As many farm and agriculture groups submitted comments on the EPA's proposed changes to the Waters of the U.S. rule, The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture asked the EPA to suspend the rule-making process. 

The comment period on the proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency closed Monday. In NASDA’s comments sent to EPA, CEO Ted McKinney urged the EPA and the Army Corps to suspend further action until guidance from the Supreme Court is provided. 

McKinney stated, "Unfortunately, the proposed rule will return us to the ambiguity of past regulation as well as the federal overreach that ignored the role and expertise of state partners.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

NASDA calls the change “unacceptable,” and urges the EPA and the Corps to reconsider the clarity and the undeniably appropriate level of protection offered by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. 

In addition to the submitted comments, NASDA members, farmers, ranchers and the agriculture industry have repeatedly advocated for clarity and reasonableness in the regulatory definition of WOTUS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644337754515.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of National Corn Growers Association" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of National Corn Growers Association</figcaption>
 </figure>As many farm and agriculture groups submitted comments on the EPA's proposed changes to the Waters of the U.S. rule, The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture asked the EPA to suspend the rule-making process. The comment period on the proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency closed Monday. In NASDA’s comments sent to EPA, CEO Ted McKinney urged the EPA and the Army Corps to suspend further action until guidance from the Supreme Court is provided. McKinney stated, "Unfortunately, the proposed rule will return us to the ambiguity of past regulation as well as the federal overreach that ignored the role and expertise of state partners.”&nbsp;&nbsp;NASDA calls the change “unacceptable,” and urges the EPA and the Corps to reconsider the clarity and the undeniably appropriate level of protection offered by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. In addition to the submitted comments, NASDA members, farmers, ranchers and the agriculture industry have repeatedly advocated for clarity and reasonableness in the regulatory definition of WOTUS.

NASDA asks EPA to suspend action on WOTUS rulemaking

For the sixth straight week, the nation’s average gas price is up, rising eight cents from a week ago and stands at $3.42 per gallon. 

The national average is up 12.3 cents from a month ago and 97.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel increased 8.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.78 per gallon, the highest since September 2014. 

Gas prices saw their sharpest rise in months last week as oil surged to $93 per barrel, on continued concerns over Russia invading Ukraine and that there won’t be enough supply to meet demand come this summer. 

GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “Motorists should expect even more price increases, with the larger jumps coming later this spring as a confluence of seasonal factors and the potential flare up in geopolitical tensions.” De Haan adds the national average could be pushed to record territory by the start of the summer driving season.

For the sixth straight week, the nation’s average gas price is up, rising eight cents from a week ago and stands at $3.42 per gallon. The national average is up 12.3 cents from a month ago and 97.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel increased 8.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.78 per gallon, the highest since September 2014. Gas prices saw their sharpest rise in months last week as oil surged to $93 per barrel, on continued concerns over Russia invading Ukraine and that there won’t be enough supply to meet demand come this summer. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “Motorists should expect even more price increases, with the larger jumps coming later this spring as a confluence of seasonal factors and the potential flare up in geopolitical tensions.” De Haan adds the national average could be pushed to record territory by the start of the summer driving season.

Fuel prices spike as oil surge continues

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. 

The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse gas benefits. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement during a stop at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Vilsack says, “USDA will provide targeted funding to meet national and global demand and expand market opportunities for climate-smart commodities to increase the competitive advantage of American producers.” 

Funding will be provided to partners through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation for pilot projects to provide incentives. USDA is accepting project applications for fiscal year 2022. A range of public and private entities may apply, and the primary applicant must be an entity, not an individual. More information is available at USDA.gov.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse gas benefits. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement during a stop at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Vilsack says, “USDA will provide targeted funding to meet national and global demand and expand market opportunities for climate-smart commodities to increase the competitive advantage of American producers.” Funding will be provided to partners through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation for pilot projects to provide incentives. USDA is accepting project applications for fiscal year 2022. A range of public and private entities may apply, and the primary applicant must be an entity, not an individual. More information is available at USDA.gov.

USDA to invest $1 billion in Climate Smart Commodities

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/07/usda-pledges-1b-for-climate-smart-ag-products/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The U.S.
 Department of Agriculture plans to spend up to $1 billion to foster the
 creation of climate-friendly agricultural and forestry products by 
offering grants to facilitate their production and the markets to sell 
them.

The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon in those industries.

“Agriculture is such an exciting but 
challenging, critical but dynamic space. It’s easy to make the case to 
young people to get engaged in this,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom 
Vilsack said Monday in announcing the program at Missouri’s Lincoln 
University, a historically Black university with a robust agricultural 
program. “It’s at the heart of our fight against climate change.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
estimates that about 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions — 
which are key drivers of a warming climate — come from agriculture, 
especially livestock production. Cattle are agriculture’s primary 
emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The USDA’s new Partnerships for 
Climate-Smart Commodities program will provide up to $100 million for 
individual pilot projects to plan and implement emission-reducing 
practices, create new markets to sell the products that result from 
those practices and quantify the effectiveness of the practices.

Measuring livestock emissions has long been a
 tricky proposition for federal regulators. An example: The U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency suspended its enforcement of the Clean 
Air Act as it might pertain to animal confinements about 16 years ago as
 it seeks to develop a reliable way to measure the buildings’ emissions.

Beef production is potentially a bigger 
quandary because the animals are often raised in open-air lots. However,
 researchers have been able to estimate the average annual methane 
production from cows and how much it can be reduced with <a href="https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2020/01/unh-scientists-expand-seaweed-research-benefit-regions-dairy-farmers" target="_blank">specialized diets</a>.

The <a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities" target="_blank">new USDA grant program</a>
 is open to a wide variety of entities: businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, governments, Native American tribal governments and 
organizations, and colleges and universities.

The department has set an April 8 deadline 
for proposals that range from $5 million to $100 million and a May 27 
deadline for those that would cost less than $5 million, according to 
the department’s <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank">public Notice</a><a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank"> of Funding Opportunity.</a>
 Small and “historically underserved” agricultural producers and 
“minority-serving institutions” will get priority, the notice says.

“This might look, for example, like a group 
of small farmers working with a nonprofit to implement and quantify 
climate-smart practices in partnership with a retailer,” Vilsack said. 
“Or it could be a network of commodity organizations recruiting 
specialty crop farmers to quantify reduced emissions and market the 
resulting products. It may be a farmer-partner organization working with
 universities to test innovative approaches to monitor and verify 
climate benefits to aid in marketing. It could be all of that or any of 
it, along with a lot of other ideas and concepts.”

Vilsack did not say whether the products 
would bear a “climate smart” label that is subject to USDA 
certification, similar to organic foods.

This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom&nbsp;network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644333577889.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a $1 billion grant program to boost agricultural and forestry products that are made with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. (Screenshot from USDA video)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a $1 billion grant program to boost agricultural and forestry products that are made with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. (Screenshot from USDA video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/07/usda-pledges-1b-for-climate-smart-ag-products/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The U.S.
 Department of Agriculture plans to spend up to $1 billion to foster the
 creation of climate-friendly agricultural and forestry products by 
offering grants to facilitate their production and the markets to sell 
them.The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon in those industries.“Agriculture is such an exciting but 
challenging, critical but dynamic space. It’s easy to make the case to 
young people to get engaged in this,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom 
Vilsack said Monday in announcing the program at Missouri’s Lincoln 
University, a historically Black university with a robust agricultural 
program. “It’s at the heart of our fight against climate change.”The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
estimates that about 10% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions — 
which are key drivers of a warming climate — come from agriculture, 
especially livestock production. Cattle are agriculture’s primary 
emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.The USDA’s new Partnerships for 
Climate-Smart Commodities program will provide up to $100 million for 
individual pilot projects to plan and implement emission-reducing 
practices, create new markets to sell the products that result from 
those practices and quantify the effectiveness of the practices.Measuring livestock emissions has long been a
 tricky proposition for federal regulators. An example: The U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency suspended its enforcement of the Clean 
Air Act as it might pertain to animal confinements about 16 years ago as
 it seeks to develop a reliable way to measure the buildings’ emissions.Beef production is potentially a bigger 
quandary because the animals are often raised in open-air lots. However,
 researchers have been able to estimate the average annual methane 
production from cows and how much it can be reduced with <a href="https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2020/01/unh-scientists-expand-seaweed-research-benefit-regions-dairy-farmers" target="_blank">specialized diets</a>.The <a href="https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodities" target="_blank">new USDA grant program</a>
 is open to a wide variety of entities: businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, governments, Native American tribal governments and 
organizations, and colleges and universities.The department has set an April 8 deadline 
for proposals that range from $5 million to $100 million and a May 27 
deadline for those that would cost less than $5 million, according to 
the department’s <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank">public Notice</a><a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate-smart-nfo-usda-nrcs-comm-22-nofo0001139-02062022-web-final.pdf" target="_blank"> of Funding Opportunity.</a>
 Small and “historically underserved” agricultural producers and 
“minority-serving institutions” will get priority, the notice says.“This might look, for example, like a group 
of small farmers working with a nonprofit to implement and quantify 
climate-smart practices in partnership with a retailer,” Vilsack said. 
“Or it could be a network of commodity organizations recruiting 
specialty crop farmers to quantify reduced emissions and market the 
resulting products. It may be a farmer-partner organization working with
 universities to test innovative approaches to monitor and verify 
climate benefits to aid in marketing. It could be all of that or any of 
it, along with a lot of other ideas and concepts.”Vilsack did not say whether the products 
would bear a “climate smart” label that is subject to USDA 
certification, similar to organic foods.This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom&nbsp;network.

USDA pledges $1B for ‘climate smart’ ag products

Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar and South Dakota Republican John Thune introduced the Ocean Shipping Reform Act into the Senate last week. 

It’s the Senate’s response to the House version that passed by a wide bipartisan vote in December. Farm groups and other industry stakeholders are complaining that ships coming to the West Coast from Asia are going back to China and its neighbors empty. 

Those ships are heading back to Asia to bring more goods to get sold in the U.S and not picking up products they would normally take to Asian customers. 

A trade association executive told the Hagstrom Report that the Senate bill in some instances is stronger than the House bill. However, some aspects are weaker, but if it gets passed, it will help improve the overall supply chain situation. 

Klobuchar says the bill would “prohibit ocean carriers from unreasonably declining opportunities for U.S. exports, as determined by the Federal Maritime Commission in a new required rulemaking.”

Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar and South Dakota Republican John Thune introduced the Ocean Shipping Reform Act into the Senate last week. It’s the Senate’s response to the House version that passed by a wide bipartisan vote in December. Farm groups and other industry stakeholders are complaining that ships coming to the West Coast from Asia are going back to China and its neighbors empty. Those ships are heading back to Asia to bring more goods to get sold in the U.S and not picking up products they would normally take to Asian customers. A trade association executive told the Hagstrom Report that the Senate bill in some instances is stronger than the House bill. However, some aspects are weaker, but if it gets passed, it will help improve the overall supply chain situation. Klobuchar says the bill would “prohibit ocean carriers from unreasonably declining opportunities for U.S. exports, as determined by the Federal Maritime Commission in a new required rulemaking.”

Ocean Shipping Reform Act introduced in Senate

Don Schiefelbein of Minnesota is the new president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The central Minnesota native was named to the post during the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention in Houston. 

Schiefelbein and his family run a seed stock breeding and cattle feeding operation in Kimball, Minnesota. “I’m very fortunate to have been involved in the cattle industry through several avenues and have seen the positive results when people come together,” he says. 

“As incoming NCBA president, I will continue bringing people together for the benefit of the industry.” As he looks ahead to his year as president, Schiefelbein is serious about helping lead NCBA’s fight for policies and a business climate that supports cattle-producing families and their opportunity to make a living on the land. 

The 2022 officer team took office at the end of this year’s convention. Todd Wilkinson of South Dakota was named president-elect, and Mark Eisele of Wyoming was elected vice president.

Don Schiefelbein of Minnesota is the new president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The central Minnesota native was named to the post during the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention in Houston. Schiefelbein and his family run a seed stock breeding and cattle feeding operation in Kimball, Minnesota. “I’m very fortunate to have been involved in the cattle industry through several avenues and have seen the positive results when people come together,” he says. “As incoming NCBA president, I will continue bringing people together for the benefit of the industry.” As he looks ahead to his year as president, Schiefelbein is serious about helping lead NCBA’s fight for policies and a business climate that supports cattle-producing families and their opportunity to make a living on the land. The 2022 officer team took office at the end of this year’s convention. Todd Wilkinson of South Dakota was named president-elect, and Mark Eisele of Wyoming was elected vice president.

Minnesota cattleman is new NCBA president

The updated 2022 runoff forecast for the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. 

“Despite January’s runoff being slightly above average, we expect 2022 runoff to remain below average,” says John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. 

“Both plains snowpack and mountain snowpack continue to lag behind seasonal averages, and soil moisture continues to be much drier-than-normal.” 

January runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was just under one million acre-feet, 111 percent of average.&nbsp;&nbsp;Runoff was near-average due to warmer-than-normal temperatures in the upper Basin. 

Precipitation in January was below normal for most of the upper-basin except for North Dakota, which saw above-normal precipitation.“The Corps is aware of the importance of our operations to the water supply,” Remus adds. “There is and will be enough water in the river to serve the water-supply needs.”

The updated 2022 runoff forecast for the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. “Despite January’s runoff being slightly above average, we expect 2022 runoff to remain below average,” says John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “Both plains snowpack and mountain snowpack continue to lag behind seasonal averages, and soil moisture continues to be much drier-than-normal.” January runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was just under one million acre-feet, 111 percent of average.&nbsp;&nbsp;Runoff was near-average due to warmer-than-normal temperatures in the upper Basin. Precipitation in January was below normal for most of the upper-basin except for North Dakota, which saw above-normal precipitation.“The Corps is aware of the importance of our operations to the water supply,” Remus adds. “There is and will be enough water in the river to serve the water-supply needs.”

Missouri River Basin runoff forecast low in 2022

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is upset with a court settlement reached by JBS as part of a class-action lawsuit against the four biggest meatpackers in the U.S. 

DTN says the court case and the $52.5 million settlement involves price-fixing and the four meatpackers constraining the fed cattle supply. 

The NCBA wants to find out what happened to the industry’s demands for a federal investigation into beef markets going back to 2019. 

They’re looking for more transparency from the Justice Department. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a co-author of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, says the settlement is a “spit in the ocean” for JBS compared to its record profits during COVID-19. 

“The settlement confirms what cattle producers have been telling me when they try to get a fair price in the marketplace,” Grassley says. “It’s time to put an end to these price-fixing schemes by the Big Four once and for all.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is upset with a court settlement reached by JBS as part of a class-action lawsuit against the four biggest meatpackers in the U.S. DTN says the court case and the $52.5 million settlement involves price-fixing and the four meatpackers constraining the fed cattle supply. The NCBA wants to find out what happened to the industry’s demands for a federal investigation into beef markets going back to 2019. They’re looking for more transparency from the Justice Department. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a co-author of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, says the settlement is a “spit in the ocean” for JBS compared to its record profits during COVID-19. “The settlement confirms what cattle producers have been telling me when they try to get a fair price in the marketplace,” Grassley says. “It’s time to put an end to these price-fixing schemes by the Big Four once and for all.”

NCBA unhappy with JBS court settlement

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association heard domestic and international leaders who spoke during the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. 

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, Undersecretary Robert Bonnie, and British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce expressed optimism about the future of the cattle and beef industries. 

Vilsack committed to addressing challenges that producers are facing regarding the supply chain, processing capacity, and drought. 

Bonnie, the Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, recognized the industry’s role in conservation and that cattle producers play a critical role in environmental stewardship goals. 

Pierce shared her optimism in strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States through continuing negotiations to reach a free trade agreement. 

As the U.K. places high importance on sustainable beef production, Pierce says she’s confident in the sustainability goals set last year by the NCBA. “We see tremendous opportunities between the two countries,” says NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association heard domestic and international leaders who spoke during the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, Undersecretary Robert Bonnie, and British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce expressed optimism about the future of the cattle and beef industries. Vilsack committed to addressing challenges that producers are facing regarding the supply chain, processing capacity, and drought. Bonnie, the Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, recognized the industry’s role in conservation and that cattle producers play a critical role in environmental stewardship goals. Pierce shared her optimism in strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States through continuing negotiations to reach a free trade agreement. As the U.K. places high importance on sustainable beef production, Pierce says she’s confident in the sustainability goals set last year by the NCBA. “We see tremendous opportunities between the two countries,” says NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.

Optimism for the future of the cattle and beef industry

USDA provided an update on the upcoming disaster assistance at this week’s Cattle Industry Convention. The assistance is for agricultural producers impacted by weather-related disasters in 2020 and 2021. 

“Over the past two years, as agricultural producers struggled with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, they’ve also been hit hard by more frequent and intense natural disasters,” says Robert Bonnie, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. 

USDA intends to streamline the process for producers, and the agency will distribute at least half the available $750 million by the end of March. The program to to assist crop producers will follow a process similar to that of the livestock assistance with the first phase of implementation this spring. 

The first phase will use existing Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data as the basis for calculating initial payments. That will help speed up implementation and encourage participation in these programs too.

USDA provided an update on the upcoming disaster assistance at this week’s Cattle Industry Convention. The assistance is for agricultural producers impacted by weather-related disasters in 2020 and 2021. “Over the past two years, as agricultural producers struggled with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, they’ve also been hit hard by more frequent and intense natural disasters,” says Robert Bonnie, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. USDA intends to streamline the process for producers, and the agency will distribute at least half the available $750 million by the end of March. The program to to assist crop producers will follow a process similar to that of the livestock assistance with the first phase of implementation this spring. The first phase will use existing Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data as the basis for calculating initial payments. That will help speed up implementation and encourage participation in these programs too.

USDA provides Disaster Assistance update

Legislators in Washington, D.C., this week urged the Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize the Renewable Fuel Standard by maintaining the blending requirements for 2022. 

The lawmakers also urged the EPA to deny all pending Small Refinery Exemptions, eliminate proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations and set the 2021 RFS volumes at statutory levels. 

Led by Senators Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, the lawmakers made the request in a letter to the EPA. Following the requests by the lawmakers, the letter says, “the EPA can quickly restore integrity, stability, and growth to the RFS and the U.S. biofuel sector.” 

Many of the letter co-signers are supporters of the Defend the Blend Act, introduced in the Senate by Grassley and Klobuchar. The legislation would prohibit the EPA from retroactively reducing RVO levels once the annual rule is finalized, also supported by biofuels groups, including Growth Energy.

Legislators in Washington, D.C., this week urged the Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize the Renewable Fuel Standard by maintaining the blending requirements for 2022. The lawmakers also urged the EPA to deny all pending Small Refinery Exemptions, eliminate proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations and set the 2021 RFS volumes at statutory levels. Led by Senators Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, the lawmakers made the request in a letter to the EPA. Following the requests by the lawmakers, the letter says, “the EPA can quickly restore integrity, stability, and growth to the RFS and the U.S. biofuel sector.” Many of the letter co-signers are supporters of the Defend the Blend Act, introduced in the Senate by Grassley and Klobuchar. The legislation would prohibit the EPA from retroactively reducing RVO levels once the annual rule is finalized, also supported by biofuels groups, including Growth Energy.

Lawmakers urging Biden Administration to prioritize Renewable Fuel Standard

During the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association approved the organization’s 2022 policy priorities. 

The priorities include an emphasis on strengthening the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the cattle industry. 

The policy priorities include improving market leverage and opportunities through increased access to market data and risk management tools for producers, and securing the future of the beef industry by protecting tax provisions, limiting regulatory burdens on farms and ranches, and leveling the playing field for producers. 

Also included is boosting the resiliency of the beef supply chain by addressing labor shortages, improving processing capacity, expanding technology, strengthening transportation, and achieving key cattle industry priorities in the 2023 Farm Bill. 

NCBA President-elect Don Schiefelbein says, “We are addressing the long-term needs of the cattle industry and advancing policies that will contribute to business success, economic growth and respect for our way of life.”

During the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association approved the organization’s 2022 policy priorities. The priorities include an emphasis on strengthening the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the cattle industry. The policy priorities include improving market leverage and opportunities through increased access to market data and risk management tools for producers, and securing the future of the beef industry by protecting tax provisions, limiting regulatory burdens on farms and ranches, and leveling the playing field for producers. Also included is boosting the resiliency of the beef supply chain by addressing labor shortages, improving processing capacity, expanding technology, strengthening transportation, and achieving key cattle industry priorities in the 2023 Farm Bill. NCBA President-elect Don Schiefelbein says, “We are addressing the long-term needs of the cattle industry and advancing policies that will contribute to business success, economic growth and respect for our way of life.”

NCBA releases 2022 policy priorities

Three northeast Kansas projects will benefit from USDA grants,
part of the federal Agriculture Department’s $2.77 million economic development
boost to 12 Kansas communities.

“The USDA is committed to helping rural,
agricultural businesses expand and diversify their products,” USDA Acting State Director for Rural
Development Kansas Dan Fischer said in a written statement. “Today’s
investments will help companies hire more workers and reach new customers. It
will help entrepreneurs and farmers create jobs, grow businesses and find new
and better markets for the items they produce.”

The USDA has provided a $210,000 grant to help pay for the expansion of
Central Grazing Company’s package lamb meat product line. The Lawrence company
can use the money to process supplies and expand storage.

Another USDA grant, totaling $250,000, will be use to expand Z&amp;M
Twisted Vines Wines and Winery’s hard cider product. The Leavenworth company
can use the federal funds hire staff, in its marketing efforts, and for
supplies.

Another $250,000 USDA grant has been given to Diamond C Food Service of
Atchison to expand its beef and pork processing facility, also to diversify
into new markets.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThree northeast Kansas projects will benefit from USDA grants,
part of the federal Agriculture Department’s $2.77 million economic development
boost to 12 Kansas communities.“The USDA is committed to helping rural,
agricultural businesses expand and diversify their products,” USDA Acting State Director for Rural
Development Kansas Dan Fischer said in a written statement. “Today’s
investments will help companies hire more workers and reach new customers. It
will help entrepreneurs and farmers create jobs, grow businesses and find new
and better markets for the items they produce.”The USDA has provided a $210,000 grant to help pay for the expansion of
Central Grazing Company’s package lamb meat product line. The Lawrence company
can use the money to process supplies and expand storage.Another USDA grant, totaling $250,000, will be use to expand Z&amp;M
Twisted Vines Wines and Winery’s hard cider product. The Leavenworth company
can use the federal funds hire staff, in its marketing efforts, and for
supplies.Another $250,000 USDA grant has been given to Diamond C Food Service of
Atchison to expand its beef and pork processing facility, also to diversify
into new markets.

3 northeast Kansas businesses will benefit from USDA grants

A new report claims negotiated trade mandates don't provide price discovery and market transparency as part of an analysis of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021. 

Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee requested the analysis from the Texas A&amp;M Agriculture and Food Policy Center. The report says mandated negotiated trade levels are expected to negatively affect cattle and calf prices. 

The researchers say the mandate will result in lower short-term fed cattle prices due to the increase in the costs of the feeder-packer cattle sale transaction. 

The report concludes that, while more price discovery and market transparency can be achieved, forcing the movement away from alternative marketing arrangements via regional mandatory minimums for negotiated purchases will result in lower cattle prices and higher wholesale and retail beef prices. 

The report comes as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association hosts its annual convention this week, focusing on what policy position the organization will take on the issue.

A new report claims negotiated trade mandates don't provide price discovery and market transparency as part of an analysis of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021. Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee requested the analysis from the Texas A&amp;M Agriculture and Food Policy Center. The report says mandated negotiated trade levels are expected to negatively affect cattle and calf prices. The researchers say the mandate will result in lower short-term fed cattle prices due to the increase in the costs of the feeder-packer cattle sale transaction. The report concludes that, while more price discovery and market transparency can be achieved, forcing the movement away from alternative marketing arrangements via regional mandatory minimums for negotiated purchases will result in lower cattle prices and higher wholesale and retail beef prices. The report comes as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association hosts its annual convention this week, focusing on what policy position the organization will take on the issue.

Texas A&M Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act analysis released

Legislation introduced Tuesday seeks to guarantee farmers the right to repair their own equipment and end current restrictions on the repair market. 

The Agriculture Right to Repair Act, authored by Montana Democrat Jon Tester, is part of his effort to break up consolidation in the agriculture industry. 

Tester says farmers “need to be able to repair their own equipment, and this legislation will secure them that right.” The legislation would require manufacturers to make available any documentation, part, software, or tool required to diagnose, maintain, or repair their equipment. 

The bill would also provide means to disable and re-enable electronic security locks for diagnostic and repair, allow for use of third-party software, and ensure parts are replaceable using commonly available tools without causing damage to the equipment. 

The bill also seeks to return data ownership to farmers, as Tester claims manufacturers currently collect and sell all the data generated by farmers

Legislation introduced Tuesday seeks to guarantee farmers the right to repair their own equipment and end current restrictions on the repair market. The Agriculture Right to Repair Act, authored by Montana Democrat Jon Tester, is part of his effort to break up consolidation in the agriculture industry. Tester says farmers “need to be able to repair their own equipment, and this legislation will secure them that right.” The legislation would require manufacturers to make available any documentation, part, software, or tool required to diagnose, maintain, or repair their equipment. The bill would also provide means to disable and re-enable electronic security locks for diagnostic and repair, allow for use of third-party software, and ensure parts are replaceable using commonly available tools without causing damage to the equipment. The bill also seeks to return data ownership to farmers, as Tester claims manufacturers currently collect and sell all the data generated by farmers

Bill allows farmers to repair own equipment

A winter storm crossing the central and Midwest states has forecasts for anywhere from a dusting to more than a foot of snow. 

Much of the lower Corn Belt is under a winter storm warning as the storm rolls through, with the possibility of blizzard warnings. 

Forecasting snowfall totals can be puzzling, but perhaps more puzzling is that this storm system has a name: Winter Storm Landon. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reserves naming storms for hurricanes only. 

Names for winter storms actually come from The Weather Channel, which drafts names for winter storm systems that meet specific criteria. 

For a name, at least one of the following must be met: National Weather Service winter storm, blizzard, or ice storm warnings covering at least a population of two million, or covering at least an area of 400,000 square kilometers. 

The Weather Channel names storms alphabetically, meaning this is the 12th named storm this winter.

A winter storm crossing the central and Midwest states has forecasts for anywhere from a dusting to more than a foot of snow. Much of the lower Corn Belt is under a winter storm warning as the storm rolls through, with the possibility of blizzard warnings. Forecasting snowfall totals can be puzzling, but perhaps more puzzling is that this storm system has a name: Winter Storm Landon. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reserves naming storms for hurricanes only. Names for winter storms actually come from The Weather Channel, which drafts names for winter storm systems that meet specific criteria. For a name, at least one of the following must be met: National Weather Service winter storm, blizzard, or ice storm warnings covering at least a population of two million, or covering at least an area of 400,000 square kilometers. The Weather Channel names storms alphabetically, meaning this is the 12th named storm this winter.

How winter storms get their name

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced plans to increase capacity at California’s Port of Oakland and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities. 

The Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Port of Oakland to set up a new 25-acre “pop-up” site to make it easier for agricultural companies to fill empty shipping containers with commodities. 

Fewer containers are available for U.S. agricultural commodities, as ocean carriers have circumvented traditional marketing channels and rushed containers back, exported empty. USDA is taking action to reduce the shipping disruptions preventing U.S. agricultural products from reaching their markets. 

Vilsack says, “This partnership with the Port of Oakland builds on our aggressive approach to addressing challenges within the supply chain.” The site will provide space to prepare empty containers beginning in early March. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dam Halstrom welcomed the announcement in a statement, saying, “improving access to containers is certainly a step in the right direction.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced plans to increase capacity at California’s Port of Oakland and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities. The Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Port of Oakland to set up a new 25-acre “pop-up” site to make it easier for agricultural companies to fill empty shipping containers with commodities. Fewer containers are available for U.S. agricultural commodities, as ocean carriers have circumvented traditional marketing channels and rushed containers back, exported empty. USDA is taking action to reduce the shipping disruptions preventing U.S. agricultural products from reaching their markets. Vilsack says, “This partnership with the Port of Oakland builds on our aggressive approach to addressing challenges within the supply chain.” The site will provide space to prepare empty containers beginning in early March. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dam Halstrom welcomed the announcement in a statement, saying, “improving access to containers is certainly a step in the right direction.”

USDA announces partnership to ease port congestion

The Department of Agriculture reports cattle numbers declined two percent in the latest inventory count. 

There were 91.9 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of January 1, 2022, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report. 

Of the 91.9 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 39.5 million. There are 30.1 million beef cows in the United States as of January 1, 2022, down two percent from last year. 

The number of milk cows in the United States decreased to 9.38 million. U.S. calf crop was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1% from 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;All cattle on feed were at 14.7 million head, up slightly from 2021. 

USDA NASS surveyed approximately 34,800 operators across the nation during the first half of January. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of January 1, 2022, and calf crop for the entire year of 2021 by internet, mail, or telephone.

The Department of Agriculture reports cattle numbers declined two percent in the latest inventory count. There were 91.9 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of January 1, 2022, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report. Of the 91.9 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 39.5 million. There are 30.1 million beef cows in the United States as of January 1, 2022, down two percent from last year. The number of milk cows in the United States decreased to 9.38 million. U.S. calf crop was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1% from 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;All cattle on feed were at 14.7 million head, up slightly from 2021. USDA NASS surveyed approximately 34,800 operators across the nation during the first half of January. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of January 1, 2022, and calf crop for the entire year of 2021 by internet, mail, or telephone.

U.S. cattle inventory down 2%

A coalition of agriculture groups seeks Senate consideration of shipping reforms. Specifically, the group hopes the Senate will consider the House-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, or similar legislation. 

Senators Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, and John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, are drafting a bill to address unreasonable ocean carrier practices. 

In a letter to lawmakers last week, the Agriculture Transportation Coalition said, “The transportation crisis for U.S. agriculture products has become increasingly dire, adding, “it is essential the Senate also pass legislation to allow US agriculture to remain viable in global markets.” 

A survey recently conducted by the coalition found that, on average, 22 percent of U.S. agriculture foreign sales could not be completed due to ocean carrier practices, including exorbitant freight rates, declined booking requests, unreasonable freight and detention charges, and failure to communicate schedules in a timely manner. The coalition letter adds, "we are losing customers in foreign markets."

A coalition of agriculture groups seeks Senate consideration of shipping reforms. Specifically, the group hopes the Senate will consider the House-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, or similar legislation. Senators Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, and John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, are drafting a bill to address unreasonable ocean carrier practices. In a letter to lawmakers last week, the Agriculture Transportation Coalition said, “The transportation crisis for U.S. agriculture products has become increasingly dire, adding, “it is essential the Senate also pass legislation to allow US agriculture to remain viable in global markets.” A survey recently conducted by the coalition found that, on average, 22 percent of U.S. agriculture foreign sales could not be completed due to ocean carrier practices, including exorbitant freight rates, declined booking requests, unreasonable freight and detention charges, and failure to communicate schedules in a timely manner. The coalition letter adds, "we are losing customers in foreign markets."

Coalition seeks Senate action on shipping reforms

Senator Shelly Capito of West Virginia and several colleagues wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan regarding the agency’s recent denial of refinery exemption petitions. 

The letter asks the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its proposed blanket denials of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The senators say it runs counter to the clear congressional intent under the Clean Air Act. 

“We are puzzled by the action EPA took in these proposals, including the unprecedented and drastic step to propose a blanket denial of all 65 outstanding small refinery hardship petitions,” the letter says, “especially at a time of increasing gas prices and several small refinery closures.” 

They also say the current proposal not only neglects the economic impacts but nullifies Congressional intent by deliberately amending the Clean Air Act which allows for small refinery exemptions for those that face disproportionate economic hardship due to RFS compliance.

Senator Shelly Capito of West Virginia and several colleagues wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan regarding the agency’s recent denial of refinery exemption petitions. The letter asks the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its proposed blanket denials of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The senators say it runs counter to the clear congressional intent under the Clean Air Act. “We are puzzled by the action EPA took in these proposals, including the unprecedented and drastic step to propose a blanket denial of all 65 outstanding small refinery hardship petitions,” the letter says, “especially at a time of increasing gas prices and several small refinery closures.” They also say the current proposal not only neglects the economic impacts but nullifies Congressional intent by deliberately amending the Clean Air Act which allows for small refinery exemptions for those that face disproportionate economic hardship due to RFS compliance.

Senators write letter to EPA on refinery exemption denials

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on finalizing proposed rolling compliance deadlines for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Ethanol groups like Growth Energy weren’t pleased with the announcement. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says delaying the compliance deadlines is completely contradictory to efforts to lower rising gas prices and increase the use of cleaner, low-carbon fuels. 

“By continuing to delay compliance deadlines, the EPA is creating uncertainty in the marketplace and stunting the blending of the biofuel needed to decarbonize transportation as the Renewable Fuel Standard intended,” Skor says. She also says it’s vital that the EPA moves forward on getting the RFS back on track. 

“EPA can start by swiftly finalizing the proposed volumes for 2022,” she adds. “Administrator Regan has emphasized time and again the need for transparency and certainty regarding the RFS. We need him to follow through on his promises to the industry and provide that certainty for biofuel producers.”

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on finalizing proposed rolling compliance deadlines for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Ethanol groups like Growth Energy weren’t pleased with the announcement. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says delaying the compliance deadlines is completely contradictory to efforts to lower rising gas prices and increase the use of cleaner, low-carbon fuels. “By continuing to delay compliance deadlines, the EPA is creating uncertainty in the marketplace and stunting the blending of the biofuel needed to decarbonize transportation as the Renewable Fuel Standard intended,” Skor says. She also says it’s vital that the EPA moves forward on getting the RFS back on track. “EPA can start by swiftly finalizing the proposed volumes for 2022,” she adds. “Administrator Regan has emphasized time and again the need for transparency and certainty regarding the RFS. We need him to follow through on his promises to the industry and provide that certainty for biofuel producers.”

EPA finalizes extension of refinery compliance deadlines

At one time, the ethanol industry appeared to have put the COVID-19 lull in the rearview mirror. Sky-high output and profit margins matched up. 

However, Reuters says demand is dropping while oil prices rise, which is leading to a record level of ethanol stocks. America’s ethanol stocks reached the lowest point in five years in December. 

However, stocks jumped more than 18 percent in the last four weeks, the biggest jump in records going back to 2010. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s data says stocks hit 24.48 million barrels last week. The only time stocks were higher occurred between February and May of 2020. 

Output levels have been relatively normal since November after almost reaching all-time highs in October. But profit margins have been slashed dramatically in the last two months. 

Corn processing margins hit $1.80 per gallon in November, the strongest level since 2014. But last week, the margins were a few cents above zero.

At one time, the ethanol industry appeared to have put the COVID-19 lull in the rearview mirror. Sky-high output and profit margins matched up. However, Reuters says demand is dropping while oil prices rise, which is leading to a record level of ethanol stocks. America’s ethanol stocks reached the lowest point in five years in December. However, stocks jumped more than 18 percent in the last four weeks, the biggest jump in records going back to 2010. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s data says stocks hit 24.48 million barrels last week. The only time stocks were higher occurred between February and May of 2020. Output levels have been relatively normal since November after almost reaching all-time highs in October. But profit margins have been slashed dramatically in the last two months. Corn processing margins hit $1.80 per gallon in November, the strongest level since 2014. But last week, the margins were a few cents above zero.

U.S. ethanol stocks rising as demand sags

A California judge ruled that enforcing Proposition 12 regulations on whole-pork sales should be halted due to the state’s lack of rules. 

The state’s Department of Agriculture is over two years late in finalizing regulations for pork producers, and the ruling delays enforcement until 180 days after the final rules take effect. 

Successful Farming says ag groups like the American Farm Bureau and National Pork Producers Council applauded the decision. “Farm Bureau is pleased that the court recognized that California rushed the implementation of Proposition 12 without clear enforcement rules,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. 

Prop 12 bans the sale of pork from hogs that aren’t raised according to the state’s production standards. Any meat from hogs born of sows not housed in conformity with the state law can’t be sold in California, even if the animals got raised outside the state. The organizations say, for that reason, Prop 12 unconstitutionally restricts interstate commerce.

A California judge ruled that enforcing Proposition 12 regulations on whole-pork sales should be halted due to the state’s lack of rules. The state’s Department of Agriculture is over two years late in finalizing regulations for pork producers, and the ruling delays enforcement until 180 days after the final rules take effect. Successful Farming says ag groups like the American Farm Bureau and National Pork Producers Council applauded the decision. “Farm Bureau is pleased that the court recognized that California rushed the implementation of Proposition 12 without clear enforcement rules,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. Prop 12 bans the sale of pork from hogs that aren’t raised according to the state’s production standards. Any meat from hogs born of sows not housed in conformity with the state law can’t be sold in California, even if the animals got raised outside the state. The organizations say, for that reason, Prop 12 unconstitutionally restricts interstate commerce.

CA judges halts enforcement of Prop 12 on pork

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is taking another shot at higher ethanol blends. She wants the state to require gas stations to offer fuel with higher ethanol blends. 

The Des Moines Register says a more wide-reaching proposal stalled out last year after disagreements between fuel retailers, renewable fuel providers, and transportation groups. 

“Iowans deserve access to fuel that’s less expensive, cleaner-burning, and grown and made right here,” Reynold says. Her new legislation recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee after hearing objections from transportation groups and gas stations, as well as praise from renewable fuel producers. 

Despite the disagreements, key lawmakers say they’re much closer to an agreement that both sides could accept. That’s compared to the wide gap that kept the legislation from passing in 2021. Lawmakers say the work they began a year ago, spending a lot of time in meetings, and trying to build a consensus may pay off in 2022.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is taking another shot at higher ethanol blends. She wants the state to require gas stations to offer fuel with higher ethanol blends. The Des Moines Register says a more wide-reaching proposal stalled out last year after disagreements between fuel retailers, renewable fuel providers, and transportation groups. “Iowans deserve access to fuel that’s less expensive, cleaner-burning, and grown and made right here,” Reynold says. Her new legislation recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee after hearing objections from transportation groups and gas stations, as well as praise from renewable fuel producers. Despite the disagreements, key lawmakers say they’re much closer to an agreement that both sides could accept. That’s compared to the wide gap that kept the legislation from passing in 2021. Lawmakers say the work they began a year ago, spending a lot of time in meetings, and trying to build a consensus may pay off in 2022.

Iowa trying again for higher ethanol blends

An Ohio corn farmer told officials from a federal interagency working group that the Environmental Protection Agency should look to farmers as it works to mitigate pesticide issues. 

“We respect the EPA’s responsibility to protect the environment, including endangered species,” said Patty Mann, a farmer from Jackson Center, Ohio. 

“We ask that the agency work closely with growers, the ones who often know the land the best, in developing and enacting mitigation measures.” 

Mann’s remarks came before the IWG, which is made up of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, and the EPA. 

Mann cautioned the officials against making a one-size-fits-all approach to the mitigation efforts. “The EPA must understand the real-world, on-farm implications of mitigation measures,” she says. 

“Every farm and landscape has its differences, so you must give some flexibility for the success of both farmers and the at-risk species.” &nbsp;

An Ohio corn farmer told officials from a federal interagency working group that the Environmental Protection Agency should look to farmers as it works to mitigate pesticide issues. “We respect the EPA’s responsibility to protect the environment, including endangered species,” said Patty Mann, a farmer from Jackson Center, Ohio. “We ask that the agency work closely with growers, the ones who often know the land the best, in developing and enacting mitigation measures.” Mann’s remarks came before the IWG, which is made up of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, and the EPA. Mann cautioned the officials against making a one-size-fits-all approach to the mitigation efforts. “The EPA must understand the real-world, on-farm implications of mitigation measures,” she says. “Every farm and landscape has its differences, so you must give some flexibility for the success of both farmers and the at-risk species.” &nbsp;