Biofuel Groups Push Back Against Proposed RFS Waivers

Farm and biofuel groups are warning that requests to waive federal biofuel-blending requirements could hurt grain demand and rural economies. Agri-Pulse reports that Louisiana and Alabama governors are asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to partially waive 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements, citing high fuel prices. Agricultural groups are disputing claims that renewable fuel requirements drive up pump prices, reports Progressive Farmer. The American Soybean Association warns that granting the waivers could strike a major blow to domestic soybean markets. According to AgWeb, biofuel groups fear the requests could trigger other states to seek exemptions, reducing demand for ethanol and biodiesel. Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp says the timing is particularly concerning as soybean processing and biodiesel production ramp up. Reuters reports that the governors argue compliance costs increase fuel prices. However, the Renewable Fuels Association says previous waiver requests failed to demonstrate severe economic harm.

October Tractor Sales Show Mixed Results

U.S. agricultural equipment sales were mixed in October. Four-wheel-drive tractor sales did provide a bright spot, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. AEM releases tractor and combine sales reports monthly as an indicator of agricultural equipment market activity. U.S. sales of four-wheel-drive tractors increased 7.7% compared to October 2025. However, total agricultural tractor sales slipped 0.5%, while combine sales fell 9.6%. In Canada, four-wheel-drive tractor sales rose 2.7%, but total tractor sales declined 4.2% and combine sales dropped 7.5%. AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades says the gains in four-wheel-drive tractors are encouraging, but the agricultural equipment market continues to face challenges. He points to ongoing trade questions as another source of market volatility. But he says the industry is resilient and remains committed to equipment modernization. 

USDA Steps Up Screwworm Defense with Hiring Push

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hiring 228 employees for a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, Texas. This is as efforts intensify to keep New World screwworm out of the United States. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the facility will strengthen the nation's ability to fight the livestock pest by increasing domestic production of sterile flies. Applicants can apply through USAJobs.gov or attend a hiring event in McAllen, Texas, November 17-19. The facility, located at Moore Air Base, is expected to begin production in 2027, initially producing 100 million sterile flies per week. Once fully operational, capacity is expected to reach 300 million per week. The sterile insect technique uses irradiation to sterilize flies, preventing them from reproducing. USDA says the approach has been a cornerstone of screwworm eradication efforts for decades. Construction is expected to be completed in April 2027.

Shrinking Barge Fleet Could Threaten U.S. Grain Exports

A shrinking barge fleet and rising replacement costs could threaten U.S. grain exports and put more pressure on farm profitability. This is according to a new report from CoBank. The U.S. inland barge fleet has declined nearly 7.6% over the past decade to 19,668 vessels. Meanwhile, the average barge age has increased to 17.6 years. CoBank says 500 to 1,000 barges are retired annually, compared with about 410 new vessels built each year. Replacement costs are also climbing, with a new grain hopper barge now costing roughly $1 million or more. CoBank grains and oilseeds economist Tanner Ehmke says tighter barge availability could increase transportation costs, weaken grain basis levels, and delay shipments. The report also points to recurring low water levels on the Mississippi River and aging infrastructure as additional challenges for grain transportation.

Thanksgiving Traditions Could Open Doors for U.S. Food Exports

Thanksgiving traditions could help open doors for U.S. agricultural exports in international markets. Michelle Beckering, Acting Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, says the uniquely American holiday creates opportunities to promote turkey and other traditional staples overseas. She says USDA’s foreign offices work with local grocery chains to host Thanksgiving-themed promotions, featuring products such as turkey, cranberries, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin desserts. Beckering says international consumers enjoy participating in the cultural experience, creating interest that can translate into purchases of American food products. She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with foreign consumers and buyers through those promotions. Conversations about how different cultures prepare and enjoy food can help strengthen connections and expand market opportunities. Beckering says food serves as a universal language that can bring people and cultures together.

Partnership Aims to Expand Conservation in Potato Production

Rural Investment to Protect our Environment – aka RIPE – has joined the Potato Sustainability Alliance as an environmental NGO member. RIPE is a producer-led conservation organization focused on advancing fair value for voluntary agricultural stewardship. Its work aims to support practical, science-based solutions to improve soil health, protect water resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase conservation practices on working lands. Morgan Wrich, RIPE Director of Industry Engagement and Nebraska farmer, says the organization looks forward to working with the alliance to expand conservation efforts across commodities and regions. The Potato Sustainability Alliance works to define, measure, and advance sustainable potato production in the United States and Canada. Both organizations say the partnership will provide opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance meaningful sustainability efforts throughout the potato industry.

Friday Watch List

Markets

On Friday, USDA will start the morning with their delayed Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CST, with data for the week ending November 5. In the afternoon at 1 p.m. CST, USDA's Economic Research Service will release their monthly commodity outlooks for feed, oil crops, and wheat. As a reminder, the usual Friday afternoon CFTC update is delayed until Monday due to this week's Federal Veterans Day holiday on Wednesday.

Weather

A colder air mass is moving into the eastern half of the country on Friday. That is inducing lake-effect showers as a mix of rain and snow and will lead to frosts for southern areas this weekend. Meanwhile, systems are moving into the West which will make for a busier weather pattern for next week.