Vaden: Supportive Biofuel Regulations Coming Soon

Farmers waiting for strong biofuel-blending rules from the Environmental Protection Agency and pro-E15 legislation from Congress may not have to wait much longer. Agri-Pulse reported that during a talk at the University of Arkansas, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen (Steven) Vaden said the wait may be coming to an end soon. The EPA’s final biofuel regulations for this year and the next will likely be the “most pro-biofuel rule put in place by any White House,” Vaden said during his speech. “This will help drive momentum for Congress to finally pass legislation to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol fuel blends, known as E15.” Vaden, the second-highest ranking official at USDA, said he’s also optimistic about the demand outlook for airplane fuel made from U.S. agricultural products. Japan’s recent agreement to buy American sustainable aviation fuel has already led to at least one proposal to build a SAF plant in the United States.  

Trade Associations Ask for Finalized RFS

Six trade associations wrote a letter to the White House asking President Trump to unleash U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production to bolster America’s energy security during the Iran conflict. The disruption in the global oil market is constraining diesel fuel supplies, which threatens to raise the cost of all U.S. consumer goods and further harm the U.S. agriculture sector as farmers start the season’s planting. Immediately finalizing the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standards would encourage the U.S. fuel industry to quickly ramp up enough production capacity to meet three percent of the nation’s demand for diesel. The letter was signed by Clean Fuels Alliance America, the American Soybean Association, and many other groups. “The biodiesel, renewable diesel, and the SAF industry is ready to meet the challenge of providing crucial supplies of diesel fuel free from overseas threats,” the groups wrote in the letter. 

Land Values Drop in Nebraska

The value of agricultural land in Nebraska dropped one percent over the past year to an average of $3,095 per acre as of February 1. That’s according to a preliminary report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It’s the second consecutive year of declining land values since the market topped at $4,015 per acre in 2024. Land industry professionals who participated in this year’s survey attributed the decline to lower crop prices, higher farm input costs, and prevailing interest rates. “Many operations are facing tighter liquidity as crop revenues decline while input costs remain elevated,” said Jim Jansen, an extension ag economist for the University of Nebraska. “Those conditions are leading producers and lenders to take a more cautious approach when navigating these financial pressures.” The report found that cropland values generally declined across Nebraska over the past year as tighter crop margins weighed on land markets. “Flexible lease provision can help manage price risks,” he added.

FFA Members Prepare to Celebrate National Ag Day

Four national FFA members will represent the voice of agricultural youth in Washington, D.C., during the National Ag Day Celebration on March 24. National Ag Day is a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by U.S. agriculture. This year’s event theme is “Together We Grow.” It honors 250 years of agricultural progress since the U.S. was established. “National Agriculture Day shines a spotlight on the people and innovations that make agriculture a vital part of our nation,” said Celya (SEEL-yah) Glowacki, the National FFA Manager of Advocacy, Literacy, and Ag-Based Experiences. “We’re proud that our National FFA SpeakAg Pioneers will be in D.C. to share their perspectives and help tell agriculture’s story from their own unique viewpoint.” She added that their voices represent the future of the industry, and FFA is excited to see them engage with leaders on a national stage. 

RFA Releases “What They’re Saying” Report on E15

The Renewable Fuels Association released a comprehensive “What They’re Saying” report on E15. It features dozens of statements from members of Congress, President Trump, administration officials, Governors, and industry leaders on the urgent need to pass year-round E15 legislation immediately. 

“As this report shows, there is broad bipartisan support and growing urgency for legislation that would finally allow year-round, nationwide sales of lower-cost E15,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “There is widespread agreement that the time to act on E15 is right now.“ He also said for the sake of America’s farmers and consumers facing higher prices at the gas pump, Congress must act immediately to allow non-fettered access to E15. Cooper noted that drivers who have access to E15 today are saving as much as 10–40 cents per gallon, on average, with some stations offering even larger discounts. 

Thursday Watch List

Markets

USDA will release their weekly Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. After the close, USDA will also release both their weekly and monthly livestock slaughter reports at 2 p.m. CDT. Otherwise, traders will remain in tune throughout the session to updates regarding the conflict in the Middle East.

Weather

Outside of a few showers in the eastern Midwest and Northeast, quiet weather is expected for Thursday. In that quiet weather, record-warm air in the Southwest will continue to build eastward through the country.

Strike Begins at Major Colorado Meatpacker

Striking workers hit the streets on Monday to picket against JBS in Greeley, Colorado. Reuters said it’s a rare labor stoppage at an American meatpacking plant and may be a sign of upheaval in the U.S. beef industry. The union that represents almost 4,000 employees at the beef processor said it’s the first time in forty years that American meatpacking employees have gone on strike. “Workers have taken on the company over wage increases they say fall short of the rate of inflation, and over charges of inadequate safety equipment,” Reuters reported. “JBS, the world’s largest meat company, said it has made a fair offer.” The dispute will cut down on American beef production capacity right when consumers face record prices for hamburgers and steaks. Industry analysts say tight cattle supplies have forced processors to pay steep prices for cattle, which will likely leave JBS motivated to resolve the strike quickly.