Despite a pair of winter storms in the final week of 2020, forecasters still predict a drier and warmer than normal weather pattern in early 2021.

A La Niña event is likely to influence weather conditions across the globe this winter. La Niña, the cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the western Pacific, is typically associated with warmer-than-average conditions for parts of the U.S. in January and February, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions this year.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch&nbsp; says it’s also been drier than normal over the last few months.

"We've definitely had some periods of time this past fall that have been well above normal (temperature wise)," Barjenbruch said. "We had a few cooler days, but for the most part, that drought has held on or even intensified almost across the entire region over the last 3-5 months."

The latest U.S. drought monitor put out by the University of Nebraska shows most of eastern Kansas and northwest Missouri in a moderate drought.

Barjenbruch&nbsp; says even with a mild and dry long-term forecast, more winter storms are still certainly possible.

"That tends to be the trend we see with (La Niñas)," Barjenbruch said. "That's not to say we won't have some snows, or even some heavy snows. But, the general pattern does favor a little bit warmer and a little bit drier than normal."

Temperatures across the Midwest and Central Plains are expected to be “much above average” through March, according to Weather.com.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDespite a pair of winter storms in the final week of 2020, forecasters still predict a drier and warmer than normal weather pattern in early 2021.A La Niña event is likely to influence weather conditions across the globe this winter. La Niña, the cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the western Pacific, is typically associated with warmer-than-average conditions for parts of the U.S. in January and February, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions this year.National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch&nbsp; says it’s also been drier than normal over the last few months."We've definitely had some periods of time this past fall that have been well above normal (temperature wise)," Barjenbruch said. "We had a few cooler days, but for the most part, that drought has held on or even intensified almost across the entire region over the last 3-5 months."The latest U.S. drought monitor put out by the University of Nebraska shows most of eastern Kansas and northwest Missouri in a moderate drought.Barjenbruch&nbsp; says even with a mild and dry long-term forecast, more winter storms are still certainly possible."That tends to be the trend we see with (La Niñas)," Barjenbruch said. "That's not to say we won't have some snows, or even some heavy snows. But, the general pattern does favor a little bit warmer and a little bit drier than normal."Temperatures across the Midwest and Central Plains are expected to be “much above average” through March, according to Weather.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609438189640.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Weather.com." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Weather.com.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Warmer, drier than normal winter expected for Midwest, Southern regions

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thanks to the government paying nearly 40% of their income, U.S. farmers were expected to end 2020 with higher profit than 2019 and the best net income in seven years, the Department of Agriculture said in its latest farm income forecast.

Farmers faced challenges throughout 2020 that included the impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb54595393a14fcd867476996ef94129">trade dispute</a>&nbsp;s; low prices that drove down cash receipts for corn, cotton, wheat, chicken, cattle and hogs; and weather difficulties such as drought in some areas and an unusual August wind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-iowa-chicago-storms-property-damage-e7bfc5351814eb111f90f540d605514a">storm</a>&nbsp;stretching from South Dakota to Ohio that centered on Iowa.

Farm cash receipts are forecast to decrease nearly 1% to $366.5 billion, the lowest in more than a decade, measured in real dollars. Direct federal government payments saved farmers’ bottom line: Farmers overall saw a 107% increase in direct payments from 2019, when a third of net income came directly from the government.

The impact of the money varies from one farm to another, depending on whether a farmer owns the land, has significant capital to draw from, has manageable debt and aggressively manages wide commodity price swings.

“The payment to one farm could be a matter of life and death of that farm and for another farm maybe just makes it not quite as bad of a year as it was going to be and everywhere in between,” said Mike Paustian, a farmer who raises hogs and grows soybeans and corn near Walcott in eastern Iowa. “I’ve described it as: If you’re drowning and somebody throws you a life preserver, you’re not going to argue too much about grabbing ahold of it.”

Excluding USDA loans and insurance indemnity payments made by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, farmers are expected to receive $46.5 billion from the government, the largest direct-to-farm payment ever. That includes $32.4 billion in assistance through coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-financial-markets-iowa-archive-donald-trump-659457209d5ae93177ee529590f5a1b7">pandemic relief</a>&nbsp;food assistance and Paycheck Protection Program payments to farmers. Additional support comes from more traditional revenue loss programs due to low commodity prices, compensation for trade disruptions resulting from tariff battles and conservation programs assistance.

Federal court bankruptcy data indicates 433 U.S. farms filed for reorganization as of Sept. 30, down from 454 during the same period the previous year.

Overall, net farm income in the United States is expected to increase 43% from 2019 to $119.6 billion, the USDA estimated. Farmers will see the highest level of net farm income, a broad measure of profitability, since 2013, the agency said.

One northeast Iowa farmer said without the federal money it would have been difficult to make ends meet this year but it began to feel like the government checks were motivated by politics from a president seeking support for reelection.

“At first it did help, but then we kept getting payments and I don’t know that those were warranted,” said Rick Juchems, 65, who grows corn and soybeans and custom raises hogs. “The markets had already recovered quite a bit and they’re recovering yet more, so it helps some but it’s one of those things that the second one was more than we needed.”

In a late October campaign appearance in Omaha, Nebraska, President Donald Trump said he believed farmers were better off getting government payments than relying solely on their farming receipts.

“In fact, some people say our farmers do better now than when they actually had a farm,” he said.

Many top farm states voted again for Trump in November, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. Several, however, left Trump to vote for Democrat Joe Biden, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Georgia.

Bill Gordon, who with his father raises soybeans and corn in southwestern Minnesota, hopes for improved free trade agreements and a less confrontational approach under Biden in 2021.

“Volatility definitely causes volatility,” he said. “And so if we can get these free trade agreements set up, that are better, and not as confrontational but still benefit both sides, that just benefits agriculture and rural America.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thanks to the government paying nearly 40% of their income, U.S. farmers were expected to end 2020 with higher profit than 2019 and the best net income in seven years, the Department of Agriculture said in its latest farm income forecast.Farmers faced challenges throughout 2020 that included the impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb54595393a14fcd867476996ef94129">trade dispute</a>&nbsp;s; low prices that drove down cash receipts for corn, cotton, wheat, chicken, cattle and hogs; and weather difficulties such as drought in some areas and an unusual August wind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-iowa-chicago-storms-property-damage-e7bfc5351814eb111f90f540d605514a">storm</a>&nbsp;stretching from South Dakota to Ohio that centered on Iowa.Farm cash receipts are forecast to decrease nearly 1% to $366.5 billion, the lowest in more than a decade, measured in real dollars. Direct federal government payments saved farmers’ bottom line: Farmers overall saw a 107% increase in direct payments from 2019, when a third of net income came directly from the government.The impact of the money varies from one farm to another, depending on whether a farmer owns the land, has significant capital to draw from, has manageable debt and aggressively manages wide commodity price swings.“The payment to one farm could be a matter of life and death of that farm and for another farm maybe just makes it not quite as bad of a year as it was going to be and everywhere in between,” said Mike Paustian, a farmer who raises hogs and grows soybeans and corn near Walcott in eastern Iowa. “I’ve described it as: If you’re drowning and somebody throws you a life preserver, you’re not going to argue too much about grabbing ahold of it.”Excluding USDA loans and insurance indemnity payments made by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, farmers are expected to receive $46.5 billion from the government, the largest direct-to-farm payment ever. That includes $32.4 billion in assistance through coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-financial-markets-iowa-archive-donald-trump-659457209d5ae93177ee529590f5a1b7">pandemic relief</a>&nbsp;food assistance and Paycheck Protection Program payments to farmers. Additional support comes from more traditional revenue loss programs due to low commodity prices, compensation for trade disruptions resulting from tariff battles and conservation programs assistance.Federal court bankruptcy data indicates 433 U.S. farms filed for reorganization as of Sept. 30, down from 454 during the same period the previous year.Overall, net farm income in the United States is expected to increase 43% from 2019 to $119.6 billion, the USDA estimated. Farmers will see the highest level of net farm income, a broad measure of profitability, since 2013, the agency said.One northeast Iowa farmer said without the federal money it would have been difficult to make ends meet this year but it began to feel like the government checks were motivated by politics from a president seeking support for reelection.“At first it did help, but then we kept getting payments and I don’t know that those were warranted,” said Rick Juchems, 65, who grows corn and soybeans and custom raises hogs. “The markets had already recovered quite a bit and they’re recovering yet more, so it helps some but it’s one of those things that the second one was more than we needed.”In a late October campaign appearance in Omaha, Nebraska, President Donald Trump said he believed farmers were better off getting government payments than relying solely on their farming receipts.“In fact, some people say our farmers do better now than when they actually had a farm,” he said.Many top farm states voted again for Trump in November, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. Several, however, left Trump to vote for Democrat Joe Biden, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Georgia.Bill Gordon, who with his father raises soybeans and corn in southwestern Minnesota, hopes for improved free trade agreements and a less confrontational approach under Biden in 2021.“Volatility definitely causes volatility,” he said. “And so if we can get these free trade agreements set up, that are better, and not as confrontational but still benefit both sides, that just benefits agriculture and rural America.”

Federal checks salvage otherwise dreadful 2020 for US farms

China is a long way from meeting the commitments in its trade deal with the U.S. Farm Progress Dot Com says the latest data shows the Southeast Asian nation has imported just over half the goods it promised to buy from America in the Phase One Trade Agreement. 

Over the first 11 months of the year, China bought about 50.5 percent of the total 2020 target of $172 billion. That’s according to Bloomberg calculations based on figures from the U.S. Custom’s Administration. 

The outlook for the trade deal is uncertain as a new administration prepares to take office in Washington, D.C. As of the end of November, data shows that China had bought 54 percent of targeted manufacturing products, 53 percent of agricultural goods, and 31 percent of the energy products. 

Aggregate soybean imports reached $8.1 billion from January-November, compared with $10.2 billion in 2017. The trade deal says China’s imports of manufactured, agricultural, and energy goods in 2020 were to be no less than $32.9 billion, $12.5 billion, and $18.5 billion on top of 2017’s levels, putting the year’s targets at $110.4 billion, $36.6 billion, and $25.1 billion.

China is a long way from meeting the commitments in its trade deal with the U.S. Farm Progress Dot Com says the latest data shows the Southeast Asian nation has imported just over half the goods it promised to buy from America in the Phase One Trade Agreement. Over the first 11 months of the year, China bought about 50.5 percent of the total 2020 target of $172 billion. That’s according to Bloomberg calculations based on figures from the U.S. Custom’s Administration. The outlook for the trade deal is uncertain as a new administration prepares to take office in Washington, D.C. As of the end of November, data shows that China had bought 54 percent of targeted manufacturing products, 53 percent of agricultural goods, and 31 percent of the energy products. Aggregate soybean imports reached $8.1 billion from January-November, compared with $10.2 billion in 2017. The trade deal says China’s imports of manufactured, agricultural, and energy goods in 2020 were to be no less than $32.9 billion, $12.5 billion, and $18.5 billion on top of 2017’s levels, putting the year’s targets at $110.4 billion, $36.6 billion, and $25.1 billion.

China will miss phase one buying deadline

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain, signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday. Reuters says he added his signature to that of European Union leaders after the document was flown from Brussels to London. 

The trade deal was first announced on December 24, and it sets out the terms of Britain’s new relationship with the EU following its exit from the bloc earlier this year. 

The new deal will officially take effect on January 1, replacing a transitional arrangement in which EU trade rules applied to Britain. Johnson’s signature came hours after British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation implementing the deal. 

Lawmakers voted 521 to 73 to progress the bill to its final stages. The accord preserves Britain’s zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European Union’s 450 million consumers, preventing a more chaotic split that had been feared by British businesses.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain, signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday. Reuters says he added his signature to that of European Union leaders after the document was flown from Brussels to London. The trade deal was first announced on December 24, and it sets out the terms of Britain’s new relationship with the EU following its exit from the bloc earlier this year. The new deal will officially take effect on January 1, replacing a transitional arrangement in which EU trade rules applied to Britain. Johnson’s signature came hours after British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation implementing the deal. Lawmakers voted 521 to 73 to progress the bill to its final stages. The accord preserves Britain’s zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European Union’s 450 million consumers, preventing a more chaotic split that had been feared by British businesses.

European Union, United Kingdom trade deal becomes official

Argentina’s port and grain union workers have ended a 20-day strike after reaching an agreement on Tuesday, with the settlement coming after the government intervened in the dispute. 

The move lifts a major work stoppage that had left more than 150 ships stranded at the country’s ports. Argentina is one of the world’s largest suppliers of soybeans, corn, and wheat. The strike has hampered the large flow of grain out of the country, which has weighed down grain markets for several weeks. 

Failure to unload those grain ships at Argentina’s ports had cost the government approximately 1.9 billion dollars in payments to the ships’ owners. Market traders were concerned that an ongoing strike would cause global end-users to look to the U.S. for soybeans, but the U.S. is already dealing with tight soybean supplies. 

The possibility of expanding dryness in soybean-growing areas of South America over the next two weeks was adding fuel to a recent rally in soybean prices, which hit a six-year high earlier this week. Analysts at Bower Trading say weather and demand news will likely be the biggest market drivers now that the strike is over.

Argentina’s port and grain union workers have ended a 20-day strike after reaching an agreement on Tuesday, with the settlement coming after the government intervened in the dispute. The move lifts a major work stoppage that had left more than 150 ships stranded at the country’s ports. Argentina is one of the world’s largest suppliers of soybeans, corn, and wheat. The strike has hampered the large flow of grain out of the country, which has weighed down grain markets for several weeks. Failure to unload those grain ships at Argentina’s ports had cost the government approximately 1.9 billion dollars in payments to the ships’ owners. Market traders were concerned that an ongoing strike would cause global end-users to look to the U.S. for soybeans, but the U.S. is already dealing with tight soybean supplies. The possibility of expanding dryness in soybean-growing areas of South America over the next two weeks was adding fuel to a recent rally in soybean prices, which hit a six-year high earlier this week. Analysts at Bower Trading say weather and demand news will likely be the biggest market drivers now that the strike is over.

Grain worker strike ends in Argentina

A five-part mini-documentary series on raising cattle in America begins on Sunday, January third, and a new episode will debut every Sunday night in January. The series is called “A Rare Breed: Legacies of Excellence,” and it will launch on the Certified Angus Beef Brand Cattlemen Connection YouTube channel. 

The new segments premiere at 6 p.m. central time on Sunday nights. Interested people can follow along as the short videos introduce registered cattle breeders, commercial cattlemen, and cattle feeders from Oregon to Texas. 

It’s a chance to glimpse a little of their family life and cattle philosophy, as well as get new ideas for your operations. “As we visit with some good cattlemen and women across the country, we often think ‘I wish everyone could see this or hear that,’” says Miranda Reiman, director of producer communications for the Brand. 

“We get to know their history, their cattle, and their drive, and we hope others will find them to be as entertaining and inspiring as we did.” To watch the series, people can follow the CAB Cattlemen Connection channels on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, or go to <a href="http://www.CABcattle.com">www.CABcattle.com</a>. Families from Kansas, Idaho, Texas, Nebraska, and Oregon make up the January lineup.

A five-part mini-documentary series on raising cattle in America begins on Sunday, January third, and a new episode will debut every Sunday night in January. The series is called “A Rare Breed: Legacies of Excellence,” and it will launch on the Certified Angus Beef Brand Cattlemen Connection YouTube channel. The new segments premiere at 6 p.m. central time on Sunday nights. Interested people can follow along as the short videos introduce registered cattle breeders, commercial cattlemen, and cattle feeders from Oregon to Texas. It’s a chance to glimpse a little of their family life and cattle philosophy, as well as get new ideas for your operations. “As we visit with some good cattlemen and women across the country, we often think ‘I wish everyone could see this or hear that,’” says Miranda Reiman, director of producer communications for the Brand. “We get to know their history, their cattle, and their drive, and we hope others will find them to be as entertaining and inspiring as we did.” To watch the series, people can follow the CAB Cattlemen Connection channels on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, or go to <a href="http://www.CABcattle.com">www.CABcattle.com</a>. Families from Kansas, Idaho, Texas, Nebraska, and Oregon make up the January lineup.

Cattle documentary series begins in January

The USDA and the Health and Human Service Department released the 2020 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Hagstrom Report says the guidelines will be in place for five years. 

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says, “The theme of the guidelines is ‘Make Every Bite Count.’” In a news release, the two agencies say they didn’t deal with the most controversial recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which was a specific limit on alcoholic beverages for men and added sugar intake. 

The release says, “Steeped in scientific evidence, the key recommendations look similar to those of the past and address two topics that garnered much attention throughout the development of the guidelines – added sugars and alcoholic beverages.” 

Tom Stenzel, CEO of United Fresh, says, “Today’s reality of facing the COVID-19 pandemic brings greater urgency than ever before. No longer are we just thinking about poor diets leading to long-term chronic disease; now, we see clearly that healthy eating is a critical defense against communicable diseases such as coronavirus.” He says the Dietary Guidelines mostly repeat what we already know about healthy eating.

The USDA and the Health and Human Service Department released the 2020 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Hagstrom Report says the guidelines will be in place for five years. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says, “The theme of the guidelines is ‘Make Every Bite Count.’” In a news release, the two agencies say they didn’t deal with the most controversial recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which was a specific limit on alcoholic beverages for men and added sugar intake. The release says, “Steeped in scientific evidence, the key recommendations look similar to those of the past and address two topics that garnered much attention throughout the development of the guidelines – added sugars and alcoholic beverages.” Tom Stenzel, CEO of United Fresh, says, “Today’s reality of facing the COVID-19 pandemic brings greater urgency than ever before. No longer are we just thinking about poor diets leading to long-term chronic disease; now, we see clearly that healthy eating is a critical defense against communicable diseases such as coronavirus.” He says the Dietary Guidelines mostly repeat what we already know about healthy eating.

New five-year dietary guidelines released

Global grain stocks will likely be about 1.5 percent higher than last year, reversing the downward trend over the prior few years. Despite the rise in global supplies, USDA forecasts higher corn, wheat, and barley prices than in the 2019-2020 marketing year. 

The average corn price is projected at four dollars a bushel, compared to $3.85 the prior year. The average wheat price is forecast at $4.80 a bushel, up from $4.60 in the previous marketing year.&nbsp; The average barley price is projected to be $4.75 a bushel, up five cents a bushel from last year. 

Feed, food, and export markets for corn are all promising for 2021. U.S. corn exports were up 49 percent in 2020 to 67.3 million metric tons, a huge boon to marketers and growers.&nbsp; On the corn import side, demand by the top seven importers was up nine percent this year, compared to a decline in 2019. 

Imports of corn jumped by 71 percent, which the Capital Press article says, “Definitely tells the story.” China also played a big role in wheat markets, with their imports up 48.7 percent. Demand for wheat by the five biggest importers was up five percent this year, compared to a two percent increase in 2019.

Global grain stocks will likely be about 1.5 percent higher than last year, reversing the downward trend over the prior few years. Despite the rise in global supplies, USDA forecasts higher corn, wheat, and barley prices than in the 2019-2020 marketing year. The average corn price is projected at four dollars a bushel, compared to $3.85 the prior year. The average wheat price is forecast at $4.80 a bushel, up from $4.60 in the previous marketing year.&nbsp; The average barley price is projected to be $4.75 a bushel, up five cents a bushel from last year. Feed, food, and export markets for corn are all promising for 2021. U.S. corn exports were up 49 percent in 2020 to 67.3 million metric tons, a huge boon to marketers and growers.&nbsp; On the corn import side, demand by the top seven importers was up nine percent this year, compared to a decline in 2019. Imports of corn jumped by 71 percent, which the Capital Press article says, “Definitely tells the story.” China also played a big role in wheat markets, with their imports up 48.7 percent. Demand for wheat by the five biggest importers was up five percent this year, compared to a two percent increase in 2019.

Grain prices should improve in 2021

European Union ambassadors approved a provisional application of the E.U.-United Kingdom future relations agreement, paving the way for implementing the deal on January 1. 

A spokesperson for the German Presidency of the Council of the E.U. tweeted that, “E.U. Ambassadors have unanimously approved the provisional application of the E.U.-U.K. Trade and Cooperation Agreement as of January 1, 2021.” Politico says while the go-ahead from the ambassadors is an important step, official approval will likely come on Tuesday. 

Some countries like Sweden still need to consult their national parliament. Final adoption of the trade text will be done via a written procedure, which means that countries send a note of consent to the E.U. Council. Brussels and London clinched the U.K.-E.U. trade deal on December 24. 

The European Commission presented the treaty as an E.U.-only agreement with a limited provisional application, which means the E.U. can provisionally implement the agreement with the approval of E.U. countries, but without the consent of the European Parliament. The British Parliament has been called back for December 30 to ratify the deal, which is highly likely to pass.

European Union ambassadors approved a provisional application of the E.U.-United Kingdom future relations agreement, paving the way for implementing the deal on January 1. A spokesperson for the German Presidency of the Council of the E.U. tweeted that, “E.U. Ambassadors have unanimously approved the provisional application of the E.U.-U.K. Trade and Cooperation Agreement as of January 1, 2021.” Politico says while the go-ahead from the ambassadors is an important step, official approval will likely come on Tuesday. Some countries like Sweden still need to consult their national parliament. Final adoption of the trade text will be done via a written procedure, which means that countries send a note of consent to the E.U. Council. Brussels and London clinched the U.K.-E.U. trade deal on December 24. The European Commission presented the treaty as an E.U.-only agreement with a limited provisional application, which means the E.U. can provisionally implement the agreement with the approval of E.U. countries, but without the consent of the European Parliament. The British Parliament has been called back for December 30 to ratify the deal, which is highly likely to pass.

EU approves Post-Brexit Deal

The fiscal year appropriations bill that President Trump signed includes a reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. The Hagstrom Report says It funds the Army Corps of Engineers civil works program that builds and maintains the ports and inland waterways that are vital to the agriculture industry. 

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa says, “it’s important that Congress pass a Water Resources Development Act every two years. It helps communities move forward with projects critical for things like flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams, and more.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bobby Frederick of the National Grain and Feed Association says, “We view WRDA as an opportunity to enhance U.S. inland waterways and port infrastructure.” 

Waterways Council President and CEO Tracy Zea says, “In a difficult COVID-19 environment, passing WRDA is a significant achievement for modernizing the inland waterway systems, potentially providing more than $1 billion in additional construction funds over the next ten years.” 

Corn Refiners Association President John Bode says, “WRDA is a signature achievement in maintaining global competitiveness for American agricultural exports, and the millions of American jobs they support.”

The fiscal year appropriations bill that President Trump signed includes a reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. The Hagstrom Report says It funds the Army Corps of Engineers civil works program that builds and maintains the ports and inland waterways that are vital to the agriculture industry. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa says, “it’s important that Congress pass a Water Resources Development Act every two years. It helps communities move forward with projects critical for things like flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams, and more.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Bobby Frederick of the National Grain and Feed Association says, “We view WRDA as an opportunity to enhance U.S. inland waterways and port infrastructure.” Waterways Council President and CEO Tracy Zea says, “In a difficult COVID-19 environment, passing WRDA is a significant achievement for modernizing the inland waterway systems, potentially providing more than $1 billion in additional construction funds over the next ten years.” Corn Refiners Association President John Bode says, “WRDA is a signature achievement in maintaining global competitiveness for American agricultural exports, and the millions of American jobs they support.”

Groups praise WRDA passage in COVID relief bill

After threatening to veto it earlier, President Trump signed the combined fiscal year 2021 omnibus appropriations and COVID-19 relief bill on Sunday. Pro Farmer says Trump’s signature means more aid is coming to farmers, and a 15 percent increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits will take place over the next sixth months. 

The signing also eliminates a possible government shutdown. Trump is demanding changes in the bill, but Congress is not required to follow that direction. “I will sign the omnibus and COVID package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to get removed,” Trump says in a statement. 

“I will send back a redlined version, item by item, accompanied by the formal rescission request to Congress insisting that those funds get removed from the bill.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill includes extensions for tax incentives for biofuels and renewable biofuels, benefits for rural healthcare providers, and a two-year water resources authorization bill that may help speed up waterway construction projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill also provides new help for contract livestock growers, hog producers who had to depopulate herds, cotton processors, biofuel producers, and the dairy industry.

After threatening to veto it earlier, President Trump signed the combined fiscal year 2021 omnibus appropriations and COVID-19 relief bill on Sunday. Pro Farmer says Trump’s signature means more aid is coming to farmers, and a 15 percent increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits will take place over the next sixth months. The signing also eliminates a possible government shutdown. Trump is demanding changes in the bill, but Congress is not required to follow that direction. “I will sign the omnibus and COVID package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to get removed,” Trump says in a statement. “I will send back a redlined version, item by item, accompanied by the formal rescission request to Congress insisting that those funds get removed from the bill.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill includes extensions for tax incentives for biofuels and renewable biofuels, benefits for rural healthcare providers, and a two-year water resources authorization bill that may help speed up waterway construction projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill also provides new help for contract livestock growers, hog producers who had to depopulate herds, cotton processors, biofuel producers, and the dairy industry.

Trump signs appropriations/COVID relief bill

As of December 1, U.S. farms contained 77.5 million hogs and pigs, down one percent from December of 2019, and down one percent from September of 2020. Those numbers were published last week by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Of the 77.5 million hogs and pigs, 71.2 million were market hogs, while 6.28 million were kept for breeding. Between September and November of this year, 35 million pigs were weaned on U.S. Farms, down one percent from the same period last year, while U.S. hog producers weaned an average of 11.05 pigs per litter. 

Hog producers intend to have 3.12 million sows farrow between December of 2020 and February 2021, and 3.12 million sows farrow between March and May of next year. Iowa producers held the largest inventory among the states at 24.8 million head. 

Minnesota was next with 9.4 million head, and North Carolina finished third with nine million head. To get the most accurate measurement possible of the U.S. swine industry, NASS surveyed more than 6,000 producers across the nation through the first half of December.

As of December 1, U.S. farms contained 77.5 million hogs and pigs, down one percent from December of 2019, and down one percent from September of 2020. Those numbers were published last week by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the 77.5 million hogs and pigs, 71.2 million were market hogs, while 6.28 million were kept for breeding. Between September and November of this year, 35 million pigs were weaned on U.S. Farms, down one percent from the same period last year, while U.S. hog producers weaned an average of 11.05 pigs per litter. Hog producers intend to have 3.12 million sows farrow between December of 2020 and February 2021, and 3.12 million sows farrow between March and May of next year. Iowa producers held the largest inventory among the states at 24.8 million head. Minnesota was next with 9.4 million head, and North Carolina finished third with nine million head. To get the most accurate measurement possible of the U.S. swine industry, NASS surveyed more than 6,000 producers across the nation through the first half of December.

U.S. hog inventory drops one percent

Taiwan’s parliament approved a measure that will allow U.S. pork imports containing ractopamine, a leanness-enhancing additive. Reuters says the approval came despite objections from KMT, the main opposition party, which says it creates a health risk for the Taiwanese people. 

The country’s president decided in August that Taiwan would allow imports of U.S. pork with the additive, which is banned in the European Union and China, and that decision stirred up Taiwan politics. 

The KMT party has staged loud protests against the move, even throwing pig entrails in parliament last month to protest the approval. The government says no one in the country will be forced to eat the pork, and the move means Taiwan will bring its import policy in line with international norms. 

Major Taiwan companies are already saying they won’t sell pork made with ractopamine. Taiwan officials are hopeful that easing barriers to U.S. pork imports will make it easier to establish a free trade deal with America. Pork is Taiwan’s protein of choice, with the average per capita consumption around 40 kilograms. &nbsp;

Taiwan’s parliament approved a measure that will allow U.S. pork imports containing ractopamine, a leanness-enhancing additive. Reuters says the approval came despite objections from KMT, the main opposition party, which says it creates a health risk for the Taiwanese people. The country’s president decided in August that Taiwan would allow imports of U.S. pork with the additive, which is banned in the European Union and China, and that decision stirred up Taiwan politics. The KMT party has staged loud protests against the move, even throwing pig entrails in parliament last month to protest the approval. The government says no one in the country will be forced to eat the pork, and the move means Taiwan will bring its import policy in line with international norms. Major Taiwan companies are already saying they won’t sell pork made with ractopamine. Taiwan officials are hopeful that easing barriers to U.S. pork imports will make it easier to establish a free trade deal with America. Pork is Taiwan’s protein of choice, with the average per capita consumption around 40 kilograms. &nbsp;

Taiwan approves U.S. pork imports with ractopamine

China imported a record amount of corn in November, giving rise to optimism that prices may be getting into their longest rally since 1988. Pro Farmer says China bought 12 times more corn last month than in 2019. 

Customs data shows that for the first 11 months of 2020, imports more than doubled to nine million tons, passing China’s World Trade Organization commitments of 7.2 million tons for the first time in history.&nbsp;&nbsp;The surge in corn imports pushed the overall Chinese grain prices higher. 

An official with the Chinese ag ministry says the Southeast Asian country has boosted imports of other feed grains like barley and DDGs to help narrow the supply gap. Higher prices are likely to give farmers the incentive to increase their corn planting next year, ensuring farmers have basic self-sufficiency. 

China imported 1.3 million tons of corn in November, up 1,130 percent from November of 2019, while imports for the year totaled 9.04 million tons through November, up 122.7 percent from the same time last year.

China imported a record amount of corn in November, giving rise to optimism that prices may be getting into their longest rally since 1988. Pro Farmer says China bought 12 times more corn last month than in 2019. Customs data shows that for the first 11 months of 2020, imports more than doubled to nine million tons, passing China’s World Trade Organization commitments of 7.2 million tons for the first time in history.&nbsp;&nbsp;The surge in corn imports pushed the overall Chinese grain prices higher. An official with the Chinese ag ministry says the Southeast Asian country has boosted imports of other feed grains like barley and DDGs to help narrow the supply gap. Higher prices are likely to give farmers the incentive to increase their corn planting next year, ensuring farmers have basic self-sufficiency. China imported 1.3 million tons of corn in November, up 1,130 percent from November of 2019, while imports for the year totaled 9.04 million tons through November, up 122.7 percent from the same time last year.

China corn imports hit all-time high

Like many sectors of agriculture in 2020, COVID-19 caused a big disruption to the poultry industry. Unfortunately, RaboResearch says the global poultry industry will face even more challenges in 2021, especially in the first half of the year. 

That’s according to new data in the RaboResearch 2021 Poultry Quarterly. COVID-19 will place continuing pressure on foodservice and trade, and the consequent slow economic growth will lead to more price-driven market conditions. As those market fundamentals appear challenging for 2021, a RaboResearch report says the poultry industry should prepare for a tough year. 

“Looking forward, we see four main challenges for the global poultry industry,” says Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior animal protein analyst with Rabobank and the lead author of the report. “The challenges include ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on the markets, high and volatile feed prices, China’s African Swine Fever recovery, and the northern hemisphere avian influenza crisis.” 

Falling demand in China and Vietnam will push traders to find other markets and depress global markets during the first half of 2021. Better control of COVID-19 should lead to a gradual recovery of foodservice markets later next year.

Like many sectors of agriculture in 2020, COVID-19 caused a big disruption to the poultry industry. Unfortunately, RaboResearch says the global poultry industry will face even more challenges in 2021, especially in the first half of the year. That’s according to new data in the RaboResearch 2021 Poultry Quarterly. COVID-19 will place continuing pressure on foodservice and trade, and the consequent slow economic growth will lead to more price-driven market conditions. As those market fundamentals appear challenging for 2021, a RaboResearch report says the poultry industry should prepare for a tough year. “Looking forward, we see four main challenges for the global poultry industry,” says Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior animal protein analyst with Rabobank and the lead author of the report. “The challenges include ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on the markets, high and volatile feed prices, China’s African Swine Fever recovery, and the northern hemisphere avian influenza crisis.” Falling demand in China and Vietnam will push traders to find other markets and depress global markets during the first half of 2021. Better control of COVID-19 should lead to a gradual recovery of foodservice markets later next year.

Poultry industry facing a tough year in 2021

December 22 was the third anniversary of President Trump signing the Tax Cuts and Job Act. Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck Grassley is asking President-elect Joe Biden to commit to making permanent many of those tax provisions that helped create the strongest economy in generations and are helping to rebuild the economy while Americans get back to work after COVID-19. 

“President-elect Biden ran on rebuilding the nation’s economy that’s been devastated by COVID-19,” he says. “Families, small businesses, and the American economy can’t recover, rehire, or grow to their full potential with higher taxes on the horizon. 

It’s now Biden’s responsibility to make sure it doesn’t happen on his watch.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Grassley wants to see the lower, more affordable temporary tax rates become permanent in 2021. He says Congress just made permanent several temporary tax policies and provided certainty for businesses to grow and hire. 

“Many of the temporary provisions expire during the next administration,” Grassley adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Higher taxes would only make things worse. U.S. businesses of all sizes, including farms, should know they won’t face a historic tax hike, so they’ll have the certainty they need to rehire and reinvest in their workforce.”

December 22 was the third anniversary of President Trump signing the Tax Cuts and Job Act. Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck Grassley is asking President-elect Joe Biden to commit to making permanent many of those tax provisions that helped create the strongest economy in generations and are helping to rebuild the economy while Americans get back to work after COVID-19. “President-elect Biden ran on rebuilding the nation’s economy that’s been devastated by COVID-19,” he says. “Families, small businesses, and the American economy can’t recover, rehire, or grow to their full potential with higher taxes on the horizon. It’s now Biden’s responsibility to make sure it doesn’t happen on his watch.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Grassley wants to see the lower, more affordable temporary tax rates become permanent in 2021. He says Congress just made permanent several temporary tax policies and provided certainty for businesses to grow and hire. “Many of the temporary provisions expire during the next administration,” Grassley adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Higher taxes would only make things worse. U.S. businesses of all sizes, including farms, should know they won’t face a historic tax hike, so they’ll have the certainty they need to rehire and reinvest in their workforce.”

Grassley wants tax cuts and Jobs Act permanent

Tuesday night, President Trump asked Congress to make some changes to the newly passed $900 billion stimulus bill passed by Congress on Monday. The Washington Post says he describes it as “a disgrace” and suggested he wouldn’t immediately sign off on it without some changes. 

In a Twitter video, the president calls on Congress to increase the “ridiculously-low” $600 stimulus checks to $2,000. He also outlines a list of provisions in the overall package that he calls “wasteful spending and much more.” 

He’s asking Congress to “send me a suitable bill, or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package, and maybe that administration will be me.” If he doesn’t sign the bill, the government shuts down on December 29, the aid money is frozen, and even the two Senate seats up for grabs in Georgia could be upended. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that Democrats will move quickly to advance the $2,000 stimulus checks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he supports the idea of larger stimulus checks and blamed Senate Republicans for preventing them from being included in the bill.

Tuesday night, President Trump asked Congress to make some changes to the newly passed $900 billion stimulus bill passed by Congress on Monday. The Washington Post says he describes it as “a disgrace” and suggested he wouldn’t immediately sign off on it without some changes. In a Twitter video, the president calls on Congress to increase the “ridiculously-low” $600 stimulus checks to $2,000. He also outlines a list of provisions in the overall package that he calls “wasteful spending and much more.” He’s asking Congress to “send me a suitable bill, or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package, and maybe that administration will be me.” If he doesn’t sign the bill, the government shuts down on December 29, the aid money is frozen, and even the two Senate seats up for grabs in Georgia could be upended. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that Democrats will move quickly to advance the $2,000 stimulus checks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he supports the idea of larger stimulus checks and blamed Senate Republicans for preventing them from being included in the bill.

Trump may not sign the stimulus bill

China’s soybean imports are expected record-high, according to Reuters. The nation is expected to import more than 100 million metric tons of soybeans in 2020, as the nation looks to rebuild its hog herd, boosting demand for protein. 

An executive with China’s state-owned grains trader COFCO told Reuters the country is expected to crush 92.6 million metric tons of soybeans this year. The record follows declines in demand stemming from African swine fever, which decimated China’s hog population. 

Chinese officials claim the country’s hog herd has recovered to more than 90 percent of normal levels, though that data has some analysts skeptical. 

Still, China expects the demand for protein, specifically soybeans for animal feed, to remain strong into the first quarter of 2021. For 2020, demand for soybean oil is expected to increase by more than six percent, as well, thanks to increasing use of the oil in biodiesel and animal feed.

China’s soybean imports are expected record-high, according to Reuters. The nation is expected to import more than 100 million metric tons of soybeans in 2020, as the nation looks to rebuild its hog herd, boosting demand for protein. An executive with China’s state-owned grains trader COFCO told Reuters the country is expected to crush 92.6 million metric tons of soybeans this year. The record follows declines in demand stemming from African swine fever, which decimated China’s hog population. Chinese officials claim the country’s hog herd has recovered to more than 90 percent of normal levels, though that data has some analysts skeptical. Still, China expects the demand for protein, specifically soybeans for animal feed, to remain strong into the first quarter of 2021. For 2020, demand for soybean oil is expected to increase by more than six percent, as well, thanks to increasing use of the oil in biodiesel and animal feed.

China 2020 soybean imports to reach record

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley praised the passage of the Water Resources Development Act, included in the year-end funding bill. The legislation, known as WRDA, addresses the civil works program of the Army Corps of Engineers. 

The bill is critical for flood control, navigation, ports, locks, dams, and other water resources infrastructure. Grassley says the legislation "will help communities move forward with projects critical for flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams and other water resources infrastructure." 

Grassley and others advocated for several provisions that were incorporated in the final bill, including the Inland Waterway Trust Fund Cost Share Program. 

This cost-share modification will help the modernization of the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River to move forward at a faster rate as they start the construction phase of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program. The final bill also includes expanding work on a Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk Resiliency Plan.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley praised the passage of the Water Resources Development Act, included in the year-end funding bill. The legislation, known as WRDA, addresses the civil works program of the Army Corps of Engineers. The bill is critical for flood control, navigation, ports, locks, dams, and other water resources infrastructure. Grassley says the legislation "will help communities move forward with projects critical for flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams and other water resources infrastructure." Grassley and others advocated for several provisions that were incorporated in the final bill, including the Inland Waterway Trust Fund Cost Share Program. This cost-share modification will help the modernization of the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River to move forward at a faster rate as they start the construction phase of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program. The final bill also includes expanding work on a Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk Resiliency Plan.

Grassley praises approval of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020

Food and agriculture groups welcome the new COVID-19 relief package. Congress this week agreed on a $900 billion stimulus package, which includes up to $13 billion that directly benefits agriculture. 

Nearly $1 billion will support a dairy donation program and supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage payments. More help is available to specialty and non-specialty crop growers, and the Paycheck Protection Program will be expanded. 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “We’re pleased that Congress understands the toll the pandemic continues to take on farmers.” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew states, “The fact that a stimulus package has, at long last, been passed is certainly a relief.” 

And, National Corn Growers Association President John Linder says the assistance “will go a long way in providing the certainty” farmers need to recover from the coronavirus. Finally, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says, “We thank Congress for its leadership, and we look forward to working with USDA in implementing this legislation.”

Food and agriculture groups welcome the new COVID-19 relief package. Congress this week agreed on a $900 billion stimulus package, which includes up to $13 billion that directly benefits agriculture. Nearly $1 billion will support a dairy donation program and supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage payments. More help is available to specialty and non-specialty crop growers, and the Paycheck Protection Program will be expanded. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “We’re pleased that Congress understands the toll the pandemic continues to take on farmers.” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew states, “The fact that a stimulus package has, at long last, been passed is certainly a relief.” And, National Corn Growers Association President John Linder says the assistance “will go a long way in providing the certainty” farmers need to recover from the coronavirus. Finally, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says, “We thank Congress for its leadership, and we look forward to working with USDA in implementing this legislation.”

New COVID-19 package helps farmers

President-elect Joe Biden recently announced his White House climate team. With climate change a top focus of the incoming administration, the team will play an influential role on policy. 

The team is led by Gina McCarthy, the Obama-era Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, who will serve as National Climate Advisor. Ali Zaidi was named deputy national climate advisory. Zaidi currently serves New York in a top energy and environment post. 

Also, on the climate team is Deb Haaland as the Biden Interior Secretary, and Jennifer Granholm, nominated as Biden's Energy Secretary. Biden EPA Administration pick Michael Regan joins the team and Brenda Mallory, chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. 

In a weekend speech, Biden stated, “We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve net-zero emissions and gaining new sources of income in the process.” Incoming Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is not part of the climate team, but is seen as a key player for the administration's climate goals.

President-elect Joe Biden recently announced his White House climate team. With climate change a top focus of the incoming administration, the team will play an influential role on policy. The team is led by Gina McCarthy, the Obama-era Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, who will serve as National Climate Advisor. Ali Zaidi was named deputy national climate advisory. Zaidi currently serves New York in a top energy and environment post. Also, on the climate team is Deb Haaland as the Biden Interior Secretary, and Jennifer Granholm, nominated as Biden's Energy Secretary. Biden EPA Administration pick Michael Regan joins the team and Brenda Mallory, chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. In a weekend speech, Biden stated, “We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve net-zero emissions and gaining new sources of income in the process.” Incoming Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is not part of the climate team, but is seen as a key player for the administration's climate goals.

Biden announces White House climate team

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson Monday announced the food and agriculture provision in this week’s COVID-19 relief package.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to a 15 percent increase in benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for six months, Peterson pointed specifically to the inclusion of support for those who were left out earlier assistance. 

Those include contract livestock and poultry growers, ethanol producers that saw a drop in demand, and livestock and poultry producers who had to depopulate herds and flocks because of supply chain disruptions. 

The bill also contains assistance for dairy farmers, funding for small and mid-sized livestock processors to attain federal inspection to accommodate increased demand, and animal health work and grants to state departments for ongoing farm stress programs. 

The outgoing Democrat, Peterson, says, "This bill isn't perfect, but it reflects a compromise and goes a long way toward getting us through this hard time and back to normal.”

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson Monday announced the food and agriculture provision in this week’s COVID-19 relief package.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to a 15 percent increase in benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for six months, Peterson pointed specifically to the inclusion of support for those who were left out earlier assistance. Those include contract livestock and poultry growers, ethanol producers that saw a drop in demand, and livestock and poultry producers who had to depopulate herds and flocks because of supply chain disruptions. The bill also contains assistance for dairy farmers, funding for small and mid-sized livestock processors to attain federal inspection to accommodate increased demand, and animal health work and grants to state departments for ongoing farm stress programs. The outgoing Democrat, Peterson, says, "This bill isn't perfect, but it reflects a compromise and goes a long way toward getting us through this hard time and back to normal.”

Peterson welcomes food and ag provisions of COVID relief

Federal guidance suggests essential workers should be next to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including meat packers and farmworkers. A Centers for Disease Control advisory committee voted in favor of a blueprint for essential workers and people over 75 as recipients of the vaccine in the next phase. 

In a news release, North American Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says, “Priority access to vaccines is a critical step for the long-term safety of the selfless frontline meat and poultry workers who have kept America's refrigerators full and our farm economy working.” 

She says $1.5 billion in COVID-19 preventions and supports implemented since the earliest days of the pandemic have reversed COVID-19's impact on meat and poultry workers. 

Potts adds Meat Institute members stand ready to support vaccination for a diverse workforce, which will also deliver wide-ranging health benefits in rural and high-risk communities. Food and agriculture workers are considered essential workers, along with energy, trade, retail and others.

Federal guidance suggests essential workers should be next to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including meat packers and farmworkers. A Centers for Disease Control advisory committee voted in favor of a blueprint for essential workers and people over 75 as recipients of the vaccine in the next phase. In a news release, North American Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says, “Priority access to vaccines is a critical step for the long-term safety of the selfless frontline meat and poultry workers who have kept America's refrigerators full and our farm economy working.” She says $1.5 billion in COVID-19 preventions and supports implemented since the earliest days of the pandemic have reversed COVID-19's impact on meat and poultry workers. Potts adds Meat Institute members stand ready to support vaccination for a diverse workforce, which will also deliver wide-ranging health benefits in rural and high-risk communities. Food and agriculture workers are considered essential workers, along with energy, trade, retail and others.

Meat, poultry, farm workers high priority for COVID-19 vaccine

U.S. agriculture groups reacted to President-Elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Michael Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Regan most recently led the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Howard “A.V.” Roth, president of the National Pork Producers Council, congratulates Regan on getting the nomination. 

“As DEQ secretary in North Carolina, a leading pork-producing state, he always had an open door, valued diverse points of view, and worked to find solutions that ensured science and data were guiding decisions,” Roth says. 

“We hope those same qualities will carry over to his leadership at EPA.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dennis Slater, President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, says they applaud Regan as Biden’s choice. 

“Our industry is very familiar with integrating innovative technologies into our operations, whether it includes precision agriculture techniques to ensure more efficient harvests for farmers or deploying smart technology to promote sustainable construction practices in the execution of infrastructure projects,” Slater says.&nbsp; “We look forward to working with Regan to advance a shared vision of a world in which all of America’s basic needs get fulfilled.”

U.S. agriculture groups reacted to President-Elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Michael Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Regan most recently led the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Howard “A.V.” Roth, president of the National Pork Producers Council, congratulates Regan on getting the nomination. “As DEQ secretary in North Carolina, a leading pork-producing state, he always had an open door, valued diverse points of view, and worked to find solutions that ensured science and data were guiding decisions,” Roth says. “We hope those same qualities will carry over to his leadership at EPA.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dennis Slater, President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, says they applaud Regan as Biden’s choice. “Our industry is very familiar with integrating innovative technologies into our operations, whether it includes precision agriculture techniques to ensure more efficient harvests for farmers or deploying smart technology to promote sustainable construction practices in the execution of infrastructure projects,” Slater says.&nbsp; “We look forward to working with Regan to advance a shared vision of a world in which all of America’s basic needs get fulfilled.”

Groups react to Biden nomination for EPA administrator

President-elect Joe Biden will nominate New Mexico Democratic Representative Deb Haaland to be his Secretary of the Interior, and Michael Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency. 

NBC News says if Haaland is confirmed, she would be the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Regan would be the second black EPA chief in history after Lisa Jackson, the EPA administrator during Barack Obama’s first term. 

As interior secretary, Haaland would oversee the agency tasked with managing and conserving much of America’s federal lands and natural resources, including national parks and tribal lands. Regan is currently the head of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. He has previous experience at the EPA during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. 

Before leaving the EPA, he served as a national program manager responsible for designing programs to help reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency and air quality. Regan would have a top role in overseeing Biden’s ambitious proposals to combat climate change and invest in green energy and infrastructure.

President-elect Joe Biden will nominate New Mexico Democratic Representative Deb Haaland to be his Secretary of the Interior, and Michael Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency. NBC News says if Haaland is confirmed, she would be the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Regan would be the second black EPA chief in history after Lisa Jackson, the EPA administrator during Barack Obama’s first term. As interior secretary, Haaland would oversee the agency tasked with managing and conserving much of America’s federal lands and natural resources, including national parks and tribal lands. Regan is currently the head of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. He has previous experience at the EPA during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. Before leaving the EPA, he served as a national program manager responsible for designing programs to help reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency and air quality. Regan would have a top role in overseeing Biden’s ambitious proposals to combat climate change and invest in green energy and infrastructure.