The Philippines' government plans to hold a hearing this week to discuss a proposal to reduce its pork tariffs for in-quota and out-quota imports. Specifically, the country's Department of Agriculture recommends pork imports under the minimum access volume have a five percent tariff for the next six months and a ten percent tariff for the succeeding six months, compared to the current 30 percent tariff. 

For pork imports outside the minimum access volume, the Philippines proposes tariffs be reduced to 15 percent for the next six months and 20 percent in the succeeding six months, compared to the current 40 percent. The National Pork Producers Council welcomed the proposal.

 NPPC last month met with the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines to discuss trade. NPPC has been working with the Philippines’ government for more than a year to negotiate lower pork import tariffs, saying the nation “holds tremendous market opportunities for U.S. pork exports.” The Philippine Tariff Commission plans to consider the proposal Thursday.

The Philippines' government plans to hold a hearing this week to discuss a proposal to reduce its pork tariffs for in-quota and out-quota imports. Specifically, the country's Department of Agriculture recommends pork imports under the minimum access volume have a five percent tariff for the next six months and a ten percent tariff for the succeeding six months, compared to the current 30 percent tariff. For pork imports outside the minimum access volume, the Philippines proposes tariffs be reduced to 15 percent for the next six months and 20 percent in the succeeding six months, compared to the current 40 percent. The National Pork Producers Council welcomed the proposal. NPPC last month met with the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines to discuss trade. NPPC has been working with the Philippines’ government for more than a year to negotiate lower pork import tariffs, saying the nation “holds tremendous market opportunities for U.S. pork exports.” The Philippine Tariff Commission plans to consider the proposal Thursday.

Philippines considering reducing pork import tariffs

The U.S. State Department issued a clarification on its ban on non-citizens entering the United States from South Africa. A Biden administration proclamation suspended travel from several countries due to COVID-19 concerns. 

The State Department clarified that agriculture workers entering the U.S. qualify for the national interest exception on a case-by-case basis. The American Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week requesting an exemption for South African farm labor. 

“We appreciate the swift action by the State Department to address a critical need for American agriculture,” says AFB President Zippy Duvall. “Farmworkers from South Africa bring a valuable and unique skill set to the farms where they work. 

America’s farmers rely on the H-2A program to provide a robust workforce, and we are committed to ensuring their safety while continuing to provide healthy, affordable food for American families.” President Biden’s proclamation allows non-citizens to be exempt from the ban if their arrival is in the national interest. Food and agriculture workers have been deemed essential during COVID-19.

The U.S. State Department issued a clarification on its ban on non-citizens entering the United States from South Africa. A Biden administration proclamation suspended travel from several countries due to COVID-19 concerns. The State Department clarified that agriculture workers entering the U.S. qualify for the national interest exception on a case-by-case basis. The American Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week requesting an exemption for South African farm labor. “We appreciate the swift action by the State Department to address a critical need for American agriculture,” says AFB President Zippy Duvall. “Farmworkers from South Africa bring a valuable and unique skill set to the farms where they work. America’s farmers rely on the H-2A program to provide a robust workforce, and we are committed to ensuring their safety while continuing to provide healthy, affordable food for American families.” President Biden’s proclamation allows non-citizens to be exempt from the ban if their arrival is in the national interest. Food and agriculture workers have been deemed essential during COVID-19.

South African H-2A workers get exemption to travel ban

The Rebuild Rural Coalition, consisting of more than 250 groups, sent a letter to the Biden administration asking that it make sure to put enough resources for rural needs into its infrastructure plan. The coalition represents groups that include U.S. agricultural producers, rural businesses, rural communities, and rural families. 

The letter says the infrastructure system has a staggering number of needs. “For example, one-quarter of our road system’s bridges require significant repair or cannot efficiently handle today’s traffic,” the letter says, “and many of the 240 locks and dams along the inland waterways need modernization.” 

They say critical needs also exist when it comes to providing clean water and affordable housing for rural families, expanding broadband to connect rural communities to the outside world, and enhancing the ability to supply reliable and secure power. They also say the scope of the investment need is staggering as well. 

“Clearly, the federal government must continue to play an important role in providing funding, and those federal investments should increase,” they add. “However, as your plan also suggests, federal resources alone can’t fill the void.” They’re looking for creative solutions that pair federal investments with state and local government dollars, as well as private sources of capital.

The Rebuild Rural Coalition, consisting of more than 250 groups, sent a letter to the Biden administration asking that it make sure to put enough resources for rural needs into its infrastructure plan. The coalition represents groups that include U.S. agricultural producers, rural businesses, rural communities, and rural families. The letter says the infrastructure system has a staggering number of needs. “For example, one-quarter of our road system’s bridges require significant repair or cannot efficiently handle today’s traffic,” the letter says, “and many of the 240 locks and dams along the inland waterways need modernization.” They say critical needs also exist when it comes to providing clean water and affordable housing for rural families, expanding broadband to connect rural communities to the outside world, and enhancing the ability to supply reliable and secure power. They also say the scope of the investment need is staggering as well. “Clearly, the federal government must continue to play an important role in providing funding, and those federal investments should increase,” they add. “However, as your plan also suggests, federal resources alone can’t fill the void.” They’re looking for creative solutions that pair federal investments with state and local government dollars, as well as private sources of capital.

Rural coalition sends letter to Biden on infrastructure

The U.S. oil industry is looking to a longtime adversary for help in opposing the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles. Reuters says the oil industry is reaching out to the nation’s corn growers and biofuel producers for lobbying help, but so far, they’re getting a cool reception to the idea. 

Multiple sources tell Reuters that the oil industry reaching out to their longtime opponents shows the scale of its concern over President Biden’s measures to combat climate change by pulling back on the use of liquid fossil fuels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two industries have one thing in common; a shared desire to make sure there’s a future for internal combustion engines.&nbsp;&nbsp;The political landscape is quite different as the oil industry’s influence has dropped off since Biden replaced Donald Trump as president, but the farm belt is still a powerful constituency. 

The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, an oil refining trade group, confirmed to Reuters that it’s been contacting state and national representatives of the corn and biofuel trade groups in past weeks. Their goal is to garner support for a policy that would reduce the carbon intensity of transport fuels and block efforts to provide more federal subsidies for electric vehicles.

The U.S. oil industry is looking to a longtime adversary for help in opposing the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles. Reuters says the oil industry is reaching out to the nation’s corn growers and biofuel producers for lobbying help, but so far, they’re getting a cool reception to the idea. Multiple sources tell Reuters that the oil industry reaching out to their longtime opponents shows the scale of its concern over President Biden’s measures to combat climate change by pulling back on the use of liquid fossil fuels.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two industries have one thing in common; a shared desire to make sure there’s a future for internal combustion engines.&nbsp;&nbsp;The political landscape is quite different as the oil industry’s influence has dropped off since Biden replaced Donald Trump as president, but the farm belt is still a powerful constituency. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, an oil refining trade group, confirmed to Reuters that it’s been contacting state and national representatives of the corn and biofuel trade groups in past weeks. Their goal is to garner support for a policy that would reduce the carbon intensity of transport fuels and block efforts to provide more federal subsidies for electric vehicles.

Oil industry seeking unusual alliance in farm country

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hailed the introduction of bipartisan legislation to create new opportunities for cattle producers and processors to market beef products. The Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions, or DIRECT Act of 2021, would allow retail quantities of meat processed under state-inspection to be sold across state lines through e-commerce. 

NCBA Policy Division Chair Todd Wilkinson says, "The DIRECT Act will allow cattle producers and smaller beef processors to more easily evolve to meet the growing demand for e-commerce sales." 

Many states currently have inspection programs approved by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service as “at least equal to” federal standards. 

However, state-inspected products can only be sold interstate if approved to do so under the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;The DIRECT Act would amend the retail exemption to allow processors, butchers, or other retailers to sell normal retail quantities of State Inspected Meat online to consumers across state lines.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hailed the introduction of bipartisan legislation to create new opportunities for cattle producers and processors to market beef products. The Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions, or DIRECT Act of 2021, would allow retail quantities of meat processed under state-inspection to be sold across state lines through e-commerce. NCBA Policy Division Chair Todd Wilkinson says, "The DIRECT Act will allow cattle producers and smaller beef processors to more easily evolve to meet the growing demand for e-commerce sales." Many states currently have inspection programs approved by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service as “at least equal to” federal standards. However, state-inspected products can only be sold interstate if approved to do so under the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;The DIRECT Act would amend the retail exemption to allow processors, butchers, or other retailers to sell normal retail quantities of State Inspected Meat online to consumers across state lines.

NCBA welcomes House introduction of bipartisan DIRECT Act

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2021 civil works plan includes approximately $54 million for the repair of navigation structures along the Missouri River. The structures were damaged from high water and flooding over the past three years. 

The funding will address the highest priority repairs which pose an imminent threat to the navigation channel function, or significantly jeopardizes nearby critical facilities, structures, or property. 

The large volume of water that has passed through the system has damaged hundreds of river structures from Sioux City, Iowa, to St Louis. Those structures are critical and provide for a stable navigation channel when river conditions are within the lower range of operational flows. 

The 2020 navigation season, which saw a lower water year on the river, was challenged by shoaling in the navigation channel. The Corps of Engineers intends to restore full capacity and system reliability to pre-flood conditions providing that funding is appropriated and available.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2021 civil works plan includes approximately $54 million for the repair of navigation structures along the Missouri River. The structures were damaged from high water and flooding over the past three years. The funding will address the highest priority repairs which pose an imminent threat to the navigation channel function, or significantly jeopardizes nearby critical facilities, structures, or property. The large volume of water that has passed through the system has damaged hundreds of river structures from Sioux City, Iowa, to St Louis. Those structures are critical and provide for a stable navigation channel when river conditions are within the lower range of operational flows. The 2020 navigation season, which saw a lower water year on the river, was challenged by shoaling in the navigation channel. The Corps of Engineers intends to restore full capacity and system reliability to pre-flood conditions providing that funding is appropriated and available.

Army Corps to repair $54 million of Missouri River Navigation Channel

Incoming Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow laid out her agenda for the committee Thursday. The Michigan Democrat says, "My vision for the committee revitalizes our food and farm economy to grow new opportunities in American agriculture and provide access to healthy food for American families.” 

Stabenow says the committee will build on past bipartisan achievements to strengthen the diversity of agriculture, support the millions of jobs in the farm and food economy, protect land and water, strengthen small towns and rural communities, and support families working hard to make ends meet. 

The agenda includes responding to COVID-19 to address hunger and the food supply chain, and address climate change with voluntary, producer-led, bipartisan solutions. 

Additionally, Stabenow seeks to fight childhood hunger with stronger nutrition programs, and create jobs and improve the quality of life in rural America. Stabenow says the committee will fill key leadership positions at the Department of Agriculture and lay the groundwork for the next bipartisan farm bill.

Incoming Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow laid out her agenda for the committee Thursday. The Michigan Democrat says, "My vision for the committee revitalizes our food and farm economy to grow new opportunities in American agriculture and provide access to healthy food for American families.” Stabenow says the committee will build on past bipartisan achievements to strengthen the diversity of agriculture, support the millions of jobs in the farm and food economy, protect land and water, strengthen small towns and rural communities, and support families working hard to make ends meet. The agenda includes responding to COVID-19 to address hunger and the food supply chain, and address climate change with voluntary, producer-led, bipartisan solutions. Additionally, Stabenow seeks to fight childhood hunger with stronger nutrition programs, and create jobs and improve the quality of life in rural America. Stabenow says the committee will fill key leadership positions at the Department of Agriculture and lay the groundwork for the next bipartisan farm bill.

Stabenow announces senate ag committee agenda

The Department of Agriculture announced more names of folks serving in key staff positions Wednesday. Rebecca Piazza was named Senior Advisor for Delivery in the Food, Nutrition and Consumer services undersecretary’s office. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Program Delivery at Nava Public Benefit Corporation. 

Steffanie Bezruki was named Chief of Staff in Rural Business Services. During nearly seven years on Capitol Hill, she served in various leadership positions, including most recently as Legislative Director for Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer. Abbey Meller was named Confidential Assistant in the Congressional Relations Office. 

She served as an Organizing Associate at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. Paul Zeiss was named Confidential Assistant in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. 

Before joining USDA, Zeiss served in various capacities on President Joe Biden’s campaign, most recently as a field organizer.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, Tharun Vemulapalli was named Confidential Assistant in the Farm Production and Conservation undersecretary’s office. Vemulapalli previously served as a field organizer for the Democratic Party, working primaries, caucuses and the general election.

The Department of Agriculture announced more names of folks serving in key staff positions Wednesday. Rebecca Piazza was named Senior Advisor for Delivery in the Food, Nutrition and Consumer services undersecretary’s office. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Program Delivery at Nava Public Benefit Corporation. Steffanie Bezruki was named Chief of Staff in Rural Business Services. During nearly seven years on Capitol Hill, she served in various leadership positions, including most recently as Legislative Director for Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer. Abbey Meller was named Confidential Assistant in the Congressional Relations Office. She served as an Organizing Associate at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. Paul Zeiss was named Confidential Assistant in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Before joining USDA, Zeiss served in various capacities on President Joe Biden’s campaign, most recently as a field organizer.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, Tharun Vemulapalli was named Confidential Assistant in the Farm Production and Conservation undersecretary’s office. Vemulapalli previously served as a field organizer for the Democratic Party, working primaries, caucuses and the general election.

USDA announces more key staff appointments

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs. The measures are to provide relief to farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

USDA will temporarily suspend non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA has extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. 

In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers. The announcement expands previous actions to lessen financial hardship. 

According to USDA data, more than 12,000 borrowers, approximately ten percent of all borrowers, are eligible for the relief. The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs. The measures are to provide relief to farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA will temporarily suspend non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA has extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers. The announcement expands previous actions to lessen financial hardship. According to USDA data, more than 12,000 borrowers, approximately ten percent of all borrowers, are eligible for the relief. The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.

USDA announces COVID-19 farm loan relief

The Senate Agriculture Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack. The committee will meet Tuesday, February 2, at 10:30 ET, to consider the nomination. 

Committee leadership, Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow and Arkansas Republican John Boozman made the announcement Wednesday. Vilsack is expected to enjoy a smooth confirmation process overall. Vilsack previously served as Agriculture Secretary for all eight years of the Obama administration before heading up the U.S. Dairy Export Council. 

The Iowa native has broad support from agriculture in returning to the Department of Agriculture. However, a coalition of progressive groups, including Food and Water Watch and Progressive Democrats of America, urged Senators to block the confirmation, claiming, "Tom Vilsack is in the pocket of "Big Ag." 

Last week, President Joe Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary until Vilsack is confirmed by the Senate. Shea has been the administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607621299128.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Radio Iowa" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Radio Iowa</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate Agriculture Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack. The committee will meet Tuesday, February 2, at 10:30 ET, to consider the nomination. Committee leadership, Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow and Arkansas Republican John Boozman made the announcement Wednesday. Vilsack is expected to enjoy a smooth confirmation process overall. Vilsack previously served as Agriculture Secretary for all eight years of the Obama administration before heading up the U.S. Dairy Export Council. The Iowa native has broad support from agriculture in returning to the Department of Agriculture. However, a coalition of progressive groups, including Food and Water Watch and Progressive Democrats of America, urged Senators to block the confirmation, claiming, "Tom Vilsack is in the pocket of "Big Ag." Last week, President Joe Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary until Vilsack is confirmed by the Senate. Shea has been the administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013.

Senate ag committee schedules Vilsack confirmation hearing

Family farms comprise 96 percent of all U.S. farms and 82 percent of the value of all agricultural products sold. The Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released the data in the 2017 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report. 

The report focuses on the family farm, defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer.&nbsp; The report classifies all farms into unique categories based on two criteria, who owns the operation and GCFI, gross cash farm income. 

GCFI includes the producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government payments, and farm-related income. 

The data shows that small family farms, those farms with a GCFI of less than $350,000 per year, account for 88 percent of all U.S. farms, 46 percent of total land in farms, and 19 percent of the value of all agricultural products sold. However, the number of family farms decreased by four percent since 2012.

Family farms comprise 96 percent of all U.S. farms and 82 percent of the value of all agricultural products sold. The Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released the data in the 2017 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report. The report focuses on the family farm, defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer.&nbsp; The report classifies all farms into unique categories based on two criteria, who owns the operation and GCFI, gross cash farm income. GCFI includes the producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government payments, and farm-related income. The data shows that small family farms, those farms with a GCFI of less than $350,000 per year, account for 88 percent of all U.S. farms, 46 percent of total land in farms, and 19 percent of the value of all agricultural products sold. However, the number of family farms decreased by four percent since 2012.

Family-owned farms account for 96% of U.S. farms

A group of 72 EU and U.S. organizations urges leaders to remove or at least suspend all additional and retaliatory tariffs affecting or threatening Trans-Atlantic trade.&nbsp; 

In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and the EU Commission President, the groups say suspending the tariffs is urgently needed to address economic harms.&nbsp; Specifically, the groups refer to tariffs on large civil aircraft and steel and aluminum disputes.&nbsp; 

Food and agricultural goods make up a disproportionate number of the EU’s overall tariff line, according to a 2020 analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation.&nbsp; The most impacted group includes alcohol, tobacco and cotton. The next largest category is oilseeds, oils and fats. 

The letter states, “We believe immediate suspension of these tariffs is a necessary and fundamental action, which will provide an economic stimulus at a time when it is needed most.” Groups signing the letter include the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the U.S. Grains Council and others.

A group of 72 EU and U.S. organizations urges leaders to remove or at least suspend all additional and retaliatory tariffs affecting or threatening Trans-Atlantic trade.&nbsp; In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and the EU Commission President, the groups say suspending the tariffs is urgently needed to address economic harms.&nbsp; Specifically, the groups refer to tariffs on large civil aircraft and steel and aluminum disputes.&nbsp; Food and agricultural goods make up a disproportionate number of the EU’s overall tariff line, according to a 2020 analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation.&nbsp; The most impacted group includes alcohol, tobacco and cotton. The next largest category is oilseeds, oils and fats. The letter states, “We believe immediate suspension of these tariffs is a necessary and fundamental action, which will provide an economic stimulus at a time when it is needed most.” Groups signing the letter include the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the U.S. Grains Council and others.

U.S. and EU groups seek tariff relief

The Biden administration will approach economic and trade relations with China with “strategic patience.” The administration is starting to review current policies, including reviewing tariffs, but that doesn’t mean Biden favors removing tariffs. 

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said early this week the President “will take a multilateral approach to engaging with China, and that includes evaluating the tariffs currently in place,” adding, “the President is committed to stopping China’s economic abuses on many fronts." 

The Phase One trade agreement between the U.S. and China has increased China's purchases of U.S. farm commodities. However, the purchases are still not on target to reach levels pledged in the agreement. 

China is expected to continue the increased purchases in 2021.&nbsp; A China Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson responded, "We hope the new U.S. administration will learn from the Trump administration's lessons where they carried out the wrong policies on China.”

The Biden administration will approach economic and trade relations with China with “strategic patience.” The administration is starting to review current policies, including reviewing tariffs, but that doesn’t mean Biden favors removing tariffs. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said early this week the President “will take a multilateral approach to engaging with China, and that includes evaluating the tariffs currently in place,” adding, “the President is committed to stopping China’s economic abuses on many fronts." The Phase One trade agreement between the U.S. and China has increased China's purchases of U.S. farm commodities. However, the purchases are still not on target to reach levels pledged in the agreement. China is expected to continue the increased purchases in 2021.&nbsp; A China Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson responded, "We hope the new U.S. administration will learn from the Trump administration's lessons where they carried out the wrong policies on China.”

Biden to approach China with strategic patience

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced Heather Dawn Thompson's appointment as Director of the Office of Tribal Relations. USDA says Thompson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a Harvard Law School graduate, and an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and rural tribal economic development. 

With Thompson in place, USDA will return the position directly under the Secretary, “restoring the office’s important government-to-government role.” 

A USDA spokesperson says it's "important to have a Director who can serve as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and economic development within the Office of the Secretary." 

Most recently, Thompson served as a member of the American Indian Law Practice Group, where she worked on federal Indian law and Tribal agriculture. In the private sector, Thompson was previously a partner at Dentons, where she was one of only a handful of Native American partners at an “AmLaw 100” law firm.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced Heather Dawn Thompson's appointment as Director of the Office of Tribal Relations. USDA says Thompson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a Harvard Law School graduate, and an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and rural tribal economic development. With Thompson in place, USDA will return the position directly under the Secretary, “restoring the office’s important government-to-government role.” A USDA spokesperson says it's "important to have a Director who can serve as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and economic development within the Office of the Secretary." Most recently, Thompson served as a member of the American Indian Law Practice Group, where she worked on federal Indian law and Tribal agriculture. In the private sector, Thompson was previously a partner at Dentons, where she was one of only a handful of Native American partners at an “AmLaw 100” law firm.

USDA announces Heather Dawn Thompson as director, Office of Tribal Relations

The National FFA Organization will again hold Give FFA Day. In 2020, through generous donations from FFA supporters, students and teachers across the country were able to continue to make a difference.&nbsp; 

Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. 

FFA corporate partners will also participate in increasing contributions by matching them dollar-for-dollar on Give FFA Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first $25,000 donated will be matched by Carhartt, and the second $25,000 will be matched by John Deere. 

Other challenges will be announced throughout the day.&nbsp; In addition, former FFA members and FFA alumni are encouraged to donate $19.71 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National FFA Alumni, which was chartered in 1971. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.

The National FFA Organization will again hold Give FFA Day. In 2020, through generous donations from FFA supporters, students and teachers across the country were able to continue to make a difference.&nbsp; Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. FFA corporate partners will also participate in increasing contributions by matching them dollar-for-dollar on Give FFA Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first $25,000 donated will be matched by Carhartt, and the second $25,000 will be matched by John Deere. Other challenges will be announced throughout the day.&nbsp; In addition, former FFA members and FFA alumni are encouraged to donate $19.71 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National FFA Alumni, which was chartered in 1971. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.

Growing the future of agriculture through give FFA day

President Joe Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday in his first call with a foreign official. The leaders discussed combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening economic ties, defense and climate change. 

They also discussed the U.S.-Canada supply chain, along with promoting and protecting the economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, including bilateral trade and energy commitments. 

Trudeau raised Canada’s disappointment with the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, underscoring “the important economic and energy security benefits of our bilateral energy relationship,” as well as his support for energy workers. Biden halted construction on the controversial pipeline via an executive order on his first day in office. 

The White House noted Biden acknowledged the disappointment regarding the decision, adding Biden "reaffirmed his commitment to maintain an active bilateral dialogue and to further deepen cooperation with Canada.” The two leaders agreed to meet next month to continue the dialogue.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday in his first call with a foreign official. The leaders discussed combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening economic ties, defense and climate change. They also discussed the U.S.-Canada supply chain, along with promoting and protecting the economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, including bilateral trade and energy commitments. Trudeau raised Canada’s disappointment with the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, underscoring “the important economic and energy security benefits of our bilateral energy relationship,” as well as his support for energy workers. Biden halted construction on the controversial pipeline via an executive order on his first day in office. The White House noted Biden acknowledged the disappointment regarding the decision, adding Biden "reaffirmed his commitment to maintain an active bilateral dialogue and to further deepen cooperation with Canada.” The two leaders agreed to meet next month to continue the dialogue.&nbsp;

Biden speaks with Canada’s Trudeau

Meatpacker JBS and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation say they’ll pay 100 dollars to American workers who voluntarily get the COVID-19 vaccine. Yahoo News Dot Com says thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers were infected last year, so the bonus will hopefully encourage employees to get the inoculations. 

COVID outbreaks temporarily halted most meat production in the spring of 2020, which pushed meat prices higher as supplies tightened up on consumers. Company surveys already show that between 60 and 90 percent of their employees at different facilities were willing to be vaccinated. 

The companies launched educational efforts to promote the vaccine as a positive step for their employees, some of whom are immigrants from around the world. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, food and agricultural workers will receive the vaccine during a later phase of the rollout, after healthcare workers and people over 75 years old. Rival company Tyson Foods said late last week that it will offer the vaccines on-site at its facilities, so employees can get inoculated while they’re at work.

Meatpacker JBS and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation say they’ll pay 100 dollars to American workers who voluntarily get the COVID-19 vaccine. Yahoo News Dot Com says thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers were infected last year, so the bonus will hopefully encourage employees to get the inoculations. COVID outbreaks temporarily halted most meat production in the spring of 2020, which pushed meat prices higher as supplies tightened up on consumers. Company surveys already show that between 60 and 90 percent of their employees at different facilities were willing to be vaccinated. The companies launched educational efforts to promote the vaccine as a positive step for their employees, some of whom are immigrants from around the world. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, food and agricultural workers will receive the vaccine during a later phase of the rollout, after healthcare workers and people over 75 years old. Rival company Tyson Foods said late last week that it will offer the vaccines on-site at its facilities, so employees can get inoculated while they’re at work.

JBS offers bonuses to workers who get vaccinated against COVID-19

During the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the industry’s many achievements in the face of adversity. The NBB hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates and partners to talk about the direction of the industry. 

The NBB has set a goal of six billion gallons of production by 2030. “Our industry has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, but I am proud to say that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries never gave up, even in the middle of a pandemic,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. 

“Our members continually beat expectations year after year, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.” The group shared updates from each of its core program areas, including federal affairs. 

“Emerging proposals in Washington that would decarbonize the energy and ag sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development can provide new market opportunities for biodiesel,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. 

The group also discussed state programs that are driving demand for a low-carbon future, as well as sustainability, communications, and outreach and development programs.

During the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the industry’s many achievements in the face of adversity. The NBB hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates and partners to talk about the direction of the industry. The NBB has set a goal of six billion gallons of production by 2030. “Our industry has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, but I am proud to say that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries never gave up, even in the middle of a pandemic,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our members continually beat expectations year after year, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.” The group shared updates from each of its core program areas, including federal affairs. “Emerging proposals in Washington that would decarbonize the energy and ag sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development can provide new market opportunities for biodiesel,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. The group also discussed state programs that are driving demand for a low-carbon future, as well as sustainability, communications, and outreach and development programs.

Biodiesel industry looking for progress in 2021

Industry insiders tell Reuters that a new form of African swine fever is popping up on Chinese pig farms. The timing is not good for the world’s biggest pork producer that’s still trying to recover from a devastating epidemic. 

Two new strains of African Swine Fever have infected over 1,000 sows on several farms owned by China’s fourth-largest pork producer. It’s also showing up in pigs being fattened for the firm by contract farmers. 

A company spokesperson says the disease isn’t quite the same as the wild African Swine Fever Virus because the new variant doesn’t kill the large number of pigs that China lost in 2018 and 2019. The new strain causes a chronic condition that reduces the number of healthy piglets born to sows. 

But infected pigs are culled from herds to prevent the spread, which makes the disease ultimately fatal. Many Chinese farmers turned to unapproved products to help protect their animals.&nbsp; Chinese experts fear the illicit vaccines created accidental infections that have begun to spread. There’s no approved vaccine for ASF, which is not harmful to humans.

Industry insiders tell Reuters that a new form of African swine fever is popping up on Chinese pig farms. The timing is not good for the world’s biggest pork producer that’s still trying to recover from a devastating epidemic. Two new strains of African Swine Fever have infected over 1,000 sows on several farms owned by China’s fourth-largest pork producer. It’s also showing up in pigs being fattened for the firm by contract farmers. A company spokesperson says the disease isn’t quite the same as the wild African Swine Fever Virus because the new variant doesn’t kill the large number of pigs that China lost in 2018 and 2019. The new strain causes a chronic condition that reduces the number of healthy piglets born to sows. But infected pigs are culled from herds to prevent the spread, which makes the disease ultimately fatal. Many Chinese farmers turned to unapproved products to help protect their animals.&nbsp; Chinese experts fear the illicit vaccines created accidental infections that have begun to spread. There’s no approved vaccine for ASF, which is not harmful to humans.

New Swine Fever Virus affecting chinese herds

Following the executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, a group of Republican Senators announced opposition to the halting of construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

The effort was led by Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republicans from Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Several other western senators are expected to sign on to legislation Daines will introduce to authorize the pipeline's continued construction. 

In a statement, the Senators say, “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects.”&nbsp;

The Senators claim revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline will drive up the price of gas at the pump, cost thousands of jobs, crush the energy industry and put the country back on a path to dependence on foreign oil.&nbsp; The pipeline is also a priority for Canada. President Biden is expected to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by phone Friday.

Following the executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, a group of Republican Senators announced opposition to the halting of construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The effort was led by Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republicans from Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Several other western senators are expected to sign on to legislation Daines will introduce to authorize the pipeline's continued construction. In a statement, the Senators say, “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects.”&nbsp;The Senators claim revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline will drive up the price of gas at the pump, cost thousands of jobs, crush the energy industry and put the country back on a path to dependence on foreign oil.&nbsp; The pipeline is also a priority for Canada. President Biden is expected to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by phone Friday.

Republican senators criticize Biden action on Keystone XL Pipeline

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered a temporary block to last-minute small refinery waivers issued by the Trump administration. 

The stay is in response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Associations. Thursday, the court ordered that the Environmental Protection Agency action to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed pending further order of the court.” 

The order prevents EPA from further processing the small refinery exemptions, at least until the court has had “sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for stay.” EPA has until February 3 to respond to the motion, and any replies are due to the court by February 10. 

The stay was issued roughly 36 hours after EPA approved two 2019 waiver petitions and one 2018 petition, which—if allowed to stand—would waive another 260 million gallons of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, “We took this action immediately to prevent the agency from doing further economic damage.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered a temporary block to last-minute small refinery waivers issued by the Trump administration. The stay is in response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Associations. Thursday, the court ordered that the Environmental Protection Agency action to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed pending further order of the court.” The order prevents EPA from further processing the small refinery exemptions, at least until the court has had “sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for stay.” EPA has until February 3 to respond to the motion, and any replies are due to the court by February 10. The stay was issued roughly 36 hours after EPA approved two 2019 waiver petitions and one 2018 petition, which—if allowed to stand—would waive another 260 million gallons of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, “We took this action immediately to prevent the agency from doing further economic damage.”

D.C. Circuit Court stays last-minute EPA waivers

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

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

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

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

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

Biden names acting federal agency leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Radio Iowa contributed to this story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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