Poll Reveals Record Voter Support for E15

A new national survey shows record-high voter support for expanding access to E15, the 15 percent ethanol fuel blend, and making it available year-round. The Renewable Fuels Association says 75 percent of registered voters support wider availability of E15, while more than seven in ten favor federal legislation allowing year-round sales. Only 11 percent opposed the proposals. "The message from voters is unmistakable: Americans want lower-cost options at the pump, and they see E15 as part of the solution," said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. "The Senate has a clear opportunity to deliver what voters want by making E15 available year-round." Support crossed party lines, with 75 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of Democrats favoring expanded E15 access. The survey also found strong interest in higher ethanol blends, with 57 percent of voters saying they'd consider a flex-fuel vehicle for their next purchase, compared to 43 percent who expressed interest in an electric vehicle.

America Continues Losing Farmland at a Rapid Pace

America’s farmland continues to face pressure from development and ownership changes, even as millions of acres remain in agricultural use. Since 1982, cropland, pastureland, and rangeland have declined, while developed land has increased by nearly 48 million acres, or 66 percent, a land mass roughly the size of Nebraska. While some acres shift between cropland, pasture, and the Conservation Reserve Program, land converted to housing, roads, and industrial uses is far less likely to return to production. At the same time, access to farmland is becoming a growing concern for farmers and ranchers. Over two million landowners rented out nearly 348 million acres for agriculture in 2024, with non-operating landlords controlling 79 percent of rented acres. More than one-third of those landlords are age 75 or older, raising questions about succession planning, rental access, and affordability for young and beginning farmers. Analysts say the issue is no longer just farmland loss, but who will have access to farm it in the future.

First Train Shipment of Soy Oil Marks a Significant Milestone

Ag Processing Inc., or AGP, has reached a major milestone at its new soybean processing facility in David City, Nebraska, shipping the first-ever U.S. unit train of soybean oil. The cooperative says the shipment highlights its investment in value-added agriculture and renewable fuels while creating additional demand for soybeans grown by its farmer-members. The David City plant, which opened in 2025, was designed to efficiently load unit trains of both soybean meal and soybean oil. "This milestone reflects what AGP has always been about, finding innovative ways to create more value for our cooperative owners while serving the evolving needs of our customers," said Senior Vice President of Oils and Energy Courtney Lawrenson. The announcement comes as demand for soybean oil continues to grow following EPA's increased biomass-based diesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard. AGP says the expanded rail capacity will strengthen domestic supply chains while supporting renewable diesel and biodiesel production.

More Meat Processors Adopt USDA’s Product of the USA Label

Ten more meat and poultry processors have adopted USDA's voluntary “Product of USA” label, expanding a program designed to help shoppers identify products that are truly sourced and processed in the United States. The label can only be used on meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the U.S., giving consumers greater confidence they're supporting American farmers and ranchers. "When American families buy American products, they should know exactly what they're getting," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. "Every new company that adopts this label represents another win for America's ranchers, processors, and rural communities." USDA also says the program has gained momentum since launching a nationwide awareness campaign earlier this year. Officials say the labeling initiative provides greater transparency for consumers while helping U.S. livestock producers receive recognition for raising animals that are entirely American from birth through processing.

National FFA Organization Names American Star Awards Finalists

The National FFA Organization has named the 16 finalists for its 2026 American Star Awards, recognizing the organization's highest-achieving student members. The finalists will compete in four categories: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement, and American Star in Agriscience. The awards honor students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, management skills, and success through their Supervised Agricultural Experience, or SAE, programs. SAEs provide hands-on learning through activities such as operating an agricultural business, working in the industry through internships, or conducting agricultural research projects. The American Star Awards are considered the highest achievement among recipients of the American FFA Degree, recognizing the very best of more than one million FFA members nationwide. Winners will be selected following interviews with a panel of judges and announced during the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this fall.

EPA Proposes Changes to Diesel Engine Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing changes to diesel engine rules it says could save the trucking industry $12 billion, while lowering transportation costs for farmers and rural businesses. If approved, the proposal would eliminate engine deratements caused by Diesel Exhaust Fluid system failures and revise emissions warranty requirements. EPA estimates the changes could save up to $6,000 on the purchase of a new truck while maintaining most nitrogen oxide emissions reductions. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the plan will make trucks more reliable while reducing costs for operators. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins welcomed the proposal, saying, "Administrator Zeldin is continuing to deliver for our nation's farmers, ranchers, and truckers. This proposal to eliminate engine deratements and reform the Biden-era DEF requirements will lower costs, increase safety, and keep our nation's food supply moving." EPA is also proposing additional time for manufacturers to comply with certain emissions requirements.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

On Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. CDT, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the June Consumer Price Index report, with economists expecting a cooler inflation reading compared to May as a result of the temporary ceasefire in the Middle East through June. At 2 p.m. CDT, USDA's Economic Research Service will release a series of follow-ups to last week's WASDE such as the Oil Crops, Feed, and Wheat outlooks for July.

Weather

An extreme heatwave continues to spread across northern areas of the country on Tuesday. Widespread heat from Montana to Maine will result in some significant heat stress for developing crops, especially in the Northern Plains. A weakness across the South and Southeast will cause more showers and thunderstorms to develop throughout the day, putting a cap on the heat down there.