USMCA: From Lesly McNitt via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Agriculture had taken North American trade for granted once, and we vowed not to do it again. By all accounts, USMCA has been a vast improvement over the original NAFTA, while still delivering even more for agriculture. But I fear we are just waking up to the fact that USMCA is not guaranteed and a potentially big threat for farmers lingers just over the horizon. In this farm economy especially, Mexico and Canada are not markets that we can afford to lose.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aSpf0y (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
AG POLITICS
SOTU: Via Morning Ag Clips, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing served as Rep. Michelle Fischbach’s (MN-07) guest to the annual State of the Union on Feb. 24.” GLESSING: “It was an honor to attend the State of the Union as Representative Michelle Fischbach’s guest,” said Glessing. “It is important that agricultural voices are represented in conversations about our country’s future, and I appreciate the Congresswoman’s invitation to this event and her continued work to ensure agriculture remains a priority in Washington.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cfado2
2026 SESSION: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “There are high input costs for seed and labor. Commodity prices have dropped significantly for corn and soy since peaking earlier this decade. Congress hasn’t passed a new Farm bill—the five-year, omnibus package of legislation that dictates farm and nutrition policy—in nearly a decade. Farmers also face challenges to hire seasonal workers. And then there’s the unusual problem of excess corn (due to storage shortages and record-high production). All these issues won’t be solved this year, but agriculture leaders are sure going to try. They’re advocating to solve these problems by posting online, sending emails to Minnesotans, and showing up to speak with legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol since the legislative session began on Feb. 17.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46qC3tV
E15: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Attendees of the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando are anxiously awaiting an update from the Rural Domestic Energy Council on year-round, nationwide E15. Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper says time is running out for the council to move forward with E15 legislation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kSwyKk
STUDY: Via Minnesota Bio-Fuels, VERBATIM: “Minnesota drivers saved $24.7 million in 2024 alone by choosing E15, a lower-cost fuel option often marketed as Unleaded 88 that has consistently been priced below traditional gasoline blends, according to a new study released today by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. The study, Cumulative Effects of E15 Sales to Minnesota Consumers, analyzes more than a decade of fuel price and consumption data and finds that E15 has delivered $79.5 million in total savings to Minnesota consumers since 2013, while also generating significant economic benefits statewide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aE5jzK
MORE: From the report:
You can find the full report HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3N3hSeT
AG ECONOMICS
USMCA: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “With the 2026 review of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (UMSCA) approaching, President Donald Trump is signaling he may seek to replace the current three-nation pact with separate bilateral trade deals for Canada and Mexico. The move, driven by dissatisfaction with elements of the existing agreement, would shift away from the trilateral framework in favor of one-on-one negotiations aimed at addressing specific trade disputes, particularly with Canada, and could reshape the structure of North American agricultural trade. The future of USMCA, and the importance of a trade deal with both Canada and Mexico, is one of the hallmark discussions taking place during Commodity Classic this week.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sgvrqt
AG ECONOMY: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says President Trump has tools available to help strengthen the ag economy. The Iowa Republican says he’s asking the president to look into fertilizer tariffs.” GRASSLEY: “He could take tariffs off all fertilizers coming into the United States as one way of helping the family farmer, and in turn, helping get the price of food down.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40AttVP
CARBON: Via VCH, VERBATIM: “Veterans Carbon Holdings (VCH) today confirmed that the first-ever third-party validated soil-sample carbon credits have officially been issued. This process marks a decisive shift in how agricultural carbon is quantified, certified, and monetized in the United States . . . The first U.S. grower to receive issued soil-sample carbon credits, Stuart Eeg of Greenbush, Minnesota, emphasized the tangible impact: ‘This program returns real income to farmers. It rewards stewardship with measurable proof, not assumptions. That changes everything.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s45WZc
SOYBEANS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Beneath healthy-looking soybean fields across the U.S., a microscopic thief quietly steals bushels—and billions of dollars—without farmers ever knowing it’s there. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) has become the nation’s most destructive soybean pest, inflicting an estimated $1.5 billion in yield losses annually while typically leaving no obvious signs of distress above ground.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qSrA1t
GOVERNMENT + AG
GROUNDWATER: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding the public that written comments on the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule must be submitted by Thursday, March 12. The MDA is seeking input to determine whether the rule, adopted in 2019, is adequate to protect Minnesota’s air, water, land, and other natural resources from nitrate pollution—or if additional restrictions are needed. This review follows a Sept. 5, 2025, order from the Ramsey County Second Judicial District Court directing the MDA to make findings on the rule’s effectiveness.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46qgzgC
USDA: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden, joined by General Services Administrator Edward C. Forst, announced the imminent disposal of the South Building and Braddock Place, returning resources to the American taxpayer, effectuating the vision of President Donald J. Trump, and reducing the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u2VzXB
DAIRY: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “Riverview LLP‘s outlook for dairy is bullish in the face of increased demand both domestically and internationally. That outlook is behind a request for a significant expansion of an existing farm near Morris, Minnesota. West River Dairy is outside Morris and has been operating since 2004. The operation currently has about 7,800 dairy cattle. An expansion plan seeks to increase the herd by 11,000 head, for a total capacity of 18,855.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aCKogD
DGA: Via DGA, VERBATIM: “Dairy Grazing Alliance (DGA) today announced three new employees who will help DGA accelerate growth of America’s dairy grazing sector within the broader U.S. dairy industry. Alex Peterson joins the Alliance as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships & Market Development; Fabian Bernal is Senior Director of Sustainability Impact & Strategic Modeling; and Lissy Matthews is DGA’s new Senior Director of Advancement & Strategic Partnerships.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aAqEKq
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THIS WEEK: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “It’s National #FFAWeek! @MNFFAFoundation has been an important part of building the future of farming here in MN, fostering agricultural education & leadership development. Join us in celebrating the next generation of leaders who will sustainably feed, clothe, & fuel the world.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4rAgTSm
RUTABAGAS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Food Farm, a certified organic farm in Wrenshall is hosting its annual ‘Great Rutabaga Giveaway’ in partnership with the Whole Foods Co-op in Denfeld. The free community event takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Whole Foods Co-op location in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40tJRr9
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