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.

Gas, diesel prices, decline slightly

The April World Ag Supply and Demand Estimate report from USDA calls for lower corn and higher wheat stocks in the U.S. at the end of the marketing year. The outlook for wheat calls for lower supplies, reduced domestic use, unchanged exports, and higher ending stocks. 

Wheat supplies are lowered to 110 million bushels because of lower-than-expected imports, while feed and residual use were lowered by 25 million bushels. Projected ending stocks were raised to 852 million bushels but are still 17 percent lower than last year. The season-average farm price is unchanged at $5 per bushel. 

The corn outlook calls for greater feed and residual use, increased corn use for ethanol, larger exports, and lower ending stocks. Exports increased by 75 million bushels, based on the March export inspection data that hit the highest total set since November of 1989. The season-average farm price is unchanged at $4.30 a bushel. 

Supply and use changes for soybeans include higher exports, lower crush, residual use, and seed use. Soybean ending stocks are predicted to be 120 million bushels, unchanged from the previous forecast. The season-average soybean price is up 10 cents to $11.25 per bushel.

The April World Ag Supply and Demand Estimate report from USDA calls for lower corn and higher wheat stocks in the U.S. at the end of the marketing year. The outlook for wheat calls for lower supplies, reduced domestic use, unchanged exports, and higher ending stocks. Wheat supplies are lowered to 110 million bushels because of lower-than-expected imports, while feed and residual use were lowered by 25 million bushels. Projected ending stocks were raised to 852 million bushels but are still 17 percent lower than last year. The season-average farm price is unchanged at $5 per bushel. The corn outlook calls for greater feed and residual use, increased corn use for ethanol, larger exports, and lower ending stocks. Exports increased by 75 million bushels, based on the March export inspection data that hit the highest total set since November of 1989. The season-average farm price is unchanged at $4.30 a bushel. Supply and use changes for soybeans include higher exports, lower crush, residual use, and seed use. Soybean ending stocks are predicted to be 120 million bushels, unchanged from the previous forecast. The season-average soybean price is up 10 cents to $11.25 per bushel.

April WASDE shows lower corn and higher wheat ending stocks

U.S. beef and pork exports in February remained behind the rapid pace set in early 2020. However, USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows exports were consistent with USMEF’s February projections. 

The federation still expects 2021 beef exports to increase substantially year-over-year, while pork exports are projected should narrowly surpass the 2020 record. Beef exports totaled 103,493 metric tons in February, down eight percent from a year ago and valued at $669.5 million. 

Through February, beef exports trailed last year’s pace by five percent at 208,540 metric tons. Beef exports to South Korea are off to a strong start in 2021, and demand for U.S. beef continues to grow in China. February pork exports were down 12 percent compared to last year at 239,240 metric tons, valued at $629.4 million. 

Through February, pork exports were 11 percent lower than last year’s pace. Pork exports set new records in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. February exports of U.S. lamb, helped by larger variety meat shipments to Mexico, Canada, and Hong Kong, increased 142 percent from last year to 1,152 metric tons, with the value up 19 percent to $1.6 million.

U.S. beef and pork exports in February remained behind the rapid pace set in early 2020. However, USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows exports were consistent with USMEF’s February projections. The federation still expects 2021 beef exports to increase substantially year-over-year, while pork exports are projected should narrowly surpass the 2020 record. Beef exports totaled 103,493 metric tons in February, down eight percent from a year ago and valued at $669.5 million. Through February, beef exports trailed last year’s pace by five percent at 208,540 metric tons. Beef exports to South Korea are off to a strong start in 2021, and demand for U.S. beef continues to grow in China. February pork exports were down 12 percent compared to last year at 239,240 metric tons, valued at $629.4 million. Through February, pork exports were 11 percent lower than last year’s pace. Pork exports set new records in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. February exports of U.S. lamb, helped by larger variety meat shipments to Mexico, Canada, and Hong Kong, increased 142 percent from last year to 1,152 metric tons, with the value up 19 percent to $1.6 million.

February red meat exports trail 2020; outlook still strong in 2021

The Biden Administration submitted the president’s budget priorities for discretionary spending during the fiscal year 2022. The funding request advances key USDA priorities like economic development and growth in rural America, supporting American agriculture, aiding in the approach to mitigating climate change, and supporting a strong safety net to address hunger and food insecurity.&nbsp;

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “The President’s budget provides the resources to build back better, stronger, and more resilient and equitably than ever before.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The president’s discretionary request provides an increase of $65 million over the 2021 enacted level for the Rural e-Connectivity Program “Reconnect,” which provides grants and loans to deploy broadband in underserved areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden’s request also provides $4 billion above the 2021 enacted level for USDA’s research, education, and outreach programs. 

The request also asks for almost $1.7 billion for high-priority hazardous fuels and forest resilience projects to combat the growing threat of wildfires. The 2022 discretionary request also provides $6.7 billion for critical nutrition programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, And Children, or WIC.

The Biden Administration submitted the president’s budget priorities for discretionary spending during the fiscal year 2022. The funding request advances key USDA priorities like economic development and growth in rural America, supporting American agriculture, aiding in the approach to mitigating climate change, and supporting a strong safety net to address hunger and food insecurity.&nbsp;Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “The President’s budget provides the resources to build back better, stronger, and more resilient and equitably than ever before.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The president’s discretionary request provides an increase of $65 million over the 2021 enacted level for the Rural e-Connectivity Program “Reconnect,” which provides grants and loans to deploy broadband in underserved areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden’s request also provides $4 billion above the 2021 enacted level for USDA’s research, education, and outreach programs. The request also asks for almost $1.7 billion for high-priority hazardous fuels and forest resilience projects to combat the growing threat of wildfires. The 2022 discretionary request also provides $6.7 billion for critical nutrition programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, And Children, or WIC.

Biden budget proposals invest money in rural communities

World food prices rose for the tenth-consecutive month in March, rising to their highest level since June of 2014. Reuters says the climb got sparked by costs rising in the vegetable oils, meat, and dairy indices. 

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s food price index measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat, and sugar. The index averaged 118.5 points in March, compared to 116.1 in February. 

The FAO says worldwide cereal harvests are on course to hit an annual record in 2020, with early indications for 2021 pointing to another production increase. The vegetable oil price index jumped eight percent to its highest level since 2011. 

Dairy prices also climbed for the tenth straight month, rising almost four percent and driven by a surge of imports in Asia. The meat index rose 2.3 percent but was still slightly down on a year-to-year basis. Poultry and pig prices increased in part because of the fast pace of imports in Asian countries, mainly China. 

Sugar prices dropped four percent month on month but were still 30 percent higher during the year. The drop in March was driven by prospects of large sugar exports from India.

World food prices rose for the tenth-consecutive month in March, rising to their highest level since June of 2014. Reuters says the climb got sparked by costs rising in the vegetable oils, meat, and dairy indices. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s food price index measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat, and sugar. The index averaged 118.5 points in March, compared to 116.1 in February. The FAO says worldwide cereal harvests are on course to hit an annual record in 2020, with early indications for 2021 pointing to another production increase. The vegetable oil price index jumped eight percent to its highest level since 2011. Dairy prices also climbed for the tenth straight month, rising almost four percent and driven by a surge of imports in Asia. The meat index rose 2.3 percent but was still slightly down on a year-to-year basis. Poultry and pig prices increased in part because of the fast pace of imports in Asian countries, mainly China. Sugar prices dropped four percent month on month but were still 30 percent higher during the year. The drop in March was driven by prospects of large sugar exports from India.

World food price index rises for tenth-straight month

Ethanol output jumped to its highest level in more than three months while inventories dropped again. The Energy Information Administration report says production rose to 975,000 barrels a day, on average, in the week ending on April 2. 

That production level rose from 965,000 barrels a day the week before and was the highest output level since the week that ended on December 18. The Midwest, by far the highest producing region in the U.S., saw production rise to an average of 929,000 barrels a day. 

Government data showed that was up from 917,000 barrels a day the previous week and was the largest output since mid-December of last year. East Coast production was unchanged at 12,000 barrels a day, and both the Rocky Mountain and West Coast output remained steady at 9,000 barrels a day. 

The Gulf Coast region was the only area that dropped production, falling to 16,000 barrels a day from 18,000 the previous week. Ethanol inventories dropped to their lowest level in four months. Biofuel stockpiles fell to 20.642 million barrels in the seven days ending on April 2, the lowest level since November 13.

Ethanol output jumped to its highest level in more than three months while inventories dropped again. The Energy Information Administration report says production rose to 975,000 barrels a day, on average, in the week ending on April 2. That production level rose from 965,000 barrels a day the week before and was the highest output level since the week that ended on December 18. The Midwest, by far the highest producing region in the U.S., saw production rise to an average of 929,000 barrels a day. Government data showed that was up from 917,000 barrels a day the previous week and was the largest output since mid-December of last year. East Coast production was unchanged at 12,000 barrels a day, and both the Rocky Mountain and West Coast output remained steady at 9,000 barrels a day. The Gulf Coast region was the only area that dropped production, falling to 16,000 barrels a day from 18,000 the previous week. Ethanol inventories dropped to their lowest level in four months. Biofuel stockpiles fell to 20.642 million barrels in the seven days ending on April 2, the lowest level since November 13.

Ethanol production hits highest point since December

Both President Biden and the U.S. auto industry say the nation is headed to a giant shift from liquid-fueled cars to electric vehicles. However, the Associated Press says biofuel producers, farmers, and their congressional supporters don’t agree. 

They say now is the right time to increase sales of ethanol and biodiesel, not set them aside. Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes billions of dollars to pay for 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations, while General Motors set a goal of shifting its entire production to electric vehicles by 2035. 

But any shift to electric cars will be gradual, so ethanol and biodiesel producers say biofuels will be needed for the foreseeable future. Biofuel supporters cite a recent study from Harvard and Tuft Universities that found ethanol emits 46 percent less carbon than gasoline, which they say makes it imperative for the climate that the nation prioritize increasing its biofuel production. 

In the effort to cut carbon emissions, Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association calls ethanol the “low-hanging fruit” when it comes to slowing global climate change. He supports an immediate change from gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol up to a 15 percent blend.

Both President Biden and the U.S. auto industry say the nation is headed to a giant shift from liquid-fueled cars to electric vehicles. However, the Associated Press says biofuel producers, farmers, and their congressional supporters don’t agree. They say now is the right time to increase sales of ethanol and biodiesel, not set them aside. Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes billions of dollars to pay for 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations, while General Motors set a goal of shifting its entire production to electric vehicles by 2035. But any shift to electric cars will be gradual, so ethanol and biodiesel producers say biofuels will be needed for the foreseeable future. Biofuel supporters cite a recent study from Harvard and Tuft Universities that found ethanol emits 46 percent less carbon than gasoline, which they say makes it imperative for the climate that the nation prioritize increasing its biofuel production. In the effort to cut carbon emissions, Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association calls ethanol the “low-hanging fruit” when it comes to slowing global climate change. He supports an immediate change from gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol up to a 15 percent blend.

Farmers, biofuel producers not sold on electric cars

Any change in capital gains tax policy that eliminates or scales back stepped-up basis could result in a massive tax burden on the agricultural sector. A new analysis by the American Soybean Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation confirmed the findings. 

To minimize the impact of burdensome capital gains taxes, farmers and ranchers use stepped-up basis, which provides a reset for the asset value basis during intergenerational transfers. 

The magnitude of the tax burden that would be felt if basis is taken away or reduced would likely significantly exceed the annual income generated by the assets, something that has American farmers concerned. 

ASA President Kevin Scott says, “What people may not realize is that it could take years of returns to equal the amount of the tax if stepped-up basis is reduced, or worse, eliminated.” AFBF President Zippy Duvall adds, “Eliminating stepped-up basis would make passing the family farm to the next generation much more difficult.”

Any change in capital gains tax policy that eliminates or scales back stepped-up basis could result in a massive tax burden on the agricultural sector. A new analysis by the American Soybean Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation confirmed the findings. To minimize the impact of burdensome capital gains taxes, farmers and ranchers use stepped-up basis, which provides a reset for the asset value basis during intergenerational transfers. The magnitude of the tax burden that would be felt if basis is taken away or reduced would likely significantly exceed the annual income generated by the assets, something that has American farmers concerned. ASA President Kevin Scott says, “What people may not realize is that it could take years of returns to equal the amount of the tax if stepped-up basis is reduced, or worse, eliminated.” AFBF President Zippy Duvall adds, “Eliminating stepped-up basis would make passing the family farm to the next generation much more difficult.”

ASA/AFBF: Stepping on stepped-up basis has big consequences

This week, thirteen animal welfare and environmental groups urged federal agencies to maintain regulatory authority over genetically engineered food animals within the Food and Drug Administration. 

The request is in response to the Trump-era proposal to move the regulatory authority to the Department of Agriculture. Specifically, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would oversee regulatory authority over genetically engineered animals. 

In letters to the FDA and USDA, the groups claim, “FDA possesses the scientific and administrative capacities to regulate these animals better than USDA.” The groups contend, “Genetically engineered animals are a significant new threat to our food system.” 

Dana Perls of Friends of the Earth says, "Handing authority over to the USDA will dilute the already-weak GMO animal regulations." The thirteen groups signing the letters to the Biden administration include the Center for Food Safety, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Friends of the Earth and the National Family Farm Coalition, among others.

This week, thirteen animal welfare and environmental groups urged federal agencies to maintain regulatory authority over genetically engineered food animals within the Food and Drug Administration. The request is in response to the Trump-era proposal to move the regulatory authority to the Department of Agriculture. Specifically, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would oversee regulatory authority over genetically engineered animals. In letters to the FDA and USDA, the groups claim, “FDA possesses the scientific and administrative capacities to regulate these animals better than USDA.” The groups contend, “Genetically engineered animals are a significant new threat to our food system.” Dana Perls of Friends of the Earth says, "Handing authority over to the USDA will dilute the already-weak GMO animal regulations." The thirteen groups signing the letters to the Biden administration include the Center for Food Safety, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Friends of the Earth and the National Family Farm Coalition, among others.

Animal welfare and environmental groups want GE animal regulations to stay at FDA

The Philippine government will provide more market access for pork imports to combat rising pork prices and stabilize supplies. Securing better access to the Philippines market has been a top, long-term priority for the National Pork Producers Council. 

NPPC President Jen Sorensen says, “While we are saddened by the spread of ASF in the Philippines, we appreciate the opportunity to send more high-quality U.S. pork to ease the shortage and the spike in prices.” 

Under the announcement, tariffs for imported pork under the increased minimum access volume of 404,210 metric tons would be reduced from 30 percent to five percent for the next three months, and then ten percent thereafter. 

The announcement comes on the heels of NPPC’s meeting with the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. NPPC has been pressing both the U.S. and Philippines governments to lower pork import tariffs since African swine fever outbreaks began in the Philippines. NPPC says the expanded market access is expected to generate significantly more U.S. pork exports to the country.

The Philippine government will provide more market access for pork imports to combat rising pork prices and stabilize supplies. Securing better access to the Philippines market has been a top, long-term priority for the National Pork Producers Council. NPPC President Jen Sorensen says, “While we are saddened by the spread of ASF in the Philippines, we appreciate the opportunity to send more high-quality U.S. pork to ease the shortage and the spike in prices.” Under the announcement, tariffs for imported pork under the increased minimum access volume of 404,210 metric tons would be reduced from 30 percent to five percent for the next three months, and then ten percent thereafter. The announcement comes on the heels of NPPC’s meeting with the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. NPPC has been pressing both the U.S. and Philippines governments to lower pork import tariffs since African swine fever outbreaks began in the Philippines. NPPC says the expanded market access is expected to generate significantly more U.S. pork exports to the country.

NPPC applauds the Philippines’ decision to import more pork

Reservoir inflows in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa were well-below average in March, contributing to a below-average forecast for 2021. 

John Remus, chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division for the Army Corps of Engineers, says, "Due to the lack of plains snowpack in 2021, below-average mountain snowpack, and dry upper basin conditions, we expect upper basin runoff to be below average.” 

The updated 2021 upper basin runoff forecast is 21.3 million acre-feet, 83 percent of average. The upper basin runoff forecast is based on soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. 

System storage is currently 56.1 million-acre-feet, at the base of the annual flood control zone. The Army Corps of Engineers says the system is positioned to serve all Congressionally authorized purposes during 2021, including flood control, navigation, and water supply. Gavins Point Dam releases were increased near the end of March to begin flow support for Missouri River navigation.&nbsp;

Reservoir inflows in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa were well-below average in March, contributing to a below-average forecast for 2021. John Remus, chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division for the Army Corps of Engineers, says, "Due to the lack of plains snowpack in 2021, below-average mountain snowpack, and dry upper basin conditions, we expect upper basin runoff to be below average.” The updated 2021 upper basin runoff forecast is 21.3 million acre-feet, 83 percent of average. The upper basin runoff forecast is based on soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. System storage is currently 56.1 million-acre-feet, at the base of the annual flood control zone. The Army Corps of Engineers says the system is positioned to serve all Congressionally authorized purposes during 2021, including flood control, navigation, and water supply. Gavins Point Dam releases were increased near the end of March to begin flow support for Missouri River navigation.&nbsp;

Missouri River 2021 runoff forecast below average

Growth Energy Tuesday urged Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to veto state legislation the biofuels group claims is intended to destroy demand for E15, a fuel blend with 15 percent ethanol. 

In a letter to Governor Holcomb, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor states, “SB 303 was designed to stall new competition at the fuel pump and prevent more consumers from saving three to ten cents per gallon on a lower-carbon, higher-octane fuel blend.” 

According to the letter, SB 303 seeks to limit sales of E15 by mandating warning labels on E15 fuel dispensers that serve “only to confuse consumers and add completely unnecessary redundancy” to already burdensome federal labeling requirements. The fuel already has similar federal label requirements. 

The bill establishes new maximum vapor pressure limits for gasoline and for ethanol blended fuels in the state. Additionally, fuel dispensers of E15 must have a statement “Attention: E15. Check owner's manual for compatibility and warranty requirements."

Growth Energy Tuesday urged Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to veto state legislation the biofuels group claims is intended to destroy demand for E15, a fuel blend with 15 percent ethanol. In a letter to Governor Holcomb, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor states, “SB 303 was designed to stall new competition at the fuel pump and prevent more consumers from saving three to ten cents per gallon on a lower-carbon, higher-octane fuel blend.” According to the letter, SB 303 seeks to limit sales of E15 by mandating warning labels on E15 fuel dispensers that serve “only to confuse consumers and add completely unnecessary redundancy” to already burdensome federal labeling requirements. The fuel already has similar federal label requirements. The bill establishes new maximum vapor pressure limits for gasoline and for ethanol blended fuels in the state. Additionally, fuel dispensers of E15 must have a statement “Attention: E15. Check owner's manual for compatibility and warranty requirements."

Growth Energy calls on Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to veto anti e15 bill

The Ag Economy Barometer rose in March to 177, the highest reading for the barometer since the record high reading of 184 in October. Organizers say this month’s 12-point rise in the barometer was attributable almost entirely to ag producers’ more optimistic view of the future. 

The Index of Future Expectations climbed to 164, 16 points above February’s index. Although the Index of Current Conditions, at 202, changed little from a month earlier when it stood at 200, it did mark a return to the index’s record high, first reached in December. 

Strong ag commodity prices and improved farm financial conditions continue to support the Ag Economy Barometer readings as heading into planting season. 

The improvement in future expectations occurred even though producers are becoming increasingly pessimistic that the trade dispute with China will be resolved in a way that’s beneficial to U.S. agriculture. Producers continue to be relatively optimistic about making capital investments and became more optimistic about farmland values.

The Ag Economy Barometer rose in March to 177, the highest reading for the barometer since the record high reading of 184 in October. Organizers say this month’s 12-point rise in the barometer was attributable almost entirely to ag producers’ more optimistic view of the future. The Index of Future Expectations climbed to 164, 16 points above February’s index. Although the Index of Current Conditions, at 202, changed little from a month earlier when it stood at 200, it did mark a return to the index’s record high, first reached in December. Strong ag commodity prices and improved farm financial conditions continue to support the Ag Economy Barometer readings as heading into planting season. The improvement in future expectations occurred even though producers are becoming increasingly pessimistic that the trade dispute with China will be resolved in a way that’s beneficial to U.S. agriculture. Producers continue to be relatively optimistic about making capital investments and became more optimistic about farmland values.

Ag economy barometer up 12 points

The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold by Mark Servaes, who has been the owner since 2012.

He has been connected to the St. Joseph Stockyards since 1991, first as a worker, then as a manager and then the owner.

It was previously owned by the Canal Capital Corporation since 1963.

The last livestock sale will be on May 19, 2021.&nbsp; More details later.

The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold by Mark Servaes, who has been the owner since 2012.He has been connected to the St. Joseph Stockyards since 1991, first as a worker, then as a manager and then the owner.It was previously owned by the Canal Capital Corporation since 1963.The last livestock sale will be on May 19, 2021.&nbsp; More details later.

The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold

The Department of Agriculture Monday reopened the signup window for the CFAP 2, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. CFAP 2 provides financial assistance that gives producers the ability to absorb increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The initial CFAP 2 signup ended in December, but USDA has reopened the signup period for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days. Producers have multiple options to apply for CFAP 2, including through an online application portal and working directly with the FSA office at their local USDA Service Center. 

USDA will also finalize routine decisions and minor formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance. 

Additionally, USDA announced $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. A USDA spokesperson says, “This funding will support grassroots organizations and public institutions as we support their producers.”

The Department of Agriculture Monday reopened the signup window for the CFAP 2, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. CFAP 2 provides financial assistance that gives producers the ability to absorb increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial CFAP 2 signup ended in December, but USDA has reopened the signup period for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days. Producers have multiple options to apply for CFAP 2, including through an online application portal and working directly with the FSA office at their local USDA Service Center. USDA will also finalize routine decisions and minor formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance. Additionally, USDA announced $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. A USDA spokesperson says, “This funding will support grassroots organizations and public institutions as we support their producers.”

USDA reopens CFAP2 enrollment

A new report from Placer.ai shows consumers are not heading to the grocery store as much in 2021, compared to 2020. Pandemic-driven shopping sprees last year had consumers cleaning grocery store shelves. 

The analytics firm reports a 28 percent drop in store visits the week of March 8, 2021. One researcher says, “2021 is going to be mired in the unique challenge of trying to make sense of certain sectors in a world where year-over-year data could be heavily misleading.” 

Visits to leading grocers like Albertsons or Publix during the week of March 8 were down 34.6 percent and 20.3 percent, respectively. Yet, when looking at the same brands compared to the equivalent week in 2019, the picture shifts dramatically, with Albertsons down just 0.3 percent and Publix up 0.8 percent. 

While COVID’s health effects seem to be dissipating, the economic consequences will last far longer, as researchers say grocery stores still provide a cost-conscious alternative to eating out.

A new report from Placer.ai shows consumers are not heading to the grocery store as much in 2021, compared to 2020. Pandemic-driven shopping sprees last year had consumers cleaning grocery store shelves. The analytics firm reports a 28 percent drop in store visits the week of March 8, 2021. One researcher says, “2021 is going to be mired in the unique challenge of trying to make sense of certain sectors in a world where year-over-year data could be heavily misleading.” Visits to leading grocers like Albertsons or Publix during the week of March 8 were down 34.6 percent and 20.3 percent, respectively. Yet, when looking at the same brands compared to the equivalent week in 2019, the picture shifts dramatically, with Albertsons down just 0.3 percent and Publix up 0.8 percent. While COVID’s health effects seem to be dissipating, the economic consequences will last far longer, as researchers say grocery stores still provide a cost-conscious alternative to eating out.

Consumers grocery store visits down

For the third consecutive week, the national average price of gasoline dropped, declining 0.4 cents to $2.86 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average stands 9.9 cents higher than a month ago and nearly 96 cents higher than a year ago. 

The national average price of diesel fell 0.2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.08 per gallon. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “last week was a mixed bag for consumers at the pump as gas prices in half of states rose, while the other half saw declines.” 

De Haan says gasoline prices may see a second run to reach a national average of $3 per gallon in the months ahead. Data from the Energy Information Administration last week printed a decline in U.S. oil inventories, which now stand about six percent above the average range for this time of year.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, U.S. gasoline demand continued to rise for the week ending March 27, as Americans continued to get outside amidst better conditions and fewer travel restrictions.

For the third consecutive week, the national average price of gasoline dropped, declining 0.4 cents to $2.86 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average stands 9.9 cents higher than a month ago and nearly 96 cents higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel fell 0.2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.08 per gallon. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “last week was a mixed bag for consumers at the pump as gas prices in half of states rose, while the other half saw declines.” De Haan says gasoline prices may see a second run to reach a national average of $3 per gallon in the months ahead. Data from the Energy Information Administration last week printed a decline in U.S. oil inventories, which now stand about six percent above the average range for this time of year.&nbsp;Meanwhile, U.S. gasoline demand continued to rise for the week ending March 27, as Americans continued to get outside amidst better conditions and fewer travel restrictions.

Fuel prices stabilize as OPEC increases May oil production

A total of 20 states filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting the North American Meat Institute’s petition challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 12 in California. 

“The governments of nearly half the states agree that if California is allowed to apply its laws of conduct in other states, a single state will dictate policies in all others,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “That will encourage a patchwork of regulations and threaten the free flow of interstate commerce.” 

The brief before the Supreme Court says, “If Prop 12 freely permits California to impose regulations directly on out-of-state commercial conduct and thereby fosters inconsistent state regulatory obligations, it enables tit-for-tat regulatory conflict.” 

They say the ultimate result may be a transformation of America’s current integrated national market into a patchwork of regulatory regions. 

The main question in the case is whether the U.S. Constitution permits California to extend its police power beyond its territorial borders by banning the sale of wholesome pork and veal products sold into California unless out-of-state farmers restructure their facilities to meet animal-confinement standards dictated by California.

A total of 20 states filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting the North American Meat Institute’s petition challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 12 in California. “The governments of nearly half the states agree that if California is allowed to apply its laws of conduct in other states, a single state will dictate policies in all others,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “That will encourage a patchwork of regulations and threaten the free flow of interstate commerce.” The brief before the Supreme Court says, “If Prop 12 freely permits California to impose regulations directly on out-of-state commercial conduct and thereby fosters inconsistent state regulatory obligations, it enables tit-for-tat regulatory conflict.” They say the ultimate result may be a transformation of America’s current integrated national market into a patchwork of regulatory regions. The main question in the case is whether the U.S. Constitution permits California to extend its police power beyond its territorial borders by banning the sale of wholesome pork and veal products sold into California unless out-of-state farmers restructure their facilities to meet animal-confinement standards dictated by California.

20 states support NAMI against Prop 12

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court in eastern Washington state. The action charges Easterday Ranches, Incorporated, a Pasco, Washington-based cattle feedyard, and Cody Easterday, the co-owner and former president of Easterday Ranches, for engaging in cattle fraud in connection with the sale of more than 200,000 non-existent head of cattle to a beef processor. 

Easterday is also charged with making false statements to an exchange and violating exchange-set position limits. The CFTC complaint seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, permanent trading and registration bans to Easterday, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and the CFTC. 

According to the complaint, Easterday accumulated more than $200 million in losses over a decade from speculative trading in the cattle futures market. To meet margin calls, Easterday came up with a scheme to defraud one of his biggest business partners, a South Dakota-based beef producer. 

Easterday Ranches submitted fake invoices and reimbursement requests relating to more than 200,000 head of cattle it never actually purchased or raised on the producer’s behalf. Easterday received more than $233 million to which it wasn’t entitled.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court in eastern Washington state. The action charges Easterday Ranches, Incorporated, a Pasco, Washington-based cattle feedyard, and Cody Easterday, the co-owner and former president of Easterday Ranches, for engaging in cattle fraud in connection with the sale of more than 200,000 non-existent head of cattle to a beef processor. Easterday is also charged with making false statements to an exchange and violating exchange-set position limits. The CFTC complaint seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, permanent trading and registration bans to Easterday, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and the CFTC. According to the complaint, Easterday accumulated more than $200 million in losses over a decade from speculative trading in the cattle futures market. To meet margin calls, Easterday came up with a scheme to defraud one of his biggest business partners, a South Dakota-based beef producer. Easterday Ranches submitted fake invoices and reimbursement requests relating to more than 200,000 head of cattle it never actually purchased or raised on the producer’s behalf. Easterday received more than $233 million to which it wasn’t entitled.

CFTC charges Washington state rancher and feedyard in $233 million scheme

The American Feed Industry Association commends Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack for his leadership in asking Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority legislation. 

AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman says the animal feed and pet food industries are encouraged by Secretary Vilsack’s recognition of the importance of renewing TPA and is hopeful that the Biden administration intends to take an active and supportive position in renewing it. 

“As trade in the animal food sector continues to grow, we applaud Secretary Vilsack for standing behind U.S. agriculture and being the first within the administration to express both the need and support for TPA renewal.” 

The Trade Promotion Authority allows the U.S. trade representative to enter trade discussions with negotiating positions and priorities already agreed upon by Congress, which provides potential trading partners with the confidence that Congress will likely ratify any final agreement. 

TPA is not a new idea; it’s been utilized during presidential administrations going back to 1974 and has only been authorized four times. As the administration focuses on domestic issues, it’s not clear if it will request TPA renewal before the deadline this summer.

The American Feed Industry Association commends Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack for his leadership in asking Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority legislation. AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman says the animal feed and pet food industries are encouraged by Secretary Vilsack’s recognition of the importance of renewing TPA and is hopeful that the Biden administration intends to take an active and supportive position in renewing it. “As trade in the animal food sector continues to grow, we applaud Secretary Vilsack for standing behind U.S. agriculture and being the first within the administration to express both the need and support for TPA renewal.” The Trade Promotion Authority allows the U.S. trade representative to enter trade discussions with negotiating positions and priorities already agreed upon by Congress, which provides potential trading partners with the confidence that Congress will likely ratify any final agreement. TPA is not a new idea; it’s been utilized during presidential administrations going back to 1974 and has only been authorized four times. As the administration focuses on domestic issues, it’s not clear if it will request TPA renewal before the deadline this summer.

AFIA applauds Vilsack enthusiasm for TPA

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output surged before last week while inventories shrank. Ethanol production increased to an average of 965,000 barrels a day in the week ending on March 26. That’s up from the 922,000 barrels produced daily during the previous week. 

The Midwest, by far the largest producing region, averaged 917,000 barrels per day, up from 876,000 a week earlier. Gulf Coast production jumped to an average of 18,000 barrels per day from 14,000 barrels. 

The East Coast ethanol output didn’t change from week to week, staying at an average of 12,000 barrels a day. Government data also shows West Coast production staying at 9,000 barrels. The Rocky Mountain region was the only one that saw its production drop, averaging around 9,000 barrels a day. 

In the meantime, U.S. stockpiles of ethanol dropped to 21.14 million barrels in the week ending on March 26. The Energy Information Administration says that’s down from 21.809 million a week earlier and the lowest since the seven days that ended on November 20.

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output surged before last week while inventories shrank. Ethanol production increased to an average of 965,000 barrels a day in the week ending on March 26. That’s up from the 922,000 barrels produced daily during the previous week. The Midwest, by far the largest producing region, averaged 917,000 barrels per day, up from 876,000 a week earlier. Gulf Coast production jumped to an average of 18,000 barrels per day from 14,000 barrels. The East Coast ethanol output didn’t change from week to week, staying at an average of 12,000 barrels a day. Government data also shows West Coast production staying at 9,000 barrels. The Rocky Mountain region was the only one that saw its production drop, averaging around 9,000 barrels a day. In the meantime, U.S. stockpiles of ethanol dropped to 21.14 million barrels in the week ending on March 26. The Energy Information Administration says that’s down from 21.809 million a week earlier and the lowest since the seven days that ended on November 20.

Weekly ethanol production rises while inventories drop

President Biden released a $2 trillion infrastructure plan that will address needs in rural America that agricultural stakeholders have been asking Washington to address. The Hagstrom Report says the proposal will cover many traditional infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and inland waterways. 

The plan will also attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But the big benefit to rural America will include trying to bring high-speed broadband service to the most remote parts of rural America. 

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “The plan promises to close the broadband gap in rural America for millions of Americans, something that’s vital for health care, education, and employment in the digital age.” The package would be partly financed by increasing the corporate income tax rate from 21 to 28 percent. 

The rate increase has already generated growing opposition in the business world and among many lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable have already rejected the idea of raising the corporate tax rate. The Chamber says the plan will slow the country’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and reduce global competitiveness.

President Biden released a $2 trillion infrastructure plan that will address needs in rural America that agricultural stakeholders have been asking Washington to address. The Hagstrom Report says the proposal will cover many traditional infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and inland waterways. The plan will also attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But the big benefit to rural America will include trying to bring high-speed broadband service to the most remote parts of rural America. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “The plan promises to close the broadband gap in rural America for millions of Americans, something that’s vital for health care, education, and employment in the digital age.” The package would be partly financed by increasing the corporate income tax rate from 21 to 28 percent. The rate increase has already generated growing opposition in the business world and among many lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable have already rejected the idea of raising the corporate tax rate. The Chamber says the plan will slow the country’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and reduce global competitiveness.

Biden announces infrastructure plan

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have rescued a man who fell into a grain storage facility near Salina and became trapped. Salina Fire Department Fire Marshal Troy Long said the man was apparently trying to remove a clog when he fell into a grain mover system at the Scoular grain elevator. 

The machinery was quickly shut down. Long said crews were able were able to remove part of that grain mover system and safely get the man out. He then was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Long said the department trains for situations like this often.

SALINE COUNTY —One person was rescued after an incident at the Scoular Grain elevator, 2880 East Country Club Road in Salina on Thursday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Jeremiah Hayes.

EMS transported the man to the hospital in Salina.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp; 

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617306805267.jpeg" alt="Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon.Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon.Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have rescued a man who fell into a grain storage facility near Salina and became trapped. Salina Fire Department Fire Marshal Troy Long said the man was apparently trying to remove a clog when he fell into a grain mover system at the Scoular grain elevator. The machinery was quickly shut down. Long said crews were able were able to remove part of that grain mover system and safely get the man out. He then was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Long said the department trains for situations like this often.------------SALINE COUNTY —One person was rescued after an incident at the Scoular Grain elevator, 2880 East Country Club Road in Salina on Thursday, according to Sheriff's Lt. Jeremiah Hayes.EMS transported the man to the hospital in Salina.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Update: Man freed after entrapment at Kan. grain elevator 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a rule allowing pork plants to speed up production lines because the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t properly consider the risks to workers.

The judge in Minnesota ruled Wednesday that the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service didn’t follow proper procedures before President Donald Trump’s administration issued the rule in 2019. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e2dc2b3c13c4fd1b857cfab0962f89e">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>was filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union along with local unions in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma and the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen said the agency “expressly identified worker safety as an important consideration and requested public comment on whether increasing line speeds would harm workers. Then, after receiving many comments raising worker safety concerns, FSIS rejected the comments and eliminated line speed limits without considering worker safety.”

The USDA said Thursday that the agency is reviewing the ruling, and it remains “deeply committed to worker safety and a safe, reliable food supply.”

Union officials praised the ruling because they say faster line speeds at pork plants increase the risk of knife injuries, knee, back, shoulder and neck traumas, and repetitive motion injuries for workers.

“With the success of this lawsuit, our country’s essential workers have sent a powerful message that the safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and that these companies will finally be forced to stop these dangerous practices,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said.

Public Citizen attorney Adam Pulver, who represented the unions, said the agency should have considered worker safety.

“An agency can’t put its hands over its ears and refuse to consider facts that cut against its policy preferences, as USDA did here in ignoring workers and public health advocates, and blindly following industry’s wishes,” Pulver said.

The judge said her ruling won’t take effect for 90 days to allow regulators time to determine how the change will affect plants that already switched to faster line speeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589997771819.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has thrown out a rule allowing pork plants to speed up production lines because the U.S. Department of Agriculture didn’t properly consider the risks to workers.The judge in Minnesota ruled Wednesday that the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service didn’t follow proper procedures before President Donald Trump’s administration issued the rule in 2019. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7e2dc2b3c13c4fd1b857cfab0962f89e">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>was filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union along with local unions in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma and the nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen said the agency “expressly identified worker safety as an important consideration and requested public comment on whether increasing line speeds would harm workers. Then, after receiving many comments raising worker safety concerns, FSIS rejected the comments and eliminated line speed limits without considering worker safety.”The USDA said Thursday that the agency is reviewing the ruling, and it remains “deeply committed to worker safety and a safe, reliable food supply.”Union officials praised the ruling because they say faster line speeds at pork plants increase the risk of knife injuries, knee, back, shoulder and neck traumas, and repetitive motion injuries for workers.“With the success of this lawsuit, our country’s essential workers have sent a powerful message that the safety of America’s food and workers is not for sale and that these companies will finally be forced to stop these dangerous practices,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said.Public Citizen attorney Adam Pulver, who represented the unions, said the agency should have considered worker safety.“An agency can’t put its hands over its ears and refuse to consider facts that cut against its policy preferences, as USDA did here in ignoring workers and public health advocates, and blindly following industry’s wishes,” Pulver said.The judge said her ruling won’t take effect for 90 days to allow regulators time to determine how the change will affect plants that already switched to faster line speeds.

Judge rejects rule that let pork plants speed up production

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the organization objects to a proposal by several lawmakers to tax unrealized capital gains at death and roll back the stepped-up basis on those capital gains. 

Duvall says, “Taxing capital gains when a loved one passes away would have a devastating impact on farm and ranch families.” Even more so, Duvall says, if the stepped-up basis tool is taken out of the toolbox. 

Stepped-up basis encourages families to grow their businesses and pass them on to another generation, and elimination could force those families to sell their farms just to pay the taxes. The value of many farms is tied up in land and equipment. 

AFBF says cash flow on most farms is much too small to pay large capital gains taxes. Farm Bureau says these taxes would cause further consolidation in agriculture, with small farms more likely to be forced out of business by the tax liability.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the organization objects to a proposal by several lawmakers to tax unrealized capital gains at death and roll back the stepped-up basis on those capital gains. Duvall says, “Taxing capital gains when a loved one passes away would have a devastating impact on farm and ranch families.” Even more so, Duvall says, if the stepped-up basis tool is taken out of the toolbox. Stepped-up basis encourages families to grow their businesses and pass them on to another generation, and elimination could force those families to sell their farms just to pay the taxes. The value of many farms is tied up in land and equipment. AFBF says cash flow on most farms is much too small to pay large capital gains taxes. Farm Bureau says these taxes would cause further consolidation in agriculture, with small farms more likely to be forced out of business by the tax liability.