October provided a surprising pre-election bounce in farmer sentiment as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 115, 27 points above the September index. The biggest driver of the sentiment improvement was an increase in producers’ confidence in the future. The Future Expectations Index jumped 30 points to 124. 

October provided a surprising pre-election bounce in farmer sentiment as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 115, 27 points above the September index. The biggest driver of the sentiment improvement was an increase in producers’ confidence in the future. The Future Expectations Index jumped 30 points to 124.

Farmer sentiment bounces back

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has addressed a formal letter to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), urging the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment that threatens Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels sectors. This amendment, if enacted, would place a significant burden on Missouri farmers and impede the state’s economic vitality.

“Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels industries are vital to the success of our state, so I will do everything in my power to protect Missouri farmers,” Bailey stated. “I will not allow radical climate activists in California to attack our family farms and hinder our state’s economic growth.”

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has addressed a formal letter to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), urging the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment that threatens Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels sectors. This amendment, if enacted, would place a significant burden on Missouri farmers and impede the state’s economic vitality.“Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels industries are vital to the success of our state, so I will do everything in my power to protect Missouri farmers,” Bailey stated. “I will not allow radical climate activists in California to attack our family farms and hinder our state’s economic growth.”

Missouri AG battles California for farmers

The Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act was introduced last month and sponsored by more than 40 members of Congress. It’s also endorsed by several of America’s largest commodity groups.. The legislation is intended to meet farmers’ immediate financial needs through economic assistance for the 2024 crop year. The proposed payment structure utilizes per-acre cost of production to provide a payment that is 60 percent of economic loss on eligible acres. 

The Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act was introduced last month and sponsored by more than 40 members of Congress. It’s also endorsed by several of America’s largest commodity groups.. The legislation is intended to meet farmers’ immediate financial needs through economic assistance for the 2024 crop year. The proposed payment structure utilizes per-acre cost of production to provide a payment that is 60 percent of economic loss on eligible acres.

Meaningful assistance could be coming to farmers

While the lame-duck session of Congress represents one last chance at a farm bill, industry experts say it would require compromise on a number of tricky issues. Reports say it would require House and Senate leaders to agree on spending in quite a few important areas. One report says Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow holds the key to finishing a farm bill this year. 

The question is whether she can work out a deal with the other major farm bill players. Some insiders say Stabenow would like one last farm bill completion as a legacy item as she isn’t running for re-election. An AgWeb report from Farm Journal says some long-time Washington contacts give the odds of getting a farm bill done at only 15 percent. A veteran farm lobbyist said the simple resolution is for Republicans to drop SNAP cut demands and Democrats to agree to higher reference prices.

While the lame-duck session of Congress represents one last chance at a farm bill, industry experts say it would require compromise on a number of tricky issues. Reports say it would require House and Senate leaders to agree on spending in quite a few important areas. One report says Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow holds the key to finishing a farm bill this year. The question is whether she can work out a deal with the other major farm bill players. Some insiders say Stabenow would like one last farm bill completion as a legacy item as she isn’t running for re-election. An AgWeb report from Farm Journal says some long-time Washington contacts give the odds of getting a farm bill done at only 15 percent. A veteran farm lobbyist said the simple resolution is for Republicans to drop SNAP cut demands and Democrats to agree to higher reference prices.

Lame-duck farm bill will be difficult

Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017, the report said, with commercial banks issuing 40% more of these loans to farmers over last year. Farmers are not only taking out more loans, but also borrowing higher amounts. 

Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017, the report said, with commercial banks issuing 40% more of these loans to farmers over last year. Farmers are not only taking out more loans, but also borrowing higher amounts.

Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates

The University of Missouri Extension is set to host free tax workshops in December aimed at assisting farmers, ranchers, and landowners in enhancing their collaboration with tax professionals. The workshops will be led by MU Extension specialists, who will discuss significant updates in tax legislation, including the implications of the Corporate Transparency Act.

The University of Missouri Extension is set to host free tax workshops in December aimed at assisting farmers, ranchers, and landowners in enhancing their collaboration with tax professionals. The workshops will be led by MU Extension specialists, who will discuss significant updates in tax legislation, including the implications of the Corporate Transparency Act.

University of Missouri Extension offering free tax classes

Enrollment for incentive payments for regenerative grazing and climate-smart fieldscapes begins this month. The program is part of a $25 million USDA grant to the University of Missouri. This is the second year of a five-year project that will provide $17.5 million in incentive funds to farmers and ranchers in Missouri. Rob Myers, director of the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture says, To date, about 900 farmers have participated in the CRCL project. 

The regenerative grazing program offers payments of $50 per acre for Missouri farmers who develop management plans for prescribed grazing on eligible pastures. Another option focuses on small and underserved farmers who implement three or more climate-smart practices appropriate to their farms; the participants also need to be willing for their farms to serve as demonstration sites for those practices.  Participants in the climate-smart field scapes portion of the program can receive up to $10,000 over three years.

Enrollment for incentive payments for regenerative grazing and climate-smart fieldscapes begins this month. The program is part of a $25 million USDA grant to the University of Missouri. This is the second year of a five-year project that will provide $17.5 million in incentive funds to farmers and ranchers in Missouri. Rob Myers, director of the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture says, To date, about 900 farmers have participated in the CRCL project. The regenerative grazing program offers payments of $50 per acre for Missouri farmers who develop management plans for prescribed grazing on eligible pastures. Another option focuses on small and underserved farmers who implement three or more climate-smart practices appropriate to their farms; the participants also need to be willing for their farms to serve as demonstration sites for those practices. Participants in the climate-smart field scapes portion of the program can receive up to $10,000 over three years.

$25 million USDA grant to the University of Missouri

Missouri net farm income is projected to decline in 2024, for the second consecutive year. That’s the latest from the University of Missouri’s, Fall 2024 Missouri Farm Income Outlook. Published bi-annually, the report provides state-wide projections of key farm financial indicators for the Show-Me State. Cash receipts, production statistics, government payments and other elements pertaining to agricultural profitability are evaluated to project the state’s net farm income.

Missouri net farm income is projected to decline in 2024, for the second consecutive year. That’s the latest from the University of Missouri’s, Fall 2024 Missouri Farm Income Outlook. Published bi-annually, the report provides state-wide projections of key farm financial indicators for the Show-Me State. Cash receipts, production statistics, government payments and other elements pertaining to agricultural profitability are evaluated to project the state’s net farm income.

Missouri net farm income projected to decline

Congressmen Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, Brad Finstad from Minnesota, and Randy Feenstra of Iowa wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding Pure Prairie Poultry’s shutdown. The Minnesota company closed its doors, leaving almost 50 farmers and over two million chickens in those three states with no feed or processing options. The members highlighted the lack of oversight and accountability by USDA and requested answers from the agency on their loan and grant process, as well as what they know about Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy filing. 

“The USDA will answer for the $45.5 million in loans and agricultural grants given to Pure Prairie Poultry, and the company will answer for what they did with that money before they stiffed our farmers,” Van Orden says. “I’m so thankful for how our farmers put the welfare of their flocks first and we will continue to advocate for them on the House Agriculture Committee."

Congressmen Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, Brad Finstad from Minnesota, and Randy Feenstra of Iowa wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding Pure Prairie Poultry’s shutdown. The Minnesota company closed its doors, leaving almost 50 farmers and over two million chickens in those three states with no feed or processing options. The members highlighted the lack of oversight and accountability by USDA and requested answers from the agency on their loan and grant process, as well as what they know about Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy filing. “The USDA will answer for the $45.5 million in loans and agricultural grants given to Pure Prairie Poultry, and the company will answer for what they did with that money before they stiffed our farmers,” Van Orden says. “I’m so thankful for how our farmers put the welfare of their flocks first and we will continue to advocate for them on the House Agriculture Committee."-NAFB

Officials want accountability from USDA

Drought conditions are worsening in southwestern and west-central Missouri, causing significant challenges for farmers and ranchers. As pastures dry up, livestock producers are forced to resort to hay feeding well ahead of schedule. Approximately 94% of Missouri is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with 65% classified as moderate drought or worse. Severe drought conditions affect 25% of the state, and some areas in southwestern Missouri are facing extreme drought.

Tim Schnakenberg, MU Extension agronomist says,“We haven’t seen conditions this bad since 2012." To mitigate the impact of the drought, some producers are thinning their herds. However, the cost of supplemental feed remains a major concern. The lack of moisture has also hindered the establishment of cover crops and winter grazing pastures, and not only affecting agricultural production but also impacting other sectors of the economy. Lime and fertilizer dealers are reporting decreased demand for their products.

Drought conditions are worsening in southwestern and west-central Missouri, causing significant challenges for farmers and ranchers. As pastures dry up, livestock producers are forced to resort to hay feeding well ahead of schedule. Approximately 94% of Missouri is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with 65% classified as moderate drought or worse. Severe drought conditions affect 25% of the state, and some areas in southwestern Missouri are facing extreme drought.Tim Schnakenberg, MU Extension agronomist says,“We haven’t seen conditions this bad since 2012." To mitigate the impact of the drought, some producers are thinning their herds. However, the cost of supplemental feed remains a major concern. The lack of moisture has also hindered the establishment of cover crops and winter grazing pastures, and not only affecting agricultural production but also impacting other sectors of the economy. Lime and fertilizer dealers are reporting decreased demand for their products.

Missouri drought raises plethora of concerns 

After the sudden closure of Pure Prairie Poultry left many farmers stuck with birds they couldn’t feed, Iowa has now culled approximately 1.3 million chickens after being unable to find a market for the birds. Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said it euthanized birds between October 17 and October 25 due to the unavailability of buyers, a lack of processing capacity, and the costs to feed and care for the birds. 

After the sudden closure of Pure Prairie Poultry left many farmers stuck with birds they couldn’t feed, Iowa has now culled approximately 1.3 million chickens after being unable to find a market for the birds. Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said it euthanized birds between October 17 and October 25 due to the unavailability of buyers, a lack of processing capacity, and the costs to feed and care for the birds.

Iowa culls more than one million birds

The Renewable Fuels Association applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom for directing the state’s Air Resources Board to expedite the approval of E15 in the state. California is currently the only state that doesn’t allow the sales of lower-cost, low-carbon E15. 

In a letter to the California Air Resources Board, Newsome wrote, "Given the potential for allowing E15 gasoline to increase the fuel supply and reduce gasoline prices with little to no environmental harm, it’s prudent for CARB to prioritize resources that would allow for the rapid completion of the process, and I am directing CARB to accelerate its action on this critical issue.” Newsom’s letter cited a recent study by economists from the University of California at Berkley and the United States Naval Academy that showed E15 could result in a twenty cents per gallon price decrease for the state’s drivers, saving California families up to $2.7 billion per year.

The Renewable Fuels Association applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom for directing the state’s Air Resources Board to expedite the approval of E15 in the state. California is currently the only state that doesn’t allow the sales of lower-cost, low-carbon E15. In a letter to the California Air Resources Board, Newsome wrote, "Given the potential for allowing E15 gasoline to increase the fuel supply and reduce gasoline prices with little to no environmental harm, it’s prudent for CARB to prioritize resources that would allow for the rapid completion of the process, and I am directing CARB to accelerate its action on this critical issue.” Newsom’s letter cited a recent study by economists from the University of California at Berkley and the United States Naval Academy that showed E15 could result in a twenty cents per gallon price decrease for the state’s drivers, saving California families up to $2.7 billion per year.

RFA applauds California move on E15

Pure Prairie Poultry had contracts with farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin and provided the chicks and their feed until the chickens were ready to be slaughtered and processed at the company's plant in Charles City. The company abruptly filed for bankruptcy and closed the plant in early October. The Iowa Department of Agriculture took over the care and feeding of 1.3 million chickens. Court records show Tyson had agreed to buy, process and then sell those chickens, but attorneys for some of the Charles City plant's creditors threatened to sue for part of Tyson's profits and Tyson rescinded its offer. 

The Iowa Ag Department was unable to find another buyer and, with ever increasing costs to feed and care for the chickens, officials decided to euthanize the birds. According to Minnesota's ag department, about 300-thousand chickens being raised there for the owners of the Charles City plant were either processed, given away or euthanized. Wisconsin law did not allow that state's department of agriculture to intervene and local news reports indicate most of Pure Prairie's 170-thousand chickens in Wisconsin have been transferred to other owners.

Pure Prairie Poultry had contracts with farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin and provided the chicks and their feed until the chickens were ready to be slaughtered and processed at the company's plant in Charles City. The company abruptly filed for bankruptcy and closed the plant in early October. The Iowa Department of Agriculture took over the care and feeding of 1.3 million chickens. Court records show Tyson had agreed to buy, process and then sell those chickens, but attorneys for some of the Charles City plant's creditors threatened to sue for part of Tyson's profits and Tyson rescinded its offer. The Iowa Ag Department was unable to find another buyer and, with ever increasing costs to feed and care for the chickens, officials decided to euthanize the birds. According to Minnesota's ag department, about 300-thousand chickens being raised there for the owners of the Charles City plant were either processed, given away or euthanized. Wisconsin law did not allow that state's department of agriculture to intervene and local news reports indicate most of Pure Prairie's 170-thousand chickens in Wisconsin have been transferred to other owners.

Pure Prairie abandoned chickens euthanized

Across the country, skyrocketing prices, wages and operating costs have shuttered hundreds of thousands of American farms. Reports show in the past five years alone, over 140,000 American farms have tilled for the last time. Going back to 1950, 66% of all U.S. farms — nearly 4 million farms in total — have stopped producing. The number of acres farmed has dropped by 323 million, which is roughly double the size of Texas. 

Agriculture experts worry as family farms across America gasp to stay afloat and go broke. Scott Blubaugh, the president of American Farmers &amp; Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union says  “We have been losing family farmers at an alarming rate for 50 years now, and every time we go through these cycles like we are currently in, we lose more." Many agricultural economist say it’s the smaller farms that suffer because their backs are against the wall.

Across the country, skyrocketing prices, wages and operating costs have shuttered hundreds of thousands of American farms. Reports show in the past five years alone, over 140,000 American farms have tilled for the last time. Going back to 1950, 66% of all U.S. farms — nearly 4 million farms in total — have stopped producing. The number of acres farmed has dropped by 323 million, which is roughly double the size of Texas. Agriculture experts worry as family farms across America gasp to stay afloat and go broke. Scott Blubaugh, the president of American Farmers &amp; Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union says “We have been losing family farmers at an alarming rate for 50 years now, and every time we go through these cycles like we are currently in, we lose more." Many agricultural economist say it’s the smaller farms that suffer because their backs are against the wall.

American family farms going broke

Medegene, a South Dakota based animal health company, has begun a field trial for their H5N1 vaccine in cattle. The trial began earlier this month at a contract research facility. The goal of the field trial is to demonstrate a reasonable expectation of efficacy and preliminary safety in animals specific to the company’s vaccine, data that would support a conditional license by the USDA.

 Dr. Alan Young is co-founder and Chief Testing Officer for Medegene. “As unfortunate as the H5N1 spread is, this is exactly the kind of situation our technology was created to address,” Young says. “Our goal from the very beginning of this outbreak was to be ready for our cattle customers whenever the USDA gave us the green light.” The company’s H5N1 cattle vaccine study is expected to be complete in five weeks, with results then shared with the USDA. 

Medegene, a South Dakota based animal health company, has begun a field trial for their H5N1 vaccine in cattle. The trial began earlier this month at a contract research facility. The goal of the field trial is to demonstrate a reasonable expectation of efficacy and preliminary safety in animals specific to the company’s vaccine, data that would support a conditional license by the USDA. Dr. Alan Young is co-founder and Chief Testing Officer for Medegene. “As unfortunate as the H5N1 spread is, this is exactly the kind of situation our technology was created to address,” Young says. “Our goal from the very beginning of this outbreak was to be ready for our cattle customers whenever the USDA gave us the green light.” The company’s H5N1 cattle vaccine study is expected to be complete in five weeks, with results then shared with the USDA.

Trials for H5N1 vaccine beginning in South Dakota

For the third year in a row, the Mississippi River is experiencing low water levels during harvest season. In the spring and early summer, precipitation and water levels were quite robust. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says once the calendar moved past mid-July, precipitation decline significantly, which caused a steady and dramatic decrease in water levels. 

There was a brief rise in water levels near Memphis after Hurricane Helene, but once the surge of water passed through the system, those water levels quickly returned to where they were earlier. The draft is considered the distance between the waterline and the lowest part of the hull.“In certain areas of the river, we’re seeing several feet of draft reductions due to the low water,” Steenhoek says. “For each foot of draft reduction on the river, each barge carries 7,000 fewer bushels of soybeans, which is roughly 200 tons.” 

For the third year in a row, the Mississippi River is experiencing low water levels during harvest season. In the spring and early summer, precipitation and water levels were quite robust. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says once the calendar moved past mid-July, precipitation decline significantly, which caused a steady and dramatic decrease in water levels. There was a brief rise in water levels near Memphis after Hurricane Helene, but once the surge of water passed through the system, those water levels quickly returned to where they were earlier. The draft is considered the distance between the waterline and the lowest part of the hull.“In certain areas of the river, we’re seeing several feet of draft reductions due to the low water,” Steenhoek says. “For each foot of draft reduction on the river, each barge carries 7,000 fewer bushels of soybeans, which is roughly 200 tons.”

Mississippi river system levels dropping

A University of Missouri researcher has developed a new vaccine to protect cattle from a tick-borne disease that is common in Missouri. Bovine anaplasmosis infects the red blood cells of cattle and causes millions of dollars in economic losses nationwide due to production declines. Researcher Roman Ganta says that his vaccine works, “We found out that the animals remained, all the cattle that we tested, remained healthy, whether the infection is coming from a mechanical route, which is the standard way many cattle get it in a cattle ranch or by tick transmission.” Ganta Says.

A University of Missouri researcher has developed a new vaccine to protect cattle from a tick-borne disease that is common in Missouri. Bovine anaplasmosis infects the red blood cells of cattle and causes millions of dollars in economic losses nationwide due to production declines. Researcher Roman Ganta says that his vaccine works, “We found out that the animals remained, all the cattle that we tested, remained healthy, whether the infection is coming from a mechanical route, which is the standard way many cattle get it in a cattle ranch or by tick transmission.” Ganta Says.

Missouri ag creates vaccine to protect cattle 

Reports show the U.S. corn and soybean harvests are double digits ahead of their five-year averages. Most reports credit the fast pace to dry weather stretched across most of the U.S. through the past week. Corn harvest jumped 18 points nationally to 65 percent complete as of last Sunday, 13 percent over the five-year average. Soybean harvest slowed a little over the past week but still rose 14 percent to reach 81 percent completed as of last Sunday. 

Reports show the U.S. corn and soybean harvests are double digits ahead of their five-year averages. Most reports credit the fast pace to dry weather stretched across most of the U.S. through the past week. Corn harvest jumped 18 points nationally to 65 percent complete as of last Sunday, 13 percent over the five-year average. Soybean harvest slowed a little over the past week but still rose 14 percent to reach 81 percent completed as of last Sunday.

Fall harvest double digits ahead of last year’s pace

USDA will issue more than $2.14 billion in payments to eligible agricultural producers and landowners, providing much-needed support through conservation and farm safety-net programs. Producers should soon receive payments from the Farm Service Agency for their participation in these programs aimed at conserving natural resources and keeping family farms economically viable. Program participants are expected to receive more than $1.7 billion through the Conservation Reserve Program and CRP Transition Incentive Program. 

USDA will issue more than $2.14 billion in payments to eligible agricultural producers and landowners, providing much-needed support through conservation and farm safety-net programs. Producers should soon receive payments from the Farm Service Agency for their participation in these programs aimed at conserving natural resources and keeping family farms economically viable. Program participants are expected to receive more than $1.7 billion through the Conservation Reserve Program and CRP Transition Incentive Program.

USDA/FSA begins issuing funds to producers

Both the U.S. corn and soybean harvests are now double digits ahead of their five-year averages as dry weather continued across most of the country last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

-- Crop development: Corn mature was pegged at 98%, 1 point ahead of last year's 97% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 95%.

-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 18 percentage points nationally to reach 65% complete as of Sunday. That was 10 points ahead of last year's 55% and 13 points ahead of the five-year average of 52%. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin were all ahead of their five-year averages.

-- Harvest progress: Soybean harvest slowed last week, moving ahead 14 percentage points to reach 81% complete as of Sunday. That was still 9 points ahead of last year's 72% and 14 points ahead of the five-year average of 67%. Key states Illinois and Iowa are 76% and 91% harvested, respectively, with Minnesota now 95% done.

-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting also slowed last week, moving ahead 9 points to reach 73% complete nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's 74% and 3 points behind the five-year average of 76%. Oklahoma continued to be the furthest behind at 55% planted, 16 points behind the state's five-year average of 71%.

-- Crop development: An estimated 46% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 3 points behind last year's 49% and 4 points behind the five-year average of 50%.

Both the U.S. corn and soybean harvests are now double digits ahead of their five-year averages as dry weather continued across most of the country last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.CORN-- Crop development: Corn mature was pegged at 98%, 1 point ahead of last year's 97% and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 95%.-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 18 percentage points nationally to reach 65% complete as of Sunday. That was 10 points ahead of last year's 55% and 13 points ahead of the five-year average of 52%. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin were all ahead of their five-year averages.SOYBEANS-- Harvest progress: Soybean harvest slowed last week, moving ahead 14 percentage points to reach 81% complete as of Sunday. That was still 9 points ahead of last year's 72% and 14 points ahead of the five-year average of 67%. Key states Illinois and Iowa are 76% and 91% harvested, respectively, with Minnesota now 95% done.WINTER WHEAT-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting also slowed last week, moving ahead 9 points to reach 73% complete nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's 74% and 3 points behind the five-year average of 76%. Oklahoma continued to be the furthest behind at 55% planted, 16 points behind the state's five-year average of 71%.-- Crop development: An estimated 46% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 3 points behind last year's 49% and 4 points behind the five-year average of 50%.

Harvest continues race to completion

The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy were pleased with a Supreme Court decision on Small Refinery Exemptions. They issued a joint statement saying the Fifth Circuit Court wasn’t the right venue to hear challenges on small refinery exemptions. “Because the Fifth Circuit opinion set up a clear split with several other courts on the venue question, this is precisely the sort of issue that the Supreme Court is meant to resolve,” the statement says. “The court has agreed, and we look forward to participating in the case and settling the issue for good.” 

The groups also say the refining community’s abuse of small refinery exemptions destroys demand for biofuels nationwide, which negatively impacts farmers and bioethanol producers regardless of where they operate. “The economic and environmental impact of this abuse does not recognize state lines,” the groups add. “The decision in this case should give producers some much-needed certainty.”

The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy were pleased with a Supreme Court decision on Small Refinery Exemptions. They issued a joint statement saying the Fifth Circuit Court wasn’t the right venue to hear challenges on small refinery exemptions. “Because the Fifth Circuit opinion set up a clear split with several other courts on the venue question, this is precisely the sort of issue that the Supreme Court is meant to resolve,” the statement says. “The court has agreed, and we look forward to participating in the case and settling the issue for good.” The groups also say the refining community’s abuse of small refinery exemptions destroys demand for biofuels nationwide, which negatively impacts farmers and bioethanol producers regardless of where they operate. “The economic and environmental impact of this abuse does not recognize state lines,” the groups add. “The decision in this case should give producers some much-needed certainty.”-NAFB

Biofuel groups welcome decision on SREs

In 2022, the USDA’s Economic Research Service Eating and Health Module captured the first nationally representative data about how many U.S. residents grocery shop online. The data featured in the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey revealed that about one in five shoppers purchased groceries online at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey. 

In 2022, the USDA’s Economic Research Service Eating and Health Module captured the first nationally representative data about how many U.S. residents grocery shop online. The data featured in the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey revealed that about one in five shoppers purchased groceries online at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey.

Grocery store shopping is changing

A farm in Sonoma County, California had 27 tractor driver positions open and posted the positions on various job boards. The farm didn’t get a single applicant for weeks. A few weeks later, the owners onboarded an autonomous tractor system for the farm and updated the job listing to say they were looking for an agtech operator position. In the preferred qualifications they listed “video game experience.”  The applications came rolling in. “You’ve opened up a whole new workforce for agriculture,” Tim Bucher, CEO of the ag startup Agtonomy, said. “One that’s never driven a tractor before.” 

Tractor giant Deere and software startup Agtonomy have emerged as some of the major players driving the autonomous revolution. While the two companies are focused on different sectors in agriculture, their end goals are the same: Helping farmers make more money by making smarter decisions about their operations. There’s obviously struggles with labor shortages around the country, and so people are always looking at ways to how they can get more done in the shortest amount of time, said John Deere’s Micheal Porter.

A farm in Sonoma County, California had 27 tractor driver positions open and posted the positions on various job boards. The farm didn’t get a single applicant for weeks. A few weeks later, the owners onboarded an autonomous tractor system for the farm and updated the job listing to say they were looking for an agtech operator position. In the preferred qualifications they listed “video game experience.” The applications came rolling in. “You’ve opened up a whole new workforce for agriculture,” Tim Bucher, CEO of the ag startup Agtonomy, said. “One that’s never driven a tractor before.” Tractor giant Deere and software startup Agtonomy have emerged as some of the major players driving the autonomous revolution. While the two companies are focused on different sectors in agriculture, their end goals are the same: Helping farmers make more money by making smarter decisions about their operations. There’s obviously struggles with labor shortages around the country, and so people are always looking at ways to how they can get more done in the shortest amount of time, said John Deere’s Micheal Porter.-NAFB

Self-Driving tractors may help fill agriculture labor shortage

American Farmland Trust announced the disbursement of over $700,000 to 139 farmers across the United States through this year’s Brighter Future Fund. Over 50% of those awarded identified as beginning farmers, with 30% being under 34 years of age. And over 60% of those awarded identified as women. Grants were awarded to help these farmers invest in professional services, vital equipment and infrastructure with a special emphasis on improving farm viability, accessing farmland, and adopting regenerative agricultural practices. 

American Farmland Trust announced the disbursement of over $700,000 to 139 farmers across the United States through this year’s Brighter Future Fund. Over 50% of those awarded identified as beginning farmers, with 30% being under 34 years of age. And over 60% of those awarded identified as women. Grants were awarded to help these farmers invest in professional services, vital equipment and infrastructure with a special emphasis on improving farm viability, accessing farmland, and adopting regenerative agricultural practices.

AFT distributes over $700,000 to farmers nationwide

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized USDA’s commitment to connecting local farmers and producers with schools nationwide that serve meals to about 30 million children every school day. Vilsack, joining others across the country in celebrating National School Lunch Week and National Farm to School Month, pointed to the Department’s recent investment of $500 million for schools to purchase unprocessed foods as the latest in a series of actions to support school meals through nutritious, domestic foods.

 “A healthier future for our country starts with our children, and American farmers and producers play a critical role in ensuring kids have healthy, tasty food with homegrown flavor to nourish them through the school day,” Vilsack says. “We know the school meals supply chain is the strongest when schools have relationships with local suppliers, which is why USDA will continue to support local foods in schools for a brighter future for our children.”

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized USDA’s commitment to connecting local farmers and producers with schools nationwide that serve meals to about 30 million children every school day. Vilsack, joining others across the country in celebrating National School Lunch Week and National Farm to School Month, pointed to the Department’s recent investment of $500 million for schools to purchase unprocessed foods as the latest in a series of actions to support school meals through nutritious, domestic foods. “A healthier future for our country starts with our children, and American farmers and producers play a critical role in ensuring kids have healthy, tasty food with homegrown flavor to nourish them through the school day,” Vilsack says. “We know the school meals supply chain is the strongest when schools have relationships with local suppliers, which is why USDA will continue to support local foods in schools for a brighter future for our children.”-NAFB