EPA Grants RFS Exemptions, USDA Introduces New Rancher Intiative

Line on Agriculture
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted 1.76 billion gallons of exemptions from the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA plans to reallocate these volumes to 2026 and 2027 obligations, effectively neutralizing the impact.

Meanwhile, the USDA's Ranchers First Initiative introduces a new insurance option for ranchers to retain heifers for breeding, expands disaster assistance, supports small beef processors, and prioritizes American beef in federal procurement.

OSU Food Testing Sensor and SAWA Reaction Mixed

The Agribusiness Update
An electrochemical sensor developed at Oregon State University holds promise for food quality testing, and a Republican-backed ag labor bill is drawing mixed reactions as lawmakers debate changes to the H-2A farmworker program.

Georgia Interstate Shipment Agreement and SAWA Reaction Mixed

The Agribusiness Update
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and the State of Georgia have finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment agreement, and a Republican-backed ag labor bill is drawing mixed reactions as lawmakers debate changes to the H-2A farmworker program.

Year-Round E15 Sales and FFA Talent Pool

The Agribusiness Update
The Renewable Fuels Association applauds President Trump's latest call for Congress to approve permanent, year-round sales of E15 gas nationwide, and American businesses searching for skilled workers may be overlooking one of the country's largest talent pools: the National FFA.

PNW Fire Restrictions and EU Approves Tariff Suspension

The Agribusiness Update
Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and the European Union has approved a one-year suspension of tariffs on certain nitrogen fertilizer imports.

New Cotton Varieties and EU Approves Tariff Suspension

The Agribusiness Update
Cotton varieties with built-in color, greater heat resilience, and reduced reliance on water, fertilizers and pesticides will hopefully appeal to consumers, and the European Union has approved a one-year suspension of tariffs on certain nitrogen fertilizer imports.

Drought and AI Technology and FAA Drone Regulations

The Agribusiness Update
With California facing a below-average snowpack and recent warm temperatures some technologies and methods are emerging to help farmers adapt their irrigation practices, and the FAA is accelerating enforcement of drone regulations, a move that could have broad implications for farmers.

Georgia Peanut Commission Research Funding and FAA Drone Regulations

The Agribusiness Update
The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors has approved over $764,000 in research project funding for 2025-26, and the FAA is accelerating enforcement of drone regulations, a move that could have broad implications for farmers.

FAPRI Outlook Flags Tariff-Driven Uncertainty That Could Cut U.S. Biofuel Use in 2026

Line on Agriculture
The Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute's 2026 baseline outlook projects agricultural market trends over the next decade. University of Missouri agricultural economist Ben Brown discusses the implications for renewable fuels in the U.S.

Year Round E15 Importance

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Brian Glenn, director of government affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation, says Congress needs to quickly pass year-round E15.

California Farmworkers Day and Renewable Fuels Standard

The Agribusiness Update
California Farm Bureau recognized efforts in the state Legislature to honor farmworkers through the designation of Farmworkers Day, and EPA releases long-awaited final Renewable Fuels Standard volume obligations for 2026 and 27.

Georgia Farm Dog Contest and Renewable Fuels Standard

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Farm Bureau is looking to recognize a furry farm hero through its 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest, and EPA releases long-awaited final Renewable Fuels Standard volume obligations for 2026 and 27.

New Renewable Fuel Standards and Farm Bill Uncertainty

The Agribusiness Update
The EPA has finalized new renewable fuel standards to increase biofuel blending requirements and strengthen domestic energy production, and uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policies.

National Farmers Union Convention and Iran War and E15 Usage

The Agribusiness Update
Delegates to the National Farmers Union’s 124th annual convention unanimously re-elected Rob Larew as President, and the RFA urges White House to allow broader use of lower-cost, American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply.

E15 and Iran Confict

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The Iran-Middle East Conflict has given another argument FOR Congress to quickly approve year-round E15 sales.

National Ethanol Conference in Orlando and Advanced Materials for Farm Equipment

The Agribusiness Update
Speaking at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Renewable Fuels Association President Geoff Cooper

celebrates record 2025, and researchers are developing advanced materials that could make farm equipment lighter, stronger and more durable.

Superbowl Food Safety and Trump's Call for Year-Round E15

The Agribusiness Update
Super Bowl parties often feature takeout, delivery, and foods served over several hours, and theRenewable Fuels Association applauded President Trump for strongly reaffirming his support for America’s ethanol industry.

California Surpasses Japan as the World’s Fourth Largest Economy

California Ag Today
Farms, forests, fisheries, and renewable energy landscapes generate billions in economic value.

Australia Ramps Up Beef Exports and Federal Crop Insurance Updates

The Agribusiness Update
Australia is ramping up grain-fed beef exports just as U.S. production of beef declines, signaling a notable shift in global meat markets, and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced major updates to federal crop insurance that are set to take effect next year.

Australia Ramps Up Beef Exports and Federal Crop Insurance Updates

The Agribusiness Update
Australia is ramping up grain-fed beef exports just as U.S. production of beef declines, signaling a notable shift in global meat markets, and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced major updates to federal crop insurance that are set to take effect next year.