A federal district court ruling striking down faster harvest facility inspection speeds takes effect today. The Biden administration has until the end of August to file an appeal, as requested by the National Pork Producers Council. 

NPPC says the ruling will quickly lead to increased pork industry concentration and packer market power, and seeks waivers for the impacted plants until a longer-term solution, acceptable to all industry stakeholders, is achieved. 

Iowa State University Research shows the ruling eliminates 2.5 percent of pork packing plant capacity nationwide and will result in $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers this year alone. 

NPPC President Jen Sorenson states, “NPPC continues to urge the administration to appeal before the ruling inflicts irreversible damage to small hog farmers and seismic changes to our entire sector.” Last week, more than 70 lawmakers sent letters asking Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Acting Solicitor General Prelogar to appeal the court decision.

A federal district court ruling striking down faster harvest facility inspection speeds takes effect today. The Biden administration has until the end of August to file an appeal, as requested by the National Pork Producers Council. NPPC says the ruling will quickly lead to increased pork industry concentration and packer market power, and seeks waivers for the impacted plants until a longer-term solution, acceptable to all industry stakeholders, is achieved. Iowa State University Research shows the ruling eliminates 2.5 percent of pork packing plant capacity nationwide and will result in $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers this year alone. NPPC President Jen Sorenson states, “NPPC continues to urge the administration to appeal before the ruling inflicts irreversible damage to small hog farmers and seismic changes to our entire sector.” Last week, more than 70 lawmakers sent letters asking Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Acting Solicitor General Prelogar to appeal the court decision.

NPPC urges administration to appeal line speed court ruling before deadline

U.S. consumers will pay just a few cents less for their favorite Independence Day cookout foods compared to last year, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream. 

The American Farm Bureau Federation reveals the average cost of a summer cookout for ten people remains affordable at $59.50, or less than $6 per person. The cost for the cookout is down 16 cents, less than one percent, from last year, but eight percent higher compared to 2019. 

The largest year-to-year price increase was for strawberries. Survey results showed two pints of strawberries at $5.30, up 22 percent from last year, due to strong demand and the effects of several weather events, including severe rain, hail and high winds that caused significant setbacks to the harvest early in 2021. 

AFBF's summer cookout menu consists of cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, pork &amp; beans, strawberries, potato chips and fresh-squeezed lemonade with ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

U.S. consumers will pay just a few cents less for their favorite Independence Day cookout foods compared to last year, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream. The American Farm Bureau Federation reveals the average cost of a summer cookout for ten people remains affordable at $59.50, or less than $6 per person. The cost for the cookout is down 16 cents, less than one percent, from last year, but eight percent higher compared to 2019. The largest year-to-year price increase was for strawberries. Survey results showed two pints of strawberries at $5.30, up 22 percent from last year, due to strong demand and the effects of several weather events, including severe rain, hail and high winds that caused significant setbacks to the harvest early in 2021. AFBF's summer cookout menu consists of cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, pork &amp; beans, strawberries, potato chips and fresh-squeezed lemonade with ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

July 4th cookout cost stable compared to year ago

COVID-19 shockwaves could create a round of trouble for the coffee industry, according to Purdue University. Starting in the 2011-12 growing season, a powdery orange fungus called coffee leaf rust spread throughout Latin America and Central America, damaging crops on 70 percent of farms and causing more than $3.2 billion in damage. 

Coffee crop management programs helped growers mitigate the fungus. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic caused reduced management, and closed borders, limiting or eliminating movement of migrant workers essential for coffee harvests in Latin America and Central America. 

Without crops being harvested, profits fall further, and the feedback loop intensifies. Without efforts to eradicate coffee leaf rust, global coffee supplies could dwindle, making a cup of coffee more costly. 

Researchers suggest a number of measures that could help with rust issues, including sourcing coffee from more areas, including those not as severely impacted by the fungus and diversifying farms and livelihoods of coffee farmers.

COVID-19 shockwaves could create a round of trouble for the coffee industry, according to Purdue University. Starting in the 2011-12 growing season, a powdery orange fungus called coffee leaf rust spread throughout Latin America and Central America, damaging crops on 70 percent of farms and causing more than $3.2 billion in damage. Coffee crop management programs helped growers mitigate the fungus. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic caused reduced management, and closed borders, limiting or eliminating movement of migrant workers essential for coffee harvests in Latin America and Central America. Without crops being harvested, profits fall further, and the feedback loop intensifies. Without efforts to eradicate coffee leaf rust, global coffee supplies could dwindle, making a cup of coffee more costly. Researchers suggest a number of measures that could help with rust issues, including sourcing coffee from more areas, including those not as severely impacted by the fungus and diversifying farms and livelihoods of coffee farmers.

Next COVID casualty could be coffee

Top Republican leaders in the House of Representatives warn that the Environmental Protection Agency may be returning to the Obama-era Waters of the United States definition. 

In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced Friday, the members outlined their concerns regarding the intention to rewrite the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. 

The Members wrote, “With all the other crises confronting our nation it makes little sense to unravel a final rule that has taken decades of Agency action, litigation, and legislation to settle.” 

They urged the EPA and Army Corps not to ignore the input of the general public, small businesses, Federal and state agencies, and the rest of the regulated community to create another rule that provides less regulatory certainty for the involved stakeholders. 

Representatives David Rouzer, Glenn GT Thompson, Kevin McCarthy, Sam Graves and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, along with Bruce Westerman and Blaine Luetkemeyer and others, signed the letter.

Top Republican leaders in the House of Representatives warn that the Environmental Protection Agency may be returning to the Obama-era Waters of the United States definition. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced Friday, the members outlined their concerns regarding the intention to rewrite the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The Members wrote, “With all the other crises confronting our nation it makes little sense to unravel a final rule that has taken decades of Agency action, litigation, and legislation to settle.” They urged the EPA and Army Corps not to ignore the input of the general public, small businesses, Federal and state agencies, and the rest of the regulated community to create another rule that provides less regulatory certainty for the involved stakeholders. Representatives David Rouzer, Glenn GT Thompson, Kevin McCarthy, Sam Graves and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, along with Bruce Westerman and Blaine Luetkemeyer and others, signed the letter.

House Republicans sound alarm on plan to rewrite Navigable Waters Protection Rule

Chinese officials announced Monday a plan to buy pork for state reserves to support prices, which rebounded sharply after reaching a two-year low recently. 

Hog prices in China, the world's top pork-producing nation, plunged 65 percent in the first half of 2021 as disease outbreaks triggered panic selling, according to Reuters. 

China reports average weekly prices entered an “excessive decline” last week. However, China does not disclose how much pork is in state reserves or how much new purchases will total. 

A Rabobank analyst told Reuters, "Since the frozen pork inventory is probably already high due to strong imports in the previous months, I don't think they'll buy too much." 

China last made pork purchases in February and March of 2019, totaling 200,000 metric tons. So far in 2021, China has imported nearly two million metric tons of pork, up 13.7 percent. The purchases followed a record 4.4 million metric tons last year.

Chinese officials announced Monday a plan to buy pork for state reserves to support prices, which rebounded sharply after reaching a two-year low recently. Hog prices in China, the world's top pork-producing nation, plunged 65 percent in the first half of 2021 as disease outbreaks triggered panic selling, according to Reuters. China reports average weekly prices entered an “excessive decline” last week. However, China does not disclose how much pork is in state reserves or how much new purchases will total. A Rabobank analyst told Reuters, "Since the frozen pork inventory is probably already high due to strong imports in the previous months, I don't think they'll buy too much." China last made pork purchases in February and March of 2019, totaling 200,000 metric tons. So far in 2021, China has imported nearly two million metric tons of pork, up 13.7 percent. The purchases followed a record 4.4 million metric tons last year.

China plans pork purchases for state reserves

The U.S. Supreme Court Monday denied a petition to review California’s Proposition 12. The denial was included in a batch of announcements by the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the North American Meat Institute supported its petition, stating the law “provides no benefit to consumers and increases breeding sow mortality.” 

The Meat Institute file the petition in February, challenging the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12: The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative. 

In March, 20 state attorneys general filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting the petition. The California law establishes minimum space requirements based on square feet for calves raised for veal, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens and bans the sale of animals confined to areas below minimum square-feet requirements. 

The primary issue raised by NAMI and states is that the law extends to producers located outside of California, imposing "crushing burdens on out-of-state farmers and producers who have no political voice to shape the regulations.”

The U.S. Supreme Court Monday denied a petition to review California’s Proposition 12. The denial was included in a batch of announcements by the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the North American Meat Institute supported its petition, stating the law “provides no benefit to consumers and increases breeding sow mortality.” The Meat Institute file the petition in February, challenging the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12: The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative. In March, 20 state attorneys general filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting the petition. The California law establishes minimum space requirements based on square feet for calves raised for veal, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens and bans the sale of animals confined to areas below minimum square-feet requirements. The primary issue raised by NAMI and states is that the law extends to producers located outside of California, imposing "crushing burdens on out-of-state farmers and producers who have no political voice to shape the regulations.”

Supreme Court rejects petition against California Prop 12

The top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee opposes the Growing Climate Solutions Act passed by the Senate last week. Representative Glen GT Thompson, a Republican from Pennsylvania, says the bill is a “big-government solution in search of a problem.” 

The Senate passed the bill last week, with support from many agriculture groups. However, Thompson says, “The consequences of government intrusion into voluntary carbon markets have not been adequately explored and Congress should continue educating itself and vetting these issues before legislating.” 

However, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow called the bill a “win-win for farmers.” The legislation proposes a certification program at USDA to mitigate technical entry barriers to farmer and forest landowner participation in carbon credit markets. 

The bill also creates an online resource for farmers looking to connect with experts and establishes an Advisory Council to provide input to USDA and ensure the program remains effective and works for farmers.

The top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee opposes the Growing Climate Solutions Act passed by the Senate last week. Representative Glen GT Thompson, a Republican from Pennsylvania, says the bill is a “big-government solution in search of a problem.” The Senate passed the bill last week, with support from many agriculture groups. However, Thompson says, “The consequences of government intrusion into voluntary carbon markets have not been adequately explored and Congress should continue educating itself and vetting these issues before legislating.” However, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow called the bill a “win-win for farmers.” The legislation proposes a certification program at USDA to mitigate technical entry barriers to farmer and forest landowner participation in carbon credit markets. The bill also creates an online resource for farmers looking to connect with experts and establishes an Advisory Council to provide input to USDA and ensure the program remains effective and works for farmers.

Top House Ag Republican opposes Growing Climate Solutions Act

A Supreme Court ruling Friday left the biofuels industry disappointed. The Supreme Court overturned a 2020 appellate court ruling that struck down three small refinery exemptions granted by previous Environmental Protection Agency administrators. 

However, because certain elements of the appellate court ruling were left unchallenged and were not reviewed by the Supreme Court, the groups remain optimistic that the Biden administration will discontinue the past administration’s “flagrant abuse” of the refinery exemption program. 

A coalition, including the Renewable Fuels Association, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, and the American Coalition for Ethanol, responded, “we will not stop fighting for America’s farmers and renewable fuel producers.” 

The decision stems from a May 2018 challenge brought against EPA in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit by the coalition. The petitioners argued that the small refinery exemptions were granted in direct contradiction to the statutory text and purpose of the RFS.

A Supreme Court ruling Friday left the biofuels industry disappointed. The Supreme Court overturned a 2020 appellate court ruling that struck down three small refinery exemptions granted by previous Environmental Protection Agency administrators. However, because certain elements of the appellate court ruling were left unchallenged and were not reviewed by the Supreme Court, the groups remain optimistic that the Biden administration will discontinue the past administration’s “flagrant abuse” of the refinery exemption program. A coalition, including the Renewable Fuels Association, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, and the American Coalition for Ethanol, responded, “we will not stop fighting for America’s farmers and renewable fuel producers.” The decision stems from a May 2018 challenge brought against EPA in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit by the coalition. The petitioners argued that the small refinery exemptions were granted in direct contradiction to the statutory text and purpose of the RFS.

Supreme Court delivers blow to ethanol industry

More than 70 lawmakers late last week asked the Department of Agriculture to stop a recent court order the National Pork Producers Council says will cause harm to hog farmers. Lawmakers made the request in a letter led by Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Minnesota Republican Representative Jim Hagedorn. 

The letters call on the Biden administration to appeal a recent federal district court ruling striking down pork harvest facility line speeds allowed under USDA New Swine Inspection System. 

NPPC claims the order will lead to pork industry concentration and increased market power for plant operators at the expense of small hog farmers. 

NPPC President Jen Sorenson states, “While the administration can appeal the court’s decision until the end of August, the damage to U.S. pork producers will be immediate.” Pork Industry Economist Steve Meyer says the order “reduces competition because the impacted plants will process fewer hogs, leaving more pigs available to other packers.”

More than 70 lawmakers late last week asked the Department of Agriculture to stop a recent court order the National Pork Producers Council says will cause harm to hog farmers. Lawmakers made the request in a letter led by Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Minnesota Republican Representative Jim Hagedorn. The letters call on the Biden administration to appeal a recent federal district court ruling striking down pork harvest facility line speeds allowed under USDA New Swine Inspection System. NPPC claims the order will lead to pork industry concentration and increased market power for plant operators at the expense of small hog farmers. NPPC President Jen Sorenson states, “While the administration can appeal the court’s decision until the end of August, the damage to U.S. pork producers will be immediate.” Pork Industry Economist Steve Meyer says the order “reduces competition because the impacted plants will process fewer hogs, leaving more pigs available to other packers.”

Lawmakers ask Biden Administration to help hog farmers

Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service Thursday announced a new experimental vaccine to protect cattle from the bacterium that causes Johne’s disease. The disease is a chronic intestinal disorder that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, poor health and sometimes death in cattle. 

In the United States, Johne’s disease is most prevalent in dairy herds, costing the industry more than $220 million annually. Researchers created a so-called cocktail of four proteins from the bacteria to create the vaccine. 

Encouraged by test results with mice, the researchers scaled up their efforts to produce the four proteins and combine them into a single vaccine "cocktail" that could be administered to calves. 

Trials with dairy calves indicate the vaccine did not disappoint, rendering the young animals immune to the disease over the course of a year of monitoring. The researchers note the need for additional efficacy trials and welcome collaboration with an industry partner to further explore the patented vaccine cocktail's commercial potential.&nbsp;

Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service Thursday announced a new experimental vaccine to protect cattle from the bacterium that causes Johne’s disease. The disease is a chronic intestinal disorder that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, poor health and sometimes death in cattle. In the United States, Johne’s disease is most prevalent in dairy herds, costing the industry more than $220 million annually. Researchers created a so-called cocktail of four proteins from the bacteria to create the vaccine. Encouraged by test results with mice, the researchers scaled up their efforts to produce the four proteins and combine them into a single vaccine "cocktail" that could be administered to calves. Trials with dairy calves indicate the vaccine did not disappoint, rendering the young animals immune to the disease over the course of a year of monitoring. The researchers note the need for additional efficacy trials and welcome collaboration with an industry partner to further explore the patented vaccine cocktail's commercial potential.&nbsp;

Experimental vaccine protect cattle from Johne’s Disease

Agriculture groups responded favorably to the Senate passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act Thursday. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “We appreciate lawmakers putting aside their differences to work on bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing farmers and ranchers.” 

The legislation is supported by more than 75 agriculture, food, forestry and environmental groups that are part of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AFBF says the legislation provides clarity and guidance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in voluntary participation in private carbon credit markets. 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says of the legislation, “It will be no small task to curtail this existential threat – but by leveraging the full potential of every sector, including agriculture, we have the ability to protect our planet.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose calls the bill an “important step” to developing a voluntary, market-based system for carbon markets.

Agriculture groups responded favorably to the Senate passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act Thursday. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “We appreciate lawmakers putting aside their differences to work on bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing farmers and ranchers.” The legislation is supported by more than 75 agriculture, food, forestry and environmental groups that are part of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;AFBF says the legislation provides clarity and guidance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in voluntary participation in private carbon credit markets. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says of the legislation, “It will be no small task to curtail this existential threat – but by leveraging the full potential of every sector, including agriculture, we have the ability to protect our planet.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose calls the bill an “important step” to developing a voluntary, market-based system for carbon markets.

Ag groups welcome senate passage of GSCA

Agricultural debt at commercial banks continued to decline in the first quarter of 2021, and farm loan performance improved. The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank this week released the data that shows both real estate and production loans decreased, reducing farm debt by more than five percent from a year ago. 

The reduction in agricultural loan balances was less pronounced among banks most concentrated in agriculture, driven by modest growth in real estate debt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Delinquency rates on farm debt dropped notably from a year ago and, alongside strong earnings, profitability at agricultural banks improved from the end of last year. 

The outlook for agriculture remains strong heading into the summer months. However, increases in production costs and persistent drought in many regions lingered as concerns. 

And profitability for cattle producers remained narrow. Overall, strength in aggregate conditions and lasting support of government aid and lending programs have continued to limit increases in farm debt and ease agricultural credit stress.

Agricultural debt at commercial banks continued to decline in the first quarter of 2021, and farm loan performance improved. The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank this week released the data that shows both real estate and production loans decreased, reducing farm debt by more than five percent from a year ago. The reduction in agricultural loan balances was less pronounced among banks most concentrated in agriculture, driven by modest growth in real estate debt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Delinquency rates on farm debt dropped notably from a year ago and, alongside strong earnings, profitability at agricultural banks improved from the end of last year. The outlook for agriculture remains strong heading into the summer months. However, increases in production costs and persistent drought in many regions lingered as concerns. And profitability for cattle producers remained narrow. Overall, strength in aggregate conditions and lasting support of government aid and lending programs have continued to limit increases in farm debt and ease agricultural credit stress.

Farm debt declines further and credit stress eases

Senate Republicans from Iowa, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Indiana's Mike Braun introduced the Define WOTUS Act this week. The bill legislatively defines "waters of the United States," and makes a definition of the term permanent. 

Grassley and Ernst recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to express concerns over the Biden administration's decision to roll back the previous administration's Navigable Waters Protection rule. 

Grassley states, "Adding more federal red tape for home builders during construction or to a farmer's day-to-day decisions on the farm is government overreach." 

Braun of Indiana says, "Farmers and families need a reasonable, practical definition for WOTUS, and that’s why Congress should do its job and define the law.” 

The EPA earlier this month announced intent to rewrite the Navigable Waters Protection rule. American Farm Bureau’s Don Parrish said at the time, “this is not a fight about protecting water quality, because the Navigable Waters Protection rule does that, this is a fight over land use.”

Senate Republicans from Iowa, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Indiana's Mike Braun introduced the Define WOTUS Act this week. The bill legislatively defines "waters of the United States," and makes a definition of the term permanent. Grassley and Ernst recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to express concerns over the Biden administration's decision to roll back the previous administration's Navigable Waters Protection rule. Grassley states, "Adding more federal red tape for home builders during construction or to a farmer's day-to-day decisions on the farm is government overreach." Braun of Indiana says, "Farmers and families need a reasonable, practical definition for WOTUS, and that’s why Congress should do its job and define the law.” The EPA earlier this month announced intent to rewrite the Navigable Waters Protection rule. American Farm Bureau’s Don Parrish said at the time, “this is not a fight about protecting water quality, because the Navigable Waters Protection rule does that, this is a fight over land use.”

Senators introduce the Define WOTUS Act

House Republicans Wednesday launched the Conservative Climate Caucus. The caucus includes more than 50 representatives from every committee with jurisdiction over climate policy and various ranking members. 

Utah Representative John Curtis chairs the caucus, stating, “We do care about climate – and we already have solutions and plan to find more.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The goal of the Conservative Climate Caucus is to bring members of the Republican party together to educate each other on climate policies that will make progress on reducing emissions through American innovation and resources. 

In a news release, Curtis says proposals to reduce emissions and be good stewards of the earth do not have to hurt the American economy, adding, “There is a way to lower global emissions without sacrificing American jobs and principles.” 

A webpage describing the caucus states that with innovative technologies, fossil fuels can and should be a major part of the global solution, adding, “reducing emissions is the goal, not reducing energy choices.”

House Republicans Wednesday launched the Conservative Climate Caucus. The caucus includes more than 50 representatives from every committee with jurisdiction over climate policy and various ranking members. Utah Representative John Curtis chairs the caucus, stating, “We do care about climate – and we already have solutions and plan to find more.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The goal of the Conservative Climate Caucus is to bring members of the Republican party together to educate each other on climate policies that will make progress on reducing emissions through American innovation and resources. In a news release, Curtis says proposals to reduce emissions and be good stewards of the earth do not have to hurt the American economy, adding, “There is a way to lower global emissions without sacrificing American jobs and principles.” A webpage describing the caucus states that with innovative technologies, fossil fuels can and should be a major part of the global solution, adding, “reducing emissions is the goal, not reducing energy choices.”

Republicans launch Conservative Climate Caucus

As the Senate Agriculture Committee focused on potential cattle market manipulation Wednesday, R-CALF USA says concentration and globalization are the core problems. Separate from the committee hearing, R-CALF submitted comments to USDA this week responding to a request for input on transforming America’s food system. 

R-CALF, short for The Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, points out four multinational beef packers control 85 percent of the fed cattle market and 80 percent of the boxed beef market. 

The comments explain, “they have now consolidated their control over both the supply side and demand side.” To address this, R-CALF’s first recommendation for reversing the effects of globalization is to require all beef sold in America to be labeled with a country-of-origin label. 

Doing so, R-CALF says, consumers can begin making purchasing choices between foreign beef and domestic beef. The comments include nearly 30 separate recommendations to strengthen the domestic cattle and beef supply chains.

As the Senate Agriculture Committee focused on potential cattle market manipulation Wednesday, R-CALF USA says concentration and globalization are the core problems. Separate from the committee hearing, R-CALF submitted comments to USDA this week responding to a request for input on transforming America’s food system. R-CALF, short for The Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, points out four multinational beef packers control 85 percent of the fed cattle market and 80 percent of the boxed beef market. The comments explain, “they have now consolidated their control over both the supply side and demand side.” To address this, R-CALF’s first recommendation for reversing the effects of globalization is to require all beef sold in America to be labeled with a country-of-origin label. Doing so, R-CALF says, consumers can begin making purchasing choices between foreign beef and domestic beef. The comments include nearly 30 separate recommendations to strengthen the domestic cattle and beef supply chains.

R-CALF: Concentration and globalization behind cattle market issues

West Virginia Republican Senator Shelly Moore Capito and several Republican colleagues want to know why the Biden EPA decided to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. 

Capito, the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, says, “After the administration’s continued commitments to transparency, engagement, and communication with stakeholders and Congress on this issue, the lack of transparency surrounding the decision to abandon this legally defensible and environmentally sound rule is disheartening.” 

The Republican Senators point out that on a briefing call after announcing the decision to replace the rule, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Corps of Engineers made several assertions as justification for the move. The agencies say the decision was based on “significant environmental damage” and “ongoing environmental harm,” as well as several implementation challenges. 

“To date, the limited details provided to support those assertions has contributed to only greater uncertainty for Congress, the states, and regulated entities,” the letter continues. “The agencies haven’t provided a complete analysis to back their assertions.”

West Virginia Republican Senator Shelly Moore Capito and several Republican colleagues want to know why the Biden EPA decided to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Capito, the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, says, “After the administration’s continued commitments to transparency, engagement, and communication with stakeholders and Congress on this issue, the lack of transparency surrounding the decision to abandon this legally defensible and environmentally sound rule is disheartening.” The Republican Senators point out that on a briefing call after announcing the decision to replace the rule, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Corps of Engineers made several assertions as justification for the move. The agencies say the decision was based on “significant environmental damage” and “ongoing environmental harm,” as well as several implementation challenges. “To date, the limited details provided to support those assertions has contributed to only greater uncertainty for Congress, the states, and regulated entities,” the letter continues. “The agencies haven’t provided a complete analysis to back their assertions.”

Senators want reasons for replacing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule

Brazilian farmers will harvest just under 94 million tons of corn this season. A Reuters poll of ten harvest forecasters indicates a fall of 8.5 percent from the last forecast due to a severe drought. Second-crop corn failure will lead to higher imports and lower exports of the crop. 

The forecasters say Brazil, home to some of the world’s largest meat processors, will need to keep the grain to make it livestock feed. One agribusiness consultant cut her corn export forecast to 22.5 million tons, down from a previous prediction of 32 million tons, and told Reuters she estimates Brazilian corn import needs may reach four million tons. 

If the dry weather persists, corn yields may fall even further in some of the key corn-producing states in Brazil. In April, a Reuters poll of 11 forecasters predicted a record corn crop of 107 million tons, but poor weather during the development stage damaged that prospect. 

Brazil’s second-corn crop, which gets planted after the country’s soybeans get harvested at the end of Brazil’s summertime, has been hit hardest by a lack of rainfall.

Brazilian farmers will harvest just under 94 million tons of corn this season. A Reuters poll of ten harvest forecasters indicates a fall of 8.5 percent from the last forecast due to a severe drought. Second-crop corn failure will lead to higher imports and lower exports of the crop. The forecasters say Brazil, home to some of the world’s largest meat processors, will need to keep the grain to make it livestock feed. One agribusiness consultant cut her corn export forecast to 22.5 million tons, down from a previous prediction of 32 million tons, and told Reuters she estimates Brazilian corn import needs may reach four million tons. If the dry weather persists, corn yields may fall even further in some of the key corn-producing states in Brazil. In April, a Reuters poll of 11 forecasters predicted a record corn crop of 107 million tons, but poor weather during the development stage damaged that prospect. Brazil’s second-corn crop, which gets planted after the country’s soybeans get harvested at the end of Brazil’s summertime, has been hit hardest by a lack of rainfall.

Brazil corn harvest forecast drops over eight percent

The Supreme Court in Colorado blocked a statewide ballot initiative that would have expanded animal cruelty regulations from appearing on the November 2022 ballot. The Supreme Court says the initiative advances two subjects in its language, violating the state’s single-subject requirement for state statutes. 

Center Square Dot Com says the proposed ballot measure is called Initiative 16 and would impose new restrictions on animal husbandry that required ranchers to wait at least one-quarter of an animal’s life before sending it to slaughter. Ranchers in violation of the measure may have been charged with a crime. 

The measure would also have expanded the statutory definition of animal cruelty to include artificial insemination and other penetrations, “however slight.” The court says that the two subjects invite a “potential for the very kind of surprise that the single-subject requirement seeks to guard against.” 

Voters may not understand that what is called a livestock initiative would also affect the care of all animals or vice versa. Initiative 16 was approved by the state’s Title Board in late April and immediately drew the wrath of rural communities and the state’s agricultural community.

The Supreme Court in Colorado blocked a statewide ballot initiative that would have expanded animal cruelty regulations from appearing on the November 2022 ballot. The Supreme Court says the initiative advances two subjects in its language, violating the state’s single-subject requirement for state statutes. Center Square Dot Com says the proposed ballot measure is called Initiative 16 and would impose new restrictions on animal husbandry that required ranchers to wait at least one-quarter of an animal’s life before sending it to slaughter. Ranchers in violation of the measure may have been charged with a crime. The measure would also have expanded the statutory definition of animal cruelty to include artificial insemination and other penetrations, “however slight.” The court says that the two subjects invite a “potential for the very kind of surprise that the single-subject requirement seeks to guard against.” Voters may not understand that what is called a livestock initiative would also affect the care of all animals or vice versa. Initiative 16 was approved by the state’s Title Board in late April and immediately drew the wrath of rural communities and the state’s agricultural community.

Colorado Supreme Court blocks livestock measure

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $55.2 million in competitive grant funding available through the new Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant program. The new program is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack states through the program, “We are building capacity and increasing economic opportunity for small and midsized meat and poultry processors and producers across the country.” USDA encourages grant applications that focus on improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency and developing new and expanding existing markets. 

Further USDA seeks applications that increase capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand along with maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards. Eligible meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities include commercial businesses, cooperatives, and tribal enterprises. 

MPIRG’s Planning for a Federal Grant of Inspection project is for processing facilities currently in operation and are working toward Federal inspection. Whereas, MPIRG’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment Compliance project is only for processing facilities located in states with a Food Safety and Inspection Service program.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $55.2 million in competitive grant funding available through the new Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant program. The new program is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack states through the program, “We are building capacity and increasing economic opportunity for small and midsized meat and poultry processors and producers across the country.” USDA encourages grant applications that focus on improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency and developing new and expanding existing markets. Further USDA seeks applications that increase capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand along with maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards. Eligible meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities include commercial businesses, cooperatives, and tribal enterprises. MPIRG’s Planning for a Federal Grant of Inspection project is for processing facilities currently in operation and are working toward Federal inspection. Whereas, MPIRG’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment Compliance project is only for processing facilities located in states with a Food Safety and Inspection Service program.

USDA program to increase capacity, access in meat and poultry inspection operations

Led by the Department of Agriculture, the United States is joining a global coalition focused on improving the nutrition, health, and education of children. The coalition, called “School Meals: Nutrition, Health and Education for Every Child,” will officially launch at the United Nations’ Food Systems Summit in September. 

U.N. member states lead the coalition with support from the U.N.'s World Food Program. The coalition's goal is to promote, strengthen, and expand school feeding programs across the globe to make nutritious meals available for all children by 2030. 

The coalition will advocate for multisector coordination, stable funding sources and ongoing research to improve program quality and efficiency. 

Specifically, the coalition aims to ensure that, by 2022, all countries restore school meals programs for the 370 million children who lost access during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as reaching 73 million additional children living in extreme poverty and hunger who were not receiving school meals pre-pandemic.

Led by the Department of Agriculture, the United States is joining a global coalition focused on improving the nutrition, health, and education of children. The coalition, called “School Meals: Nutrition, Health and Education for Every Child,” will officially launch at the United Nations’ Food Systems Summit in September. U.N. member states lead the coalition with support from the U.N.'s World Food Program. The coalition's goal is to promote, strengthen, and expand school feeding programs across the globe to make nutritious meals available for all children by 2030. The coalition will advocate for multisector coordination, stable funding sources and ongoing research to improve program quality and efficiency. Specifically, the coalition aims to ensure that, by 2022, all countries restore school meals programs for the 370 million children who lost access during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as reaching 73 million additional children living in extreme poverty and hunger who were not receiving school meals pre-pandemic.

Led by USDA, U.S. to join Global School Meals Coalition

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday proclaimed this week as National Pollinator Week. Vilsack states of the proclamation, “The health of these agricultural contributors is critical to the vitality and sustainability of U.S. agriculture, food security, and our nation’s overall economy.” 

Pollinator species play an important role in producing more than 100 crops grown in the United States. The proclamation states a variety of practices to protect pollinators can often be incorporated in USDA’s focus on climate-smart agricultural solutions, such as growing pollinator-attractive flowering trees and plants that also sequester carbon. 

Honeybee pollination alone adds more than $18 billion in value to agricultural crops annually and are critical to ensuring our diets are plentiful with fruits, nuts, and vegetables. 

USDA recognizes the role pollinators play in agriculture and supports pollinator health through research, data collections, diagnostic services, monitoring, pollinator habitat enhancement programs, and pollinator health grants. Learn more about USDA pollinator work at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usda.gov/pollinators">www.usda.gov/pollinators</a>.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday proclaimed this week as National Pollinator Week. Vilsack states of the proclamation, “The health of these agricultural contributors is critical to the vitality and sustainability of U.S. agriculture, food security, and our nation’s overall economy.” Pollinator species play an important role in producing more than 100 crops grown in the United States. The proclamation states a variety of practices to protect pollinators can often be incorporated in USDA’s focus on climate-smart agricultural solutions, such as growing pollinator-attractive flowering trees and plants that also sequester carbon. Honeybee pollination alone adds more than $18 billion in value to agricultural crops annually and are critical to ensuring our diets are plentiful with fruits, nuts, and vegetables. USDA recognizes the role pollinators play in agriculture and supports pollinator health through research, data collections, diagnostic services, monitoring, pollinator habitat enhancement programs, and pollinator health grants. Learn more about USDA pollinator work at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usda.gov/pollinators">www.usda.gov/pollinators</a>.

Vilsack issues USDA proclamation recognizing National Pollinator Week

For the seventh month in a row, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index stayed above growth neutral. The overall index is still strong at 70, falling almost nine points from May’s record high of 78.8. The index ranges from zero to 100, with 50 being growth neutral. 

That comes from a monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region that depends on agriculture and energy. Approximately 46 percent of bank CEOs report their local economy expanded between May and June. 

“Strong grain prices, the Fed’s record-low interest rates, and growing exports have underpinned the rural main street economy,” says Ernie Goss of Creighton University, who oversees the index. 

He did say that several bankers raised future concerns. Steve Simon, CEO of the South Story Bank in Iowa, says, “Continued dry conditions will start to have an effect on markets and crops soon.” 

For the ninth straight month, the farmland price index advanced significantly above growth neutral. The June farmland index slipped lower but is still strong at 75.9. The June Farm Equipment Sales Index rose to 71.6, the highest level since 2012.

For the seventh month in a row, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index stayed above growth neutral. The overall index is still strong at 70, falling almost nine points from May’s record high of 78.8. The index ranges from zero to 100, with 50 being growth neutral. That comes from a monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region that depends on agriculture and energy. Approximately 46 percent of bank CEOs report their local economy expanded between May and June. “Strong grain prices, the Fed’s record-low interest rates, and growing exports have underpinned the rural main street economy,” says Ernie Goss of Creighton University, who oversees the index. He did say that several bankers raised future concerns. Steve Simon, CEO of the South Story Bank in Iowa, says, “Continued dry conditions will start to have an effect on markets and crops soon.” For the ninth straight month, the farmland price index advanced significantly above growth neutral. The June farmland index slipped lower but is still strong at 75.9. The June Farm Equipment Sales Index rose to 71.6, the highest level since 2012.

Rural bankers say local economies are stronger

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers welcomed the announcement that the United Kingdom and the U.S. dropped competing tariffs. The two sides agreed to a five-year moratorium on retaliatory tariffs for large civil aircraft subsidies. 

This break suspends retaliatory tariffs the UK had in place on non-durum U.S. wheat imports. The long-running dispute at the World Trade Organization allowed the UK and the EU the right to impose tariffs on non-durum U.S. wheat imports, which mainly impacted hard red spring and some hard red winter wheat. 

“The wheat industry is thankful to President Biden and Ambassador Tai’s commitment to prioritize the trade relationships between the United States, European Union, and now the United Kingdom,” says Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Each five-year truce with the U.K. and the European Union removes a significant trade barrier on wheat exports and provides long-term certainty for wheat growers in the Upper Midwest.” 

Wheat Associates President Vince Peterson is hopeful that this agreement provides the basis for an open dialogue on trade that will pre-empt the use of retaliatory tariffs in the still unresolved steel and aluminum dispute between the U.S. and the UK.

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers welcomed the announcement that the United Kingdom and the U.S. dropped competing tariffs. The two sides agreed to a five-year moratorium on retaliatory tariffs for large civil aircraft subsidies. This break suspends retaliatory tariffs the UK had in place on non-durum U.S. wheat imports. The long-running dispute at the World Trade Organization allowed the UK and the EU the right to impose tariffs on non-durum U.S. wheat imports, which mainly impacted hard red spring and some hard red winter wheat. “The wheat industry is thankful to President Biden and Ambassador Tai’s commitment to prioritize the trade relationships between the United States, European Union, and now the United Kingdom,” says Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Each five-year truce with the U.K. and the European Union removes a significant trade barrier on wheat exports and provides long-term certainty for wheat growers in the Upper Midwest.” Wheat Associates President Vince Peterson is hopeful that this agreement provides the basis for an open dialogue on trade that will pre-empt the use of retaliatory tariffs in the still unresolved steel and aluminum dispute between the U.S. and the UK.

Wheat growers applaud further resolution in U.S., UK dispute

U.S. refiners are short on $1.6 billion worth of credits they need to comply with U.S. biofuel laws. Reuters reviewed corporate earnings disclosures to come up with that total. 

The big liability comes as the Biden Administration considers potential relief for oil refiners from biofuel mandates. Refiners say they need the relief because of soaring credit costs and the economic hardship brought on by COVID-19 that’s hurt the industry. 

RIN prices are higher since the start of 2021 because of higher feedstock costs and market uncertainty. RINs were trading at the highest price since the program began 13 years ago. Prices have dropped 50 cents since hitting a recent high of $2 a credit. 

If the Biden administration grants some relief from the mandates, refiners may not need to fulfill all their obligations. Some lawmakers and refining industry representatives have requested help for the industry. The White House hasn’t said what actions President Biden will take to relieve refiners of their obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

U.S. refiners are short on $1.6 billion worth of credits they need to comply with U.S. biofuel laws. Reuters reviewed corporate earnings disclosures to come up with that total. The big liability comes as the Biden Administration considers potential relief for oil refiners from biofuel mandates. Refiners say they need the relief because of soaring credit costs and the economic hardship brought on by COVID-19 that’s hurt the industry. RIN prices are higher since the start of 2021 because of higher feedstock costs and market uncertainty. RINs were trading at the highest price since the program began 13 years ago. Prices have dropped 50 cents since hitting a recent high of $2 a credit. If the Biden administration grants some relief from the mandates, refiners may not need to fulfill all their obligations. Some lawmakers and refining industry representatives have requested help for the industry. The White House hasn’t said what actions President Biden will take to relieve refiners of their obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Refiners over one billion dollars short on RINs

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow Thursday announced a hearing titled “Examining Markets, Transparency, and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Michigan Democrat, along with the committee’s ranking Republican John Boozman of Arkansas, scheduled the hearing for the afternoon of Wednesday, June 23. 

Cattle market transparency is a priority for cattle producers as disruptions in the market, along with pandemic-related issues, developed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Legislation, such as the Cattle Market Transparency Act, seeks to correct the disruptions and improve trade for cattle producers. 

Introduced in March, Farm Bureau Congressional Relations Director Scott Bennett said at the time the legislation would ease frustration in the market by “creating a contract library for producers to compare the terms of their contracts versus others in the industry." 

In May, a diverse group of farm and cattle organizations came together to focus on cattle market transparency concerns. The issue started growing in 2019 when a fire burned a Tyson plant in Holcomb, Kansas.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow Thursday announced a hearing titled “Examining Markets, Transparency, and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Michigan Democrat, along with the committee’s ranking Republican John Boozman of Arkansas, scheduled the hearing for the afternoon of Wednesday, June 23. Cattle market transparency is a priority for cattle producers as disruptions in the market, along with pandemic-related issues, developed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Legislation, such as the Cattle Market Transparency Act, seeks to correct the disruptions and improve trade for cattle producers. Introduced in March, Farm Bureau Congressional Relations Director Scott Bennett said at the time the legislation would ease frustration in the market by “creating a contract library for producers to compare the terms of their contracts versus others in the industry." In May, a diverse group of farm and cattle organizations came together to focus on cattle market transparency concerns. The issue started growing in 2019 when a fire burned a Tyson plant in Holcomb, Kansas.