Pilgrim's Pride Corporation this week pleaded guilty to price-fixing allegations. The Department of Justice announced the plea, and a sentence to pay approximately $107 million in criminal fines. 

According to the plea agreement entered in the U.S. District Court in Denver, from as early as 2012 and continuing at least into 2017, Pilgrim's participated in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition for sales of broiler chicken products in the U.S. that affected at least $361 million in Pilgrim's sales of broiler chicken products. 

Pilgrim's is the first company to plead guilty for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids for broiler chicken products. Broiler chickens are chickens raised for human consumption and sold to grocers and restaurants. 

Ten executives and employees at major broiler chicken producers have also previously been charged. The case results from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price-fixing, bid-rigging, and other anticompetitive conduct in the broiler chicken industry.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation this week pleaded guilty to price-fixing allegations. The Department of Justice announced the plea, and a sentence to pay approximately $107 million in criminal fines. According to the plea agreement entered in the U.S. District Court in Denver, from as early as 2012 and continuing at least into 2017, Pilgrim's participated in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition for sales of broiler chicken products in the U.S. that affected at least $361 million in Pilgrim's sales of broiler chicken products. Pilgrim's is the first company to plead guilty for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids for broiler chicken products. Broiler chickens are chickens raised for human consumption and sold to grocers and restaurants. Ten executives and employees at major broiler chicken producers have also previously been charged. The case results from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price-fixing, bid-rigging, and other anticompetitive conduct in the broiler chicken industry.

Pilgrims Pride pleads guilty to price fixing

The Agriculture Energy Coalition recently announced its 2021 policy recommendations. Those priorities include providing the Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for American program at least $2.5 billion over ten years, including a financial infusion upfront and Increase to 90 percent REAP Loan Guarantee for any loan amount under $1 million. 

They also seek to extend clean energy tax credits, provide USDA with additional rural development funding and authorize and modernize the Biorefinery Assistance, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Program. 

The recommendations also include modernizing the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, increase funding for the BioPreferred program, and make sustainable aviation fuels a priority for USDA. The coalition says USDA Should prioritize the role of biomass in forest management and wildfire risk reduction. 

Finally, the group asks USDA to consider using the Commodity Credit Corporation to support low carbon renewable energy innovation. The Agriculture Energy Coalition represents a diverse set of interests in agriculture and renewable energy, such as farmers, advanced biofuel and bio-based manufacturers, clean-tech, rural lenders, and environmental NGOs.

The Agriculture Energy Coalition recently announced its 2021 policy recommendations. Those priorities include providing the Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for American program at least $2.5 billion over ten years, including a financial infusion upfront and Increase to 90 percent REAP Loan Guarantee for any loan amount under $1 million. They also seek to extend clean energy tax credits, provide USDA with additional rural development funding and authorize and modernize the Biorefinery Assistance, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Program. The recommendations also include modernizing the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, increase funding for the BioPreferred program, and make sustainable aviation fuels a priority for USDA. The coalition says USDA Should prioritize the role of biomass in forest management and wildfire risk reduction. Finally, the group asks USDA to consider using the Commodity Credit Corporation to support low carbon renewable energy innovation. The Agriculture Energy Coalition represents a diverse set of interests in agriculture and renewable energy, such as farmers, advanced biofuel and bio-based manufacturers, clean-tech, rural lenders, and environmental NGOs.

Ag Energy Coalition releases 2021 policy recommendations

Farm and biofuel groups welcome the recent Environmental Protection Agency announcement supporting the Tenth Circuit Court’s January 2020 decision regarding small refinery waivers. 

EPA states that it “agrees with the court that the exemption was intended to operate as a temporary measure and, consistent with that Congressional purpose, the plain meaning of the word ‘extension’ refers to continuing the status of an exemption that is already in existence.” 

The four petitioners in the case—the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union, welcomed the announcement in a statement. The groups say, “This announcement marks a major step forward by the Biden administration to restore the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard.” 

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a request from two refiners to review the Tenth Circuit case, even though EPA did not ask the high court to examine the ruling. Arguments before the Supreme Court are expected in the spring.

Farm and biofuel groups welcome the recent Environmental Protection Agency announcement supporting the Tenth Circuit Court’s January 2020 decision regarding small refinery waivers. EPA states that it “agrees with the court that the exemption was intended to operate as a temporary measure and, consistent with that Congressional purpose, the plain meaning of the word ‘extension’ refers to continuing the status of an exemption that is already in existence.” The four petitioners in the case—the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union, welcomed the announcement in a statement. The groups say, “This announcement marks a major step forward by the Biden administration to restore the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard.” Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a request from two refiners to review the Tenth Circuit case, even though EPA did not ask the high court to examine the ruling. Arguments before the Supreme Court are expected in the spring.

Farm groups embrace new EPA position on SREs

The Senate Tuesday overwhelming approved the nomination of Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary. The Senate voted 92 to seven to approve the nomination via a roll call vote, sending Vilsack back to the Department of Agriculture's top position. 

Vilsack returns to the agency after serving as Agriculture Secretary during the Obama administration. The Senate allowed for 20 minutes of debate, but opted for short statements from Senate Agriculture Committee leadership before calling for the vote. 

Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, says, “After an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, Secretary Vilsack can now get to work.” 

Noting Vilsack is “uniquely qualified” to head up the USDA, having served there previously, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandley Goule stated Vilsack "has an exceptional understanding of agricultural and rural issues."&nbsp;&nbsp;American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "His strong track record of leadership and previous experience at USDA will serve rural America well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607621299128.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Radio Iowa" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Radio Iowa</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate Tuesday overwhelming approved the nomination of Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary. The Senate voted 92 to seven to approve the nomination via a roll call vote, sending Vilsack back to the Department of Agriculture's top position. Vilsack returns to the agency after serving as Agriculture Secretary during the Obama administration. The Senate allowed for 20 minutes of debate, but opted for short statements from Senate Agriculture Committee leadership before calling for the vote. Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, says, “After an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, Secretary Vilsack can now get to work.” Noting Vilsack is “uniquely qualified” to head up the USDA, having served there previously, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandley Goule stated Vilsack "has an exceptional understanding of agricultural and rural issues."&nbsp;&nbsp;American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "His strong track record of leadership and previous experience at USDA will serve rural America well.”

Senate confirms Vilsack as Ag Secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to confirm Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary, his second run at the Cabinet post.

The former Iowa governor spent eight years leading the same department for former President Barack Obama's entire administration. He was confirmed Tuesday on a 92-7 vote. Both Senators from Kansas and Missouri voted in favor.

In his testimony, Vilsack, 70, heavily endorsed boosting climate-friendly agricultural industries such as the creation of biofuels, saying, “Agriculture is one of our first and best ways to get some wins" on climate change.

He proposed “building a rural economy based on biomanufacturing” and “turning agricultural waste into a variety of products.” He pledged to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency to “spur the industry” on biofuels.

With systemic racial inequity now a nationwide talking point, Vilsack also envisioned creating an “equity task force” inside the department. Its job, he said, would be to identify what he called “intentional or unintentional barriers" that prevent or discourage farmers of color from properly accessing federal assistance programs.

Vilsack also heavily backed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — commonly known as food stamps, or SNAP — as a key instrument in helping the country's most vulnerable families survive and recover from the pandemic era. His Trump-era predecessor, Sonny Perdue, had sought to purge hundreds of thousands of people from the SNAP-recipient lists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614117414218.png" alt="Tom Vilsack during his virtual confirmation hearing" />
 <figcaption>Tom Vilsack during his virtual confirmation hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to confirm Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary, his second run at the Cabinet post.The former Iowa governor spent eight years leading the same department for former President Barack Obama's entire administration. He was confirmed Tuesday on a 92-7 vote. Both Senators from Kansas and Missouri voted in favor.In his testimony, Vilsack, 70, heavily endorsed boosting climate-friendly agricultural industries such as the creation of biofuels, saying, “Agriculture is one of our first and best ways to get some wins" on climate change.He proposed “building a rural economy based on biomanufacturing” and “turning agricultural waste into a variety of products.” He pledged to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency to “spur the industry” on biofuels.With systemic racial inequity now a nationwide talking point, Vilsack also envisioned creating an “equity task force” inside the department. Its job, he said, would be to identify what he called “intentional or unintentional barriers" that prevent or discourage farmers of color from properly accessing federal assistance programs.Vilsack also heavily backed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — commonly known as food stamps, or SNAP — as a key instrument in helping the country's most vulnerable families survive and recover from the pandemic era. His Trump-era predecessor, Sonny Perdue, had sought to purge hundreds of thousands of people from the SNAP-recipient lists.

Vilsack confirmed for 2nd stint as US agriculture secretary

Politico says trade policy will move front-and-center this week as the Senate Finance Committee considers Biden’s nominations for the U.S. Trade Representative and the number two Treasury official. Wally Adeyemo (Ah-dah-YAY-moh) is the nominee for Deputy Treasury Secretary, and Katherine Tai is the USTR nominee. How the Biden Administration will handle China in the wake of a trade war will be a key issue for both nominees. 

As the nation’s top trade negotiator, Tai would be responsible for reviewing the tariffs that Donald Trump put into effect on China and other nations. She would also be responsible for the Phase One Trade Deal that China has yet to live up to. Adeyemo will help lead the administration’s review of sanctions on Chinese leaders and firms that Trump put in place because of Beijing’s human rights abuses. 

Both nominees will likely take a tough rhetorical stance on China’s trade practices and abuses without making concrete promises that would limit future policy options. That will fall in with Biden’s promise to review Trump’s tariffs on China and other nations before taking further action.

Politico says trade policy will move front-and-center this week as the Senate Finance Committee considers Biden’s nominations for the U.S. Trade Representative and the number two Treasury official. Wally Adeyemo (Ah-dah-YAY-moh) is the nominee for Deputy Treasury Secretary, and Katherine Tai is the USTR nominee. How the Biden Administration will handle China in the wake of a trade war will be a key issue for both nominees. As the nation’s top trade negotiator, Tai would be responsible for reviewing the tariffs that Donald Trump put into effect on China and other nations. She would also be responsible for the Phase One Trade Deal that China has yet to live up to. Adeyemo will help lead the administration’s review of sanctions on Chinese leaders and firms that Trump put in place because of Beijing’s human rights abuses. Both nominees will likely take a tough rhetorical stance on China’s trade practices and abuses without making concrete promises that would limit future policy options. That will fall in with Biden’s promise to review Trump’s tariffs on China and other nations before taking further action.

Trade policy will be a big topic on Thursday

Fresh produce continues its steady growth at retail, with increased sales for fruits and vegetables during the fourth quarter of 2020. That’s according to a new report on United Fresh, detailing the fourth quarter of last year and the 2020 year-end report. Among the fourth quarter highlights, both fruits and vegetables continued to grow as sales surged across categories driven by consumers making more shopping trips and spending more during those trips. 

Total fruit sales generated $7.3 billion in the last quarter of 2020, representing 7.7 percent growth over the previous year. Vegetable dollar sales grew 14 percent during the quarter, reaching $8.8 billion. Some of the key numbers from the Year-End report show produce departments generating $7.1 billion in 2020, accounting for 33 percent of total fresh sales, second only to the meat department. 

Total fruit sales in the U.S. reached $33.7 billion and were 14.4 percent higher than the previous year. Apples, grapes, and bananas ranked as the top three categories in sales. Vegetable sales reached a new high of $35.8 billion and were 14 percent higher than in 2019. Pre-packed salads, tomatoes, and potatoes were the top three categories in sales.

Fresh produce continues its steady growth at retail, with increased sales for fruits and vegetables during the fourth quarter of 2020. That’s according to a new report on United Fresh, detailing the fourth quarter of last year and the 2020 year-end report. Among the fourth quarter highlights, both fruits and vegetables continued to grow as sales surged across categories driven by consumers making more shopping trips and spending more during those trips. Total fruit sales generated $7.3 billion in the last quarter of 2020, representing 7.7 percent growth over the previous year. Vegetable dollar sales grew 14 percent during the quarter, reaching $8.8 billion. Some of the key numbers from the Year-End report show produce departments generating $7.1 billion in 2020, accounting for 33 percent of total fresh sales, second only to the meat department. Total fruit sales in the U.S. reached $33.7 billion and were 14.4 percent higher than the previous year. Apples, grapes, and bananas ranked as the top three categories in sales. Vegetable sales reached a new high of $35.8 billion and were 14 percent higher than in 2019. Pre-packed salads, tomatoes, and potatoes were the top three categories in sales.

United Fresh releases 2020 fourth quarter report

The USDA sees more corn and soybean production ahead this year. A DTN report says the USDA’s initial Grains and Oilseeds Outlook released last week includes a rise in both planted acres and the yield forecast. The agency says corn production will be 15.2 billion bushels for the 2021-2022 crop, while soybean production is forecast at 4.5 billion bushels. 

Higher demand is in the forecast for both crops, which will keep the year’s ending stocks lower, especially in soybeans. USDA released the Grains and Oilseeds Outlook at its Agricultural Outlook Forum. USDA says farmers will plant 92 million acres of corn. The yield projection is 179.5 bushels per acre, which will make the yield total of 15.2 billion bushels. 

The average corn price will drop by ten cents to $4.20 a bushel. USDA says farmers will plant 90 million acres of soybeans, up 6.9 million from last year. The soybean projection of 4.5 billion bushels is nine percent higher than the previous marketing year. Ending stocks are projecting to be 145 million bushels. 

The season-average farm price will be $11.25 a bushel. The wheat production forecast for 2021-2022 is 1.827 billion bushels, almost unchanged from the previous year. Total acreage will be 45 million acres, with a national average yield of 49.1 bushels per acre and a higher farm-gate price of $5.50 per bushel.

The USDA sees more corn and soybean production ahead this year. A DTN report says the USDA’s initial Grains and Oilseeds Outlook released last week includes a rise in both planted acres and the yield forecast. The agency says corn production will be 15.2 billion bushels for the 2021-2022 crop, while soybean production is forecast at 4.5 billion bushels. Higher demand is in the forecast for both crops, which will keep the year’s ending stocks lower, especially in soybeans. USDA released the Grains and Oilseeds Outlook at its Agricultural Outlook Forum. USDA says farmers will plant 92 million acres of corn. The yield projection is 179.5 bushels per acre, which will make the yield total of 15.2 billion bushels. The average corn price will drop by ten cents to $4.20 a bushel. USDA says farmers will plant 90 million acres of soybeans, up 6.9 million from last year. The soybean projection of 4.5 billion bushels is nine percent higher than the previous marketing year. Ending stocks are projecting to be 145 million bushels. The season-average farm price will be $11.25 a bushel. The wheat production forecast for 2021-2022 is 1.827 billion bushels, almost unchanged from the previous year. Total acreage will be 45 million acres, with a national average yield of 49.1 bushels per acre and a higher farm-gate price of $5.50 per bushel.

USDA forecasting higher production in 2021

The USDA announced the appointment of Gloria Montaño Greene as the Deputy Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Zach Ducheneaux is the new Farm Service Agency Administrator. Montaño Greene is a former Director of the Farm Service Agency in Arizona from 2014-2017, a position she was appointed to by then-President Obama. 

She led the implementation of the 2013 Farm Bill Programs across the state. Ducheneaux is the current Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the largest, longest-standing Native American agricultural organization in the U.S. The Council represents all Federally Recognized Tribes and serves 80,000 Native American producers. 

He also operates his family’s ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in north-central South Dakota with his brothers. “We are honored to have professionals of the caliber of Gloria and Zach join our team,” says Katharine Ferguson, Chief of Staff with the Office of the USDA Secretary. 

“With their leadership of USDA farm and conservation programs, we will create new market opportunities and streams of income for farmers, ranchers, and producers that address climate change and environmental challenges, strengthen local and regional food systems, and lead the world in food, fiber, and feed production for export.”

The USDA announced the appointment of Gloria Montaño Greene as the Deputy Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Zach Ducheneaux is the new Farm Service Agency Administrator. Montaño Greene is a former Director of the Farm Service Agency in Arizona from 2014-2017, a position she was appointed to by then-President Obama. She led the implementation of the 2013 Farm Bill Programs across the state. Ducheneaux is the current Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the largest, longest-standing Native American agricultural organization in the U.S. The Council represents all Federally Recognized Tribes and serves 80,000 Native American producers. He also operates his family’s ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in north-central South Dakota with his brothers. “We are honored to have professionals of the caliber of Gloria and Zach join our team,” says Katharine Ferguson, Chief of Staff with the Office of the USDA Secretary. “With their leadership of USDA farm and conservation programs, we will create new market opportunities and streams of income for farmers, ranchers, and producers that address climate change and environmental challenges, strengthen local and regional food systems, and lead the world in food, fiber, and feed production for export.”

USDA fills key leadership positions

During the week ending on February 12, the Energy Information Administration announced that ethanol production dropped to its lowest level in five months while stockpiles grew. The EIA report says that ethanol production fell to 911,000 barrels per day, down from 937,000 barrels a day during the prior week. 

That’s the lowest production level since late September. A Successful Farming report says the Midwest, which produces the most ethanol of any region in the country, saw its production drop to 868,000 barrels a day. 

That’s a drop from the 895,000 per day from the previous week and the lowest output level since late September. The East Coast and Gulf Coast regions stayed at an average of 12,000 barrels per day, while the Rocky Mountain and West Coast production levels were unchanged at 9,000 barrels per day, on average, according to the EIA. 

Stockpiles increased to 24.297 million barrels in the seven days ending on February 12. In other news the ethanol industry won’t like, the Environmental Protection Agency says that all 16 petitions from small refineries that would exempt them from meeting blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard from 2020 are still pending. In total, 66 petitions that date back as far as 2011 are still pending.

During the week ending on February 12, the Energy Information Administration announced that ethanol production dropped to its lowest level in five months while stockpiles grew. The EIA report says that ethanol production fell to 911,000 barrels per day, down from 937,000 barrels a day during the prior week. That’s the lowest production level since late September. A Successful Farming report says the Midwest, which produces the most ethanol of any region in the country, saw its production drop to 868,000 barrels a day. That’s a drop from the 895,000 per day from the previous week and the lowest output level since late September. The East Coast and Gulf Coast regions stayed at an average of 12,000 barrels per day, while the Rocky Mountain and West Coast production levels were unchanged at 9,000 barrels per day, on average, according to the EIA. Stockpiles increased to 24.297 million barrels in the seven days ending on February 12. In other news the ethanol industry won’t like, the Environmental Protection Agency says that all 16 petitions from small refineries that would exempt them from meeting blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard from 2020 are still pending. In total, 66 petitions that date back as far as 2011 are still pending.

Ethanol production drops to lowest level in five years

Democrat Angie Craig of Minnesota and Republican Dusty Johnson of South Dakota introduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act into the House of Representatives last week. The goal of the legislation is to reduce the secrecy currently surrounding the small refinery exemption process and bring more certainty into the renewable fuel marketplace. 

“We applaud the introduction of the RFS Integrity Act and the strong bipartisan effort to restore integrity and transparency to the Renewable Fuel Standard,” says Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. 

“The intent of the RFS is to blend more biofuels into our nation’s transportation fuel supply every year, not to have oil companies use questionable tactics to delay and avoid their blending obligations.” She says that creates tremendous amounts of uncertainty for farmers, biofuel producers, and the entire fuel supply chain. 

The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t impose a clear deadline for submitting a request for an SRE. If enacted, the RFS Integrity Act would set an annual deadline of June 1 for refineries to submit SRE petitions. It would also bring greater transparency to SREs by no longer excluding the refinery’s name, the number of exempted gallons requested, and the compliance years requested from public disclosure.

Democrat Angie Craig of Minnesota and Republican Dusty Johnson of South Dakota introduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act into the House of Representatives last week. The goal of the legislation is to reduce the secrecy currently surrounding the small refinery exemption process and bring more certainty into the renewable fuel marketplace. “We applaud the introduction of the RFS Integrity Act and the strong bipartisan effort to restore integrity and transparency to the Renewable Fuel Standard,” says Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The intent of the RFS is to blend more biofuels into our nation’s transportation fuel supply every year, not to have oil companies use questionable tactics to delay and avoid their blending obligations.” She says that creates tremendous amounts of uncertainty for farmers, biofuel producers, and the entire fuel supply chain. The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t impose a clear deadline for submitting a request for an SRE. If enacted, the RFS Integrity Act would set an annual deadline of June 1 for refineries to submit SRE petitions. It would also bring greater transparency to SREs by no longer excluding the refinery’s name, the number of exempted gallons requested, and the compliance years requested from public disclosure.

RFS Integrity Act introduced in the House

Farm groups welcome plans by the Department of Agriculture to assist states in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service this week announced it has deployed 119 employees to assist in several states, largely in Nevada and Oklahoma. 

The USDA employees are helping to vaccinate people at various rapid points of distribution, including mobile teams and pop-up clinics. Farm groups, such as the National Pork Producers Council, welcomed the news from USDA. 

NPPC says that, declared essential by the Department of Homeland Security, hog farmers, veterinarians, livestock haulers, harvest facility employees and other workers across the supply chain, play a vital role in food security and rural economies. 

This week, NPPC also launched a campaign, “You’re Essential, So It’s Essential,” to encourage U.S. pork industry workers to get vaccinated as soon as possible. visit nppc.org/essential to learn more about the NPPC vaccination campaign.

Farm groups welcome plans by the Department of Agriculture to assist states in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service this week announced it has deployed 119 employees to assist in several states, largely in Nevada and Oklahoma. The USDA employees are helping to vaccinate people at various rapid points of distribution, including mobile teams and pop-up clinics. Farm groups, such as the National Pork Producers Council, welcomed the news from USDA. NPPC says that, declared essential by the Department of Homeland Security, hog farmers, veterinarians, livestock haulers, harvest facility employees and other workers across the supply chain, play a vital role in food security and rural economies. This week, NPPC also launched a campaign, “You’re Essential, So It’s Essential,” to encourage U.S. pork industry workers to get vaccinated as soon as possible. visit nppc.org/essential to learn more about the NPPC vaccination campaign.

NPPC applauds USDA for extending COVID vaccine support

The Department of Agriculture this week announced a new Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed in December, amended the Packers and Stockyards Act by adding language to establish a "Dealer Statutory Trust" for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers of livestock. 

Much like the existing packer and poultry trusts, the amendment requires livestock dealers to hold all livestock purchased. If livestock has been resold, the receivables or proceeds from such sale, in trust for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of livestock until full payment has been received by those sellers. 

Dealers whose average annual livestock purchases do not exceed $100,000 are exempt. Livestock sellers who do not receive timely payment from a dealer may file claims on the dealer's statutory trust. 

Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Jim Costa of California applauded the move. The Democrat states, "I am pleased that USDA has taken the necessary steps to put these protections in place for the benefit of livestock sellers throughout our country."

The Department of Agriculture this week announced a new Dealer Statutory Trust to Protect Livestock Sellers. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed in December, amended the Packers and Stockyards Act by adding language to establish a "Dealer Statutory Trust" for the benefit of unpaid cash sellers of livestock. Much like the existing packer and poultry trusts, the amendment requires livestock dealers to hold all livestock purchased. If livestock has been resold, the receivables or proceeds from such sale, in trust for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of livestock until full payment has been received by those sellers. Dealers whose average annual livestock purchases do not exceed $100,000 are exempt. Livestock sellers who do not receive timely payment from a dealer may file claims on the dealer's statutory trust. Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Jim Costa of California applauded the move. The Democrat states, "I am pleased that USDA has taken the necessary steps to put these protections in place for the benefit of livestock sellers throughout our country."

USDA announces dealer statutory trust to protect livestock sellers

New data from the European Union puts China ahead of the United States as the EU’s biggest trading partner. A spokesperson from China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry calls the data “great news for both sides.” 2020 saw China-EU economic and trade ties grow stronger against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

More than 60 percent of EU companies in China are ready to increase investment, according to the latest survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. 

At the end of last year, China and the EU announced the conclusion of negations on a China-EU investment agreement that elevates relations and cooperation between the two.&nbsp;&nbsp;China claims that for mutual investment, the agreement means wider market access, better business environment and a brighter prospect of cooperation. 

In 2020, EU imports from China increased 5.6 percent, while exports increased 2.2 percent. Although the US and the UK remain the EU's largest export markets, trade with both countries dropped significantly.

New data from the European Union puts China ahead of the United States as the EU’s biggest trading partner. A spokesperson from China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry calls the data “great news for both sides.” 2020 saw China-EU economic and trade ties grow stronger against the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 60 percent of EU companies in China are ready to increase investment, according to the latest survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. At the end of last year, China and the EU announced the conclusion of negations on a China-EU investment agreement that elevates relations and cooperation between the two.&nbsp;&nbsp;China claims that for mutual investment, the agreement means wider market access, better business environment and a brighter prospect of cooperation. In 2020, EU imports from China increased 5.6 percent, while exports increased 2.2 percent. Although the US and the UK remain the EU's largest export markets, trade with both countries dropped significantly.

China surpasses U.S., becomes EU’s biggest trading partner

Lawmakers seek clarified terms to ensure more farmers and ranchers are eligible for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. The request was in a letter to the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration. 

Led by Representative Ron Kind and Senator Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Democrats, along with Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the lawmakers say many farmers were falling through the cracks in when it was first created last year. 

Kind introduced legislation over the summer to increase the number of farmers eligible to receive a loan by allowing them to use gross income to calculate their loan award. The legislation was passed as part of the recent COVID-19 relief package. 

However, many farmers and ranchers are organized as partnerships or limited liability companies, which are taxed differently than other farm and ranch entities. These farmers have been unable to apply for loans under the new calculation because of the SBA’s interpretation of eligibility for partnerships or limited liability companies.

Lawmakers seek clarified terms to ensure more farmers and ranchers are eligible for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. The request was in a letter to the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration. Led by Representative Ron Kind and Senator Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Democrats, along with Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the lawmakers say many farmers were falling through the cracks in when it was first created last year. Kind introduced legislation over the summer to increase the number of farmers eligible to receive a loan by allowing them to use gross income to calculate their loan award. The legislation was passed as part of the recent COVID-19 relief package. However, many farmers and ranchers are organized as partnerships or limited liability companies, which are taxed differently than other farm and ranch entities. These farmers have been unable to apply for loans under the new calculation because of the SBA’s interpretation of eligibility for partnerships or limited liability companies.

Bipartisan push seeks more farmers and ranchers eligible for PPP loans

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday reminded farmers and ranchers of programs to assist them through the current winter storms. Acting Agriculture Secretary Kevin Shea says, “USDA is committed to getting help to producers and rural Americans impacted by the severe.” 

USDA offers several risk management and disaster assistance options to help producers recover after they are impacted by severe weather, including winter storms and extreme cold. 

Producers that signed up for Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program who suffer losses are asked to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office, respectively, within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. 

Livestock and perennial crop producers often have more limited risk management options available, so there are several disaster programs for them. Those programs include the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock. Producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday reminded farmers and ranchers of programs to assist them through the current winter storms. Acting Agriculture Secretary Kevin Shea says, “USDA is committed to getting help to producers and rural Americans impacted by the severe.” USDA offers several risk management and disaster assistance options to help producers recover after they are impacted by severe weather, including winter storms and extreme cold. Producers that signed up for Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program who suffer losses are asked to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office, respectively, within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. Livestock and perennial crop producers often have more limited risk management options available, so there are several disaster programs for them. Those programs include the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock. Producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.

USDA ready to assist farmers, ranchers and communities affected by winter storms

Senator Chuck Grassley this week invited Gina McCarthy to visit his home state to learn about renewable fuel production and overall sustainable energy strategies. The Iowa Republican says, "It would be a great opportunity for the Administration to learn just how resilient the middle of the country can be." 

McCarthy, former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator during the Obama administration, now serves as the White House National Climate Advisor for President Joe Biden. 

In 2009, Grassley invited McCarthy, who had never been to a farm before, to visit Iowa to learn about corn and soybean farming technology and see firsthand how Iowa farmers contribute to clean energy production. 

Since then, Iowa's agriculture and energy industry has continued to expand. Iowa now ranks second in the nation for wind energy production, leading the nation with the highest wind power share. In 2019, wind turbines in Iowa generated more electricity than the state's coal-fired power plants for the first time.

Senator Chuck Grassley this week invited Gina McCarthy to visit his home state to learn about renewable fuel production and overall sustainable energy strategies. The Iowa Republican says, "It would be a great opportunity for the Administration to learn just how resilient the middle of the country can be." McCarthy, former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator during the Obama administration, now serves as the White House National Climate Advisor for President Joe Biden. In 2009, Grassley invited McCarthy, who had never been to a farm before, to visit Iowa to learn about corn and soybean farming technology and see firsthand how Iowa farmers contribute to clean energy production. Since then, Iowa's agriculture and energy industry has continued to expand. Iowa now ranks second in the nation for wind energy production, leading the nation with the highest wind power share. In 2019, wind turbines in Iowa generated more electricity than the state's coal-fired power plants for the first time.

Grassley calls on McCarthy to visit Iowa to see renewable energy

Senator Tammy Baldwin will chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. 

Announced last week, the Wisconsin Democrat says, “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support farmers, ranchers, and producers.” Senator Baldwin has served on the Senate Appropriations Committee since 2015, and she will also serve as a member on three other appropriation subcommittees in the Senate. 

Baldwin says she seeks to "build a stronger and more secure agriculture economy, and get the job done on rural economic development for communities that too often feel they are being left behind by Washington." 

In addition to serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin serves on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. However, Baldwin is not a member of the Senate 

Senator Tammy Baldwin will chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Announced last week, the Wisconsin Democrat says, “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support farmers, ranchers, and producers.” Senator Baldwin has served on the Senate Appropriations Committee since 2015, and she will also serve as a member on three other appropriation subcommittees in the Senate. Baldwin says she seeks to "build a stronger and more secure agriculture economy, and get the job done on rural economic development for communities that too often feel they are being left behind by Washington." In addition to serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin serves on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. However, Baldwin is not a member of the Senate

Baldwin to chair senate ag appropriations subcommittee

Next week, more than 760,000 FFA members across the country will share the story of agriculture as part of National FFA Week. National FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses February 22, George Washington's birthday. 

This year, the week kicks off on February 20 and culminates on Saturday, February 27. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, recognizing Washington's legacy as a farmer. 

During FFA Week, the six national FFA officers will connect virtually with chapters across the country. National FFA Week is also a time for alumni and supporters to advocate for agricultural education and FFA. 

Alumni and Supporters will celebrate Alumni Day on Tuesday, February 22, and on Thursday, February 25, the National FFA Foundation will celebrate Give FFA Day, a 24-hour campaign encouraging the public to support various needs impacting FFA members. Friday, February 26, all FFA members and supporters are encouraged to wear blue and show their FFA pride.

Next week, more than 760,000 FFA members across the country will share the story of agriculture as part of National FFA Week. National FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses February 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicks off on February 20 and culminates on Saturday, February 27. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, recognizing Washington's legacy as a farmer. During FFA Week, the six national FFA officers will connect virtually with chapters across the country. National FFA Week is also a time for alumni and supporters to advocate for agricultural education and FFA. Alumni and Supporters will celebrate Alumni Day on Tuesday, February 22, and on Thursday, February 25, the National FFA Foundation will celebrate Give FFA Day, a 24-hour campaign encouraging the public to support various needs impacting FFA members. Friday, February 26, all FFA members and supporters are encouraged to wear blue and show their FFA pride.

Students set to celebrate National FFA Week

The Senate will vote to confirm Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary next week. The exact time is uncertain, but the Senate calendar has the vote planned for Tuesday, February 23. 

The Senate will debate the nomination for 20 minutes before voting, with the majority and minority parties receiving equal time. Expect smooth sailing for Vilsack, who breezed through the Senate Agriculture Committee nomination hearing earlier this month. 

If confirmed next week, Vilsack will rejoin the Department of Agriculture just a few days over a month since the Biden administration took over the White House. During his confirmation hearing, Vilsack stated the world and nation are different from his previous stint leading USDA. 

Vilsack says, "Today, the pandemic, racial justice and equity, and climate change must be our priorities." If confirmed, Vilsack will return to USDA after serving as Agriculture Secretary during the Obama administration, and most recently as President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607621299128.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Radio Iowa" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Radio Iowa</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate will vote to confirm Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary next week. The exact time is uncertain, but the Senate calendar has the vote planned for Tuesday, February 23. The Senate will debate the nomination for 20 minutes before voting, with the majority and minority parties receiving equal time. Expect smooth sailing for Vilsack, who breezed through the Senate Agriculture Committee nomination hearing earlier this month. If confirmed next week, Vilsack will rejoin the Department of Agriculture just a few days over a month since the Biden administration took over the White House. During his confirmation hearing, Vilsack stated the world and nation are different from his previous stint leading USDA. Vilsack says, "Today, the pandemic, racial justice and equity, and climate change must be our priorities." If confirmed, Vilsack will return to USDA after serving as Agriculture Secretary during the Obama administration, and most recently as President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Senate sets vote for Vilsack confirmation

After one of the coldest snaps ever across the Midwest and Plains region, temperatures will start to rebound this week and into the weekend.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brad Temeyer from the Pleasant Hill office says low temperatures will likely drop slightly below zero again on Tuesday night and then start to rebound Wednesday.

However, another round of light snow is coming along with that.

"We'll start to see clouds moving in (Tuesday) evening," Temeyer said. "Initially, temperatures could fall back to zero or below across the region. Once those clouds do move in, I would expect conditions to warm slightly, but that comes with additional amounts of precipitation."

The latest round of snow is expected to start after midnight Tuesday night and last through at least noon Wednesday. Accumulations should be light, but a dusting to three inches is possible with higher amounts likely toward Kansas City and areas south of St. Joseph.

"St. Joe will get kind of a glancing blow of this system," Temeyer pointed out, "with higher amounts along the Missouri River and south. Areas to the north (of KC) should see, generally, around an inch or so."

Temeyer says the snow that's already on the ground has helped keep temperatures low, and it will continue to do so over the next couple of days, though highs by Friday should be in the upper 20s, with 30s expected this weekend and low-to-mid 40s by early next week.

But until then, lows will still be pretty cold. Lows on Wednesday and Thursday night should be anywhere from single digits below or above zero.

"Lows are still going to be extremely cold overnight the next few nights," Temeyer said. "Once we get that warmer air mass into the region, then we're looking at conditions improving. So by Friday or Friday night is when we'll start to see a significant warm up."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NWSKansasCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NWSKansasCity</a> confirms that the low in St. Joseph this morning was -21, which is a new record. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mowx</a>&mdash; St Joseph Post (@StJosephPost) <a href="https://twitter.com/StJosephPost/status/1361755162784665602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter one of the coldest snaps ever across the Midwest and Plains region, temperatures will start to rebound this week and into the weekend.National Weather Service meteorologist Brad Temeyer from the Pleasant Hill office says low temperatures will likely drop slightly below zero again on Tuesday night and then start to rebound Wednesday.However, another round of light snow is coming along with that."We'll start to see clouds moving in (Tuesday) evening," Temeyer said. "Initially, temperatures could fall back to zero or below across the region. Once those clouds do move in, I would expect conditions to warm slightly, but that comes with additional amounts of precipitation."The latest round of snow is expected to start after midnight Tuesday night and last through at least noon Wednesday. Accumulations should be light, but a dusting to three inches is possible with higher amounts likely toward Kansas City and areas south of St. Joseph."St. Joe will get kind of a glancing blow of this system," Temeyer pointed out, "with higher amounts along the Missouri River and south. Areas to the north (of KC) should see, generally, around an inch or so."Temeyer says the snow that's already on the ground has helped keep temperatures low, and it will continue to do so over the next couple of days, though highs by Friday should be in the upper 20s, with 30s expected this weekend and low-to-mid 40s by early next week.But until then, lows will still be pretty cold. Lows on Wednesday and Thursday night should be anywhere from single digits below or above zero."Lows are still going to be extremely cold overnight the next few nights," Temeyer said. "Once we get that warmer air mass into the region, then we're looking at conditions improving. So by Friday or Friday night is when we'll start to see a significant warm up."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Bitter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cold</a> remains across the Great Plains this morning and has spread to areas along the central and western Gulf Coast. More record lows were recorded today: <a href="https://t.co/7ZPAEJIMgU">pic.twitter.com/7ZPAEJIMgU</a>&mdash; NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1361674571884101633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>

Worst of the cold has passed, relief on the way per National Weather Service

U.S. soybean processing plants likely had their third-largest monthly crush on record in January. Reuters says it’s also the largest-ever crush for the first month of the year. 

Industry analysts gave those predictions ahead of the National Oilseed Processors Association report due this week. NOPA members handle about 95 percent of all soybeans processed in the U.S. An average of nine analysts estimates combined to show processors crushed about 183.087 million bushels of soybeans last month. 

If that’s realized, it wouldn’t be much different than the 183.15 million bushels crushed in December and 3.5 percent higher than January of last year, when NOPA members processed 176.94 million bushels. Daily crushing rates over the past four months have been at historic highs, averaging roughly six million bushels a day. 

U.S. soybean supplies are forecast to shrink dramatically ahead of the next harvest. The USDA is projecting the tightest season-ending stocks in seven years and the tightest stocks-to-use ratio in history.

U.S. soybean processing plants likely had their third-largest monthly crush on record in January. Reuters says it’s also the largest-ever crush for the first month of the year. Industry analysts gave those predictions ahead of the National Oilseed Processors Association report due this week. NOPA members handle about 95 percent of all soybeans processed in the U.S. An average of nine analysts estimates combined to show processors crushed about 183.087 million bushels of soybeans last month. If that’s realized, it wouldn’t be much different than the 183.15 million bushels crushed in December and 3.5 percent higher than January of last year, when NOPA members processed 176.94 million bushels. Daily crushing rates over the past four months have been at historic highs, averaging roughly six million bushels a day. U.S. soybean supplies are forecast to shrink dramatically ahead of the next harvest. The USDA is projecting the tightest season-ending stocks in seven years and the tightest stocks-to-use ratio in history.

The pace of U.S. soybean crush stays high in January

American livestock producers need the equivalent of crop insurance. The Hagstrom Report says American Farm Bureau Chief Economist John Newton made that statement in front of the recent Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Meeting. 

Newton says that in the 2023 Farm Bill, we will need “careful consideration as to how we are reaching the livestock sector with crop insurance-like policies.”Newton says there are ways the farm bill can written to help get crop insurance money more widely utilized. 

With the increasing frequency of bad weather, Newton says the farm bill can also be used to develop policies to address situations like the derecho windstorm in Iowa as well as hurricanes and after-harvest disasters.

He also told attendees that dairy revenue policies have become a top ten crop insurance product because the crop insurance industry is very efficient in delivering those policies. 

Adequate labor, immigration reform, the Renewable Fuel Standard, possible changes to the Clean Water Rule that’s also known as Waters of the United States, regulatory reform, and the application of swampbuster rules are all Farm Bureau priorities.

American livestock producers need the equivalent of crop insurance. The Hagstrom Report says American Farm Bureau Chief Economist John Newton made that statement in front of the recent Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Meeting. Newton says that in the 2023 Farm Bill, we will need “careful consideration as to how we are reaching the livestock sector with crop insurance-like policies.”Newton says there are ways the farm bill can written to help get crop insurance money more widely utilized. With the increasing frequency of bad weather, Newton says the farm bill can also be used to develop policies to address situations like the derecho windstorm in Iowa as well as hurricanes and after-harvest disasters.He also told attendees that dairy revenue policies have become a top ten crop insurance product because the crop insurance industry is very efficient in delivering those policies. Adequate labor, immigration reform, the Renewable Fuel Standard, possible changes to the Clean Water Rule that’s also known as Waters of the United States, regulatory reform, and the application of swampbuster rules are all Farm Bureau priorities.

Economist says livestock producers need insurance

U.S. cotton producers will plant 11.5 million acres this year, down over five percent from last year. Those figures come from the National Cotton Council’s 40th Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey. Upland cotton planting intentions are for 11.3 million acres, down 4.9 percent from 2020, while extra-long staple intentions of 161,000 acres represent a 21 percent decline. 

The detailed survey results were announced during the 2021 National Cotton Council’s Annual Meeting Virtual Live-Stream Event. “Planted acreage is just one of the factors that will determine supplies of cotton and cottonseed,” says Dr. Jody Campiche, the NCC Vice President of Economics and Policy Analysis. 

“Ultimately, weather, insect pressures, and agronomic conditions will play a significant role in determining the crop size.” She also says that with abandonment assumed at 13.8 percent for the U.S., Cotton Belt harvested area totals 11.2 million acres. Using an average U.S. yield per harvested acre of 848 pounds generates a crop of 19.8 million bales. 

“History shows that U.S. farmers respond to relative prices when making planting decisions,” Campiche says. “Relative to the average futures prices during the first quarter of 2020, prices of all commodities were trading higher. For the 2021 crop year, corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum will provide more competition for cotton acres.” &nbsp;

U.S. cotton producers will plant 11.5 million acres this year, down over five percent from last year. Those figures come from the National Cotton Council’s 40th Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey. Upland cotton planting intentions are for 11.3 million acres, down 4.9 percent from 2020, while extra-long staple intentions of 161,000 acres represent a 21 percent decline. The detailed survey results were announced during the 2021 National Cotton Council’s Annual Meeting Virtual Live-Stream Event. “Planted acreage is just one of the factors that will determine supplies of cotton and cottonseed,” says Dr. Jody Campiche, the NCC Vice President of Economics and Policy Analysis. “Ultimately, weather, insect pressures, and agronomic conditions will play a significant role in determining the crop size.” She also says that with abandonment assumed at 13.8 percent for the U.S., Cotton Belt harvested area totals 11.2 million acres. Using an average U.S. yield per harvested acre of 848 pounds generates a crop of 19.8 million bales. “History shows that U.S. farmers respond to relative prices when making planting decisions,” Campiche says. “Relative to the average futures prices during the first quarter of 2020, prices of all commodities were trading higher. For the 2021 crop year, corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum will provide more competition for cotton acres.” &nbsp;

U.S. cotton farmers will plant fewer cotton acres in 2021

Brazil, the world’s number one soybean producer, is 
experiencing delays in its early soybean harvest. Yahoo Finance says 
that’s causing some of the biggest buyers like China to rely on rival 
exporters like the U.S. for a longer period than usual in early 2021. 


Continuing demand for American soybeans is speeding up the historic 
lowering of U.S. oilseeds. In turn, that may drive up soybean prices at a
 time of rising food inflation as countries keep tighter control of 
their supplies because of COVID-19. 

Brazil typically will harvest its 
soybeans in the first three months of the year, which slows demand for 
U.S. soybeans. However, that process was delayed by a drought last year 
that slowed planting progress and excessive rainfall at harvest. 


Brazil’s soybean shipments in January were 38 times lower than the year 
before at 49,500 tons, an amount that wouldn’t fill a single shipping 
vessel. At the same time, the U.S. inspected approximately 8.9 million 
tons for shipment in the same month, the highest number on record for 
January. 

Brazil’s supplies will likely normalize by March, but that 
could mean trouble at Brazilian ports. March and April soybeans may wind
 up competing with sugar exports for a finite amount of loading 
capacity.

Brazil, the world’s number one soybean producer, is 
experiencing delays in its early soybean harvest. Yahoo Finance says 
that’s causing some of the biggest buyers like China to rely on rival 
exporters like the U.S. for a longer period than usual in early 2021. 
Continuing demand for American soybeans is speeding up the historic 
lowering of U.S. oilseeds. In turn, that may drive up soybean prices at a
 time of rising food inflation as countries keep tighter control of 
their supplies because of COVID-19. Brazil typically will harvest its 
soybeans in the first three months of the year, which slows demand for 
U.S. soybeans. However, that process was delayed by a drought last year 
that slowed planting progress and excessive rainfall at harvest. 
Brazil’s soybean shipments in January were 38 times lower than the year 
before at 49,500 tons, an amount that wouldn’t fill a single shipping 
vessel. At the same time, the U.S. inspected approximately 8.9 million 
tons for shipment in the same month, the highest number on record for 
January. Brazil’s supplies will likely normalize by March, but that 
could mean trouble at Brazilian ports. March and April soybeans may wind
 up competing with sugar exports for a finite amount of loading 
capacity.