The Department of Agriculture Monday announced Heather Dawn Thompson's appointment as Director of the Office of Tribal Relations. USDA says Thompson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a Harvard Law School graduate, and an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and rural tribal economic development. 

With Thompson in place, USDA will return the position directly under the Secretary, “restoring the office’s important government-to-government role.” 

A USDA spokesperson says it's "important to have a Director who can serve as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and economic development within the Office of the Secretary." 

Most recently, Thompson served as a member of the American Indian Law Practice Group, where she worked on federal Indian law and Tribal agriculture. In the private sector, Thompson was previously a partner at Dentons, where she was one of only a handful of Native American partners at an “AmLaw 100” law firm.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced Heather Dawn Thompson's appointment as Director of the Office of Tribal Relations. USDA says Thompson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a Harvard Law School graduate, and an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and rural tribal economic development. With Thompson in place, USDA will return the position directly under the Secretary, “restoring the office’s important government-to-government role.” A USDA spokesperson says it's "important to have a Director who can serve as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and economic development within the Office of the Secretary." Most recently, Thompson served as a member of the American Indian Law Practice Group, where she worked on federal Indian law and Tribal agriculture. In the private sector, Thompson was previously a partner at Dentons, where she was one of only a handful of Native American partners at an “AmLaw 100” law firm.

USDA announces Heather Dawn Thompson as director, Office of Tribal Relations

The National FFA Organization will again hold Give FFA Day. In 2020, through generous donations from FFA supporters, students and teachers across the country were able to continue to make a difference.&nbsp; 

Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. 

FFA corporate partners will also participate in increasing contributions by matching them dollar-for-dollar on Give FFA Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first $25,000 donated will be matched by Carhartt, and the second $25,000 will be matched by John Deere. 

Other challenges will be announced throughout the day.&nbsp; In addition, former FFA members and FFA alumni are encouraged to donate $19.71 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National FFA Alumni, which was chartered in 1971. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.

The National FFA Organization will again hold Give FFA Day. In 2020, through generous donations from FFA supporters, students and teachers across the country were able to continue to make a difference.&nbsp; Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. FFA corporate partners will also participate in increasing contributions by matching them dollar-for-dollar on Give FFA Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first $25,000 donated will be matched by Carhartt, and the second $25,000 will be matched by John Deere. Other challenges will be announced throughout the day.&nbsp; In addition, former FFA members and FFA alumni are encouraged to donate $19.71 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National FFA Alumni, which was chartered in 1971. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.

Growing the future of agriculture through give FFA day

President Joe Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday in his first call with a foreign official. The leaders discussed combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening economic ties, defense and climate change. 

They also discussed the U.S.-Canada supply chain, along with promoting and protecting the economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, including bilateral trade and energy commitments. 

Trudeau raised Canada’s disappointment with the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, underscoring “the important economic and energy security benefits of our bilateral energy relationship,” as well as his support for energy workers. Biden halted construction on the controversial pipeline via an executive order on his first day in office. 

The White House noted Biden acknowledged the disappointment regarding the decision, adding Biden "reaffirmed his commitment to maintain an active bilateral dialogue and to further deepen cooperation with Canada.” The two leaders agreed to meet next month to continue the dialogue.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday in his first call with a foreign official. The leaders discussed combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening economic ties, defense and climate change. They also discussed the U.S.-Canada supply chain, along with promoting and protecting the economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, including bilateral trade and energy commitments. Trudeau raised Canada’s disappointment with the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, underscoring “the important economic and energy security benefits of our bilateral energy relationship,” as well as his support for energy workers. Biden halted construction on the controversial pipeline via an executive order on his first day in office. The White House noted Biden acknowledged the disappointment regarding the decision, adding Biden "reaffirmed his commitment to maintain an active bilateral dialogue and to further deepen cooperation with Canada.” The two leaders agreed to meet next month to continue the dialogue.&nbsp;

Biden speaks with Canada’s Trudeau

Meatpacker JBS and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation say they’ll pay 100 dollars to American workers who voluntarily get the COVID-19 vaccine. Yahoo News Dot Com says thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers were infected last year, so the bonus will hopefully encourage employees to get the inoculations. 

COVID outbreaks temporarily halted most meat production in the spring of 2020, which pushed meat prices higher as supplies tightened up on consumers. Company surveys already show that between 60 and 90 percent of their employees at different facilities were willing to be vaccinated. 

The companies launched educational efforts to promote the vaccine as a positive step for their employees, some of whom are immigrants from around the world. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, food and agricultural workers will receive the vaccine during a later phase of the rollout, after healthcare workers and people over 75 years old. Rival company Tyson Foods said late last week that it will offer the vaccines on-site at its facilities, so employees can get inoculated while they’re at work.

Meatpacker JBS and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation say they’ll pay 100 dollars to American workers who voluntarily get the COVID-19 vaccine. Yahoo News Dot Com says thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers were infected last year, so the bonus will hopefully encourage employees to get the inoculations. COVID outbreaks temporarily halted most meat production in the spring of 2020, which pushed meat prices higher as supplies tightened up on consumers. Company surveys already show that between 60 and 90 percent of their employees at different facilities were willing to be vaccinated. The companies launched educational efforts to promote the vaccine as a positive step for their employees, some of whom are immigrants from around the world. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, food and agricultural workers will receive the vaccine during a later phase of the rollout, after healthcare workers and people over 75 years old. Rival company Tyson Foods said late last week that it will offer the vaccines on-site at its facilities, so employees can get inoculated while they’re at work.

JBS offers bonuses to workers who get vaccinated against COVID-19

During the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the industry’s many achievements in the face of adversity. The NBB hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates and partners to talk about the direction of the industry. 

The NBB has set a goal of six billion gallons of production by 2030. “Our industry has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, but I am proud to say that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries never gave up, even in the middle of a pandemic,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. 

“Our members continually beat expectations year after year, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.” The group shared updates from each of its core program areas, including federal affairs. 

“Emerging proposals in Washington that would decarbonize the energy and ag sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development can provide new market opportunities for biodiesel,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. 

The group also discussed state programs that are driving demand for a low-carbon future, as well as sustainability, communications, and outreach and development programs.

During the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the industry’s many achievements in the face of adversity. The NBB hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates and partners to talk about the direction of the industry. The NBB has set a goal of six billion gallons of production by 2030. “Our industry has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, but I am proud to say that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries never gave up, even in the middle of a pandemic,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our members continually beat expectations year after year, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.” The group shared updates from each of its core program areas, including federal affairs. “Emerging proposals in Washington that would decarbonize the energy and ag sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development can provide new market opportunities for biodiesel,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. The group also discussed state programs that are driving demand for a low-carbon future, as well as sustainability, communications, and outreach and development programs.

Biodiesel industry looking for progress in 2021

Industry insiders tell Reuters that a new form of African swine fever is popping up on Chinese pig farms. The timing is not good for the world’s biggest pork producer that’s still trying to recover from a devastating epidemic. 

Two new strains of African Swine Fever have infected over 1,000 sows on several farms owned by China’s fourth-largest pork producer. It’s also showing up in pigs being fattened for the firm by contract farmers. 

A company spokesperson says the disease isn’t quite the same as the wild African Swine Fever Virus because the new variant doesn’t kill the large number of pigs that China lost in 2018 and 2019. The new strain causes a chronic condition that reduces the number of healthy piglets born to sows. 

But infected pigs are culled from herds to prevent the spread, which makes the disease ultimately fatal. Many Chinese farmers turned to unapproved products to help protect their animals.&nbsp; Chinese experts fear the illicit vaccines created accidental infections that have begun to spread. There’s no approved vaccine for ASF, which is not harmful to humans.

Industry insiders tell Reuters that a new form of African swine fever is popping up on Chinese pig farms. The timing is not good for the world’s biggest pork producer that’s still trying to recover from a devastating epidemic. Two new strains of African Swine Fever have infected over 1,000 sows on several farms owned by China’s fourth-largest pork producer. It’s also showing up in pigs being fattened for the firm by contract farmers. A company spokesperson says the disease isn’t quite the same as the wild African Swine Fever Virus because the new variant doesn’t kill the large number of pigs that China lost in 2018 and 2019. The new strain causes a chronic condition that reduces the number of healthy piglets born to sows. But infected pigs are culled from herds to prevent the spread, which makes the disease ultimately fatal. Many Chinese farmers turned to unapproved products to help protect their animals.&nbsp; Chinese experts fear the illicit vaccines created accidental infections that have begun to spread. There’s no approved vaccine for ASF, which is not harmful to humans.

New Swine Fever Virus affecting chinese herds

Following the executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, a group of Republican Senators announced opposition to the halting of construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

The effort was led by Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republicans from Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Several other western senators are expected to sign on to legislation Daines will introduce to authorize the pipeline's continued construction. 

In a statement, the Senators say, “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects.”&nbsp;

The Senators claim revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline will drive up the price of gas at the pump, cost thousands of jobs, crush the energy industry and put the country back on a path to dependence on foreign oil.&nbsp; The pipeline is also a priority for Canada. President Biden is expected to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by phone Friday.

Following the executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, a group of Republican Senators announced opposition to the halting of construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The effort was led by Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republicans from Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Several other western senators are expected to sign on to legislation Daines will introduce to authorize the pipeline's continued construction. In a statement, the Senators say, “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects.”&nbsp;The Senators claim revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline will drive up the price of gas at the pump, cost thousands of jobs, crush the energy industry and put the country back on a path to dependence on foreign oil.&nbsp; The pipeline is also a priority for Canada. President Biden is expected to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by phone Friday.

Republican senators criticize Biden action on Keystone XL Pipeline

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered a temporary block to last-minute small refinery waivers issued by the Trump administration. 

The stay is in response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Associations. Thursday, the court ordered that the Environmental Protection Agency action to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed pending further order of the court.” 

The order prevents EPA from further processing the small refinery exemptions, at least until the court has had “sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for stay.” EPA has until February 3 to respond to the motion, and any replies are due to the court by February 10. 

The stay was issued roughly 36 hours after EPA approved two 2019 waiver petitions and one 2018 petition, which—if allowed to stand—would waive another 260 million gallons of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, “We took this action immediately to prevent the agency from doing further economic damage.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered a temporary block to last-minute small refinery waivers issued by the Trump administration. The stay is in response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Associations. Thursday, the court ordered that the Environmental Protection Agency action to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed pending further order of the court.” The order prevents EPA from further processing the small refinery exemptions, at least until the court has had “sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for stay.” EPA has until February 3 to respond to the motion, and any replies are due to the court by February 10. The stay was issued roughly 36 hours after EPA approved two 2019 waiver petitions and one 2018 petition, which—if allowed to stand—would waive another 260 million gallons of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, “We took this action immediately to prevent the agency from doing further economic damage.”

D.C. Circuit Court stays last-minute EPA waivers

President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. 

Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013. Vilsack is well-known to agriculture, serving as the Obama administration’s Agriculture Secretary. 

Biden also appointed Jane Nishida as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs. 

She will assume the duties until Michael Regan, Biden’s pick to head the EPA, can be confirmed. Regan spent more than nine years working for the EPA under the Clinton and Bush administrations, and eight years at the Environmental Defense Fund. Regen has spent the last four years leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013. Vilsack is well-known to agriculture, serving as the Obama administration’s Agriculture Secretary. Biden also appointed Jane Nishida as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs. She will assume the duties until Michael Regan, Biden’s pick to head the EPA, can be confirmed. Regan spent more than nine years working for the EPA under the Clinton and Bush administrations, and eight years at the Environmental Defense Fund. Regen has spent the last four years leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Biden names acting federal agency leaders

The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday. 

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the waivers with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. RFA’s emergency motion says, “EPA’s decision will inflict substantial, immediate, and irreversible harm.” 

Data released by EPA Tuesday evening show that the two 2019 compliance exemptions reduced that year’s RFS standards by 150 million gallons, while one 2018 exemption erased 110 million gallons of renewable fuel requirements. The total eliminated volume of 260 million gallons is equivalent to shutting down three or four ethanol plants for a full year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. 

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the waivers "are completely without legal merit," adding the organization's request seeks to immediately prevent the agency from doing further economic damage to the ethanol industry.

The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday. The Environmental Protection Agency announced the waivers with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. RFA’s emergency motion says, “EPA’s decision will inflict substantial, immediate, and irreversible harm.” Data released by EPA Tuesday evening show that the two 2019 compliance exemptions reduced that year’s RFS standards by 150 million gallons, while one 2018 exemption erased 110 million gallons of renewable fuel requirements. The total eliminated volume of 260 million gallons is equivalent to shutting down three or four ethanol plants for a full year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the waivers "are completely without legal merit," adding the organization's request seeks to immediately prevent the agency from doing further economic damage to the ethanol industry.

RFA files petition and emergency motion to halt last-minute SREs

Former Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is returning home after serving nearly three years in the Trump Administration. 

Bill Northey resigned as Iowa Ag Secretary in March of 2018 to become Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It'll be different waking up everyday not thinking about all the things we need to do at USDA, there's other folks that will work on that," Northey says "Now I can start thinking about what I might do next."

Northey oversaw a division of the USDA with 21,000 employees, operating out of about three-thousand locations and Northey traveled extensively. 

He visited USDA offices in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as well as in 48 of the 50 states -- he didn't make it to Hawaii or Alaska. 

As the former state ag secretary exits the USDA, a former Iowa governor is returning. Tom Vilsack served as President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture for eight years.

"It's really nice to have somebody who knows how the place works, and probably has had a little bit of time to think about what he might want to do the next time around if there was a next time around," Northey says about Vilsack, "He'll hit the ground running."

Northey says he has no idea if his service in the Trump Administration will impact his future prospects.

Radio Iowa contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611168541478.jpeg" alt="Bill Northey&nbsp; (far right) listens as former Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst after both toured flooding on the farm of Andy Spiegel of rural Watson in 2019/Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Bill Northey&nbsp; (far right) listens as former Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst after both toured flooding on the farm of Andy Spiegel of rural Watson in 2019/Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFormer Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is returning home after serving nearly three years in the Trump Administration. Bill Northey resigned as Iowa Ag Secretary in March of 2018 to become Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture."It'll be different waking up everyday not thinking about all the things we need to do at USDA, there's other folks that will work on that," Northey says "Now I can start thinking about what I might do next."Northey oversaw a division of the USDA with 21,000 employees, operating out of about three-thousand locations and Northey traveled extensively. He visited USDA offices in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as well as in 48 of the 50 states -- he didn't make it to Hawaii or Alaska. As the former state ag secretary exits the USDA, a former Iowa governor is returning. Tom Vilsack served as President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture for eight years."It's really nice to have somebody who knows how the place works, and probably has had a little bit of time to think about what he might want to do the next time around if there was a next time around," Northey says about Vilsack, "He'll hit the ground running."Northey says he has no idea if his service in the Trump Administration will impact his future prospects.Radio Iowa contributed to this story.

Former Iowa Ag Secretary coming back to Iowa after 3 years at USDA 

Day one of the Biden administration brought several executive orders signed by the President, including those reversing actions taken during the Trump Administration. 

President Joe Biden called for unity during his inauguration speech, stating, "We must end this uncivil war that pits red versus blue, rural versus urban,” before planning to sign 17 executive orders later in the day. 

Of note to rural America and agriculture, the actions include an executive order to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and to block the Keystone XL pipeline. Another executive order halts construction of the border wall by terminating the national emergency declaration used to fund it. Another action seeks to rejoin the World Health Organization. 

Additionally, the President took steps to extend COVID-19 policies around evictions and student loans.&nbsp; Other actions include executive orders covering human rights, Immigration and ethics. However, his first action created a mask mandate on federal property and public transportation.

Day one of the Biden administration brought several executive orders signed by the President, including those reversing actions taken during the Trump Administration. President Joe Biden called for unity during his inauguration speech, stating, "We must end this uncivil war that pits red versus blue, rural versus urban,” before planning to sign 17 executive orders later in the day. Of note to rural America and agriculture, the actions include an executive order to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and to block the Keystone XL pipeline. Another executive order halts construction of the border wall by terminating the national emergency declaration used to fund it. Another action seeks to rejoin the World Health Organization. Additionally, the President took steps to extend COVID-19 policies around evictions and student loans.&nbsp; Other actions include executive orders covering human rights, Immigration and ethics. However, his first action created a mask mandate on federal property and public transportation.

Biden signs executive orders following Inauguration

Agriculture groups welcomed President Joe Biden to Washington, D.C., while looking forward to tackling current issues. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says AFBF "congratulates President Joe Biden,” adding the same for Vice President Kamala Harris “as she makes history as the first woman to serve as America's vice president." 

Duvall laid out the issues facing rural America in his statement, including labor, broadband and sustainability goals, adding, "Let's get to work on solutions." 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “We stand ready to work with the Biden administration to ensure they are implemented in a way that supports the success” of farmers and ranchers. 

While congratulating Biden, American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Constance Cullman stated, “Our country is facing tough challenges, but just as a farmer does not give up on farming after a difficult growing year, we will not give up in our belief that we can and will meet these challenges.”

Agriculture groups welcomed President Joe Biden to Washington, D.C., while looking forward to tackling current issues. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says AFBF "congratulates President Joe Biden,” adding the same for Vice President Kamala Harris “as she makes history as the first woman to serve as America's vice president." Duvall laid out the issues facing rural America in his statement, including labor, broadband and sustainability goals, adding, "Let's get to work on solutions." National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “We stand ready to work with the Biden administration to ensure they are implemented in a way that supports the success” of farmers and ranchers. While congratulating Biden, American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Constance Cullman stated, “Our country is facing tough challenges, but just as a farmer does not give up on farming after a difficult growing year, we will not give up in our belief that we can and will meet these challenges.”

Ag and food groups welcome President Biden

Farm groups applaud incoming President Joe Biden’s pick for Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary. Biden recently announced the nomination of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to the post. Bronaugh, in 2018 was appointed as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner. 

She previously served as the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency during the Obama administration. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination, as well as the nomination of Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture, shows President-elect Biden is carefully considering the challenges facing our nation’s farmers.” 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “Under Dr. Jewel Bronaugh’s leadership, the USDA will be in good hands,” adding, “As the first Black woman to hold this position, Dr. Bronaugh also brings an important perspective to the USDA.” 

Bronaugh has more than 20 years of experience in food and agricultural issues. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to hold the second-in-command position at USDA.

Farm groups applaud incoming President Joe Biden’s pick for Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary. Biden recently announced the nomination of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to the post. Bronaugh, in 2018 was appointed as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner. She previously served as the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency during the Obama administration. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination, as well as the nomination of Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture, shows President-elect Biden is carefully considering the challenges facing our nation’s farmers.” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “Under Dr. Jewel Bronaugh’s leadership, the USDA will be in good hands,” adding, “As the first Black woman to hold this position, Dr. Bronaugh also brings an important perspective to the USDA.” Bronaugh has more than 20 years of experience in food and agricultural issues. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to hold the second-in-command position at USDA.

Ag groups welcome Biden picks for Agriculture Deputy Secretary

Fuel prices are rising in the new year, with the national average gas price reaching $2.38 a gallon this week. The national average price of diesel increased 2.6 cents in the last week and stands at $2.62 per gallon. 

Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy says, "Gas prices have jumped to yet another multi-month high as crude oil price rise amidst perceived improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Additionally, rumors incoming President Joe Biden will cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline after inauguration Wednesday would cut off reliable Canadian oil to the U.S., according to DeHaan. 

He says oil prices may see additional pressure in the coming days, but says not to expect much of a break from rising gas prices, which now stand less than twenty cents from their year-ago levels. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil continued to rally over the last week as a weakened U.S. dollar, as well as continued market optimism, have boosted oil prices.

Fuel prices are rising in the new year, with the national average gas price reaching $2.38 a gallon this week. The national average price of diesel increased 2.6 cents in the last week and stands at $2.62 per gallon. Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy says, "Gas prices have jumped to yet another multi-month high as crude oil price rise amidst perceived improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic.” Additionally, rumors incoming President Joe Biden will cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline after inauguration Wednesday would cut off reliable Canadian oil to the U.S., according to DeHaan. He says oil prices may see additional pressure in the coming days, but says not to expect much of a break from rising gas prices, which now stand less than twenty cents from their year-ago levels. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil continued to rally over the last week as a weakened U.S. dollar, as well as continued market optimism, have boosted oil prices.

Gas and diesel prices rising

In a last-minute effort, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency issued three small refinery exemptions. The action reverses one denial from 2018 and granting two for the 2019 compliance year. 

The decision comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s agreement to hear a Tenth Circuit case that overturned three small refinery exemptions that had been inappropriately granted. In a statement, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor called on the incoming Biden Administration to reverse harm done to rural America through SRE abuse. 

Skor says, “Given President-elect Biden’s commitments on the campaign trail, we‘re confident his incoming team will swiftly work to reverse the damage these oil handouts have done to rural America by this midnight maneuvering.” 

Rumors that the EPA was prepping to issue the three waivers surfaced last week. EPA’s action brings the total of SREs granted by the Trump Administration to 88, totaling 4.3 billion gallons of biofuel blending demand destroyed.&nbsp;

In a last-minute effort, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency issued three small refinery exemptions. The action reverses one denial from 2018 and granting two for the 2019 compliance year. The decision comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s agreement to hear a Tenth Circuit case that overturned three small refinery exemptions that had been inappropriately granted. In a statement, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor called on the incoming Biden Administration to reverse harm done to rural America through SRE abuse. Skor says, “Given President-elect Biden’s commitments on the campaign trail, we‘re confident his incoming team will swiftly work to reverse the damage these oil handouts have done to rural America by this midnight maneuvering.” Rumors that the EPA was prepping to issue the three waivers surfaced last week. EPA’s action brings the total of SREs granted by the Trump Administration to 88, totaling 4.3 billion gallons of biofuel blending demand destroyed.&nbsp;

Trump EPA issues last-minute SRE’s

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the USDA will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The agency will be expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities and updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied to the program. 

Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact the USDA’s Farm Service Agency between January 19 and February 26. 

“The coronavirus has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure our agricultural economy remains strong, independent, and a global leader in production,” Perdue says. 

Among some of the changes, contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs, and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 because of COVID-19 are now eligible for assistance. Also, producers of pullets and turfgrass sod are now eligible for CFAP payments. Those commodities weren’t explicitly included in the initial CFAP 2 rules. Producers can learn about the other changes at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/cfap">www.farmers.gov/cfap</a>.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the USDA will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The agency will be expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities and updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied to the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact the USDA’s Farm Service Agency between January 19 and February 26. “The coronavirus has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure our agricultural economy remains strong, independent, and a global leader in production,” Perdue says. Among some of the changes, contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs, and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 because of COVID-19 are now eligible for assistance. Also, producers of pullets and turfgrass sod are now eligible for CFAP payments. Those commodities weren’t explicitly included in the initial CFAP 2 rules. Producers can learn about the other changes at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/cfap">www.farmers.gov/cfap</a>.

USDA offering additional assistance through CFAP

Argentina received much-welcomed rains in areas like La Pampa and many Buenos Aires locations into central Cordoba, San Luis, and southern Santa Fe late last week. Moisture totals varied from .2 to .88 inches of rain, with local totals of one inch to more than three inches in southern Santa Fe and southeastern Cordoba. 

The moisture combined with the rain falling earlier last week, as well as the rain expected over the past weekend, should help South American crops coast into this week’s dry and warmer weather without a lot of concern over drought stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;Timely rain is going to be extremely important over the last week of January and into early February. 

However, current conditions are improving. A Bower Trading report says Brazil’s rainfall has been erratic recently, but enough rain is falling in the most important production areas. Two days’ worth of scattered showers and thunderstorms fell in the northern and western parts of the country’s crop-growing regions. 

The weather outlook in Brazil shows rain ahead for most of the key grain, oilseed, and cotton areas in South America. Drier weather is forecast in certain areas, but it will have a bigger impact on unirrigated coffee, cocoa, and small sugarcane fields, more so than it will on the coarse grains and oilseeds.

Argentina received much-welcomed rains in areas like La Pampa and many Buenos Aires locations into central Cordoba, San Luis, and southern Santa Fe late last week. Moisture totals varied from .2 to .88 inches of rain, with local totals of one inch to more than three inches in southern Santa Fe and southeastern Cordoba. The moisture combined with the rain falling earlier last week, as well as the rain expected over the past weekend, should help South American crops coast into this week’s dry and warmer weather without a lot of concern over drought stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;Timely rain is going to be extremely important over the last week of January and into early February. However, current conditions are improving. A Bower Trading report says Brazil’s rainfall has been erratic recently, but enough rain is falling in the most important production areas. Two days’ worth of scattered showers and thunderstorms fell in the northern and western parts of the country’s crop-growing regions. The weather outlook in Brazil shows rain ahead for most of the key grain, oilseed, and cotton areas in South America. Drier weather is forecast in certain areas, but it will have a bigger impact on unirrigated coffee, cocoa, and small sugarcane fields, more so than it will on the coarse grains and oilseeds.

Drought conditions slowly improving in South America

A coalition of environmental and wildlife advocacy groups filed suit against the Trump administration over the decision to remove the gray wolf from Endangered Species Protections. Back in October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lifted protection for the wolves in the continental U.S. 

The only exception is a small population of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and Mexico. The decision brought 45 years of protections to an end for the wolves. The agency determined that the species was no longer endangered. The Hill Dot Com says protecting the species is now up to individual states, many of which will likely allow gray wolf hunting. 

Last Thursday, six environmental groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, filed a lawsuit challenging the delisting, arguing that the delisting is premature as the species hasn’t fully recovered in a big part of its former range across the United States. 

“We hope this lawsuit finally sets the wolf on a path to true recovery,” says Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Restoring federal protection would allow further recovery in places like California, which is now home to just a single pack of wolves.” More than 6,000 gray wolves live in the continental U.S., including over 4,000 in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

A coalition of environmental and wildlife advocacy groups filed suit against the Trump administration over the decision to remove the gray wolf from Endangered Species Protections. Back in October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lifted protection for the wolves in the continental U.S. The only exception is a small population of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and Mexico. The decision brought 45 years of protections to an end for the wolves. The agency determined that the species was no longer endangered. The Hill Dot Com says protecting the species is now up to individual states, many of which will likely allow gray wolf hunting. Last Thursday, six environmental groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, filed a lawsuit challenging the delisting, arguing that the delisting is premature as the species hasn’t fully recovered in a big part of its former range across the United States. “We hope this lawsuit finally sets the wolf on a path to true recovery,” says Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Restoring federal protection would allow further recovery in places like California, which is now home to just a single pack of wolves.” More than 6,000 gray wolves live in the continental U.S., including over 4,000 in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Environmental groups sue Trump administration over gray wolf

Corn export sales almost doubled week-to-week while soybean sales also jumped higher. The USDA says corn sales to overseas buyers jumped 92 percent week-to-week to 1.44 million metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s up 34 percent over the prior four-week average. 

Japan was the biggest buyer at more than 401,000 metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;An unnamed buyer purchased 334,000 tons, and Columbia bought almost 126,000 metric tons. China was in for another 88,500 tons, while El Salvador canceled a shipment of 24,000 tons. 

Exports totaled 1.46 million metric tons last week, 43 percent higher than the previous week, and 41 percent from the average.&nbsp;&nbsp;Soybean sales totaled 908,000 metric tons, significantly higher last week’s marketing year low of almost 37,000 tons and the highest number since November 12. 

China was the biggest buyer again, purchasing 758,300 metric tons. Other significant buyers included Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week’s export total was 2.04 million metric tons, up 10 percent from the previous week but down 12 percent from the average. Wheat sales through January 7 totaled almost 222,000 metric tons, down 19 percent week-to-week and 49 percent from the four-week average.

Corn export sales almost doubled week-to-week while soybean sales also jumped higher. The USDA says corn sales to overseas buyers jumped 92 percent week-to-week to 1.44 million metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s up 34 percent over the prior four-week average. Japan was the biggest buyer at more than 401,000 metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;An unnamed buyer purchased 334,000 tons, and Columbia bought almost 126,000 metric tons. China was in for another 88,500 tons, while El Salvador canceled a shipment of 24,000 tons. Exports totaled 1.46 million metric tons last week, 43 percent higher than the previous week, and 41 percent from the average.&nbsp;&nbsp;Soybean sales totaled 908,000 metric tons, significantly higher last week’s marketing year low of almost 37,000 tons and the highest number since November 12. China was the biggest buyer again, purchasing 758,300 metric tons. Other significant buyers included Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week’s export total was 2.04 million metric tons, up 10 percent from the previous week but down 12 percent from the average. Wheat sales through January 7 totaled almost 222,000 metric tons, down 19 percent week-to-week and 49 percent from the four-week average.

Corn and soybean export sales jump higher

The National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Mark Poeschl as CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation, effective January 15. 

In a statement, Poeschl said, “I know there have been challenges we have faced during my tenure, but my intentions have been for the best interests of FFA and our student members.” 

He adds, “I'm proud of what we have accomplished together, but now it's time for the next CEO of FFA to step in and make their mark.” &nbsp;Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor and Board Chair, says, “Mark informed us Thursday that he has decided to end his role as National FFA CEO. 

The board wishes Mark well, and we acknowledge the impact he has made in the last four and a half years as National FFA leader.” Poeschl began his tenure leading FFA in 2016, from Cargill Animal Nutrition.

The National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Mark Poeschl as CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation, effective January 15. In a statement, Poeschl said, “I know there have been challenges we have faced during my tenure, but my intentions have been for the best interests of FFA and our student members.” He adds, “I'm proud of what we have accomplished together, but now it's time for the next CEO of FFA to step in and make their mark.” &nbsp;Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor and Board Chair, says, “Mark informed us Thursday that he has decided to end his role as National FFA CEO. The board wishes Mark well, and we acknowledge the impact he has made in the last four and a half years as National FFA leader.” Poeschl began his tenure leading FFA in 2016, from Cargill Animal Nutrition.

Mark Poeschl resigns as CEO of National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation

The Environmental Protection Agency said last week it proposes to extend refiner deadlines to prove compliance with biofuel laws. Reuters says the agency is signaling that it won’t decide on many of the pending waiver requests submitted by the industry. 

It’s mixed news for refiners who’ve been hit hard by the slump in energy demand during COVID-19 and are looking to decrease regulatory costs associated with the U.S. biofuel blending policy. It’s also one of the final actions the EPA will take before President Trump leaves office on January 20. 

The agency will propose to extend the compliance deadline for 2019 biofuel blending obligations to November 30, 2021. The EPA will move the 2020 deadlines to January 31, 2022, and June 1, 2022. Refiners must turn in their credits to the EPA every year to prove they’ve complied with the annual biofuel blending obligations for the previous calendar year. 

The EPA also says it won’t take a position on the availability of 2019 small refinery waivers, which can exempt oil refiners from their obligations to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply. The decision is related to the pending litigation on the waiver program.

The Environmental Protection Agency said last week it proposes to extend refiner deadlines to prove compliance with biofuel laws. Reuters says the agency is signaling that it won’t decide on many of the pending waiver requests submitted by the industry. It’s mixed news for refiners who’ve been hit hard by the slump in energy demand during COVID-19 and are looking to decrease regulatory costs associated with the U.S. biofuel blending policy. It’s also one of the final actions the EPA will take before President Trump leaves office on January 20. The agency will propose to extend the compliance deadline for 2019 biofuel blending obligations to November 30, 2021. The EPA will move the 2020 deadlines to January 31, 2022, and June 1, 2022. Refiners must turn in their credits to the EPA every year to prove they’ve complied with the annual biofuel blending obligations for the previous calendar year. The EPA also says it won’t take a position on the availability of 2019 small refinery waivers, which can exempt oil refiners from their obligations to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply. The decision is related to the pending litigation on the waiver program.

EPA won’t decide on RFS waiver requests

More lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration to avoid making any decisions on small refinery exemptions until after the Supreme Court rules in pending litigation. Thursday, a group of Midwest Senators penned a letter to the administration. 

The letter states, “Alarming new reports indicate that your Environmental Protection Agency may issue numerous pending small refinery exemptions which would be a devastating blow to biofuels producers and the farmers who sell to them.” 

The effort follows a similar letter by the House Biofuels Caucus earlier this week. The letters stem from a Reuters report that the Trump administration was readying three new waivers for compliance year 2019. 

The Senate effort includes Republican Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst, both of Iowa, along with Roger Marshall of Kansas, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Meanwhile, the EPA Thursday proposed extending the RFS compliance deadline for the 2019 compliance year to November 2021 and the 2020 deadlines to 2022.

More lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration to avoid making any decisions on small refinery exemptions until after the Supreme Court rules in pending litigation. Thursday, a group of Midwest Senators penned a letter to the administration. The letter states, “Alarming new reports indicate that your Environmental Protection Agency may issue numerous pending small refinery exemptions which would be a devastating blow to biofuels producers and the farmers who sell to them.” The effort follows a similar letter by the House Biofuels Caucus earlier this week. The letters stem from a Reuters report that the Trump administration was readying three new waivers for compliance year 2019. The Senate effort includes Republican Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst, both of Iowa, along with Roger Marshall of Kansas, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Meanwhile, the EPA Thursday proposed extending the RFS compliance deadline for the 2019 compliance year to November 2021 and the 2020 deadlines to 2022.

Senators call on EPA to protect the integrity of the RFS

A recent study finds rural residents are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Kaiser Family Foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor tracks the dynamic nature of public opinion as vaccine development unfolds. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues. 

The monitor shows three in ten people in rural areas say they will "definitely get" the vaccine, compared to four in ten people in urban areas and suburban areas. 

An additional one-third of people in rural areas say they will "probably get it" while 35 percent say they will either "probably not get it" or "definitely not get it." 

The report says there are many factors that are associated with an individual's willingness to get the coronavirus vaccine, including their age, level of education, and political party identification.&nbsp; 

The COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor finds that Republicans are much less likely to say they will get a coronavirus vaccine compared to their independent and Democratic counterparts.

A recent study finds rural residents are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Kaiser Family Foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor tracks the dynamic nature of public opinion as vaccine development unfolds. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues. The monitor shows three in ten people in rural areas say they will "definitely get" the vaccine, compared to four in ten people in urban areas and suburban areas. An additional one-third of people in rural areas say they will "probably get it" while 35 percent say they will either "probably not get it" or "definitely not get it." The report says there are many factors that are associated with an individual's willingness to get the coronavirus vaccine, including their age, level of education, and political party identification.&nbsp; The COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor finds that Republicans are much less likely to say they will get a coronavirus vaccine compared to their independent and Democratic counterparts.

Vaccine hesitancy in rural America

The Department of Agriculture is investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine. The investment is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. 

The investment expands the pilot program to new projects in Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.&nbsp; The pilot program is a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 

NRCS will provide funding to partners who will provide financial assistance, education, outreach and trapping assistance to participating landowners in pilot project areas. All partner work will be closely coordinated with the APHIS operations in those areas. 

Between the first and second round of funding, there will be a total of 34 active projects across 12 states for the life of the 2018 Farm Bill. NRCS Acting Chief Kevin Norton says, “The projects we have identified will be key to addressing the feral swine problem.”

The Department of Agriculture is investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine. The investment is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The investment expands the pilot program to new projects in Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.&nbsp; The pilot program is a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. NRCS will provide funding to partners who will provide financial assistance, education, outreach and trapping assistance to participating landowners in pilot project areas. All partner work will be closely coordinated with the APHIS operations in those areas. Between the first and second round of funding, there will be a total of 34 active projects across 12 states for the life of the 2018 Farm Bill. NRCS Acting Chief Kevin Norton says, “The projects we have identified will be key to addressing the feral swine problem.”