American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement regarding small refinery exemptions, which impact renewable fuel production.
“Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the country and the rural economy. The Renewable Fuel Standard has reduced our country’s dependence on foreign oil, reduced air pollution, increased farm income, and provided good-paying jobs in rural America.”
Read MoreThe president of the American Farm Bureau Federation says farmers might need more federal assistance to make it through 2026.
Zippy Duvall tells Brownfield “I’m beginning to hear in the last few weeks, especially in the southeast part of the country starting with the Bootheel of Missouri south, it’s time for the USDA and President Trump to start talking about that.”
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that it will revise Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) guidelines for manufacturers of heavy trucks and off-road equipment. Manufacturers will be directed to update software in equipment that uses DEF to prevent them from losing power.
Read MoreTen innovation-driven enterprises will go head-to-head for the top prize of $100,000 in the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, continues to encourage agricultural innovation through the Challenge.
Read MoreThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made several important changes to the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z). Most notably, it extended the credit through 2029, providing biofuels producers with an additional two years of investment beyond the original 2027 expiration date. While the credit still has no requirements to pass through any of the credit to farmers and feedstock producers, the OBBBA clarified key provisions related to feedstock eligibility, emissions measurement and credit calculation, which are especially relevant for U.S. farmers. This Market Intel analyzes what the changes to 45Z mean for farmers.
Read More“Earthworms make me happy,” Ryan Britt says as he turns over a handful of dark soil. “You see that?” He points to an earthworm before returning it safely to a field of cover crops. “It didn’t look like this 20 years ago.” Twenty years ago, Ryan and his dad set out to restore the health of the soil on their family farm with regenerative agriculture practices. It’s a journey that continues today.
Read MoreUSDA’s just-released July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report incorporates updated planted and harvested acreage figures from the June 30 Acreage report. This Market Intel analyzes both the June Acreage and July WASDE reports and explains what the updates mean for U.S. agriculture.
Read MoreFarmers have until July 25 to submit nominations for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the eighth year of the contest, supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.
The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the reconciliation package. Farmers and ranchers are the foundation of America’s food supply chain, and they need the certainty that this legislation will provide. Improvements to farm safety net programs that reflect today’s agricultural economy and maintaining important tax provisions will directly benefit farm and ranch families.”
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities.
The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, Jan. 9-14, 2026.
Read MoreFamilies celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.
This is down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost. At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013.
Read MoreEscalating tensions between Iran and Israel have reignited concerns about global energy and input flows through the Middle East, placing renewed geopolitical stress on one of the world’s most critical shipping routes: the Strait of Hormuz. On June 22, Iran’s parliament voted in favor of closing the strait following U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes. Although tensions appear to have temporarily eased, the situation remains volatile, and disruptions to petroleum and fertilizer shipments could resume with little warning.
Read MoreThe U.S. agricultural trade deficit is widening in 2025, driven by shifting global trade dynamics and rising import demand. USDA's Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade: May 2025 report provides projections for exports and imports, offering insight into current trade trends. From January through April, the United States imported $78.2 billion in agricultural products while exporting just $58.5 billion. This $19.7 billion deficit is the largest ever recorded for the first four months of a year and signals that the 2025 deficit could surpass previous records.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Department of Labor suspending a rule dubbed the Farmworker Protection Act, which failed to live up to its name and was initially struck down by a district court.
Read MoreAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today expressed concern over reports that immigration enforcement focus will resume on farms and ranches.
“President Trump recently emphasized agriculture faces unique circumstances that warrant a different approach to enforcement practices. Agriculture is inherently labor intensive – farmers cannot care for crops and animals without the contributions of the men and women willing to do the hard work.”
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