The boards of directors for the U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers met last week in Kansas City. Supply chain issues were one of many topics during the meetings. 

“Supplier delivery times have slowed dramatically, not only for manufacturers but also for service providers,” said Esther George, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, one of the keynote speakers. “That’s due in large part as shipping times from Asia to the West Coast have doubled, and transit costs have skyrocketed.” 

Daniel Whitley, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator, was another speaker. He talked about the long and successful public-private partnership between “cooperator” organizations like USW and FAS. 

He also noted the significant expected increase in U.S. agricultural exports for 2021-2022 to more than $175 billion in value, which includes an estimated $7 billion in U.S. wheat exports. 

Greg Borossay from the Port of San Diego previewed some expansion plans that will introduce bulk freight loading capacity, including for grains. There’s also a project in the works to create a barge service between San Diego and marine ports in central and northern California, along with Oregon and Washington state.

The boards of directors for the U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers met last week in Kansas City. Supply chain issues were one of many topics during the meetings. “Supplier delivery times have slowed dramatically, not only for manufacturers but also for service providers,” said Esther George, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, one of the keynote speakers. “That’s due in large part as shipping times from Asia to the West Coast have doubled, and transit costs have skyrocketed.” Daniel Whitley, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator, was another speaker. He talked about the long and successful public-private partnership between “cooperator” organizations like USW and FAS. He also noted the significant expected increase in U.S. agricultural exports for 2021-2022 to more than $175 billion in value, which includes an estimated $7 billion in U.S. wheat exports. Greg Borossay from the Port of San Diego previewed some expansion plans that will introduce bulk freight loading capacity, including for grains. There’s also a project in the works to create a barge service between San Diego and marine ports in central and northern California, along with Oregon and Washington state.

Wheat industry leaders meet in Kansas City, talk shipping

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Deere &amp; Co. and union officials have reached a third preliminary contract agreement that workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">who began striking four weeks ago&nbsp;</a>will vote on soon.

The United Auto Workers said in a statement Friday night that the proposed contract with the agricultural machinery giant “includes modest modifications” to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">latest rejected proposal,&nbsp;</a>which included immediate 10% raises. The union described the new proposal as the company’s “last, best and final offer” in its&nbsp;<a href="https://uaw.org/uaw-statement-companys-last-best-final-offer/" target="_blank">statement</a>.

The contract, which union members will vote on on Wednesday, would cover more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas, who make the company’s iconic John Deere green tractors and other equipment.

UAW spokesperson Brian Rothenberg said he wasn’t sure when members would be filled in on the proposed contract’s details, The Des Moines Register&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2021/11/12/john-deere-strike-uaw-reach-third-potential-contract-agreement/8594811002/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Deere spokesperson Jennifer Hartmann declined to comment Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 -Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 -Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Deere &amp; Co. and union officials have reached a third preliminary contract agreement that workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">who began striking four weeks ago&nbsp;</a>will vote on soon.The United Auto Workers said in a statement Friday night that the proposed contract with the agricultural machinery giant “includes modest modifications” to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">latest rejected proposal,&nbsp;</a>which included immediate 10% raises. The union described the new proposal as the company’s “last, best and final offer” in its&nbsp;<a href="https://uaw.org/uaw-statement-companys-last-best-final-offer/" target="_blank">statement</a>.The contract, which union members will vote on on Wednesday, would cover more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas, who make the company’s iconic John Deere green tractors and other equipment.UAW spokesperson Brian Rothenberg said he wasn’t sure when members would be filled in on the proposed contract’s details, The Des Moines Register&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2021/11/12/john-deere-strike-uaw-reach-third-potential-contract-agreement/8594811002/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Deere spokesperson Jennifer Hartmann declined to comment Friday night.

Striking Deere & Co. workers prepare to vote on 3rd contract

R-CALF USA awaits the full text of the compromise Cattle Market Price Discovery and Transparency Bill to analyze the legislation. The final language of the compromise is not yet publicly available. 

However, reacting to the news, R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard says, “Publicly available information does not indicate the compromise bill does what we asked.” 

Bullard says, “We asked Congress to immediately force the dominant packers to begin competing for cattle and give consumers the opportunity to choose where they want their beef produced.” 

The organization will review the bill before making a final decision. Bullard says R-CALF will determine if the bill can immediately restore lost competition to the market, if it can immediately ensure timely market access for all participants, and if it treats all independent cattle producers and feeders equally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Finally, the organization wants to see if the legislation “truly rebalances the market power” between disaggregated cattle producers and the highly concentrated beef packers.

R-CALF USA awaits the full text of the compromise Cattle Market Price Discovery and Transparency Bill to analyze the legislation. The final language of the compromise is not yet publicly available. However, reacting to the news, R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard says, “Publicly available information does not indicate the compromise bill does what we asked.” Bullard says, “We asked Congress to immediately force the dominant packers to begin competing for cattle and give consumers the opportunity to choose where they want their beef produced.” The organization will review the bill before making a final decision. Bullard says R-CALF will determine if the bill can immediately restore lost competition to the market, if it can immediately ensure timely market access for all participants, and if it treats all independent cattle producers and feeders equally.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, the organization wants to see if the legislation “truly rebalances the market power” between disaggregated cattle producers and the highly concentrated beef packers.

R-CALF statement on Cattle Market Price Discovery and Transparency Bill

National Farmers Union this week announced the 2022 Women's Conference to connect women in agriculture and provide education on business skills and innovative marketing tactics. 

NFU Education Director Emma Lindberg says, "This conference will not only prepare attendees for success in agriculture, but it will also provide them with their own network of women farmers and ranchers they can reach out to throughout the year." 

Farmers, policymakers, educators, and specialists will present on several subjects, including business management, leadership, community building, and more. The 2022 Women's Conference will be a hybrid event with virtual sessions focusing on cooperatives, business management, and food sovereignty. 

The Virtual event runs January 10-13, and the in-person event January 15-18 in Nashville, Tennessee. Farmers Union members are invited to attend the in-person conference, and non-members are welcome to attend the virtual conference. Find more details about the 2022 National Farmers Union Women’s Conference online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nfu.org/">www.nfu.org</a>.

National Farmers Union this week announced the 2022 Women's Conference to connect women in agriculture and provide education on business skills and innovative marketing tactics. NFU Education Director Emma Lindberg says, "This conference will not only prepare attendees for success in agriculture, but it will also provide them with their own network of women farmers and ranchers they can reach out to throughout the year." Farmers, policymakers, educators, and specialists will present on several subjects, including business management, leadership, community building, and more. The 2022 Women's Conference will be a hybrid event with virtual sessions focusing on cooperatives, business management, and food sovereignty. The Virtual event runs January 10-13, and the in-person event January 15-18 in Nashville, Tennessee. Farmers Union members are invited to attend the in-person conference, and non-members are welcome to attend the virtual conference. Find more details about the 2022 National Farmers Union Women’s Conference online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nfu.org/">www.nfu.org</a>.

National Farmers Union announces 2022 Women's Conference

The Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. for allegedly applying pesticides in Kansas that were canceled by the federal government. 

The Colorado-based company, which sells, distributes, and applies pesticides mainly for farming operations, will pay $668,000. In 2020, EPA canceled the use of certain pesticides containing the active ingredient dicamba, in response to a Ninth Circuit Court order vacating the registration of those pesticides. 

The Court cited, among other things, evidence that dicamba could drift onto neighboring crops and damage them during high winds. According to EPA, Nutrien Ag Solutions violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act when it allegedly used two dicamba products in a manner inconsistent with the approved label on at least 27 occasions. 

Further, EPA alleged that the company violated the law on 33 occasions when it applied other dicamba products on multiple Kansas farms during periods of high wind speeds in violation of pesticide label requirements.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. for allegedly applying pesticides in Kansas that were canceled by the federal government. The Colorado-based company, which sells, distributes, and applies pesticides mainly for farming operations, will pay $668,000. In 2020, EPA canceled the use of certain pesticides containing the active ingredient dicamba, in response to a Ninth Circuit Court order vacating the registration of those pesticides. The Court cited, among other things, evidence that dicamba could drift onto neighboring crops and damage them during high winds. According to EPA, Nutrien Ag Solutions violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act when it allegedly used two dicamba products in a manner inconsistent with the approved label on at least 27 occasions. Further, EPA alleged that the company violated the law on 33 occasions when it applied other dicamba products on multiple Kansas farms during periods of high wind speeds in violation of pesticide label requirements.

EPA fines pesticide applicator for alleged violations of federal pesticide law

Extreme cold in February led to lower-than-average natural gas storage levels through the summer, prompting concerns about winter weather this year and volatile natural gas prices. 

In its November Short-Term Energy Outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that U.S. natural gas storage levels had built to within three percent of the previous five-year average at the end of October. 

EIA Acting Administrator Steve Nalley says, “Winter temperatures will be the key driver of natural gas demand, inventories, and ultimately prices.” Despite relatively high natural gas prices, the U.S. electric power sector continues to use significant amounts of natural gas for generation. 

In addition, EIA estimates that U.S. natural gas exports of liquefied natural gas averaged 9.8 billion cubic feet per day in October, which is 37 percent above the October 2020 level, and essentially at capacity. U.S. natural gas exports will most likely remain close to capacity this year and in 2022 to meet demand.

Extreme cold in February led to lower-than-average natural gas storage levels through the summer, prompting concerns about winter weather this year and volatile natural gas prices. In its November Short-Term Energy Outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that U.S. natural gas storage levels had built to within three percent of the previous five-year average at the end of October. EIA Acting Administrator Steve Nalley says, “Winter temperatures will be the key driver of natural gas demand, inventories, and ultimately prices.” Despite relatively high natural gas prices, the U.S. electric power sector continues to use significant amounts of natural gas for generation. In addition, EIA estimates that U.S. natural gas exports of liquefied natural gas averaged 9.8 billion cubic feet per day in October, which is 37 percent above the October 2020 level, and essentially at capacity. U.S. natural gas exports will most likely remain close to capacity this year and in 2022 to meet demand.

Expect volatile natural gas prices this winter

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.9 percent in October on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.4 percent in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. 

Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 6.2 percent, the largest 12-month increase since November 1990. The food index increased 0.9 percent in October, the same increase as in September. 

The food at home index increased 1.0 percent over the month as all six major grocery store food group indexes continued to rise. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs continued to rise sharply, increasing 1.7 percent following a 2.2-percent increase in September. 

The index for beef rose 3.1 percent in October. The index for other food at home rose 1.2 percent, its largest monthly increase since April 2020. The index for cereals and bakery products rose one percent, while the index for dairy rose 0.2 percent, and the index for fruits and vegetables advanced 0.1 percent.&nbsp;

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.9 percent in October on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.4 percent in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 6.2 percent, the largest 12-month increase since November 1990. The food index increased 0.9 percent in October, the same increase as in September. The food at home index increased 1.0 percent over the month as all six major grocery store food group indexes continued to rise. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs continued to rise sharply, increasing 1.7 percent following a 2.2-percent increase in September. The index for beef rose 3.1 percent in October. The index for other food at home rose 1.2 percent, its largest monthly increase since April 2020. The index for cereals and bakery products rose one percent, while the index for dairy rose 0.2 percent, and the index for fruits and vegetables advanced 0.1 percent.&nbsp;

Consumer Price Index: food prices higher again in October

A White House fact sheet released Wednesday says the bipartisan infrastructure deal will improve the supply chain. 

The report says the infrastructure legislation will make fundamental changes that are long overdue for ports, airports, rail and roads to ensure supply chains are more resilient and efficient from future shocks. 

According to some rankings, no U.S. airports rank in the top 25 of airports worldwide, and no U.S. port ranks in the top 50 ports for efficiency. The legislation invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways and $25 billion in airports to address a variety of issues. 

Despite global disruptions due to the pandemic, The White House says America is moving record numbers of goods from ports to shelves and homes. 

The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which import 40 percent of all containerized imports into the country, are handling the most in their history, 17 percent more than their previous record year.

A White House fact sheet released Wednesday says the bipartisan infrastructure deal will improve the supply chain. The report says the infrastructure legislation will make fundamental changes that are long overdue for ports, airports, rail and roads to ensure supply chains are more resilient and efficient from future shocks. According to some rankings, no U.S. airports rank in the top 25 of airports worldwide, and no U.S. port ranks in the top 50 ports for efficiency. The legislation invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways and $25 billion in airports to address a variety of issues. Despite global disruptions due to the pandemic, The White House says America is moving record numbers of goods from ports to shelves and homes. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which import 40 percent of all containerized imports into the country, are handling the most in their history, 17 percent more than their previous record year.

White House: Infrastructure deal to improve supply chain

Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Deb Fischer of Nebraska joined Democrats Jon Tester of Montana and Ron Wyden of Oregon in announcing the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. 

The compromise cattle market bill is part of Grassley’s work to return fairness to the cattle marketplace dominated by four major meatpackers. “I frequently hear from independent cattle producers struggling to get a fair price for their cattle while the nation’s four largest packers operate in the shadows,” Grassley says. “The bill takes several steps to improve cattle price transparency and will improve market conditions for independent producers across the country.” 

The Senators plan to introduce the act in the coming days. Among the many changes it will make, the legislation will establish regional mandatory minimum thresholds of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trades based on each region’s 18-month average trade to enable price discovery. It would also require the USDA to create and maintain a publicly-available library of marketing contracts between packers and producers in a manner that ensures confidentiality. 

The proposal is endorsed by a number of state and national organizations, including the American Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, and many others.

Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Deb Fischer of Nebraska joined Democrats Jon Tester of Montana and Ron Wyden of Oregon in announcing the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. The compromise cattle market bill is part of Grassley’s work to return fairness to the cattle marketplace dominated by four major meatpackers. “I frequently hear from independent cattle producers struggling to get a fair price for their cattle while the nation’s four largest packers operate in the shadows,” Grassley says. “The bill takes several steps to improve cattle price transparency and will improve market conditions for independent producers across the country.” The Senators plan to introduce the act in the coming days. Among the many changes it will make, the legislation will establish regional mandatory minimum thresholds of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trades based on each region’s 18-month average trade to enable price discovery. It would also require the USDA to create and maintain a publicly-available library of marketing contracts between packers and producers in a manner that ensures confidentiality. The proposal is endorsed by a number of state and national organizations, including the American Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, and many others.

Senators announce plan to improve Cattle Market fairness

Severe drought was driven from across Iowa for the first time in over a year. A Successful Farming article says the credit for that goes to widespread rainfall in October that made it one of the wettest on record. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says roughly five inches of rain fell around the state. Tim Hall, the DNR’s hydrology resources coordinator, says, “The widespread, above-normal rainfall during October was just what we needed in Iowa. Soaking rainfall ahead of winter’s freeze will set us up for a much better start to next year.” 

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows less than half the state is abnormally dry or in moderate drought. That’s a big turnaround from June when over half the state was in either severe or moderate drought. While the dry conditions had farmers concerned, some timely rains salvaged some of the crop yields.

 It’s the first time since July 2020 that no part of the state suffered from severe drought. Many areas in Iowa got more than double the normal amounts of rainfall. For example, Estherville picked up just over seven inches during October. The only place in the state with less-than-normal rainfall was the northeast corner.

Severe drought was driven from across Iowa for the first time in over a year. A Successful Farming article says the credit for that goes to widespread rainfall in October that made it one of the wettest on record. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says roughly five inches of rain fell around the state. Tim Hall, the DNR’s hydrology resources coordinator, says, “The widespread, above-normal rainfall during October was just what we needed in Iowa. Soaking rainfall ahead of winter’s freeze will set us up for a much better start to next year.” The U.S. Drought Monitor shows less than half the state is abnormally dry or in moderate drought. That’s a big turnaround from June when over half the state was in either severe or moderate drought. While the dry conditions had farmers concerned, some timely rains salvaged some of the crop yields. It’s the first time since July 2020 that no part of the state suffered from severe drought. Many areas in Iowa got more than double the normal amounts of rainfall. For example, Estherville picked up just over seven inches during October. The only place in the state with less-than-normal rainfall was the northeast corner.

Wet October lifts severe drought in Iowa

China’s October soybean imports dropped over 41 percent lower than the same time a year ago, hitting the lowest level since March 2020. 

Reuters says poor crush margins curbed demand and Hurricane Ida limited U.S. shipments. The world’s biggest soybean buyer purchased 5.1 million tons of the commodity in October, compared to 8.69 million tons last year. Chinese imports also dropped from 6.8 million tons in September. In the first ten months of 2021, China bought 79.08 million tons of soybeans. China’s crushers increased their purchase earlier this year because of possible strong demand from a rapidly recovering pig herd. 

But demand recently dropped after pig supplies outpaced the demand, leading to plunging prices and wiping out farmers’ profits. Prices did pick up a bit in October after farmers were hit with heavy losses during the summer. Crush margins were low as recently as early September after hitting a record low in June. Margins began to improve later in September because of declining inventories. 

The U.S. was also hit with shipping issues as Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf Coast in early September, damaging at least three of the near dozen export terminals located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico.

China’s October soybean imports dropped over 41 percent lower than the same time a year ago, hitting the lowest level since March 2020. Reuters says poor crush margins curbed demand and Hurricane Ida limited U.S. shipments. The world’s biggest soybean buyer purchased 5.1 million tons of the commodity in October, compared to 8.69 million tons last year. Chinese imports also dropped from 6.8 million tons in September. In the first ten months of 2021, China bought 79.08 million tons of soybeans. China’s crushers increased their purchase earlier this year because of possible strong demand from a rapidly recovering pig herd. But demand recently dropped after pig supplies outpaced the demand, leading to plunging prices and wiping out farmers’ profits. Prices did pick up a bit in October after farmers were hit with heavy losses during the summer. Crush margins were low as recently as early September after hitting a record low in June. Margins began to improve later in September because of declining inventories. The U.S. was also hit with shipping issues as Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf Coast in early September, damaging at least three of the near dozen export terminals located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Chinese soybean imports drop to lowest level since March

The USDA released its November Crop Production and World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates this week, and the agency numbers show more corn production for 2021-2022. 

The corn outlook calls for greater production, increased corn use for ethanol, and marginally lower ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 15.06 billion bushels, up 43 million from last month on a .5 bushel increase in yield to a record 177.0 bushels per acre. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $5.45 per bushel. The soybean outlook is for lower production and exports and higher ending stocks. 

Soybean production is forecast at 4.42 billion bushels, down 23 million on lower yields. Exports are reduced this month, reflecting reduced global imports and lower-than-expected shipments through October. The season-average soybean price is $12.10 a bushel, down 25 cents. The 2021-2022 wheat outlook calls for lower supplies, higher domestic use, reduced exports, and slightly higher ending stocks. 

Projected ending stocks are up slightly to 583 million bushels, up three million over last month but still the lowest ending stocks since 2007-2008. The season-average farm price is up 20 cents a bushel to $6.90.

The USDA released its November Crop Production and World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates this week, and the agency numbers show more corn production for 2021-2022. The corn outlook calls for greater production, increased corn use for ethanol, and marginally lower ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 15.06 billion bushels, up 43 million from last month on a .5 bushel increase in yield to a record 177.0 bushels per acre. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $5.45 per bushel. The soybean outlook is for lower production and exports and higher ending stocks. Soybean production is forecast at 4.42 billion bushels, down 23 million on lower yields. Exports are reduced this month, reflecting reduced global imports and lower-than-expected shipments through October. The season-average soybean price is $12.10 a bushel, down 25 cents. The 2021-2022 wheat outlook calls for lower supplies, higher domestic use, reduced exports, and slightly higher ending stocks. Projected ending stocks are up slightly to 583 million bushels, up three million over last month but still the lowest ending stocks since 2007-2008. The season-average farm price is up 20 cents a bushel to $6.90.

USDA raises corn yields, lowers soybean estimate

Foods purchased at grocery stores were exempt from sales taxes in 57 percent of U.S. counties in 2019, according to new data from USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

Using county-level tax data in combination with the USDA’s National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey, researchers at USDA recently examined whether grocery taxes are associated with how much money U.S. households spend on food at retail outlets and restaurants. 

USDA-ERS found that grocery taxes were associated with differences in food spending among lower-income households that were eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but did not participate in it. Among those households, researchers were able to associate taxes on groceries with reduced food spending at retail stores and increased food spending at restaurants. 

However, Federal law and USDA regulations stipulate that foods purchased with SNAP benefits are exempt from state and local sales taxes, and no such relationship was found among households participating in SNAP.

Foods purchased at grocery stores were exempt from sales taxes in 57 percent of U.S. counties in 2019, according to new data from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Using county-level tax data in combination with the USDA’s National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey, researchers at USDA recently examined whether grocery taxes are associated with how much money U.S. households spend on food at retail outlets and restaurants. USDA-ERS found that grocery taxes were associated with differences in food spending among lower-income households that were eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but did not participate in it. Among those households, researchers were able to associate taxes on groceries with reduced food spending at retail stores and increased food spending at restaurants. However, Federal law and USDA regulations stipulate that foods purchased with SNAP benefits are exempt from state and local sales taxes, and no such relationship was found among households participating in SNAP.

Most U.S. Counties exempt groceries from Sales Taxes

Both U.S. beef and pork exports are on a record pace through September, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. 

Beef exports posted one of the best months on record in September, at 123,600 metric tons, up 20 percent from a year ago and the fourth largest volume of the post-BSE era. Export value jumped 59 percent to $954.1 million, the second-highest month on record, trailing only August 2021. 

For the first three quarters of 2021, beef exports increased 18 percent from a year ago to 1.08 million metric tons, valued at $7.58 billion, up more than $2 billion from the same period last year. Pork exports totaled 219,680 metric tons in September, down one percent from a year ago, but value was eight percent higher at $608.3 million. 

For January through September, exports were one percent above last year's record pace at 2.24 million metric tons, while value climbed nine percent to $6.23 billion.

Both U.S. beef and pork exports are on a record pace through September, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports posted one of the best months on record in September, at 123,600 metric tons, up 20 percent from a year ago and the fourth largest volume of the post-BSE era. Export value jumped 59 percent to $954.1 million, the second-highest month on record, trailing only August 2021. For the first three quarters of 2021, beef exports increased 18 percent from a year ago to 1.08 million metric tons, valued at $7.58 billion, up more than $2 billion from the same period last year. Pork exports totaled 219,680 metric tons in September, down one percent from a year ago, but value was eight percent higher at $608.3 million. For January through September, exports were one percent above last year's record pace at 2.24 million metric tons, while value climbed nine percent to $6.23 billion.

Red meat exports remain on record pace through Third Quarter

Weekend passage in the House of Representatives of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act led to a slew of farm groups praising the action. 

The House passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, which includes $550 billion in new spending. The historic bipartisan infrastructure bill addresses the critical infrastructure needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, according to the National Farmers Union. NFU President Rob Larew responds, “The bill strengthens our food supply chain as it makes tremendous, much-needed investments in the roads, bridges, dams, and waterways that family farmers and ranchers depend on." 

Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says broadband provisions in the legislation are critical for agriculture, adding, "Investments in physical infrastructure like broadband will be critical to bridging the digital divide." For rural America, the bill includes $110 billion for roads and bridges and $65 billion to expand rural broadband. Ports and waterways will receive $17 billion.

Weekend passage in the House of Representatives of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act led to a slew of farm groups praising the action. The House passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, which includes $550 billion in new spending. The historic bipartisan infrastructure bill addresses the critical infrastructure needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, according to the National Farmers Union. NFU President Rob Larew responds, “The bill strengthens our food supply chain as it makes tremendous, much-needed investments in the roads, bridges, dams, and waterways that family farmers and ranchers depend on." Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says broadband provisions in the legislation are critical for agriculture, adding, "Investments in physical infrastructure like broadband will be critical to bridging the digital divide." For rural America, the bill includes $110 billion for roads and bridges and $65 billion to expand rural broadband. Ports and waterways will receive $17 billion.

Ag groups praise Infrastructure Legislation passage

Supply chain issues are challenging the agricultural sector, and farmers and ranchers hoping for quick solutions may be out of luck. DTN says a House Ag Committee hearing focused on transportation problems that are slowing the export of goods and commodities across the U.S. and the world. 

The Associated Press reports a significant backlog of ships entering U.S. waters out west and fewer ships making a voyage back across the ocean as a big reason that U.S. exports have slowed down. Gregg Doud, a former USTR Chief Ag Trade Negotiator, says the logistical problems aren’t going to get solved soon. 

“So much of the U.S. ag exports are in containers, so the lack of containers heading back across the ocean is significant,” Doud says. “80 percent of what leaves the Port of Tacoma, Washington, goes out on backhaul or as agricultural products to Asia. Right now, the shipping industry would much rather speed up the process and get those empty containers back to Asia without reloading first.” 

Ted McKinney, a former USDA Undersecretary, says COVID played a big part in the problem but not the only one. &nbsp;“When China can order empty containers to come back and then pay for it, I’ll bet you the industry isn’t the one that’s paying the bill for the empty containers to return,” McKinney says.

Supply chain issues are challenging the agricultural sector, and farmers and ranchers hoping for quick solutions may be out of luck. DTN says a House Ag Committee hearing focused on transportation problems that are slowing the export of goods and commodities across the U.S. and the world. The Associated Press reports a significant backlog of ships entering U.S. waters out west and fewer ships making a voyage back across the ocean as a big reason that U.S. exports have slowed down. Gregg Doud, a former USTR Chief Ag Trade Negotiator, says the logistical problems aren’t going to get solved soon. “So much of the U.S. ag exports are in containers, so the lack of containers heading back across the ocean is significant,” Doud says. “80 percent of what leaves the Port of Tacoma, Washington, goes out on backhaul or as agricultural products to Asia. Right now, the shipping industry would much rather speed up the process and get those empty containers back to Asia without reloading first.” Ted McKinney, a former USDA Undersecretary, says COVID played a big part in the problem but not the only one. &nbsp;“When China can order empty containers to come back and then pay for it, I’ll bet you the industry isn’t the one that’s paying the bill for the empty containers to return,” McKinney says.

Supply chain holes will take time to fill

A bipartisan group of governors asked the Biden administration for guidance on an action that could expand fuel sales containing a higher ethanol blend. The letter was sent following action by an appeals court that struck down a 2019 ruling that allowed year-round sales of E15. 

Reuters says farm and biofuel groups were angered by the ruling after spending a lot of time advocating for year-round sales which boosted demand for their products. The seven governors point out that a section of the Clean Air Act allows governors to effectively request from the EPA that E15 be sold in their state year-round. 

“In the wake of the court decision, we are exploring all our options to ensure retailers can sell E15 to consumers all year long without interruption,” the group says in their letter. Groups like the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the national Renewable Fuels Association were grateful for the letter. 

“We all hope either Congress or the EPA will take action to preserve year-round access to E15 across the country,” says Iowa Renewable Fuels Association President Monte Shaw. “But if no timely solution can be found, governors have the authority to implement solutions state-by-state.”

A bipartisan group of governors asked the Biden administration for guidance on an action that could expand fuel sales containing a higher ethanol blend. The letter was sent following action by an appeals court that struck down a 2019 ruling that allowed year-round sales of E15. Reuters says farm and biofuel groups were angered by the ruling after spending a lot of time advocating for year-round sales which boosted demand for their products. The seven governors point out that a section of the Clean Air Act allows governors to effectively request from the EPA that E15 be sold in their state year-round. “In the wake of the court decision, we are exploring all our options to ensure retailers can sell E15 to consumers all year long without interruption,” the group says in their letter. Groups like the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the national Renewable Fuels Association were grateful for the letter. “We all hope either Congress or the EPA will take action to preserve year-round access to E15 across the country,” says Iowa Renewable Fuels Association President Monte Shaw. “But if no timely solution can be found, governors have the authority to implement solutions state-by-state.”

Governors explore ways for states to expand biofuel sales

The USDA says export sales were higher across the board during the week ending on October 28. Corn sales in those seven days totaled 1.22 million metric tons, up 37 percent over the previous week and 10 percent higher than the prior four-week average. 

Mexico was the biggest buyer at 666,300 metric tons, while Japan and Guatemala finished out the top three. Exports for the week totaled 748,500 metric tons, nine percent higher week-to-week. Soybean sales last week totaled 1.86 million metric tons, a 58 percent increase from the previous week and 19 percent higher than the prior four-week average. 

China once again led the way by purchasing 1.21 million metric tons, while Mexico was a distant second at 157,400 tons. Soybean exports rose 10 percent during the week to 2.65 million metric tons. 

Wheat sales came in at just over 400,000 metric tons, 49 percent higher than the previous week and four percent above the prior four-week average. Mexico was the top wheat buyer at 101,400 metric tons. Wheat exports fell 27 percent to 136,400 metric tons during the week.

The USDA says export sales were higher across the board during the week ending on October 28. Corn sales in those seven days totaled 1.22 million metric tons, up 37 percent over the previous week and 10 percent higher than the prior four-week average. Mexico was the biggest buyer at 666,300 metric tons, while Japan and Guatemala finished out the top three. Exports for the week totaled 748,500 metric tons, nine percent higher week-to-week. Soybean sales last week totaled 1.86 million metric tons, a 58 percent increase from the previous week and 19 percent higher than the prior four-week average. China once again led the way by purchasing 1.21 million metric tons, while Mexico was a distant second at 157,400 tons. Soybean exports rose 10 percent during the week to 2.65 million metric tons. Wheat sales came in at just over 400,000 metric tons, 49 percent higher than the previous week and four percent above the prior four-week average. Mexico was the top wheat buyer at 101,400 metric tons. Wheat exports fell 27 percent to 136,400 metric tons during the week.

Export sales of corn, wheat, and soybeans rise

A report from CoBank shows animal agriculture needs trade negotiators at the table to build export markets. The report says the recent nomination of a chief agriculture negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is an important step forward. 

However, Elaine Trevino has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. U.S. animal protein exports have grown from $7.4 billion to $20.7 billion in the past two decades, driven by industry marketing and government trade negotiations. 

Today, trade accounts for 10-30 percent of U.S. animal protein production, depending on the industry segment. The Trump administration's harder line on trade, continued by the current administration, has led to mixed results for U.S. agriculture. 

Ag exports to China have flourished under the Phase One agreement, but the U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership cost U.S. exporters some opportunities. 

The report adds diversification of markets and products is vital for a vibrant U.S. protein export trade. Successful trade also depends on maintaining commitments with long-established partners, as seen with Mexico, Canada, Japan, and others.

A report from CoBank shows animal agriculture needs trade negotiators at the table to build export markets. The report says the recent nomination of a chief agriculture negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is an important step forward. However, Elaine Trevino has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. U.S. animal protein exports have grown from $7.4 billion to $20.7 billion in the past two decades, driven by industry marketing and government trade negotiations. Today, trade accounts for 10-30 percent of U.S. animal protein production, depending on the industry segment. The Trump administration's harder line on trade, continued by the current administration, has led to mixed results for U.S. agriculture. Ag exports to China have flourished under the Phase One agreement, but the U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership cost U.S. exporters some opportunities. The report adds diversification of markets and products is vital for a vibrant U.S. protein export trade. Successful trade also depends on maintaining commitments with long-established partners, as seen with Mexico, Canada, Japan, and others.

Report: U.S. animal protein needs trade negotiators back at the table

The world food price barometer surged to a new peak reaching its highest level since July 2011. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations released its monthly report Thursday, which tracks changes in the international prices of a basket of food commodities. 

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 133.2 points in October, up three percent from September, rising for a third consecutive month. Cereal grain prices increased 3.2 percent from last month, and vegetable oil prices were up 9.6 percent, an all-time high. 

Meanwhile, dairy prices increased 2.6 percent, influenced by generally firmer global import demand. Meat prices declined 0.7 percent, the third monthly decline, and sugar prices fell 1.8 percent in September, the first decline in six months. 

Despite an expected record world cereal production in 2021, global cereal inventories are seen heading for a contraction in 2021/22. The forecast for world cereal output in 2021 is now pegged at 2,793 million metric tons, down by 6.7 million tons since the previous report in October.

The world food price barometer surged to a new peak reaching its highest level since July 2011. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations released its monthly report Thursday, which tracks changes in the international prices of a basket of food commodities. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 133.2 points in October, up three percent from September, rising for a third consecutive month. Cereal grain prices increased 3.2 percent from last month, and vegetable oil prices were up 9.6 percent, an all-time high. Meanwhile, dairy prices increased 2.6 percent, influenced by generally firmer global import demand. Meat prices declined 0.7 percent, the third monthly decline, and sugar prices fell 1.8 percent in September, the first decline in six months. Despite an expected record world cereal production in 2021, global cereal inventories are seen heading for a contraction in 2021/22. The forecast for world cereal output in 2021 is now pegged at 2,793 million metric tons, down by 6.7 million tons since the previous report in October.

World food prices reach new peak since July 2011

A spokesperson for Deere and Company says there will not be a third contract offer to striking union workers. The UAW John Deere members voted to reject the second proposal from Deere this week, leaving more than 10,000 workers on strike. 

In a company statement, Deere says, “With the rejection of the agreement covering our Midwest facilities, we will execute the next phase of our Customer Service Continuation Plan." 

A company spokesperson also told WQAD-TV in Moline, Illinois, "I think one of the things that the bargaining committee for Deere is making clear is that this is the best, last and final offer.” 

UAW members voted to reject the offer, with 55 percent voting against and 45 percent voting for the agreement.&nbsp; The results show just four of the 12 Deere facilities included voted against the tentative agreement. Deere would have provided an immediate ten percent wage increase, and 30 percent wage increase over the term of the six-year contract.

A spokesperson for Deere and Company says there will not be a third contract offer to striking union workers. The UAW John Deere members voted to reject the second proposal from Deere this week, leaving more than 10,000 workers on strike. In a company statement, Deere says, “With the rejection of the agreement covering our Midwest facilities, we will execute the next phase of our Customer Service Continuation Plan." A company spokesperson also told WQAD-TV in Moline, Illinois, "I think one of the things that the bargaining committee for Deere is making clear is that this is the best, last and final offer.” UAW members voted to reject the offer, with 55 percent voting against and 45 percent voting for the agreement.&nbsp; The results show just four of the 12 Deere facilities included voted against the tentative agreement. Deere would have provided an immediate ten percent wage increase, and 30 percent wage increase over the term of the six-year contract.

Deere claims no third proposal coming in negotiations

The current supply chain crisis could cause “irreparable harm” to agriculture. Leprino Foods President and CEO Mike Durkin told the House Agriculture Committee Wednesday, “This export crisis may well result in irreparable harm to American agriculture as customers around the world are questioning the U.S. dairy industry’s reliability as a supplier.” 

The U.S. Dairy Export Council and National Milk Producers Federation voiced strong support for Durkin’s call for U.S. government action to more effectively tackle the shipping crisis and its effects on dairy farmers and manufacturers. 

Durkin called on Congress to act on ocean shipping legislation, address critical transport-industry labor shortages, increase port hours of operation, and take other steps to help American agriculture producers reach their foreign markets effectively. 

Across the industry, approximately one day’s worth of U.S. milk production each week goes to exports, which results in about $6.5 billion in U.S. dairy products being exported to over 133 countries.

The current supply chain crisis could cause “irreparable harm” to agriculture. Leprino Foods President and CEO Mike Durkin told the House Agriculture Committee Wednesday, “This export crisis may well result in irreparable harm to American agriculture as customers around the world are questioning the U.S. dairy industry’s reliability as a supplier.” The U.S. Dairy Export Council and National Milk Producers Federation voiced strong support for Durkin’s call for U.S. government action to more effectively tackle the shipping crisis and its effects on dairy farmers and manufacturers. Durkin called on Congress to act on ocean shipping legislation, address critical transport-industry labor shortages, increase port hours of operation, and take other steps to help American agriculture producers reach their foreign markets effectively. Across the industry, approximately one day’s worth of U.S. milk production each week goes to exports, which results in about $6.5 billion in U.S. dairy products being exported to over 133 countries.

Supply chain crisis could permanently harm U.S. agriculture

The House Agriculture Committee heard from farm groups on challenges to the supply chain during a hearing Wednesday.&nbsp; The American Soybean Association and National Biodiesel Board also expressed concerns over labor and shipping, but say there is plenty of soy oil supplies for the food sector.

ASA and NBB say food industry groups have waged claims that there’s a crunch on the supply of soy oil available when soy is crushed, and that foodservice cannot get enough edible oil for cooking because, those groups say, oil is being diverted to biodiesel and a growing renewable diesel market. 

ASA President Kevin Scott says, “There is currently not a soy oil supply shortage, nor is one envisioned by year-end, but there are in fact very real supply chain challenges impacting U.S. agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those concerns include labor, barge shipments, ports and shipping containers, trucking and rail freight, fertilizer, chemical inputs, energy, equipment and parts, and water availability.

The House Agriculture Committee heard from farm groups on challenges to the supply chain during a hearing Wednesday.&nbsp; The American Soybean Association and National Biodiesel Board also expressed concerns over labor and shipping, but say there is plenty of soy oil supplies for the food sector.ASA and NBB say food industry groups have waged claims that there’s a crunch on the supply of soy oil available when soy is crushed, and that foodservice cannot get enough edible oil for cooking because, those groups say, oil is being diverted to biodiesel and a growing renewable diesel market. ASA President Kevin Scott says, “There is currently not a soy oil supply shortage, nor is one envisioned by year-end, but there are in fact very real supply chain challenges impacting U.S. agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Those concerns include labor, barge shipments, ports and shipping containers, trucking and rail freight, fertilizer, chemical inputs, energy, equipment and parts, and water availability.

ASA and NBB express concerns over supply chain

MOLINE, IL.&nbsp; (AP) —Deere executives said Wednesday that the company wouldn’t return to the bargaining table with striking workers because it wouldn’t offer a better contract than one they rejected that included immediate 10% raises.

Marc Howze, the chief administrative officer of Deere &amp; Co., said the deal the United Auto Workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">union rejected</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday represented the most it could offer and still keep its costs competitive.

Howze declined to discuss how much the ongoing strike is costing Deere, which will release its next earnings report later this month. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">disputed contract</a>&nbsp;would cover more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas, who make the company’s iconic John Deere green tractors and other equipment.

The company plans to reach out to employees directly now to stress the virtues of its offer while it tries to keep its plants running with salaried employees and other workers to meet customer commitments. Other Deere plants globally are also working to pick up the slack.

“We want to make sure they understand the value of the agreement, to make sure they understand that there is nothing to be gained by continuing to hold out,” Howze said. “To some degree, because we were able to come to a resolution as quickly as we were, I think there’s some folks who believe there must be some more available.”

In addition to the initial raises, this week’s offer included 5% raises in the third and fifth years of the six-year deal, and it would have provided an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserved a pension option for new employees, made workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintained their no-premium health insurance coverage.

UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg said union leaders were meeting to discuss their next moves. With a majority of workers voting against the latest offer, union officials face demands to deliver more but that might be difficult given the Moline, Illinois-based company’s stance. And pressure to reach a settlement will mount the longer workers go without pay.

The vote Tuesday was much closer than when 90% of the workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">rejected the company’s first offer</a>&nbsp;last month, but 55% of the workers still rejected the latest offer. Workers have been encouraged to seek more now because of the current worker shortages and Deere’s strong profits.

“It seems general membership feels emboldened by this current political moment of labor power. They’re pushing things further than the union leadership apparently wants to go,” said Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor. “It’s a gamble, but the economic wind is against their backs, given widespread supply chain problems and the current worker shortage.”

Deere officials, who have predicted that the company will report record profits of between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this fiscal year, don’t want to miss out on sales to farmers who are ready to buy thanks to strong crop prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that farmers’ net income will increase by nearly 20% this year, to $113 billion.

Observers say the rejection of the deal shows pent-up anger among Deere workers over how much of its profits the company has been willing to share with workers.

“Although the proposed contract was a significant improvement over the previous offer, the Deere workers evidently felt that the company could afford more,” Fordham University sociologist Chris Rhomberg said. “For decades, wages across the economy have lagged behind productivity growth, and workers may be tired of seeing the gains from their efforts go predominantly to corporations making record-breaking earnings.”

Now the challenge for the UAW and Deere will be finding a way to resolve their differences in a way that workers will accept, said Todd Vachon, a former member of a carpenter’s union who now teaches about labor relations at Rutgers University.

“There is always the risk of overplaying one’s hand — on both sides, really,” Vachon said. “It appears the final mile will likely involve some changes to work rules and working conditions in addition to just wage increases.”

The longer the strike continues, the more painful it will become for everyone, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said.

“During the dragging on, both sides lose,” Goss said. “Workers are looking at lost income. John Deere is looking at lost sales. So they both have sort of guns pointing at each other’s heads, economically speaking.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered only 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered only 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, IL.&nbsp; (AP) —Deere executives said Wednesday that the company wouldn’t return to the bargaining table with striking workers because it wouldn’t offer a better contract than one they rejected that included immediate 10% raises.Marc Howze, the chief administrative officer of Deere &amp; Co., said the deal the United Auto Workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">union rejected</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday represented the most it could offer and still keep its costs competitive.Howze declined to discuss how much the ongoing strike is costing Deere, which will release its next earnings report later this month. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">disputed contract</a>&nbsp;would cover more than 10,000 Deere workers at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas, who make the company’s iconic John Deere green tractors and other equipment.The company plans to reach out to employees directly now to stress the virtues of its offer while it tries to keep its plants running with salaried employees and other workers to meet customer commitments. Other Deere plants globally are also working to pick up the slack.“We want to make sure they understand the value of the agreement, to make sure they understand that there is nothing to be gained by continuing to hold out,” Howze said. “To some degree, because we were able to come to a resolution as quickly as we were, I think there’s some folks who believe there must be some more available.”In addition to the initial raises, this week’s offer included 5% raises in the third and fifth years of the six-year deal, and it would have provided an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserved a pension option for new employees, made workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintained their no-premium health insurance coverage.UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg said union leaders were meeting to discuss their next moves. With a majority of workers voting against the latest offer, union officials face demands to deliver more but that might be difficult given the Moline, Illinois-based company’s stance. And pressure to reach a settlement will mount the longer workers go without pay.The vote Tuesday was much closer than when 90% of the workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">rejected the company’s first offer</a>&nbsp;last month, but 55% of the workers still rejected the latest offer. Workers have been encouraged to seek more now because of the current worker shortages and Deere’s strong profits.“It seems general membership feels emboldened by this current political moment of labor power. They’re pushing things further than the union leadership apparently wants to go,” said Victor Chen, a sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies labor. “It’s a gamble, but the economic wind is against their backs, given widespread supply chain problems and the current worker shortage.”ADVERTISEMENTDeere officials, who have predicted that the company will report record profits of between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion this fiscal year, don’t want to miss out on sales to farmers who are ready to buy thanks to strong crop prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that farmers’ net income will increase by nearly 20% this year, to $113 billion.Observers say the rejection of the deal shows pent-up anger among Deere workers over how much of its profits the company has been willing to share with workers.“Although the proposed contract was a significant improvement over the previous offer, the Deere workers evidently felt that the company could afford more,” Fordham University sociologist Chris Rhomberg said. “For decades, wages across the economy have lagged behind productivity growth, and workers may be tired of seeing the gains from their efforts go predominantly to corporations making record-breaking earnings.”Now the challenge for the UAW and Deere will be finding a way to resolve their differences in a way that workers will accept, said Todd Vachon, a former member of a carpenter’s union who now teaches about labor relations at Rutgers University.“There is always the risk of overplaying one’s hand — on both sides, really,” Vachon said. “It appears the final mile will likely involve some changes to work rules and working conditions in addition to just wage increases.”The longer the strike continues, the more painful it will become for everyone, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said.“During the dragging on, both sides lose,” Goss said. “Workers are looking at lost income. John Deere is looking at lost sales. So they both have sort of guns pointing at each other’s heads, economically speaking.”

Deere warns striking workers as walkout moves into 4th week

Growth Energy submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency a notice of intent to sue regarding its failure to timely fulfill the agency’s statutory obligation. 

The notice sent Tuesday focuses on EPA’s delay in issuing the 2022 Renewable Volume Obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The RVOs for 2022 are due by November 30, 2021, an annual deadline set by Congress in the RFS. 

However, with less than a month to go, EPA has not issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish the obligations. The Growth Energy notice gives EPA 60 days to issue the 2022 RVO before risking a lawsuit in federal court. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “It is critical for EPA to issue these RVOs as soon as possible.” Growth Energy claims failure to issue RVOs on time undermines the RFS by eliminating prospective, market-forcing blending obligations, and by creating uncertainty in the market for obligated parties and renewable fuels producers.

Growth Energy submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency a notice of intent to sue regarding its failure to timely fulfill the agency’s statutory obligation. The notice sent Tuesday focuses on EPA’s delay in issuing the 2022 Renewable Volume Obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The RVOs for 2022 are due by November 30, 2021, an annual deadline set by Congress in the RFS. However, with less than a month to go, EPA has not issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish the obligations. The Growth Energy notice gives EPA 60 days to issue the 2022 RVO before risking a lawsuit in federal court. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “It is critical for EPA to issue these RVOs as soon as possible.” Growth Energy claims failure to issue RVOs on time undermines the RFS by eliminating prospective, market-forcing blending obligations, and by creating uncertainty in the market for obligated parties and renewable fuels producers.