As we move into the second half of the year, one thing is increasingly clear: agriculture needs new pathways for growth and profitability.
In this issue, you’ll learn more about USFRA’s groundbreaking new research from S&P Global Energy that demonstrates how biofuels can unlock new market opportunities capable of transforming American agriculture, revitalizing rural economies, and strengthening both global food and energy security.
This research comes at a critical moment for our industry. While productivity continues to increase across U.S. farms, demand growth in traditional grain markets has slowed. Farmers are producing more with greater efficiency than ever before, yet many continue to face higher input costs, tighter margins and growing uncertainty. At the same time, evolving transportation trends and declining gasoline demand pose long-term challenges for existing ethanol markets that many rural communities depend on today.
The S&P Global research points to an important opportunity: biofuels can create meaningful new demand across agriculture—not just for corn, but for a wide range of crops, feedstocks and value-chain participants. Expanded biofuels markets can drive higher farm income, create jobs, stimulate investment in rural America, and help meet growing global demand for lower-carbon energy solutions.
This is why biofuels matter to all of agriculture. They represent more than an energy solution—they are a market development strategy for the future of farming.
This month also showcased the importance of farmer leadership on the global stage. During London Climate Action Week, USFRA Chair Michael Crinion represented the farmer voice in a high-level discussion on financing regenerative agriculture at scale. As one of the only farmers in attendance, Michael brought practical insight to the conversations.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kevin Burkum
CEO
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action
A comprehensive new study from S&P Global Energy finds expanded biofuel demand could transform American agriculture, reignite rural economies and provide global food and energy security. Commissioned by USFRA, the research, titled “Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst,” offers a detailed, evidence-based assessment of agriculture’s future and presents a data-driven roadmap for sustainable growth.
This report was unveiled at a June 16 event on Capitol Hill, which featured comments from Senators Chuck Grassley and Tina Smith, USDA Senior Advisor Kelsey Barnes, S&P Global Energy analysts and USFRA leadership. View the event recording on USFRA YouTube.
The report examines how biofuels can create new market opportunities and advance agriculture’s capacity to feed and fuel the world using fewer resources. The research also explores what’s possible in emerging sectors like sustainable aviation and marine fuels.
A global communications strategy is underway to ensure this research reaches key audiences with the clarity, scale and influence needed to drive meaningful impact. The plan includes sustained outreach throughout the remainder of the year, including media engagement, advertising, social media, strategic partnerships, and participation in national and global events. View a summary of the media coverage and positive industry response to the research so far.
Please share news of the report and its key findings by using our social toolkit. Listen to the new Farm+Food+Facts podcast episode featuring Chip Bowling, third-generation grain farmer from Maryland and vice chair of USFRA, and Kevin Burkum, CEO of USFRA, as they discuss the study.
USFRA Chair Michael Crinion brought the farmer voice to the global stage during London Climate Action Week, participating in a high-level roundtable focused on scaling financing for regenerative agriculture on June 23.
The discussion brought together leaders from across the agriculture value chain, including Bayer, ADM, Kraft Heinz, Mars, Unilever, and others. As one of the only farmers in the room, Michael shared critical insights on what it will take to make regenerative agriculture financially viable at the farm level. He emphasized the importance of reducing upfront risk for farmers through cost-sharing, creating stronger market demand signals, and developing financing models that reward adoption of conservation practices.
Michael Crinion, third from left, speaks during event at London Climate Action Week
A new report from USFRA member company CoBank says the smallest beef cattle herd in 75 years, combined with historically high beef prices, have motivated dairy farmers to create more beef-on-dairy calves to maximize farm revenue. As a result, dairy replacement inventories have been at the lowest level since 1978 but are expected to begin a slow rebuild in 2027 and 2028.
USFRA’s podcast, Farm+Food+Facts, is recognized as one of the top podcasts exploring sustainable food systems—and this month’s episodes are not to be missed.
The latest episode features Chip Bowling, third-generation grain farmer and USFRA Vice Chair and Kevin Burkum, USFRA CEO, discussing the new landmark research from S&P Global Energy and USFRA. They unpack the report, “Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst,” which offers a detailed assessment of how biofuels can unlock agriculture’s potential. Listen HERE.
In another recent episode, host Joanna Guza talks with Adam Shrif, vice president of supply chain at Culver’s and newest member of the USFRA Board of Directors. They discuss supply chain management, how data enhances its guest experience and the importance of farmers and ranchers to Culver’s growth strategy. Listen HERE.
Important dates:
June 20-28: London Climate Action Week
Aug. 11: Developing Sustainable Fuel Markets Through Conservation, Iowa
Aug. 19-21: American Coalition for Ethanol – Biofuels Conference, Minneapolis
Oct. 26-28: Animal Health, Nutrition & Technology Innovation, Boston
