April 15, 2026

45Z Update: Big Opportunity or Big Confusion for Farmers?

9 minutes

45Z is one of the most talked-about opportunities in agriculture right now—but it might also be one of the most misunderstood.

In this What’s Working in Ag segment, Tanner and Corey break down the basics of the 45Z tax credit, what it actually is, and why farmers aren’t the ones receiving the check directly. Instead, this credit is designed for fuel producers—but the real question is whether that value makes its way back to the farm.

They dive into carbon intensity (CI) scores, why your current farming practices already matter, and how everything from tillage to fertilizer use could impact future payments. But the biggest issue? The rules still aren’t finalized.

With guidance from the IRS and Treasury still pending, and key decisions around the GREET model and emissions calculations yet to be locked in, farmers are left trying to make sense of a program that’s already technically in motion.

This episode also opens the door for listener input—who should we bring on to break this down further? Because one thing is clear: this could have a major impact on farm profitability, but only if we understand it.

Key Takeaways

45Z is a federal tax credit for low-carbon fuel production

The credit goes to fuel producers—not directly to farmers

Farmers impact the value through their carbon intensity (CI) score

CI score is based on practices like tillage, fertilizer, yield, and inputs

Lower CI score = higher value for fuel producers

Rules are still not finalized by IRS and Treasury

GREET model will be used to calculate emissions and credit values

Public comment period has closed; hearing expected soon

Implementation details (payments, tracking, verification) still unclear

Potential exists—but uncertainty remains high

Have questions about 45Z or know someone we should interview?

📞 Call or text: 515-207-9640

📧 Email: [email protected]

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/

Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen!

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com

Email address: [email protected]

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

...more