Ag on 8: Veteran Trucking Training, Iowa Ag Expo 2026, India Trade Deal

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Eastern Iowa Community Colleges have received a grant of nearly $80,000 for CDL training focused on veterans, covering tuition for at least 14 students in Muscatine. President Donald Trump has announced he will reduce tariffs on India in exchange for the country ceasing to buy Russian oil, a move that Bryan Jernigan from the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is optimistic about. The 45z tax credit, which passed in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, has made it cheaper for biofuel companies to create products such as ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, and has been lauded by Matt Ziegler from the National Corn Growers Association.

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This week’s agricultural news roundup, brought to you by Haley Bickelhaupt of News 8, touches on various topics, including the new trucking education grant at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), the 2026 Iowa Ag Expo, and the latest developments in the India trade agreement among others.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Secures Funding for Veteran-Focused CDL Training

Recently, the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has been awarded a grant worth close to $80,000. This grant is aimed at supporting a CDL training program with a focus on veterans, covering the tuition costs of at least 14 students in Muscatine. More information on the EICC grant funding can be found here.

EPA Addresses Off-Road Equipment Repair Concerns Raised by John Deere

In June 2025, John Deere had approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeking clarification on the legality of customers resetting their own off-road equipment, specifically when emission controls cause a machine shutdown. The EPA’s response has provided some relief to farmers and independent mechanics, allowing temporary override of these systems to facilitate repairs and restore normal functionality. More about the EPA’s response can be read here.

Iowa Ag Expo Showcases Innovative Technologies

At the Des Moines trade show, over 500 exhibitors across seven acres presented cutting-edge technology in agriculture. The expo also included panel discussions on diverse subjects such as weather impact, farm succession planning, and nitrogen management. Cindy Feldman, affiliated with the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, emphasized the significance of these topics in the current economic scenario.

Proposed Tariff Adjustments in US-India Trade Relations

President Donald Trump has proposed a reduction in tariffs on India, in exchange for a commitment to cease purchasing Russian oil. Bryan Jernigan from the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council expressed optimism about this proposed exchange, considering India’s population of over 1.5 billion. Citing examples of Latin American countries like Guatemala ranking high in grain consumption, Jernigan expressed confidence in the market potential for American grains under the new agreement.

U.S Treasury Department Proposes Guidance on Biofuel Tax Credit

The U.S Treasury Department has proposed guidance on the 45z tax credit, an initiative approved in 2022 under the Inflation Reduction Act to boost biofuel production. This makes it more economical for biofuel companies to produce products like ethanol, biodiesel, and lower carbon jet fuel. Matt Ziegler from the National Corn Growers Association has welcomed this move, viewing it as an opportunity to tap into new markets and address the demand problem for corn. Interestingly, under the new guidance, only fuels derived from American sources are eligible to participate, a point that Ziegler and his group strongly support.

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