The USDA is investing $633 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities. 

“Rural America is on the front lines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen all of our resilience,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This investment will create a roadmap on how we can tackle the climate crisis and expand access to renewable energy infrastructure. At the same time, we’ll create good-paying jobs and save people money on their energy costs.” 

The funding will help people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Vilsack says the investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. 

“The investments will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements,” Vilsack adds. 

During the announcement, Vilsack highlighted 791 investments that USDA is making to help people and businesses in rural areas.

The USDA is investing $633 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities. “Rural America is on the front lines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen all of our resilience,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This investment will create a roadmap on how we can tackle the climate crisis and expand access to renewable energy infrastructure. At the same time, we’ll create good-paying jobs and save people money on their energy costs.” The funding will help people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Vilsack says the investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. “The investments will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements,” Vilsack adds. During the announcement, Vilsack highlighted 791 investments that USDA is making to help people and businesses in rural areas.

USDA investing $633 Million for Rural Climate-Smart Infrastructure

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow and longtime committee member John Thune applauded the USDA announcement on prevented planting acres. 

The Risk Management Agency is implementing their recommendation to remove the arbitrary November 1 restriction for harvesting or grazing cover crops on prevented plant acres. The announcement gives greater flexibility to producers in northern areas of the U.S. 

“USDA will now encourage more cover cropping by making sure farmers don’t face a crop insurance penalty when extreme weather causes them to miss the planting season,” Stabenow says. “That means healthier soils, less erosion, and better capacity to capture carbon.” 

Thune also says he’s been a staunch advocate for this change for years. “Congress and this administration must support producers who use cover crops by working to remove the arbitrary barriers to ensure their success,” he says. Stabenow and Thune have worked together for several years to get the November 1 restriction removed.

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow and longtime committee member John Thune applauded the USDA announcement on prevented planting acres. The Risk Management Agency is implementing their recommendation to remove the arbitrary November 1 restriction for harvesting or grazing cover crops on prevented plant acres. The announcement gives greater flexibility to producers in northern areas of the U.S. “USDA will now encourage more cover cropping by making sure farmers don’t face a crop insurance penalty when extreme weather causes them to miss the planting season,” Stabenow says. “That means healthier soils, less erosion, and better capacity to capture carbon.” Thune also says he’s been a staunch advocate for this change for years. “Congress and this administration must support producers who use cover crops by working to remove the arbitrary barriers to ensure their success,” he says. Stabenow and Thune have worked together for several years to get the November 1 restriction removed.

Producers get more flexibility on Prevented Planting Acres

The Biden administration plans to issue its proposals on how much biofuel refiners have to blend into the nation’s fuel supply for this year and 2022. 

Sources familiar with the discussions say officials are reaching out to lawmakers to talk about the move that could come within days. The administration delayed the 2021 blending obligations by over a year and missed a deadline to finalize the 2022 obligations last week. A source told Reuters that the Environmental Protection Agency has told at least two Democratic lawmakers to expect retroactively lower volumes for 2021 and 2022. 

The oil and biofuel industries have both called for the EPA to announce the proposals, saying the delays are creating uncertainty in the fuel market. The delays came as COVID-19 continued to push fuel demand to low levels and while Democratic lawmakers focused attention on other legislation. 

Officials in the EPA, which oversees the mandates, declined to give specifics on the timing of the announcement.

The Biden administration plans to issue its proposals on how much biofuel refiners have to blend into the nation’s fuel supply for this year and 2022. Sources familiar with the discussions say officials are reaching out to lawmakers to talk about the move that could come within days. The administration delayed the 2021 blending obligations by over a year and missed a deadline to finalize the 2022 obligations last week. A source told Reuters that the Environmental Protection Agency has told at least two Democratic lawmakers to expect retroactively lower volumes for 2021 and 2022. The oil and biofuel industries have both called for the EPA to announce the proposals, saying the delays are creating uncertainty in the fuel market. The delays came as COVID-19 continued to push fuel demand to low levels and while Democratic lawmakers focused attention on other legislation. Officials in the EPA, which oversees the mandates, declined to give specifics on the timing of the announcement.

Biofuel Blending Proposals coming in days

A dramatic rise in fertilizer prices weighs heavily on U.S. crop farmers and input suppliers as they prepare for the 2022 planting season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prices for nitrogen-based fertilizers commonly used for corn production have skyrocketed to all-time highs in recent months. 

Fertilizer price increases are driven by nitrogen production challenges, tight global supplies, rising natural gas costs and steady demand. 

According to a new report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, fertilizer prices are expected to remain elevated for at least the next six months and throughout the 2022 spring agronomy season. 

The report also suggests that while U.S. soybean acres will rise nominally compared to 2021 because of higher fertilizer prices, the total volume of soybean acres will not exceed corn acres in 2022. 

U.S. crop farmers and farm supply cooperatives are facing operational anxiety heading into 2022, driven by high fuel prices, shortages of agrochemicals due to COVID-related disruptions and, most importantly, the rise in fertilizer prices.

A dramatic rise in fertilizer prices weighs heavily on U.S. crop farmers and input suppliers as they prepare for the 2022 planting season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prices for nitrogen-based fertilizers commonly used for corn production have skyrocketed to all-time highs in recent months. Fertilizer price increases are driven by nitrogen production challenges, tight global supplies, rising natural gas costs and steady demand. According to a new report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, fertilizer prices are expected to remain elevated for at least the next six months and throughout the 2022 spring agronomy season. The report also suggests that while U.S. soybean acres will rise nominally compared to 2021 because of higher fertilizer prices, the total volume of soybean acres will not exceed corn acres in 2022. U.S. crop farmers and farm supply cooperatives are facing operational anxiety heading into 2022, driven by high fuel prices, shortages of agrochemicals due to COVID-related disruptions and, most importantly, the rise in fertilizer prices.

High fertilizer costs to extend into spring planting

The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced improvements to crop insurance for hemp. USDA’s Risk Management Agency is adding flexibilities around how producers work with processors as well as improving consistency with the most recent USDA hemp regulation. 

RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says, “RMA has worked to expand and refine our offerings to be responsive and dynamic.” RMA revised the policy to add flexibility to the insurability requirements for hemp under contract. 

Producers are no longer required to deliver hemp without economic value for insurability. However, contracts between producers and processors may still include delivery requirements. Additionally, RMA clarified how the amount of insurable acreage is determined if the processor contract specifies both an acreage and a production amount. 

The change was made in the policy to ensure producers know how their insurable acreage is determined for those contracts. To ensure consistency, RMA updated references to regulations, including the Agriculture Marketing Service final rule, which took effect March 22, 2021.

The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced improvements to crop insurance for hemp. USDA’s Risk Management Agency is adding flexibilities around how producers work with processors as well as improving consistency with the most recent USDA hemp regulation. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says, “RMA has worked to expand and refine our offerings to be responsive and dynamic.” RMA revised the policy to add flexibility to the insurability requirements for hemp under contract. Producers are no longer required to deliver hemp without economic value for insurability. However, contracts between producers and processors may still include delivery requirements. Additionally, RMA clarified how the amount of insurable acreage is determined if the processor contract specifies both an acreage and a production amount. The change was made in the policy to ensure producers know how their insurable acreage is determined for those contracts. To ensure consistency, RMA updated references to regulations, including the Agriculture Marketing Service final rule, which took effect March 22, 2021.

USDA improves crop insurance for hemp producers

United Airlines flew more than 100 passengers to Washington, D.C. this week on a plane with one engine running on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel. 

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 used 500 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel in one engine and the same amount of conventional jet fuel in the other engine to further prove there are no operational differences between the two. 

Also, Federal Aviation Administration regulations limit the use of sustainable aviation fuel to 50 percent of all fuel on board. 

Sustainable aviation fuel is made with non-petroleum feedstocks, such as biomass from plants, animal waste fat, solid waste from homes such as paper and food scraps and even used cooking oil, according to oil industry company BP. 

United recently agreed to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel from Alder Fuels - enough to fly more than 57 million passengers and is also an investor in Fulcrum BioEnergy.

United Airlines flew more than 100 passengers to Washington, D.C. this week on a plane with one engine running on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 used 500 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel in one engine and the same amount of conventional jet fuel in the other engine to further prove there are no operational differences between the two. Also, Federal Aviation Administration regulations limit the use of sustainable aviation fuel to 50 percent of all fuel on board. Sustainable aviation fuel is made with non-petroleum feedstocks, such as biomass from plants, animal waste fat, solid waste from homes such as paper and food scraps and even used cooking oil, according to oil industry company BP. United recently agreed to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel from Alder Fuels - enough to fly more than 57 million passengers and is also an investor in Fulcrum BioEnergy.

United plane flies one engine on 100% sustainable aviation fuel

USDA’s Economic Research Service updated farm sector profit projections Wednesday, which are expected to increase in 2021. ERS forecasts inflation-adjusted net cash farm income, which is gross cash income minus cash expenses, to increase $12.6 billion to $133 billion. 

U.S. net farm income is forecast to increase by $18.4 billion from 2020 to $116.8 billion in 2021. Net farm income is a broader measure of farm sector profitability that incorporates noncash items, including changes in inventories, economic depreciation, and gross rental income. 

At that level, net farm income would be 24.2 percent above its 2000–2020 average of $94 billion and the highest since 2013. Inflation-adjusted net cash farm income would be 16.9 percent above its 2000–2020 average of $113.8 billion and the highest since 2014. 

Production expenses are expected to grow by $16.3 billion during the same period, somewhat moderating income growth. Additionally, direct government payments to farmers are projected to fall by $20.2 billion in 2021.

USDA’s Economic Research Service updated farm sector profit projections Wednesday, which are expected to increase in 2021. ERS forecasts inflation-adjusted net cash farm income, which is gross cash income minus cash expenses, to increase $12.6 billion to $133 billion. U.S. net farm income is forecast to increase by $18.4 billion from 2020 to $116.8 billion in 2021. Net farm income is a broader measure of farm sector profitability that incorporates noncash items, including changes in inventories, economic depreciation, and gross rental income. At that level, net farm income would be 24.2 percent above its 2000–2020 average of $94 billion and the highest since 2013. Inflation-adjusted net cash farm income would be 16.9 percent above its 2000–2020 average of $113.8 billion and the highest since 2014. Production expenses are expected to grow by $16.3 billion during the same period, somewhat moderating income growth. Additionally, direct government payments to farmers are projected to fall by $20.2 billion in 2021.

USDA updates 2021 farm income forecast

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced updates to crop insurance. USDA says the updates are a response to the needs of farmers, including organic producers, and support conservation of natural resources on agricultural land. 

Specifically, USDA's Risk Management Agency is making permanent a new provision that allows producers to hay, graze or chop cover crops and still receive a full prevented planting payment. 

To accommodate the different farming practices across the country, RMA is also increasing flexibility related to the prevented planting "1 in 4" requirement and aligning crop insurance definitions with USDA's National Organic Program. RMA is revising four organic definitions to be consistent with USDA's National Organic Program. 

RMA also made other changes to Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions, Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions, and other insurance provisions. Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more about the changes.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced updates to crop insurance. USDA says the updates are a response to the needs of farmers, including organic producers, and support conservation of natural resources on agricultural land. Specifically, USDA's Risk Management Agency is making permanent a new provision that allows producers to hay, graze or chop cover crops and still receive a full prevented planting payment. To accommodate the different farming practices across the country, RMA is also increasing flexibility related to the prevented planting "1 in 4" requirement and aligning crop insurance definitions with USDA's National Organic Program. RMA is revising four organic definitions to be consistent with USDA's National Organic Program. RMA also made other changes to Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions, Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations, Coarse Grains Crop Insurance Provisions, and other insurance provisions. Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more about the changes.

USDA updates crop insurance to support conservation and climate mitigation efforts

The Agriculture Council of America this week announced National Agriculture Day on March 22, 2022. This will mark the 49th anniversary of National Ag Day, which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. 

The theme for National Ag Day 2022 is "Growing a Climate for Tomorrow." On March 22, 2022, ACA will host a virtual Ag Day event and other events in Washington, DC. 

Additionally, the organization will bring college students to Washington "virtually" to deliver the message of Ag Day to Capitol Hill. A core leadership team of college students will attend in-person events. Another feature of Ag Day 2022 is the Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the Mall. 

The events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the story of American agriculture. Many agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate. Learn more about the events online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agday.org/">www.agday.org</a>.

The Agriculture Council of America this week announced National Agriculture Day on March 22, 2022. This will mark the 49th anniversary of National Ag Day, which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for National Ag Day 2022 is "Growing a Climate for Tomorrow." On March 22, 2022, ACA will host a virtual Ag Day event and other events in Washington, DC. Additionally, the organization will bring college students to Washington "virtually" to deliver the message of Ag Day to Capitol Hill. A core leadership team of college students will attend in-person events. Another feature of Ag Day 2022 is the Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the Mall. The events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the story of American agriculture. Many agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate. Learn more about the events online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agday.org/">www.agday.org</a>.

2022 National Ag Day activities announced

The Federal Trade Commission is ordering nine large retailers, wholesalers, and consumer good suppliers to provide detailed information on supply chain disruptions. 

The information will also show how disruptions are causing hardships for consumers and harming competition in the U.S. economy. The orders are being sent to Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers, Associated Wholesale Grocers, McLane Company, Procter &amp; Gamble, Tyson Foods, and Kraft Heinz. 

The companies will have 45 days from the date they received the order to respond. FTC Chair Lina Khan is hopeful the study “will shed light on market conditions and business practices that may have worsened disruptions or led to asymmetric effects.” 

The orders require the companies to detail the primary factors disrupting their ability to obtain, transport and distribute their products; the impact of the disruptions, the most affected products, the steps taken to alleviate disruptions, and how they allocate products among their stores when they are in short supply.

The Federal Trade Commission is ordering nine large retailers, wholesalers, and consumer good suppliers to provide detailed information on supply chain disruptions. The information will also show how disruptions are causing hardships for consumers and harming competition in the U.S. economy. The orders are being sent to Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers, Associated Wholesale Grocers, McLane Company, Procter &amp; Gamble, Tyson Foods, and Kraft Heinz. The companies will have 45 days from the date they received the order to respond. FTC Chair Lina Khan is hopeful the study “will shed light on market conditions and business practices that may have worsened disruptions or led to asymmetric effects.” The orders require the companies to detail the primary factors disrupting their ability to obtain, transport and distribute their products; the impact of the disruptions, the most affected products, the steps taken to alleviate disruptions, and how they allocate products among their stores when they are in short supply.

FTC launches inquiry into supply chain disruptions

The National Pork Producers Council this week thanked the Biden administration for extending to February 28, 2022, a waiver for commercial truckers from the federal Hours of Service regulation. 

The rule limits truckers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour period and requires prescribed rest periods. 

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the FMCSA included livestock haulers in an initial emergency declaration that provided an exemption from the HOS regulation for commercial truckers hauling essential supplies, including livestock. 

The waiver subsequently was expanded to cover the delivery of livestock feed. NPPC President Jen Sorenson says, “Extending the HOS waiver ensures that livestock truckers can get hogs to market safely and efficiently.” In August, the FMCSA extended the waiver to November 30.&nbsp; Further, a provision in the infrastructure bill recently signed into law expanded the miles agricultural truckers can drive without the HOS restrictions.

The National Pork Producers Council this week thanked the Biden administration for extending to February 28, 2022, a waiver for commercial truckers from the federal Hours of Service regulation. The rule limits truckers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour period and requires prescribed rest periods. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the FMCSA included livestock haulers in an initial emergency declaration that provided an exemption from the HOS regulation for commercial truckers hauling essential supplies, including livestock. The waiver subsequently was expanded to cover the delivery of livestock feed. NPPC President Jen Sorenson says, “Extending the HOS waiver ensures that livestock truckers can get hogs to market safely and efficiently.” In August, the FMCSA extended the waiver to November 30.&nbsp; Further, a provision in the infrastructure bill recently signed into law expanded the miles agricultural truckers can drive without the HOS restrictions.

Waiver from Trucking Federal Rule expanded

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced the theme and program of the 98th Agricultural Outlook Forum, a virtual event held February 24-25, 2022. 

The 2022 Forum theme is "New Paths to Sustainability and Productivity Growth," and the program will focus on innovations to minimize the environmental footprint of agriculture and ensure sustainability while improving crop yields. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “I look forward to discussing with sector leaders how we can work on climate smart solutions that will improve the profitability and resilience of agricultural producers and open new market opportunities.” 

The Forum will begin with a presentation by USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer on the Department’s outlook for commodity markets and trade for 2022 and the U.S. farm income situation. 

Breakout sessions include topics on climate mitigation, innovation, trade, commodity outlooks, supply chain resilience and equity and inclusion. Visit the Agricultural Outlook Forum&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/oce/ag-outlook-forum">website</a>&nbsp;to register and learn more.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced the theme and program of the 98th Agricultural Outlook Forum, a virtual event held February 24-25, 2022. The 2022 Forum theme is "New Paths to Sustainability and Productivity Growth," and the program will focus on innovations to minimize the environmental footprint of agriculture and ensure sustainability while improving crop yields. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “I look forward to discussing with sector leaders how we can work on climate smart solutions that will improve the profitability and resilience of agricultural producers and open new market opportunities.” The Forum will begin with a presentation by USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer on the Department’s outlook for commodity markets and trade for 2022 and the U.S. farm income situation. Breakout sessions include topics on climate mitigation, innovation, trade, commodity outlooks, supply chain resilience and equity and inclusion. Visit the Agricultural Outlook Forum&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/oce/ag-outlook-forum">website</a>&nbsp;to register and learn more.

USDA announces Agricultural Outlook Forum theme and program

The soybean checkoff plans to fund pre-engineering and design work to enhance and maintain Lock and Dam #25 on the Upper Mississippi River. The United Soybean Board calls the facility a U.S. infrastructure asset critical for efficient barge traffic. 

The move is an effort to ensure continued and reliable delivery of U.S. soybean exports to customers around the world. USB farmer-leader Meagan Kaiser of Missouri says, “It's vital that our supply chain remain strong and reliable so we can continue to market our products.” 

If approved for federal funding, the project would be the first under the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program, a long-term program authorized by Congress to improve and restore the Upper Mississippi River System. 

Primary opportunities of improvement include reducing commercial traffic delays while restoring, protecting and enhancing the environment. Lock and Dam #25 is one of seven existing locks specified by the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program for improvements.

The soybean checkoff plans to fund pre-engineering and design work to enhance and maintain Lock and Dam #25 on the Upper Mississippi River. The United Soybean Board calls the facility a U.S. infrastructure asset critical for efficient barge traffic. The move is an effort to ensure continued and reliable delivery of U.S. soybean exports to customers around the world. USB farmer-leader Meagan Kaiser of Missouri says, “It's vital that our supply chain remain strong and reliable so we can continue to market our products.” If approved for federal funding, the project would be the first under the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program, a long-term program authorized by Congress to improve and restore the Upper Mississippi River System. Primary opportunities of improvement include reducing commercial traffic delays while restoring, protecting and enhancing the environment. Lock and Dam #25 is one of seven existing locks specified by the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program for improvements.

Lock and Dam renovation funding key to global competitiveness of U.S. soy

The American Farm Bureau Federation Monday announces keynote speakers for its upcoming annual convention. 

Inspirational speaker Jim “Murph” Murphy, founder and chairman of Afterburner, will speak during the afternoon general session at the convention on Sunday, January 9, in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Comedian Jeff Allen will perform Monday during the convention’s closing general session. Murphy has a unique and powerful mix of leadership skills in both the military and business worlds. Allen is in his fifth decade as a working comedian. 

Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “We are excited to celebrate, mark our achievements and hear from leaders who have helped strengthen agriculture at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention.” 

Duvall will give his annual address during the opening general session of the convention on Sunday. The convention will be held in person January 7-12, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia, with a virtual option for portions of the event available to those not attending in person.

The American Farm Bureau Federation Monday announces keynote speakers for its upcoming annual convention. Inspirational speaker Jim “Murph” Murphy, founder and chairman of Afterburner, will speak during the afternoon general session at the convention on Sunday, January 9, in Atlanta, Georgia. Comedian Jeff Allen will perform Monday during the convention’s closing general session. Murphy has a unique and powerful mix of leadership skills in both the military and business worlds. Allen is in his fifth decade as a working comedian. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “We are excited to celebrate, mark our achievements and hear from leaders who have helped strengthen agriculture at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention.” Duvall will give his annual address during the opening general session of the convention on Sunday. The convention will be held in person January 7-12, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia, with a virtual option for portions of the event available to those not attending in person.

Farm Bureau announces 2022 convention keynote speakers

University of Illinois weed scientists have confirmed resistance to the herbicide dicamba in a Champaign County waterhemp population. In the study, dicamba controlled 65 percent of the waterhemp in the field when applied at the labeled rate. 

And in the greenhouse, plants showed a 5-to-10-fold reduction in dicamba efficacy compared with sensitive plants. It's not a huge level of resistance, but the population had never been sprayed with dicamba or its relative 2,4-D, to which it is also resistant. 

The team tested dicamba resistance in the same field back in 2014 and 2015, showing 80 percent efficacy.&nbsp; Dicamba resistance was recently documented in a Tennessee waterhemp population, and in a Tennessee population of Palmer amaranth. 

Dicamba has been used in Illinois for at least 50 years. But with more acreage being planted in dicamba tolerant soybeans, use of the chemical is on the rise. And with increasing selective pressure, dicamba resistance could spread quickly.

University of Illinois weed scientists have confirmed resistance to the herbicide dicamba in a Champaign County waterhemp population. In the study, dicamba controlled 65 percent of the waterhemp in the field when applied at the labeled rate. And in the greenhouse, plants showed a 5-to-10-fold reduction in dicamba efficacy compared with sensitive plants. It's not a huge level of resistance, but the population had never been sprayed with dicamba or its relative 2,4-D, to which it is also resistant. The team tested dicamba resistance in the same field back in 2014 and 2015, showing 80 percent efficacy.&nbsp; Dicamba resistance was recently documented in a Tennessee waterhemp population, and in a Tennessee population of Palmer amaranth. Dicamba has been used in Illinois for at least 50 years. But with more acreage being planted in dicamba tolerant soybeans, use of the chemical is on the rise. And with increasing selective pressure, dicamba resistance could spread quickly.

Dicamba resistant Waterhemp found in Illinois

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued a thank you to lawmakers for introducing the Defend the Blend Act into the House of Representatives. 

The bill’s main sponsors include Republicans Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Rodney Davis of Illinois, and Democrats Angie Craig of Minnesota and Ron Kind of Wisconsin. 

“We thank these lawmakers for introducing the Defend the Blend Act, legislation that would offer more certainty in the marketplace, especially as we await the 2021 and 2022 RVOs from the Environmental Protection Agency,” Skor says. 

“The Renewable Fuel Standard was put in place to blend more low-carbon biofuels into our nation’s transportation fuel supply and includes a built-in mechanism that adjusts for any changes in fuel demand.” 

She also says retroactively changing RVO levels is completely unnecessary, adds uncertainty to the marketplace, and far exceeds the EPA’s legal authority. Earlier this fall, rumors said that EPA was considering retroactively reducing the 2020 RVO.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued a thank you to lawmakers for introducing the Defend the Blend Act into the House of Representatives. The bill’s main sponsors include Republicans Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Rodney Davis of Illinois, and Democrats Angie Craig of Minnesota and Ron Kind of Wisconsin. “We thank these lawmakers for introducing the Defend the Blend Act, legislation that would offer more certainty in the marketplace, especially as we await the 2021 and 2022 RVOs from the Environmental Protection Agency,” Skor says. “The Renewable Fuel Standard was put in place to blend more low-carbon biofuels into our nation’s transportation fuel supply and includes a built-in mechanism that adjusts for any changes in fuel demand.” She also says retroactively changing RVO levels is completely unnecessary, adds uncertainty to the marketplace, and far exceeds the EPA’s legal authority. Earlier this fall, rumors said that EPA was considering retroactively reducing the 2020 RVO.

Defend the Blend Act Introduced in the House

The USDA says it’s begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help rural residents get access to high-speed internet. 

The announcement comes shortly after the recently approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earmarked another $2 billion in additional funding for the ReConnect Program. “High-speed internet is the new electricity,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

“It must be reliable, affordable, and available to everyone.” He also says the funding that USDA is making available should go a long way toward making rural broadband much more accessible. 

“Expanding broadband availability in rural areas will help to create jobs, help farmers use precision ag technologies, expand access to education and healthcare in rural communities, and create economic opportunity for millions of rural residents,” Vilsack adds. 

USDA says it will issue a new Notice of Funding Opportunity to make the additional funds in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law available in 2022. The $1.15 billion in ReConnect funding is available immediately.

The USDA says it’s begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help rural residents get access to high-speed internet. The announcement comes shortly after the recently approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earmarked another $2 billion in additional funding for the ReConnect Program. “High-speed internet is the new electricity,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “It must be reliable, affordable, and available to everyone.” He also says the funding that USDA is making available should go a long way toward making rural broadband much more accessible. “Expanding broadband availability in rural areas will help to create jobs, help farmers use precision ag technologies, expand access to education and healthcare in rural communities, and create economic opportunity for millions of rural residents,” Vilsack adds. USDA says it will issue a new Notice of Funding Opportunity to make the additional funds in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law available in 2022. The $1.15 billion in ReConnect funding is available immediately.

USDA accepting applications for rural broadband assistance

The European Parliament approved the biggest reform to their farm subsidies in decades. Reuters says the vote switches much of the cash subsidies to smaller farms and rewards producers who use more sustainable farming methods. 

The Common Agricultural Policy has been criticized for years over the way the bulk of EU ag subsidies went to large landowners and industrial ag firms. Backers of the deal say the reform will change that. 

However, environmentalists say the deal doesn’t go far enough in taking care of the environment and fighting climate change. The Chair of the European Parliament’s Ag Committee called it the biggest reform since 1992. 

The Common Ag Policy will spend 387 billion euros, or $436 billion, on payments for farmers and support for rural development. The new rules which start in 2023 shift funds away from intensive farming to more protection of nature and cut EU greenhouse gases by 10 percent.

The European Parliament approved the biggest reform to their farm subsidies in decades. Reuters says the vote switches much of the cash subsidies to smaller farms and rewards producers who use more sustainable farming methods. The Common Agricultural Policy has been criticized for years over the way the bulk of EU ag subsidies went to large landowners and industrial ag firms. Backers of the deal say the reform will change that. However, environmentalists say the deal doesn’t go far enough in taking care of the environment and fighting climate change. The Chair of the European Parliament’s Ag Committee called it the biggest reform since 1992. The Common Ag Policy will spend 387 billion euros, or $436 billion, on payments for farmers and support for rural development. The new rules which start in 2023 shift funds away from intensive farming to more protection of nature and cut EU greenhouse gases by 10 percent.

European Union approves large farm subsidies deal

Several agricultural groups reacted to key provisions found in the Build Back Better Act. Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association are grateful for the Congressional efforts to build new markets for farmers and biofuel producers. 

In a letter to the chairs of the House and Senate Ag Committees, the groups also say they appreciate the efforts to help lower the carbon intensity of agriculture. 

“One of the most pressing challenges facing biofuel producers is ensuring that consumers have consistent access to higher-level ethanol and biodiesel blends, which are lower carbon and lower cost than petroleum fuels,” they say in the letter. 

“The Biofuel Infrastructure and Agriculture Product Market Expansion provision in the BBB Act helps address this issue and contains much-needed funding to ensure consumers have access to these fuels.” That refers to the $1 billion allocated to upgrade refueling and distribution infrastructure meant for higher ethanol blends.

Several agricultural groups reacted to key provisions found in the Build Back Better Act. Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association are grateful for the Congressional efforts to build new markets for farmers and biofuel producers. In a letter to the chairs of the House and Senate Ag Committees, the groups also say they appreciate the efforts to help lower the carbon intensity of agriculture. “One of the most pressing challenges facing biofuel producers is ensuring that consumers have consistent access to higher-level ethanol and biodiesel blends, which are lower carbon and lower cost than petroleum fuels,” they say in the letter. “The Biofuel Infrastructure and Agriculture Product Market Expansion provision in the BBB Act helps address this issue and contains much-needed funding to ensure consumers have access to these fuels.” That refers to the $1 billion allocated to upgrade refueling and distribution infrastructure meant for higher ethanol blends.

Farm and biofuel groups react to BBB Act provisions

A coalition of farm groups wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Vilsack on challenges surrounding the World Trade Organization. 

The Hagstrom Report says those groups are pleased that Ambassador Tai gave strong statements on engaging boldly with the WTO. They want the Biden administration to try and get the public stockholding and the special safeguard mechanism proposals at the WTO eliminated in connection with the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference. 

In a letter to officials, the groups say that the proposals related to public stockholding and the special safeguard mechanism are remnants of a negotiation that’s decades old. The PSH proposal would significantly weaken the discipline process on domestic subsidies, while the SSM proposal will seriously limit U.S. export access to developing countries. 

“Adopting these proposals will point the reform process in the wrong direction and doom future negotiations to failure,” the letter says. The coalition includes the American Farm Bureau, along with crop, meat, and export groups.

A coalition of farm groups wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Vilsack on challenges surrounding the World Trade Organization. The Hagstrom Report says those groups are pleased that Ambassador Tai gave strong statements on engaging boldly with the WTO. They want the Biden administration to try and get the public stockholding and the special safeguard mechanism proposals at the WTO eliminated in connection with the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference. In a letter to officials, the groups say that the proposals related to public stockholding and the special safeguard mechanism are remnants of a negotiation that’s decades old. The PSH proposal would significantly weaken the discipline process on domestic subsidies, while the SSM proposal will seriously limit U.S. export access to developing countries. “Adopting these proposals will point the reform process in the wrong direction and doom future negotiations to failure,” the letter says. The coalition includes the American Farm Bureau, along with crop, meat, and export groups.

Farm groups ask administration to be firm on WTO issues

India and the United States agreed to expand trade between the nations on some agricultural products. Those include U.S. cherries, alfalfa, and distiller’s dried grains, as well as Indian mangoes, grapes, shrimp, and water buffalo. 

The two sides came together in the first U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum meeting in four years. The trade ministers also talked about the possibility of restoring India’s trade benefits under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences. 

The two countries have disputed over a range of issues recently, including tariffs that dampened the prospects of reaching a bilateral trade deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yahoo Dot Com says they talked about American interest in supplying India with ethanol, as well as speeding up phytosanitary work to allow more agricultural imports between the two nations. 

Tai recently concluded a visit to India to try and rebuild trade ties between the world’s richest and largest democracies. The Ministers of both countries committed to continue working on trade issues in the future.

India and the United States agreed to expand trade between the nations on some agricultural products. Those include U.S. cherries, alfalfa, and distiller’s dried grains, as well as Indian mangoes, grapes, shrimp, and water buffalo. The two sides came together in the first U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum meeting in four years. The trade ministers also talked about the possibility of restoring India’s trade benefits under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences. The two countries have disputed over a range of issues recently, including tariffs that dampened the prospects of reaching a bilateral trade deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yahoo Dot Com says they talked about American interest in supplying India with ethanol, as well as speeding up phytosanitary work to allow more agricultural imports between the two nations. Tai recently concluded a visit to India to try and rebuild trade ties between the world’s richest and largest democracies. The Ministers of both countries committed to continue working on trade issues in the future.

U.S., India reach agreement on ag trade

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Bloomberg that the Biden Administration would likely remove some punitive tariffs on Chinese imports. 

She says there is an ongoing process to try to figure out what America’s best approach to China will be going forward. “I predict there will be some changes,” she says. “However, they won’t all disappear, and some may continue in the new reality we’re living in.” 

Last month, U.S. Trade Rep Katherine Tai said the administration will directly engage with China to enforce commitments the Asian nation made in a trade deal with former President Trump. 

After more than two years since the duties took effect, the U.S. and China are shipping goods to each other at a pace that seems to suggest the drawn-out trade war never happened. Tai recently announced that the USTR will reinstate tariff exclusions for some imports from China after previous exemptions expired, and her office is currently taking exclusion requests.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Bloomberg that the Biden Administration would likely remove some punitive tariffs on Chinese imports. She says there is an ongoing process to try to figure out what America’s best approach to China will be going forward. “I predict there will be some changes,” she says. “However, they won’t all disappear, and some may continue in the new reality we’re living in.” Last month, U.S. Trade Rep Katherine Tai said the administration will directly engage with China to enforce commitments the Asian nation made in a trade deal with former President Trump. After more than two years since the duties took effect, the U.S. and China are shipping goods to each other at a pace that seems to suggest the drawn-out trade war never happened. Tai recently announced that the USTR will reinstate tariff exclusions for some imports from China after previous exemptions expired, and her office is currently taking exclusion requests.

Clinton: White House likely to remove some tariffs on China

U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana introduced legislation to suspend Brazilian beef imports to the United States. The move comes after repeated issues with delayed reporting of BSE, or mad cow outbreaks in Brazilian beef. 

Suspending the imports will give experts a chance to conduct a thorough review of the meat’s safety. “Americans deserve the highest level of safety and certainty in their beef, and Brazilian imports don’t make the cut,” Tester says. 

“Concerns about Brazil’s imports not only jeopardize consumers’ trust but present a serious risk to our country’s producers.” It took until September before Brazil announced two cases of atypical BSE were detected in June. 

Most countries report outbreaks to the World Organization of Animal Health within days. The bill would ensure Brazil’s beef is safe to eat before it’s brought back into the U.S. market. America’s prominent beef cattle groups came out in support of Tester’s bill.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana introduced legislation to suspend Brazilian beef imports to the United States. The move comes after repeated issues with delayed reporting of BSE, or mad cow outbreaks in Brazilian beef. Suspending the imports will give experts a chance to conduct a thorough review of the meat’s safety. “Americans deserve the highest level of safety and certainty in their beef, and Brazilian imports don’t make the cut,” Tester says. “Concerns about Brazil’s imports not only jeopardize consumers’ trust but present a serious risk to our country’s producers.” It took until September before Brazil announced two cases of atypical BSE were detected in June. Most countries report outbreaks to the World Organization of Animal Health within days. The bill would ensure Brazil’s beef is safe to eat before it’s brought back into the U.S. market. America’s prominent beef cattle groups came out in support of Tester’s bill.

Bill would suspend Brazilian beef imports to the U.S.

The USDA has begun issuing roughly $270 million in pandemic assistance payments to eligible contract producers of livestock and poultry who applied for help. Earlier this year, the Farm Service Agency identified gaps in assistance. 

USDA then released an improved program for contract producers to help fill those gaps. “We listened to feedback from producers and stakeholders about impacts across livestock and poultry operations and made updates to be more equitable in the assistance we’ve delivered,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. 

“Filling these gaps and not letting underserved producers slip through the cracks is a common theme throughout our approach under our Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative.” 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provided funding for payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry for revenue losses from January 1, 2020, through December 27 of this year. Contract producers of broilers, pullets, chicken eggs, turkeys, and many other types of livestock and poultry were eligible.

The USDA has begun issuing roughly $270 million in pandemic assistance payments to eligible contract producers of livestock and poultry who applied for help. Earlier this year, the Farm Service Agency identified gaps in assistance. USDA then released an improved program for contract producers to help fill those gaps. “We listened to feedback from producers and stakeholders about impacts across livestock and poultry operations and made updates to be more equitable in the assistance we’ve delivered,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Filling these gaps and not letting underserved producers slip through the cracks is a common theme throughout our approach under our Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative.” The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provided funding for payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry for revenue losses from January 1, 2020, through December 27 of this year. Contract producers of broilers, pullets, chicken eggs, turkeys, and many other types of livestock and poultry were eligible.

USDA issuing $270 million in pandemic assistance to producers

Ag groups are reacting to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, and they’re not happy with the idea. 

The proposed rule would re-establish the pre-2015 definition of “Waters of the U.S.” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says his group is disappointed that the agency is returning to an “overly complicated” interim water rule. 

“Overreaching regulations create major permit backlogs for the federal government and result in long delays for farmers and ranchers working hard to keep America fed,” Duvall says. “They’re putting this in place before completing the promised stakeholder engagement.” 

National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington says the administration is taking farmers backward by removing a rule that’s provided “certainty” for farmers who feed and power America. “NCGA will continue to work with agencies and advocate for a WOTUS definition that provides farmers with clarity about obligations under the Clean Water Act,” Edgington says.

Ag groups are reacting to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, and they’re not happy with the idea. The proposed rule would re-establish the pre-2015 definition of “Waters of the U.S.” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says his group is disappointed that the agency is returning to an “overly complicated” interim water rule. “Overreaching regulations create major permit backlogs for the federal government and result in long delays for farmers and ranchers working hard to keep America fed,” Duvall says. “They’re putting this in place before completing the promised stakeholder engagement.” National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington says the administration is taking farmers backward by removing a rule that’s provided “certainty” for farmers who feed and power America. “NCGA will continue to work with agencies and advocate for a WOTUS definition that provides farmers with clarity about obligations under the Clean Water Act,” Edgington says.