September 2026
September 2, 2026
Click the brackets in the bottom right corner
to view the magazine in full screen or click one of the story titles below.
In this issue...
On the Cover
On the cover: Western Dubuque Biodiesel, near Farley, has been in production since August 2007. As the industry awaits final Section 45Z tax credit guidelines, general manager Tom Brooks breaks down how the facility is positioning its operations for the future. Inside this issue: What 45Z means for the evolution of biodiesel and its supply chain. Photo by Joclyn Kuboushek.
Executive Insights: The most important check before harvest
Cancer has hit Kirk Leeds’ family twice. Now, he's sharing why early cancer detection matters.
Page 4
Rural Route 2: Wrigleyville Wisdom
A trip to Wrigley Field can be a reminder to slow down and make memories with the people who matter most.
Page 7
The roadmap to next season
Harvest is the beginning of planning for healthier soils and a more productive crop.
Page 9
Ed Ulch builds conservation through decades of on-farm practices
From no-till to an oxbow restoration, Ed Ulch has spent decades building a conservation system that protects soil, improves water quality and benefits wildlife.
Page 10
Cover crops with a fall purpose
As cover crop season nears, Bill Fields explains how practical fall conservation decisions improve grazing, soil health and the farm's bottom line.
Page 12
Colombia Prefers U.S. Soy
U.S. soy is in high demand in Colombia. Here’s what Iowa farmers learned during a recent visit.
Page 14
Where are the major yield gaps for midwest farmers?
Researchers are using data to find soybean management changes that boost yields.
Page 20
Running a farm fleet on soybeans
"Powered by B30" puts biodiesel to the test on Iowa farms, giving farmers confidence in higher soybean-based fuel blends.
Page 24
Unpacking 45Z
The 45Z tax credit could affect how Iowa soybean farmers market their crops, keep records and earn premiums.
Page 26
Hedging the 45Z carbon math
How an independent biodiesel producer navigates new 45Z rules.
Page 28
Fueling biofuel's progress
A year after sounding the alarm, farmers are gaining back leverage in the biofuels market they pioneered.
Page 30
Back