Independent Ag Network

Reallocation Plan Offers Relief for Ethanol Producers, Farmers

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:41:55 +0000

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to reallocate more than 770 million renewable fuel blending credits. These were granted through small refinery exemptions. The decision aims to preserve demand for ethanol and biodiesel. According to Progressive Farmer, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the proposal during a visit to Iowa. He said the agency wants to ensure exemptions granted to 29 refiners do not reduce overall renewable fuel blending requirements. The proposal would protect the equivalent of 770 million gallons of ethanol from being waived under the Renewable Fuels Standard. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports EPA is considering either spreading the exempted credits across the 2026 and 2027 compliance years or applying them entirely to 2027. Reuters reported that the exemptions, totaling more than 1.7 billion renewable identification numbers – aka RINs – were the largest ever issued under the program. That drew criticism from biofuel and farm groups. Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper told Reuters that EPA’s reallocation plan, if finalized as proposed, will offset the demand loss for ethanol producers and farmers.

NYSE Owner Challenges CME in Livestock Futures Market

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:41:36 +0000

Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, plans to begin offering cattle and hog futures contracts before the end of the year. This would create new competition for CME Group. According to Bloomberg, ICE is targeting a December 7 launch, pending regulatory approval. The exchange plans to offer physically settled cattle futures along with three cash-settled contracts tied to cattle and hog prices. The move comes as CME continues updating its trading infrastructure. Bloomberg reports that some traders and firms are concerned that CME’s planned shift to cloud-based technology could increase costs and affect trading speeds. CME has said the transition will improve efficiency and analytical capabilities. ICE’s senior vice president of futures markets says they’ve received significant customer demand from those seeking credible alternatives to what has historically been a singular choice for cattle.

New Research Center to Advance PNW Agriculture

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:41:17 +0000

The Agricultural Research Service and Washington State University have opened a new 100,000-square-foot Plant Bioscience Research Building in Pullman, Washington. The goal is to advance agricultural research across the Pacific Northwest. The facility will house four ARS research units focused on wheat health, grain legumes, sustainable agroecosystems, and plant germplasm testing. Researchers will work on improving the health, resilience, and profitability of both dryland and irrigated farming systems. The partnership between ARS and WSU dates back to 1931, contributing to advances like disease-resistant wheat varieties, food-grade winter peas, regenerative farming practices, and crop quality forecasting tools. ARS Administrator Joon Park says this new Plant Bioscience Research Building opens a new chapter in the nearly century-long partnership between ARS and WSU. By bringing federal and university researchers together under one roof, they are accelerating the innovations that U.S. farmers need to thrive.

USDA Invests $86.6 Million in Specialty Crop Industry

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:40:58 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $86.6 million through its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops across 56 states and territories. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is administering the money. The dollars will support just over 600 projects. The focus is on improving the competitiveness of specialty crops through research, marketing, food safety initiatives, pest and disease management, seed development, and consumer education. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says these 609 state projects represent the Trump Administration’s commitment to innovation, marketing, and research. Some examples of projects getting support include more than $2 million for Texas crops such as grapes, watermelons, pecans, onions, and spinach. Florida will use more than $4 million for crops such as mangoes, blueberries, and sweet corn. Michigan will invest $2.6 million for crops such as apples, asparagus, beans, and Christmas trees. Find the full list of projects by visiting USDA’s AMS grants webpage.

U.S. Lamb Producers Make Case for Import Safeguards

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:40:39 +0000

The American Sheep Industry Association is set to present testimony before the U.S. International Trade Commission this week (October 16). The association is arguing that rising lamb imports have caused significant financial harm to U.S. producers and processors. The hearing is part of a Section 201 safeguard investigation initiated in July at the request of U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Greer. According to ASI, imported lamb has grown from just over 30% of the U.S. market during the ITC’s last lamb investigation in 1999 to more than 70% today, with imports from Australia and New Zealand cited as key competitors. The association says increasing imports have led to lost sales, reduced revenues, and declining market share for domestic producers. The effort has received support from 68 members of Congress who recently urged the commission to consider relief measures. ASI Executive Director Mike Michener says American lamb producers and processors have endured years of surging imports that have taken a devastating toll on their livelihoods.

USDA Urges States to Review Wolf Management Policies

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:40:20 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging states to review wolf management policies and strengthen engagement with livestock producers following President Trump’s Executive Order 14425, “Supporting America’s Ranchers.” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called on state agencies to work closely with ranchers, increase awareness of predation reporting procedures, and coordinate with USDA on livestock protection efforts. She says for too long, America’s ranchers have dealt with wolves threatening and killing their livestock, their livelihoods, and the family operations they have spent generations building. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides wolf damage management assistance through partnerships with state and federal agencies. This includes support for authorized lethal removal requests when permitted by law. USDA said wolf predation can increase costs for producers through livestock losses, added management expenses, and reduced animal weights. The department also noted that recent changes to the Livestock Indemnity Program increased compensation rates for qualifying predation losses to 100% of the determined market value.

Friday Watch List

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:38:45 +0000

Markets

On Friday, USDA will release their weekly Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. After the close at 2:30 p.m. CDT, CFTC's Commitments of Traders report will be out, updating positions as of Tuesday, October 13.

Weather

A storm system continues to move through the Midwest Friday, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms there back through the Southern Plains. A round of cold air is following behind the system, which will bring a risk of frost to the Corn Belt through the weekend.

Federal Judge Blocks Parts Of USDA Reorganization

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:48:47 +0000

A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to halt certain office closures and employee relocations tied to its reorganization, ruling the department likely violated a congressional spending restriction. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria (CHUB-ree-ah) said Congress had restricted USDA from redirecting funds for the changes without authorization. Although the judge agreed with the parties that a provision requiring approval from congressional appropriations committees was unconstitutional, he ruled the spending restriction itself remains in effect. The order covers several USDA agencies and mission areas, including the Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Rural Development, and Farm Production and Conservation. However, the ruling does not prevent USDA from closing offices in the Washington, D.C., area or relocating employees within that region. The restrictions are scheduled to expire December 11 unless Congress extends them. USDA officials have previously indicated the department could appeal an injunction.

Groups React to the EPA Reallocation Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:48:29 +0000

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to restore 100 percent of renewable fuel volumes waived through small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a move welcomed by corn and soybean farmers. The proposal would reallocate volumes waived for 2025 into the renewable fuel requirements for 2026 and 2027. In August, EPA granted full exemptions to 18 refineries and partial exemptions to 11 others. National Corn Growers Association President Matt Frostic says the proposal helps protect farmers and biofuel producers. He adds, “We hope that the Renewable Fuel Standard and the small refinery exemption program are managed with certainty in the years to come.” American Soybean Association Vice President Dave Walton, an Iowa soybean farmer, says strong domestic biofuel policies can drive “much-needed market demand” for soybean farmers facing a difficult farm economy. Both organizations are urging the EPA to finalize the proposal quickly. The agency is accepting public comments through December 4.

Temporary Beef Import Quota Falls Short Of Target

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:47:54 +0000

Additional beef imports under the Trump administration’s temporary tariff-rate quota fell well short of the first monthly target, with little apparent relief for consumers at the grocery store. The policy allowed 300,000 metric tons of beef to enter over 90 days, divided into three monthly allocations of 100,000 metric tons. But through September 28, just 37,486 metric tons had entered under the first allocation. That’s according to University of Arkansas economist James Mitchell. Mitchell estimates only a fraction of that volume represented additional beef that would not otherwise have entered the U.S. market. “The main point is that 100,000 metric tons of new beef imports did not materialize in September, and there was no noticeable change in retail beef prices,” Mitchell wrote. American Farm Bureau Federation analysis also found ground beef prices remained unchanged at 30 of 41 grocery stores tracked nationwide. Tight cattle supplies and strong consumer demand continue to support elevated prices, despite record imports.

NCBA Accepting Nominations For 2027 Environmental Stewardship Awards

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:47:34 +0000

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Environmental Stewardship Awards, recognizing cattle producers who demonstrate outstanding conservation and land-management practices. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association established the program in 1991 to highlight ranchers and cattle operations protecting natural resources while maintaining viable businesses. “Cattle producers across the country work tirelessly to steward the land for the next generation,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “This program celebrates their conservation efforts and shares their success stories.” Individuals, groups, and organizations can nominate a cattle producer or business. Applications must include a typed form, one nomination letter, and three recommendation letters highlighting the nominee’s conservation leadership. Producers and families cannot nominate themselves but should help prepare their applications. Previous nominees may apply again, but past winners are ineligible. The deadline is February 15, 2027. Regional winners will be recognized next summer, with the national winner announced at CattleCon 2028 in New Orleans. Nomination packets are available at environmentalstewardship.org.

IEA Warns Diesel Supplies Could Remain Tight Into Next Year

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:47:14 +0000

Diesel supplies could remain tight well into next year as disruptions in the Middle East and Russia limit production, according to the International Energy Agency. The agency says combined diesel export losses from the two regions reached 1.3 million barrels per day in September. Attacks on energy infrastructure and reduced refining capacity have pushed diesel refining margins to record highs, nearing 95 dollars per barrel. The IEA warns the high prices are already affecting the broader economy. “Record diesel prices are already having broad economic consequences by raising the cost of goods and impacting real incomes, economic activity, and inflation,” the agency said in its monthly oil market report. Although global refinery operations are expected to recover toward year’s end, the agency says that rebound will not fully replace supplies lost this year. Diesel markets also face seasonal pressure from refinery maintenance and rising winter demand.

Researchers Propose National Agriculture Cybersecurity Consortium

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:46:53 +0000

Researchers are proposing a national Agriculture Cybersecurity Consortium to help protect U.S. farms, food processors, and agricultural supply chains from cyberattacks. The recommendation comes from the scientific journal Nature Food and was based on workshops and discussions involving more than 150 stakeholders. Iowa State University led the effort with several partner universities and research organizations. The proposed consortium would bring together farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, government agencies, cybersecurity companies, and researchers. It would focus on collaborative research, cybersecurity testing infrastructure, education, and workforce development. The goal is to move beyond responding to cyberattacks after they happen and build greater resilience across the food system. “Cybersecurity is not simply an IT problem — it is a food-system resilience problem,” said Matthew Lange, chief executive of the International Center for Food Ontology Operability Data and Semantics. The researchers said a ransomware attack on meat processor JBS was an example of how cyber incidents can disrupt food production and supply chains.

Thursday Watch List

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:45:09 +0000

Markets

On Thursday at 7 a.m. CDT, Brazil's National Supply Company (CONAB) will release the first survey of the 2026-27 Brazilian soybean and corn crops. Later on, the Energy Information Administration will release the weekly Petroleum Status Report at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Otherwise, traders will continue to monitor the conflicts in the Middle East and Black Sea.

Weather

A storm system in the Central Plains is producing widespread showers and thunderstorms Thursday morning. The system will move northeast through the Midwest throughout the day, spreading showers across much of the Corn Belt. Some pockets of heavy rain will still occur. Breezy winds will occur across the Northern Plains as well, ushering in some colder air behind the system.

EPA Proposes Restoring Biofuel Volumes Exempted from Refinery Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:44:30 +0000

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Tuesday a proposal to restore renewable fuel blending requirements affected by additional small refinery exemptions, a move intended to protect demand for American corn and soybeans. The EPA said exemptions granted for 2025 exceeded earlier projections by 770 million renewable identification numbers, or RINs, which represent renewable fuel volumes. Under the proposal, EPA would reallocate 100% of those additional exempted volumes through one of two approaches. The first would divide the volumes equally between the 2026 and 2027 compliance years. The second would assign the entire amount to 2027. The agency said the changes would preserve renewable fuel targets and strengthen markets for agricultural commodities used in ethanol and biodiesel production. EPA is accepting public comments through Dec. 4. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper thanked EPA for the move, adding, “While we believe most of the exemptions were unjustified, EPA’s reallocation plan—if finalized as proposed—will help offset the demand loss for ethanol producers and farmers.”

China Trade Uncertainty Adds Pressure to U.S. Soybean Markets

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:44:12 +0000

U.S. soybean prices remain under pressure as farmers contend with larger crop estimates and uncertainty surrounding agricultural trade with China. Successful Farming reports November soybean futures declined in overnight trading Tuesday following USDA's October supply-and-demand report. The Agriculture Department increased its soybean production forecast to 4.562 billion bushels, up 27 million bushels from September. The projected national yield rose to 53.1 bushels per acre. USDA also increased projected soybean exports by 10 million bushels, while leaving its domestic crushing forecast unchanged. Despite the stronger export outlook, traders remain sensitive to developments in U.S.-China trade relations. China is a major destination for American soybeans, making purchase commitments and tariff policies important influences on farm prices. USDA projects soybean ending stocks at 315 million bushels and an average farm price of $12 per bushel. Farmers are watching export sales closely as the fall harvest continues.

Heavy Rain Threatens Harvest Progress in Kansas and Missouri

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:43:55 +0000

Heavy rain and potentially severe thunderstorms could disrupt fall harvest operations across parts of Kansas and Missouri this week. The National Weather Service issued flood watches extending from central Kansas into western Missouri as a storm system moved across the region Tuesday. Forecasters said portions of northern and eastern Kansas faced a 60% to 90% chance of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall. Some storms could generate wind gusts reaching 70 mph and hail measuring 2 inches in diameter. Additional rainfall is expected Wednesday night into Thursday, with portions of east-central Kansas potentially receiving more than 3 inches. The storms could delay corn and soybean harvesting, increase soil moisture and complicate field access for machinery. The threat follows recent wet weather that has already affected harvesting in portions of the Midwest. Farmers are monitoring field conditions and forecasts as they work to complete fall harvest operations.

Ethanol Could Open New Market for American Corn Producers

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:43:33 +0000

Ethanol could find a growing market in international shipping as the maritime industry searches for lower-emission alternatives to traditional petroleum fuels. Successful Farming reports a study by the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero-Carbon Shipping identified ethanol as a potentially viable fuel for commercial vessels. The research examined ethanol's compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study found ethanol could complement methanol-based marine fuel systems, although additional technical development and infrastructure changes would be necessary. Blending ethanol with marine gas oil also showed promise as a way to reduce emissions. For American agriculture, the development could eventually create another source of demand for corn, the primary feedstock used in domestic ethanol production. However, widespread adoption would depend on fuel economics, shipping regulations and investments in compatible engines and storage systems. Researchers say ethanol deserves further consideration as shipping companies evaluate alternative fuels.

Avian Influenza Confirmed in Washington State Dairy Cattle

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:42:48 +0000

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has confirmed the state's first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle. The virus was detected at two Yakima (YAK-ih-mah) County dairy farms. The Washington State Department of Agriculture said both farms are under quarantine, with strict biosecurity measures in place, and veterinarians are treating sick cows. State officials say pasteurized milk remains safe, and no supply shortages in the state are expected. However, health officials warn against consuming raw milk or raw dairy products. Dr. Amber Itle (EYE-tel), Washington State Veterinarian, urges livestock owners to watch for symptoms of H5N1, including reduced milk production, fever, and loss of appetite, and report illness promptly to a veterinarian. Most affected cattle recover with supportive care, typically within six weeks. WSDA says this is the first case of HPAI following more that 7,000 surveillance tests over the past two years.

Wednesday Watch List

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:41:16 +0000

Markets

On Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will start things off with the September Consumer Price Index report at 7:30 a.m. CDT, giving traders a look into recent inflation in the U.S. At 2 p.m. CDT, USDA's Economic Research Service will release their monthly commodity outlooks for feed grains, oil crops, wheat, as well as others.

Weather

A cold front stretches from the Texas Panhandle into the Midwest where scattered showers and thunderstorms will be ongoing throughout the day Wednesday. A system in the Southwest will move into the Plains, spreading more precipitation throughout the region as well.

Ag Lending Continues Growing in Q2

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:46:12 +0000

Agricultural lending at U.S. commercial banks continued to grow during the second quarter of 2026, while farm loan performance remained relatively stable. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shows total outstanding agricultural loans reached 206.27 billion dollars, up 2.1 percent from the first quarter and 3.8 percent from a year earlier. Farm real estate loans totaled 122.26 billion dollars, increasing 4.5 percent year over year. Non-real estate farm loans, which help finance production, equipment, and livestock, reached 84 billion dollars, up 2.8 percent from a year ago. At banks specializing in agricultural lending, delinquency rates declined from the first quarter but remained close to year-earlier levels. Those banks also reported wider net interest margins during the quarter. Higher yields on earning assets supported the quarterly improvement, while lower funding costs accounted for much of the increase over the year. The figures point to continued growth in farm credit, with loan quality showing little change from last year.

Higher Corn Yield Forecast Pressures Prices, NCGA Calls For Action

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:45:50 +0000

The USDA’s October supply and demand report raised its forecast for 2026 corn yields by 2.7 bushels per acre, sending corn prices lower following the release. National Corn Growers Association President Matt Frostic says the price drop adds pressure to farmers already dealing with high production costs, including diesel fuel and fertilizer. Frostic is urging Congress to prioritize passage of year-round E15 legislation and a new farm bill when lawmakers return to Washington in November. He says both measures could help support corn demand and provide greater certainty for farm programs as growers work through a difficult economic year. Beyond year-round E15, NCGA is also pursuing longer-term demand opportunities in maritime fuel and sustainable aviation fuel. Frostic says the organization is ready to work with the Trump administration, elected officials, and industry partners to strengthen U.S. corn and ethanol competitiveness in global markets.

Dairy Innovation Grants Face New Funding Hurdle

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:45:33 +0000

A new federal funding requirement could put grants for small and medium-sized dairy businesses at risk, prompting Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin to call for the USDA to reverse course. USDA’s fiscal year 2026 funding notice requires the nation’s four Dairy Business Innovation Centers to provide a 25 percent cash match to receive federal funding, with each center potentially responsible for up to one million dollars. The centers, located in Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee, and California, say they lack the resources to meet the requirement, threatening their ability to award grants and provide business assistance. Baldwin is asking USDA to reissue the funding notice without the matching requirement. She created the program through legislation included in the 2018 Farm Bill. Since 2019, the centers have awarded more than 106 million dollars in grants to 911 dairy businesses, supporting services such as product development, marketing, and business planning. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association also warns the new requirement could jeopardize the program.

USDA Projects Long-Term Decline In Global Food Insecurity

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:45:10 +0000

The USDA projects global food insecurity will decline over the next decade, although hundreds of millions of people will continue to struggle to access enough food. USDA’s Economic Research Service estimates 884.4 million people, or 19.5 percent of the population across 83 low- and middle-income countries, will face food insecurity in 2026. The agency expects food insecurity rates to decline in most countries this year compared with 2025, partly due to rising per capita incomes and easing food price inflation. However, local disruptions and deeper economic vulnerabilities could worsen conditions in some areas, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Looking ahead, USDA projects the number of food-insecure people in the countries studied will fall 33.4 percent by 2036, reaching about 589 million people, or 11.4 percent of the population. The agency’s Global Food Assessment also identifies countries where domestic production cannot meet food demand, highlighting potential opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports.

Lawmakers Push For Reallocation Of Lost Renewable Fuel Volumes

noreply@blogger.com (JWF) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:44:51 +0000

A bipartisan group of 39 lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small-refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois led the effort, asking the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to propose a supplemental rule by October 15. The rule would reallocate blending volumes lost after nearly three dozen small refineries received exemptions in August. The Renewable Fuels Association says maintaining strong renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027 is important for farm demand, rural jobs, and energy security. In their letter, lawmakers argued that biofuel demand helps support commodity prices and rural manufacturing. They also cited potential savings for drivers, saying E15 averages 30 cents per gallon less than E10, while B20 biodiesel runs about 11 cents less than regular diesel. The letter was signed by 23 Republicans and 16 Democrats, reflecting bipartisan support for the request.