Pumpkins are a staple of fall traditions for many Americans who pick them, carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, or bake pumpkin desserts. Although pumpkins are grown in many states, most of the production comes from ten states. 

By acreage and by weight, Illinois is consistently the nation’s largest pumpkin producer. However, unlike other states, most of Illinois’ pumpkins are used for pie filling and other processed foods, which receive a lower price. 

Production value of pumpkins in Illinois was ranked third in 2020 at $21.3 million, according to data released by USDA’s Economic Research Service Monday. In 2020, Texas led the nation in the value of pumpkins produced at $25.9 million, followed by Pennsylvania at $22.5 million, Illinois, and California at $20.7 million. 

Retail prices for pumpkins typically fluctuate week to week leading up to Halloween. In the second week of October 2021, the average retail price for jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins was $4.09 per pumpkin, up 12 percent compared with the same week in 2020.

Pumpkins are a staple of fall traditions for many Americans who pick them, carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, or bake pumpkin desserts. Although pumpkins are grown in many states, most of the production comes from ten states. By acreage and by weight, Illinois is consistently the nation’s largest pumpkin producer. However, unlike other states, most of Illinois’ pumpkins are used for pie filling and other processed foods, which receive a lower price. Production value of pumpkins in Illinois was ranked third in 2020 at $21.3 million, according to data released by USDA’s Economic Research Service Monday. In 2020, Texas led the nation in the value of pumpkins produced at $25.9 million, followed by Pennsylvania at $22.5 million, Illinois, and California at $20.7 million. Retail prices for pumpkins typically fluctuate week to week leading up to Halloween. In the second week of October 2021, the average retail price for jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins was $4.09 per pumpkin, up 12 percent compared with the same week in 2020.

Texas carves new position leading the U.S. in pumpkin revenues

The National Corn Growers Association joined 51 other groups in sending comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation on the many issues currently disrupting the U.S. supply chain. The comments offered recommendations on how to alleviate these challenges through legislative and regulatory actions. 

“To be successful, farmers must have a reliable and fully-functioning national transportation system that allows us to get fall fertilizer shipments and deliver our products to consumers in a timely manner,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. 

Their recommendations on inland waterways include prioritizing legislative and regulatory actions that promote the rehabilitation of aging waterway infrastructure on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. 

The groups also encourage the Surface Transportation Board to allow “reciprocal” or “competitive switching,” which would allow shippers and receivers geographically beholden to one rail carrier to gain access to a second rail carrier through a short distance switch. 

Another transportation recommendation was that USDA and the Transportation Department continue working together to ensure agricultural haulers and the rest of the trucking industry have the flexibilities they need to provide timely delivery of essential products. 

The recommendations come soon after President Biden’s announcement that the Port of Los Angeles would begin to operate 24/7 to help mitigate the bottleneck on the West Coast.

The National Corn Growers Association joined 51 other groups in sending comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation on the many issues currently disrupting the U.S. supply chain. The comments offered recommendations on how to alleviate these challenges through legislative and regulatory actions. “To be successful, farmers must have a reliable and fully-functioning national transportation system that allows us to get fall fertilizer shipments and deliver our products to consumers in a timely manner,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. Their recommendations on inland waterways include prioritizing legislative and regulatory actions that promote the rehabilitation of aging waterway infrastructure on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The groups also encourage the Surface Transportation Board to allow “reciprocal” or “competitive switching,” which would allow shippers and receivers geographically beholden to one rail carrier to gain access to a second rail carrier through a short distance switch. Another transportation recommendation was that USDA and the Transportation Department continue working together to ensure agricultural haulers and the rest of the trucking industry have the flexibilities they need to provide timely delivery of essential products. The recommendations come soon after President Biden’s announcement that the Port of Los Angeles would begin to operate 24/7 to help mitigate the bottleneck on the West Coast.

NCGA joins groups commenting on supply chain issues

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says his agency is making funding available to bring a significant expansion of access to high-speed internet, health care, and educational services for millions of Americans. 

USDA has $1.15 billion available to help people in rural communities across the country get access to high-speed internet. “For too long, the digital divide has left too many people living in rural communities behind, unable to compete in the global economy and without access to the services and resources that all Americans need,” he says. 

“These actions will go a long way toward ensuring that people who live or work in rural areas can tap into the benefits of broadband.” He adds that those benefits are numerous, including access to specialized health care, educational opportunities, and the global marketplace. 

“Rural people, businesses, and communities must have affordable, reliable, high-speed internet so they can fully participate in modern society and the modern economy,” Vilsack adds. USDA will begin accepting applications for loans and grants on November 24. USDA is making the funding available through its ReConnect Program.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says his agency is making funding available to bring a significant expansion of access to high-speed internet, health care, and educational services for millions of Americans. USDA has $1.15 billion available to help people in rural communities across the country get access to high-speed internet. “For too long, the digital divide has left too many people living in rural communities behind, unable to compete in the global economy and without access to the services and resources that all Americans need,” he says. “These actions will go a long way toward ensuring that people who live or work in rural areas can tap into the benefits of broadband.” He adds that those benefits are numerous, including access to specialized health care, educational opportunities, and the global marketplace. “Rural people, businesses, and communities must have affordable, reliable, high-speed internet so they can fully participate in modern society and the modern economy,” Vilsack adds. USDA will begin accepting applications for loans and grants on November 24. USDA is making the funding available through its ReConnect Program.

USDA makes $1.15 billion available to access high-speed internet

Bloomberg says U.S. ethanol production reached its highest level since COVID-19 lockdowns brought the industry to a basic standstill. The ethanol industry reached production it hadn’t seen since June 2019. 

Gasoline demand on a four-week rolling average hit the highest point since 2007 for this time of year. The revival comes as corn is readily available at a relatively cheap price, setting the stage for better profit margins and a potential boost in overseas demand for U.S. supplies. 

The fuel industry is waiting for overdue Biden administration proposals on mandates requiring refiners to blend fixed amounts of the biofuel into the nation’s fuel supply. 

“Weak blending proposals from the Environmental Protection Agency would pull the rug out from underneath the industry just as it is finally recovering to pre-COVID levels of production,” Renewable Fuels Association President Geoff Cooper says in an email to Bloomberg. 

The cost of complying with the blending requirement in the Renewable Fuel Standard has been a longtime conflict between biofuel makers and fossil-fuel refiners, who says the cost of compliance credits puts fuel supplies and refining jobs at risk.

Bloomberg says U.S. ethanol production reached its highest level since COVID-19 lockdowns brought the industry to a basic standstill. The ethanol industry reached production it hadn’t seen since June 2019. Gasoline demand on a four-week rolling average hit the highest point since 2007 for this time of year. The revival comes as corn is readily available at a relatively cheap price, setting the stage for better profit margins and a potential boost in overseas demand for U.S. supplies. The fuel industry is waiting for overdue Biden administration proposals on mandates requiring refiners to blend fixed amounts of the biofuel into the nation’s fuel supply. “Weak blending proposals from the Environmental Protection Agency would pull the rug out from underneath the industry just as it is finally recovering to pre-COVID levels of production,” Renewable Fuels Association President Geoff Cooper says in an email to Bloomberg. The cost of complying with the blending requirement in the Renewable Fuel Standard has been a longtime conflict between biofuel makers and fossil-fuel refiners, who says the cost of compliance credits puts fuel supplies and refining jobs at risk.

Ethanol output back to pre-COVID levels

The House Agriculture Committee Thursday moved several bills through the committee, including the Cattle Contract Library Act. The legislation, announced earlier this week, saw wide support from the agriculture industry. 

Representative Cindy Axne, an Iowa Democrat on the House Ag Committee, says, “The bill we’ve passed today is just one piece of what is needed,” adding, “There’s more that we must do to support transparency and increase competition in our cattle markets.” 

The committee also passed a bill that would provide $100 million in additional funds and make permanent the student scholarship program for students at the nineteen 1890 Colleges and Universities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other bills passed through the committee include the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, the, National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act, and the Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act. 

Speaking of the scholarships bill, Chairman David Scott says, “I deeply and sincerely appreciate both my Democratic and Republican Members of Congress for their strong bipartisan support.”

The House Agriculture Committee Thursday moved several bills through the committee, including the Cattle Contract Library Act. The legislation, announced earlier this week, saw wide support from the agriculture industry. Representative Cindy Axne, an Iowa Democrat on the House Ag Committee, says, “The bill we’ve passed today is just one piece of what is needed,” adding, “There’s more that we must do to support transparency and increase competition in our cattle markets.” The committee also passed a bill that would provide $100 million in additional funds and make permanent the student scholarship program for students at the nineteen 1890 Colleges and Universities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other bills passed through the committee include the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, the, National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act, and the Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act. Speaking of the scholarships bill, Chairman David Scott says, “I deeply and sincerely appreciate both my Democratic and Republican Members of Congress for their strong bipartisan support.”

Thursday a busy day for House Ag Committee

While traveling in Iowa this week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered his support to striking John Deere workers. Visiting union members outside a Deere and Company plant in Iowa, the Secretary told picketers, "You work hard, and you deserve a fair price and a fair deal," according to Reuters. 

The Deere employees, represented by the United Auto Workers, are joining thousands of others who have gone on strike in recent months. The workers are demanding higher pay and better working conditions. 

Vilsack told the workers he would be happy to tell Deere Chief Executive Officer John May how important it is to resolve the dispute quickly and fairly. 

Officials with Deere have repeatedly insisted they want to resolve the strike and maintain their workers status as the best paid in the industry. The strike began earlier this month after 90 percent of hourly workers rejected the company’s contract offer. Roughly 10,000 employees are on strike at 14 Deere locations in the United States.

While traveling in Iowa this week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered his support to striking John Deere workers. Visiting union members outside a Deere and Company plant in Iowa, the Secretary told picketers, "You work hard, and you deserve a fair price and a fair deal," according to Reuters. The Deere employees, represented by the United Auto Workers, are joining thousands of others who have gone on strike in recent months. The workers are demanding higher pay and better working conditions. Vilsack told the workers he would be happy to tell Deere Chief Executive Officer John May how important it is to resolve the dispute quickly and fairly. Officials with Deere have repeatedly insisted they want to resolve the strike and maintain their workers status as the best paid in the industry. The strike began earlier this month after 90 percent of hourly workers rejected the company’s contract offer. Roughly 10,000 employees are on strike at 14 Deere locations in the United States.

Vilsack offers support to striking Deere workers

The FCC this week announced that it is ready to authorize nearly $550 million in its third round of funding for new broadband deployments through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.&nbsp; 

Together with two prior funding wave announcements, the FCC has now announced over $1 billion in funding to winning bidders for new deployments. In this funding wave, 11 broadband providers will bring fiber-to-the-home gigabit broadband service to over 180,000 locations in 19 states. 

Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says, “Broadband is an essential service and during the pandemic we’ve seen just how critical it is for families, schools, hospitals, and businesses to have affordable internet access.” The FCC also denied several waiver petitions by companies that did not diligently pursue their applications. 

The 19 states slated for funding are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.&nbsp;

The FCC this week announced that it is ready to authorize nearly $550 million in its third round of funding for new broadband deployments through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.&nbsp; Together with two prior funding wave announcements, the FCC has now announced over $1 billion in funding to winning bidders for new deployments. In this funding wave, 11 broadband providers will bring fiber-to-the-home gigabit broadband service to over 180,000 locations in 19 states. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says, “Broadband is an essential service and during the pandemic we’ve seen just how critical it is for families, schools, hospitals, and businesses to have affordable internet access.” The FCC also denied several waiver petitions by companies that did not diligently pursue their applications. The 19 states slated for funding are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.&nbsp;

FCC announces broadband funding through Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday released a joint statement following bilateral meetings between Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary. 

Vilsack and Victor Villalobos met in Ames, Iowa, Wednesday, with meetings focused on agriculture trade between the two countries. In the statement, the leaders say, “We reaffirm the importance of our two nations’ exceptional agricultural trading relationship.” 

The discussions highlighted the importance of continuing to work together to advance rural prosperity and to fulfill a shared responsibility to protect agricultural systems and producers, according to USDA. That includes collaborative efforts to prevent the spread of African swine fever and other animal and plant diseases and pests. 

The two also addressed climate change, saying, “our farmers, ranchers and producers are on the front lines dealing with the increasingly urgent challenges of climate change.” The pair expressed confidence that the U.S. and Mexico agriculture sectors will be a key part of the solution.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday released a joint statement following bilateral meetings between Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary. Vilsack and Victor Villalobos met in Ames, Iowa, Wednesday, with meetings focused on agriculture trade between the two countries. In the statement, the leaders say, “We reaffirm the importance of our two nations’ exceptional agricultural trading relationship.” The discussions highlighted the importance of continuing to work together to advance rural prosperity and to fulfill a shared responsibility to protect agricultural systems and producers, according to USDA. That includes collaborative efforts to prevent the spread of African swine fever and other animal and plant diseases and pests. The two also addressed climate change, saying, “our farmers, ranchers and producers are on the front lines dealing with the increasingly urgent challenges of climate change.” The pair expressed confidence that the U.S. and Mexico agriculture sectors will be a key part of the solution.

Vilsack, Villalobos meeting focused on trade, ASF and climate change

House lawmakers Wednesday announced a bill to create a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Marketing Service Department. 

Cattlemen are currently unaware of contract terms offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson and Texas Democrat Henry Cueller introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021. 

USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef &amp; Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders. 

Representative Johnson states, “Data drives marketing decisions and a contract library will provide much-needed leverage for independent producers.” 

The legislation received broad support from the American Farm Bureau Federation, National, Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, National Farmers Union, and the Livestock Marketing Association.

House lawmakers Wednesday announced a bill to create a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Marketing Service Department. Cattlemen are currently unaware of contract terms offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson and Texas Democrat Henry Cueller introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021. USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef &amp; Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders. Representative Johnson states, “Data drives marketing decisions and a contract library will provide much-needed leverage for independent producers.” The legislation received broad support from the American Farm Bureau Federation, National, Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, National Farmers Union, and the Livestock Marketing Association.

House lawmakers introduce Cattle Library Contracts Bill

Brazil is partially halting beef production intended for China while waiting on China to lift an export ban. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry made the announcement while claiming China is taking too long to lift the ban. 

The suspension started on September 4 when Brazil confirmed two atypical cases of mad cow disease, and followed existing trade protocols between Brazil and China. 

The ministry has also temporarily allowed beef processors to store for up to 60 days meat produced before China's suspension took place, according to Reuters. 

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry announced this week its Agriculture Minister is willing to travel to China to discuss with Chinese counterparts a potential end to the ban. 

The World Organization for Animal Health last month said it won’t make any change to Brazil’s status as a “negligible risk” country for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, the scientific term for mad cow disease. Brazilian beef accounts for 40 percent of China’s imports.

Brazil is partially halting beef production intended for China while waiting on China to lift an export ban. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry made the announcement while claiming China is taking too long to lift the ban. The suspension started on September 4 when Brazil confirmed two atypical cases of mad cow disease, and followed existing trade protocols between Brazil and China. The ministry has also temporarily allowed beef processors to store for up to 60 days meat produced before China's suspension took place, according to Reuters. Brazil's Agriculture Ministry announced this week its Agriculture Minister is willing to travel to China to discuss with Chinese counterparts a potential end to the ban. The World Organization for Animal Health last month said it won’t make any change to Brazil’s status as a “negligible risk” country for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, the scientific term for mad cow disease. Brazilian beef accounts for 40 percent of China’s imports.

Brazil partially halting beef production over China export ban

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order that details how picketing workers at the Deere &amp; Co. plant in Davenport must conduct themselves.

In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at risk.

District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or intimidating people entering and leaving the plant.

Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those participating in the strike.

The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating “near the Contractor Gate entrance,” which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according to Deere.

The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with striking workers Wednesday at Deere’s plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his political career, WHO-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://who13.com/news/tom-vilsack-repays-support-to-uaw-members-with-visit-to-john-deere-picket-line/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

<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 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 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order that details how picketing workers at the Deere &amp; Co. plant in Davenport must conduct themselves.In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at risk.District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or intimidating people entering and leaving the plant.Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those participating in the strike.The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating “near the Contractor Gate entrance,” which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according to Deere.The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with striking workers Wednesday at Deere’s plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his political career, WHO-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://who13.com/news/tom-vilsack-repays-support-to-uaw-members-with-visit-to-john-deere-picket-line/" target="_blank">reported</a>.A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

Restraining order: Strike at Deere plants moves into 2nd week

The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service Tuesday announced a stronger and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. 

The agency is initiating several activities to gather data and information necessary to support future action and move closer to the national target of a 25 percent reduction in Salmonella illnesses. 

Despite consistent reductions in the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products, more than one million consumer illnesses due to Salmonella occur annually, and 23 percent of those illnesses are due to consumption of chicken and turkey. 

USDA intends to seek stakeholder feedback on specific Salmonella control and measurement strategies, including pilot projects, in poultry slaughter and processing establishments. 

A key component of the approach is encouraging preharvest controls to reduce Salmonella contamination coming into the slaughterhouse. The data generated from pilots will be used to determine if a different approach could reduce Salmonella illness in consumers.

The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service Tuesday announced a stronger and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. The agency is initiating several activities to gather data and information necessary to support future action and move closer to the national target of a 25 percent reduction in Salmonella illnesses. Despite consistent reductions in the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products, more than one million consumer illnesses due to Salmonella occur annually, and 23 percent of those illnesses are due to consumption of chicken and turkey. USDA intends to seek stakeholder feedback on specific Salmonella control and measurement strategies, including pilot projects, in poultry slaughter and processing establishments. A key component of the approach is encouraging preharvest controls to reduce Salmonella contamination coming into the slaughterhouse. The data generated from pilots will be used to determine if a different approach could reduce Salmonella illness in consumers.

USDA launches new effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses linked to poultry

The amount of farmland being sold increased since the first of the year and charged ahead during the pre-harvest time frame recently. The increased selling will continue through the fall land sales season and most likely into early winter, according to Farmers National Company. 

The boost in selling interest by landowners has been largely driven by strong land prices in the past twelve months. A normal amount of land is sold into the open market each year by estates and recent inheritors who decide to sell the newly owned asset instead of keeping it. 

This often happens with larger family groups who conclude that it is easier to settle the estate with cash instead of land. However, several other reasons are bringing more landowners to conclude that now is the time to sell. 

Landowners cite high land prices, succession planning, and trading into better quality land. Others cite the uncertainty in tax policy being discussed in Washington.

The amount of farmland being sold increased since the first of the year and charged ahead during the pre-harvest time frame recently. The increased selling will continue through the fall land sales season and most likely into early winter, according to Farmers National Company. The boost in selling interest by landowners has been largely driven by strong land prices in the past twelve months. A normal amount of land is sold into the open market each year by estates and recent inheritors who decide to sell the newly owned asset instead of keeping it. This often happens with larger family groups who conclude that it is easier to settle the estate with cash instead of land. However, several other reasons are bringing more landowners to conclude that now is the time to sell. Landowners cite high land prices, succession planning, and trading into better quality land. Others cite the uncertainty in tax policy being discussed in Washington.

Farmland sales expected to be especially brisk

This week, more than 80 agricultural groups filed formal objections to the Environmental Protection Agency’s August 30 rule to revoke all tolerances of chlorpyrifos. Stakeholders can object to pesticide tolerance changes or cancellations, and the EPA Administrator must then respond. 

In the coalition letter, the agriculture sector cited numerous concerns with EPA's revocation decision, including the processes EPA used and lack of scientific basis. 

EPA's scientific record on chlorpyrifos shows many safe uses of the chemistry do not pose a dietary or environmental risk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, the coalition charges, the agency is opting to revoke tolerances for these safe, low-risk uses.&nbsp; 

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall called the EPA action shortsighted, saying, “Taking care of the land and our natural resources is a top priority for farmers, and this revocation rule actually makes it harder for us to do that.” Additionally, EPA’s rule revokes tolerances on crop uses where many growers have few or no alternatives.

This week, more than 80 agricultural groups filed formal objections to the Environmental Protection Agency’s August 30 rule to revoke all tolerances of chlorpyrifos. Stakeholders can object to pesticide tolerance changes or cancellations, and the EPA Administrator must then respond. In the coalition letter, the agriculture sector cited numerous concerns with EPA's revocation decision, including the processes EPA used and lack of scientific basis. EPA's scientific record on chlorpyrifos shows many safe uses of the chemistry do not pose a dietary or environmental risk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, the coalition charges, the agency is opting to revoke tolerances for these safe, low-risk uses.&nbsp; American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall called the EPA action shortsighted, saying, “Taking care of the land and our natural resources is a top priority for farmers, and this revocation rule actually makes it harder for us to do that.” Additionally, EPA’s rule revokes tolerances on crop uses where many growers have few or no alternatives.

Ag groups formally object to EPA Chlorpyrifos rule

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host bilateral meetings with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Víctor Manuel Villalobos Arámbula in Iowa this week. 

Vilsack will also participate in the World Food Prize Laureate Award ceremony in the Des Moines area. 

On Wednesday, Secretary Vilsack and Villalobos will travel to Ames, Iowa, for a tour of Iowa State University's Seed Science Center and Plant Sciences Institute. Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Villalobos will also engage in bilateral discussions while at the university. 

That afternoon, the Secretaries will travel to Ankeny, Iowa, where they will tour a local farm and participate in a conversation about the challenges farmers have faced during the past year and how farmers can be better supported. 

On Thursday, the leaders will participate in World Food Prize events, in Des Moines, Iowa. That evening, the Secretaries will attend the Laureate Award Ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.&nbsp;

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host bilateral meetings with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Víctor Manuel Villalobos Arámbula in Iowa this week. Vilsack will also participate in the World Food Prize Laureate Award ceremony in the Des Moines area. On Wednesday, Secretary Vilsack and Villalobos will travel to Ames, Iowa, for a tour of Iowa State University's Seed Science Center and Plant Sciences Institute. Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Villalobos will also engage in bilateral discussions while at the university. That afternoon, the Secretaries will travel to Ankeny, Iowa, where they will tour a local farm and participate in a conversation about the challenges farmers have faced during the past year and how farmers can be better supported. On Thursday, the leaders will participate in World Food Prize events, in Des Moines, Iowa. That evening, the Secretaries will attend the Laureate Award Ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.&nbsp;

Vilsack to host Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary in Iowa

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan Monday announced the agency’s comprehensive Strategic Roadmap to confront PFAS contamination nationwide. 

The roadmap results from a thorough analysis conducted by the EPA Council on PFAS that Administrator Regan established in April 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EPA's Roadmap is centered on three guiding strategies, including increasing investments in research, leveraging authorities to take action now to restrict PFAS chemicals from being released into the environment, and accelerate the cleanup of PFAS contamination. 

Administrator Regan says, “For far too long, families across America – especially those in underserved communities – have suffered from PFAS in their water, their air, or in the land their children play on.” 

The roadmap lays out an aggressive timeline to set enforceable drinking water limits under the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure water is safe to drink. In April 2021, Administrator Regan established the EPA Council on PFAS to address the impacts of PFAS contamination.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan Monday announced the agency’s comprehensive Strategic Roadmap to confront PFAS contamination nationwide. The roadmap results from a thorough analysis conducted by the EPA Council on PFAS that Administrator Regan established in April 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;EPA's Roadmap is centered on three guiding strategies, including increasing investments in research, leveraging authorities to take action now to restrict PFAS chemicals from being released into the environment, and accelerate the cleanup of PFAS contamination. Administrator Regan says, “For far too long, families across America – especially those in underserved communities – have suffered from PFAS in their water, their air, or in the land their children play on.” The roadmap lays out an aggressive timeline to set enforceable drinking water limits under the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure water is safe to drink. In April 2021, Administrator Regan established the EPA Council on PFAS to address the impacts of PFAS contamination.

EPA announces strategy to confront PFAS pollution

The nation's average gas price increased 2.9 cents from a week ago and stands at $3.30 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average is up 7.5 cents from a month ago and $1.08 per gallon higher than a year ago. 

The national average price of diesel increased 7.8 cents in the last week and stands at $3.53 per gallon. The start of the new week brought oil to yet another fresh seven-year high. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “With OPEC holding back oil production and strong global oil demand, the situation will no doubt pave the road with even higher gas prices in the weeks ahead.” 

Until several bottlenecks ease, including supply chains and low global inventories of oil, natural gas and coal, the U.S. will be stuck feeling the pinch of rising oil and gasoline prices. 

According to the Energy Information Administration, crude oil inventories saw a surprising jump, thanks largely to refinery utilization, or inputs, dropping a significant amount.

The nation's average gas price increased 2.9 cents from a week ago and stands at $3.30 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average is up 7.5 cents from a month ago and $1.08 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel increased 7.8 cents in the last week and stands at $3.53 per gallon. The start of the new week brought oil to yet another fresh seven-year high. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “With OPEC holding back oil production and strong global oil demand, the situation will no doubt pave the road with even higher gas prices in the weeks ahead.” Until several bottlenecks ease, including supply chains and low global inventories of oil, natural gas and coal, the U.S. will be stuck feeling the pinch of rising oil and gasoline prices. According to the Energy Information Administration, crude oil inventories saw a surprising jump, thanks largely to refinery utilization, or inputs, dropping a significant amount.

Fuel prices continue increase

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — Contract talks between Deere &amp; Co. and its 10,000 striking workers have resumed, but it wasn't immediately clear how far apart the two sides remained Monday.

Both the Moline,&nbsp;Illinois-based company and the United Auto Workers union confirmed that talks had resumed.

The strike began last Thursday after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.

Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company remains “committed to the collective bargaining process and resolving the strike.”

The last major strike at the maker of agricultural and construction equipment came in 1986. This year's strike comes as companies are dealing with worker shortages. Deere had predicted it would report record profits this year between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion on strong sales.

The contracts under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants, including seven in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/iowa">Iowa</a>, four in Illinois and one each in&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;and&nbsp;Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began last Thursday after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 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 last Thursday after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — Contract talks between Deere &amp; Co. and its 10,000 striking workers have resumed, but it wasn't immediately clear how far apart the two sides remained Monday.Both the Moline,&nbsp;Illinois-based company and the United Auto Workers union confirmed that talks had resumed.The strike began last Thursday after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company remains “committed to the collective bargaining process and resolving the strike.”The last major strike at the maker of agricultural and construction equipment came in 1986. This year's strike comes as companies are dealing with worker shortages. Deere had predicted it would report record profits this year between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion on strong sales.The contracts under negotiation cover 14 Deere plants, including seven in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/iowa">Iowa</a>, four in Illinois and one each in&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;Colorado&nbsp;and&nbsp;Georgia.

Contract talks resume between Deere and its striking workers

Agriculture groups recently came together during a Farmers for Free Trade roundtable to talk about trade. They all expressed frustration that the Biden administration hasn’t initiated any new trade talks. 

The groups are especially interested in more Southeast Asian opportunities as more and more countries show interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, formerly known as TPP. 

A DTN report says that while ag exports have hit record levels, they want the administration to look into getting back into the 11-country trade deal. 

U.S. agriculture closed out the fiscal year 2021 with a USDA projection of $175.3 billion in final sales, almost $34 billion higher than the previous fiscal year. 

Joe Glauber, a one-time chief economist for the USDA and former ag trade negotiator, says while the U.S. was involved in trade wars during recent years or renegotiating old agreements, America’s competitors weren’t sitting by and watching. 

“Unfortunately, we decided to leave TPP, but the rest of those countries got an agreement,” Glauber says. “We found ourselves trying to figure out what to do with markets like Japan, which we need, and our competitors now have better access to than we do.”

Agriculture groups recently came together during a Farmers for Free Trade roundtable to talk about trade. They all expressed frustration that the Biden administration hasn’t initiated any new trade talks. The groups are especially interested in more Southeast Asian opportunities as more and more countries show interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, formerly known as TPP. A DTN report says that while ag exports have hit record levels, they want the administration to look into getting back into the 11-country trade deal. U.S. agriculture closed out the fiscal year 2021 with a USDA projection of $175.3 billion in final sales, almost $34 billion higher than the previous fiscal year. Joe Glauber, a one-time chief economist for the USDA and former ag trade negotiator, says while the U.S. was involved in trade wars during recent years or renegotiating old agreements, America’s competitors weren’t sitting by and watching. “Unfortunately, we decided to leave TPP, but the rest of those countries got an agreement,” Glauber says. “We found ourselves trying to figure out what to do with markets like Japan, which we need, and our competitors now have better access to than we do.”

Ag groups want more action on new trade opportunities

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be collecting additional information on agricultural products marketed as local foods during 2020. Earlier this year, NASS collected detailed data on 2020 local food marketing practices. 

This information came from farmers and ranchers who had previously reported local food marketing activity on prior surveys and a census. 

In light of the extreme dynamics brought on by COVID-19 and reliance on previous indicators of local food marketing based on the 2017 Census of Agriculture, contacting additional producers to get the complete picture of local food marketing practices is now a necessary step. 

As a result of the current conditions, NASS will collect information from producers who have not indicated prior local food marketing. 

The data release, originally scheduled for November 18, will now be delayed until the new information and the data collected earlier this year are combined. The 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey report likely won’t get released until early 2022.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be collecting additional information on agricultural products marketed as local foods during 2020. Earlier this year, NASS collected detailed data on 2020 local food marketing practices. This information came from farmers and ranchers who had previously reported local food marketing activity on prior surveys and a census. In light of the extreme dynamics brought on by COVID-19 and reliance on previous indicators of local food marketing based on the 2017 Census of Agriculture, contacting additional producers to get the complete picture of local food marketing practices is now a necessary step. As a result of the current conditions, NASS will collect information from producers who have not indicated prior local food marketing. The data release, originally scheduled for November 18, will now be delayed until the new information and the data collected earlier this year are combined. The 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey report likely won’t get released until early 2022.

NASS collecting additional information on local food practices

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol output topped the million-barrel a day mark for the first time in two months during the week ending on October 8. At the same time, inventories also began to decline. 

Biofuel production jumped to an average of 1.032 million barrels a day during the week. That’s up from 978,000 barrels a day, on average, the previous week, and government data says that’s the highest level since July 9. It’s also the first time production averaged more than one million barrels a day since July 30. 

The nation’s largest producing region is in the Midwest, which averaged 977,000 barrels a day in output during the week, up from 937,000 barrels the previous week and was the highest level since the week ending on July 16. 

East Coast production doubled to an average of 12,000 barrels a day, while Gulf Coast output surged to 25,000 barrels a day, up from 16,000 the prior week. Rocky Mountain production was steady at 11,000 barrels a day. The only region that saw lower production was the West Coast, which fell to an average of 8,000 barrels a day from 9,000 during the previous week.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol output topped the million-barrel a day mark for the first time in two months during the week ending on October 8. At the same time, inventories also began to decline. Biofuel production jumped to an average of 1.032 million barrels a day during the week. That’s up from 978,000 barrels a day, on average, the previous week, and government data says that’s the highest level since July 9. It’s also the first time production averaged more than one million barrels a day since July 30. The nation’s largest producing region is in the Midwest, which averaged 977,000 barrels a day in output during the week, up from 937,000 barrels the previous week and was the highest level since the week ending on July 16. East Coast production doubled to an average of 12,000 barrels a day, while Gulf Coast output surged to 25,000 barrels a day, up from 16,000 the prior week. Rocky Mountain production was steady at 11,000 barrels a day. The only region that saw lower production was the West Coast, which fell to an average of 8,000 barrels a day from 9,000 during the previous week.

Ethanol production levels hit highest point since July

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army are calling on communities to propose roundtables to provide input on the implications of the new “WOTUS” rule. 

The regional roundtables will engage stakeholders representing many perspectives in important conversations designed to help the agency work to develop an enduring definition of the “Waters of the U.S. Rule” that supports public health, protects the environment, agricultural activity, and economic growth. 

“Crafting a lasting definition of WOTUS means that we must bolster our understanding of how different regions experience and protect our nation’s vital waters,” the EPA says in a news release. “These roundtables will provide a great opportunity to deepen our shared knowledge. 

They also represent an opportunity among a suite of strategic tools that the agencies can utilize to obtain input on this important topic.” The EPA and Army are announcing a process for stakeholders to submit nomination letters with a slate of participants to potentially be selected as one of ten geographically focused roundtables. 

The agencies are inviting stakeholders to organize a targeted set of interested parties and regional representatives to participate in these discrete roundtables. For more information on the guidelines, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.epa.gov/wotus">www.epa.gov/wotus</a>.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army are calling on communities to propose roundtables to provide input on the implications of the new “WOTUS” rule. The regional roundtables will engage stakeholders representing many perspectives in important conversations designed to help the agency work to develop an enduring definition of the “Waters of the U.S. Rule” that supports public health, protects the environment, agricultural activity, and economic growth. “Crafting a lasting definition of WOTUS means that we must bolster our understanding of how different regions experience and protect our nation’s vital waters,” the EPA says in a news release. “These roundtables will provide a great opportunity to deepen our shared knowledge. They also represent an opportunity among a suite of strategic tools that the agencies can utilize to obtain input on this important topic.” The EPA and Army are announcing a process for stakeholders to submit nomination letters with a slate of participants to potentially be selected as one of ten geographically focused roundtables. The agencies are inviting stakeholders to organize a targeted set of interested parties and regional representatives to participate in these discrete roundtables. For more information on the guidelines, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.epa.gov/wotus">www.epa.gov/wotus</a>.

EPA, Army announce regional roundtables on WOTUS

Food prices in the nation’s grocery stores continued to climb in September, helping to push the overall Consumer Price Index higher. The food index increased .9 percent in September, following a smaller .4 percent increase in August. 

The food at home index increased 1.2 percent through the month as all six major grocery store food group indexes rose higher. The index for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 2.2 percent during the month as the index for beef rose 4.8 percent. The index for other food at home rose by 1.1 percent. 

The cost of fruits and vegetables also went up, as that index was .6 percent higher in September, a larger increase than the rise in August. The cereals and bakery products index jumped 1.1 percent during the month, while the index for dairy and related products rose by .7 percent. 

It even cost people more to eat out during September as the food away from home index rose .5 percent. An increase in limited and full-service meals was offset by the index for food at employee sites and schools, which continued to fall, dropping 6.4 percent in September.

Food prices in the nation’s grocery stores continued to climb in September, helping to push the overall Consumer Price Index higher. The food index increased .9 percent in September, following a smaller .4 percent increase in August. The food at home index increased 1.2 percent through the month as all six major grocery store food group indexes rose higher. The index for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 2.2 percent during the month as the index for beef rose 4.8 percent. The index for other food at home rose by 1.1 percent. The cost of fruits and vegetables also went up, as that index was .6 percent higher in September, a larger increase than the rise in August. The cereals and bakery products index jumped 1.1 percent during the month, while the index for dairy and related products rose by .7 percent. It even cost people more to eat out during September as the food away from home index rose .5 percent. An increase in limited and full-service meals was offset by the index for food at employee sites and schools, which continued to fall, dropping 6.4 percent in September.

Food Price Index continues to climb

Deere &amp; Co. couldn’t reach an agreement with workers on a six-year labor contract, prompting thousands of employees to begin a strike on Thursday. Members of the United Auto Workers overwhelmingly rejected a contract that was previously agreed on by the union’s leadership and the tractor maker. 

After weeks of negotiations, UAW leadership and the world’s biggest farm equipment maker reached agreements on wages and other benefits. However, Reuters says 90 percent of the union’s workers voted against the deal. The tentative deal had covered roughly 10,000 production and maintenance employees in 14 facilities scattered around the U.S. 

“Pickets have been set up, and our members are organized and ready to hold out and fight for a contract they believe meets their needs,” says Ron McInroy, UAW Region 4 Director. The company says it remains committed to reaching a new agreement, adding that it hasn’t figured out a timeline for finishing the negotiations. 

The rejected contract proposal would have given five percent wage hikes for some workers and a six percent boost to others. A source familiar with the negotiations says the workers understand they had to make concessions in the past and now want some of those back when Deere is doing financially well. The strike is taking place in the middle of harvest, making it difficult for farmers to find parts for tractors and combines.

Deere &amp; Co. couldn’t reach an agreement with workers on a six-year labor contract, prompting thousands of employees to begin a strike on Thursday. Members of the United Auto Workers overwhelmingly rejected a contract that was previously agreed on by the union’s leadership and the tractor maker. After weeks of negotiations, UAW leadership and the world’s biggest farm equipment maker reached agreements on wages and other benefits. However, Reuters says 90 percent of the union’s workers voted against the deal. The tentative deal had covered roughly 10,000 production and maintenance employees in 14 facilities scattered around the U.S. “Pickets have been set up, and our members are organized and ready to hold out and fight for a contract they believe meets their needs,” says Ron McInroy, UAW Region 4 Director. The company says it remains committed to reaching a new agreement, adding that it hasn’t figured out a timeline for finishing the negotiations. The rejected contract proposal would have given five percent wage hikes for some workers and a six percent boost to others. A source familiar with the negotiations says the workers understand they had to make concessions in the past and now want some of those back when Deere is doing financially well. The strike is taking place in the middle of harvest, making it difficult for farmers to find parts for tractors and combines.

John Deere workers go on strike

A group of 12 lawmakers recently penned a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative about the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Latin America and Caribbean trade and economic development. 

Arkansas Republican Representative Rick Crawford announced the effort Wednesday. In a letter to Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the lawmakers asked for immediate attention to the issue. 

Crawford says China has now surpassed the United States and is the largest non-continental trading partner for 54 percent of South America. 

The lawmakers say the recent increase of engagement in the Western Hemisphere is a great cause for concern, given China's publicized strategy of becoming a world superpower and dominating the economic stage. 

The lawmakers jointly write, "Before long, China will be significantly positioned to completely dominate Western Hemisphere economics," adding, "We believe that it is of the highest priority for the U.S. to keep its relationships strong with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.”

A group of 12 lawmakers recently penned a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative about the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Latin America and Caribbean trade and economic development. Arkansas Republican Representative Rick Crawford announced the effort Wednesday. In a letter to Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the lawmakers asked for immediate attention to the issue. Crawford says China has now surpassed the United States and is the largest non-continental trading partner for 54 percent of South America. The lawmakers say the recent increase of engagement in the Western Hemisphere is a great cause for concern, given China's publicized strategy of becoming a world superpower and dominating the economic stage. The lawmakers jointly write, "Before long, China will be significantly positioned to completely dominate Western Hemisphere economics," adding, "We believe that it is of the highest priority for the U.S. to keep its relationships strong with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.”