Senate passes Ocean Shipping Reform Bill

Recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are adding strain to the egg supply chains across the country, which still haven’t fully recovered from COVID-19. 

While egg production stabilized in recent months, it’s still well below pre-COVID levels. 

CoBank says that means egg availability could be limited leading into Easter. 

“U.S. egg producers have been hard-pressed to align supplies with market demand over the last couple of years,” says Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “The layer flock typically expands ahead of the surge in demand for Easter and contracts during the summer months.” 

However, recent HPAI losses have combined with high feed cost and other challenges to severely flock sizes. CoBank says at least 11 million layers have been lost in recent weeks. 

The USDA estimates about five days of U.S. egg inventory is currently on hand, which is tight but not alarmingly tight supplies. Egg prices will likely rise around Easter.

Recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are adding strain to the egg supply chains across the country, which still haven’t fully recovered from COVID-19. While egg production stabilized in recent months, it’s still well below pre-COVID levels. CoBank says that means egg availability could be limited leading into Easter. “U.S. egg producers have been hard-pressed to align supplies with market demand over the last couple of years,” says Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “The layer flock typically expands ahead of the surge in demand for Easter and contracts during the summer months.” However, recent HPAI losses have combined with high feed cost and other challenges to severely flock sizes. CoBank says at least 11 million layers have been lost in recent weeks. The USDA estimates about five days of U.S. egg inventory is currently on hand, which is tight but not alarmingly tight supplies. Egg prices will likely rise around Easter.

CoBank: Easter egg supplies likely short

Prospective Planting Report shows less corn, more soybeans

Reuters says the White House is considering the possibility of removing restrictions on summer sales of higher ethanol blends as a way to help lower the cost of fuel for American drivers. 

Three sources close to the discussion told Reuters that President Biden is looking at ways to bring down the soaring cost of gasoline, which recently hit record highs. 

Adding more ethanol to gasoline blends could potentially bring down prices at the nation’s pumps because ethanol is currently cheaper than regular gasoline blends. 

The Environmental Protection Agency says it won’t comment on the possibility of the move but did say it was considering a range of options. 

A bipartisan group of farm-state lawmakers recently pushed the White House to lift the summertime ban. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Dick Durbin from Illinois, two of the biggest corn-producing states, recently sent a letter to Biden asking him to allow the summertime sale of E15.

Reuters says the White House is considering the possibility of removing restrictions on summer sales of higher ethanol blends as a way to help lower the cost of fuel for American drivers. Three sources close to the discussion told Reuters that President Biden is looking at ways to bring down the soaring cost of gasoline, which recently hit record highs. Adding more ethanol to gasoline blends could potentially bring down prices at the nation’s pumps because ethanol is currently cheaper than regular gasoline blends. The Environmental Protection Agency says it won’t comment on the possibility of the move but did say it was considering a range of options. A bipartisan group of farm-state lawmakers recently pushed the White House to lift the summertime ban. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Dick Durbin from Illinois, two of the biggest corn-producing states, recently sent a letter to Biden asking him to allow the summertime sale of E15.

U.S. considering more ethanol in gasoline

New product may help mitigate high cost of fertilizer

Farm state lawmakers Wednesday introduced the China Trade Cheating Restitution Act. 

Senate Democrat Jon Tester joined Republican Bill Cassidy, Chuck Grassley and John Thune to introduce the bill they say would level the playing field for U.S. farmers. 

The bill would ensure that the agricultural sectors most affected by China’s evasion on anti-dumping duties receive an estimated $38.5 million in accrued delinquency interest on duties wrongfully withheld by Customs and Border Patrol from 2000-2014. 

For nearly two decades, Chinese producers have exported honey, fresh garlic, crawfish, and mushrooms to the U.S. at a price below the cost of production to purposefully increase their market share– a practice called "dumping." 

The United States placed anti-dumping duties on Chinese producers in 2001 to protect domestic producers and condemn China's unfair actions. The bill would require CBP to distribute an estimated $38.5 million in accrued delinquency interest on the anti-dumping duties that CBP collected and wrongfully withheld.

Farm state lawmakers Wednesday introduced the China Trade Cheating Restitution Act. Senate Democrat Jon Tester joined Republican Bill Cassidy, Chuck Grassley and John Thune to introduce the bill they say would level the playing field for U.S. farmers. The bill would ensure that the agricultural sectors most affected by China’s evasion on anti-dumping duties receive an estimated $38.5 million in accrued delinquency interest on duties wrongfully withheld by Customs and Border Patrol from 2000-2014. For nearly two decades, Chinese producers have exported honey, fresh garlic, crawfish, and mushrooms to the U.S. at a price below the cost of production to purposefully increase their market share– a practice called "dumping." The United States placed anti-dumping duties on Chinese producers in 2001 to protect domestic producers and condemn China's unfair actions. The bill would require CBP to distribute an estimated $38.5 million in accrued delinquency interest on the anti-dumping duties that CBP collected and wrongfully withheld.

Lawmakers: new legislation to hold China accountable, level playing field

The soy checkoff released its inaugural U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview which outlines key environmental achievements made by soybean farmers. 

Developed by the soy checkoff, the report details the modern practices and advanced technologies deployed by farmers in recent years to conserve land, water, energy and other natural resources. 

The report shows that Between 1980 and 2020, conservation efforts by U.S. soybean farmers have improved land use efficiency by 48 percent per bushel, irrigation water use efficiency by 60 percent per bushel, and energy use efficiency by 46 percent per bushel. 

Growers also improvised greenhouse gas emissions efficiency by 43 percent per bushel, soil conservation by 34 percent per acre and soy production by 130 percent, using roughly the same amount of land. 

USB CEO Polly Ruhland says, “Our soybean farmers are committed to sharing the progress we have made and how we’re looking ahead to contribute in solving some of society’s biggest challenges, such as food security and sustainable energy.”

The soy checkoff released its inaugural U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview which outlines key environmental achievements made by soybean farmers. Developed by the soy checkoff, the report details the modern practices and advanced technologies deployed by farmers in recent years to conserve land, water, energy and other natural resources. The report shows that Between 1980 and 2020, conservation efforts by U.S. soybean farmers have improved land use efficiency by 48 percent per bushel, irrigation water use efficiency by 60 percent per bushel, and energy use efficiency by 46 percent per bushel. Growers also improvised greenhouse gas emissions efficiency by 43 percent per bushel, soil conservation by 34 percent per acre and soy production by 130 percent, using roughly the same amount of land. USB CEO Polly Ruhland says, “Our soybean farmers are committed to sharing the progress we have made and how we’re looking ahead to contribute in solving some of society’s biggest challenges, such as food security and sustainable energy.”

Soy Checkoff releases 2021 Sustainability Overview Report

As of March 1, there were 72.2 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, down two percent from March 2021 and down three percent from December 2021, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report. 

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the report Wednesday. 

The report found that of the 72.2 million hogs and pigs, 66.1 million were market hogs, while 6.1 million were kept for breeding. 

Between December 2021 and February 2022, 31.7 million pigs were weaned on U.S. farms, down one percent from the same period one year earlier. For the quarter, U.S. hog and pig producers weaned an average of 10.95 pigs per litter. 

U.S. hog producers intend to have 2.99 million sows farrow between March and May 2022, and 3.03 million sows farrow between June and August 2022. Iowa hog producers accounted for the largest inventory among the states at 23.0 million head, and Minnesota had the second-largest inventory at 8.60 million head.

As of March 1, there were 72.2 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, down two percent from March 2021 and down three percent from December 2021, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the report Wednesday. The report found that of the 72.2 million hogs and pigs, 66.1 million were market hogs, while 6.1 million were kept for breeding. Between December 2021 and February 2022, 31.7 million pigs were weaned on U.S. farms, down one percent from the same period one year earlier. For the quarter, U.S. hog and pig producers weaned an average of 10.95 pigs per litter. U.S. hog producers intend to have 2.99 million sows farrow between March and May 2022, and 3.03 million sows farrow between June and August 2022. Iowa hog producers accounted for the largest inventory among the states at 23.0 million head, and Minnesota had the second-largest inventory at 8.60 million head.

United States hog inventory down 2%

Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley this week introduced an updated version of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. 

First introduced in November, Senators Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, Jon Tester, and Montana Democrat, and Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, joined Grassley to introduce the update. 

The updated legislation allows for more regions, five to seven, encompassing the entire continental U.S. and then establishes minimum levels of fed cattle purchases made through approved pricing mechanisms. 

The update retains the cash trade mandates included in the previous version of the bill. U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Brooke Miller says, “USCA stands with county, state, and national producer associations across the U.S. in supporting mandatory cash trade minimums.” 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the legislation "would shed light on the market and bring about greater fairness.” The updated bill also Increases penalties for violations by packers, and requires that livestock mandatory reporting data be made consistently available.

Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley this week introduced an updated version of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. First introduced in November, Senators Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, Jon Tester, and Montana Democrat, and Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, joined Grassley to introduce the update. The updated legislation allows for more regions, five to seven, encompassing the entire continental U.S. and then establishes minimum levels of fed cattle purchases made through approved pricing mechanisms. The update retains the cash trade mandates included in the previous version of the bill. U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Brooke Miller says, “USCA stands with county, state, and national producer associations across the U.S. in supporting mandatory cash trade minimums.” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the legislation "would shed light on the market and bring about greater fairness.” The updated bill also Increases penalties for violations by packers, and requires that livestock mandatory reporting data be made consistently available.

Grassley, colleagues unveil updated Cattle Market Reform Bill

An updated guide offers tips and tools for effective engagement for online education, including hybrid settings for farm and ranch women. 

American Farmland Trust and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education announced "Reaching Women in Agriculture: A Guide to Virtual Engagement," Tuesday. 

The guide was originally developed through a partnership with AFT and the University of Vermont Extension and has recently been updated, enhanced and published by SARE earlier in 2022. 

The goal is to create a safe space for women to learn from each other and gain confidence, rather than excluding men.&nbsp;&nbsp;The guidance in Reaching Women is born out of AFT’s Women for the Land initiative and the Learning Circle model. 

Reaching Women incorporates the characteristics of high-quality programs for women in agriculture and the emerging best practices for adapting farmer education and networking events to virtual platforms. Find and print a free copy of the guide online at sare.org.

An updated guide offers tips and tools for effective engagement for online education, including hybrid settings for farm and ranch women. American Farmland Trust and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education announced "Reaching Women in Agriculture: A Guide to Virtual Engagement," Tuesday. The guide was originally developed through a partnership with AFT and the University of Vermont Extension and has recently been updated, enhanced and published by SARE earlier in 2022. The goal is to create a safe space for women to learn from each other and gain confidence, rather than excluding men.&nbsp;&nbsp;The guidance in Reaching Women is born out of AFT’s Women for the Land initiative and the Learning Circle model. Reaching Women incorporates the characteristics of high-quality programs for women in agriculture and the emerging best practices for adapting farmer education and networking events to virtual platforms. Find and print a free copy of the guide online at sare.org.

Ag groups release Guide on Virtual Engagement for Women

High prices for U.S. corn, soybeans and wheat are not expected to be a short-term shock, according to a new RaboResearch report, "The Grain Drain After Ukraine." 

While the sudden shutdown of trade in the Black Sea region has sent corn and wheat prices to their highest in a decade, the ten-year outlook for all major crops has shifted up to a new price level. 

The report cites transformative geopolitical changes, continued increases in demand and limited acreage availability as the shift's drivers. 

RaboResearch expects the U.S. to increase its exports to help fill the demand gap.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the 2022/23 crop marketing year, RaboResearch estimates the average on-farm price, which takes local basis into account, to be $5.77 for corn and $10.50 for wheat when their export sales increase by 200 million bushels. 

Higher prices, however, do not spell bigger profits. Costs for farm inputs such as seed, fertilizer and land will likely also rise, squeezing farmers' margins over the next decade.

High prices for U.S. corn, soybeans and wheat are not expected to be a short-term shock, according to a new RaboResearch report, "The Grain Drain After Ukraine." While the sudden shutdown of trade in the Black Sea region has sent corn and wheat prices to their highest in a decade, the ten-year outlook for all major crops has shifted up to a new price level. The report cites transformative geopolitical changes, continued increases in demand and limited acreage availability as the shift's drivers. RaboResearch expects the U.S. to increase its exports to help fill the demand gap.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the 2022/23 crop marketing year, RaboResearch estimates the average on-farm price, which takes local basis into account, to be $5.77 for corn and $10.50 for wheat when their export sales increase by 200 million bushels. Higher prices, however, do not spell bigger profits. Costs for farm inputs such as seed, fertilizer and land will likely also rise, squeezing farmers' margins over the next decade.

Rabo AgriFinance: high prices don’t mean big profits

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation against California’s Proposition 12. 

The law bans the sale of pork from hogs born to sows that weren’t raised according to the state’s “arbitrary” production standards. 

NPPC President Terry Wolters says, “We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of Proposition 12.” 

NPPC has waged a legal battle against the ballot initiative since it was approved in November 2018, arguing at the U.S. district and appellate court levels that Prop. 12 violates the Constitution's Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the power to regulate trade among the states and limits the ability of states to regulate commerce outside their borders. 

The high court is taking up the case on appeal from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which in July upheld a lower court ruling against the NPPC-AFBF lawsuit.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation against California’s Proposition 12. The law bans the sale of pork from hogs born to sows that weren’t raised according to the state’s “arbitrary” production standards. NPPC President Terry Wolters says, “We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of Proposition 12.” NPPC has waged a legal battle against the ballot initiative since it was approved in November 2018, arguing at the U.S. district and appellate court levels that Prop. 12 violates the Constitution's Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the power to regulate trade among the states and limits the ability of states to regulate commerce outside their borders. The high court is taking up the case on appeal from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which in July upheld a lower court ruling against the NPPC-AFBF lawsuit.

Supreme Court to hear NPPC case against Prop. 12

The Biden-Harris Administration Monday submitted to Congress the President’s budget for fiscal year 2023. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the budget "provides USDA with the tools needed to support a vibrant, revitalized, and prosperous rural America." 

The budget proposes $1.1 billion in funding to address climate change across private, working agricultural land. Biden also proposes $1 billion to support agricultural producers and landowners to undertake conservation and climate-smart practices. 

The budget builds on the $618 million investment to protect and restore watersheds made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by proposing an additional $135 million for these efforts. The budget proposes $111 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and invests $935 million in rural America. 

It builds on the $65 billion investment made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make high-speed internet available to all Americans. 

The budget includes an additional $133 million over 2022 levels for Reconnect to provide rural residents broadband. Biden's budget also provides more than $10 million for oversight and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

The Biden-Harris Administration Monday submitted to Congress the President’s budget for fiscal year 2023. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the budget "provides USDA with the tools needed to support a vibrant, revitalized, and prosperous rural America." The budget proposes $1.1 billion in funding to address climate change across private, working agricultural land. Biden also proposes $1 billion to support agricultural producers and landowners to undertake conservation and climate-smart practices. The budget builds on the $618 million investment to protect and restore watersheds made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by proposing an additional $135 million for these efforts. The budget proposes $111 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and invests $935 million in rural America. It builds on the $65 billion investment made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make high-speed internet available to all Americans. The budget includes an additional $133 million over 2022 levels for Reconnect to provide rural residents broadband. Biden's budget also provides more than $10 million for oversight and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Biden releases 2023 budget: USDA highlights

After a storm of surging prices followed by a week of decline, the national average is virtually unchanged from a week ago, declining just tenths of a penny to $4.23 per gallon. 

The national average is up 62.4 cents from a month ago and $1.38 per gallon higher than a year ago. 

The national average price of diesel has risen 8.2 cents in the last week and stands at $5.12 per gallon. 

GasBuddy’s Patrick De Hann says, “The decline we’ve seen in average gas prices has been slowing down, as oil prices have held above $100 after declining under that level as recently as a few weeks ago.” 

De Haan adds, “there’s no telling what’s around the corner, at least for now, as the volatility in oil prices persists.” With an OPEC+ meeting later this week, hopes are high that the group will again boost oil production by the same 400,000-barrel number they’ve agreed to every month since last July.

After a storm of surging prices followed by a week of decline, the national average is virtually unchanged from a week ago, declining just tenths of a penny to $4.23 per gallon. The national average is up 62.4 cents from a month ago and $1.38 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 8.2 cents in the last week and stands at $5.12 per gallon. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Hann says, “The decline we’ve seen in average gas prices has been slowing down, as oil prices have held above $100 after declining under that level as recently as a few weeks ago.” De Haan adds, “there’s no telling what’s around the corner, at least for now, as the volatility in oil prices persists.” With an OPEC+ meeting later this week, hopes are high that the group will again boost oil production by the same 400,000-barrel number they’ve agreed to every month since last July.

Fuel prices stabilize as oil prices show extreme volatility

Corn grower leaders from 19 states combined to send a letter to President Biden asking him to use existing emergency authorities to tap more homegrown fuels like ethanol. 

The goal is to help stabilize energy markets and lower the price of fuel for consumers. 

The letter asks the president to prevent consumers from losing the choice of E15, a higher ethanol blend that costs less at the pump and reduces emissions. 

A 2021 court decision resulting from oil industry efforts to limit the growth of higher ethanol blends ended year-round market access for E15. 

That ban will begin this summer without action from the administration or Congress. “We urge your administration to act to prevent consumers from losing access to a lower-cost fuel option on June 1,” the letter says.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Corn Growers say increasing the use of lower-cost and lower-emission E15 could easily replace oil imports from Russia.

Corn grower leaders from 19 states combined to send a letter to President Biden asking him to use existing emergency authorities to tap more homegrown fuels like ethanol. The goal is to help stabilize energy markets and lower the price of fuel for consumers. The letter asks the president to prevent consumers from losing the choice of E15, a higher ethanol blend that costs less at the pump and reduces emissions. A 2021 court decision resulting from oil industry efforts to limit the growth of higher ethanol blends ended year-round market access for E15. That ban will begin this summer without action from the administration or Congress. “We urge your administration to act to prevent consumers from losing access to a lower-cost fuel option on June 1,” the letter says.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Corn Growers say increasing the use of lower-cost and lower-emission E15 could easily replace oil imports from Russia.

Corn growers ask administration for more homegrown fuels

The U.S. and United Kingdom reached a new Section 232 agreement last week regarding steel and aluminum imports from the UK. 

That’s good news for America’s farmers because the 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. corn was zeroed out, allowing U.S. corn farmers to renew their trading relationship with Britain. 

“This agreement will provide opportunities to expand free and fair trade and strengthen our relationship with a great ally,” says U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “This agreement lifts the retaliatory tariffs on more than $500 million of U.S. products, including corn.” 

USGC also says this is a great opportunity because the UK is the fifth-largest economy but produces less than 60 percent of its food needs. That makes it a potentially lucrative market for U.S. agriculture and feed grains in particular. 

“This is vital for global economic development and the profitability of U.S. agriculture,” LeGrand adds. The agreement is effective June 1.

The U.S. and United Kingdom reached a new Section 232 agreement last week regarding steel and aluminum imports from the UK. That’s good news for America’s farmers because the 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. corn was zeroed out, allowing U.S. corn farmers to renew their trading relationship with Britain. “This agreement will provide opportunities to expand free and fair trade and strengthen our relationship with a great ally,” says U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “This agreement lifts the retaliatory tariffs on more than $500 million of U.S. products, including corn.” USGC also says this is a great opportunity because the UK is the fifth-largest economy but produces less than 60 percent of its food needs. That makes it a potentially lucrative market for U.S. agriculture and feed grains in particular. “This is vital for global economic development and the profitability of U.S. agriculture,” LeGrand adds. The agreement is effective June 1.

U.S., UK reach new Section 232 agreement

Farmers in Ukraine, a major exporter of grains, have planted the first 150,000 hectares (371,000 acres) of spring crops despite the Russian invasion that will likely cut down on the country’s available sowing area. 

The country’s deputy ag minister says farmers have planted corn, soybeans, sunflowers, millet, buckwheat, oats, and sugar beets. 

Reuters says Ukraine’s previous ag minister, who resigned for health reasons, noted that the 2022 spring crop area would likely drop by more than half the levels of 2021. Ukraine expected to plant 15 million hectares before the Russian invasion. 

The country has already suspended exports of multiple commodities, including rye, oats, buckwheat, millet, sugar, salt, meat, and livestock since the invasion began. 

Ukraine also implemented export licenses for wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. Officials noted that the Ukraine government is considering canceling export limits for corn and sunflower oil as it has high stocks of both commodities.

Farmers in Ukraine, a major exporter of grains, have planted the first 150,000 hectares (371,000 acres) of spring crops despite the Russian invasion that will likely cut down on the country’s available sowing area. The country’s deputy ag minister says farmers have planted corn, soybeans, sunflowers, millet, buckwheat, oats, and sugar beets. Reuters says Ukraine’s previous ag minister, who resigned for health reasons, noted that the 2022 spring crop area would likely drop by more than half the levels of 2021. Ukraine expected to plant 15 million hectares before the Russian invasion. The country has already suspended exports of multiple commodities, including rye, oats, buckwheat, millet, sugar, salt, meat, and livestock since the invasion began. Ukraine also implemented export licenses for wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. Officials noted that the Ukraine government is considering canceling export limits for corn and sunflower oil as it has high stocks of both commodities.

Ukraine farmers have planted over 300,000 acres of crops

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. and Japan reached an agreement that will help keep more American beef flowing into Japan. 

The two countries agreed to increase the beef safeguard trigger level under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. 

The Hagstrom Report says it’s now less likely that U.S. exports will reach the levels that trigger the safeguard provision allowing Japan to raise its tariffs. 

“This is a win-win for American ranchers and Japanese consumers,” says U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It ensures stability for U.S. exports in the years ahead and that American beef can compete and win anywhere, anytime.” 

The agreement includes a new three-trigger mechanism, and all three must get hit for Japan put the safeguard in place and raise the beef tariff. It’s unknown when the agreement goes into effect because the text must get published, and Japan’s parliament must approve the agreement.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. and Japan reached an agreement that will help keep more American beef flowing into Japan. The two countries agreed to increase the beef safeguard trigger level under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. The Hagstrom Report says it’s now less likely that U.S. exports will reach the levels that trigger the safeguard provision allowing Japan to raise its tariffs. “This is a win-win for American ranchers and Japanese consumers,” says U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It ensures stability for U.S. exports in the years ahead and that American beef can compete and win anywhere, anytime.” The agreement includes a new three-trigger mechanism, and all three must get hit for Japan put the safeguard in place and raise the beef tariff. It’s unknown when the agreement goes into effect because the text must get published, and Japan’s parliament must approve the agreement.

U.S., Japan reach agreement on American beef import targets

Several farm groups are pressuring the USDA to allow farmers to plant on Conservation Reserve Program acres. 

The groups say the move would help to fill the likely lack of corn, wheat, and sunflower oil coming from Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. 

Yahoo News says seven agriculture lobbying organizations fired off a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack this week asking the USDA for flexibility for farmers to plant crops on more than four million acres of “prime farmland” that’s currently enrolled in the Farm Service Agency’s CRP without penalty. 

“It remains to be seen if Ukraine’s farmers will be able to safely plant crops,” the letter says. “Time is of the essence. The planting window in the United States is already open.” 

The letter was signed by the American Farm Bureau, the National Grain and Feed Association, and several other groups. If the acres get planted, they could yield another 18.7 million tons of grain.

Several farm groups are pressuring the USDA to allow farmers to plant on Conservation Reserve Program acres. The groups say the move would help to fill the likely lack of corn, wheat, and sunflower oil coming from Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. Yahoo News says seven agriculture lobbying organizations fired off a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack this week asking the USDA for flexibility for farmers to plant crops on more than four million acres of “prime farmland” that’s currently enrolled in the Farm Service Agency’s CRP without penalty. “It remains to be seen if Ukraine’s farmers will be able to safely plant crops,” the letter says. “Time is of the essence. The planting window in the United States is already open.” The letter was signed by the American Farm Bureau, the National Grain and Feed Association, and several other groups. If the acres get planted, they could yield another 18.7 million tons of grain.

Farm groups pressure Washington to open CRP for planting

The U.S.-China Business Council applauded the Biden administration for renewing tariff exclusions on 352 categories of Chinese imports. 

However, the group is disappointed that the administration didn’t approve the exclusions on the full list of 549 categories requested. 

The council says no reason was given for not approving them all. American companies have submitted 53,000 requests for tariff exclusions but fewer than 7,000 were granted. 

“We know that the tariffs are a tax on U.S. businesses and consumers, that they haven’t influenced China’s behavior, which was the justification for making the move, and they likely contribute to domestic inflation,” says Craig Allen, president of the USCBC. 

“They negatively affect U.S. companies of all sizes, especially many of the smaller ones still struggling to survive.” The council points out that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden was correct in calling former President Trump’s tariffs “disastrous,” acknowledging the trade war with China hurt U.S. farmers and families.

The U.S.-China Business Council applauded the Biden administration for renewing tariff exclusions on 352 categories of Chinese imports. However, the group is disappointed that the administration didn’t approve the exclusions on the full list of 549 categories requested. The council says no reason was given for not approving them all. American companies have submitted 53,000 requests for tariff exclusions but fewer than 7,000 were granted. “We know that the tariffs are a tax on U.S. businesses and consumers, that they haven’t influenced China’s behavior, which was the justification for making the move, and they likely contribute to domestic inflation,” says Craig Allen, president of the USCBC. “They negatively affect U.S. companies of all sizes, especially many of the smaller ones still struggling to survive.” The council points out that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden was correct in calling former President Trump’s tariffs “disastrous,” acknowledging the trade war with China hurt U.S. farmers and families.

Administration continues some tariff exclusions with China

Growth Energy Wednesday launched a new ad campaign calling on President Biden to direct his administration to lift restrictions on the year-round sale of E15. 

Growth Energy says the action would boost energy security and combat the surge in fuel costs accelerated by the conflict in Ukraine. 

The campaign will air on FOX, MSNBC, and CNN in the Washington, D.C. area. It will run until June 1, when many retailers will be forced to pull E15 from the market due to oil companies’ successful challenge in court to eliminate this fuel choice. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “The White House says all options are on the table to ease surging gas prices, and E15 is a common-sense solution that can deliver immediate relief at the pump.” In some markets, E15 is already saving drivers 50 to 60 cents per gallon, but that option could vanish on June 1 unless the Biden EPA takes swift action, according to Growth Energy.

Growth Energy Wednesday launched a new ad campaign calling on President Biden to direct his administration to lift restrictions on the year-round sale of E15. Growth Energy says the action would boost energy security and combat the surge in fuel costs accelerated by the conflict in Ukraine. The campaign will air on FOX, MSNBC, and CNN in the Washington, D.C. area. It will run until June 1, when many retailers will be forced to pull E15 from the market due to oil companies’ successful challenge in court to eliminate this fuel choice. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “The White House says all options are on the table to ease surging gas prices, and E15 is a common-sense solution that can deliver immediate relief at the pump.” In some markets, E15 is already saving drivers 50 to 60 cents per gallon, but that option could vanish on June 1 unless the Biden EPA takes swift action, according to Growth Energy.

Growth Energy ad campaign presses E15 fix to deliver relief at the pump

Brazil has temporarily lifted its 18 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol as of Wednesday, March 23 and running through the end of the year to decrease inflationary pressures. 

Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council; Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy; and Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, released a joint statement regarding the tariff. 

The leaders say, “We are pleased to see the temporary elimination of the 18 percent tariff, which should improve access for Brazil’s ethanol consumers as well as help meet its own decarbonization goals.” 

Brazil sources an estimated 60 percent of its ethanol imports from the United States. World-Grain reports most cars in the country are flex-fuel, which means they can either use gasoline or hydrated ethanol. Brazil also has a mandatory blend of 25 percent to 27 percent anhydrous ethanol in gasoline.

Brazil has temporarily lifted its 18 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol as of Wednesday, March 23 and running through the end of the year to decrease inflationary pressures. Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council; Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy; and Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, released a joint statement regarding the tariff. The leaders say, “We are pleased to see the temporary elimination of the 18 percent tariff, which should improve access for Brazil’s ethanol consumers as well as help meet its own decarbonization goals.” Brazil sources an estimated 60 percent of its ethanol imports from the United States. World-Grain reports most cars in the country are flex-fuel, which means they can either use gasoline or hydrated ethanol. Brazil also has a mandatory blend of 25 percent to 27 percent anhydrous ethanol in gasoline.

Brazil’s suspension of ethanol tariff welcomed as opportunity

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council lauded passage by the Senate Commerce Committee of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. 

The approval Tuesday establishes Senate committee support for action to address shipping supply chain challenges as Congress prepares to begin conference procedures on the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation &amp; Competition Act and the House-passed America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength Act in the coming weeks. 

Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF, says, “Export supply chain issues continue to pose immense challenges to dairy exporters, which is why this legislation remains so critical as part of a broad-based approach to tackling those problems.” 

In the House, Representative Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, says, “Getting this bill across the finish line and signed by the President is crucial to begin easing the costly problems created by foreign carriers’ unfair shipping practices.

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council lauded passage by the Senate Commerce Committee of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. The approval Tuesday establishes Senate committee support for action to address shipping supply chain challenges as Congress prepares to begin conference procedures on the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation &amp; Competition Act and the House-passed America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength Act in the coming weeks. Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF, says, “Export supply chain issues continue to pose immense challenges to dairy exporters, which is why this legislation remains so critical as part of a broad-based approach to tackling those problems.” In the House, Representative Dusty Johnson, a South Dakota Republican, says, “Getting this bill across the finish line and signed by the President is crucial to begin easing the costly problems created by foreign carriers’ unfair shipping practices.

NMPF, USDEC commend Congressional progress on Ocean Shipping Reform Act

A new partnership between USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farmers for Soil Health was awarded a $1 million grant to advance adoption of soil conservation practices on farms. 

FSH is a farmer-led, farmer-funded initiative that will help producers plant cover crops on 30 million acres of soybeans and corn by 2030 to improve overall soil health. FSH is a joint effort of National Pork Board, National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board. 

Pork producers can measure their cover crop adoption by using On-Farm Sustainability Reports, which are available at no additional cost to them to help document and improve on-farm sustainability efforts. Steve Rommereim, past president of NPB, says, “Nearly one-half of pork’s environmental footprint comes from the corn and soybeans that are fed to pigs.” 

Rommereim adds sustainable pork production begins with sustainably grown feed. NPB says the initiative will support the environmental stewardship on row-crop acres, ultimately helping pork producers meet their sustainability goals.

A new partnership between USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farmers for Soil Health was awarded a $1 million grant to advance adoption of soil conservation practices on farms. FSH is a farmer-led, farmer-funded initiative that will help producers plant cover crops on 30 million acres of soybeans and corn by 2030 to improve overall soil health. FSH is a joint effort of National Pork Board, National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board. Pork producers can measure their cover crop adoption by using On-Farm Sustainability Reports, which are available at no additional cost to them to help document and improve on-farm sustainability efforts. Steve Rommereim, past president of NPB, says, “Nearly one-half of pork’s environmental footprint comes from the corn and soybeans that are fed to pigs.” Rommereim adds sustainable pork production begins with sustainably grown feed. NPB says the initiative will support the environmental stewardship on row-crop acres, ultimately helping pork producers meet their sustainability goals.

Cover crops goal to benefit pig farm sustainability

The farm share of the food dollar increased one cent in 2020, according to new data from USDA's Economic Research Service. 

On average, U.S. farmers received 16.0 cents for farm commodity sales from each consumer dollar spent on domestically produced food in 2020, up from a revised 15 cents in 2019. Known as the farm share, the one-cent rise is the largest increase in nearly a decade. 

On the other hand, the marketing share goes to food-supply-chain industries that move domestically produced food from farms to points of purchase, including costs related to packaging, transporting, processing, and selling to consumers at grocery stores and eating-out places. 

In the first year of the Coronavirus pandemic, households redirected a substantial amount of their eating-out dollars, or food-away-from-home spending, toward food-at-home markets such as grocery stores. 

Generally, farmers receive a smaller share from eating-out dollars because a larger portion is spent on preparing and serving meals at restaurants, cafeterias, and other food-service establishments.

The farm share of the food dollar increased one cent in 2020, according to new data from USDA's Economic Research Service. On average, U.S. farmers received 16.0 cents for farm commodity sales from each consumer dollar spent on domestically produced food in 2020, up from a revised 15 cents in 2019. Known as the farm share, the one-cent rise is the largest increase in nearly a decade. On the other hand, the marketing share goes to food-supply-chain industries that move domestically produced food from farms to points of purchase, including costs related to packaging, transporting, processing, and selling to consumers at grocery stores and eating-out places. In the first year of the Coronavirus pandemic, households redirected a substantial amount of their eating-out dollars, or food-away-from-home spending, toward food-at-home markets such as grocery stores. Generally, farmers receive a smaller share from eating-out dollars because a larger portion is spent on preparing and serving meals at restaurants, cafeterias, and other food-service establishments.