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

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

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

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

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

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

Groups praise WRDA passage in COVID relief bill

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

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

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

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

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

Trump signs appropriations/COVID relief bill

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. hog inventory drops one percent

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan approves U.S. pork imports with ractopamine

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

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

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

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

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

China corn imports hit all-time high

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

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

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

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

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

Poultry industry facing a tough year in 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Grassley wants tax cuts and Jobs Act permanent

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

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

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

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

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

Trump may not sign the stimulus bill

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

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

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

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

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

China 2020 soybean imports to reach record

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

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

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

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

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

Grassley praises approval of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020

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

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

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

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

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

New COVID-19 package helps farmers

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

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

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

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

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

Biden announces White House climate team

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peterson welcomes food and ag provisions of COVID relief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Groups react to Biden nomination for EPA administrator

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

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

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

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

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

Biden picks Interior Secretary, EPA boss

The speed of the economic recovery will largely hinge on the availability, dissemination, and reach of COVID-19 vaccines, pushing a pent-up consumer demand to later in 2021. That’s according to a comprehensive year-ahead outlook report just issued from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. 

“The coming year will be a recovery year for most Americans and the businesses that make up the U.S. economy,” says Dan Kowalski, vice president of the Knowledge Exchange Division. “The early part of the year should look very different than the latter, but in total, economic growth should be about four percent, following a retreat of roughly four percent in 2020.” 

The report lists several key factors that will shape agriculture and market sectors that serve rural communities. The largest factor is COVID-19, which will steer the global economy into 2021. Of all the major economies, China has recovered from COVID the quickest, while Europe has suffered the most. 

CoBank says a post-COVID bounce will come to the U.S. next year, just not anytime soon. Other factors include monetary policy, a strong finish to 2020 in the U.S. farm economy, specialty crops, grain and farm-supply sectors, a biofuels recovery, dairy and animal protein, and more. &nbsp;

The speed of the economic recovery will largely hinge on the availability, dissemination, and reach of COVID-19 vaccines, pushing a pent-up consumer demand to later in 2021. That’s according to a comprehensive year-ahead outlook report just issued from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. “The coming year will be a recovery year for most Americans and the businesses that make up the U.S. economy,” says Dan Kowalski, vice president of the Knowledge Exchange Division. “The early part of the year should look very different than the latter, but in total, economic growth should be about four percent, following a retreat of roughly four percent in 2020.” The report lists several key factors that will shape agriculture and market sectors that serve rural communities. The largest factor is COVID-19, which will steer the global economy into 2021. Of all the major economies, China has recovered from COVID the quickest, while Europe has suffered the most. CoBank says a post-COVID bounce will come to the U.S. next year, just not anytime soon. Other factors include monetary policy, a strong finish to 2020 in the U.S. farm economy, specialty crops, grain and farm-supply sectors, a biofuels recovery, dairy and animal protein, and more. &nbsp;

CoBank: 2021 year ahead report on U.S. rural economy

Tyson Foods fired seven top managers at its largest pork processing plant after an investigation confirmed allegations that they bet on how many workers would test positive for COVID. 

The investigation was led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and revealed details that an ABC News article called “troubling allegations.” An outbreak at the Tyson Plant in Waterloo, Iowa, infected more than 1,000 employees, six of whom died. “We value our people and expect everyone on the team, especially our leaders, to operate with integrity and care in everything we do,” says Tyson Foods CEO Dean Banks. 

“The behavior exhibited by these individuals does not represent the Tyson core values, which is why we took immediate action to get to the truth.” Banks traveled to the Waterloo plant this week to talk about the actions with the employees. 

Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson says the company won’t release any detailed findings of the investigation or the names of those fired because of privacy issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We can tell you that Mr. Holder and his team looked at the gaming allegations and found enough evidence for us to terminate those involved,” Mickelson says.

Tyson Foods fired seven top managers at its largest pork processing plant after an investigation confirmed allegations that they bet on how many workers would test positive for COVID. The investigation was led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and revealed details that an ABC News article called “troubling allegations.” An outbreak at the Tyson Plant in Waterloo, Iowa, infected more than 1,000 employees, six of whom died. “We value our people and expect everyone on the team, especially our leaders, to operate with integrity and care in everything we do,” says Tyson Foods CEO Dean Banks. “The behavior exhibited by these individuals does not represent the Tyson core values, which is why we took immediate action to get to the truth.” Banks traveled to the Waterloo plant this week to talk about the actions with the employees. Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson says the company won’t release any detailed findings of the investigation or the names of those fired because of privacy issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We can tell you that Mr. Holder and his team looked at the gaming allegations and found enough evidence for us to terminate those involved,” Mickelson says.

Tyson foods fires seven managers over COVID betting

America’s blueberry growers established a new coalition called the American Blueberry Growers Alliance. The goal is to seek relief from rising imports that are harming their business. 

The alliance will provide information and support to an ongoing U.S. International Trade Commission investigation into the serious injury caused by increasing imports of fresh, chilled, and frozen blueberries under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. Blueberry imports come in from several countries in the Western Hemisphere. 

Those imports rose by more than 60 percent from 2015 to 2019. Imports from Peru and Mexico have increased by 1,200 and 268 percent during that same period, respectively, helping to drive down blueberry prices by double-digits. Alliance members want bipartisan support from the U.S. government and Congress to use existing trade laws to remedy the injury to U.S. growers. 

“We’ve been telling Washington about the unfair trade practices for years,” says Alliance steering committee chair Jerome Crosby. “Our family farms continue to be harmed by a flood of blueberry imports. We need relief and for our leaders to stand with American growers.” The Alliance includes growers from Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and California.

America’s blueberry growers established a new coalition called the American Blueberry Growers Alliance. The goal is to seek relief from rising imports that are harming their business. The alliance will provide information and support to an ongoing U.S. International Trade Commission investigation into the serious injury caused by increasing imports of fresh, chilled, and frozen blueberries under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. Blueberry imports come in from several countries in the Western Hemisphere. Those imports rose by more than 60 percent from 2015 to 2019. Imports from Peru and Mexico have increased by 1,200 and 268 percent during that same period, respectively, helping to drive down blueberry prices by double-digits. Alliance members want bipartisan support from the U.S. government and Congress to use existing trade laws to remedy the injury to U.S. growers. “We’ve been telling Washington about the unfair trade practices for years,” says Alliance steering committee chair Jerome Crosby. “Our family farms continue to be harmed by a flood of blueberry imports. We need relief and for our leaders to stand with American growers.” The Alliance includes growers from Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and California.

Blueberry growers form alliance to battle rising imports

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor sent a letter to Congressional leaders this week that called on lawmakers to include biofuels in any legislation that would extend expiring tax provisions at year’s end. There is a growing possibility that Congress will consider passing a tax extenders package before the current congressional session comes to an end. 

In the letter, Skor asks congressional leadership to consider extending the Section 40 Second-Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit and the Section 45Q Tax Credit. 

The Section 40 Second-Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit is a credit per-gallon of second-generation biofuel that Skor says, “Provides an essential incentive for our biofuels industry to produce a low-carbon, renewable fuel which keeps our rural communities afloat.” 

The Section 45Q Tax Credit is a credit on a per-ton basis of any carbon dioxide sequestered, encouraging ethanol plants to further reduce their carbon footprint. “Especially during a time of depressed gasoline demand, we must use all legislative tools available to support our businesses and infrastructure workforce,” Skor says.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor sent a letter to Congressional leaders this week that called on lawmakers to include biofuels in any legislation that would extend expiring tax provisions at year’s end. There is a growing possibility that Congress will consider passing a tax extenders package before the current congressional session comes to an end. In the letter, Skor asks congressional leadership to consider extending the Section 40 Second-Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit and the Section 45Q Tax Credit. The Section 40 Second-Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit is a credit per-gallon of second-generation biofuel that Skor says, “Provides an essential incentive for our biofuels industry to produce a low-carbon, renewable fuel which keeps our rural communities afloat.” The Section 45Q Tax Credit is a credit on a per-ton basis of any carbon dioxide sequestered, encouraging ethanol plants to further reduce their carbon footprint. “Especially during a time of depressed gasoline demand, we must use all legislative tools available to support our businesses and infrastructure workforce,” Skor says.

Growth energy calls on congress to extend biofuel tax provisions

The Department of Agriculture seeks public input on Nonindustrial Private Forest Land related to technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs. The lands make up a large portion of the forested land base in the United States. 

Forest management decisions on these lands impact the nature and level of benefits derived from the land. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service welcomes input from stakeholders to assist with developing guidance about how to identify land for program enrollment purposes. 

NRCS must ensure the guidance is consistent with how other USDA agencies identify Nonindustrial Private Forest Land under identical or similar frameworks. The request for input is to improve transparency about how NRCS makes land eligibility determinations of forest lands. 

The criteria will be adopted after the close of the 30-day period and after consideration of all comments. NRCS requests input on the technical guidance through January 19, 2021. Electronic comments must be submitted through regulations.gov.

The Department of Agriculture seeks public input on Nonindustrial Private Forest Land related to technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs. The lands make up a large portion of the forested land base in the United States. Forest management decisions on these lands impact the nature and level of benefits derived from the land. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service welcomes input from stakeholders to assist with developing guidance about how to identify land for program enrollment purposes. NRCS must ensure the guidance is consistent with how other USDA agencies identify Nonindustrial Private Forest Land under identical or similar frameworks. The request for input is to improve transparency about how NRCS makes land eligibility determinations of forest lands. The criteria will be adopted after the close of the 30-day period and after consideration of all comments. NRCS requests input on the technical guidance through January 19, 2021. Electronic comments must be submitted through regulations.gov.

USDA seeks public input on guidance defining nonindustrial private forest land eligibility

Agencies within the Department of Agriculture this week celebrated their accomplishments in 2020. USDA highlighted what the department considered its successes this year. At the Farm Service Agency, the department says USDA farm programs helped farmers and ranchers weather a tough 2020. &nbsp;

FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce stated, “We partner with agricultural producers to grow and expand their operations as well as weather the unpredictable, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.” 

USDA’s farm program agencies – the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and Farm Production and Conservation Business Center worked to deliver programs to assist producers while also making strides to enhance efficiency and effectiveness to improve service to customers. 

USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey says, “We continue to admire and support the resiliency of farmers and ranchers during challenging times.” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue stated the year was tough, but “USDA met these challenges with a multitude of programs and services.”

Agencies within the Department of Agriculture this week celebrated their accomplishments in 2020. USDA highlighted what the department considered its successes this year. At the Farm Service Agency, the department says USDA farm programs helped farmers and ranchers weather a tough 2020. &nbsp;FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce stated, “We partner with agricultural producers to grow and expand their operations as well as weather the unpredictable, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.” USDA’s farm program agencies – the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and Farm Production and Conservation Business Center worked to deliver programs to assist producers while also making strides to enhance efficiency and effectiveness to improve service to customers. USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey says, “We continue to admire and support the resiliency of farmers and ranchers during challenging times.” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue stated the year was tough, but “USDA met these challenges with a multitude of programs and services.”

USDA celebrates 2020 accomplishments

A coalition of agriculture groups says Brazil's decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol imports is devastating for the U.S. ethanol industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The group includes the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association. 

The organizations made the comments in response to the Brazilian government’s decision to let the current tariff rate quota expire, replacing it with a 20 percent tariff on all imports of U.S. ethanol. 

The statement continues, “Not only does this decision risk destroying the great progress our two nations have made as global leaders in ethanol production, it marks a dramatic turn in our bilateral trade relationship.”&nbsp; 

Since May, U.S. exports to Brazil have fallen to less than four million gallons. Over the same time period, Brazil has exported nearly 96 million gallons of fuel ethanol to the United States. A 20 percent tariff will “only further imbalance trade between the two countries.”

A coalition of agriculture groups says Brazil's decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol imports is devastating for the U.S. ethanol industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The group includes the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association. The organizations made the comments in response to the Brazilian government’s decision to let the current tariff rate quota expire, replacing it with a 20 percent tariff on all imports of U.S. ethanol. The statement continues, “Not only does this decision risk destroying the great progress our two nations have made as global leaders in ethanol production, it marks a dramatic turn in our bilateral trade relationship.”&nbsp; Since May, U.S. exports to Brazil have fallen to less than four million gallons. Over the same time period, Brazil has exported nearly 96 million gallons of fuel ethanol to the United States. A 20 percent tariff will “only further imbalance trade between the two countries.”

Industry groups call Brazil decision ‘devastating’ for U.S. ethanol

Krysta Harden will take the role of CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, if Tom Vilsack, who currently serves as CEO, is confirmed as the Next Agriculture Secretary. 

Harden served as Deputy Agriculture Secretary from 2013 to 2016, and is the current chief operating officer at the USDEC. Vilsack previously served as Agriculture Secretary during the entirety of the Obama administration. 

Chair of the organization, Larry Hancock, stated in a news release, “Vilsack will continue to serve fully in his role as president and CEO of USDEC until he is confirmed as the secretary of Agriculture for the new administration.” Once Vilsack is confirmed as Agriculture Secretary, Harden will become CEO of USDEC. 

Dairy Management Inc. CEO Tom Gallagher says, “We are extremely fortunate to have Secretary Vilsack's dedication and commitment to dairy farmers over the past four years, and to have someone with Krysta's background and experience in agriculture and with USDEC ready to step into a new role.”

Krysta Harden will take the role of CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, if Tom Vilsack, who currently serves as CEO, is confirmed as the Next Agriculture Secretary. Harden served as Deputy Agriculture Secretary from 2013 to 2016, and is the current chief operating officer at the USDEC. Vilsack previously served as Agriculture Secretary during the entirety of the Obama administration. Chair of the organization, Larry Hancock, stated in a news release, “Vilsack will continue to serve fully in his role as president and CEO of USDEC until he is confirmed as the secretary of Agriculture for the new administration.” Once Vilsack is confirmed as Agriculture Secretary, Harden will become CEO of USDEC. Dairy Management Inc. CEO Tom Gallagher says, “We are extremely fortunate to have Secretary Vilsack's dedication and commitment to dairy farmers over the past four years, and to have someone with Krysta's background and experience in agriculture and with USDEC ready to step into a new role.”

Harden to take Vilsack’s role at USDEC

With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, the Renewable Fuels Association says consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again. 

RFA says the decline is threatening to derail an already fragile economic recovery in the ethanol industry. Through November, U.S. ethanol producers had already lost $3.8 billion since the start of the pandemic. 

In response to reduced travel and lower fuel demand, ethanol producers slashed production by two billion gallons between March and November, and cuts are expected to continue for months to come. 

In the first week of December, consumption of both gasoline and ethanol fell to their lowest points since May, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. 

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says that as Congress debates another COVID-19 relief package, “we implore policymakers to consider the devastating economic impact the pandemic has had on renewable fuel producers.”

With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, the Renewable Fuels Association says consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again. RFA says the decline is threatening to derail an already fragile economic recovery in the ethanol industry. Through November, U.S. ethanol producers had already lost $3.8 billion since the start of the pandemic. In response to reduced travel and lower fuel demand, ethanol producers slashed production by two billion gallons between March and November, and cuts are expected to continue for months to come. In the first week of December, consumption of both gasoline and ethanol fell to their lowest points since May, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says that as Congress debates another COVID-19 relief package, “we implore policymakers to consider the devastating economic impact the pandemic has had on renewable fuel producers.”