News headlines continue to remind Americans that we are energy independent. Bottom Line analysts say that’s true to a point. We continue to keep an eye on gasoline and fuel prices, hopefully near a top as we move through spring and into summer. But in reviewing our expanding energy independence, Bottom Line analysts point out that most of our refineries are 50 years old …
EPA Making Changes to Diesel Exhaust Fluid Systems
Last week during the White House Great American Agriculture Celebration, President Trump announced that the administration would be making changes to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to the Agency, these changes include removing the DEF sensor requirement for all diesel equipment and according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, this change will save …
Ag Groups Send Letter On Farm Economy To President Trump
A letter by 40 different groups, 44 to agricultural groups, have written President Trump asking for help as more problems are happening on the farm. The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on fertilizer costs and fuel prices have worsened the financial straits for farmers right during the middle of planting time poses significant consequences for the food supply chain …
Challenges To The Farm Economy
Severe weather, high expenses, and global uncertainty are hitting farmers on all sides, squeezing them to the break-even point. Forty-four agricultural groups this week got laid out challenges facing rural America in the letter to President Trump. The March 19th letter recognizes progress has been made enhancing the farm risk management tools and securing much-needed tax relief for farmers, but additional resources are …
EPA Approves Nationwide Sales of E15 Gasoline
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 nationwide. According to the Agency, “Through the waiver, EPA is fortifying the domestic gasoline supply chain and providing Americans relief at the pumps ahead of the summer driving season. Beginning on May 1, 2026, EPA’s waivers will work to prevent disruption …
Spike of Crude Oil Coming Down Slowly
Bottom Line analysts say the initial spike in crude oil has run its course for the most part in their view, but it will have a long tail, as they say. Prices stabilizing near $100, with a very slow decline. Countries and governments making alternative plans. Grains have followed higher from a distance. Really no news on their own to warrant such an increase, …
Watching Energy Trade with Middle East through Operation Epic Fury
Strait of Hormuz Bottlenecks: Global Energy and Fertilizer Trade at Risk The global energy and agricultural markets are facing renewed uncertainty as Operation Epic Fury continues in Iran. The Southeast AgNet’s recent Bottom Line report highlights growing concerns over shipping disruptions in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway plays a major role in international trade, especially for …
USDA Points to Factors Impacting Reducing Agricultural Trade Deficit
With the reduction in the estimated Agricultural trade deficit that was recently announced, we sat down with Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to learn what factors were impacting this reduction. Under Secretary Lindberg said, “You know, we’ve had really some significant progress across not only a number of different markets around the world, where we’ve had …
President Trump Calls For Year-Round Sale of E-15
USDA Secretary Rollins Supports President Trump’s Push for Year-Round E-15 Sales U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins voiced strong support for President Donald Trump’s call for congressional action to allow the nationwide, year-round sale of E-15 gasoline, underscoring the administration’s continued focus on strengthening biofuel markets, energy security, and rural economies. President Trump made the announcement during remarks in Iowa, …
Propane Education and Research Council Highlights Funding Opportunities for Farm Investments
Propane Education and Research Council Highlights Funding Opportunities for Farmers The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) is reminding agricultural producers about funding opportunities designed to help offset the cost of investing in propane-powered equipment on the farm. These incentives are aimed at expanding propane use in agriculture while improving efficiency, reliability, and energy resilience for producers. We caught up …










