activates plant resistance

Together, these products empower growers to build robust, resistance-conscious programs tailored to their crops, production systems, and local disease pressures.

###

About SAN Agrow
SAN Agrow is the crop protection business unit of SAN Group., is a global agricultural solutions company focused on biologicals, biostimulants, and crop protection technologies for sustainable production systems. Headquartered in Vista, California, SAN Agrow partners with growers across North America to deliver residue conscious tools that help manage weeds, diseases, and crop stress while supporting productivity and crop resilience.

Backed by scientific innovation, technical expertise, and field support, SAN Agrow works closely with PCAs, consultants, retailers, and growers to build practical programs that balance efficacy, crop safety, and economic return.

Media Contact
Megan Guarini |SAN Agrow US Marketing Manager
Email: megan.guarini@san-group.com
Website: www.san-agrow.com

Summit Agro USA Expands PROLIVO 300SC Fungicide Label to Apples and Cherries

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:33 +0000

DURHAM, NC (May 5, 2026) — Summit Agro USA today announced an expansion of the label for Prolivo 300SC Fungicide to include control of powdery mildew on apples and cherries broadening the product’s fit in high-value specialty crops. Apples and cherries grown in California and New York are not covered by the expanded label, however.

Powered by pyriofenone, Prolivo is a Group 50 fungicide that specializes in preventive control of powdery mildew, inhibiting both lesion formation and sporulation. Its differentiated performance profile includes excellent rainfastness and redistribution on the leaf surface and vapor activity, extending protection to untreated leaf and fruit surfaces.

“This expansion is important because apple and cherry growers need preventive tools that can help protect fruit quality before disease pressure escalates,” said Eric Tedford, R&D lead at Summit Agro USA. “Prolivo stands out for the combination of strong preventive activity, vapor activity and redistribution on the leaf surface, which can help growers protect more of the canopy and fruit during critical disease-management windows.”

The label expansion reflects Summit Agro USA’s continued focus on bringing differentiated, science-based crop protection solutions to specialty crop growers.

More information on Prolivo 300SC Fungicide, including the expanded label and directions for use, is available at www.summitagro-usa.com. Always read and follow label directions.

About Summit Agro USA
Summit Agro USA LLC, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, is focused on working to identify, develop, and deliver innovative BioPowered solutions that meet the needs of growers across the United States. Our products are available from crop protection retailers through our exclusive distributor partners: Helena Agri-Enterprises and Tenkoz member companies.

CONTACT
Evan Davies
ejdavies@cedar-shores.com

Ethanol Report on Delayed E15 House Vote

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:18:44 +0000

It was another roller coaster of a week for the ethanol industry, which expected to finally see E15 legislation make it to the floor of the House for a vote, but instead saw it unexpectedly removed and delayed until a promised vote on May 13.

In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down how the best laid plans for a vote fell apart at the last minute and what comes next.

Ethanol Report 5-1-26 14:18

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

House Passes Farm Bill But Delays E15

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:46:54 +0000

House Ag Committee Chair Rep. Thompson

The House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 Thursday with a final vote of 224-200 while delaying a vote on nationwide E15 for two weeks.

“After a markup that lasted over 20 hours, the legislation reflects the will of the committee, and it is filled with bipartisan provisions that will move the needle for farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans across the country,” said House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). “I especially want to thank all parties who were involved in the negotiations that allowed the farm bill to proceed to the floor and secure a future vote on year-round E15. Members of the Biofuels Caucus are tireless champions for rural America, and I look forward to joining them May 13 in advancing that important legislation.”

Thompson disagreed with those who said the bill was not bipartisan. “This was written traveling the country, Republicans and Democrats, 43 different states, one territory, over close to 160 different listening sessions. We did it in a tripartisan way. Republicans and Democrats.”

Listen to Thompson’s remarks Wednesday night prior to passage of the farm bill.
Rep. Thompson house floor 3:36

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)

However, after the deal was made on Wednesday, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) expressed her doubts. “I’m telling you tonight, I do not believe that we will see a vote on E15 come to this House floor, that standing down on E15 was walking away from our family farmers.”

Listen to Craig’s comments on the House floor Wednesday night.
Rep. Craig house floor 3:38

The most notable amendment prior to passage of the bill on Thursday was the removal of pesticide liability and labeling provisions that would have shielded pesticide manufacturers from certain liability and preempted states from imposing additional health warning labels beyond EPA requirements. Also notable, Prop 12 livestock/animal welfare laws preemption language remained in the bill, which blocks states from imposing out-of-state production standards as a condition for interstate sales.

This marks the farthest a farm bill has advanced in Congress since 2018, though Senate action and any conference with the House will determine the ultimate outcome.

DWFI Podcast 52 – New Executive Director Joe Sanders

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:26 +0000

Joe Sanders, the new executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska, brings more than 27 years of experience in international agricultural development to his role. In this episode, hosted by Arianna Elnes, he reflects on his career path—from serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia to leading USAID-funded projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America—and shares how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving and working across diverse agricultural systems.

DWFI Executive Director Joe Sanders

Sanders also offers early insights from his first months in Nebraska, highlighting the state’s strengths in agriculture, water management and collaboration. He discusses the importance of building on DWFI’s strong foundation, deepening partnerships and identifying practical, scalable solutions. His perspective underscores the value of combining global experience with local expertise to strengthen water and food systems in Nebraska and beyond.

DWFI podcast episode 52 20:59

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

How to subscribe:

2026 Agri-Marketing Conference Preview

Chuck Zimmerman — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:34:48 +0000

The 2026 Agri-Marketing Conference is coming up next week. For a preview I talked with conference chair, David Jones, Bader Rutter. We run through a variety of questions about the theme for the conference, keynote speakers, best of NAMA, Connection Point, breakouts, awards and student competition. As the theme says, people are Hungry For More.

Of course you can still register if you haven’t yet. You just have to go this link on the NAMA website. David said it this way.

“Nama.org is the place to go for registration or for more information, and yes, sir, we will absolutely take those last-minute registrations, no problem at all. If you’re on the fence, go ahead and jump in there and register. You do not want to miss this one.”

You can listen to my interview with David here:
Agri-Marketing Conference Preview (10:00)

ZimmCast 758 – About ZimmComm

Chuck Zimmerman — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:33:05 +0000

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman.

In this episode the tables have been turned. We thought it would be fun for Laura McNamara, one of our very early freelancers, to interview Cindy and me, about the how, what and why we created ZimmComm and all its elements. We’ve had people ask about this over the years, but as you will hear, from the start it has continued to develop and pivot when needed.

As many know, Cindy and I took a big step to stop traveling this year. We’re really happy to be working with Laura as some of the events we’ve worked on for years still want to use good photography and interviews to make content with a target audience of ag journalists. So, this step toward retirement for most people is as easy as just walking away and going fishing. But when you’ve built a business over 20-plus years it’s a little more difficult. We’re still working at the ZimmComm World Headquarters so stay tuned.

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 758 - About ZimmComm (42:04)

That’s the ZimmCast for now. If you have some exciting news in the agrimarketing world, feel free to contact me for the next episode. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

Ethanol Report on EPA Announcements

Cindy Zimmerman — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:02:01 +0000

The Trump administration hit two home runs for the ethanol industry during the last week of March amidst National Agriculture Month celebrations – announcing waivers to allow sales of E15 through the summer, in lieu of Congressional action to make it permanent, and finalizing the long-delayed renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.

In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the actions by the administration and why the industry is still pressing for permanent nationwide E15 to be passed by Congress yet this year.

Ethanol Report 4-1-26 26:26

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe