IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Tyson Foods suspended top officials at its largest pork plant on Thursday and launched an investigation into allegations that they bet on how many workers would get infected during a widespread coronavirus outbreak.

The company’s president and CEO, Dean Banks, said he was “extremely upset” about the allegations against managers at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa, saying they do not represent the company’s values. He said the company has retained the law firm Covington &amp; Burling LLP to conduct an investigation, which will be led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

“If these claims are confirmed, we’ll take all measures necessary to root out and remove this disturbing behavior from our company,” Banks said in a statement.

Banks said the accused have been suspended without pay. A spokesman for the Arkansas-based company said it would not release their names during the investigation by Holder, who served as attorney general for six years under President Barack Obama.

Tyson has faced a backlash over recently amended wrongful death lawsuits in which plaintiffs’ lawyers allege that Waterloo plant manager Tom Hart “organized a cash buy-in, winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to wager on how many employees would test positive for COVID-19.”

Hart allegedly organized the pool last spring as the virus spread through the Waterloo plant, ultimately infecting more than 1,000 of its 2,800 workers, killing at least six and sending many others to the hospital. The outbreak eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6de2477c31301e779ea13d43ef0f2262">tore through</a>&nbsp;the broader Waterloo community.

The lawyers represent the estates of Sedika Buljic, 58; Reberiano Garcia, 60; Jose Ayala Jr., 44; and Isidro Fernandez, age unknown. Buljic, Garcia and Fernandez died in April, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c15eb40611c58487eec10b5977db1861">Ayala died May 25&nbsp;</a>after a six-week hospitalization.

The allegation, first&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2020/11/18/lawsuit-tyson-managers-bet-money-on-how-many-workers-would-contract-covid-19/" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Wednesday by the Iowa Capital Dispatch news site, generated anger toward Tyson.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents workers at the plant, condemned what it called “stunning safety failures.”

“This shocking report of supervisors allegedly taking bets on how many workers would get infected, pressuring sick workers to stay on the job, and failing to enforce basic safety standards, should outrage every American,” union president Marc Perrone said.

Hart didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.

Democratic State Rep. Ras Smith, whose district includes the plant, said Hart should be fired if the allegation is founded and that workplace safety officials should investigate.

“They were knowingly allowing this virus to spread rampantly in the plant and the community. The more we hear, the more we find out how insidious and intentional it was,” Smith said.

At the time of the alleged betting, Tyson was resisting pressure from local officials to shut down the plant as a safety precaution. The company argued the plant, which can process nearly 20,000 hogs per day, was a vital market for farmers and critical to the meat supply.

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who allowed Tyson to keep the plant open and praised its executives for taking voluntary safety measures, did not answer directly Thursday when asked whether her trust in the company was misplaced. Reynolds, who signed a law in June shielding companies from liability for some COVID-19 related injuries, instead praised her administration for inspecting the plant and helping organize mass testing of workers.

A sheriff helping lead Black Hawk County’s pandemic response said that during an April tour of the plant, he was “shaken to the core” after seeing workers not social distancing or wearing adequate personal protective equipment.

Managers told workers they had a responsibility to stay on the job to ensure that Americans didn’t go hungry, even while they started avoiding the plant floor themselves because they were afraid of contracting the virus, the lawsuits allege. They increasingly delegated responsibilities to low-level supervisors with no management training or experience.

One upper-level manager, John Casey, ordered a sick supervisor who was leaving to get tested to get back to work, and told others they and their subordinates had to keep working even if they had symptoms, the lawsuits allege. Casey allegedly told workers the virus was the “glorified flu” and “not a big deal” because everyone would get it.

On a tour of the plant with Hart, Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors on April 20 saw four workers within six feet of each other in one part of the plant, records show. Tyson said it was still in the process of installing barriers at the time.

The plant soon suspended operations to allow for the mass-testing of employees and it reopened about two weeks later with new safety protocols. Iowa OSHA said in June that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/336ad340b0a01f9ab870aef1a32785f2">found no violations</a>&nbsp;of its standards during the April 20 inspection.

Tyson has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuits, arguing that the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries under Iowa law is through the workers’ compensation system. Its lawyers also argue that the plaintiffs have failed to show that the deceased workers contracted the virus at the plant and not elsewhere.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593167451853.png" alt="photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Tyson Foods suspended top officials at its largest pork plant on Thursday and launched an investigation into allegations that they bet on how many workers would get infected during a widespread coronavirus outbreak.The company’s president and CEO, Dean Banks, said he was “extremely upset” about the allegations against managers at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa, saying they do not represent the company’s values. He said the company has retained the law firm Covington &amp; Burling LLP to conduct an investigation, which will be led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.“If these claims are confirmed, we’ll take all measures necessary to root out and remove this disturbing behavior from our company,” Banks said in a statement.Banks said the accused have been suspended without pay. A spokesman for the Arkansas-based company said it would not release their names during the investigation by Holder, who served as attorney general for six years under President Barack Obama.Tyson has faced a backlash over recently amended wrongful death lawsuits in which plaintiffs’ lawyers allege that Waterloo plant manager Tom Hart “organized a cash buy-in, winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to wager on how many employees would test positive for COVID-19.”Hart allegedly organized the pool last spring as the virus spread through the Waterloo plant, ultimately infecting more than 1,000 of its 2,800 workers, killing at least six and sending many others to the hospital. The outbreak eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6de2477c31301e779ea13d43ef0f2262">tore through</a>&nbsp;the broader Waterloo community.The lawyers represent the estates of Sedika Buljic, 58; Reberiano Garcia, 60; Jose Ayala Jr., 44; and Isidro Fernandez, age unknown. Buljic, Garcia and Fernandez died in April, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c15eb40611c58487eec10b5977db1861">Ayala died May 25&nbsp;</a>after a six-week hospitalization.The allegation, first&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2020/11/18/lawsuit-tyson-managers-bet-money-on-how-many-workers-would-contract-covid-19/" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Wednesday by the Iowa Capital Dispatch news site, generated anger toward Tyson.The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents workers at the plant, condemned what it called “stunning safety failures.”“This shocking report of supervisors allegedly taking bets on how many workers would get infected, pressuring sick workers to stay on the job, and failing to enforce basic safety standards, should outrage every American,” union president Marc Perrone said.Hart didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.Democratic State Rep. Ras Smith, whose district includes the plant, said Hart should be fired if the allegation is founded and that workplace safety officials should investigate.“They were knowingly allowing this virus to spread rampantly in the plant and the community. The more we hear, the more we find out how insidious and intentional it was,” Smith said.At the time of the alleged betting, Tyson was resisting pressure from local officials to shut down the plant as a safety precaution. The company argued the plant, which can process nearly 20,000 hogs per day, was a vital market for farmers and critical to the meat supply.Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who allowed Tyson to keep the plant open and praised its executives for taking voluntary safety measures, did not answer directly Thursday when asked whether her trust in the company was misplaced. Reynolds, who signed a law in June shielding companies from liability for some COVID-19 related injuries, instead praised her administration for inspecting the plant and helping organize mass testing of workers.A sheriff helping lead Black Hawk County’s pandemic response said that during an April tour of the plant, he was “shaken to the core” after seeing workers not social distancing or wearing adequate personal protective equipment.Managers told workers they had a responsibility to stay on the job to ensure that Americans didn’t go hungry, even while they started avoiding the plant floor themselves because they were afraid of contracting the virus, the lawsuits allege. They increasingly delegated responsibilities to low-level supervisors with no management training or experience.One upper-level manager, John Casey, ordered a sick supervisor who was leaving to get tested to get back to work, and told others they and their subordinates had to keep working even if they had symptoms, the lawsuits allege. Casey allegedly told workers the virus was the “glorified flu” and “not a big deal” because everyone would get it.On a tour of the plant with Hart, Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors on April 20 saw four workers within six feet of each other in one part of the plant, records show. Tyson said it was still in the process of installing barriers at the time.The plant soon suspended operations to allow for the mass-testing of employees and it reopened about two weeks later with new safety protocols. Iowa OSHA said in June that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/336ad340b0a01f9ab870aef1a32785f2">found no violations</a>&nbsp;of its standards during the April 20 inspection.Tyson has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuits, arguing that the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries under Iowa law is through the workers’ compensation system. Its lawyers also argue that the plaintiffs have failed to show that the deceased workers contracted the virus at the plant and not elsewhere.___

Lawsuits: Tyson managers bet on virus cases at pork plant

The Government Accountability Office says that the USDA hasn’t been reviewing Farm Service Agency state compliance with rules regarding farm program eligibility. “The lack of oversight and accountability has created a welfare system for some joint-ventures and general partnerships, particularly in the South,” says Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. 

The GAO report shows that 19 of the top 20 farms that received payments in 2016 and 2017 are in the South. “Farm payments should only go to those with dirt under their fingernails,” Grassley adds. “Congress must fix this broken system in the next farm bill.” 

Since the last GAO report in 2013, the 2020 report says USDA has made some progress in completing and reporting on reviews to determine if recipients of farm program payments meet the requirements for being actively engaged in farming. However, USDA doesn’t systematically monitor its performance of compliance reviews, which are the responsibility of FSA state offices. 

The report says improving the accuracy and monitoring of tracking data would help management to better oversee state offices’ completion of assigned reviews to make sure all the members of a farming operation who receive payments are actively engaged in farming.

The Government Accountability Office says that the USDA hasn’t been reviewing Farm Service Agency state compliance with rules regarding farm program eligibility. “The lack of oversight and accountability has created a welfare system for some joint-ventures and general partnerships, particularly in the South,” says Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. The GAO report shows that 19 of the top 20 farms that received payments in 2016 and 2017 are in the South. “Farm payments should only go to those with dirt under their fingernails,” Grassley adds. “Congress must fix this broken system in the next farm bill.” Since the last GAO report in 2013, the 2020 report says USDA has made some progress in completing and reporting on reviews to determine if recipients of farm program payments meet the requirements for being actively engaged in farming. However, USDA doesn’t systematically monitor its performance of compliance reviews, which are the responsibility of FSA state offices. The report says improving the accuracy and monitoring of tracking data would help management to better oversee state offices’ completion of assigned reviews to make sure all the members of a farming operation who receive payments are actively engaged in farming.

Grassley praises report on farm payment limitations

The National Corn Growers Association announced a new partnership with the publication called “Chemical &amp; Engineering News.” The goal is to highlight the many uses for corn, including the opportunities in plant-based packaging, chemicals, and nutraceuticals. 

The NCGA’s Market Development Action Team is funding the effort. “This is a way for us to enter into a conversation with an audience we don’t engage with every day,” says Market Development Action Team Chair Dan Wesely. “This is one of the many efforts we have in the new-uses space. 

Being able to share corn’s story, that we are an abundant, affordable, sustainably grown, and versatile crop with this audience is important to future corn demand.” CE&amp;N subscribers will get a chance to test their knowledge of corn production and its uses by taking a quiz. 

Questions will range from “How much corn does the U.S. produce each year?” to “Which organic acid produced from corn is used in shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals?”&nbsp;&nbsp;An infographic will showcase how corn is utilized in several ingredients in items such as packaging and dietary supplements. Chemical &amp; Engineering News is a weekly print and digital publication put out by the American Chemical Society since 1923.

The National Corn Growers Association announced a new partnership with the publication called “Chemical &amp; Engineering News.” The goal is to highlight the many uses for corn, including the opportunities in plant-based packaging, chemicals, and nutraceuticals. The NCGA’s Market Development Action Team is funding the effort. “This is a way for us to enter into a conversation with an audience we don’t engage with every day,” says Market Development Action Team Chair Dan Wesely. “This is one of the many efforts we have in the new-uses space. Being able to share corn’s story, that we are an abundant, affordable, sustainably grown, and versatile crop with this audience is important to future corn demand.” CE&amp;N subscribers will get a chance to test their knowledge of corn production and its uses by taking a quiz. Questions will range from “How much corn does the U.S. produce each year?” to “Which organic acid produced from corn is used in shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals?”&nbsp;&nbsp;An infographic will showcase how corn is utilized in several ingredients in items such as packaging and dietary supplements. Chemical &amp; Engineering News is a weekly print and digital publication put out by the American Chemical Society since 1923.

New partnership highlights versatility of corn as a feedstock

Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts of Kansas and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow of Michigan say the Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. The act regulates marketing standards for grains and oilseeds and extends the inspection authority through September of 2025. 

“The Senate has approved the Grain Standards Reauthorization Act, which will allow America to continue fostering a healthy domestic grain market and positive relationships with our trading partners,” says Roberts. Stabenow says as farmers face unprecedented uncertainty and trade instability, it’s vital to maintain the integrity of the grain inspection system. 

“The bipartisan bill protects the interests of American farmers and ensures our credibility as a reliable producer of high-quality crops,” she says. 

The bill would include customers and applicants for inspection or weighing services in the list of people that must be notified in writing when a state agency intends to temporarily discontinue official inspection or weighing service. The bill still needs approval in the House and will also require that the USDA conduct a thorough review of the agency’s official geographic areas.

Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts of Kansas and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow of Michigan say the Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. The act regulates marketing standards for grains and oilseeds and extends the inspection authority through September of 2025. “The Senate has approved the Grain Standards Reauthorization Act, which will allow America to continue fostering a healthy domestic grain market and positive relationships with our trading partners,” says Roberts. Stabenow says as farmers face unprecedented uncertainty and trade instability, it’s vital to maintain the integrity of the grain inspection system. “The bipartisan bill protects the interests of American farmers and ensures our credibility as a reliable producer of high-quality crops,” she says. The bill would include customers and applicants for inspection or weighing services in the list of people that must be notified in writing when a state agency intends to temporarily discontinue official inspection or weighing service. The bill still needs approval in the House and will also require that the USDA conduct a thorough review of the agency’s official geographic areas.

Senate unanimously passes grain standards reauthorization

Progressives in agriculture appear to be making a push to keep former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp out of the USDA Secretary’s office in a Biden administration. News Break Dot Com says the conflict is ramping up as Representative Marcia Fudge of Ohio has begun to campaign for the job. 

USDA is a $150 billion department that oversees ag policy, supports the farm economy, and feeds millions of low-income households. Heitkamp has been seen as a top contender for the spot because of her moderate politics and friendly relationship with the agricultural sector. 

However, a coalition is working behind the scenes to eliminate her candidacy before it gets going. They argue that she’s too conservative and far too cozy with the fossil fuel industry and corporate agribusiness. “There will be a big fight on Heitkamp if Biden puts her name forward,” says Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of the food and agriculture program at Friends of the Earth. 

Most of the nonprofits against Heitkamp are far out on the left flank of even the most-progressive food and ag circles. However, divisions about Heitkamp appear to run deeply. The National Farmers Union, not a member of this coalition, is facing its own questions about whether to get behind the former North Dakota Senator.

Progressives in agriculture appear to be making a push to keep former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp out of the USDA Secretary’s office in a Biden administration. News Break Dot Com says the conflict is ramping up as Representative Marcia Fudge of Ohio has begun to campaign for the job. USDA is a $150 billion department that oversees ag policy, supports the farm economy, and feeds millions of low-income households. Heitkamp has been seen as a top contender for the spot because of her moderate politics and friendly relationship with the agricultural sector. However, a coalition is working behind the scenes to eliminate her candidacy before it gets going. They argue that she’s too conservative and far too cozy with the fossil fuel industry and corporate agribusiness. “There will be a big fight on Heitkamp if Biden puts her name forward,” says Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of the food and agriculture program at Friends of the Earth. Most of the nonprofits against Heitkamp are far out on the left flank of even the most-progressive food and ag circles. However, divisions about Heitkamp appear to run deeply. The National Farmers Union, not a member of this coalition, is facing its own questions about whether to get behind the former North Dakota Senator.

Progressives fight against Heitkamp as possible USDA boss

The University of Illinois says climate change and a growing world population require efficient use of natural resources. The College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences says water management strategies need to support worldwide changes in food consumption and dietary patterns. 

Agricultural production and food manufacturing account for a third of U.S. water usage, which fluctuates with weather patterns, but is also affected by shifts in production technology, supply-chain linkages, and domestic and foreign consumer demand. 

A comprehensive University of Illinois study looked at water withdrawals in U.S. agriculture and food production from 1995 to 2021. The main trend they saw was a decline in water use, driven by a combination of factors. The authors of the study say the industry’s use of water for irrigation decreased by 8.3 percent over that period. 

One trend they noted is greater demand for white meat than red meat at the nation’s grocery stores. Chicken production requires 3.5 times less water-per-pound than beef production, which means a change in demand helped livestock reduce its water use by 14 percent.

The University of Illinois says climate change and a growing world population require efficient use of natural resources. The College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences says water management strategies need to support worldwide changes in food consumption and dietary patterns. Agricultural production and food manufacturing account for a third of U.S. water usage, which fluctuates with weather patterns, but is also affected by shifts in production technology, supply-chain linkages, and domestic and foreign consumer demand. A comprehensive University of Illinois study looked at water withdrawals in U.S. agriculture and food production from 1995 to 2021. The main trend they saw was a decline in water use, driven by a combination of factors. The authors of the study say the industry’s use of water for irrigation decreased by 8.3 percent over that period. One trend they noted is greater demand for white meat than red meat at the nation’s grocery stores. Chicken production requires 3.5 times less water-per-pound than beef production, which means a change in demand helped livestock reduce its water use by 14 percent.

U.S. water use dropping for most crops and livestock production

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — More than 10,000 striking Deere &amp; Co. workers were voting Wednesday on a new contract offer from the tractor maker, but this third deal is strikingly similar to a contract that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">55% of workers rejected</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago.

The latest proposed contract maintains the 10% immediate raises that the last deal offered, and it makes what the United Auto Workers union called modest changes to the details of Deere’s internal incentive pay program for workers.

After the last vote on Nov. 2, Deere officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-strikes-united-auto-workers-4cb8e7fca37836ee7eb4482392615c35">told the union</a>&nbsp;not to expect the company to offer any more money, and Deere largely stuck to that promise in this latest offer.

In addition to the initial raises, this week’s offer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">keeps the 5% raises</a>&nbsp;that were in the third and fifth years of the six-year deal and 3% lump sum payments in the second, fourth and sixth years of the deal. The offer would also provide an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserve a pension option for new employees, make workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintain their no-premium health insurance coverage.

The contract covers 12 plants in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas where the company’s iconic green John Deere agricultural and construction equipment is made.

What Moline, Illinois-based Deere did in this latest offer, which it is calling its final one, was tweak the complicated formula it uses to determine which workers receive bonuses based on whether their team hits certain productivity goals. The changes in the formula could make it easier for workers to qualify for the incentive pay, but there are some Deere workers who aren’t eligible for the bonuses based on the job they do in the company’s factories and warehouses.

The workers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 have been holding out for more from Deere, which has predicted it will report record annual profits between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion when it releases its earnings report later this month. Initially, more than 90% of the workers rejected Deere’s initial offer, but the second vote was much closer after the company essentially doubled the raises it was offering.

Deere workers have had to endure increasingly colder temperatures along the picket lines while trying to get by on the union’s $275 in weekly strike pay or by finding another job.

Company officials have said they are using salaried employees and other workers to try and keep their factories operating during the strike. Other Deere plants globally are also working to pick up work.

Still, Deere workers — and other unions — have been emboldened to ask for more this year because of the ongoing worker shortages and because workers didn’t always feel appreciated while working long hours during the pandemic.

Another group of UAW-represented workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-strikes-17c318d1250ebfca9f597c5601af820b">went on strike earlier this year</a>&nbsp;at a Volvo Trucks plant in Virginia and secured better pay and lower-cost health benefits after rejecting three tentative contract offers. Currently, about 1,400 Kellogg’s workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kelloggs-cereal-plants-strike-d9185eb8fa9054d34a078063c3db6c33">have been on strike since early last month</a>&nbsp;at the company’s four U.S. cereal plants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 -Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 -Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — More than 10,000 striking Deere &amp; Co. workers were voting Wednesday on a new contract offer from the tractor maker, but this third deal is strikingly similar to a contract that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-strikes-united-auto-workers-7124f0d5f729c0a722e62c87c94fc14a">55% of workers rejected</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago.The latest proposed contract maintains the 10% immediate raises that the last deal offered, and it makes what the United Auto Workers union called modest changes to the details of Deere’s internal incentive pay program for workers.After the last vote on Nov. 2, Deere officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-strikes-united-auto-workers-4cb8e7fca37836ee7eb4482392615c35">told the union</a>&nbsp;not to expect the company to offer any more money, and Deere largely stuck to that promise in this latest offer.In addition to the initial raises, this week’s offer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-illinois-moline-united-auto-workers-7e85b3d6aa34955f7c0be633e201c87f">keeps the 5% raises</a>&nbsp;that were in the third and fifth years of the six-year deal and 3% lump sum payments in the second, fourth and sixth years of the deal. The offer would also provide an $8,500 ratification bonus, preserve a pension option for new employees, make workers eligible for health insurance sooner and maintain their no-premium health insurance coverage.The contract covers 12 plants in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas where the company’s iconic green John Deere agricultural and construction equipment is made.What Moline, Illinois-based Deere did in this latest offer, which it is calling its final one, was tweak the complicated formula it uses to determine which workers receive bonuses based on whether their team hits certain productivity goals. The changes in the formula could make it easier for workers to qualify for the incentive pay, but there are some Deere workers who aren’t eligible for the bonuses based on the job they do in the company’s factories and warehouses.The workers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 have been holding out for more from Deere, which has predicted it will report record annual profits between $5.7 billion and $5.9 billion when it releases its earnings report later this month. Initially, more than 90% of the workers rejected Deere’s initial offer, but the second vote was much closer after the company essentially doubled the raises it was offering.Deere workers have had to endure increasingly colder temperatures along the picket lines while trying to get by on the union’s $275 in weekly strike pay or by finding another job.Company officials have said they are using salaried employees and other workers to try and keep their factories operating during the strike. Other Deere plants globally are also working to pick up work.Still, Deere workers — and other unions — have been emboldened to ask for more this year because of the ongoing worker shortages and because workers didn’t always feel appreciated while working long hours during the pandemic.Another group of UAW-represented workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-strikes-17c318d1250ebfca9f597c5601af820b">went on strike earlier this year</a>&nbsp;at a Volvo Trucks plant in Virginia and secured better pay and lower-cost health benefits after rejecting three tentative contract offers. Currently, about 1,400 Kellogg’s workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kelloggs-cereal-plants-strike-d9185eb8fa9054d34a078063c3db6c33">have been on strike since early last month</a>&nbsp;at the company’s four U.S. cereal plants.

Striking John Deere workers vote on 3rd contract offer

The USDA says farm sector production expenses, including those associated with operator dwellings, are forecast to decrease by $4.6 billion to $344.2 billion in 2020 in nominal terms, which means not adjusted for inflation. That’s a 1.3 percent drop from the previous year. 

These expenses represent the costs of all inputs used to produce farm commodities and strongly affect farm profitability. Although the overall production expenses are projected to drop, there are differences between the specific expenses. Specific expenses forecast to increase in 2020 account for approximately 69 percent of the total and are projected to collectively rise by $6 billion relative to 2019 before inflation adjustment. 

These include the two largest categories; feed purchases and cash labor. In contrast, expenses expected to decrease account for 31 percent of total expenses and are forecast to collectively decline by $10.6 billion between 2019 and 2020. More specifically, livestock and poultry purchases are expected to drop 7.5 percent, pesticides by 2.1 percent, and oil and fuel spending by 13.9 percent.

 Interest-rate costs are forecast to be at their lowest level since 2014, dropping by 27 percent from 2019 as a result of historically low interest rates.

The USDA says farm sector production expenses, including those associated with operator dwellings, are forecast to decrease by $4.6 billion to $344.2 billion in 2020 in nominal terms, which means not adjusted for inflation. That’s a 1.3 percent drop from the previous year. These expenses represent the costs of all inputs used to produce farm commodities and strongly affect farm profitability. Although the overall production expenses are projected to drop, there are differences between the specific expenses. Specific expenses forecast to increase in 2020 account for approximately 69 percent of the total and are projected to collectively rise by $6 billion relative to 2019 before inflation adjustment. These include the two largest categories; feed purchases and cash labor. In contrast, expenses expected to decrease account for 31 percent of total expenses and are forecast to collectively decline by $10.6 billion between 2019 and 2020. More specifically, livestock and poultry purchases are expected to drop 7.5 percent, pesticides by 2.1 percent, and oil and fuel spending by 13.9 percent. Interest-rate costs are forecast to be at their lowest level since 2014, dropping by 27 percent from 2019 as a result of historically low interest rates.

USDA says farm production expenses will drop

The ink is officially dry on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, signed by China and 14 other nations over the weekend. The New York Times says the signing ceremony came about after eight years of talks leading up to one of the world’s largest regional free-trade agreements. 

While the pact is somewhat limited in scope, it still covers approximately 2.2 billion people. That’s larger than any previous regional free trade agreement and likely helps improve China’s image as the dominant economic power in Southeast Asia. It also comes about after a U.S. withdrawal from sweeping trade deals that appear to be reshaping global relationships. 

As other countries continue to sign trade deals, some trade experts say American importers may lose ground. “While the U.S. is currently focusing on domestic issues, including COVID-19 and rebuilding its economy, I’m not sure the rest of the world is going to wait until America gets its house in order,” says Jennifer Hillman, a senior fellow on the Council of Foreign Relations. “I think there are going to have to be some responsive actions to what China is doing.”

The ink is officially dry on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, signed by China and 14 other nations over the weekend. The New York Times says the signing ceremony came about after eight years of talks leading up to one of the world’s largest regional free-trade agreements. While the pact is somewhat limited in scope, it still covers approximately 2.2 billion people. That’s larger than any previous regional free trade agreement and likely helps improve China’s image as the dominant economic power in Southeast Asia. It also comes about after a U.S. withdrawal from sweeping trade deals that appear to be reshaping global relationships. As other countries continue to sign trade deals, some trade experts say American importers may lose ground. “While the U.S. is currently focusing on domestic issues, including COVID-19 and rebuilding its economy, I’m not sure the rest of the world is going to wait until America gets its house in order,” says Jennifer Hillman, a senior fellow on the Council of Foreign Relations. “I think there are going to have to be some responsive actions to what China is doing.”

China-led trade pact is signed

The Kansas City Fed said last week that the outlook for agricultural credit conditions in its Tenth District improved in the third quarter, due in part to rising commodity prices and additional government aid to producers. 

After dropping sharply in the second quarter due to COVID-19 disruptions, prices for most ag commodities began to rebound during the summer. The Fed report says increasing demand supported additional increases in crop prices through the third quarter and into October, expanding profit opportunities for many producers going into the harvest season. 

As a result, credit conditions deteriorated at a significantly slower pace. The number of bankers reporting declines in farm income and loan repayment rates dropped from the prior quarter. About 55 percent of ag bankers in the district reported lower incomes than a year ago, compared with 75 percent in the second quarter of 2020. 

Recent developments are leading to more optimistic expectations through the end of the year. Following years of steady growth, demand for farm loans appeared to decrease. 

About 25 percent of bankers reported that loan demand was lower than last year, the highest number since 2013. Loan repayment challenges are expected to ease across most types of farm operations in the district through the next three months.

The Kansas City Fed said last week that the outlook for agricultural credit conditions in its Tenth District improved in the third quarter, due in part to rising commodity prices and additional government aid to producers. After dropping sharply in the second quarter due to COVID-19 disruptions, prices for most ag commodities began to rebound during the summer. The Fed report says increasing demand supported additional increases in crop prices through the third quarter and into October, expanding profit opportunities for many producers going into the harvest season. As a result, credit conditions deteriorated at a significantly slower pace. The number of bankers reporting declines in farm income and loan repayment rates dropped from the prior quarter. About 55 percent of ag bankers in the district reported lower incomes than a year ago, compared with 75 percent in the second quarter of 2020. Recent developments are leading to more optimistic expectations through the end of the year. Following years of steady growth, demand for farm loans appeared to decrease. About 25 percent of bankers reported that loan demand was lower than last year, the highest number since 2013. Loan repayment challenges are expected to ease across most types of farm operations in the district through the next three months.

KC Fed: farm financial outlook is improving

Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge endorsed Georgia Democrat David Scott’s bid to chair the House Agriculture Committee, shooting down speculation that she wanted that position. However, Cleveland Dot Com says she would be honored to serve as the Secretary of Agriculture in Joe Biden’s administration. 

Fudge frequently appears on a list of potential ag secretaries along with prospects like former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp, current Democrats Chellie Pingree of Maine, and Cheri Bustos of Illinois, as well as the state ag secretaries in California and Delaware. 

Fudge decided to back Scott for the Ag Committee’s top spot because he’s second in seniority behind the outgoing chair, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, who lost his re-election bid. Fudge is fourth in seniority on the Ag Committee and currently chairs the Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Affairs subcommittee. 

She’s also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, as is Scott. Committee assignments and chairmanships in Congress get reshuffled after every election to replace departing members and accommodate new ones. Because Democrats will remain in control of the House of Representatives, Democrats will continue to chair all the committees.

Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge endorsed Georgia Democrat David Scott’s bid to chair the House Agriculture Committee, shooting down speculation that she wanted that position. However, Cleveland Dot Com says she would be honored to serve as the Secretary of Agriculture in Joe Biden’s administration. Fudge frequently appears on a list of potential ag secretaries along with prospects like former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp, current Democrats Chellie Pingree of Maine, and Cheri Bustos of Illinois, as well as the state ag secretaries in California and Delaware. Fudge decided to back Scott for the Ag Committee’s top spot because he’s second in seniority behind the outgoing chair, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, who lost his re-election bid. Fudge is fourth in seniority on the Ag Committee and currently chairs the Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Affairs subcommittee. She’s also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, as is Scott. Committee assignments and chairmanships in Congress get reshuffled after every election to replace departing members and accommodate new ones. Because Democrats will remain in control of the House of Representatives, Democrats will continue to chair all the committees.

Fudge won’t pursue house ag chair; would accept Ag Secretary position

Trade negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom seem likely to miss the mid-November deadline for a new Brexit deal. Reuters reports that after Britain left the European Union in January, a status-quo transition period will expire at the end of the year. 

The talks on new trade rules that begin in 2021 haven’t yielded results yet. “By moving into next week, the timelines will start to get tight,” says Irish Foreign Trade Minister Simon Coveney. 

“There aren’t many days left in the year, and if we don’t get a deal next week, we may have some real problems.” Now that the stakes are running even higher, an EU diplomat tells Reuters that, “The deadlines are increasingly tight. But the EU cannot make the timetable take precedence over its priority interests.” 

If the two sides don’t agree, trade rifts will develop between the world’s biggest trading bloc of 450 million consumers and the sixth-biggest economy. That would only deepen the economic damage caused by the coronavirus in Europe during 2020. “it’s quite possible this could fall apart,” Coveney says, “but if you’re asking me to call it, I think we are more likely to get the deal than not.”

Trade negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom seem likely to miss the mid-November deadline for a new Brexit deal. Reuters reports that after Britain left the European Union in January, a status-quo transition period will expire at the end of the year. The talks on new trade rules that begin in 2021 haven’t yielded results yet. “By moving into next week, the timelines will start to get tight,” says Irish Foreign Trade Minister Simon Coveney. “There aren’t many days left in the year, and if we don’t get a deal next week, we may have some real problems.” Now that the stakes are running even higher, an EU diplomat tells Reuters that, “The deadlines are increasingly tight. But the EU cannot make the timetable take precedence over its priority interests.” If the two sides don’t agree, trade rifts will develop between the world’s biggest trading bloc of 450 million consumers and the sixth-biggest economy. That would only deepen the economic damage caused by the coronavirus in Europe during 2020. “it’s quite possible this could fall apart,” Coveney says, “but if you’re asking me to call it, I think we are more likely to get the deal than not.”

EU-UK trade deal likely will miss the deadline

A majority of adults in the U.S. view farmers’ sustainability practices positively, and an overwhelming majority of them trust farmers. Those findings are the results of a new public opinion poll taken by the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

The poll found that 58 percent of the respondents are positive about the sustainability practices of America’s farmers, and that agreement comes from a majority of adults across different demographic groups. Almost nine in ten adults (88%) trust U.S. farmers, which is a four percent increase from Farm Bureau’s June polling. 

That likely comes from evidence that the public recognizes that the food supply chain challenges brought on by COVID-19 were not within the control of farmers and ranchers. The survey also looked into public attitudes about the environmental sustainability achievements of farmers and ranchers, as well as the future direction for advancing to climate-smart farming. 

Overall, the public agrees farmers shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. More than eight in ten Americans were impressed to find out that the Environmental Protection Agency and USDA both have data showing that farmers have put 140 million acres of land into conservation programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Americans have a high level of trust in farmers, and they understand that we’re committed to protecting the soil, air, and water,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.

A majority of adults in the U.S. view farmers’ sustainability practices positively, and an overwhelming majority of them trust farmers. Those findings are the results of a new public opinion poll taken by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The poll found that 58 percent of the respondents are positive about the sustainability practices of America’s farmers, and that agreement comes from a majority of adults across different demographic groups. Almost nine in ten adults (88%) trust U.S. farmers, which is a four percent increase from Farm Bureau’s June polling. That likely comes from evidence that the public recognizes that the food supply chain challenges brought on by COVID-19 were not within the control of farmers and ranchers. The survey also looked into public attitudes about the environmental sustainability achievements of farmers and ranchers, as well as the future direction for advancing to climate-smart farming. Overall, the public agrees farmers shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. More than eight in ten Americans were impressed to find out that the Environmental Protection Agency and USDA both have data showing that farmers have put 140 million acres of land into conservation programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Americans have a high level of trust in farmers, and they understand that we’re committed to protecting the soil, air, and water,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.

American trust in farmers remains strong

The European Union said earlier this week it will impose tariffs on up to four billion dollars’ worth of U.S. goods and services, including some agricultural imports. The move comes out of a dispute over U.S. assistance for Boeing, which is a bitter rival to Europe’s Airbus. 

News Tribune Dot Com says European trade ministers agreed on the move a few weeks after international arbitrators gave the EU the go-ahead for implementing the tariffs. The World Trade Organization ruled that some of the U.S. support for Boeing was illegal and said the EU could make up for that with a limited amount of duties on U.S. trade. 

The tariffs are officially in effect on Tuesday. The EU Commission’s Executive Vice President says, “Regrettably, despite our best efforts and due to the lack of progress from the U.S. side, we can confirm that the European Union will exercise our rights and impose the countermeasures.” 

It was a year ago that the WTO ruled similarly for the United States, allowing it to impose duties on EU goods worth up to $7.5 billion because of European support for Airbus. The EU Trade Commission is calling on the U.S. to agree that both sides will drop their countermeasures immediately so that they can put the issue behind them.

The European Union said earlier this week it will impose tariffs on up to four billion dollars’ worth of U.S. goods and services, including some agricultural imports. The move comes out of a dispute over U.S. assistance for Boeing, which is a bitter rival to Europe’s Airbus. News Tribune Dot Com says European trade ministers agreed on the move a few weeks after international arbitrators gave the EU the go-ahead for implementing the tariffs. The World Trade Organization ruled that some of the U.S. support for Boeing was illegal and said the EU could make up for that with a limited amount of duties on U.S. trade. The tariffs are officially in effect on Tuesday. The EU Commission’s Executive Vice President says, “Regrettably, despite our best efforts and due to the lack of progress from the U.S. side, we can confirm that the European Union will exercise our rights and impose the countermeasures.” It was a year ago that the WTO ruled similarly for the United States, allowing it to impose duties on EU goods worth up to $7.5 billion because of European support for Airbus. The EU Trade Commission is calling on the U.S. to agree that both sides will drop their countermeasures immediately so that they can put the issue behind them.

European Union puts tariffs on U.S. goods, including ag products

Current House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson has made a recommendation for his successor. He’s endorsed Georgia Democrat David Scott as the next chairman. In a letter to Scott, Peterson wrote that he’s a supporter of the seniority system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peterson also says he was happy to follow Kika de la Garza of Texas, who was the first Hispanic Chair of the committee. 

“It will be another important milestone to have the first African-American chair of the committee,” Peterson says in the letter. Scott is second in seniority on the committee after Peterson, who lost in his re-election race.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, House Democrats will begin the process of choosing committee chairs for the 117th Congress next week, including the House Agriculture Committee’s top spot. 

However, the Hagstrom Report says the new chairs won’t get confirmed until early January, according to the Rules of the Democratic Caucus and congressional staff. Scott and California Democrat Jim Costa have both said they will run for the job. 

While Scott is the second-most tenured member of the committee, Costa is right behind him as the third longest-serving member. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says that both parties will begin their leadership election process next week, while newly elected members take part in orientation.

Current House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson has made a recommendation for his successor. He’s endorsed Georgia Democrat David Scott as the next chairman. In a letter to Scott, Peterson wrote that he’s a supporter of the seniority system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peterson also says he was happy to follow Kika de la Garza of Texas, who was the first Hispanic Chair of the committee. “It will be another important milestone to have the first African-American chair of the committee,” Peterson says in the letter. Scott is second in seniority on the committee after Peterson, who lost in his re-election race.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, House Democrats will begin the process of choosing committee chairs for the 117th Congress next week, including the House Agriculture Committee’s top spot. However, the Hagstrom Report says the new chairs won’t get confirmed until early January, according to the Rules of the Democratic Caucus and congressional staff. Scott and California Democrat Jim Costa have both said they will run for the job. While Scott is the second-most tenured member of the committee, Costa is right behind him as the third longest-serving member. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says that both parties will begin their leadership election process next week, while newly elected members take part in orientation.

Peterson endorses Scott for house ag chairman

Overall farm tractor unit sales continued to grow across North America in October despite a small pause in the larger unit sales in Canada. The latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says that total farm tractor sales in the U.S. rose 18 percent in October compared to 2019, while self-propelled combine sales in the U.S. grew almost 15 percent. 

Four-wheel-drive unit sales in the U.S. grew for the third straight month in October, up almost 23 percent to 635 units, putting year-to-date segment sales in the black for the first time this year at one percent higher. 

Sales of 100-plus horsepower equipment grew 9.7 percent during October, finally bringing the bigger units just into positive territory at .2 percent higher year-to-date. Total year-to-date farm tractors out the door are up 15 percent in 2020, while combine sales are now up 5.5 percent on the year. 

“We’re glad to see the aggregate North American tractor and combine sales stay above the five-year trend line,” says Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of Ag Services at AEM. “These latest numbers, combined with the recent bump in commodity prices, point to the potential for a strong finish to equipment sales in 2020.” &nbsp;

Overall farm tractor unit sales continued to grow across North America in October despite a small pause in the larger unit sales in Canada. The latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says that total farm tractor sales in the U.S. rose 18 percent in October compared to 2019, while self-propelled combine sales in the U.S. grew almost 15 percent. Four-wheel-drive unit sales in the U.S. grew for the third straight month in October, up almost 23 percent to 635 units, putting year-to-date segment sales in the black for the first time this year at one percent higher. Sales of 100-plus horsepower equipment grew 9.7 percent during October, finally bringing the bigger units just into positive territory at .2 percent higher year-to-date. Total year-to-date farm tractors out the door are up 15 percent in 2020, while combine sales are now up 5.5 percent on the year. “We’re glad to see the aggregate North American tractor and combine sales stay above the five-year trend line,” says Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of Ag Services at AEM. “These latest numbers, combined with the recent bump in commodity prices, point to the potential for a strong finish to equipment sales in 2020.” &nbsp;

Farm tractor sales stay positive in the U.S. and Canada

The National Pork Board launched a new tool called AgView. It’s a brand-new technology solution to help the U.S. pork industry respond faster than ever before possible in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. The web-based tool will help producers easily share their farm’s Foreign Animal Disease status updates and pig movement data with state animal health officials. 

The opt-in, no-fee technology is funded by the Pork Checkoff, and it will allow for contact-tracing of infected animals to help rapidly contain or regionalize a potential foreign animal disease outbreak. While any disease outbreak on even a single farm would be devastating, the potential collective losses are staggering. 

An Iowa State University study says an outbreak of African Swine Fever would cost the pork industry $50 billion over 10 years. “When pork producers adopt AgView, they are not only helping to protect their farms, but also the entire industry,” says Pork Board CEO Bill Even. “COVID-19 taught us the best way to recover from a significant supply chain disruption, which a foreign animal disease outbreak would be, is through real-time information, collaboration, and a common data set to inform decision making.”

For more information, producers can go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pork.org/agview">www.pork.org/agview</a>.

The National Pork Board launched a new tool called AgView. It’s a brand-new technology solution to help the U.S. pork industry respond faster than ever before possible in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. The web-based tool will help producers easily share their farm’s Foreign Animal Disease status updates and pig movement data with state animal health officials. The opt-in, no-fee technology is funded by the Pork Checkoff, and it will allow for contact-tracing of infected animals to help rapidly contain or regionalize a potential foreign animal disease outbreak. While any disease outbreak on even a single farm would be devastating, the potential collective losses are staggering. An Iowa State University study says an outbreak of African Swine Fever would cost the pork industry $50 billion over 10 years. “When pork producers adopt AgView, they are not only helping to protect their farms, but also the entire industry,” says Pork Board CEO Bill Even. “COVID-19 taught us the best way to recover from a significant supply chain disruption, which a foreign animal disease outbreak would be, is through real-time information, collaboration, and a common data set to inform decision making.” For more information, producers can go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pork.org/agview">www.pork.org/agview</a>.

NPB launches new tool for protection against foreign animal disease fallout

The latest World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates Report shows lower U.S. corn and soybean production in 2020. Corn production is forecast at 14.5 billion bushels, down 215 million from the previous forecasting, and includes a reduction in yield to 175.8 bushels per acre. 

With supply dropping and usage increasing, corn ending stocks in 2020-2021 will drop 465 million bushels to 1.7 billion, which would be the lowest on-hand since 2013-2014. The season-average corn price is up 40 cents to $4 a bushel. Soybean production is forecast at 4.17 billion bushels, a 98 million bushel drop on lower yields. 

Because of lower production, soybean ending stocks are projected at 190 million bushels, 100 million lower than last month. That would be the lowest level in the past seven years if the projection is realized. The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2020-2021 is forecast at $10.40 a bushel, up 40 cents from the previous month.

 The 2020-2021 wheat outlook predicts stable supplies, higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and reduced ending stocks. The projected 2020-2021 ending stocks are reduced by six million bushels, coming in at 877 million, which is 15 percent lower than last year. The season-average farm price for wheat is unchanged at $4.70 a bushel.

The latest World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates Report shows lower U.S. corn and soybean production in 2020. Corn production is forecast at 14.5 billion bushels, down 215 million from the previous forecasting, and includes a reduction in yield to 175.8 bushels per acre. With supply dropping and usage increasing, corn ending stocks in 2020-2021 will drop 465 million bushels to 1.7 billion, which would be the lowest on-hand since 2013-2014. The season-average corn price is up 40 cents to $4 a bushel. Soybean production is forecast at 4.17 billion bushels, a 98 million bushel drop on lower yields. Because of lower production, soybean ending stocks are projected at 190 million bushels, 100 million lower than last month. That would be the lowest level in the past seven years if the projection is realized. The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2020-2021 is forecast at $10.40 a bushel, up 40 cents from the previous month. The 2020-2021 wheat outlook predicts stable supplies, higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and reduced ending stocks. The projected 2020-2021 ending stocks are reduced by six million bushels, coming in at 877 million, which is 15 percent lower than last year. The season-average farm price for wheat is unchanged at $4.70 a bushel.

Latest WASDE report shows lower 2020 corn and soybean production

Time is running out to submit your photos in the Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. It’s the seventh year the National Corn Growers Association has put on the photo contest, with the upcoming deadline to submit entries on November 30. “We added two new categories this year, which are Livestock and Farm Pets,” says NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. 

“In the past, the contest has received many submissions of livestock, and since the animal ag industry is the largest customer of corn, it made sense to have that as a category.” She says because farm pets are a vital part of every operation, it was important to include them too. 

The single, most popular photo with the most Facebook “likes” will win a $500 prize. First, second and third-place finishers in each of the eight categories will get $300, $200, and $100, respectively. As in previous years, judges will select a single Grand Prize winner to get the $500 prize. 

Fields-of-Corn.com was first launched in 2014 to help tell the story of farming field corn in America. Since its start, NCGA has collected more than 2,000 photos across ten categories and awarded more than one hundred cash prizes.

Time is running out to submit your photos in the Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest. It’s the seventh year the National Corn Growers Association has put on the photo contest, with the upcoming deadline to submit entries on November 30. “We added two new categories this year, which are Livestock and Farm Pets,” says NCGA Graphic Communications Manager Beth Musgrove. “In the past, the contest has received many submissions of livestock, and since the animal ag industry is the largest customer of corn, it made sense to have that as a category.” She says because farm pets are a vital part of every operation, it was important to include them too. The single, most popular photo with the most Facebook “likes” will win a $500 prize. First, second and third-place finishers in each of the eight categories will get $300, $200, and $100, respectively. As in previous years, judges will select a single Grand Prize winner to get the $500 prize. Fields-of-Corn.com was first launched in 2014 to help tell the story of farming field corn in America. Since its start, NCGA has collected more than 2,000 photos across ten categories and awarded more than one hundred cash prizes.

Fields-of-Corn photo shoot deadline is approaching

CME Group Pork Cutout futures and options are now live and available for trading. Announced earlier this fall, the Pork Cutout futures and options are designed to give the U.S. pork industry and export markets tailored risk-management tools on the cutout. 

The contracts are cash-settled to the CME Pork Cutout Index and complement CME Lean Hog futures and options. CME Group says arrangements between hog producers and packers or processors today are diverse and ever-evolving. 

Once based almost exclusively on the value of live hogs, many agreements now pay greater attention on prices further down the value chain. 

CME Group says hogs are increasingly bought and sold in the physical market based on a formula which uses the cutout.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pork Cutout reflects the approximate value of a hog calculated using the prices paid for wholesale cuts of pork. The new contracts are quoted in U.S. cents per pound and have a contract size of 40,000 pounds.

CME Group Pork Cutout futures and options are now live and available for trading. Announced earlier this fall, the Pork Cutout futures and options are designed to give the U.S. pork industry and export markets tailored risk-management tools on the cutout. The contracts are cash-settled to the CME Pork Cutout Index and complement CME Lean Hog futures and options. CME Group says arrangements between hog producers and packers or processors today are diverse and ever-evolving. Once based almost exclusively on the value of live hogs, many agreements now pay greater attention on prices further down the value chain. CME Group says hogs are increasingly bought and sold in the physical market based on a formula which uses the cutout.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pork Cutout reflects the approximate value of a hog calculated using the prices paid for wholesale cuts of pork. The new contracts are quoted in U.S. cents per pound and have a contract size of 40,000 pounds.

Pork cutout futures now available for trading

Farm groups congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his called victory while seeking to shape the roadmap for the future. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "President-elect Biden will be presented with opportunities to improve the lives of rural Americans and this nation's farmers and ranchers." 

For agriculture, AFBF says the priorities include expanding trade and market access, rural broadband, addressing the farm labor shortage and strengthening the farm bill. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “The last four years haven’t been too kind to family farmers and ranchers.” 

Larew adds, “We stand ready to work with his administration to ensure that its policies and programs adequately represent the interests of family farmers and rural communities.” 

In congratulating the incoming administration, Growth Energy says biofuels are the most affordable and effective solution available now to take climate action, adding “the new administration must harness those environmental and economic benefits by strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

Farm groups congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his called victory while seeking to shape the roadmap for the future. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, "President-elect Biden will be presented with opportunities to improve the lives of rural Americans and this nation's farmers and ranchers." For agriculture, AFBF says the priorities include expanding trade and market access, rural broadband, addressing the farm labor shortage and strengthening the farm bill. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “The last four years haven’t been too kind to family farmers and ranchers.” Larew adds, “We stand ready to work with his administration to ensure that its policies and programs adequately represent the interests of family farmers and rural communities.” In congratulating the incoming administration, Growth Energy says biofuels are the most affordable and effective solution available now to take climate action, adding “the new administration must harness those environmental and economic benefits by strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

Ag groups respond to presidential election results

With the election over and a lame-duck Congress getting to work this week, agriculture's attention turns to the potential of more COVID-19 relief. The Senate is back in session this week. The House will return next week. 

There is optimism that both chambers can reach an agreement and pass more coronavirus aid. Last week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated the Senate would get to work on creating another coronavirus package. 

What the package may include and if agriculture relief will be part of the plan remains in question. However, the biggest priority for lawmakers will be funding the federal government. The current funding legislation ends December 11. 

Last week, McConnell stated that he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had agreed to work on a budget bill that would provide funding for the federal government through September 30, 2021, the end of the current fiscal year. Without action by December 11, the federal government will face a partial shutdown.

With the election over and a lame-duck Congress getting to work this week, agriculture's attention turns to the potential of more COVID-19 relief. The Senate is back in session this week. The House will return next week. There is optimism that both chambers can reach an agreement and pass more coronavirus aid. Last week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated the Senate would get to work on creating another coronavirus package. What the package may include and if agriculture relief will be part of the plan remains in question. However, the biggest priority for lawmakers will be funding the federal government. The current funding legislation ends December 11. Last week, McConnell stated that he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had agreed to work on a budget bill that would provide funding for the federal government through September 30, 2021, the end of the current fiscal year. Without action by December 11, the federal government will face a partial shutdown.

Lame-duck session brings hope of more COVID relief for agriculture

The American Soybean Association and the Plains Cotton Growers have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency registration of the herbicide dicamba. The product is used for “over-the-top” applications on soybean and cotton crops genetically engineered to withstand the herbicide. 

A Feedstuffs magazine report says the recent decision by the EPA gives growers five years of usage, beginning with the 2021 growing season. However, the lawsuit says some aspects of the registration decision, such as buffer requirements and application cutoffs, are “problematic for growers who depend on reasonable and consistent access to dicamba for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.” 

While registering dicamba, EPA imposed several application and use conditions on soybean and cotton growers. The lawsuit notes that “several registration conditions impose growing restrictions and disrupt growing seasons, which will diminish crop yields, cut productivity, and drive up the costs of operating. 

Some of those conditions are much more stringent than in past registrations.” The lawsuit challenges the conditions as going beyond EPA’s authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The case seeks a remand of the EPA restrictions on dicamba applications as well as the spatial application buffers.

The American Soybean Association and the Plains Cotton Growers have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency registration of the herbicide dicamba. The product is used for “over-the-top” applications on soybean and cotton crops genetically engineered to withstand the herbicide. A Feedstuffs magazine report says the recent decision by the EPA gives growers five years of usage, beginning with the 2021 growing season. However, the lawsuit says some aspects of the registration decision, such as buffer requirements and application cutoffs, are “problematic for growers who depend on reasonable and consistent access to dicamba for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.” While registering dicamba, EPA imposed several application and use conditions on soybean and cotton growers. The lawsuit notes that “several registration conditions impose growing restrictions and disrupt growing seasons, which will diminish crop yields, cut productivity, and drive up the costs of operating. Some of those conditions are much more stringent than in past registrations.” The lawsuit challenges the conditions as going beyond EPA’s authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The case seeks a remand of the EPA restrictions on dicamba applications as well as the spatial application buffers.

Soybean and cotton growers sue EPA over Dicamba use restrictions

Georgia Democrat David Scott is the most senior member of the House Agriculture Committee after current Chair Collin Peterson. The Hagstrom Report says Scott is throwing his hat into the ring as someone who’d like to be the next Chair after Peterson, who recently lost his re-election bid to Michelle Fischbach. 

Scott is the chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. “I’m proud to announce that I am seeking the chairmanship of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture,” he says in a news release. 

“Today, our nation faces perhaps the most significant struggles any of us have seen in our lifetime. Across rural and urban communities and from young to old, the threats posed by global illness, hunger, financial insecurity, climate change, and natural disasters are significant.” 

He says Congress must address, through the Ag Committee, the insecurities plaguing our citizens and provide the means for a more fruitful existence. He says reaction to climate change must include “transitioning away from fossil fuels toward ethanol and biofuels,” and that the small and mid-sized farmers need help to deal with the trade wars and global pandemic.

Georgia Democrat David Scott is the most senior member of the House Agriculture Committee after current Chair Collin Peterson. The Hagstrom Report says Scott is throwing his hat into the ring as someone who’d like to be the next Chair after Peterson, who recently lost his re-election bid to Michelle Fischbach. Scott is the chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. “I’m proud to announce that I am seeking the chairmanship of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture,” he says in a news release. “Today, our nation faces perhaps the most significant struggles any of us have seen in our lifetime. Across rural and urban communities and from young to old, the threats posed by global illness, hunger, financial insecurity, climate change, and natural disasters are significant.” He says Congress must address, through the Ag Committee, the insecurities plaguing our citizens and provide the means for a more fruitful existence. He says reaction to climate change must include “transitioning away from fossil fuels toward ethanol and biofuels,” and that the small and mid-sized farmers need help to deal with the trade wars and global pandemic.

Georgia representative looking to replace Collin Peterson as ag chair

Sales of U.S. soy to China have slowed down from a previously rapid pace. Reuters says the slowdown is raising questions of whether China is just pausing its purchases, or if most of the intended volume has been purchased and Chinese buyers are waiting for Brazil’s new supply to become available. 

Surging soybean sales to China is helping the overall level of farm trade to the Asian nation set new records for this time of year, while at the same time bringing China closer to meeting the purchase requirements in the Phase One trade deal with the U.S. 

Net export sales of U.S. soybeans to China during the week ending on October 29 totaled 810,710 tons, which is the lowest total in the last 11 weeks of the current marketing year. 

That volume included 578,600 tons switched from unknown destinations. There hasn’t been a daily U.S. soybean sale explicitly to China since October 15, the longest streak since April of this year. U.S soybean prices have risen significantly over the last two months, which may be a limiting factor in further sales at the end of 2020.

Sales of U.S. soy to China have slowed down from a previously rapid pace. Reuters says the slowdown is raising questions of whether China is just pausing its purchases, or if most of the intended volume has been purchased and Chinese buyers are waiting for Brazil’s new supply to become available. Surging soybean sales to China is helping the overall level of farm trade to the Asian nation set new records for this time of year, while at the same time bringing China closer to meeting the purchase requirements in the Phase One trade deal with the U.S. Net export sales of U.S. soybeans to China during the week ending on October 29 totaled 810,710 tons, which is the lowest total in the last 11 weeks of the current marketing year. That volume included 578,600 tons switched from unknown destinations. There hasn’t been a daily U.S. soybean sale explicitly to China since October 15, the longest streak since April of this year. U.S soybean prices have risen significantly over the last two months, which may be a limiting factor in further sales at the end of 2020.