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👉 NEWS
The federal 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, which rewards ethanol plants for using low-carbon corn, faced major repeal threats earlier this year. House proposals sought to eliminate the credit, but a bipartisan Senate package ultimately spared 45Z and extended it through 2031—with some tightening expected around eligibility.
✅ THE WHAT, WHYs & WHOs
With 45Z locked in (for now), ethanol buyers are actively looking to line up corn that can qualify for these premiums. That means they’ll be paying more for bushels grown with documented low-carbon practices—think cover crops, poultry litter, reduced tillage, precision nutrient management. Growers who start recording practices this season will be first in line to capture those premiums.
✅ WHAT TO DOs
Encourage your growers to document 2025 practices starting NOW—and position Return® poultry litter and regen practices as essential tools to help lower carbon intensity scores. With political uncertainty still swirling around 45Z, the window to lock in this value stream is likely shorter than the current policy suggests. Now’s the time to act.
OTHER STORIES
🌾 Southern MN Crops Bouncing Back After May Weather Swings
👉 What’s Happening: After a bumpy May, southern MN crops are rebounding fast. Corn has greened up and is progressing well. Soybean emergence is strong after a delayed start. Alfalfa harvest is wrapping with solid regrowth and minimal pest pressure.
✅ Action Step: Right now is prime time for nutrient apps — poultry litter and sidedress N. Fields are catching up fast — don’t miss this window.
📜 Minnesota Ag Budget Signed Into Law
👉 What’s Happening: On May 23, Gov. Walz signed a $164M ag budget — funding small farms, local food systems, farm-to-school programs, and soil health initiatives (cover crops, nutrient management).
✅ Action Step: Growers should connect with their SWCD offices now — new grant windows are opening soon.
🌱 Regen Practices Deliver Biodiversity Gains
👉 What’s Happening: New research shows regenerative practices — cover cropping, compost, no‑till — boost biodiversity, strengthen pollination, reduce pests, and improve soil health.
✅ Action Step: Frame this as an added value when building out the ROI case for your growers.
THE FIELDS REPORT
JUNE: Storms, heat on deck, and weeds ready to run.
🌧️ Rain Soaker Start
1–2"+ rain hit most of S MN June 6–11. Soil profiles full—watch low spots.
⚡ Storm Pulse Incoming
More scattered heavy storms June 12–15. Flash flooding possible—scout for ponding.
☁️ Cool Pause, Then Heat
Cooler June 14–16, but models show heat building late month. Water demand will spike.
🌱 Crop Growth Jump
Corn greening fast, beans catching up. Weeds loving the weather too—stay on it.
🛟 Moisture Flip
S MN trending 1–2" above normal; NW MN still dry. Local variability = management opportunity.
CBOT NUMBERS
CORN
SEP: $3.84½ | DEC: $4.07
Summary: New-crop export sales are up 13% year over year, even as old-crop demand fades. Prices eased on cooler-weather forecasts, but global buyers are still in the market.
Outlook: Don’t wait for a weather rally that may not come—lock in profitable bushels now, and track low-CI practices to grab biofuel premiums (see our forthcoming guide on 45z).
SOYBEANS
SEP: $9.71⅜ | DEC: $9.77⅜
Summary: Beans popped to a two-week high on weather risk and a jump in soy oil. Export pace is still beating last year, even with China buying light.
Outlook: Strong crush and export demand point to solid support—secure September prices before harvest pressure sets in.
WHEAT
SEP: $5.18¼ | DEC: $5.39
Summary: Futures are climbing on tight HRW supply and aggressive export interest.
Outlook: Watch local basis closely—if bids firm, now could be the time to move wheat.
EVENTS
Hastings Kernza Field Day
Aug 14, 2025 | 📍 Hastings, MN
Explore Kernza—the perennial grain gaining traction for yield stability, soil health benefits, and diversification. Includes lunch with registration by Aug 1.
More Info
No-Till, No Problem: From 60-Inch Corn to Full-Season Forage (Hosted by SFA-MN)
Aug 20, 2025 | 📍 Hines, MN
A free, field-based learning on how wide-row corn and full-season forage can work together in a no-till system. Learn strategies for maximizing forage yield and soil health without tillage.
More Info
CLC Ag & Energy Center Field Day
Aug 29, 2025 | 📍 Staples, MN
Showcase of irrigation tech, soil conservation practices, energy-efficient farm systems, and cover crop demos.
More Info
UW–Madison Agronomy & Soils Field Day
Aug 27, 2025 | 📍 Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Arlington, WI
Theme: Profits and Progress—research-backed insights on crop management, weed control, and soil health ROI. Tours, drone demos, and CEUs available.
More Info
Cover Crop Drone Seeding Field Day
Aug 27, 2025 | 📍 Shenandoah, IA
Learn how drones can quickly establish cover crops, plus see rainfall simulator demos and hear expert talks.
More Info
Iowa State Fair
Aug 7–17, 2025 | 📍 Des Moines, IA
A major ag networking opportunity with exhibits, livestock shows, and education sessions.