Podcast appearances and mentions of geoff cooper

In this week's episode of Weekend Ag Matters Mark Magnuson runs down the news headlines, Riley Smith speaks with Michael Newland of the Propane Education and Research Council, Dustin Hoffmann is joined by Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association, and Russ provides his faith-based segment.

Farm Progress Show 2026 with USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, and Robert White, RFA Senior VP of Industry Relations & Market Development

The pause button has been pressed on tariffs keeping foreign beef from entering the U.S. marketplace. The window of opportunity is scheduled for 90 days, but it's 90 days of anxiety for beef producers and consumers. Teri Barr talks with Darren VonRuden, president of the WI Farmers Union about the subject. American beef producers worry this could upset the financial apple cart they're working with to try and rebuild the domestic herd. At the same time, consumers want to know where this beef's coming from, how it was grown and inspected, and where it's going to be used in the U.S. food system. Some things we know. Many things we dont'. Michelle Rameriz-White, Government Relations Director at WFU says she hasn't found out if this will actually help consumers. A little rain moving in this morning to start what will be a scorching hot day. Stu Muck explains that the heat will stick around, and so may the chance of rain. Watch for thunderstorms. While farmer growers may shake their fist at weeds, the conversations those weeds inspire help direct weed research in WI. Pam Jahnke finds out that Dr. Rodrigo Werle, UW-Madison Extension finds research inspiration from those spirited conversations. He says this is the time of the year he counts on WI farmers to share their challenges and what they're seeing with remaining weed pressures. It may turn into the research projects he focuses on next year. Now that the EPA has spoken, the renewable fuel industry is reacting. Geoff Cooper, the president and CEO of The Renewable Fuels Association, says it's a missed opportunity - one that should infuriate grain growers in the U.S. Right now Wisconsin is awash with fresh produce. From backyard gardens to farm fields, there's a lot of opportunity to capture summer flavors that can stretch through the winter and longer - if processed properly. Kiley Allan finds out there's some new partnerships to help disseminate the information home canners are looking for. Heather Quakenboss, UW-Madison Extension Human Development & Relationships Educator says UW Extension is partnering with Iowa State Extension. The goal is to provide a resource people can call with any preservation questions they have. The number is 1-866-540-4636.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Peterson – Machinery Pete – talks about his Pick of the Week plus reports on other recent sales and previews upcoming auctions. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper shares his perspective on EPA plans to issue SREs on 2025-blending requirements and on how California is moving to make E15 available soon. Jake Hanley from Teucrium ETFs discusses rising investments in corn and wheat ETFs, but slow growth in soybean investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the future hold for the biofuels industry, and what role will farmers play in building it?In this keynote from the 2026 TopSoil Summit, Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper shares his presentation, "Building the Industry. Building the Opportunity."Geoff discusses the momentum behind renewable fuels, the importance of Carbon Intensity (CI), the opportunities created by the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, and why collaboration between farmers, ethanol producers, and the broader agriculture industry is essential for long-term success.Whether you're a farmer looking to participate in low-carbon markets, an ethanol producer navigating 45Z, or an agribusiness leader following the future of renewable fuels, this keynote provides valuable perspective on where the industry is headed and how we can build new opportunities together.

In this special 100th episode of CI Chit Chat, Continuum Ag CEO & Founder Mitchell Hora was joined by Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, for a discussion on the latest developments in 45Z, Carbon Intensity, renewable fuels, and the opportunities ahead for agriculture.For nearly two years, CI Chit Chat has provided weekly conversations on soil health, Carbon Intensity, and emerging opportunities for farmers, ethanol producers, and ag partners. In this milestone episode, Geoff shared insights on how policy decisions in Washington, D.C., are translating into real-world opportunities across the renewable fuels industry.

This week's Open Mic guest is Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. Leaders of the group recently spent a week in Washington lobbying for Senate approval of voluntary E15 legislation. Cooper cites recent studies suggesting strong support for sales of higher ethanol blends among voters from both political parties. He also discusses opportunity for industry growth in the maritime, airline and related liquid transportation fuels arena. Cooper says RFA supports efforts by the Trump administration to balance trade with Brazil.

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper and RFA Communications Director Ken Colombini discuss Americans support for the Renewable Fuel Standard in a new poll celebrating energy independence as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. 

Chief Operating Officer Brad Drake from Growmark joins for a quarterly chat, covering artificial intelligence use in the field.Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, discusses a supplemental aid package from the White House released late Wednesday and an unexpected inclusion of year round E15 sales.Luke Metz, Market Advisor and Commodity Broker at Western Grain Marketing, talks about a strong finish for corn and beans on Thursday's trading day.

I'm going to start with good news today. Now, I know we don't normally, but it is such good news I have to comment, and it's also a topic dear to all our respective talkback hearts. And that is that almost all of Parliament is backing the 30 year infrastructure plan. You'll have heard it in our news, the Coalition Government comprising National, ACT, and New Zealand First, as well as Labour and the Greens, have committed to the Infrastructure Commission's blueprint for major works in this country, and bloody well done to them, I say. To get this sort of rare across the house support, the Commission must have done an excellent job of prioritising works, justifying the order of works, outlining what needs to happen for these works to be done. Chief Executive of the Infrastructure Commission, Geoff Cooper, is absolutely delighted, as he should be. “I think this is a great step forward. It is a significant opportunity for New Zealand to get to get better outcomes for infrastructure, and it's not every day that you've got the government and the opposition parties saying, “Yep, we can see a plan forward here."” There are 16 recommendations, 10 priorities for the next decade, and this had to happen. We don't have to imagine the cost of a stop-start approach to vital infrastructure; the numbers have already been crunched. A report out earlier this month showed that pausing, cancelling, and delaying infrastructure projects has cost New Zealand an estimated $11.8 billion in the last 25 years. Auckland Light Rail, Transmission Gully, the Interislander Ferry replacements, just in recent times have all been paused, delayed, or scrapped. Both main parties have been guilty of prioritising ideology over the country's wellbeing, but now, hopefully, the next generation won't have to see money literally disappearing down drains. Kieran McAnulty, in his foreword to the Infrastructure Commission's plan —the Government, Chris Bishop, Kieran McAnulty, and Julie Anne Genter from the Greens all wrote a foreword to the plan— put it very well. He said both Labour and National-led governments had announced projects without funding them, watched costs balloon, and then scrapped what the other side started. He said every time the plan changes, we lose time, we lose money, and we lose the skilled people who build these things —too many of them— to Australia. That's the problem this plan sets out to fix. He said the plan offered a long-term, evidence-based path that did not belong to any one government, a prize bigger than any single policy. That is very well stated. Green Party infrastructure spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said the party supported all 16 recommendations in the plan and said the Party overall welcomed the Government's intention and urges that this commitment to long-term planning and evidence-informed decision-making continues to drive investment in long-lived assets. Now, Labour and the Greens have some reservations, but not enough to put a spoke in the wheel, not enough to hold up this fantastic blueprint for the future. Ultimately, they have come together to support a long-term vision for the country that will benefit all future voters, whatever party they support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's vowing to take a hard look at how transport infrastructure is funded. It's agreeing to all recommendations and priorities in the Infrastructure Commission's 30-year National Plan, with Opposition backing. It includes a review of the Land Transport Fund and requires Crown entities to publish long-term investment plans. Infrastructure Commission Chief Executive Geoff Cooper told Mike Hosking large projects are only getting more expensive. He says our ambitions for transport infrastructure are large, the funding is narrow, and people often don't see the value. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 17th of June, MBIE's Chief Executive fronts over Immigration's handling over the biometrics upgrade project. We have cross-party support for our long-term infrastructure plan, but Mike asks whether that will turn into practical action. Former All White Fred de Jong reviews the All Whites' 2-2 draw with Iran and whether we have a chance of getting out of the group stage. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk Labour's policy agenda, the immigration scandal and the state of the economy on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, we hear from many of the RFA team members who helped to make FEW 2026 a home run, including Senior Vice President for Government and Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp; Senior Vice President for Industry Relations and Market Development Robert White; Vice President for Strategy and Innovation Tad Hapner; Director of Environment, Health and Safety Justin Schultz; as well as President and CEO Geoff Cooper. 

O Domingão do Carlão reúne Arnaldo Jardim, Deputado Federal; Evandro Gussi, Presidente da UNICA; Plinio Nastari, Presidente e CEO da Datagro Consultoria; Geoff Cooper, Presidente e CEO da Renewable Fuels Association; Marussa Boldrin, Deputada Federal; e Guilherme Nastari, Diretor da Datagro. A conversa passa pelo protagonismo do Brasil na transição energética, pelo avanço da mistura de etanol na gasolina, pela segurança alimentar e energética e pelas novas oportunidades dos biocombustíveis no transporte marítimo e na aviação sustentável. Também entram em pauta a COP 31, o Agrizone e a importância de manter o etanol competitivo para o consumidor. Um debate direto sobre como o Brasil pode ampliar sua liderança em energia renovável.

We catch up with Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D plus NCGA chief economist Krista Swanson joins us to share details of a recent analysis of E15 and the benefits for corn and soybean growers. And Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper talks about where E15 stands right now overall in Congress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Knight of Farmers Keeper Financial is guest market analyst this afternoon. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper joins us to discuss biofuels. And Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien shares a weather outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down what happened to the E15 bill in Congress this past week.

An amendment to the House Farm Bill to allow E15 sales year-round is before the House Rules Committee. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association says it's a multi-step process to final approval. Emily Skor with Growth Energy says approval would save consumers money at the pump and grow availability in the retail space. 

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO, Geoff Cooper highlights the role of ethanol in energy security, especially amid high fuel prices and global tensions. He emphasizes the challenges in year-round E15 sales and calls for Congress to pass legislation to allow it permanently.

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) joins us to talk about prospects for finally getting the new Farm Bill to the House floor, working to get year-round E15 done, the Greyhound Protection Act, fertilizer and a lot more. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper joins us to provide a status report on E15 and break down the details of the proposed package.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The independent Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga is calling for people to be realistic about what the country can and can't afford when it comes to water infrastructure. Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper spoke to John Campbell.

The Infrastructure Commission says a move to give it greater oversight over major projects will lead to more consistent decision-making. The Government's announced the commission will now analyse all major infrastructure proposals, instead of the Treasury. It says the current system lets bad projects gain momentum until it's too late and wastes money. Commission Chief Executive Geoff Cooper told Mike Hosking this is a natural step. He says for the past six years, the Commission has been asked for a lot of advice on projects anyway. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration hit two home runs for the ethanol industry during the last week of March amidst National Agriculture Month celebrations – announcing waivers to allow sales of E15 through the summer, in lieu of Congressional action to make it permanent, and finalizing the long-delayed renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027. In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the actions by the administration and why the industry is still pressing for permanent nationwide E15 to be passed by Congress yet this year.

New Zealand's infrastructure commission added up every sector's project wish‑list—and found a bill voters could never realistically pay. In this conversation, Geoff Cooper and Chuck Marohn unpack the national plan that starts by centering maintenance and renewals, then shows how that shifts the debate over big new projects, growth on the fringe, and the pressure on public budgets. Additional Show Notes Geoff Cooper (LinkedIn) Te Waihanga (Site) Te Waihanga National Infrastructure Plan (Site) Chuck Marohn (Substack)   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you!

Geoff Cooper, president and CEO at the Renewable Fuels Association, joined us to talk about the value E15 would bring to consumers as gas prices increase. Jim Wiesemeyer of Wiesemeyer's Perspectives podcast shares perspective on his recent interview with USDA Deputy Secretary Judge Stephen Vaden. And we get to know Haley Bickelhaupt, who will be the new AgDay anchor and also help with AgriTalk news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audio from the 2026 National Ethanol Conference RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper; RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White; RFA Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs, Troy Bredenkamp; U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Aaron Szabo; RFA General Counsel and VP, Government Affairs, Ed Hubbard; RFA Policy Counsel and Director, Government Affairs, Jared Mullendore; RFA VP, Strategy and Innovation, Tad Hepner; 2026 RFA Industry Award: LanzaJet CEO Jimmy Samartzis

New Zealand's not getting good bang for its infrastructure buck, according to some. The Infrastructure Commission has released a 30-year plan with 16 recommendations, and 10 top priorities for the next decade - including health spending. Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper says we rank high on spending in the OECD, but our outcomes are in the bottom 10 percent. He says New Zealand has unique problems we need to solve. "The geography is very difficult and we have a dispersed population. That means more pipes, more roads, more transmission lines and so on - and that costs, if you're going to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Information Administration reports record daily ethanol production and increased stocks. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association says Congress is feeling pressure to act on E-15 legislation to help increase corn demand. 

Another packed and informative show. We begin with Greg Peterson – Machinery Pete – who reports on several auctions, including for combines and his Pick of the Week. Renewable Fuels Association CEO and president Geoff Cooper provides an update on the campaign for year-round E15. And Phil Flynn joins us to share perspective on how the Venezuelan situation affects U.S. energy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper recaps the year in ethanol.

Reporting from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, this is Iowa Ag Matters on the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network! In today's show, Riley has a featured conversation with Dave Hoy of LG Seeds, Dustin visits with American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland, and Mark talks with Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

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, this industry is grateful to have legislative approval for E15 sales in California, while Congressional approval once again remains elusive on the federal level. In this episode of The Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper breaks down where we are right now on E15, as well as other unfinished business in Congress, and why the industry has much to be thankful for in 2025. 

Lots of hot topics discussed with our guests this morning. John Newton is vice president of public policy and economic analysis at American Farm Bureau Federation and he joins us today to talk about trade, tariffs, and the cattle/beef market. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses record ethanol production, status of year-round E15, and EPA on re-allocations on SREs. And Steve Nicholson, global sector strategist for grains & oilseeds at Rabobank, shares perspective on the trade deal with China, including purchase agreements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. California is on the verge of legalizing E15 fuel for the first time after the legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 30. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, talks with Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), about how persistence, coalition-building, and strategy led to this milestone — and what it means for consumers, retailers, policymakers, and grain professionals. From lower costs and cleaner air to ripple effects across ethanol markets and grain demand, this conversation explores how one bill could reshape the renewable fuels landscape for decades.Geoff Cooper is President and CEO of the RFA, the leading trade association for America's ethanol industry. Since joining RFA in 2008, he has driven market growth, shaped policy, and expanded global demand for ethanol and co-products. A former U.S. Army captain specializing in fuel logistics, Geoff has served on key advisory boards and testified before state and federal bodies. He is widely recognized as a leader in the bioeconomy and a strong advocate for sustainable fuels.Key TakeawaysAB30 passed unanimously — a historic first for ethanol legislation — and includes an urgency clause to make E15 legal immediately once signed. Consumers could save ~$2.7 billion annually (about $200 per household) with E15, typically priced 10–30¢ per gallon lower than E10. Environmental benefits include reduced smog-forming emissions, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and greenhouse gases. Ethanol production is zero-waste: starch becomes fuel while protein, fat, and fiber become livestock feed. A broad coalition — retailers, farm groups, transport associations, chambers of commerce, veterans, and labor — made AB30 possible. California's decision accelerates federal momentum for year-round E15 and influences fuel policy worldwide. Market impact: 600–700 million gallons of additional ethanol demand could require 200–250 million more bushels of corn, boosting grain handling and transport.Pull Quotes“This is the first ethanol-friendly bill to move through the California legislature with unanimous support.” “E15 delivers typical pump savings of 10–30 cents per gallon — and we've seen even larger discounts.” “The ethanol process today is zero-waste — starch becomes fuel, and protein, fat, and fiber become livestock feed.” “California's move on E15 sends a signal nationwide and around the world.” Important Links & Related EpisodesRenewable Fuels Association (RFA) — https://ethanolrfa.org/Fueling the Future: The Role of Renewable Fuels in the Grain Industry with RFA's Robert White E15, Ethanol and the Future of Agriculture with Emily Skor of Growth EnergyDriving Change: TheGrain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS' website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS' Whole Grain podcast.

Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D join us to share what they've learned during this year and what they're seeing, particularly with diseased corn crop. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper takes us through a recent study showing the economical benefits of E15. And Josh Liinviille, vice president of fertilizer at the StoneX Group, talks about what he's seeing with fertlizer demand, production, and prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's show, Andy talks with Jay Christie of New Century FS, Mark continues his conversation with Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, and Riley has a soybean conversation with Colin Rogers of BASF.

In today's show Riley is joined by Jamie Horton of Dekalb to learn about the performance of Dekalb corn this season, Mark speaks with Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association about the ethanol trade imbalance with Brazil, and Dustin details the latest USDA farm income forecast.

In this week's episode of Weekend Ag Matters: Riley Smith runs down the news headlines, Dustin Hoffmann visits with National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein, Mark Magnuson has a conversation with Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, and Russ Parker delivers his faith-based food for thought.

Biofuels Buzz at Farm Progress Show - with comments from USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden; RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper; RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White; and RFA Policy Counsel and Director, Government Affairs, Jared Mullendore

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper joins us to discuss trade deals and potential impact on energy markets – particularly ethanol, plus updates on E15 and sustainable aviation fuel, and EPA plans regarding climate change. And Lance Honig of USDA-NASS talks about August crop production survey results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumors were wrong as the Environmental Protection Agency today proposed to increase the volume output of renewable fuels today. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels association and Kurt Kovarik with Clean Fuels Alliance America comment on the proposals and path forward. 

Summer weather hits early as farmers push ahead with planting. We cover rapid planting pace, the USDA's emergency livestock border closure over Screwworm concerns, and a major new U.S.-UK trade deal. Plus, ransomware attacks on the rise for U.S. agriculture, the House proposes significant SNAP cuts, and the 45Z biofuels tax credit may receive a four-year extension. Then we sit down with Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, to talk about the future of E15 and what the 45Z extension means for the industry. Be sure to subscribe and follow @AgNewsDaily for the latest ag updates!