March 31, 2026
Ag Groups Welcome New RFS Volume Obligations
The Environmental Protection Agency released the long-awaited final Renewable Fuels Standard volume obligations for 2026 and 2027, and U.S. ag groups responded positively. “The final rule locks in the highest-ever renewable fuel volume obligations and provides clarity for farmers, ethanol producers, oil refiners, and fuel distributors alike,” said Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association. Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association, said the announcement, combined with the summertime E15 waiver last week, is a “positive move for the nation’s corn growers,” who are navigating an exceptionally difficult environment. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said, “These increased targets for biodiesel and renewable diesel send a strong signal to the marketplace and create meaningful new demand for America’s family farmers and ranchers.” Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association, said farmers “needed a win,” and this announcement delivered that win in a “big way.”
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Ag Retailers Applaud EPA Action on DEF Systems
The Agricultural Retailers Association welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s action to address diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system failures. The ARA called it a timely step to support farmers and agricultural retailers as spring planting gets underway. DEF system malfunctions have caused costly equipment downtime and operational disruptions across agriculture. The EPA’s action to remove the problematic sensor requirement will help keep equipment running and reduce unnecessary delays in the field. “America’s agricultural retailers and growers continue to face high fuel costs and tight margins,” said ARA President and CEO Darren Coppock. “This commonsense relief will help them stay productive and profitable at a critical time of the year.” ARA also emphasized that the timing of the announcement is especially important as farmers prepare for and begin spring planting. ARA’s Board of Directors recently ratified this issue as a policy priority for 2026.
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U.S. Hog Inventory Up Slightly in February
As of March 1, there were 74.3 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up slightly from March 2025 but down one percent from December 1, 2025. That’s according to the recent USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Other key findings in the report included that of the 74.3 million hogs and pigs, 68.4 million were market hogs, while 5.89 million were kept for breeding. Between December 2025 and February 2026, 33.2 million pigs were weaned on U.S. farms, up one percent from the same period one year earlier. From December through February, hog and pig producers weaned an average of 11.9 pigs per litter. U.S. producers intend to have 2.86 million sows farrow between March and May 2026, and 2.9 million farrow between June and August of this year. Iowa had the largest state inventory at 24.7 million head.
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Sheep Funding Opportunity Available for Summer Fair Season
As fairs, festivals, and farmers’ markets ramp up across the country, the American Lamb Board is offering two funding opportunities to support local educational and promotional efforts that build awareness and drive demand for American lamb. ALB is proud to offer sponsorship funding for events that strengthen and grow the U.S. sheep industry. Organizations hosting events that include educational sessions, tours, or demonstrations, and networking opportunities are encouraged to apply. Requests should include a proposed agenda, event location, and event date. Sponsorship options include promotional materials, up to $400 in value. There’s a $750 and a $1,500 cash sponsorship. ALB also offers a matching promotional funding program designed to increase awareness and demand for American lamb through consumer-focused marketing and promotional efforts. Eligible projects include local consumer-facing promotional events, cooking classes, on-farm tours, and other opportunities. To apply, go to LambBoard.com.
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NACD Leadership Advocates for Locally-Led Conservation During Fly-In
The National Association of Conservation Districts leadership and over one hundred locally elected conservation district officials convened last week in Washington, D.C., for the NACD Annual Spring Fly-In. Conservation district officials and their associations engaged directly with members of Congress and federal agencies to advance priorities that strengthen America’s voluntary, locally-led conservation delivery system. As part of their advocacy efforts, conservation leaders underscored the importance of passing a farm bill that strengthens local conservation, maintains a strong FY 2027 funding for NRCS conservation operations, invests in the conservation workforce and local delivery infrastructure, and ensures federal programs remain flexible and responsive to local priorities. “The current model works because it is locally led, partnership-driven, and grounded in trust,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “It depends on strong, sustained investment to continue delivering results.”
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Dry Weather to Continue in the Central and Southern U.S.
National Weather Service maps show that very dry weather will continue across most of western Nebraska, which has already been hit by devastating wildfires. The dry weather will stretch down into the Southern Plains early this week. Red flag fire danger warnings have already been issued in multiple regions amid a forecast of very dry and windy weather. Winds in west-central Nebraska are forecast early this week at 10 to 20 miles per hour, gusting as high as 35 mph. The relative humidity will drop as low as ten percent, and temperatures early this week will climb to almost 90 degrees in multiple locations. Southwestern Kansas will have wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour, while the humidity will fall to around eight percent. “Any fires that develop will catch and spread very quickly in these conditions,” the National Weather Service said in an announcement.
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