In his final days as Ag Secretary, Tom Vilsack has released an interim rule for biofuel feedstocks. The industry has been waiting for the move, and Vilsack says it will put farmers back in the driver’s seat.
One of the most notable changes surrounds the 40-B credit for sustainable jet fuel. USDA has lifted the bundling requirement, something the industry has been asking for. In previous versions, only corn ethanol qualified for the tax credit if multiple scenarios were met. The new rule would also allow sorghum as a feedstock option. Vilsack says these changes should set the industry up on a proper path.
“Agriculture now is in a position to say that if we use corn in this county and we use it in a no-till circumstance, we use the properly timed fertilizer. This is the benefit to the ethanol production facility that we’ll be producing. They, in turn, can document to whoever’s purchasing saf that, in fact, it results in a CI score that is more than 50% efficient relative to current jet fuel.”
This interim rule is open for discussion, and USDA will take public comment for the next 60 days.
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Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
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Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
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New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
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According to multiple reports, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a bid for Minnesota governor. If elected, this would open a key seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
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Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
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