The National Pork Producers applaud the U.S. and Indian government’s announcement that U.S. pork exports are on their way into India, the world’s second-most populated country. 

“After decades of work, a market that had been closed to U.S. pork is getting opened,” says NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “We look forward to the new access.” 

India has a population of 1.26 billion people, which means the potential market opportunity is a significant one. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says his group has many industry contacts in India that are excited for the opportunity to bring in U.S. pork. 

“While the volume going into India right now is small, USMEF sees long-term potential in the retail, processing, and foodservice sectors.” USMEF also sees emerging opportunities in e-commerce. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says, “India’s agreement to allow U.S. pork imports is great news and a significant development for American producers and Indian consumers.”

The National Pork Producers applaud the U.S. and Indian government’s announcement that U.S. pork exports are on their way into India, the world’s second-most populated country. “After decades of work, a market that had been closed to U.S. pork is getting opened,” says NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “We look forward to the new access.” India has a population of 1.26 billion people, which means the potential market opportunity is a significant one. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says his group has many industry contacts in India that are excited for the opportunity to bring in U.S. pork. “While the volume going into India right now is small, USMEF sees long-term potential in the retail, processing, and foodservice sectors.” USMEF also sees emerging opportunities in e-commerce. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says, “India’s agreement to allow U.S. pork imports is great news and a significant development for American producers and Indian consumers.”

India opening to U.S. Pork

President Biden and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack tried to reassure American Farm Bureau members that the administration has their back. 

The Hagstrom Report says that, in a short video, the president assured the mostly Republican-leaning members that America needs farmers “three times a day.” Biden also pointed out that farmers deserve affordable inputs and the right to repair their equipment. 

Secretary Vilsack says that while ag exports have grown, challenges remain. Vilsack says that support for trade among Americans needs to get restored, adding that, “We’re going to enforce the agreements that we have. That’s the first step in rebuilding trust.” Exports to China have grown, but he says the Asian nation is “$16 billion light” under their commitment to making purchases. 

Vilsack also told the Farm Bureau convention that he was pleased by a USMCA trade panel that concluded Mexico was not living up to the dairy provisions. &nbsp;

President Biden and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack tried to reassure American Farm Bureau members that the administration has their back. The Hagstrom Report says that, in a short video, the president assured the mostly Republican-leaning members that America needs farmers “three times a day.” Biden also pointed out that farmers deserve affordable inputs and the right to repair their equipment. Secretary Vilsack says that while ag exports have grown, challenges remain. Vilsack says that support for trade among Americans needs to get restored, adding that, “We’re going to enforce the agreements that we have. That’s the first step in rebuilding trust.” Exports to China have grown, but he says the Asian nation is “$16 billion light” under their commitment to making purchases. Vilsack also told the Farm Bureau convention that he was pleased by a USMCA trade panel that concluded Mexico was not living up to the dairy provisions. &nbsp;

Biden, Vilsack reassure Farm Bureau members

American Farm Bureau successfully campaigned last year against changes to the stepped-up basis provision in estate tax law. 

Now, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall asked members to put that same energy level into the Biden administration’s proposed changes to the Trump Waters of the United States rule. 

The administration wants to go back to an earlier rule that Farm Bureau says will bring the heavy hand of the federal government onto farmers’ lands. 

“We need that same energy and passion when it comes to WOTUS,” Duvall said during an address at the group’s annual convention.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is critical that this administration understands that we shouldn’t need a team of lawyers and consultants just to farm our land.” 

Courtney Briggs, a senior director of congressional relations, says, “Farm Bureau liked the Trump rule because it created a clear line between what’s in and what’s out.” Members are urged to send comments to the EPA before February 6.

American Farm Bureau successfully campaigned last year against changes to the stepped-up basis provision in estate tax law. Now, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall asked members to put that same energy level into the Biden administration’s proposed changes to the Trump Waters of the United States rule. The administration wants to go back to an earlier rule that Farm Bureau says will bring the heavy hand of the federal government onto farmers’ lands. “We need that same energy and passion when it comes to WOTUS,” Duvall said during an address at the group’s annual convention.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is critical that this administration understands that we shouldn’t need a team of lawyers and consultants just to farm our land.” Courtney Briggs, a senior director of congressional relations, says, “Farm Bureau liked the Trump rule because it created a clear line between what’s in and what’s out.” Members are urged to send comments to the EPA before February 6.

Farm Bureau campaigning against WOTUS changes

Meat companies and union officials tell Reuters that rising COVID-19 infections among workers are forcing meat plants to slow production and the government to replace slaughter inspectors. 

Meatpacking was an early epicenter of COVID in 2020 and is now the latest sector to be disrupted by the Omicron variant. Cargill, one of the country’s top beef producers, operated a few of its plants at a lower slaughter capacity last week. 

A Cargill plant in Dodge City, Kansas, was getting by with a skeleton crew at one point. Less slaughter capacity means a smaller beef supply is available despite booming demand for the product. 

Farmers also have to keep cattle longer in feed yards or on ranches. USDA estimates beef producers killed 112,000 cattle last Friday, down six percent from 2021 and matching January third levels that were the lowest since October. Pig slaughter was down about five percent from last year on Friday as well.

Meat companies and union officials tell Reuters that rising COVID-19 infections among workers are forcing meat plants to slow production and the government to replace slaughter inspectors. Meatpacking was an early epicenter of COVID in 2020 and is now the latest sector to be disrupted by the Omicron variant. Cargill, one of the country’s top beef producers, operated a few of its plants at a lower slaughter capacity last week. A Cargill plant in Dodge City, Kansas, was getting by with a skeleton crew at one point. Less slaughter capacity means a smaller beef supply is available despite booming demand for the product. Farmers also have to keep cattle longer in feed yards or on ranches. USDA estimates beef producers killed 112,000 cattle last Friday, down six percent from 2021 and matching January third levels that were the lowest since October. Pig slaughter was down about five percent from last year on Friday as well.

U.S. meat production slowing

A group of environmental organizations led by the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity wants new life given to their lawsuit over dicamba registrations. 

DTN says the groups are asking a federal court to lift a stay and speed up their lawsuit demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency vacate the 2020 dicamba registrations of Engenia, Tavium, and XtendiMax. 

The groups filed a motion in U.S. District Court while showing a new report from the EPA that they say details continuing widespread alleged dicamba damage in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

George Kimbrell, legal director at the Center for Food Safety, says EPA is content to sit on smoking gun evidence that it was wrong to re-register dicamba.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our farmers and the environment can’t wait through more delays, so we’re asking the court to allow our lawsuit to proceed so we can do the EPA’s job of ensuring over-the-top dicamba use doesn’t harm agriculture or the environment,” he says.

A group of environmental organizations led by the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity wants new life given to their lawsuit over dicamba registrations. DTN says the groups are asking a federal court to lift a stay and speed up their lawsuit demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency vacate the 2020 dicamba registrations of Engenia, Tavium, and XtendiMax. The groups filed a motion in U.S. District Court while showing a new report from the EPA that they say details continuing widespread alleged dicamba damage in 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;George Kimbrell, legal director at the Center for Food Safety, says EPA is content to sit on smoking gun evidence that it was wrong to re-register dicamba.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our farmers and the environment can’t wait through more delays, so we’re asking the court to allow our lawsuit to proceed so we can do the EPA’s job of ensuring over-the-top dicamba use doesn’t harm agriculture or the environment,” he says.

Groups want Dicamba lawsuit revived

The value of U.S. beef exports set another record in November, topping $1 billion for the second time in 2021. USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation says November pork exports were lower than the previous year, but year-to-date export value maintained a record value pace. 

November beef exports totaled over 123,600 metric tons, up seven percent from 2020 and the fourth-largest monthly volume in the post-BSE era. 

The value was $1.05 billion, 49 percent higher year-over-year. Year-to-date exports through November were on a record volume pace at 1.32 million metric tons. Pork exports were over 237,500 metric tons, down eight percent from last year and a six percent reduction in value at $658 million. 

Through November, pork export volume fell slightly below the record pace of 2020 at 2.71 million metric tons. The value of pork exports through November reached $7.5 billion, nearing the annual record of $7.71 billion set in 2020.

The value of U.S. beef exports set another record in November, topping $1 billion for the second time in 2021. USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation says November pork exports were lower than the previous year, but year-to-date export value maintained a record value pace. November beef exports totaled over 123,600 metric tons, up seven percent from 2020 and the fourth-largest monthly volume in the post-BSE era. The value was $1.05 billion, 49 percent higher year-over-year. Year-to-date exports through November were on a record volume pace at 1.32 million metric tons. Pork exports were over 237,500 metric tons, down eight percent from last year and a six percent reduction in value at $658 million. Through November, pork export volume fell slightly below the record pace of 2020 at 2.71 million metric tons. The value of pork exports through November reached $7.5 billion, nearing the annual record of $7.71 billion set in 2020.

November beef exports set new value record

Brazilian soybean crop estimates dropped sharply last week because of weather concerns. A mix of conditions that are too dry in some areas and too wet in others means the Brazil crop will no longer be a record-setter. 

Successful Farming says the crop should come in around 133.4 million metric tons, down from a previous forecast at 144.7 million metric tons. 

Rio Grande do Sul, the third-largest bean producer in Brazil, recently saw nine out of the ten hottest temps in the country during the previous week. The top temperature was 102.2 degrees. 

About 15 percent of the soybeans are blooming going into the key crop development period in January and February.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Parana, the second-largest producing state in the country, only half of the crop is pod-filling and big losses are ahead. 

USDA expects Brazil to produce 144 million metric tons of soybeans, but that estimate came from the December WASDE report.

Brazilian soybean crop estimates dropped sharply last week because of weather concerns. A mix of conditions that are too dry in some areas and too wet in others means the Brazil crop will no longer be a record-setter. Successful Farming says the crop should come in around 133.4 million metric tons, down from a previous forecast at 144.7 million metric tons. Rio Grande do Sul, the third-largest bean producer in Brazil, recently saw nine out of the ten hottest temps in the country during the previous week. The top temperature was 102.2 degrees. About 15 percent of the soybeans are blooming going into the key crop development period in January and February.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Parana, the second-largest producing state in the country, only half of the crop is pod-filling and big losses are ahead. USDA expects Brazil to produce 144 million metric tons of soybeans, but that estimate came from the December WASDE report.

Brazil soybeans estimates drop

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the agency made an adjustment in school meal reimbursements to help schools continue to serve children healthy meals. 

The move will add an estimated $750 million more into school meal programs across the nation. The goal is to make sure that federal reimbursements keep pace with food and operational costs, while ensuring children can continue to get healthy meals at school. 

“USDA understands that balancing the pressures of COVID-19 with the need to feed children nutritious meals continue to be a priority for schools across the country,” Vilsack says. School lunch reimbursement rates don’t typically increase during the school year. 

However, because of COVID, USDA allowed schools to benefit from the highest rates available, which are typically reserved for USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. The adjustment will help ensure that the purchasing power of schools can keep pace with the cost of living.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the agency made an adjustment in school meal reimbursements to help schools continue to serve children healthy meals. The move will add an estimated $750 million more into school meal programs across the nation. The goal is to make sure that federal reimbursements keep pace with food and operational costs, while ensuring children can continue to get healthy meals at school. “USDA understands that balancing the pressures of COVID-19 with the need to feed children nutritious meals continue to be a priority for schools across the country,” Vilsack says. School lunch reimbursement rates don’t typically increase during the school year. However, because of COVID, USDA allowed schools to benefit from the highest rates available, which are typically reserved for USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. The adjustment will help ensure that the purchasing power of schools can keep pace with the cost of living.

USDA funding will continue to support school meals

The 2021 calendar year runoff for the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 15.2 million acre-feet, 59 percent of average. 

The ongoing drought shows no relief in sight, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is predicting runoff into the mainstem reservoir system will remain below normal. 

Officials say 2021 was the 10th lowest annual runoff for the Missouri River Basin in 123 years of record-keeping. 

Based on current runoff trends, soil moisture, and plains and mountain snowpack, the dry conditions are expected to continue, as mountain snowpack is accumulating at a below-average rate. 

The 2022 runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, is forecast to be 21.7 million acre-feet, 84 percent of average. Navigation flow support for the Missouri River is forecasted to be at minimum levels for the first half of the 2022 season, which begins April 1 at the mouth of the river near St. Louis, Missouri.

The 2021 calendar year runoff for the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 15.2 million acre-feet, 59 percent of average. The ongoing drought shows no relief in sight, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is predicting runoff into the mainstem reservoir system will remain below normal. Officials say 2021 was the 10th lowest annual runoff for the Missouri River Basin in 123 years of record-keeping. Based on current runoff trends, soil moisture, and plains and mountain snowpack, the dry conditions are expected to continue, as mountain snowpack is accumulating at a below-average rate. The 2022 runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, is forecast to be 21.7 million acre-feet, 84 percent of average. Navigation flow support for the Missouri River is forecasted to be at minimum levels for the first half of the 2022 season, which begins April 1 at the mouth of the river near St. Louis, Missouri.

Dry conditions to continue for Missouri River basin

Corn farmers who split-apply nitrogen have another option for insurance coverage. USDA’s Risk Management Agency this week announced the details of its Post Application Coverage Endorsement, or PACE, in certain states for non-irrigated corn. 

The program provides coverage for producers who split-apply nitrogen to save money, a practice also considered better for natural resources. 

PACE provides payments for the projected yield lost when producers are unable to apply the post nitrogen application during the V3-V10 corn growth stages due to field conditions created by weather. 

PACE is offered in select counties in 11 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

It is available as supplemental coverage for Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion policies. To split-apply nitrogen, growers make multiple fertilizer applications during the growing season rather than providing all the crop’s nitrogen requirements with a single treatment before or during planting.

Corn farmers who split-apply nitrogen have another option for insurance coverage. USDA’s Risk Management Agency this week announced the details of its Post Application Coverage Endorsement, or PACE, in certain states for non-irrigated corn. The program provides coverage for producers who split-apply nitrogen to save money, a practice also considered better for natural resources. PACE provides payments for the projected yield lost when producers are unable to apply the post nitrogen application during the V3-V10 corn growth stages due to field conditions created by weather. PACE is offered in select counties in 11 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It is available as supplemental coverage for Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion policies. To split-apply nitrogen, growers make multiple fertilizer applications during the growing season rather than providing all the crop’s nitrogen requirements with a single treatment before or during planting.

New insurance option for conservation-minded corn farmers

Leading grocery store operators ended 2021 with a lawsuit against the pork industry for allegedly conspiring to control the industry and raise prices. 

Kroger, Albertsons, Hy-Vee and others filed the lawsuit against Hormel, JBS USA, Seaboard Foods, Smithfield, Triumph and Tyson, among others last week. 

Law Street Media reports the plaintiffs alleged the defendants and Indiana Packers Corporation entered “into a conspiracy from at least 2009 to the present to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of pork.” And the grocery store operators are seeking damages to the maximum extent allowed under law. 

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California. The petitioners claim Agri Stats, an ag industry data provider, held a central role in the conspiracy. 

The complaint claims that beginning in 2008 or before, Agri Stats proposed a series of benchmarks to the pork industry to monitor pork production as a way to "increase their profits in the sale of pork and not to increase their pork production."

Leading grocery store operators ended 2021 with a lawsuit against the pork industry for allegedly conspiring to control the industry and raise prices. Kroger, Albertsons, Hy-Vee and others filed the lawsuit against Hormel, JBS USA, Seaboard Foods, Smithfield, Triumph and Tyson, among others last week. Law Street Media reports the plaintiffs alleged the defendants and Indiana Packers Corporation entered “into a conspiracy from at least 2009 to the present to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of pork.” And the grocery store operators are seeking damages to the maximum extent allowed under law. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California. The petitioners claim Agri Stats, an ag industry data provider, held a central role in the conspiracy. The complaint claims that beginning in 2008 or before, Agri Stats proposed a series of benchmarks to the pork industry to monitor pork production as a way to "increase their profits in the sale of pork and not to increase their pork production."

Grocers allege pork price fixing in lawsuit

HONOLULU (AP) — The Monsanto company pleaded guilty Thursday to illegally using and storing agricultural chemicals in Hawaii, and will pay $12 million in fines. Monsanto was charged with 30 environmental crimes after allowing workers to go into corn fields on Oahu in 2020 after a product named Forfeit 280 was sprayed.&nbsp;

Federal law prohibits people from entering areas where the chemical is sprayed within six days of application. Monsanto agreed to three years of probation in addition to the fines and will continue an “environmental compliance program” overseen by a third-party, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, which handled the prosecution.

HONOLULU (AP) — The Monsanto company pleaded guilty Thursday to illegally using and storing agricultural chemicals in Hawaii, and will pay $12 million in fines. Monsanto was charged with 30 environmental crimes after allowing workers to go into corn fields on Oahu in 2020 after a product named Forfeit 280 was sprayed.&nbsp;Federal law prohibits people from entering areas where the chemical is sprayed within six days of application. Monsanto agreed to three years of probation in addition to the fines and will continue an “environmental compliance program” overseen by a third-party, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, which handled the prosecution.

Monsanto pleads guilty to pesticide-related crimes 

Farmers and people in rural areas are more comfortable discussing stress and mental health challenges. The stigma around seeking help or treatment for mental health issues is decreasing, but a new Farm Bureau research poll says it is still a factor. 

“Farm Bureau has been encouraging conversations to help reduce the stigma around farmer stress and mental health through our Farm State of Mind Campaign,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. 

“The poll shows we’re making a difference, but there is still work to do.” Among the poll responses, four in five rural adults and 92 percent of farmers and farmworkers say they’d be comfortable talking with family and friends about solutions to stress or a mental health condition. 

The number of farmers and farmworkers who are comfortable talking to friends and family has grown 22 percent since April 2019. However, 59 percent of respondents say the mental health stigma is still there.

Farmers and people in rural areas are more comfortable discussing stress and mental health challenges. The stigma around seeking help or treatment for mental health issues is decreasing, but a new Farm Bureau research poll says it is still a factor. “Farm Bureau has been encouraging conversations to help reduce the stigma around farmer stress and mental health through our Farm State of Mind Campaign,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “The poll shows we’re making a difference, but there is still work to do.” Among the poll responses, four in five rural adults and 92 percent of farmers and farmworkers say they’d be comfortable talking with family and friends about solutions to stress or a mental health condition. The number of farmers and farmworkers who are comfortable talking to friends and family has grown 22 percent since April 2019. However, 59 percent of respondents say the mental health stigma is still there.

Reduced stigma regarding farmer mental health

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board announced a new strategic plan prioritizing sustainable soy solutions for global and domestic customers. The plan will also ensure value and profitability for U.S. soybean farmers. 

USB Chair Ralph Lott says farmer investments have fueled “groundbreaking progress” promoting U.S. soybeans. “We also know that in the years ahead, the soy industry will be faced with compelling opportunities and tough decisions,” Lott says. 

“The new strategic plan sets a clear path to navigate what’s ahead, capturing value, and increasing profits for farmers.” The plan will guide investments in research, education, and promotion across three priority areas: Infrastructure and Connectivity, Health and Nutrition, and Innovation and Technology. 

Those are divided into two additional areas of focus; supply and demand; and measured by resilience, differentiation, and reputation. “These priority areas drive our decisions and focus our efforts to create the most value and positive impact for every soybean farmer,” Lott adds.

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board announced a new strategic plan prioritizing sustainable soy solutions for global and domestic customers. The plan will also ensure value and profitability for U.S. soybean farmers. USB Chair Ralph Lott says farmer investments have fueled “groundbreaking progress” promoting U.S. soybeans. “We also know that in the years ahead, the soy industry will be faced with compelling opportunities and tough decisions,” Lott says. “The new strategic plan sets a clear path to navigate what’s ahead, capturing value, and increasing profits for farmers.” The plan will guide investments in research, education, and promotion across three priority areas: Infrastructure and Connectivity, Health and Nutrition, and Innovation and Technology. Those are divided into two additional areas of focus; supply and demand; and measured by resilience, differentiation, and reputation. “These priority areas drive our decisions and focus our efforts to create the most value and positive impact for every soybean farmer,” Lott adds.

Soy Checkoff sets new strategic plan to bring value to farmers

Deere and Company helped mechanize agriculture with the first commercially successful steel plow in 1837. They recently went in a different direction by unveiling another transformative machine: a fully autonomous tractor. 

Wired says the new 8R tractor uses six pairs of cameras and advanced artificial intelligence to navigate its environment. It can find its way to a field when given a route and coordinates. 

Once there, it can plow soil or plant seeds without instructions, and the machine avoids the obstacles in each field. 

Farmers can also give the tractor new instructions through a smartphone app. Other tractors on the market can operate autonomously, but only in limited ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;They can follow a defined route through GPS but can’t avoid obstacles. 

Others feature limited autonomy but still need a farmer behind the wheel. Deere hasn’t announced how much it will cost. The 8R relies on neural network algorithms to interpret information from the cameras.

Deere and Company helped mechanize agriculture with the first commercially successful steel plow in 1837. They recently went in a different direction by unveiling another transformative machine: a fully autonomous tractor. Wired says the new 8R tractor uses six pairs of cameras and advanced artificial intelligence to navigate its environment. It can find its way to a field when given a route and coordinates. Once there, it can plow soil or plant seeds without instructions, and the machine avoids the obstacles in each field. Farmers can also give the tractor new instructions through a smartphone app. Other tractors on the market can operate autonomously, but only in limited ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;They can follow a defined route through GPS but can’t avoid obstacles. Others feature limited autonomy but still need a farmer behind the wheel. Deere hasn’t announced how much it will cost. The 8R relies on neural network algorithms to interpret information from the cameras.

Deere introduces first fully autonomous tractor

Another round of bitterly cold temperatures will impact northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas on Wednesday night into Thursday.

A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from midnight until noon Thursday for far southeast Nebraska and most of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. Wind chills late Wednesday and early Thursday can be as low as 15 degrees below zero.

"That's not what the actual temperatures are," National Weather Service meteorologist Jared Leighton said. "The actual temperature will be around zero, but with the wind around 10-20 mph, it'll cause the hypothermia and frost bite process to speed up quite a bit more if it was just zero degrees."

There's a slight chance of snow late Wednesday night, but accumulations are not expected. Highs on Thursday will only reach the low teens, and northwest winds of 15-25 mph will continue through the day.

Lows will hit the single digits Thursday night before temperatures rebound into the 20s for Friday and then the mid 40s by Saturday.

Leighton says the first half of winter has been drier and warmer than normal, which could be an indication of what to expect going forward.

"So far, it's been incredibly warm," Leighton said. "I think our December was in third place for the warmest December of all time. That goes back to the late 1880s. With the outlook being warm and dry for the middle part of (January), it looks pretty likely we'll get halfway through the winter season without much in the way of impact."

The entire region saw its first shot of significant snow fall over the New Years Day weekend, though most areas saw less snow than what was forecast. St. Joseph reported around three inches, the Kansas City Airport had two, while portions of Worth and Harrison counties near the Iowa line reported six inch totals.

Leighton reminds people that the forecast can always rapidly change during this time of year.

"All it takes is one big system to make all of that up and turn it into a pretty average year and be pretty impactful."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAnother round of bitterly cold temperatures will impact northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas on Wednesday night into Thursday.A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from midnight until noon Thursday for far southeast Nebraska and most of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. Wind chills late Wednesday and early Thursday can be as low as 15 degrees below zero."That's not what the actual temperatures are," National Weather Service meteorologist Jared Leighton said. "The actual temperature will be around zero, but with the wind around 10-20 mph, it'll cause the hypothermia and frost bite process to speed up quite a bit more if it was just zero degrees."There's a slight chance of snow late Wednesday night, but accumulations are not expected. Highs on Thursday will only reach the low teens, and northwest winds of 15-25 mph will continue through the day.Lows will hit the single digits Thursday night before temperatures rebound into the 20s for Friday and then the mid 40s by Saturday.Leighton says the first half of winter has been drier and warmer than normal, which could be an indication of what to expect going forward."So far, it's been incredibly warm," Leighton said. "I think our December was in third place for the warmest December of all time. That goes back to the late 1880s. With the outlook being warm and dry for the middle part of (January), it looks pretty likely we'll get halfway through the winter season without much in the way of impact."The entire region saw its first shot of significant snow fall over the New Years Day weekend, though most areas saw less snow than what was forecast. St. Joseph reported around three inches, the Kansas City Airport had two, while portions of Worth and Harrison counties near the Iowa line reported six inch totals.Leighton reminds people that the forecast can always rapidly change during this time of year."All it takes is one big system to make all of that up and turn it into a pretty average year and be pretty impactful."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bitter cold temps expected Wednesday and Thursday, dry and warm weather ahead

Corn and biofuel groups Tuesday made comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its Renewable Fuel Standard proposal. 

EPA proposes Renewable Volume Obligations that Growth Energy says would undercut blending requirements for biofuel in 2021, and retroactively waive 2.96 billion gallons from 2020 RVOs finalized almost two years ago. 

Under the proposal, 2022 volumes return to statutory levels, and the administration pledges to deny all improper small refinery exemption applications. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor welcomed some of the changes but says the proposal “sets an extremely troubling precedent of revising finalized volumes for 2020 and back-setting volumes for 2021 rather than driving growth in renewable fuels.” 

National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington says corn farmers produce low-carbon ethanol that offers immediate emissions reductions allowing agriculture to help address climate change. Edgington adds, "our success helping you meet these commitments depends on EPA sending a clear and firm message that volume requirements will be enforced.”

Corn and biofuel groups Tuesday made comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its Renewable Fuel Standard proposal. EPA proposes Renewable Volume Obligations that Growth Energy says would undercut blending requirements for biofuel in 2021, and retroactively waive 2.96 billion gallons from 2020 RVOs finalized almost two years ago. Under the proposal, 2022 volumes return to statutory levels, and the administration pledges to deny all improper small refinery exemption applications. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor welcomed some of the changes but says the proposal “sets an extremely troubling precedent of revising finalized volumes for 2020 and back-setting volumes for 2021 rather than driving growth in renewable fuels.” National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington says corn farmers produce low-carbon ethanol that offers immediate emissions reductions allowing agriculture to help address climate change. Edgington adds, "our success helping you meet these commitments depends on EPA sending a clear and firm message that volume requirements will be enforced.”

Corn, biofuel groups testify to EPA on RFS

R-CALF calls the White House action plan for the meat supply chain progress, but the group remains skeptical about the plan. 

The effort includes government funding intended to slowly rebuild the competitive marketing channels for cattle and beef, which has created what the administration calls a "bottleneck" in the nation's food supply chain. 

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard says, "We recognize that this level of government involvement is unprecedented, and that it's critical for reversing the decades of inattention." 

But Bullard says his group remains skeptical about the plan's strategy for addressing decades of nonenforcement of U.S. antitrust laws and the 100-year-old Packers and Stockyards Act. 

R-CALF has waited for years, and by 2019 “it was clear the government was disinclined to protect the cattle industry” from alleged packer buying practices. R-CALF alleged the practices were harming cattle producers in the group’s private antitrust lawsuit filed against the largest packers in April of that year.

R-CALF calls the White House action plan for the meat supply chain progress, but the group remains skeptical about the plan. The effort includes government funding intended to slowly rebuild the competitive marketing channels for cattle and beef, which has created what the administration calls a "bottleneck" in the nation's food supply chain. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard says, "We recognize that this level of government involvement is unprecedented, and that it's critical for reversing the decades of inattention." But Bullard says his group remains skeptical about the plan's strategy for addressing decades of nonenforcement of U.S. antitrust laws and the 100-year-old Packers and Stockyards Act. R-CALF has waited for years, and by 2019 “it was clear the government was disinclined to protect the cattle industry” from alleged packer buying practices. R-CALF alleged the practices were harming cattle producers in the group’s private antitrust lawsuit filed against the largest packers in April of that year.

R-CALF recognizes progress but skeptical of White House action plan

The U.S. dairy industry celebrated a decision published Tuesday, which found Canada is improperly restricting access to its market for U.S. dairy products. The restrictions violate U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement tariff-rate quota commitments. 

The case is the first of any kind brought before a USMCA Dispute Settlement Panel and was launched with broad bipartisan support last May. 

National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says, "The United States and Canada negotiated specific market access terms covering a wide variety of dairy products, but instead of playing by those mutually agreed-upon rules, Canada ignored its commitments." 

TRQs are a system of tariffs negotiated between countries that allow a predetermined quantity of imports at a specified tariff rate, where that rate is often at or near zero. 

Any additional imports above that predetermined quantity are subject to significantly higher tariffs. In the case of U.S. dairy products, the additional Canadian tariffs typically price U.S. dairy products out of Canada’s market.

The U.S. dairy industry celebrated a decision published Tuesday, which found Canada is improperly restricting access to its market for U.S. dairy products. The restrictions violate U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement tariff-rate quota commitments. The case is the first of any kind brought before a USMCA Dispute Settlement Panel and was launched with broad bipartisan support last May. National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says, "The United States and Canada negotiated specific market access terms covering a wide variety of dairy products, but instead of playing by those mutually agreed-upon rules, Canada ignored its commitments." TRQs are a system of tariffs negotiated between countries that allow a predetermined quantity of imports at a specified tariff rate, where that rate is often at or near zero. Any additional imports above that predetermined quantity are subject to significantly higher tariffs. In the case of U.S. dairy products, the additional Canadian tariffs typically price U.S. dairy products out of Canada’s market.

U.S. dairy Calls USMCA dispute panel decision a win 

Politico reports the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency target February for the administration’s WOTUS debut. WOTUS, the Waters of the United States rule, continues its seesaw reputation since first announced during the Obama administration. 

The Trump administration overhauled the rule, and now, the Biden administration is doing the same. The EPA moved last month to formally remove the Trump-era rule, known as the Navigable Waters protection rule. 

However, the rule hasn’t been in use since a federal judge in Arizona threw it out at the end of August. The American Farm Bureau said of the Trump-era rule, that it "protects water resources, respects the law and provides greater clarity so the agencies, farmers and the public can identify regulated federal waterways.” 

EPA Administrator Michael Regan has said he sees flaws in both versions of the rule, and wants a “durable” definition. The comment period for the new rule closes on February 7, 2022.

Politico reports the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency target February for the administration’s WOTUS debut. WOTUS, the Waters of the United States rule, continues its seesaw reputation since first announced during the Obama administration. The Trump administration overhauled the rule, and now, the Biden administration is doing the same. The EPA moved last month to formally remove the Trump-era rule, known as the Navigable Waters protection rule. However, the rule hasn’t been in use since a federal judge in Arizona threw it out at the end of August. The American Farm Bureau said of the Trump-era rule, that it "protects water resources, respects the law and provides greater clarity so the agencies, farmers and the public can identify regulated federal waterways.” EPA Administrator Michael Regan has said he sees flaws in both versions of the rule, and wants a “durable” definition. The comment period for the new rule closes on February 7, 2022.

New WOTUS slated for February unveil

Farm groups mostly welcomed the Biden administration’s meat supply chain action plan Monday. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says his organization “appreciates the Biden administration’s continued work to ensure a fair and competitive meat processing system.” 

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association also welcomed the action plan, which they say will bring transparency and true price discovery to the cattle marketplace and truth in labeling through the closure of the Product of the USA loophole. 

However, the meatpacking industry disagrees. The North American Meat Institute claims the government intervention will not help consumers or producers. NAMI President Julie Anna Potts says, “The Biden Administration continues to ignore the number one challenge to meat and poultry production: labor shortages.” 

Further, the organization claims the Biden administration is “conveniently ignoring” the fact the beef industry has changed little for almost 30 years, and that prices reflect supply and demand in a healthy market.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641316095735.png" alt="Photo Courtesy of Biden Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Biden Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>Farm groups mostly welcomed the Biden administration’s meat supply chain action plan Monday. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says his organization “appreciates the Biden administration’s continued work to ensure a fair and competitive meat processing system.” The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association also welcomed the action plan, which they say will bring transparency and true price discovery to the cattle marketplace and truth in labeling through the closure of the Product of the USA loophole. However, the meatpacking industry disagrees. The North American Meat Institute claims the government intervention will not help consumers or producers. NAMI President Julie Anna Potts says, “The Biden Administration continues to ignore the number one challenge to meat and poultry production: labor shortages.” Further, the organization claims the Biden administration is “conveniently ignoring” the fact the beef industry has changed little for almost 30 years, and that prices reflect supply and demand in a healthy market.

Industry reacts to meat supply chain action report

President Joe Biden and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with farmers and ranchers at the White House Monday to announce a meat supply chain action plan. 

The plan includes four core strategies for creating a more competitive, fair, resilient meat and poultry sector, with better earnings for producers and more choices and affordable prices for consumers. 

The core strategies include expanding independent processing capacity, supporting workers at independent processors, strengthening rules to protect farmers and consumers, and promoting vigorous and fair enforcement of the existing competition laws. 

That includes issuing new and stronger rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act and new product of USA labeling rules so “consumers can better understand where their meat comes from.” The action plan includes $1 billion to expand independent processing capacity. 

The White House calls the meat and poultry processing sector a textbook example of an industry dominated by a handful of large companies, with lack of competition hurting consumers, producers, and the economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641315926779.png" alt="Photo Courtesy of Biden Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Biden Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with farmers and ranchers at the White House Monday to announce a meat supply chain action plan. The plan includes four core strategies for creating a more competitive, fair, resilient meat and poultry sector, with better earnings for producers and more choices and affordable prices for consumers. The core strategies include expanding independent processing capacity, supporting workers at independent processors, strengthening rules to protect farmers and consumers, and promoting vigorous and fair enforcement of the existing competition laws. That includes issuing new and stronger rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act and new product of USA labeling rules so “consumers can better understand where their meat comes from.” The action plan includes $1 billion to expand independent processing capacity. The White House calls the meat and poultry processing sector a textbook example of an industry dominated by a handful of large companies, with lack of competition hurting consumers, producers, and the economy.

Biden announces meat supply chain action plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.

“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.

Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.

On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.

The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.

The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.

Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.

Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”

Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”

Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”

The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”

The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.

Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641245951468.png" alt="The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1615116315497364%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=70" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.___

🎥 Biden talks with farmers, ranchers on reducing food prices

The first week of the new year could be a big one for several agricultural groups and stakeholders. 

The Supreme Court will likely hear several high-stakes cases that could affect America’s farmers and ranchers. 

A DTN report says the court recently distributed three of four agriculture cases scheduled for a January 7 conference. 

Those high-profile petitions include challenges to California’s Prop 12, an appeals court ruling that eliminated year-round E15 ethanol, and a long-fought Clean Water Act case dealing with Environmental Protection Agency authority over farmers and ranchers. 

Bayer has also filed a court petition on the Roundup settlement case that’s worth many millions of dollars. 

While the case hasn’t yet been distributed for a Supreme Court conference, the court recently invited the U.S. Solicitor General to file a brief in the case, asking for more information. Justices hold a conference every Friday during their session to decide what petitions they’ll accept.

The first week of the new year could be a big one for several agricultural groups and stakeholders. The Supreme Court will likely hear several high-stakes cases that could affect America’s farmers and ranchers. A DTN report says the court recently distributed three of four agriculture cases scheduled for a January 7 conference. Those high-profile petitions include challenges to California’s Prop 12, an appeals court ruling that eliminated year-round E15 ethanol, and a long-fought Clean Water Act case dealing with Environmental Protection Agency authority over farmers and ranchers. Bayer has also filed a court petition on the Roundup settlement case that’s worth many millions of dollars. While the case hasn’t yet been distributed for a Supreme Court conference, the court recently invited the U.S. Solicitor General to file a brief in the case, asking for more information. Justices hold a conference every Friday during their session to decide what petitions they’ll accept.

Agriculture waits for big decisions on Supreme Court cases

The new year will see inflation rates that will continue to impact the food industry and cause prices to rise at grocery stores across the country. Research firm IRI says food prices are estimated to rise by five percent during the first half of 2022. 

However, the level of increases will depend on each grocery store and its location. The IRI report says price increases are showing up in everyday items like breakfast meats, frozen poultry, and pet food. 

Prices of produce like potatoes and celery are expected to increase because of higher freight costs. Fortune.com says other factors contributing to the jump in the price of food are higher oil prices and companies that have to pass on the cost of more expensive transportation. 

Major food distribution companies recently announced price hikes heading into 2022. General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and others are raising prices on candy, cereal, Jell-O, and many other products.

The new year will see inflation rates that will continue to impact the food industry and cause prices to rise at grocery stores across the country. Research firm IRI says food prices are estimated to rise by five percent during the first half of 2022. However, the level of increases will depend on each grocery store and its location. The IRI report says price increases are showing up in everyday items like breakfast meats, frozen poultry, and pet food. Prices of produce like potatoes and celery are expected to increase because of higher freight costs. Fortune.com says other factors contributing to the jump in the price of food are higher oil prices and companies that have to pass on the cost of more expensive transportation. Major food distribution companies recently announced price hikes heading into 2022. General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and others are raising prices on candy, cereal, Jell-O, and many other products.