All Ag, All Day is the nation's only full-time farm radio station with studios in Floydada and Nashville, TN (www.AllAgNews.com)
EPA Floats Reallocating SRE Volumes; RFA Applauds Proposal
WASHINGTON, DC – The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to add back renewable fuel gallons waived under Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) for 2023–2025 into future Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations, drawing support from the Renewable Fuels Association. EPA laid out two options: fully reallocate all exempted volumes to the 2026–2027 standards, or reallocate half. RFA President & CEO Geoff Cooper said the group favors full reallocation to “maintain intended levels of renewable fuel consumption” and avoid a destabilizing surge of excess RINs, while still minimizing market disruption. Once the supplemental proposal is published in the Federal Register, a 45-day public comment window will open.
For agriculture, restoring waived gallons would help preserve demand for corn ethanol and soy-based biodiesel/renewable diesel, particularly after a year of uncertainty around SREs. The agency signaled it wants to uphold congressional intent and protect RFS integrity, which could steady RIN values and bolster crush margins and coproduct demand. Stakeholders across farming, biofuels, and refining will now weigh in before EPA finalizes the approach for 2026–2027.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Full reallocation would be a positive for corn and soybean demand and RIN market stability; a half-reallocation would still help, but to a lesser degree. Watch for the Federal Register notice to track timing and next steps.
**********
Soybean Export Weakness Drives Rail Values To Lows
NASHVILLE, TN – October rail freight costs for grain have dropped to their lowest level in six years as sluggish soybean export demand weighs on the market. For the week ending September 4, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service reported BNSF shuttle values averaging $406 per car and Union Pacific shuttles at $250 per car. Both are more than $800 below their five-year averages for the same week. Analysts say improved service on the major railroads has also added to capacity, further reducing secondary market prices.
Other transport indicators show similar softness. Barge grain movements on the Mississippi totaled 361,000 tons, down 6% from the previous week and 9% from the same period last year. Gulf export loadings reached 26 vessels, 8% above the same period last year, though forward bookings suggest fewer ships ahead. Meanwhile, diesel fuel prices rose for the second consecutive week to $3.77 per gallon, although federal projections anticipate slight declines by the end of 2025 as global oil inventories expand.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Grain shippers face lower freight values thanks to weak soybean exports and strong rail service, but barge traffic and forward Gulf loadings suggest continued uncertainty as harvest ramps up.
**********
MAHA Movement Reshapes U.S. Food Policy And Markets
WASHINGTON, DC – The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is reshaping food policy in ways that bring both risks and opportunities for U.S. agriculture, according to new analysis from AgAmerica Lending. Originating during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2023 campaign and formalized with the MAHA Commission in 2025, the movement emphasizes nutrition over pharmaceuticals in addressing chronic disease, with ripple effects reaching farms and agribusiness.
For producers, MAHA’s influence has already surfaced in consumer demand for food free of seed oils, artificial dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ag groups warn that changes could cut corn prices by as much as 34 cents per bushel if HFCS use declines, with broader risks tied to tighter input regulations on pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. At the same time, opportunities are emerging through “Food is Medicine” initiatives, streamlined organic certification, and new local markets for specialty crops, dairy, and regenerative practices. Expanded subsidies in the One Big Beautiful Bill may help offset transition costs.
Farm-Level Takeaway: MAHA’s growing impact on food policy will likely challenge conventional practices but open doors for producers aligned with regenerative, organic, or local markets. Farmers should prepare for shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and new federal incentives tied to nutrition and health outcomes.
**********
Vegetable And Fruit Markets Show Mixed September Trends
NASHVILLE, TN – Produce markets are seeing a wide mix of price movement this week, according to US Foods. Leaf lettuce, iceberg lettuce, strawberries, limes, pineapples, avocados, and honeydews are all trending lower. By contrast, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, green onions, lemons, oranges, green beans, jalapeños, Roma tomatoes, cantaloupes, and several apple varieties are moving higher on steady-to-good demand.
Potatoes remain mostly steady, though russets out of Idaho and reds out of Minnesota softened. Onions are mixed, with Washington and Oregon supplies holding firm while Idaho lots edged lower. Cabbage from New York and green beans from the Northeast are experiencing stronger market demand. In the fruit market, California citrus is gaining ground, especially in lemons and oranges, while tropical imports like pineapples and avocados are experiencing weaker demand.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground. Fruit markets are split, with U.S. citrus gaining strength and tropical imports trending softer.
