PEORIA, IL, November 2026 — Farmers can now put their existing records to work earning 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit value. Through its partnership with John Deere and work with Marquis Energy’s grower program, Verdova simplifies how farmers organize, verify, and share their records, connecting on-farm practices to the 45Z credit and helping deliver that value to the farm gate while farmers stay in control of their data.
Verdova, a grower-founded agricultural data company, helps farmers document practices and prepare verified carbon intensity (CI) information for biofuel feedstock reporting. Because the 45Z credit is tied to the CI of the fuel produced, verified lower-CI grain has added value, enabling participating biofuel producers to reward farmers through premium payments.
“Farmers should be able to put their data to work without recreating records or giving up control over who can access them,” said Clay Sellmeyer, COO, Verdova. “We’re making it easier to connect the information farmers already collect with programs that recognize their practices and return more value to their operations.”
Putting farm data to work, with farmers in control
Backed by an investment from John Deere, Verdova helps farmers build on the records they already organize within John Deere Operations Center™ (Operations Center), the company's open platform that lets farmers connect with trusted partners. Verdova utilizes John Deere’s premium application programming interface (API), enabling farmers—with their permission—to securely share field data for feedstock reporting. For farmers, that means less duplicate data entry and an easier path to participate in 45Z grower programs.
How farmers’ data is handled matters as much as the value it can deliver. John Deere’s Farmer Data Commitment affirms that farmers control their farm data, choose which connected partners can access it, and should receive clear value from its use. Verdova’s connection helps put those principles into practice by letting farmers decide whether to share data with Verdova through Operations Center, turn that data flow off at any time, and store 45Z records for future reference.
“Operations Center is an open platform that enables farmers to connect with partners who help turn their data into value,” said Nate Green, Director of Biofuels, John Deere. “Our partnership with Verdova is a strong example. As 45Z creates new opportunities for growers, we want to make it simple for them to share their records, on their terms, with partners they trust.”
Delivering value to the farm gate through 45Z grower programs
Verdova’s work with Marquis Energy shows how verified data can translate into grower income. Marquis covers scoring costs for participating growers and offers premiums for qualifying corn delivered with a CI score below the program benchmark. Working with Marquis and participating grain elevators, Verdova helps farmers obtain verified CI scores by documenting qualifying agricultural practices, such as nutrient management, reduced- and no-till, and cover crops.
“Our grower program is creating real economic value for farmers by rewarding regenerative agriculture practices, encouraging further adoption, and driving real dollars back to the farm,” said Jason Marquis, CEO, Marquis Energy. “That only works if the data behind every CI score holds up, and Verdova has been a reliable partner from the start, delivering verified records our team and our growers can count on. With Verdova handling the documentation, farmers can focus on farming and still capture the value they’ve earned.”
In a recent press release, Marquis announced that it will distribute more than $10 million in advanced 45Z payments to 350 local farm operations supplying corn to its Hennepin, Illinois ethanol plant. The Marquis grower program demonstrates how 45Z value can reach farmers supplying feedstock for biofuel production.
The 45Z credit is available to qualifying clean fuel producers. Farmers participate through grower agreements, with payments subject to program terms, qualifying deliveries and applicable requirements.
About Verdova
Verdova provides clean, verified field-level agricultural data designed to create new opportunities for farmers. The company was founded by growers and works to give farmers ownership and control over how their agricultural data is used.
About John Deere
It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.
About Marquis Energy
Marquis is a leading American ethanol producer headquartered in Hennepin, Illinois, operating North America’s largest dry-mill ethanol production facility. With an annual production capacity exceeding 420 million gallons of ethanol, Marquis is committed to advancing American energy independence, supporting the agricultural economy, and creating long-term value through innovation in feed and fuel production.
Verdova Media Contact
Clay Sellmeyer