DWFI Podcast 47 – Crafting Compelling Science Communication

In this episode, host Frances Hayes sits down with Crystal Powers, DWFI and Nebraska Water Center’s water and cropping systems extension educator, to discuss why the most revolutionary science can only drive change if it’s communicated effectively. Crystal and her colleague, Ann Briggs, at the Nebraska Water Center, created the “Beyond the Data” workshop, which aims to transform researchers and …

Ethanol Report on E15 Status

At this time last year, the ethanol industry was optimistic Congress would be passing a Continuing Resolution that included approval for nationwide, year-round E15, but no one thought California would ever allow sales of E15, despite being a huge seller of E85. This year, the industry is grateful to have legislative approval for E15 sales in California, while Congressional approval …

ZimmCast 753 – AdFarm 2025 AgIntel Index Report

ZimmCast

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman. In this episode I’m going to share an interview with Matt Weeks, AgIntel Lead at AdFarm. We discuss the inaugural AgIntel Index Report. This will be a yearly report that dives into the trends and insights dominating the conversation in agriculture. This is information that matters to agri-marketers and ag leaders. …

Ethanol Report on the Trade Front

The United States is on track to export a record amount of fuel ethanol for the second year in a row in 2025, driven by growing international demand. That demand was evident at the recent Global Ethanol Summit, hosted by the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council and supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, which drew more than 450 international buyers …

DWFI Podcast 46: Know Your Well: engaging Nebraska youth in groundwater science

This episode of the Water for Food Podcast explores a unique initiative that puts water quality testing directly into the hands of high school students across Nebraska. Sara Brock-Contreras, a PhD student advised by Dr. Dan Snow, joins us to discuss her work on the Know Your Well program — an innovative educational and participatory science effort that equips students …

ZimmCast 752 – Farm Journal Ad Insights

ZimmCast

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman. In this episode you’ll learn all about Farm Journal’s new Ad Insight tool which is new to the agrimarketing industry. It’s a first for a digital advertising analytics solution. Talking with me is Prescott Shibles, Farm Journal CEO. Farm Journal has launched a new ad insights tool, which is the agriculture …

Ethanol Report with New RFA Chair

The Renewable Fuels Association elected officers and its board of directors for the 2026 fiscal year at its annual membership meeting in Omaha, Nebraska last week and Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy in Oakley, Kan., was elected chairman. Also last week, RFA celebrated the signing Assembly Bill 30 into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, immediately legalizing the …

Ethanol Report on New E15 Study

A new economic study produced by economists with the National Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association shows that expanding year-round, nationwide consumer access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend would provide a boon to the American economy, benefiting farmers, communities and consumers alike. The study shows that providing consistent access to E15 year-round would provide an additional …

Ethanol Report on FPS Biofuels Buzz

Ethanol was in the spotlight at the 2025 Farm Progress Show with USDA predicting a record corn crop that needs to find a home through increased exports and domestic demand and the Renewable Fuels Association once again had a strong presence at the show held in the heart of the Corn Belt. This episode of The Ethanol Report podcast features …

DWFI Podcast 45 – Unexpected Connections: From Chance Encounters to Global Impact

This episode of the Water for Food Podcast explores the valuable collaborations that can arise from in-person interactions, even in a digital age. Host Frances Hayes, DWFI director of communications and public relations, shares a story that perfectly illustrates the lasting impact of those face-to-face moments, which can lead to unexpected and valuable partnerships. Adam Keough, program manager with Catholic …

ZimmCast 750 – Interviews from Farm Progress Show

ZimmCast

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman. It has been a busy time for the the ZimmComm Team in the past few weeks. After the Tech Hub Live conference it was on the way to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Ag Media Summit, ACE Annual Meeting and the Farm Progress Show. I’m on my way home from the …

Ethanol Report on the RFS at Twenty

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed by President George W. Bush on August 8 of that year at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico – symbolizing a new approach to energy economics and security, diversifying our transportation fuel supply by incentivizing ethanol and biodiesel by initiating the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This month marks the 20th anniversary …

ZimmCast 749 – Tech Hub LIVE 2025

ZimmCast

In five short years, Tech Hub LIVE has already become the go-to meeting of the year for agricultural retailers and ag tech companies. In this edition of the ZimmCast, we hear from a couple of the CropLife Ag Tech Awards of Excellence winners this year – Aman Anand with Nutrien Ag Solutions and Iowa farmer April Hemmes, and we learn …

DWFI Podcast 44 – The Vadose Zone – A critical indicator for Nebraska groundwater quality

The Vadose Zone is the area between crop roots and the water table, and is a critically important region for storage, transport and transformation of chemicals that can impact groundwater quality. In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes talks with Arindam Malakar, a researcher with the Nebraska Water Center (NWC, a part of DWFI) who …

Ethanol Report on FSMA Training Course

Each year, U.S. ethanol plants produce millions of tons of distillers grains, a valuable co-product used around the world to feed all types of livestock. Under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, ethanol plants are required to comply with preventive controls requirements as mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act, known as FSMA. To help producers …