In this live broadcast from the North Dakota Corn and Soybean Expo, host Scott Hennin dives deep into the high-stakes world of agricultural policy and international trade. With the ink barely dry on new Treasury Department guidelines for the 45Z tax credit, industry leaders and economists break down what this means for local ethanol plants, soybean crushing facilities, and the pocketbooks of family farmers.
The episode balances technical policy discussions with a boots-on-the-ground look at the "patriotic" struggles of farmers navigating trade wars with China and rising input costs. From the potential of sustainable aviation fuel to the "Super Bowl" of agricultural demand, this episode is a comprehensive look at the economic engines driving rural America in 2026.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
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[00:03:00] – Live from the Expo: Scott sets the stage at the Butler Arena, highlighting the intersection of tax policy and small-town economic engines.
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[00:09:00] – The 45Z Buzz: Breaking news on the tax code extension through 2029 and why it’s "instrumental" for the value-added agricultural world.
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[00:28:00] – The China Factor: Steve Senske, CEO of the American Soybean Association, discusses the reality of exporting 25% of the total U.S. soybean crop to a single customer.
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[00:48:00] – De-weaponizing Demand: A strategic look at how expanding domestic crushing plants can reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese trade.
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[01:11:00] – The Economist’s View: Krista Swanson of the National Corn Growers discusses why 2026 is the fourth year in a row facing a "cost of production" crisis.
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[01:59:00] – Maritime & Aviation: Exploring the "800-pound gorilla" opportunities for corn and soy in the shipping and airline industries.
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[02:44:00] – Trade Mission Panama: A Richland County farmer discusses the global push for E10 and E15 ethanol blends.
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[03:50:00] – The India "What If": Why India represents the biggest untapped game-changer for American soy exports.
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[04:08:00] – The "Silent Majority" & Minneapolis: The show shifts gears to discuss local law enforcement cooperation and the political friction in the Twin Cities.
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[05:57:00] – Washington Update: Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins the program to discuss the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and avoiding a government shutdown.