President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. 

Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013. Vilsack is well-known to agriculture, serving as the Obama administration’s Agriculture Secretary. 

Biden also appointed Jane Nishida as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs. 

She will assume the duties until Michael Regan, Biden’s pick to head the EPA, can be confirmed. Regan spent more than nine years working for the EPA under the Clinton and Bush administrations, and eight years at the Environmental Defense Fund. Regen has spent the last four years leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013. Vilsack is well-known to agriculture, serving as the Obama administration’s Agriculture Secretary. Biden also appointed Jane Nishida as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs. She will assume the duties until Michael Regan, Biden’s pick to head the EPA, can be confirmed. Regan spent more than nine years working for the EPA under the Clinton and Bush administrations, and eight years at the Environmental Defense Fund. Regen has spent the last four years leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Biden names acting federal agency leaders

The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday. 

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the waivers with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. RFA’s emergency motion says, “EPA’s decision will inflict substantial, immediate, and irreversible harm.” 

Data released by EPA Tuesday evening show that the two 2019 compliance exemptions reduced that year’s RFS standards by 150 million gallons, while one 2018 exemption erased 110 million gallons of renewable fuel requirements. The total eliminated volume of 260 million gallons is equivalent to shutting down three or four ethanol plants for a full year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. 

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the waivers "are completely without legal merit," adding the organization's request seeks to immediately prevent the agency from doing further economic damage to the ethanol industry.

The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday. The Environmental Protection Agency announced the waivers with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. RFA’s emergency motion says, “EPA’s decision will inflict substantial, immediate, and irreversible harm.” Data released by EPA Tuesday evening show that the two 2019 compliance exemptions reduced that year’s RFS standards by 150 million gallons, while one 2018 exemption erased 110 million gallons of renewable fuel requirements. The total eliminated volume of 260 million gallons is equivalent to shutting down three or four ethanol plants for a full year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the waivers "are completely without legal merit," adding the organization's request seeks to immediately prevent the agency from doing further economic damage to the ethanol industry.

RFA files petition and emergency motion to halt last-minute SREs

Former Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is returning home after serving nearly three years in the Trump Administration. 

Bill Northey resigned as Iowa Ag Secretary in March of 2018 to become Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It'll be different waking up everyday not thinking about all the things we need to do at USDA, there's other folks that will work on that," Northey says "Now I can start thinking about what I might do next."

Northey oversaw a division of the USDA with 21,000 employees, operating out of about three-thousand locations and Northey traveled extensively. 

He visited USDA offices in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as well as in 48 of the 50 states -- he didn't make it to Hawaii or Alaska. 

As the former state ag secretary exits the USDA, a former Iowa governor is returning. Tom Vilsack served as President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture for eight years.

"It's really nice to have somebody who knows how the place works, and probably has had a little bit of time to think about what he might want to do the next time around if there was a next time around," Northey says about Vilsack, "He'll hit the ground running."

Northey says he has no idea if his service in the Trump Administration will impact his future prospects.

Radio Iowa contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611168541478.jpeg" alt="Bill Northey&nbsp; (far right) listens as former Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst after both toured flooding on the farm of Andy Spiegel of rural Watson in 2019/Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Bill Northey&nbsp; (far right) listens as former Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst after both toured flooding on the farm of Andy Spiegel of rural Watson in 2019/Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFormer Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is returning home after serving nearly three years in the Trump Administration. Bill Northey resigned as Iowa Ag Secretary in March of 2018 to become Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture."It'll be different waking up everyday not thinking about all the things we need to do at USDA, there's other folks that will work on that," Northey says "Now I can start thinking about what I might do next."Northey oversaw a division of the USDA with 21,000 employees, operating out of about three-thousand locations and Northey traveled extensively. He visited USDA offices in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as well as in 48 of the 50 states -- he didn't make it to Hawaii or Alaska. As the former state ag secretary exits the USDA, a former Iowa governor is returning. Tom Vilsack served as President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture for eight years."It's really nice to have somebody who knows how the place works, and probably has had a little bit of time to think about what he might want to do the next time around if there was a next time around," Northey says about Vilsack, "He'll hit the ground running."Northey says he has no idea if his service in the Trump Administration will impact his future prospects.Radio Iowa contributed to this story.

Former Iowa Ag Secretary coming back to Iowa after 3 years at USDA 

Day one of the Biden administration brought several executive orders signed by the President, including those reversing actions taken during the Trump Administration. 

President Joe Biden called for unity during his inauguration speech, stating, "We must end this uncivil war that pits red versus blue, rural versus urban,” before planning to sign 17 executive orders later in the day. 

Of note to rural America and agriculture, the actions include an executive order to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and to block the Keystone XL pipeline. Another executive order halts construction of the border wall by terminating the national emergency declaration used to fund it. Another action seeks to rejoin the World Health Organization. 

Additionally, the President took steps to extend COVID-19 policies around evictions and student loans.&nbsp; Other actions include executive orders covering human rights, Immigration and ethics. However, his first action created a mask mandate on federal property and public transportation.

Day one of the Biden administration brought several executive orders signed by the President, including those reversing actions taken during the Trump Administration. President Joe Biden called for unity during his inauguration speech, stating, "We must end this uncivil war that pits red versus blue, rural versus urban,” before planning to sign 17 executive orders later in the day. Of note to rural America and agriculture, the actions include an executive order to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and to block the Keystone XL pipeline. Another executive order halts construction of the border wall by terminating the national emergency declaration used to fund it. Another action seeks to rejoin the World Health Organization. Additionally, the President took steps to extend COVID-19 policies around evictions and student loans.&nbsp; Other actions include executive orders covering human rights, Immigration and ethics. However, his first action created a mask mandate on federal property and public transportation.

Biden signs executive orders following Inauguration

Agriculture groups welcomed President Joe Biden to Washington, D.C., while looking forward to tackling current issues. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says AFBF "congratulates President Joe Biden,” adding the same for Vice President Kamala Harris “as she makes history as the first woman to serve as America's vice president." 

Duvall laid out the issues facing rural America in his statement, including labor, broadband and sustainability goals, adding, "Let's get to work on solutions." 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “We stand ready to work with the Biden administration to ensure they are implemented in a way that supports the success” of farmers and ranchers. 

While congratulating Biden, American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Constance Cullman stated, “Our country is facing tough challenges, but just as a farmer does not give up on farming after a difficult growing year, we will not give up in our belief that we can and will meet these challenges.”

Agriculture groups welcomed President Joe Biden to Washington, D.C., while looking forward to tackling current issues. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says AFBF "congratulates President Joe Biden,” adding the same for Vice President Kamala Harris “as she makes history as the first woman to serve as America's vice president." Duvall laid out the issues facing rural America in his statement, including labor, broadband and sustainability goals, adding, "Let's get to work on solutions." National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “We stand ready to work with the Biden administration to ensure they are implemented in a way that supports the success” of farmers and ranchers. While congratulating Biden, American Feed Industry Association President and CEO Constance Cullman stated, “Our country is facing tough challenges, but just as a farmer does not give up on farming after a difficult growing year, we will not give up in our belief that we can and will meet these challenges.”

Ag and food groups welcome President Biden

Farm groups applaud incoming President Joe Biden’s pick for Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary. Biden recently announced the nomination of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to the post. Bronaugh, in 2018 was appointed as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner. 

She previously served as the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency during the Obama administration. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination, as well as the nomination of Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture, shows President-elect Biden is carefully considering the challenges facing our nation’s farmers.” 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “Under Dr. Jewel Bronaugh’s leadership, the USDA will be in good hands,” adding, “As the first Black woman to hold this position, Dr. Bronaugh also brings an important perspective to the USDA.” 

Bronaugh has more than 20 years of experience in food and agricultural issues. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to hold the second-in-command position at USDA.

Farm groups applaud incoming President Joe Biden’s pick for Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary. Biden recently announced the nomination of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to the post. Bronaugh, in 2018 was appointed as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner. She previously served as the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency during the Obama administration. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination, as well as the nomination of Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture, shows President-elect Biden is carefully considering the challenges facing our nation’s farmers.” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “Under Dr. Jewel Bronaugh’s leadership, the USDA will be in good hands,” adding, “As the first Black woman to hold this position, Dr. Bronaugh also brings an important perspective to the USDA.” Bronaugh has more than 20 years of experience in food and agricultural issues. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to hold the second-in-command position at USDA.

Ag groups welcome Biden picks for Agriculture Deputy Secretary

Fuel prices are rising in the new year, with the national average gas price reaching $2.38 a gallon this week. The national average price of diesel increased 2.6 cents in the last week and stands at $2.62 per gallon. 

Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy says, "Gas prices have jumped to yet another multi-month high as crude oil price rise amidst perceived improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Additionally, rumors incoming President Joe Biden will cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline after inauguration Wednesday would cut off reliable Canadian oil to the U.S., according to DeHaan. 

He says oil prices may see additional pressure in the coming days, but says not to expect much of a break from rising gas prices, which now stand less than twenty cents from their year-ago levels. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil continued to rally over the last week as a weakened U.S. dollar, as well as continued market optimism, have boosted oil prices.

Fuel prices are rising in the new year, with the national average gas price reaching $2.38 a gallon this week. The national average price of diesel increased 2.6 cents in the last week and stands at $2.62 per gallon. Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy says, "Gas prices have jumped to yet another multi-month high as crude oil price rise amidst perceived improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic.” Additionally, rumors incoming President Joe Biden will cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline after inauguration Wednesday would cut off reliable Canadian oil to the U.S., according to DeHaan. He says oil prices may see additional pressure in the coming days, but says not to expect much of a break from rising gas prices, which now stand less than twenty cents from their year-ago levels. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil continued to rally over the last week as a weakened U.S. dollar, as well as continued market optimism, have boosted oil prices.

Gas and diesel prices rising

In a last-minute effort, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency issued three small refinery exemptions. The action reverses one denial from 2018 and granting two for the 2019 compliance year. 

The decision comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s agreement to hear a Tenth Circuit case that overturned three small refinery exemptions that had been inappropriately granted. In a statement, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor called on the incoming Biden Administration to reverse harm done to rural America through SRE abuse. 

Skor says, “Given President-elect Biden’s commitments on the campaign trail, we‘re confident his incoming team will swiftly work to reverse the damage these oil handouts have done to rural America by this midnight maneuvering.” 

Rumors that the EPA was prepping to issue the three waivers surfaced last week. EPA’s action brings the total of SREs granted by the Trump Administration to 88, totaling 4.3 billion gallons of biofuel blending demand destroyed.&nbsp;

In a last-minute effort, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency issued three small refinery exemptions. The action reverses one denial from 2018 and granting two for the 2019 compliance year. The decision comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s agreement to hear a Tenth Circuit case that overturned three small refinery exemptions that had been inappropriately granted. In a statement, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor called on the incoming Biden Administration to reverse harm done to rural America through SRE abuse. Skor says, “Given President-elect Biden’s commitments on the campaign trail, we‘re confident his incoming team will swiftly work to reverse the damage these oil handouts have done to rural America by this midnight maneuvering.” Rumors that the EPA was prepping to issue the three waivers surfaced last week. EPA’s action brings the total of SREs granted by the Trump Administration to 88, totaling 4.3 billion gallons of biofuel blending demand destroyed.&nbsp;

Trump EPA issues last-minute SRE’s

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the USDA will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The agency will be expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities and updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied to the program. 

Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact the USDA’s Farm Service Agency between January 19 and February 26. 

“The coronavirus has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure our agricultural economy remains strong, independent, and a global leader in production,” Perdue says. 

Among some of the changes, contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs, and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 because of COVID-19 are now eligible for assistance. Also, producers of pullets and turfgrass sod are now eligible for CFAP payments. Those commodities weren’t explicitly included in the initial CFAP 2 rules. Producers can learn about the other changes at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/cfap">www.farmers.gov/cfap</a>.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the USDA will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The agency will be expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities and updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied to the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact the USDA’s Farm Service Agency between January 19 and February 26. “The coronavirus has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure our agricultural economy remains strong, independent, and a global leader in production,” Perdue says. Among some of the changes, contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs, and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 because of COVID-19 are now eligible for assistance. Also, producers of pullets and turfgrass sod are now eligible for CFAP payments. Those commodities weren’t explicitly included in the initial CFAP 2 rules. Producers can learn about the other changes at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmers.gov/cfap">www.farmers.gov/cfap</a>.

USDA offering additional assistance through CFAP

Argentina received much-welcomed rains in areas like La Pampa and many Buenos Aires locations into central Cordoba, San Luis, and southern Santa Fe late last week. Moisture totals varied from .2 to .88 inches of rain, with local totals of one inch to more than three inches in southern Santa Fe and southeastern Cordoba. 

The moisture combined with the rain falling earlier last week, as well as the rain expected over the past weekend, should help South American crops coast into this week’s dry and warmer weather without a lot of concern over drought stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;Timely rain is going to be extremely important over the last week of January and into early February. 

However, current conditions are improving. A Bower Trading report says Brazil’s rainfall has been erratic recently, but enough rain is falling in the most important production areas. Two days’ worth of scattered showers and thunderstorms fell in the northern and western parts of the country’s crop-growing regions. 

The weather outlook in Brazil shows rain ahead for most of the key grain, oilseed, and cotton areas in South America. Drier weather is forecast in certain areas, but it will have a bigger impact on unirrigated coffee, cocoa, and small sugarcane fields, more so than it will on the coarse grains and oilseeds.

Argentina received much-welcomed rains in areas like La Pampa and many Buenos Aires locations into central Cordoba, San Luis, and southern Santa Fe late last week. Moisture totals varied from .2 to .88 inches of rain, with local totals of one inch to more than three inches in southern Santa Fe and southeastern Cordoba. The moisture combined with the rain falling earlier last week, as well as the rain expected over the past weekend, should help South American crops coast into this week’s dry and warmer weather without a lot of concern over drought stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;Timely rain is going to be extremely important over the last week of January and into early February. However, current conditions are improving. A Bower Trading report says Brazil’s rainfall has been erratic recently, but enough rain is falling in the most important production areas. Two days’ worth of scattered showers and thunderstorms fell in the northern and western parts of the country’s crop-growing regions. The weather outlook in Brazil shows rain ahead for most of the key grain, oilseed, and cotton areas in South America. Drier weather is forecast in certain areas, but it will have a bigger impact on unirrigated coffee, cocoa, and small sugarcane fields, more so than it will on the coarse grains and oilseeds.

Drought conditions slowly improving in South America

A coalition of environmental and wildlife advocacy groups filed suit against the Trump administration over the decision to remove the gray wolf from Endangered Species Protections. Back in October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lifted protection for the wolves in the continental U.S. 

The only exception is a small population of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and Mexico. The decision brought 45 years of protections to an end for the wolves. The agency determined that the species was no longer endangered. The Hill Dot Com says protecting the species is now up to individual states, many of which will likely allow gray wolf hunting. 

Last Thursday, six environmental groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, filed a lawsuit challenging the delisting, arguing that the delisting is premature as the species hasn’t fully recovered in a big part of its former range across the United States. 

“We hope this lawsuit finally sets the wolf on a path to true recovery,” says Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Restoring federal protection would allow further recovery in places like California, which is now home to just a single pack of wolves.” More than 6,000 gray wolves live in the continental U.S., including over 4,000 in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

A coalition of environmental and wildlife advocacy groups filed suit against the Trump administration over the decision to remove the gray wolf from Endangered Species Protections. Back in October, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lifted protection for the wolves in the continental U.S. The only exception is a small population of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and Mexico. The decision brought 45 years of protections to an end for the wolves. The agency determined that the species was no longer endangered. The Hill Dot Com says protecting the species is now up to individual states, many of which will likely allow gray wolf hunting. Last Thursday, six environmental groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, filed a lawsuit challenging the delisting, arguing that the delisting is premature as the species hasn’t fully recovered in a big part of its former range across the United States. “We hope this lawsuit finally sets the wolf on a path to true recovery,” says Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Restoring federal protection would allow further recovery in places like California, which is now home to just a single pack of wolves.” More than 6,000 gray wolves live in the continental U.S., including over 4,000 in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Environmental groups sue Trump administration over gray wolf

Corn export sales almost doubled week-to-week while soybean sales also jumped higher. The USDA says corn sales to overseas buyers jumped 92 percent week-to-week to 1.44 million metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s up 34 percent over the prior four-week average. 

Japan was the biggest buyer at more than 401,000 metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;An unnamed buyer purchased 334,000 tons, and Columbia bought almost 126,000 metric tons. China was in for another 88,500 tons, while El Salvador canceled a shipment of 24,000 tons. 

Exports totaled 1.46 million metric tons last week, 43 percent higher than the previous week, and 41 percent from the average.&nbsp;&nbsp;Soybean sales totaled 908,000 metric tons, significantly higher last week’s marketing year low of almost 37,000 tons and the highest number since November 12. 

China was the biggest buyer again, purchasing 758,300 metric tons. Other significant buyers included Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week’s export total was 2.04 million metric tons, up 10 percent from the previous week but down 12 percent from the average. Wheat sales through January 7 totaled almost 222,000 metric tons, down 19 percent week-to-week and 49 percent from the four-week average.

Corn export sales almost doubled week-to-week while soybean sales also jumped higher. The USDA says corn sales to overseas buyers jumped 92 percent week-to-week to 1.44 million metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s up 34 percent over the prior four-week average. Japan was the biggest buyer at more than 401,000 metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;An unnamed buyer purchased 334,000 tons, and Columbia bought almost 126,000 metric tons. China was in for another 88,500 tons, while El Salvador canceled a shipment of 24,000 tons. Exports totaled 1.46 million metric tons last week, 43 percent higher than the previous week, and 41 percent from the average.&nbsp;&nbsp;Soybean sales totaled 908,000 metric tons, significantly higher last week’s marketing year low of almost 37,000 tons and the highest number since November 12. China was the biggest buyer again, purchasing 758,300 metric tons. Other significant buyers included Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week’s export total was 2.04 million metric tons, up 10 percent from the previous week but down 12 percent from the average. Wheat sales through January 7 totaled almost 222,000 metric tons, down 19 percent week-to-week and 49 percent from the four-week average.

Corn and soybean export sales jump higher

The National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Mark Poeschl as CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation, effective January 15. 

In a statement, Poeschl said, “I know there have been challenges we have faced during my tenure, but my intentions have been for the best interests of FFA and our student members.” 

He adds, “I'm proud of what we have accomplished together, but now it's time for the next CEO of FFA to step in and make their mark.” &nbsp;Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor and Board Chair, says, “Mark informed us Thursday that he has decided to end his role as National FFA CEO. 

The board wishes Mark well, and we acknowledge the impact he has made in the last four and a half years as National FFA leader.” Poeschl began his tenure leading FFA in 2016, from Cargill Animal Nutrition.

The National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Mark Poeschl as CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation, effective January 15. In a statement, Poeschl said, “I know there have been challenges we have faced during my tenure, but my intentions have been for the best interests of FFA and our student members.” He adds, “I'm proud of what we have accomplished together, but now it's time for the next CEO of FFA to step in and make their mark.” &nbsp;Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor and Board Chair, says, “Mark informed us Thursday that he has decided to end his role as National FFA CEO. The board wishes Mark well, and we acknowledge the impact he has made in the last four and a half years as National FFA leader.” Poeschl began his tenure leading FFA in 2016, from Cargill Animal Nutrition.

Mark Poeschl resigns as CEO of National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation

The Environmental Protection Agency said last week it proposes to extend refiner deadlines to prove compliance with biofuel laws. Reuters says the agency is signaling that it won’t decide on many of the pending waiver requests submitted by the industry. 

It’s mixed news for refiners who’ve been hit hard by the slump in energy demand during COVID-19 and are looking to decrease regulatory costs associated with the U.S. biofuel blending policy. It’s also one of the final actions the EPA will take before President Trump leaves office on January 20. 

The agency will propose to extend the compliance deadline for 2019 biofuel blending obligations to November 30, 2021. The EPA will move the 2020 deadlines to January 31, 2022, and June 1, 2022. Refiners must turn in their credits to the EPA every year to prove they’ve complied with the annual biofuel blending obligations for the previous calendar year. 

The EPA also says it won’t take a position on the availability of 2019 small refinery waivers, which can exempt oil refiners from their obligations to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply. The decision is related to the pending litigation on the waiver program.

The Environmental Protection Agency said last week it proposes to extend refiner deadlines to prove compliance with biofuel laws. Reuters says the agency is signaling that it won’t decide on many of the pending waiver requests submitted by the industry. It’s mixed news for refiners who’ve been hit hard by the slump in energy demand during COVID-19 and are looking to decrease regulatory costs associated with the U.S. biofuel blending policy. It’s also one of the final actions the EPA will take before President Trump leaves office on January 20. The agency will propose to extend the compliance deadline for 2019 biofuel blending obligations to November 30, 2021. The EPA will move the 2020 deadlines to January 31, 2022, and June 1, 2022. Refiners must turn in their credits to the EPA every year to prove they’ve complied with the annual biofuel blending obligations for the previous calendar year. The EPA also says it won’t take a position on the availability of 2019 small refinery waivers, which can exempt oil refiners from their obligations to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply. The decision is related to the pending litigation on the waiver program.

EPA won’t decide on RFS waiver requests

More lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration to avoid making any decisions on small refinery exemptions until after the Supreme Court rules in pending litigation. Thursday, a group of Midwest Senators penned a letter to the administration. 

The letter states, “Alarming new reports indicate that your Environmental Protection Agency may issue numerous pending small refinery exemptions which would be a devastating blow to biofuels producers and the farmers who sell to them.” 

The effort follows a similar letter by the House Biofuels Caucus earlier this week. The letters stem from a Reuters report that the Trump administration was readying three new waivers for compliance year 2019. 

The Senate effort includes Republican Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst, both of Iowa, along with Roger Marshall of Kansas, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Meanwhile, the EPA Thursday proposed extending the RFS compliance deadline for the 2019 compliance year to November 2021 and the 2020 deadlines to 2022.

More lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration to avoid making any decisions on small refinery exemptions until after the Supreme Court rules in pending litigation. Thursday, a group of Midwest Senators penned a letter to the administration. The letter states, “Alarming new reports indicate that your Environmental Protection Agency may issue numerous pending small refinery exemptions which would be a devastating blow to biofuels producers and the farmers who sell to them.” The effort follows a similar letter by the House Biofuels Caucus earlier this week. The letters stem from a Reuters report that the Trump administration was readying three new waivers for compliance year 2019. The Senate effort includes Republican Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst, both of Iowa, along with Roger Marshall of Kansas, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Meanwhile, the EPA Thursday proposed extending the RFS compliance deadline for the 2019 compliance year to November 2021 and the 2020 deadlines to 2022.

Senators call on EPA to protect the integrity of the RFS

A recent study finds rural residents are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Kaiser Family Foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor tracks the dynamic nature of public opinion as vaccine development unfolds. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues. 

The monitor shows three in ten people in rural areas say they will "definitely get" the vaccine, compared to four in ten people in urban areas and suburban areas. 

An additional one-third of people in rural areas say they will "probably get it" while 35 percent say they will either "probably not get it" or "definitely not get it." 

The report says there are many factors that are associated with an individual's willingness to get the coronavirus vaccine, including their age, level of education, and political party identification.&nbsp; 

The COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor finds that Republicans are much less likely to say they will get a coronavirus vaccine compared to their independent and Democratic counterparts.

A recent study finds rural residents are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Kaiser Family Foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor tracks the dynamic nature of public opinion as vaccine development unfolds. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues. The monitor shows three in ten people in rural areas say they will "definitely get" the vaccine, compared to four in ten people in urban areas and suburban areas. An additional one-third of people in rural areas say they will "probably get it" while 35 percent say they will either "probably not get it" or "definitely not get it." The report says there are many factors that are associated with an individual's willingness to get the coronavirus vaccine, including their age, level of education, and political party identification.&nbsp; The COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor finds that Republicans are much less likely to say they will get a coronavirus vaccine compared to their independent and Democratic counterparts.

Vaccine hesitancy in rural America

The Department of Agriculture is investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine. The investment is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. 

The investment expands the pilot program to new projects in Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.&nbsp; The pilot program is a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 

NRCS will provide funding to partners who will provide financial assistance, education, outreach and trapping assistance to participating landowners in pilot project areas. All partner work will be closely coordinated with the APHIS operations in those areas. 

Between the first and second round of funding, there will be a total of 34 active projects across 12 states for the life of the 2018 Farm Bill. NRCS Acting Chief Kevin Norton says, “The projects we have identified will be key to addressing the feral swine problem.”

The Department of Agriculture is investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine. The investment is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The investment expands the pilot program to new projects in Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.&nbsp; The pilot program is a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. NRCS will provide funding to partners who will provide financial assistance, education, outreach and trapping assistance to participating landowners in pilot project areas. All partner work will be closely coordinated with the APHIS operations in those areas. Between the first and second round of funding, there will be a total of 34 active projects across 12 states for the life of the 2018 Farm Bill. NRCS Acting Chief Kevin Norton says, “The projects we have identified will be key to addressing the feral swine problem.”

USDA invests $11.65 million to control feral swine

The Indiana Soybean Alliance, with support from the United Soybean Board and SYNLawn Indiana, is kicking off a new partnership with the Indianapolis Colts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The partnership features soy-backed SYNLawn artificial grass to be used during 2021 pre-game and traveling educational exercise programs, which will be held once COVID-19 limitations end.&nbsp; 

The partnership helps further the educational efforts on the many benefits offered by U.S.-grown soybeans, as well as the soy checkoff’s positive impact on building new markets for the industry, according to USB. 

Participating children and adults will have the opportunity to learn about soy while enjoying the Colts’ popular “Touchdown Town” 40-yard dash across SYNLawn. Use of soybean oil and other plant-based renewable materials qualifies multiple SYNLawn products for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Certified Biobased Product label. 

According to a report USDA released in July 2019, biobased products contributed $459 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016. Additionally, SYNLawn's soy-backed grass is recyclable and conserves water.

The Indiana Soybean Alliance, with support from the United Soybean Board and SYNLawn Indiana, is kicking off a new partnership with the Indianapolis Colts.&nbsp;&nbsp;The partnership features soy-backed SYNLawn artificial grass to be used during 2021 pre-game and traveling educational exercise programs, which will be held once COVID-19 limitations end.&nbsp; The partnership helps further the educational efforts on the many benefits offered by U.S.-grown soybeans, as well as the soy checkoff’s positive impact on building new markets for the industry, according to USB. Participating children and adults will have the opportunity to learn about soy while enjoying the Colts’ popular “Touchdown Town” 40-yard dash across SYNLawn. Use of soybean oil and other plant-based renewable materials qualifies multiple SYNLawn products for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Certified Biobased Product label. According to a report USDA released in July 2019, biobased products contributed $459 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016. Additionally, SYNLawn's soy-backed grass is recyclable and conserves water.

U.S. Soy Turf to cover more ground than ever in 2021

A new analysis of independent data for 2020 shows that new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were five times lower in December than in May. 

Meanwhile, rates in the general population rocketed up nine times in the same period. According to data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network, the meat and poultry sector was reported to have an average of 19.91 new reported cases per 100,000 workers per day in December. 

That compares to an average of 98.39 new reported cases per 100,000 workers per day in May. The New York Times reports that during the same period, the average new case rate for the U.S. population rose from 7.11 cases per 100,000 people per day in May to 63.01 cases in December. 

Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says, “This new data further demonstrates that the more than $1.5 billion spent on comprehensive protections implemented since the spring reversed the pandemic's trajectory.”

A new analysis of independent data for 2020 shows that new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were five times lower in December than in May. Meanwhile, rates in the general population rocketed up nine times in the same period. According to data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network, the meat and poultry sector was reported to have an average of 19.91 new reported cases per 100,000 workers per day in December. That compares to an average of 98.39 new reported cases per 100,000 workers per day in May. The New York Times reports that during the same period, the average new case rate for the U.S. population rose from 7.11 cases per 100,000 people per day in May to 63.01 cases in December. Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says, “This new data further demonstrates that the more than $1.5 billion spent on comprehensive protections implemented since the spring reversed the pandemic's trajectory.”

Meat worker COVID-19 cases five times lower than June

A group of lawmakers is asking the outgoing Trump administration to deny biofuel wavers. A letter signed by the House Biofuels Caucus follows a report the Environmental Protection Agency was readying to approve three small refinery exemptions. 

The letter calls the exemptions illegal, adding they are “contrary to legislative intent and hurt rural economies.” In September, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler rejected dozens of waiver requests from refiners. 

But now, with 66 more exemption requests pending, and news the Trump administration is preparing to approve three waivers, the lawmakers say the reversal is “a betrayal to Rural America.” 

The lawmakers say it would be inappropriate to grant any waiver petitions inconsistent with the law and the Tenth Circuit Court decision, currently pending litigation and review by the Supreme Court until the review is finished. 

The approvals would be one of the Trump administration's final efforts and could be announced yet this week, applying to the 2019 compliance year.

A group of lawmakers is asking the outgoing Trump administration to deny biofuel wavers. A letter signed by the House Biofuels Caucus follows a report the Environmental Protection Agency was readying to approve three small refinery exemptions. The letter calls the exemptions illegal, adding they are “contrary to legislative intent and hurt rural economies.” In September, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler rejected dozens of waiver requests from refiners. But now, with 66 more exemption requests pending, and news the Trump administration is preparing to approve three waivers, the lawmakers say the reversal is “a betrayal to Rural America.” The lawmakers say it would be inappropriate to grant any waiver petitions inconsistent with the law and the Tenth Circuit Court decision, currently pending litigation and review by the Supreme Court until the review is finished. The approvals would be one of the Trump administration's final efforts and could be announced yet this week, applying to the 2019 compliance year.

Lawmakers ask Trump Administration to deny biofuel waivers

The Department of Interior this week announced three new actions to aggressively increase broadband internet access in rural communities and reduce wildfire risks. 

The Bureau of Land Management issued a proposed rule that would make it easier for industry to co-locate infrastructure, manage trees to enhance electric reliability and avoid fire hazards.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proposal also seeks to update the Bureau’s cost recovery fee schedule for right-of-way activities. 

The proposed regulatory amendments complement ongoing efforts to reduce the vulnerability of public lands to wildfires and make it easier for firefighters to access and contain wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule will streamline its regulations for permitting of rights-of-way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And, the National Park Service has amended Telecommunication Sites of Management Policies to allow the Service to accept applications for communications sites from additional applicants.&nbsp; Publication in the Federal Register will open a 60-day comment period for each rule, and the respective notice will include information on how to comment.

The Department of Interior this week announced three new actions to aggressively increase broadband internet access in rural communities and reduce wildfire risks. The Bureau of Land Management issued a proposed rule that would make it easier for industry to co-locate infrastructure, manage trees to enhance electric reliability and avoid fire hazards.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proposal also seeks to update the Bureau’s cost recovery fee schedule for right-of-way activities. The proposed regulatory amendments complement ongoing efforts to reduce the vulnerability of public lands to wildfires and make it easier for firefighters to access and contain wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule will streamline its regulations for permitting of rights-of-way.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, the National Park Service has amended Telecommunication Sites of Management Policies to allow the Service to accept applications for communications sites from additional applicants.&nbsp; Publication in the Federal Register will open a 60-day comment period for each rule, and the respective notice will include information on how to comment.

Interior Department proposal seeks greater broadband access, reduced wildfire hazards

Senator Debbie Stabenow, the incoming Senate Agriculture Committee chair, this week urged the Department of Agriculture to implement the bipartisan worker protection provisions in the COVID-19 assistance package.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Michigan Democrat says, "In order to repair our food supply and feed families in need, USDA must prioritize safety in addition to food purchases." 

In the recently passed COVID-19 assistance package, Congress provided no less than $1.5 billion to fund food purchases for distribution to those in need, provide worker protection measures, and retooling support for farmers, farmers markets, and food processors. 

The provision was inspired by Stabenow's bipartisan Food Supply Protection Act to help protect the food supply after the COVID-19 crisis put an unprecedented strain on farmers, workers and food banks. 

USDA recently announced funding for food purchases through the Farmers to Families Food Box program, but has yet to commit additional funds to protect workers and ensure the continuity of the food supply chain.

Senator Debbie Stabenow, the incoming Senate Agriculture Committee chair, this week urged the Department of Agriculture to implement the bipartisan worker protection provisions in the COVID-19 assistance package.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Michigan Democrat says, "In order to repair our food supply and feed families in need, USDA must prioritize safety in addition to food purchases." In the recently passed COVID-19 assistance package, Congress provided no less than $1.5 billion to fund food purchases for distribution to those in need, provide worker protection measures, and retooling support for farmers, farmers markets, and food processors. The provision was inspired by Stabenow's bipartisan Food Supply Protection Act to help protect the food supply after the COVID-19 crisis put an unprecedented strain on farmers, workers and food banks. USDA recently announced funding for food purchases through the Farmers to Families Food Box program, but has yet to commit additional funds to protect workers and ensure the continuity of the food supply chain.

Stabenow leads advocates in urging USDA to prioritize protections for food workers

Tuesday, Senator Tammy Duckworth led a coalition of senators in sending a letter to President-elect Joe Biden requesting strong support of farmers and the biofuels industry. The Illinois Democrat and her colleagues called on the Biden Administration to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to reject pending Small Refinery 

Exemptions by applying the 10th Circuit Court's decision nationwide. The lawmakers also call for the administration to quickly publish the Renewable Volume Obligations. 

Growth Energy supports the action, as CEO Emily Skor says, "this letter outlines the actions the Biden Administration needs to take to fulfill its campaign promises to rural America." 

The letter comes as Reuters reports the Trump administration is considering last-minute action to approve three small refinery waivers. The approvals would be one of the Trump administration's final efforts and could be announced yet this week. If granted, the waivers would apply to some exemptions for the 2019 compliance year.

Tuesday, Senator Tammy Duckworth led a coalition of senators in sending a letter to President-elect Joe Biden requesting strong support of farmers and the biofuels industry. The Illinois Democrat and her colleagues called on the Biden Administration to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to reject pending Small Refinery Exemptions by applying the 10th Circuit Court's decision nationwide. The lawmakers also call for the administration to quickly publish the Renewable Volume Obligations. Growth Energy supports the action, as CEO Emily Skor says, "this letter outlines the actions the Biden Administration needs to take to fulfill its campaign promises to rural America." The letter comes as Reuters reports the Trump administration is considering last-minute action to approve three small refinery waivers. The approvals would be one of the Trump administration's final efforts and could be announced yet this week. If granted, the waivers would apply to some exemptions for the 2019 compliance year.

Growth Energy supports senate letter to President-Elect Biden on biofuels priorities

U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019. 

November beef exports totaled 115,300 metric tons, up six percent from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed eight percent year-over-year to $707.5 million. November beef muscle cut exports were the third largest on record at 91,300 metric tons, valued at $630 million. 

November pork export volume was steady year-over-year at 258,800 metric tons, with value down two percent to $697.5 million. Although China/Hong Kong remained the largest destination for U.S. pork in November, momentum continued to build in other markets, including Japan, Mexico and Central America. 

January-November pork exports set new annual records for both volume and value.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pork muscle cut exports also shattered previous annual records, increasing 18 percent year-over-year to 2.29 million metric tons, valued at $6 billion.

U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019. November beef exports totaled 115,300 metric tons, up six percent from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed eight percent year-over-year to $707.5 million. November beef muscle cut exports were the third largest on record at 91,300 metric tons, valued at $630 million. November pork export volume was steady year-over-year at 258,800 metric tons, with value down two percent to $697.5 million. Although China/Hong Kong remained the largest destination for U.S. pork in November, momentum continued to build in other markets, including Japan, Mexico and Central America. January-November pork exports set new annual records for both volume and value.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pork muscle cut exports also shattered previous annual records, increasing 18 percent year-over-year to 2.29 million metric tons, valued at $6 billion.

USMEF releases November export data

A top farm organization leader says it is time to "turn the page" on partisan politics. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall made the comments during an opening press conference as part of the American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention. 

Duvall's remarks follow last week's rally and attack on the U.S. capitol. Duvall says, “we have got to work together, as one country, one people, for the good of all the people in this country.” 

Farm Bureau members will develop policy priorities this week for the organization to follow in 2021. With the incoming Biden administration, top priorities are expected to be climate change, taxes and labor, along with strengthening the farm bill. 

Duvall says, “We must make sure that we are at the table for the discussions around addressing climate change,” adding, “I believe agriculture’s great track record shows just how much we can achieve when farmers and ranchers are at the table when we develop solutions.”

A top farm organization leader says it is time to "turn the page" on partisan politics. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall made the comments during an opening press conference as part of the American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention. Duvall's remarks follow last week's rally and attack on the U.S. capitol. Duvall says, “we have got to work together, as one country, one people, for the good of all the people in this country.” Farm Bureau members will develop policy priorities this week for the organization to follow in 2021. With the incoming Biden administration, top priorities are expected to be climate change, taxes and labor, along with strengthening the farm bill. Duvall says, “We must make sure that we are at the table for the discussions around addressing climate change,” adding, “I believe agriculture’s great track record shows just how much we can achieve when farmers and ranchers are at the table when we develop solutions.”