A new report claims negotiated trade mandates don't provide price discovery and market transparency as part of an analysis of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021. 

Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee requested the analysis from the Texas A&amp;M Agriculture and Food Policy Center. The report says mandated negotiated trade levels are expected to negatively affect cattle and calf prices. 

The researchers say the mandate will result in lower short-term fed cattle prices due to the increase in the costs of the feeder-packer cattle sale transaction. 

The report concludes that, while more price discovery and market transparency can be achieved, forcing the movement away from alternative marketing arrangements via regional mandatory minimums for negotiated purchases will result in lower cattle prices and higher wholesale and retail beef prices. 

The report comes as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association hosts its annual convention this week, focusing on what policy position the organization will take on the issue.

A new report claims negotiated trade mandates don't provide price discovery and market transparency as part of an analysis of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021. Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee requested the analysis from the Texas A&amp;M Agriculture and Food Policy Center. The report says mandated negotiated trade levels are expected to negatively affect cattle and calf prices. The researchers say the mandate will result in lower short-term fed cattle prices due to the increase in the costs of the feeder-packer cattle sale transaction. The report concludes that, while more price discovery and market transparency can be achieved, forcing the movement away from alternative marketing arrangements via regional mandatory minimums for negotiated purchases will result in lower cattle prices and higher wholesale and retail beef prices. The report comes as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association hosts its annual convention this week, focusing on what policy position the organization will take on the issue.

Texas A&M Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act analysis released

Legislation introduced Tuesday seeks to guarantee farmers the right to repair their own equipment and end current restrictions on the repair market. 

The Agriculture Right to Repair Act, authored by Montana Democrat Jon Tester, is part of his effort to break up consolidation in the agriculture industry. 

Tester says farmers “need to be able to repair their own equipment, and this legislation will secure them that right.” The legislation would require manufacturers to make available any documentation, part, software, or tool required to diagnose, maintain, or repair their equipment. 

The bill would also provide means to disable and re-enable electronic security locks for diagnostic and repair, allow for use of third-party software, and ensure parts are replaceable using commonly available tools without causing damage to the equipment. 

The bill also seeks to return data ownership to farmers, as Tester claims manufacturers currently collect and sell all the data generated by farmers

Legislation introduced Tuesday seeks to guarantee farmers the right to repair their own equipment and end current restrictions on the repair market. The Agriculture Right to Repair Act, authored by Montana Democrat Jon Tester, is part of his effort to break up consolidation in the agriculture industry. Tester says farmers “need to be able to repair their own equipment, and this legislation will secure them that right.” The legislation would require manufacturers to make available any documentation, part, software, or tool required to diagnose, maintain, or repair their equipment. The bill would also provide means to disable and re-enable electronic security locks for diagnostic and repair, allow for use of third-party software, and ensure parts are replaceable using commonly available tools without causing damage to the equipment. The bill also seeks to return data ownership to farmers, as Tester claims manufacturers currently collect and sell all the data generated by farmers

Bill allows farmers to repair own equipment

A winter storm crossing the central and Midwest states has forecasts for anywhere from a dusting to more than a foot of snow. 

Much of the lower Corn Belt is under a winter storm warning as the storm rolls through, with the possibility of blizzard warnings. 

Forecasting snowfall totals can be puzzling, but perhaps more puzzling is that this storm system has a name: Winter Storm Landon. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reserves naming storms for hurricanes only. 

Names for winter storms actually come from The Weather Channel, which drafts names for winter storm systems that meet specific criteria. 

For a name, at least one of the following must be met: National Weather Service winter storm, blizzard, or ice storm warnings covering at least a population of two million, or covering at least an area of 400,000 square kilometers. 

The Weather Channel names storms alphabetically, meaning this is the 12th named storm this winter.

A winter storm crossing the central and Midwest states has forecasts for anywhere from a dusting to more than a foot of snow. Much of the lower Corn Belt is under a winter storm warning as the storm rolls through, with the possibility of blizzard warnings. Forecasting snowfall totals can be puzzling, but perhaps more puzzling is that this storm system has a name: Winter Storm Landon. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reserves naming storms for hurricanes only. Names for winter storms actually come from The Weather Channel, which drafts names for winter storm systems that meet specific criteria. For a name, at least one of the following must be met: National Weather Service winter storm, blizzard, or ice storm warnings covering at least a population of two million, or covering at least an area of 400,000 square kilometers. The Weather Channel names storms alphabetically, meaning this is the 12th named storm this winter.

How winter storms get their name

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced plans to increase capacity at California’s Port of Oakland and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities. 

The Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Port of Oakland to set up a new 25-acre “pop-up” site to make it easier for agricultural companies to fill empty shipping containers with commodities. 

Fewer containers are available for U.S. agricultural commodities, as ocean carriers have circumvented traditional marketing channels and rushed containers back, exported empty. USDA is taking action to reduce the shipping disruptions preventing U.S. agricultural products from reaching their markets. 

Vilsack says, “This partnership with the Port of Oakland builds on our aggressive approach to addressing challenges within the supply chain.” The site will provide space to prepare empty containers beginning in early March. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dam Halstrom welcomed the announcement in a statement, saying, “improving access to containers is certainly a step in the right direction.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced plans to increase capacity at California’s Port of Oakland and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities. The Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Port of Oakland to set up a new 25-acre “pop-up” site to make it easier for agricultural companies to fill empty shipping containers with commodities. Fewer containers are available for U.S. agricultural commodities, as ocean carriers have circumvented traditional marketing channels and rushed containers back, exported empty. USDA is taking action to reduce the shipping disruptions preventing U.S. agricultural products from reaching their markets. Vilsack says, “This partnership with the Port of Oakland builds on our aggressive approach to addressing challenges within the supply chain.” The site will provide space to prepare empty containers beginning in early March. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dam Halstrom welcomed the announcement in a statement, saying, “improving access to containers is certainly a step in the right direction.”

USDA announces partnership to ease port congestion

The Department of Agriculture reports cattle numbers declined two percent in the latest inventory count. 

There were 91.9 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of January 1, 2022, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report. 

Of the 91.9 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 39.5 million. There are 30.1 million beef cows in the United States as of January 1, 2022, down two percent from last year. 

The number of milk cows in the United States decreased to 9.38 million. U.S. calf crop was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1% from 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;All cattle on feed were at 14.7 million head, up slightly from 2021. 

USDA NASS surveyed approximately 34,800 operators across the nation during the first half of January. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of January 1, 2022, and calf crop for the entire year of 2021 by internet, mail, or telephone.

The Department of Agriculture reports cattle numbers declined two percent in the latest inventory count. There were 91.9 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of January 1, 2022, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report. Of the 91.9 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 39.5 million. There are 30.1 million beef cows in the United States as of January 1, 2022, down two percent from last year. The number of milk cows in the United States decreased to 9.38 million. U.S. calf crop was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1% from 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;All cattle on feed were at 14.7 million head, up slightly from 2021. USDA NASS surveyed approximately 34,800 operators across the nation during the first half of January. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of January 1, 2022, and calf crop for the entire year of 2021 by internet, mail, or telephone.

U.S. cattle inventory down 2%

A coalition of agriculture groups seeks Senate consideration of shipping reforms. Specifically, the group hopes the Senate will consider the House-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, or similar legislation. 

Senators Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, and John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, are drafting a bill to address unreasonable ocean carrier practices. 

In a letter to lawmakers last week, the Agriculture Transportation Coalition said, “The transportation crisis for U.S. agriculture products has become increasingly dire, adding, “it is essential the Senate also pass legislation to allow US agriculture to remain viable in global markets.” 

A survey recently conducted by the coalition found that, on average, 22 percent of U.S. agriculture foreign sales could not be completed due to ocean carrier practices, including exorbitant freight rates, declined booking requests, unreasonable freight and detention charges, and failure to communicate schedules in a timely manner. The coalition letter adds, "we are losing customers in foreign markets."

A coalition of agriculture groups seeks Senate consideration of shipping reforms. Specifically, the group hopes the Senate will consider the House-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, or similar legislation. Senators Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, and John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, are drafting a bill to address unreasonable ocean carrier practices. In a letter to lawmakers last week, the Agriculture Transportation Coalition said, “The transportation crisis for U.S. agriculture products has become increasingly dire, adding, “it is essential the Senate also pass legislation to allow US agriculture to remain viable in global markets.” A survey recently conducted by the coalition found that, on average, 22 percent of U.S. agriculture foreign sales could not be completed due to ocean carrier practices, including exorbitant freight rates, declined booking requests, unreasonable freight and detention charges, and failure to communicate schedules in a timely manner. The coalition letter adds, "we are losing customers in foreign markets."

Coalition seeks Senate action on shipping reforms

Senator Shelly Capito of West Virginia and several colleagues wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan regarding the agency’s recent denial of refinery exemption petitions. 

The letter asks the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its proposed blanket denials of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The senators say it runs counter to the clear congressional intent under the Clean Air Act. 

“We are puzzled by the action EPA took in these proposals, including the unprecedented and drastic step to propose a blanket denial of all 65 outstanding small refinery hardship petitions,” the letter says, “especially at a time of increasing gas prices and several small refinery closures.” 

They also say the current proposal not only neglects the economic impacts but nullifies Congressional intent by deliberately amending the Clean Air Act which allows for small refinery exemptions for those that face disproportionate economic hardship due to RFS compliance.

Senator Shelly Capito of West Virginia and several colleagues wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan regarding the agency’s recent denial of refinery exemption petitions. The letter asks the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its proposed blanket denials of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The senators say it runs counter to the clear congressional intent under the Clean Air Act. “We are puzzled by the action EPA took in these proposals, including the unprecedented and drastic step to propose a blanket denial of all 65 outstanding small refinery hardship petitions,” the letter says, “especially at a time of increasing gas prices and several small refinery closures.” They also say the current proposal not only neglects the economic impacts but nullifies Congressional intent by deliberately amending the Clean Air Act which allows for small refinery exemptions for those that face disproportionate economic hardship due to RFS compliance.

Senators write letter to EPA on refinery exemption denials

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on finalizing proposed rolling compliance deadlines for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Ethanol groups like Growth Energy weren’t pleased with the announcement. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says delaying the compliance deadlines is completely contradictory to efforts to lower rising gas prices and increase the use of cleaner, low-carbon fuels. 

“By continuing to delay compliance deadlines, the EPA is creating uncertainty in the marketplace and stunting the blending of the biofuel needed to decarbonize transportation as the Renewable Fuel Standard intended,” Skor says. She also says it’s vital that the EPA moves forward on getting the RFS back on track. 

“EPA can start by swiftly finalizing the proposed volumes for 2022,” she adds. “Administrator Regan has emphasized time and again the need for transparency and certainty regarding the RFS. We need him to follow through on his promises to the industry and provide that certainty for biofuel producers.”

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on finalizing proposed rolling compliance deadlines for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Ethanol groups like Growth Energy weren’t pleased with the announcement. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says delaying the compliance deadlines is completely contradictory to efforts to lower rising gas prices and increase the use of cleaner, low-carbon fuels. “By continuing to delay compliance deadlines, the EPA is creating uncertainty in the marketplace and stunting the blending of the biofuel needed to decarbonize transportation as the Renewable Fuel Standard intended,” Skor says. She also says it’s vital that the EPA moves forward on getting the RFS back on track. “EPA can start by swiftly finalizing the proposed volumes for 2022,” she adds. “Administrator Regan has emphasized time and again the need for transparency and certainty regarding the RFS. We need him to follow through on his promises to the industry and provide that certainty for biofuel producers.”

EPA finalizes extension of refinery compliance deadlines

At one time, the ethanol industry appeared to have put the COVID-19 lull in the rearview mirror. Sky-high output and profit margins matched up. 

However, Reuters says demand is dropping while oil prices rise, which is leading to a record level of ethanol stocks. America’s ethanol stocks reached the lowest point in five years in December. 

However, stocks jumped more than 18 percent in the last four weeks, the biggest jump in records going back to 2010. 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s data says stocks hit 24.48 million barrels last week. The only time stocks were higher occurred between February and May of 2020. 

Output levels have been relatively normal since November after almost reaching all-time highs in October. But profit margins have been slashed dramatically in the last two months. 

Corn processing margins hit $1.80 per gallon in November, the strongest level since 2014. But last week, the margins were a few cents above zero.

At one time, the ethanol industry appeared to have put the COVID-19 lull in the rearview mirror. Sky-high output and profit margins matched up. However, Reuters says demand is dropping while oil prices rise, which is leading to a record level of ethanol stocks. America’s ethanol stocks reached the lowest point in five years in December. However, stocks jumped more than 18 percent in the last four weeks, the biggest jump in records going back to 2010. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s data says stocks hit 24.48 million barrels last week. The only time stocks were higher occurred between February and May of 2020. Output levels have been relatively normal since November after almost reaching all-time highs in October. But profit margins have been slashed dramatically in the last two months. Corn processing margins hit $1.80 per gallon in November, the strongest level since 2014. But last week, the margins were a few cents above zero.

U.S. ethanol stocks rising as demand sags

A California judge ruled that enforcing Proposition 12 regulations on whole-pork sales should be halted due to the state’s lack of rules. 

The state’s Department of Agriculture is over two years late in finalizing regulations for pork producers, and the ruling delays enforcement until 180 days after the final rules take effect. 

Successful Farming says ag groups like the American Farm Bureau and National Pork Producers Council applauded the decision. “Farm Bureau is pleased that the court recognized that California rushed the implementation of Proposition 12 without clear enforcement rules,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. 

Prop 12 bans the sale of pork from hogs that aren’t raised according to the state’s production standards. Any meat from hogs born of sows not housed in conformity with the state law can’t be sold in California, even if the animals got raised outside the state. The organizations say, for that reason, Prop 12 unconstitutionally restricts interstate commerce.

A California judge ruled that enforcing Proposition 12 regulations on whole-pork sales should be halted due to the state’s lack of rules. The state’s Department of Agriculture is over two years late in finalizing regulations for pork producers, and the ruling delays enforcement until 180 days after the final rules take effect. Successful Farming says ag groups like the American Farm Bureau and National Pork Producers Council applauded the decision. “Farm Bureau is pleased that the court recognized that California rushed the implementation of Proposition 12 without clear enforcement rules,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. Prop 12 bans the sale of pork from hogs that aren’t raised according to the state’s production standards. Any meat from hogs born of sows not housed in conformity with the state law can’t be sold in California, even if the animals got raised outside the state. The organizations say, for that reason, Prop 12 unconstitutionally restricts interstate commerce.

CA judges halts enforcement of Prop 12 on pork

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is taking another shot at higher ethanol blends. She wants the state to require gas stations to offer fuel with higher ethanol blends. 

The Des Moines Register says a more wide-reaching proposal stalled out last year after disagreements between fuel retailers, renewable fuel providers, and transportation groups. 

“Iowans deserve access to fuel that’s less expensive, cleaner-burning, and grown and made right here,” Reynold says. Her new legislation recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee after hearing objections from transportation groups and gas stations, as well as praise from renewable fuel producers. 

Despite the disagreements, key lawmakers say they’re much closer to an agreement that both sides could accept. That’s compared to the wide gap that kept the legislation from passing in 2021. Lawmakers say the work they began a year ago, spending a lot of time in meetings, and trying to build a consensus may pay off in 2022.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is taking another shot at higher ethanol blends. She wants the state to require gas stations to offer fuel with higher ethanol blends. The Des Moines Register says a more wide-reaching proposal stalled out last year after disagreements between fuel retailers, renewable fuel providers, and transportation groups. “Iowans deserve access to fuel that’s less expensive, cleaner-burning, and grown and made right here,” Reynold says. Her new legislation recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee after hearing objections from transportation groups and gas stations, as well as praise from renewable fuel producers. Despite the disagreements, key lawmakers say they’re much closer to an agreement that both sides could accept. That’s compared to the wide gap that kept the legislation from passing in 2021. Lawmakers say the work they began a year ago, spending a lot of time in meetings, and trying to build a consensus may pay off in 2022.

Iowa trying again for higher ethanol blends

An Ohio corn farmer told officials from a federal interagency working group that the Environmental Protection Agency should look to farmers as it works to mitigate pesticide issues. 

“We respect the EPA’s responsibility to protect the environment, including endangered species,” said Patty Mann, a farmer from Jackson Center, Ohio. 

“We ask that the agency work closely with growers, the ones who often know the land the best, in developing and enacting mitigation measures.” 

Mann’s remarks came before the IWG, which is made up of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, and the EPA. 

Mann cautioned the officials against making a one-size-fits-all approach to the mitigation efforts. “The EPA must understand the real-world, on-farm implications of mitigation measures,” she says. 

“Every farm and landscape has its differences, so you must give some flexibility for the success of both farmers and the at-risk species.” &nbsp;

An Ohio corn farmer told officials from a federal interagency working group that the Environmental Protection Agency should look to farmers as it works to mitigate pesticide issues. “We respect the EPA’s responsibility to protect the environment, including endangered species,” said Patty Mann, a farmer from Jackson Center, Ohio. “We ask that the agency work closely with growers, the ones who often know the land the best, in developing and enacting mitigation measures.” Mann’s remarks came before the IWG, which is made up of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, and the EPA. Mann cautioned the officials against making a one-size-fits-all approach to the mitigation efforts. “The EPA must understand the real-world, on-farm implications of mitigation measures,” she says. “Every farm and landscape has its differences, so you must give some flexibility for the success of both farmers and the at-risk species.” &nbsp;

Farmers are the real key to environmental mitigation work

USDA’s Economic Research Service says the impact of COVID-19 on processing rates was short-lived in the largest pork-producing region. 

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska compose the largest hog processing region in the United States, where more than 40 percent of all U.S. hogs are processed. 

The region is also home to more large and medium-sized processing plants than other regions. In the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, March-May 2020, the region experienced a 40 percent decline in hog slaughter compared with rates during the same period in 2019. 

Labor shortages attributed to COVID-19 infections among workers resulted in slow production and temporary shutdowns at large processing plants for about ten weeks. 

However, when looking at hog slaughter and reported COVID-19 cases for the entire year, slaughter increased even as cases of infection also increased. From June 2020 through the end of December 2020, weekly slaughter rates were generally on par with 2019 levels.

USDA’s Economic Research Service says the impact of COVID-19 on processing rates was short-lived in the largest pork-producing region. Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska compose the largest hog processing region in the United States, where more than 40 percent of all U.S. hogs are processed. The region is also home to more large and medium-sized processing plants than other regions. In the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, March-May 2020, the region experienced a 40 percent decline in hog slaughter compared with rates during the same period in 2019. Labor shortages attributed to COVID-19 infections among workers resulted in slow production and temporary shutdowns at large processing plants for about ten weeks. However, when looking at hog slaughter and reported COVID-19 cases for the entire year, slaughter increased even as cases of infection also increased. From June 2020 through the end of December 2020, weekly slaughter rates were generally on par with 2019 levels.

USDA: COVID-19 impact on pork processing short-lived

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced a $1 billion investment to improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. 

USDA says the infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and building sound infrastructure for people living in rural communities. 

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh says, “These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities.” 

Bronaugh highlighted 731 projects that USDA is making in five programs that will fund essential community services. These programs include Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Technical Assistance Training Grants, Community Facilities Disaster Grants, and Economic Impact Initiative Grants. 

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced a $1 billion investment to improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. USDA says the infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and building sound infrastructure for people living in rural communities. USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh says, “These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities.” Bronaugh highlighted 731 projects that USDA is making in five programs that will fund essential community services. These programs include Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Technical Assistance Training Grants, Community Facilities Disaster Grants, and Economic Impact Initiative Grants. More than 100 types of projects are eligible for funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.

USDA invests $1 billion to improve community infrastructure in rural towns

The Department of Agriculture will conduct the first-ever National Agroforestry Survey. 

The National Agricultural Statistics Service is mailing the survey to 11,000 farmers and ranchers next week to gather information on agroforestry practices used for climate, conservation and production. 

NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Joe Parsons says, "The results of this survey could catalyze important change by helping policymakers and farm groups more fully understand and support this aspect of agriculture." 

The survey is conducted cooperatively with the USDA National Agroforestry Center, a partnership between USDA's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

The center will release the data in studies and publications. Highlights will give an overview of how agroforestry practices are used in regions across the United States. 

Producers can respond to the survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. The survey will take no longer than 50 minutes to complete if producers have all five agroforestry practices on their operations.

The Department of Agriculture will conduct the first-ever National Agroforestry Survey. The National Agricultural Statistics Service is mailing the survey to 11,000 farmers and ranchers next week to gather information on agroforestry practices used for climate, conservation and production. NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Joe Parsons says, "The results of this survey could catalyze important change by helping policymakers and farm groups more fully understand and support this aspect of agriculture." The survey is conducted cooperatively with the USDA National Agroforestry Center, a partnership between USDA's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. The center will release the data in studies and publications. Highlights will give an overview of how agroforestry practices are used in regions across the United States. Producers can respond to the survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. The survey will take no longer than 50 minutes to complete if producers have all five agroforestry practices on their operations.

USDA to conduct first-ever National Agroforestry Survey

The International Dairy Foods Association, the Port of Los Angeles, and CMA CGM, a French shipping and logistics company, have formed the Dairy Exports Working Group. 

It will work to identify and address supply chain issues hampering U.S. dairy product exports. The announcement was made at the Dairy Forum, which is the annual IDFA conference. 

The groups will focus their efforts on West Coast ports, which is where most U.S. dairy products leave the country. The Hagstrom Report says they’ll also look at ways to streamline shipping from the nation’s midsection to the West Coast. 

“U.S. dairy exports reached a near-record $6.4 billion in 2020 and continued at a strong pace in 2021 because of high demand,” says Michael Dykes, IDEFA President. “That total could be much higher with more reliability and predictability in the supply chain.” The CMA CGM Group promised to offer more empty containers to U.S. exporters to help speed up shipping efforts.

The International Dairy Foods Association, the Port of Los Angeles, and CMA CGM, a French shipping and logistics company, have formed the Dairy Exports Working Group. It will work to identify and address supply chain issues hampering U.S. dairy product exports. The announcement was made at the Dairy Forum, which is the annual IDFA conference. The groups will focus their efforts on West Coast ports, which is where most U.S. dairy products leave the country. The Hagstrom Report says they’ll also look at ways to streamline shipping from the nation’s midsection to the West Coast. “U.S. dairy exports reached a near-record $6.4 billion in 2020 and continued at a strong pace in 2021 because of high demand,” says Michael Dykes, IDEFA President. “That total could be much higher with more reliability and predictability in the supply chain.” The CMA CGM Group promised to offer more empty containers to U.S. exporters to help speed up shipping efforts.

Groups come together to work on supply chain issues

Officials in Washington, D.C., are gearing up to debate reauthorizing the next farm bill in 2023. One group of grower-leaders intends to be a valuable resource for both corn growers and policymakers. 

The Risk Management and Transportation Action Team is a group that oversees much of the National Corn Growers Association’s public policy work on transportation, the farm safety net, and federal taxes. 

That group intends to play an active role in preparing NCGA for the 2023 Farm Bill. “We will be spending time evaluating the current farm bill commodity and crop insurance programs, supporting strong risk-management tools, and looking for areas of improvement,” says team chair Bill Leigh. 

“The work to protect key tax provisions never stops in Washington.” The current estate and gift tax exemptions will automatically lower in several years unless addressed by Congress. The Action Team will continue working to protect important tax provisions while the farm bill debate takes place in Washington.

Officials in Washington, D.C., are gearing up to debate reauthorizing the next farm bill in 2023. One group of grower-leaders intends to be a valuable resource for both corn growers and policymakers. The Risk Management and Transportation Action Team is a group that oversees much of the National Corn Growers Association’s public policy work on transportation, the farm safety net, and federal taxes. That group intends to play an active role in preparing NCGA for the 2023 Farm Bill. “We will be spending time evaluating the current farm bill commodity and crop insurance programs, supporting strong risk-management tools, and looking for areas of improvement,” says team chair Bill Leigh. “The work to protect key tax provisions never stops in Washington.” The current estate and gift tax exemptions will automatically lower in several years unless addressed by Congress. The Action Team will continue working to protect important tax provisions while the farm bill debate takes place in Washington.

Ag groups ready to help with developing new farm bill

The Swine Health Information Center started a coalition to study ideal methods for cleaning and disinfecting feed mills following a potential African Swine Fever Outbreak. 

Other organizations include the Institute for Feed Education and Research, the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, and the United Soybean Board. 

“SHIC continues to look into all the ways diseases can get into and spread throughout the country,” says Executive Director Paul Sundberg. 

“It’s not just to identify pathways but to do something about them with this kind of research.” He also says that once the ASF virus gets into a feed mill, it will stay there for a long time, meaning the work is essential to address the risk to the U.S. swineherd. 

The project will examine the optimal methods for disinfecting feed mills, paying close attention to feed manufacturing equipment that’s not designed for disinfection. “Again, this work is essential to protecting the swineherd,” he adds.

The Swine Health Information Center started a coalition to study ideal methods for cleaning and disinfecting feed mills following a potential African Swine Fever Outbreak. Other organizations include the Institute for Feed Education and Research, the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, and the United Soybean Board. “SHIC continues to look into all the ways diseases can get into and spread throughout the country,” says Executive Director Paul Sundberg. “It’s not just to identify pathways but to do something about them with this kind of research.” He also says that once the ASF virus gets into a feed mill, it will stay there for a long time, meaning the work is essential to address the risk to the U.S. swineherd. The project will examine the optimal methods for disinfecting feed mills, paying close attention to feed manufacturing equipment that’s not designed for disinfection. “Again, this work is essential to protecting the swineherd,” he adds.

Coalition to study decontamination in the event of an ASF outbreak

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says a federal vaccine mandate on non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. will lead to more supply chain issues.

 Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced enforcement of the vaccine requirement, which includes essential workers, traveling to the United States. Duvall says Farm Bureau is concerned that the decision “will limit agriculture’s ability to grow safe and nutritious food.”

 Farm Bureau says DHS failed to provide proper notice of the mandate, which gives farmers, ranchers and agriculture suppliers no time to prepare. Farmworkers and truck drivers provide critical skills and have been designated as essential by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. 

Duvall adds that further limiting the available workforce will exacerbate existing supply chain issues as families face rising prices and fewer options at the grocery store. The Homeland Security Department says the travel restriction will remain in place until April 21, 2022.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says a federal vaccine mandate on non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. will lead to more supply chain issues. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced enforcement of the vaccine requirement, which includes essential workers, traveling to the United States. Duvall says Farm Bureau is concerned that the decision “will limit agriculture’s ability to grow safe and nutritious food.” Farm Bureau says DHS failed to provide proper notice of the mandate, which gives farmers, ranchers and agriculture suppliers no time to prepare. Farmworkers and truck drivers provide critical skills and have been designated as essential by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Duvall adds that further limiting the available workforce will exacerbate existing supply chain issues as families face rising prices and fewer options at the grocery store. The Homeland Security Department says the travel restriction will remain in place until April 21, 2022.

AFBF: Vaccine mandate will lead to more supply chain troubles

A survey from Farm Futures shows fertilizer prices are changing planting intentions. 

The January 2022 Farm Futures survey found that high input costs will drive U.S. growers to plant fewer corn acres in 2022 in favor of other crops with less expensive production costs. Some 93 percent of growers expect high input costs this year to slash profits. The survey results put Farm Futures 2022 projected corn acreage at 90.4 million acres and soybean acres at 92.4 million acres. 

The last and only time soybean acreage surpassed corn was in 2018, when 296,000 more acres of soybeans than corn were planted. Double crop winter wheat and soybean rotations have likely already consumed many of those corn acres, according to Farm Futures, which projects winter wheat acreage at 35.2 million acres. 

USDA releases its first look at 2022 acreage estimates Thursday, March 31, 2022. Farm Futures will conduct another grower survey ahead of the Prospective Plantings.

A survey from Farm Futures shows fertilizer prices are changing planting intentions. The January 2022 Farm Futures survey found that high input costs will drive U.S. growers to plant fewer corn acres in 2022 in favor of other crops with less expensive production costs. Some 93 percent of growers expect high input costs this year to slash profits. The survey results put Farm Futures 2022 projected corn acreage at 90.4 million acres and soybean acres at 92.4 million acres. The last and only time soybean acreage surpassed corn was in 2018, when 296,000 more acres of soybeans than corn were planted. Double crop winter wheat and soybean rotations have likely already consumed many of those corn acres, according to Farm Futures, which projects winter wheat acreage at 35.2 million acres. USDA releases its first look at 2022 acreage estimates Thursday, March 31, 2022. Farm Futures will conduct another grower survey ahead of the Prospective Plantings.

Farm Futures Survey: More soybean acres than corn this year

New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows retaliatory tariffs reduced U.S. ag exports annually by $13.2 billion. 

Specifically, the research points to six trading partners, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Mexico, and Turkey, that announced retaliatory tariffs affecting agriculture and food products in 2018. The retaliatory tariffs followed U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from major trading partners and on a broad range of imports from China. 

The agricultural products targeted for retaliation were valued at $30.4 billion in 2017, with individual product lines experiencing tariff increases ranging from two to 140 percent. USDA estimates annualized losses from mid-2018 through the end of 2019 totaled $13.2 billion across 17 commodity groups, led by soybeans, sorghum, and pork. 

While retaliatory tariffs affected all states, the Midwest experienced the largest losses. ERS researchers estimated Iowa lost $1.46 billion, Illinois, $1.41 billion, and Kansas, $955 million, all on an annualized basis.

New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows retaliatory tariffs reduced U.S. ag exports annually by $13.2 billion. Specifically, the research points to six trading partners, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Mexico, and Turkey, that announced retaliatory tariffs affecting agriculture and food products in 2018. The retaliatory tariffs followed U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from major trading partners and on a broad range of imports from China. The agricultural products targeted for retaliation were valued at $30.4 billion in 2017, with individual product lines experiencing tariff increases ranging from two to 140 percent. USDA estimates annualized losses from mid-2018 through the end of 2019 totaled $13.2 billion across 17 commodity groups, led by soybeans, sorghum, and pork. While retaliatory tariffs affected all states, the Midwest experienced the largest losses. ERS researchers estimated Iowa lost $1.46 billion, Illinois, $1.41 billion, and Kansas, $955 million, all on an annualized basis.

Retaliatory tariffs reduced U.S. ag exports annually by $13.2 Billion

One of Iowa’s most plentiful resources is corn stover. 

The Iowa State Extension website says that stover is now being used to create renewable natural gas that heats Iowa homes and businesses. The Verbio North America Plant in Nevada, Iowa, has been converting chopped corn stalks into natural gas since December 7. Once converted, the natural gas enters an Alliant Energy pipeline that traverses central Iowa. 

Using anaerobic digestion, eight large digesters combine the corn stover with the bacteria of livestock manure, which results in the conversion of corn residue into biomethane gas that’s equivalent to the natural gas found in fossil fuels. The plant is in its early stages and plans to expand in the next several months, and the goal of the expansion is to provide enough renewable gas to heat up to 5,000 homes.

 Iowa produces the most corn in the United States, and the stover is what’s left behind on the ground after harvest.

One of Iowa’s most plentiful resources is corn stover. The Iowa State Extension website says that stover is now being used to create renewable natural gas that heats Iowa homes and businesses. The Verbio North America Plant in Nevada, Iowa, has been converting chopped corn stalks into natural gas since December 7. Once converted, the natural gas enters an Alliant Energy pipeline that traverses central Iowa. Using anaerobic digestion, eight large digesters combine the corn stover with the bacteria of livestock manure, which results in the conversion of corn residue into biomethane gas that’s equivalent to the natural gas found in fossil fuels. The plant is in its early stages and plans to expand in the next several months, and the goal of the expansion is to provide enough renewable gas to heat up to 5,000 homes. Iowa produces the most corn in the United States, and the stover is what’s left behind on the ground after harvest.

Iowa Plant converting Corn Stover to Natural Gas

China wound up $16 billion short of achieving its obligations under the Phase One Trade Deal with the U.S. 

A DTN report says the Biden administration is looking for ways to keep China buying agricultural products. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack told the House Ag Committee that the administration is “putting them on notice that we want them to live up to the agreement.” The secretary told committee members that the U.S. has unfinished business when talking about the two-year trade deal which ended on January 1. 

Vilsack says China committed to buying $40 billion a year in ag products in 2020 and 2021. The Asian nation missed the goal by $13 billion in 2020 ($27 billion) and missed the goal by $3 billion ($37 billion) in 2021. Vilsack also says China didn’t yet revise its import rules for crop biotechnology approvals, dried distillers’ grains, ethanol purchases, and many other already agreed-on obligations.

China wound up $16 billion short of achieving its obligations under the Phase One Trade Deal with the U.S. A DTN report says the Biden administration is looking for ways to keep China buying agricultural products. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack told the House Ag Committee that the administration is “putting them on notice that we want them to live up to the agreement.” The secretary told committee members that the U.S. has unfinished business when talking about the two-year trade deal which ended on January 1. Vilsack says China committed to buying $40 billion a year in ag products in 2020 and 2021. The Asian nation missed the goal by $13 billion in 2020 ($27 billion) and missed the goal by $3 billion ($37 billion) in 2021. Vilsack also says China didn’t yet revise its import rules for crop biotechnology approvals, dried distillers’ grains, ethanol purchases, and many other already agreed-on obligations.

China didn’t meet Phase One commitment

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke before the House Agriculture Committee last week and brought up the next farm bill. 

The Hagstrom Report says he wants the committee to use the next bill to help him move rural America from an “extractive economy” to a “circular economy.” He says a circular economy is one where the wealth stays as the opportunity and jobs are all created in rural areas. 

Some of the many ways to move rural communities into a circular economy include increasing processing capacity in rural America, encouraging biobased manufacturing, and finding ways to convert agricultural waste into renewable energy and fuel. 

“Lagoons of animal waste will become a thing of the past when that waste gets converted to energy,” he says. House Ag Chair David Scott of Georgia said during the hearing that after the next congressional break, the committee will then begin working on the 2023 Farm Bill.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke before the House Agriculture Committee last week and brought up the next farm bill. The Hagstrom Report says he wants the committee to use the next bill to help him move rural America from an “extractive economy” to a “circular economy.” He says a circular economy is one where the wealth stays as the opportunity and jobs are all created in rural areas. Some of the many ways to move rural communities into a circular economy include increasing processing capacity in rural America, encouraging biobased manufacturing, and finding ways to convert agricultural waste into renewable energy and fuel. “Lagoons of animal waste will become a thing of the past when that waste gets converted to energy,” he says. House Ag Chair David Scott of Georgia said during the hearing that after the next congressional break, the committee will then begin working on the 2023 Farm Bill.

Vilsack already thinking about next Farm Bill

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investing $829.1 million in investments for modernizing locks and dams along the Mississippi River. 

The funding was made available through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act. “Our agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping industries rely on a functioning and efficient lock and dam system along the Mississippi River to move goods,” says Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. The long-time Iowa senator was one of 19 Republicans to back the bipartisan infrastructure bill. 

The funds will help modernize and expand seven outdated locks at the most congested locations along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The Upper Mississippi River System transports more than 60 percent of America’s corn and soybeans. Enhancing the reliability and capacity of the seven highest-use and most-delayed locks will ensure an environmentally-conscious and safe method for transporting bulk commodities continues well into the next generation. 

Two billion dollars will go toward ecosystem restoration.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investing $829.1 million in investments for modernizing locks and dams along the Mississippi River. The funding was made available through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act. “Our agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping industries rely on a functioning and efficient lock and dam system along the Mississippi River to move goods,” says Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. The long-time Iowa senator was one of 19 Republicans to back the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The funds will help modernize and expand seven outdated locks at the most congested locations along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The Upper Mississippi River System transports more than 60 percent of America’s corn and soybeans. Enhancing the reliability and capacity of the seven highest-use and most-delayed locks will ensure an environmentally-conscious and safe method for transporting bulk commodities continues well into the next generation. Two billion dollars will go toward ecosystem restoration.