Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
“We came so close at the end of last year because we had that government funding bill going through that didn’t ultimately work out,” explained Rep. Smith. We’re looking for another vehicle there. I don’t want to give up on a standalone approach either, because I think it has a lot of bipartisan support. So, we’re examining all avenues as we move forward, making sure everyone is aware that this is a good thing. It has bipartisan support. It’s good for both consumers and producers. Let’s get this done.”
Rep. Smith explained that Presidents from both parties have offered waivers to states wanting to offer E-15 during the summer months, but he argues that’s not the same as getting it set in stone — and at the end of the day, he said, consumer choice is an essential part of the process.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
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House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
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From “right to repair” to investigations into the “Big Four” meatpackers, antitrust issues were a major legal topic in 2025 and promise to have a long-term impact on the agriculture industry in the future.
January 15, 2026 12:05 PM
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Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
January 15, 2026 11:47 AM
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Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
January 15, 2026 10:14 AM
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Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
January 14, 2026 01:49 PM
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