Year-Round E15 is Overdue

U.S. sales of E15 gasoline reached a record 1.52 billion gallons in 2025, up 23 percent from the previous year. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, growth was driven by more stations offering E15 and higher per-station sales. Iowa led the surge, with sales jumping 60 percent to more than 410 million gallons. Minnesota drivers bought an estimated 169 million gallons, bringing the two-state total to 579 million gallons. Nationwide, about 4,600 stations offered E15 by the end of 2025. Lower prices, often 25 cents per gallon cheaper than regular gasoline, and federal infrastructure funding also boosted demand. However, regulatory uncertainty remains a barrier. Temporary summer waivers allow E15 sales, but a lack of permanent approval has slowed broader adoption. Industry groups continue to push for federal legislation enabling year-round nationwide sales. A September 2025 study showed full adoption of E15 would add $25.8 billion to U.S. GDP. 

Five-Year Fertilizer Duty Review is Underway

A five-year review of countervailing duties on phosphate imports from Morocco and Russia is underway. Agri-Pulse reported that fertilizer producers Mosaic and Simplot say they’re in favor of keeping the duties in place. The tariffs range from 16.6 percent to over 47 percent, and have been in place since 2021 when Mosaic filed a countervailing duty case. The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration and the International Trade Commission are assessing whether the duties are still necessary as the fees are up for a five-year sunset review. National Today reported that Nutrien, one of the largest U.S. producers, said it’s time to lift the tariffs. “The company now says that based on evolving global phosphate supply and demand dynamics since 2021, removing the tariffs would be a constructive step to support U.S. farmers and agricultural productivity,” National Today said.

Grazing Agreement Cuts Red Tape for Ranchers

The American Farm Bureau Federation is backing a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior aimed at improving grazing access on public lands. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will strengthen collaboration between ranchers and federal agencies while expanding access to grazing areas. “Public lands grazing supports livestock production, helps reduce wildfire risks, and bolsters rural economies across the western United States,” Duvall said. The agreement is also intended to streamline the permitting process by reducing delays, increasing transparency, and improving efficiency in approvals. Industry leaders say these changes will help ranchers better meet demand for beef and other protein sources while maintaining responsible land use. Supporters view the initiative as a step toward more effective land management and stronger partnerships between government agencies and agricultural producers.

Applications Open for the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute

The National Farmers Union is accepting applications for its Beginning Farmer Institute, a free ten-week online program designed to strengthen farm and ranch businesses. Open to producers ages 18 and older, the competitive program offers weekly training, peer networking, and one-on-one technical assistance. Participants complete expert-led sessions based on The Resilerator, a program of California FarmLink, which includes video lessons and live discussions focused on business management running from October through December. Applicants must submit a resume, reference letter, and essay outlining their operations and future goals. A review panel will evaluate submissions, with admission decisions announced by September 1, 2026. Accepted participants must also pass a background check. Graduates who complete all requirements may be invited to an additional in-person session featuring advanced training, farm tours, and networking opportunities with Farmers Union leadership. For more information or to sign up, go to nfu.org.

USDA’s FAS Awards Over $8 Million for Market Expansion

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has announced that more than $8.4 million in funding is available to support U.S. agricultural exports through three programs: the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, Emerging Markets Program, and Quality Samples Program. The funding aims to help farmers and producers overcome technical trade barriers, expand access to international markets, and meet rising global demand for U.S. agricultural goods. Officials say the programs have a proven track record of delivering measurable export growth. “These programs drive growth for U.S. agricultural exports, giving American farmers and ranchers the tools they need to break through unnecessary trade barriers and explore new markets,” said USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen rural economies and improve the U.S. agricultural trade balance by increasing global competitiveness.

Crop Insurance Deadlines are Approaching

The USDA is urging agricultural producers to review and finalize crop insurance decisions ahead of upcoming sales closing deadlines for the 2027 crop year. Key dates vary by crop and location, with major deadlines set for May 1, May 15, July 15, and July 31. Officials recommend producers contact their insurance agents soon, as coverage selections and policy changes must be completed by the applicable closing date. The Risk Management Agency provides tools to help farmers navigate deadlines and coverage options, including the Actuarial Information Browser and the RMA Map Viewer, which outline important reporting and planting dates. Federal crop insurance remains a cornerstone of the farm safety net, offering protection against revenue losses and production risks. Available options include yield coverage, revenue protection, and area risk plans, helping producers maintain financial stability and supporting rural economies. For more information, go to rma.usda.gov.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Tuesday looks to be a quiet day for reports. Investors and traders will be closely following updates to the situation in the Middle East, with President Trump's deadline for Iran to agree to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz set to expire at 7 p.m. CDT Tuesday evening.

Weather

A little disturbance is bringing a mix of rain and snow from southern Iowa into southern Illinois early Tuesday morning. That will wind down by midday, but we may see some additional showers Tuesday night in the same areas. This disturbance is ahead of a storm system that is moving through the Canadian Prairies with scattered showers that should move into the Northern Plains by Tuesday night.