Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack just announced that USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation. 

Additionally, USDA is announcing investments in partnerships to increase climate-smart agriculture, including $330 million in 85 Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects and $25 million for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials. 

Secretary Vilsack made the announcement at Wednesday’s White House National Climate Task Force meeting. Vilsack says, “We need to invest in CRP and let it do what it does best—preserve topsoil, sequester carbon, and reduce the impacts of climate change.” 

USDA’s goal is to enroll up to four million new acres in CRP by raising rental payment rates and expanding the number of incentivized environmental practices allowed under the program. USDA says CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of success.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack just announced that USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program with higher payment rates, new incentives, and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation. Additionally, USDA is announcing investments in partnerships to increase climate-smart agriculture, including $330 million in 85 Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects and $25 million for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement at Wednesday’s White House National Climate Task Force meeting. Vilsack says, “We need to invest in CRP and let it do what it does best—preserve topsoil, sequester carbon, and reduce the impacts of climate change.” USDA’s goal is to enroll up to four million new acres in CRP by raising rental payment rates and expanding the number of incentivized environmental practices allowed under the program. USDA says CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of success.

USDA expands and renews Conservation Reserve Program

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan told lawmakers Wednesday the agency would not go back to the Obama-era definitions of Waters of the U.S. Regan made the comments as part of the 2022 Budget Request for EPA during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. 

Regan told lawmakers, “We don’t have any intention of going back to the original Obama Waters of the U.S. verbatim.” The statement was in response to questions from two Republican members of the subcommittee. 

Regan, who noted his meetings with top agriculture industry leaders, says, "We all believe that the courts weighed in on the Obama rule, and that the courts weighed in on Trump's Navigable Water Rule." 

Regan pledged to begin a stakeholder engagement process, including agriculture and environmental groups, to find a way to move forward. Specifically, in a way, Regan says, "where we don't overburden the small farmer, but we also balance the protection of our wetlands," adding, "I think we can do it."

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan told lawmakers Wednesday the agency would not go back to the Obama-era definitions of Waters of the U.S. Regan made the comments as part of the 2022 Budget Request for EPA during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. Regan told lawmakers, “We don’t have any intention of going back to the original Obama Waters of the U.S. verbatim.” The statement was in response to questions from two Republican members of the subcommittee. Regan, who noted his meetings with top agriculture industry leaders, says, "We all believe that the courts weighed in on the Obama rule, and that the courts weighed in on Trump's Navigable Water Rule." Regan pledged to begin a stakeholder engagement process, including agriculture and environmental groups, to find a way to move forward. Specifically, in a way, Regan says, "where we don't overburden the small farmer, but we also balance the protection of our wetlands," adding, "I think we can do it."

Regan: EPA won’t return to Obama-era WOTUS definitions

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday issued flexibilities to allow school meal programs and childcare services return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021. Several meal service flexibilities that enable social distancing are now extended through June 30, 2022. A recent study from Tufts University found that in 2018, schools were the single healthiest source of food consumed across a sample of children and adults. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need.” Vilsack says states and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for a safe reopening in the fall. Schools nationwide are allowed to serve meals through USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which is typically only available during the summer. 

This option maintains the nutrition standards of the standard school meal while allowing schools to serve free meals to all children. In addition, schools that choose this option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619024861925.jpeg" alt="Photo credit of USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo credit of USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Agriculture Tuesday issued flexibilities to allow school meal programs and childcare services return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021. Several meal service flexibilities that enable social distancing are now extended through June 30, 2022. A recent study from Tufts University found that in 2018, schools were the single healthiest source of food consumed across a sample of children and adults. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need.” Vilsack says states and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for a safe reopening in the fall. Schools nationwide are allowed to serve meals through USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which is typically only available during the summer. This option maintains the nutrition standards of the standard school meal while allowing schools to serve free meals to all children. In addition, schools that choose this option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements.

USDA issues pandemic flexibilities for schools and day care facilities through June 2022

Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency this week regarding E15 labeling and infrastructure. Growth Energy supports modification of the E15 label requirement to "increase clarity and ensure it adequately advises consumers of appropriate uses of the fuel." 

In addition, Growth Energy and NCGA support EPA's proposal to modify the underground storage tank compatibility requirements for E15 and other fuel blends. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor states, "As our nation faces the challenges of climate change, it's imperative that EPA act immediately to support greater access to cleaner renewable fuel blends." 

NCGA President John Linder wrote in the organization's comments, "Finalizing this proposal will remove additional barriers to retailers offering E15 and provide an immediate fuel decarbonization opportunity." NCGA’s comments urged EPA to adopt proposed updates to the E15 label and make further revisions to the label statement to keep it fact-based and avoid speculation and confusion.

Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency this week regarding E15 labeling and infrastructure. Growth Energy supports modification of the E15 label requirement to "increase clarity and ensure it adequately advises consumers of appropriate uses of the fuel." In addition, Growth Energy and NCGA support EPA's proposal to modify the underground storage tank compatibility requirements for E15 and other fuel blends. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor states, "As our nation faces the challenges of climate change, it's imperative that EPA act immediately to support greater access to cleaner renewable fuel blends." NCGA President John Linder wrote in the organization's comments, "Finalizing this proposal will remove additional barriers to retailers offering E15 and provide an immediate fuel decarbonization opportunity." NCGA’s comments urged EPA to adopt proposed updates to the E15 label and make further revisions to the label statement to keep it fact-based and avoid speculation and confusion.

Growth Energy calls on EPA to fix E15 labeling

Canadian National Railway Tuesday made a rival bid for Kansas City Southern. The proposed cash-and-stock transaction is valued at $33.7 billion. The proposal represents a 21 percent premium over the implied value of the Canadian Pacific transaction. 

Dow Jones reports the new bid from Canadian National is $200 in cash and 1.059 Canadian National shares for each Kansas City share. That works out to roughly $325 a share. The prior bid is $90 a share and 0.489 Canadian Pacific shares for each Kansas City share, worth roughly $270 a share. Regardless of who wins the bidding war, the winners of the looming battle look to be KCS shareholders, as shares are up 25 percent for the year. 

In a news release, Canadian National states, “CN is ideally positioned to combine with KCS to create a company with broader reach and greater scale, and to seamlessly connect more customers to rail hubs and ports in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.”

Canadian National Railway Tuesday made a rival bid for Kansas City Southern. The proposed cash-and-stock transaction is valued at $33.7 billion. The proposal represents a 21 percent premium over the implied value of the Canadian Pacific transaction. Dow Jones reports the new bid from Canadian National is $200 in cash and 1.059 Canadian National shares for each Kansas City share. That works out to roughly $325 a share. The prior bid is $90 a share and 0.489 Canadian Pacific shares for each Kansas City share, worth roughly $270 a share. Regardless of who wins the bidding war, the winners of the looming battle look to be KCS shareholders, as shares are up 25 percent for the year. In a news release, Canadian National states, “CN is ideally positioned to combine with KCS to create a company with broader reach and greater scale, and to seamlessly connect more customers to rail hubs and ports in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.”

Canadian national launches rival bid for Kansas City Southern Railroad

The amount of corn planted doubled in the last week, but don’t expect the same progress this week, with cold weather and snowfall moving across the Midwest. The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings across the central and eastern Corn Belt as a late winter storm tracks through the region, along with winter weather advisories. 

The Department of Agriculture’s latest Crop Progress Report showed corn plantings over the last week increased to eight percent, from four percent last week of the crop planted. Just two percent of the crop has emerged. Last year, during the same time, six percent of the crop was in the ground. 

USDA also reports three percent of the nation’s soybean crop is planted, compared to two percent last year. Meanwhile, 11 percent of the nation’s cotton crop is in the ground, along with 15 percent of the sorghum crop, 33 percent of the rice crop and 25 percent of sugar beets.

The amount of corn planted doubled in the last week, but don’t expect the same progress this week, with cold weather and snowfall moving across the Midwest. The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings across the central and eastern Corn Belt as a late winter storm tracks through the region, along with winter weather advisories. The Department of Agriculture’s latest Crop Progress Report showed corn plantings over the last week increased to eight percent, from four percent last week of the crop planted. Just two percent of the crop has emerged. Last year, during the same time, six percent of the crop was in the ground. USDA also reports three percent of the nation’s soybean crop is planted, compared to two percent last year. Meanwhile, 11 percent of the nation’s cotton crop is in the ground, along with 15 percent of the sorghum crop, 33 percent of the rice crop and 25 percent of sugar beets.

USDA reports early planting

Bayer recently announced enhancements to the Bayer Carbon Program, providing new opportunities for U.S. growers to participate for the 2021-22 program season. Launched last summer, Bayer says the program takes a farmer-centric approach by offering growers simplicity, certainty and flexibility. 

By paying U.S. farmers for implementing climate-smart farming methods such as strip- or no-till and cover crops, which help sequester carbon in the soil, farmers receive guaranteed payments and are rewarded for how they produce, not just what they produce. 

Changes include a significant geographic expansion, nearly doubling the number of states where growers are eligible to participate. For the first time, growers who have previously adopted some climate-smart farming practices also may be able to enroll those acres in the program. 

Enhancements for the 2021-2022 program season include eligibility for growers who have adopted strip- or no-till or cover crops on fields on or after January 1, 2012. For a complete list of eligible geographies, to learn more or enroll in the program, visit bayercarbon.com.

Bayer recently announced enhancements to the Bayer Carbon Program, providing new opportunities for U.S. growers to participate for the 2021-22 program season. Launched last summer, Bayer says the program takes a farmer-centric approach by offering growers simplicity, certainty and flexibility. By paying U.S. farmers for implementing climate-smart farming methods such as strip- or no-till and cover crops, which help sequester carbon in the soil, farmers receive guaranteed payments and are rewarded for how they produce, not just what they produce. Changes include a significant geographic expansion, nearly doubling the number of states where growers are eligible to participate. For the first time, growers who have previously adopted some climate-smart farming practices also may be able to enroll those acres in the program. Enhancements for the 2021-2022 program season include eligibility for growers who have adopted strip- or no-till or cover crops on fields on or after January 1, 2012. For a complete list of eligible geographies, to learn more or enroll in the program, visit bayercarbon.com.

Bayer announces carbon credits program enhancements

Farm groups welcome President Joe Biden’s nomination of Robert Bonnie to oversee The Department of Agriculture’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area as undersecretary. 

FPAC is significant to agriculture and includes the Farm Service Agency, which manages commodity programs and the Conservation Reserve Program, the Risk Management Agency, which administers crop insurance, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which manages conservation programs other than CRP. 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "We appreciate his outreach and engagement with Farm Bureau during his tenure with the Biden administration, and we are hopeful he will remain fully engaged with farmers and ranchers in his new role." 

American Soybean Association President Kevin Scott says, "We have appreciated his public service in support of agriculture, and we respect Bonnie's accessibility and responsiveness to us as farmers." 

Finally, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says Bonnie is "one of the nation’s foremost authorities and leaders on working lands approaches to conservation and incentive-based climate and conservation practices.”

Farm groups welcome President Joe Biden’s nomination of Robert Bonnie to oversee The Department of Agriculture’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area as undersecretary. FPAC is significant to agriculture and includes the Farm Service Agency, which manages commodity programs and the Conservation Reserve Program, the Risk Management Agency, which administers crop insurance, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which manages conservation programs other than CRP. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "We appreciate his outreach and engagement with Farm Bureau during his tenure with the Biden administration, and we are hopeful he will remain fully engaged with farmers and ranchers in his new role." American Soybean Association President Kevin Scott says, "We have appreciated his public service in support of agriculture, and we respect Bonnie's accessibility and responsiveness to us as farmers." Finally, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says Bonnie is "one of the nation’s foremost authorities and leaders on working lands approaches to conservation and incentive-based climate and conservation practices.”

Farm groups support Bonnie nomination for FPAC

In an unusual feat for spring, the national average price of gasoline and diesel is unchanged from a week ago. The national average price of gas stands at $2.85 per gallon, 2.2 cents lower than a month ago, and $1.07 higher than a year ago. 

The national average price of diesel is also unchanged from a week ago and stands at $3.07 per gallon. Meanwhile, nationally, gasoline demand fell 0.57 percent. 

Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “Gasoline demand has given up ground for the second straight week, likely due to some areas seeing a rise in coronavirus cases, and as spring break plans conclude.” 

De Haan notes that the next trend in gas prices isn’t evident just yet, and we may see additional slight sideways moves in the weeks ahead, until either demand starts to increase notably again, or we see the opposite. Crude oil prices perked up last week on solid improvements in jobless claims, retail sales and consumer sentiment.

In an unusual feat for spring, the national average price of gasoline and diesel is unchanged from a week ago. The national average price of gas stands at $2.85 per gallon, 2.2 cents lower than a month ago, and $1.07 higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel is also unchanged from a week ago and stands at $3.07 per gallon. Meanwhile, nationally, gasoline demand fell 0.57 percent. Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “Gasoline demand has given up ground for the second straight week, likely due to some areas seeing a rise in coronavirus cases, and as spring break plans conclude.” De Haan notes that the next trend in gas prices isn’t evident just yet, and we may see additional slight sideways moves in the weeks ahead, until either demand starts to increase notably again, or we see the opposite. Crude oil prices perked up last week on solid improvements in jobless claims, retail sales and consumer sentiment.

Fuel prices remain unusually stable

A trade group in the fruit and vegetable industry is unhappy with the USDA’s decision to cancel the Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution Program. United Fresh says millions of Americans gained access to healthy, fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack “shortsighted.” 

The group says comments disparaging the program were a slap in the face to the thousands of volunteers, non-profits, regional food distributors, and farmers who worked together in communities across the country to deliver healthy foods to people in their time of great need. 

“For a major new program put together rapidly in a time of crisis, the food box program certainly included challenges,” United Fresh says in a news release. “Yet, hundreds of community non-profits and nutrition advocates have found delivering fresh produce directly to those in need has great potential to truly make a difference in the health of millions of Americans.” 

The trade group says the sudden decision seems more like a political statement against a program started by a former administration than an objective evaluation of the program’s ability to improve Americans’ health. “USDA bears a tremendous responsibility to develop new programs to get fresh, healthy foods to people in need,” they say.

A trade group in the fruit and vegetable industry is unhappy with the USDA’s decision to cancel the Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution Program. United Fresh says millions of Americans gained access to healthy, fresh produce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack “shortsighted.” The group says comments disparaging the program were a slap in the face to the thousands of volunteers, non-profits, regional food distributors, and farmers who worked together in communities across the country to deliver healthy foods to people in their time of great need. “For a major new program put together rapidly in a time of crisis, the food box program certainly included challenges,” United Fresh says in a news release. “Yet, hundreds of community non-profits and nutrition advocates have found delivering fresh produce directly to those in need has great potential to truly make a difference in the health of millions of Americans.” The trade group says the sudden decision seems more like a political statement against a program started by a former administration than an objective evaluation of the program’s ability to improve Americans’ health. “USDA bears a tremendous responsibility to develop new programs to get fresh, healthy foods to people in need,” they say.

Produce union unhappy with USDA’s cancellation of Food Box Program

The Environmental Protection Agency wants industry groups to give input on where the future of U.S. biofuel policy is heading after the current phase finishes in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Four sources told Reuters that this is a new opportunity for the oil, corn, and biofuel industries to reshape the Renewable Fuel Standard, the source of a bitter dispute between the industries for more than ten years. 

Under the regulation, the EPA will have discretion over the annual mandated biofuel blending volumes from 2023 forward, taking over that responsibility from Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oil and biofuel groups have begun to meet with the EPA and talk about ways the agency could handle the RFS after that date. 

While the EPA declined to comment to Reuters, some groups like the American Petrochemical Institute say they want the EPA to use the RFS to encourage increased use of advanced and cellulosic biofuels instead of conventional biofuels like ethanol. 

Brooke Colman of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council says the EPA shouldn’t discourage conventional biofuel production in favor of other biofuels. “Any plan that displaces biofuel with biofuel is an innovation-killing non-starter that would cannibalize the industry revenue needed for investment in innovation,” Colman says.

The Environmental Protection Agency wants industry groups to give input on where the future of U.S. biofuel policy is heading after the current phase finishes in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Four sources told Reuters that this is a new opportunity for the oil, corn, and biofuel industries to reshape the Renewable Fuel Standard, the source of a bitter dispute between the industries for more than ten years. Under the regulation, the EPA will have discretion over the annual mandated biofuel blending volumes from 2023 forward, taking over that responsibility from Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oil and biofuel groups have begun to meet with the EPA and talk about ways the agency could handle the RFS after that date. While the EPA declined to comment to Reuters, some groups like the American Petrochemical Institute say they want the EPA to use the RFS to encourage increased use of advanced and cellulosic biofuels instead of conventional biofuels like ethanol. Brooke Colman of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council says the EPA shouldn’t discourage conventional biofuel production in favor of other biofuels. “Any plan that displaces biofuel with biofuel is an innovation-killing non-starter that would cannibalize the industry revenue needed for investment in innovation,” Colman says.

EPA asking corn, oil for input on the next phase of U.S. biofuel policy

The World Pork Expo will be an in-person event scheduled for June in Iowa. The National Pork Producers Council says that all of the needed COVID-19 protocols will be followed, and they believe their members are getting vaccinated. The event is June 9-11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. 

“The decision didn’t come lightly,” says NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “It was very carefully considered.” The Hagstrom Report says Sorenson notes that everyone in the pork industry values the in-person expo because they get together to do business, network, and adopt the latest technologies. 

NPPC officials say they don’t have specific numbers on how many of their members are getting COVID vaccinations, but they don’t know of any members declining the vaccine. CEO Neil Dierks says he’s talked to multiple members who say they’ve had their first or second shots. 

He believes producers are getting the vaccine because vaccinations are “part of the industry culture.” The trade show will include social distancing and hand-washing stations. As far as required proof of vaccination, COVID tests, or temperature checks, officials say the expo will follow government recommendations at the time of the event.

The World Pork Expo will be an in-person event scheduled for June in Iowa. The National Pork Producers Council says that all of the needed COVID-19 protocols will be followed, and they believe their members are getting vaccinated. The event is June 9-11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. “The decision didn’t come lightly,” says NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “It was very carefully considered.” The Hagstrom Report says Sorenson notes that everyone in the pork industry values the in-person expo because they get together to do business, network, and adopt the latest technologies. NPPC officials say they don’t have specific numbers on how many of their members are getting COVID vaccinations, but they don’t know of any members declining the vaccine. CEO Neil Dierks says he’s talked to multiple members who say they’ve had their first or second shots. He believes producers are getting the vaccine because vaccinations are “part of the industry culture.” The trade show will include social distancing and hand-washing stations. As far as required proof of vaccination, COVID tests, or temperature checks, officials say the expo will follow government recommendations at the time of the event.

NPPC’s in-person World Pork Expo set for June

The Fertilizer Institute recently announced two new updates to crop nutrient use tools. The tools provide the industry with scientifically backed data to better track nutrient use and nutrient balances across the United States. 

Working together, the Nutrient Use Geographic Information System and the Soil Test Summary are an index of performance, both agronomic and environmental. The tools indicate how well a cropping system uses crop nutrients. 

The two platforms can help provide an estimate of nutrient deficiencies and nutrients susceptible to loss, providing the fertilizer industry and farmers with insight into improving nutrient use efficiency and nutrient balance. 

Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO, says data from the tools position the organization "to collaborate with partners and soil testing labs to aggregate and analyze this information for our members and stakeholders." Both NuGIS and the Soil Test Summary are collaborations between TFI, the Foundation for Agronomic Research, and Plant Nutrition Canada. You can access both tools online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tfi.org/">www.tfi.org</a>.

The Fertilizer Institute recently announced two new updates to crop nutrient use tools. The tools provide the industry with scientifically backed data to better track nutrient use and nutrient balances across the United States. Working together, the Nutrient Use Geographic Information System and the Soil Test Summary are an index of performance, both agronomic and environmental. The tools indicate how well a cropping system uses crop nutrients. The two platforms can help provide an estimate of nutrient deficiencies and nutrients susceptible to loss, providing the fertilizer industry and farmers with insight into improving nutrient use efficiency and nutrient balance. Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO, says data from the tools position the organization "to collaborate with partners and soil testing labs to aggregate and analyze this information for our members and stakeholders." Both NuGIS and the Soil Test Summary are collaborations between TFI, the Foundation for Agronomic Research, and Plant Nutrition Canada. You can access both tools online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tfi.org/">www.tfi.org</a>.

Fertilizer Institute announces new tools to better understand crop nutrition

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows a tale of two regions—the East and the West. The Western U.S., in the latest Drought Monitor released Thursday, shows much of the region in drought categories, with several areas classified in extreme or exceptional drought, the two most severe categories. 

Comparatively, the Eastern U.S. is mostly drought-free from the Eastern seaboard to the Central Plains. Drawing a line from the eastern border of Texas to the North is where much of the trouble begins. 

Having missed out on rainfall, conditions continued to deteriorate in south-central Oklahoma and in North, South and West Texas. Meanwhile, much of the West remained dry. 

Where precipitation did fall, in the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies, it either missed the drought-inflicted areas or wasn’t enough to overcome shortages. Decreases in water allocation and reduced or negligible forage are causing livestock producers to respond by culling and selling herds. Fire crews are also arriving in California earlier than normal.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows a tale of two regions—the East and the West. The Western U.S., in the latest Drought Monitor released Thursday, shows much of the region in drought categories, with several areas classified in extreme or exceptional drought, the two most severe categories. Comparatively, the Eastern U.S. is mostly drought-free from the Eastern seaboard to the Central Plains. Drawing a line from the eastern border of Texas to the North is where much of the trouble begins. Having missed out on rainfall, conditions continued to deteriorate in south-central Oklahoma and in North, South and West Texas. Meanwhile, much of the West remained dry. Where precipitation did fall, in the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies, it either missed the drought-inflicted areas or wasn’t enough to overcome shortages. Decreases in water allocation and reduced or negligible forage are causing livestock producers to respond by culling and selling herds. Fire crews are also arriving in California earlier than normal.

U.S. Drought Monitor: tale of two regions

This year’s grilling season rally is higher than normal, fueled by vaccine availability, stimulus checks and the opening of ballparks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cattle market analyst Ed Czerwien writes in Cattle Business Weekly the daily spot Choice box beef cutout ended last week, April 9, at $272.17, which was $19.32 higher compared to the previous Friday. 

Last year it was $223.93 on the same Friday, which was $6.51 lower, after jumping higher during the panic retail buying amid the coronavirus pandemic last year. 

However, last year then skyrocketed much higher during the packing plant shutdowns, topping out at $475.00 in early May.&nbsp; Last week, sales totaled 6,865 loads sold for the week, 153 loads higher than the previous week. 

Exports were reported at 956 loads which was good, but 116 loads lower compared to the previous week and about 800 lower than two weeks ago, which is normal when prices skyrocket higher.&nbsp;

This year’s grilling season rally is higher than normal, fueled by vaccine availability, stimulus checks and the opening of ballparks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cattle market analyst Ed Czerwien writes in Cattle Business Weekly the daily spot Choice box beef cutout ended last week, April 9, at $272.17, which was $19.32 higher compared to the previous Friday. Last year it was $223.93 on the same Friday, which was $6.51 lower, after jumping higher during the panic retail buying amid the coronavirus pandemic last year. However, last year then skyrocketed much higher during the packing plant shutdowns, topping out at $475.00 in early May.&nbsp; Last week, sales totaled 6,865 loads sold for the week, 153 loads higher than the previous week. Exports were reported at 956 loads which was good, but 116 loads lower compared to the previous week and about 800 lower than two weeks ago, which is normal when prices skyrocket higher.&nbsp;

Grilling season rally progressing higher than normal

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told House lawmakers Wednesday the Department of Agriculture is ending the Farmers to Families Food Box program. 

Representative David Valadao, a California Republican, stated, “although it wasn’t a perfect program, this program provided families with healthy, nutritious food items grown here in the U.S.,” asking Vilsack what USDA will do next. Vilsack says USDA will continue to provide healthy food, but doing so through the most efficient system USDA has. 

Vilsack responded, “A lot of problems with it, Representative, a lot of problems,” regarding the cancellation during a House Ag Appropriations Committee hearing. Vilsack told lawmakers USDA will take the best of the program, “and incorporate it into our traditional regular programs that are very efficient of food distribution.” 

USDA announced new pandemic aid programs Monday to help make up for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. The program purchased U.S. commodities and food for distribution to the public.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told House lawmakers Wednesday the Department of Agriculture is ending the Farmers to Families Food Box program. Representative David Valadao, a California Republican, stated, “although it wasn’t a perfect program, this program provided families with healthy, nutritious food items grown here in the U.S.,” asking Vilsack what USDA will do next. Vilsack says USDA will continue to provide healthy food, but doing so through the most efficient system USDA has. Vilsack responded, “A lot of problems with it, Representative, a lot of problems,” regarding the cancellation during a House Ag Appropriations Committee hearing. Vilsack told lawmakers USDA will take the best of the program, “and incorporate it into our traditional regular programs that are very efficient of food distribution.” USDA announced new pandemic aid programs Monday to help make up for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. The program purchased U.S. commodities and food for distribution to the public.

USDA cancels Farmers to Family Food Box Program

The Department of Agriculture this week announced the availability of more than $330 million as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers program. 

The funding includes $169.9 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, $75 million for Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program grantees and approximately $80 million in payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton. 

The funding will aid in developing new markets for U.S. agricultural products, expand the specialty crop food sector, and the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers. USDA also announced plans for the Dairy Donation Program as established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. 

USDA launched the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative in March with $6.5 billion in available funding to address shortfalls and disparities in how assistance was distributed in previous COVID-19 assistance packages, with a specific focus on strengthening outreach to underserved producers and communities and small and medium agricultural operations.

The Department of Agriculture this week announced the availability of more than $330 million as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers program. The funding includes $169.9 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, $75 million for Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program grantees and approximately $80 million in payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton. The funding will aid in developing new markets for U.S. agricultural products, expand the specialty crop food sector, and the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers. USDA also announced plans for the Dairy Donation Program as established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. USDA launched the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative in March with $6.5 billion in available funding to address shortfalls and disparities in how assistance was distributed in previous COVID-19 assistance packages, with a specific focus on strengthening outreach to underserved producers and communities and small and medium agricultural operations.

USDA announces further pandemic aid

Expanding market access to Vietnam, visa reform to address a livestock agriculture labor shortage, and foreign animal disease prevention are the focus of the National Pork Producers Council's Legislative Action Conference this week. 

Pork producers from across the country are gathering virtually to address these and other issues with lawmakers. NPPC President Jen Sorenson says, “Trade remains crucial to the continued success of the U.S. pork industry.” 

Domestic pork consumption in Vietnam is greater than 2.5 million metric tons per year, more than Mexico, where the United States exported 688,252 Metric tons, valued at $1.1 billion in 2020. Last year, U.S. pork producers only exported 25,183 metric tons to Vietnam, valued at $54 million. 

Additionally, NPPC says current visa programs fail to meet the workforce needs of pork producers and other year-round livestock farmers. NPPC is urging Congress to address labor reform that both opens the H-2A visa program to year-round labor, without a cap, and provides legal status for agricultural workers already in the country.

Expanding market access to Vietnam, visa reform to address a livestock agriculture labor shortage, and foreign animal disease prevention are the focus of the National Pork Producers Council's Legislative Action Conference this week. Pork producers from across the country are gathering virtually to address these and other issues with lawmakers. NPPC President Jen Sorenson says, “Trade remains crucial to the continued success of the U.S. pork industry.” Domestic pork consumption in Vietnam is greater than 2.5 million metric tons per year, more than Mexico, where the United States exported 688,252 Metric tons, valued at $1.1 billion in 2020. Last year, U.S. pork producers only exported 25,183 metric tons to Vietnam, valued at $54 million. Additionally, NPPC says current visa programs fail to meet the workforce needs of pork producers and other year-round livestock farmers. NPPC is urging Congress to address labor reform that both opens the H-2A visa program to year-round labor, without a cap, and provides legal status for agricultural workers already in the country.

NPPC outlines top legislative priorities

Corn and biofuels groups made their arguments Tuesday in a court case for year-round E15. Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers gave oral arguments in American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers vs. EPA to the D.C. Circuit Court. 

Oil refiners are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 rulemaking that paved the way for the year-round sale of E15. In a joint statement, Growth Energy, RFA, and NCGA said, "Oil refiners are simply trying to reclaim more market share by blocking American drivers from year-round access” to E15. 

In June 2019, EPA issued its final rule extending the Reid Vapor Pressure volatility waiver to E15, and found that E15 is substantially similar to E10 certification fuel, allowing its introduction into commerce by fuel manufacturers without the need for a separate E15 waiver. 

The action allowed for the sale of E15 fuels year-round. Oil refiners are now challenging the rulemaking in an attempt to “undermine the expansion of biofuels in our nation’s fuel supply.”

Corn and biofuels groups made their arguments Tuesday in a court case for year-round E15. Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers gave oral arguments in American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers vs. EPA to the D.C. Circuit Court. Oil refiners are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 rulemaking that paved the way for the year-round sale of E15. In a joint statement, Growth Energy, RFA, and NCGA said, "Oil refiners are simply trying to reclaim more market share by blocking American drivers from year-round access” to E15. In June 2019, EPA issued its final rule extending the Reid Vapor Pressure volatility waiver to E15, and found that E15 is substantially similar to E10 certification fuel, allowing its introduction into commerce by fuel manufacturers without the need for a separate E15 waiver. The action allowed for the sale of E15 fuels year-round. Oil refiners are now challenging the rulemaking in an attempt to “undermine the expansion of biofuels in our nation’s fuel supply.”

Growth Energy, RFA, and NCGA defend year-round E15 in court

Longtime KFEQ agricultural market reporter Greg Clement
reflects on his years with the St. Joseph Stockyards in wake of the
announcement that the stockyards has been sold.

Clement went to auctioneering school in 1984, about the time
he volunteered to sell feeder pigs at the St. Joseph Stockyards without pay.

“So, I sold feeder pigs for three years at the St. Joe
Stockyards and never drew a dime, but I learned to be an auctioneer,” Clement
tells host Bob Wollenman on KFEQ’s AgriShop.

Clement remembers the height of the stockyards throughout the
Midwest, ironically owned by a major firm in New York City.

“You had St. Paul. You had Sioux Falls. You had Sioux City.
You had Omaha. You had St. Joe and then on to Kansas City, then to Oklahoma
City and then on to Ft. Worth,” Clement says. “At one time, they were all owned
by same big outfit. Then they all split up.”

The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold by Mark Servaes, who
has owned the Stockyards since 2012. Previously, the Canal Capitol Corporation
ran the Stockyards since 1963. The last livestock sale will be held on May 19th.

In May of 1989, owner Ed Czerwien asked Clement to begin
reporting on KFEQ.

“He wanted someone with United Commission firm, who he was
president of in addition to being manager of the stockyards. He wanted somebody
with United to do the livestock markets on the radio,” Clement says, adding he
also had early morning TV show.

Clement remembers going along with his brothers to the
stockyards with his father.

“He’d start taking us boys to the stockyards with him before
we even started to school. And, on the third floor of the Exchange Building,
there was a big office up there and it had a big oak desk and that’s where they
did the market broadcast from,” Clements say.&nbsp;
“I can remember seeing the microphone there and on the side of the
microphone it had KFEQ.”

Clement has been inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618334260715.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Stockyards/Photo by Dionne Bertling" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Stockyards/Photo by Dionne Bertling</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLongtime KFEQ agricultural market reporter Greg Clement
reflects on his years with the St. Joseph Stockyards in wake of the
announcement that the stockyards has been sold.Clement went to auctioneering school in 1984, about the time
he volunteered to sell feeder pigs at the St. Joseph Stockyards without pay.“So, I sold feeder pigs for three years at the St. Joe
Stockyards and never drew a dime, but I learned to be an auctioneer,” Clement
tells host Bob Wollenman on KFEQ’s AgriShop.Clement remembers the height of the stockyards throughout the
Midwest, ironically owned by a major firm in New York City.“You had St. Paul. You had Sioux Falls. You had Sioux City.
You had Omaha. You had St. Joe and then on to Kansas City, then to Oklahoma
City and then on to Ft. Worth,” Clement says. “At one time, they were all owned
by same big outfit. Then they all split up.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618334333108.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Stockyards/Photo by Dionne Bertling" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Stockyards/Photo by Dionne Bertling</figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold by Mark Servaes, who
has owned the Stockyards since 2012. Previously, the Canal Capitol Corporation
ran the Stockyards since 1963. The last livestock sale will be held on May 19th.In May of 1989, owner Ed Czerwien asked Clement to begin
reporting on KFEQ.“He wanted someone with United Commission firm, who he was
president of in addition to being manager of the stockyards. He wanted somebody
with United to do the livestock markets on the radio,” Clement says, adding he
also had early morning TV show.Clement remembers going along with his brothers to the
stockyards with his father.“He’d start taking us boys to the stockyards with him before
we even started to school. And, on the third floor of the Exchange Building,
there was a big office up there and it had a big oak desk and that’s where they
did the market broadcast from,” Clements say.&nbsp;
“I can remember seeing the microphone there and on the side of the
microphone it had KFEQ.”Clement has been inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame.

Market reporter Greg Clement reflects on time with St. Joseph Stockyards

The Rebuild Rural Coalition calls President Joe Biden's Infrastructure plan a good starting point for discussions with Congress. 

The group of more than 260 organizations representing rural communities and agriculture says in a statement, "We strongly encourage a bipartisan approach that considers the unique needs of rural infrastructure – and sets aside specific funding for rural communities." 

In a January letter, the coalition outlined the needs of rural America, while highlighting U.S. agriculture's ability to produce and efficiently transport products across the globe, adding, "Our deteriorating infrastructure threatens that leadership position." 

Beyond transportation, the coalition says other needs of rural America include locks and dams, railroads, electrical and water systems, agriculture research, broadband and healthcare and housing. The coalition says, "We hope Congress will work together to find bipartisan solutions that benefit all of America, including our rural communities.” 

The coalition is comprised of national agriculture and rural business groups and state Farm Bureau’s, commodity organizations, among others.

The Rebuild Rural Coalition calls President Joe Biden's Infrastructure plan a good starting point for discussions with Congress. The group of more than 260 organizations representing rural communities and agriculture says in a statement, "We strongly encourage a bipartisan approach that considers the unique needs of rural infrastructure – and sets aside specific funding for rural communities." In a January letter, the coalition outlined the needs of rural America, while highlighting U.S. agriculture's ability to produce and efficiently transport products across the globe, adding, "Our deteriorating infrastructure threatens that leadership position." Beyond transportation, the coalition says other needs of rural America include locks and dams, railroads, electrical and water systems, agriculture research, broadband and healthcare and housing. The coalition says, "We hope Congress will work together to find bipartisan solutions that benefit all of America, including our rural communities.” The coalition is comprised of national agriculture and rural business groups and state Farm Bureau’s, commodity organizations, among others.

Ag coalition calls infrastructure proposal a good start

The Federal Communications Commission wants consumers to test broadband speeds to help find broadband gaps.

As part of the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection effort, the FCC is encouraging the public to download the FCC’s Speed Test app, which is currently used to collect speed test data as part of the FCC’s Measuring Broadband America program.

The app provides a way for consumers to test the performance of their mobile and in-home broadband networks. In addition to showing network performance test results to the user, the app provides the test results to the FCC while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of program volunteers.

The network coverage and performance information gathered from the Speed Test data will help inform the FCC’s efforts to collect more accurate and granular broadband deployment data. More information about the app is available on the FCC website. The FCC Speed Test App is available in the Google Play Store for Android devices, and in the Apple App Store for iOS

The Federal Communications Commission wants consumers to test broadband speeds to help find broadband gaps.As part of the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection effort, the FCC is encouraging the public to download the FCC’s Speed Test app, which is currently used to collect speed test data as part of the FCC’s Measuring Broadband America program.The app provides a way for consumers to test the performance of their mobile and in-home broadband networks. In addition to showing network performance test results to the user, the app provides the test results to the FCC while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of program volunteers.The network coverage and performance information gathered from the Speed Test data will help inform the FCC’s efforts to collect more accurate and granular broadband deployment data. More information about the app is available on the FCC website. The FCC Speed Test App is available in the Google Play Store for Android devices, and in the Apple App Store for iOS

FCC looks to consumers to find broadband gaps

The U.S. economy continues to outperform expectations as stimulus funds are fueling robust consumer spending. Forecasts point to seven percent GDP growth for 2021, the fastest rate of expansion since 1984, according to CoBank. 

The transition to a less COVID-restricted world has begun. But for the economy and rural industries, CoBank says there will be no going back to pre-COVID conditions. Researchers say the focus in Washington is shifting from crisis management to building for the future, and the outcomes will reshape rural economies. 

Meanwhile, CoBank reports the cyclical turn in grain pricing continued during the first quarter of 2021 and has picked up further gains ahead of spring planting. Farm supply retailers are positioned to benefit from an exceptionally strong spring agronomy season, outpacing fall and spring 2020. 

The U.S. fuel ethanol sector has recovered, with production running near 90 percent of pre-COVID levels. And chicken, beef and pork all see strong demand and profitability. However, dairy exports are struggling, mainly due to shipping-related issues.

The U.S. economy continues to outperform expectations as stimulus funds are fueling robust consumer spending. Forecasts point to seven percent GDP growth for 2021, the fastest rate of expansion since 1984, according to CoBank. The transition to a less COVID-restricted world has begun. But for the economy and rural industries, CoBank says there will be no going back to pre-COVID conditions. Researchers say the focus in Washington is shifting from crisis management to building for the future, and the outcomes will reshape rural economies. Meanwhile, CoBank reports the cyclical turn in grain pricing continued during the first quarter of 2021 and has picked up further gains ahead of spring planting. Farm supply retailers are positioned to benefit from an exceptionally strong spring agronomy season, outpacing fall and spring 2020. The U.S. fuel ethanol sector has recovered, with production running near 90 percent of pre-COVID levels. And chicken, beef and pork all see strong demand and profitability. However, dairy exports are struggling, mainly due to shipping-related issues.

CoBank: U.S. economy gaining momentum

Record agricultural exports are contributing to favorable economic conditions for the U.S. farm sector. Exports to China have risen to record levels, with increases in soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton. 

High crop prices and strong producer margins are expected to bring more acreage into production, but continuing drought in much of the western United States is a concern. The Farm Credit Administration says farm sector income is expected to remain above average in 2021. 

Stronger market prices and receipts are expected to mostly offset the decline in government payments. Strong farmland values, especially in the Midwest, reflect current income prospects, increased interest from both farmers and investors, and low interest rates. 

The data was presented to the Farm Credit System last week. Despite the pandemic's shock to the U.S. economy and agriculture, the system remained safe and financially sound in 2020. The system reported strong results for the year, including robust loan growth driven by real estate lending, higher earnings, and increased capital.

Record agricultural exports are contributing to favorable economic conditions for the U.S. farm sector. Exports to China have risen to record levels, with increases in soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton. High crop prices and strong producer margins are expected to bring more acreage into production, but continuing drought in much of the western United States is a concern. The Farm Credit Administration says farm sector income is expected to remain above average in 2021. Stronger market prices and receipts are expected to mostly offset the decline in government payments. Strong farmland values, especially in the Midwest, reflect current income prospects, increased interest from both farmers and investors, and low interest rates. The data was presented to the Farm Credit System last week. Despite the pandemic's shock to the U.S. economy and agriculture, the system remained safe and financially sound in 2020. The system reported strong results for the year, including robust loan growth driven by real estate lending, higher earnings, and increased capital.

Farm credit system reviews current ag economy

For the fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has dropped, declining 2.1 cents to $2.85 per gallon. The national average now stands 0.5 cents lower than a month ago and $1.02 per gallon higher than a year ago. 

The national average price of diesel has fallen 1.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.07 per gallon. Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “It has been a fairly tame last few weeks at the pump for most areas after a particularly active February and March when prices were screaming higher.” 

De Haan adds, for now, the risk of seeing the national average climb to $3 per gallon has been delayed by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, limiting the upside to gasoline demand. 

However, as the outlook improves, we still have potential to see summer gas prices at their highest levels in years. U.S. gasoline demand fell for the first time in seven weeks after a healthy Easter travel holiday boosted demand, down just shy of one percent.

For the fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has dropped, declining 2.1 cents to $2.85 per gallon. The national average now stands 0.5 cents lower than a month ago and $1.02 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 1.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.07 per gallon. Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “It has been a fairly tame last few weeks at the pump for most areas after a particularly active February and March when prices were screaming higher.” De Haan adds, for now, the risk of seeing the national average climb to $3 per gallon has been delayed by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, limiting the upside to gasoline demand. However, as the outlook improves, we still have potential to see summer gas prices at their highest levels in years. U.S. gasoline demand fell for the first time in seven weeks after a healthy Easter travel holiday boosted demand, down just shy of one percent.