FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO (RFD NEWS) — Corn growers are pressing Congress to advance the Farm Bill as producers face high input costs and a challenging farm economy.
The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026, also known as Farm Bill 2.0, on Sept. 16, moving the legislation toward consideration by the full Senate. The bill includes language allowing year-round E15 sales.
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share that corn growers in Washington this week are emphasizing the need for both the Farm Bill and year-round E15.
In his interview with RFD News, Bower said the organization considers the passage of the Farm Bill and year-round E15 a key finish line for the year.
“Every step is one step closer,” Bower said.
He credited Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and other supporters for advancing the legislation and said NCGA is looking to Senate leadership to move the Farm Bill forward.
NCGA said after the committee vote that the legislation includes several corn grower priorities, including language allowing year-round E15.
High input costs pressure corn growers
Bower described the 2026 corn crop as the most expensive crop he has planted, raised and harvested. He said he is already pricing inputs for next year’s crop and expects costs could be even higher.
“Next year might outdo this year,” Bower said.
He said producers across rural America are looking for legislation that can provide relief while also increasing demand for agricultural commodities.
Diesel costs add pressure during harvest
Bower singled out diesel prices as a major concern for farmers heading into harvest.
“I don’t even know how to describe the diesel price right now,” Bower said. “It’s truly almost unbelievable.”
He said fuel costs are particularly concerning because producers use more diesel during harvest than at other points of the growing season.
Bower said farmers are focused on keeping equipment moving and getting the crop harvested before weather creates additional problems.
“We’ve got to get this crop off, get it in the bins, and try to do the best job we can with marketing of what we have,” he said.
E15 could increase corn demand
Bower said expanded access to E15 would matter for corn growers because it could increase corn demand. He also pointed to potential benefits for consumers at the pump.
“E15, as you said, it definitely is going to help with gas prices for not only farmers, but consumers around the country,” Bower said.
NCGA has identified year-round E15 as a priority, saying the provision in the Senate Farm Bill would allow year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol.
Bower said additional corn demand would be particularly important as farmers finish a crop that he expects could still leave substantial supplies available after harvest.
“Anytime we can increase that demand and use up the corn, we have hopefully that’ll equate to better prices for farmers across the country,” he said.
NCGA wants year-round E15 to remain a priority
Bower said year-round E15 is the organization’s top priority as the Farm Bill moves forward.
“There were a lot of provisions that came forth in the Big Beautiful Bill. We really appreciated that, but we’re also, you know, we’re going to continue to have these conversations,” Bower said.
He said NCGA plans to continue talking with lawmakers, including senators outside the Corn Belt, about the potential impact of E15 and other agricultural policies.
NCGA previously urged the Senate Agriculture Committee to advance the Farm Bill, specifically highlighting the inclusion of year-round E15.
Harvest begins in Southwest Ohio
Bower said crop conditions in his area of Southwest Ohio have generally been positive following a warm and wet latter part of the summer.
He said producers are beginning to see some disease concerns, but the area has made significant fungicide applications.
“I think overall I think we’re going to have some pretty good quality corn in our area,” Bower said.
He said yields also appear promising based on reports from neighboring farms.
Bower had not yet started harvest because of his work in Washington but expected to begin Monday, weather permitting.
