Despite an unprecedented downturn in U.S.-China relations during a pandemic, U.S. businesses are not leaving the China market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S.-China Business Council released its annual survey of members Tuesday, which shows nearly 70 percent expressing optimism about the commercial prospects of the market, and 87 percent of companies reporting that they have no plans to shift production out of China. 

But those numbers contradict a trend of progressively diminishing optimism in the short- to medium-term prospects of the China market. One-quarter of member companies have reduced or stopped planned investment in China in the last year. 

The top reasons were increased costs or uncertainties from U.S.-China tensions and uncertainty stemming from COVID-19. 

Full implementation of the Phase One trade agreement is one way to restore confidence as 88 percent of respondents have a positive or somewhat positive view of the agreement, namely because it put a lid on escalating tariffs and added an element of stability to the bilateral relationship.

Despite an unprecedented downturn in U.S.-China relations during a pandemic, U.S. businesses are not leaving the China market.&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S.-China Business Council released its annual survey of members Tuesday, which shows nearly 70 percent expressing optimism about the commercial prospects of the market, and 87 percent of companies reporting that they have no plans to shift production out of China. But those numbers contradict a trend of progressively diminishing optimism in the short- to medium-term prospects of the China market. One-quarter of member companies have reduced or stopped planned investment in China in the last year. The top reasons were increased costs or uncertainties from U.S.-China tensions and uncertainty stemming from COVID-19. Full implementation of the Phase One trade agreement is one way to restore confidence as 88 percent of respondents have a positive or somewhat positive view of the agreement, namely because it put a lid on escalating tariffs and added an element of stability to the bilateral relationship.

Pandemic and politics aside, U.S.-China trade ties continue, for now

A group of lawmakers offers thanks to the Department of Agriculture for diligently investigating unsolicited seeds sent to U.S. residents. Led by Representative Jodey Arrington, a Texas Republican, a group of 20 lawmakers sent a bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week. 

The letter thanks USDA for their collaboration at the local, state, and federal level and continuing efforts to protect the nation’s food security. The letter states, “We encourage USDA to take seriously the potential risks associated with the illegal entry of these seeds as the agency carries out its security and bioterrorism preparedness efforts.” 

The lawmakers urge USDA to “continue collaborating with all relevant agencies to develop a plan of action to improve the detection of potential bioterrorism threats.” 

The unsolicited seeds, sent to residents of the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere, are thought to be part of a brushing scam that sellers use to boost reviews for products online.

A group of lawmakers offers thanks to the Department of Agriculture for diligently investigating unsolicited seeds sent to U.S. residents. Led by Representative Jodey Arrington, a Texas Republican, a group of 20 lawmakers sent a bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week. The letter thanks USDA for their collaboration at the local, state, and federal level and continuing efforts to protect the nation’s food security. The letter states, “We encourage USDA to take seriously the potential risks associated with the illegal entry of these seeds as the agency carries out its security and bioterrorism preparedness efforts.” The lawmakers urge USDA to “continue collaborating with all relevant agencies to develop a plan of action to improve the detection of potential bioterrorism threats.” The unsolicited seeds, sent to residents of the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere, are thought to be part of a brushing scam that sellers use to boost reviews for products online.

Lawmakers praise USDA response to unsolicited seeds

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday added additional commodities to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. 

USDA also extended the deadline to September 11 for producers to apply for the program, a request by agriculture organizations. The changes follow USDA review of more than 1,700 responses from the public. 

The announcement expands the types of specialty crops covered under the program, as well as liquid eggs, frozen eggs and all sheep, and aquaculture and horticulture products. 

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the announcement shows, "President Trump is standing with America's farmers and ranchers to ensure they get through this pandemic." 

USDA says the changes will give more farmers and ranchers the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat. Farm groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, requested the changes in a recent letter to Secretary Perdue. The coalition cited the low number of participants and that roughly half of the near $16 billion of aid is still available.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday added additional commodities to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. USDA also extended the deadline to September 11 for producers to apply for the program, a request by agriculture organizations. The changes follow USDA review of more than 1,700 responses from the public. The announcement expands the types of specialty crops covered under the program, as well as liquid eggs, frozen eggs and all sheep, and aquaculture and horticulture products. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the announcement shows, "President Trump is standing with America's farmers and ranchers to ensure they get through this pandemic." USDA says the changes will give more farmers and ranchers the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat. Farm groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, requested the changes in a recent letter to Secretary Perdue. The coalition cited the low number of participants and that roughly half of the near $16 billion of aid is still available.

USDA announces more eligible commodities for CFAP

House Agriculture Committee members seek more Coronavirus Food Assistance Program relief for specialty crop growers. The group recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue with the request. 

Led by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, A Democrat from the U.S. Virgin Islands, the lawmakers say, “The direct payment program under CFAP has failed to provide equitable relief to the specialty crop sector.” 

The lawmakers say the funds have been particularly difficult to access for specialty crop farmers who are young, socially disadvantaged, or rely on local markets with diversified production practices. 

As of August 3, 2020, USDA had provided more than $6.8 billion in direct payments to domestic farmers and ranchers.&nbsp; 

Out of that total, only $270 million has been provided to specialty crop producers, representing less than four percent of overall assistance. To remedy the issue, the lawmakers requested, “USDA must do more to assist the specialty crop sector, particularly those farmers who are young, socially disadvantaged, or sell into local markets.”

House Agriculture Committee members seek more Coronavirus Food Assistance Program relief for specialty crop growers. The group recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue with the request. Led by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, A Democrat from the U.S. Virgin Islands, the lawmakers say, “The direct payment program under CFAP has failed to provide equitable relief to the specialty crop sector.” The lawmakers say the funds have been particularly difficult to access for specialty crop farmers who are young, socially disadvantaged, or rely on local markets with diversified production practices. As of August 3, 2020, USDA had provided more than $6.8 billion in direct payments to domestic farmers and ranchers.&nbsp; Out of that total, only $270 million has been provided to specialty crop producers, representing less than four percent of overall assistance. To remedy the issue, the lawmakers requested, “USDA must do more to assist the specialty crop sector, particularly those farmers who are young, socially disadvantaged, or sell into local markets.”

House ag committee seeks specialty crop relief

Fuel prices are moving lower as the summer driving season comes to an end. The national average price of gasoline fell 1.1 cents per gallon over the last week to $2.16, according to GasBuddy. 

The national average price of diesel has decreased one cent and stands at $2.41 per gallon over the same period. 

Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy says, “as summer begins to fade, demand recovery may be limited,” adding, “demand weakens into the autumn, and as the coronavirus situation keeps more kids home and more parents from work, we may see a drop in gas prices as we progress through fall.” 

Crude oil prices have remained stable over the last six weeks. Some optimism has been returning to the oil patch in the last week as the number of new coronavirus cases in the world’s largest oil consumer have been slowing down, providing a catalyst as hopes rise for U.S. demand to continue recovery, and crude oil inventories fell 7.4 million barrels.

Fuel prices are moving lower as the summer driving season comes to an end. The national average price of gasoline fell 1.1 cents per gallon over the last week to $2.16, according to GasBuddy. The national average price of diesel has decreased one cent and stands at $2.41 per gallon over the same period. Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy says, “as summer begins to fade, demand recovery may be limited,” adding, “demand weakens into the autumn, and as the coronavirus situation keeps more kids home and more parents from work, we may see a drop in gas prices as we progress through fall.” Crude oil prices have remained stable over the last six weeks. Some optimism has been returning to the oil patch in the last week as the number of new coronavirus cases in the world’s largest oil consumer have been slowing down, providing a catalyst as hopes rise for U.S. demand to continue recovery, and crude oil inventories fell 7.4 million barrels.

Fuel prices decreasing on limited demand recovery

Canadian Agriculture officials warn residents not to plant unsolicited seeds delivered from China, the same seeds sent to the United States. 

In a statement last week, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has received reports from more than 750 residents who have received unsolicited seeds. 

The seeds are likely part of a brushing scam, where scammers send unsolicited products to residents and then write a fake positive review of the product, the same brushing scam in the United States. 

The CFIA continues to work with the Canada Border Services Agency and Canada Post and its international partners to identify the seed origins and stop the flow of unsolicited seeds into Canada. 

The CFIA asks Canadians who receive seeds they did not order to put the seeds in a sealed bag and send them to a regional CFIA office, while also refrain from planting, flushing or composting the seeds to prevent spreading.

Canadian Agriculture officials warn residents not to plant unsolicited seeds delivered from China, the same seeds sent to the United States. In a statement last week, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has received reports from more than 750 residents who have received unsolicited seeds. The seeds are likely part of a brushing scam, where scammers send unsolicited products to residents and then write a fake positive review of the product, the same brushing scam in the United States. The CFIA continues to work with the Canada Border Services Agency and Canada Post and its international partners to identify the seed origins and stop the flow of unsolicited seeds into Canada. The CFIA asks Canadians who receive seeds they did not order to put the seeds in a sealed bag and send them to a regional CFIA office, while also refrain from planting, flushing or composting the seeds to prevent spreading.

Canada also receiving unsolicited seeds

A total of 28 agricultural organizations are asking the USDA to extend the application deadline for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The groups sent a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that the deadline be pushed past August 28, 2020. 

The funding, approved through the CARES Act, is providing much-needed financial support to livestock, dairy, non-specialty, and specialty crop producers. 

The letter says the current deadline “may exclude producers from participating in the program, including producers of commodities that were recently added to the list of eligible commodities, as well as those commodities likely to become eligible through the Notice of Funding Availability process.” 

Along with extending the deadline, the letter strongly encourages the USDA to increase producer and stakeholder engagement initiatives. The 499,156 applications received so far makeup just 24 percent of all the eligible farm operations. 

Several commodities have extremely low participation rates, including carrots, oranges, tomatoes, and apples. Those numbers may indicate many farmers aren’t aware that they qualify for CFAP assistance.

A total of 28 agricultural organizations are asking the USDA to extend the application deadline for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The groups sent a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that the deadline be pushed past August 28, 2020. The funding, approved through the CARES Act, is providing much-needed financial support to livestock, dairy, non-specialty, and specialty crop producers. The letter says the current deadline “may exclude producers from participating in the program, including producers of commodities that were recently added to the list of eligible commodities, as well as those commodities likely to become eligible through the Notice of Funding Availability process.” Along with extending the deadline, the letter strongly encourages the USDA to increase producer and stakeholder engagement initiatives. The 499,156 applications received so far makeup just 24 percent of all the eligible farm operations. Several commodities have extremely low participation rates, including carrots, oranges, tomatoes, and apples. Those numbers may indicate many farmers aren’t aware that they qualify for CFAP assistance.

Ag groups say farmers need more time to access aid

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanks members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus for their efforts to deliver long-overdue relief for biofuels in the next round of COVID-19 relief. The effort is being led by Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Rodney Davis of Illinois, Dave Loebsack of Iowa, and Roger Marshall of Kansas. 

Members of the caucus sent a letter to House and Senate leadership calling for negotiators to adopt “language explicitly directing” relief to producers and processors of renewable fuels. 

“We’re grateful for our congressional champions who are working overtime to stop the bleeding and offer hope for farm communities,” says Skor.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With continued uncertainty around COVID-19, and states like California, Texas, and Florida returning to lockdown, the stakes are far too high to leave any stone unturned.” 

She’s asking congressional leaders to “work quickly” to protect rural jobs and give rural America the certainty it needs to rebuild the country’s agricultural supply chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct assistance was included in the House-passed HEROS Act, as well as in bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate. House and Senate lawmakers will try to hammer out the final deal this month.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanks members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus for their efforts to deliver long-overdue relief for biofuels in the next round of COVID-19 relief. The effort is being led by Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Rodney Davis of Illinois, Dave Loebsack of Iowa, and Roger Marshall of Kansas. Members of the caucus sent a letter to House and Senate leadership calling for negotiators to adopt “language explicitly directing” relief to producers and processors of renewable fuels. “We’re grateful for our congressional champions who are working overtime to stop the bleeding and offer hope for farm communities,” says Skor.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With continued uncertainty around COVID-19, and states like California, Texas, and Florida returning to lockdown, the stakes are far too high to leave any stone unturned.” She’s asking congressional leaders to “work quickly” to protect rural jobs and give rural America the certainty it needs to rebuild the country’s agricultural supply chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct assistance was included in the House-passed HEROS Act, as well as in bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate. House and Senate lawmakers will try to hammer out the final deal this month.

Growth Energy applauds house push for biofuel relief

June pork exports fell below year-ago levels, the first time that’s happened in 2020. However, pork exports remain at a record pace. Data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows that beef exports were down sharply from last year during June. 

That drop reflects the lingering impact of a temporary slowdown in beef production combined with restrictions on foodservice and weakening economies in major import markets. 

June’s lamb exports trended higher. “We expected the interruptions in red meat production would continue to weigh on June exports, but anticipated more of a rebound from the low May totals, particularly in beef,” says USMEF President Dan Halstrom. 

June pork exports hit 207,181 metric tons, three percent lower than last year, while export value dropped nine percent to $516.3 million. Despite the decline, first-half pork exports were 24 percent ahead of last year’s record pace in volume and 29 percent higher in value. 

June beef exports were close to the May lows, down 33 percent from last year at just-over 79,000 metric tons, with value dropping 32 percent to $492 million. June lamb exports hit the second-largest total of 2020 at 2,229 metric tons, 113 percent higher than a year ago.

June pork exports fell below year-ago levels, the first time that’s happened in 2020. However, pork exports remain at a record pace. Data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows that beef exports were down sharply from last year during June. That drop reflects the lingering impact of a temporary slowdown in beef production combined with restrictions on foodservice and weakening economies in major import markets. June’s lamb exports trended higher. “We expected the interruptions in red meat production would continue to weigh on June exports, but anticipated more of a rebound from the low May totals, particularly in beef,” says USMEF President Dan Halstrom. June pork exports hit 207,181 metric tons, three percent lower than last year, while export value dropped nine percent to $516.3 million. Despite the decline, first-half pork exports were 24 percent ahead of last year’s record pace in volume and 29 percent higher in value. June beef exports were close to the May lows, down 33 percent from last year at just-over 79,000 metric tons, with value dropping 32 percent to $492 million. June lamb exports hit the second-largest total of 2020 at 2,229 metric tons, 113 percent higher than a year ago.

Pork exports lower, beef exports struggle during June

Environmental groups say the Environmental Protection Agency should not renew over-the-top dicamba use without further independent research. 

A new report from the National Wildlife Federation and others suggest dicamba herbicides "pose serious threats to wild plants and the wildlife that depend upon them."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The report says the EPA should not renew over-the-top product registrations unless and until independent research shows with certainty that dicamba formulations will not cause off-target injury to crops and wild plants, including from vapor drift.&nbsp; 

The groups say there is mounting evidence suggests that current dicamba products and uses are causing unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, even when used as specified on the labels. 

The report advocates for diversifying weed management strategies to improve resilience, including choosing crop varieties that are competitive with weeds, adjusting planting dates and depths of crops to help get ahead of weed growth, and managing nutrients in ways that give crops the competitive edge.

Environmental groups say the Environmental Protection Agency should not renew over-the-top dicamba use without further independent research. A new report from the National Wildlife Federation and others suggest dicamba herbicides "pose serious threats to wild plants and the wildlife that depend upon them."&nbsp;&nbsp;The report says the EPA should not renew over-the-top product registrations unless and until independent research shows with certainty that dicamba formulations will not cause off-target injury to crops and wild plants, including from vapor drift.&nbsp; The groups say there is mounting evidence suggests that current dicamba products and uses are causing unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, even when used as specified on the labels. The report advocates for diversifying weed management strategies to improve resilience, including choosing crop varieties that are competitive with weeds, adjusting planting dates and depths of crops to help get ahead of weed growth, and managing nutrients in ways that give crops the competitive edge.

Environmental groups: EPA should not approve Dicamba without further research

Rodney Davis, a Republican U.S. Representative from Illinois, has tested positive for COVID-19. In a letter on his website, Davis says, “Other than a higher-than-normal temperature, I am showing no symptoms at this time and feel fine.” 

Davis tested positive Wednesday morning after discovering a higher than normal temperature. Davis is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. 

He had recently voiced his concerns to Congress that members follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Davis says throughout the pandemic, he’s done twice daily temperature checks, “because serving in Congress means I interact with many people, and it’s my duty to protect the health of those I serve.” 

Having consulted with the Office of the Attending Physician of Congress and local county health officials, his office is contacting constituents Davis met with in-person within the previous 48 hours before his test, per CDC guidelines.

Rodney Davis, a Republican U.S. Representative from Illinois, has tested positive for COVID-19. In a letter on his website, Davis says, “Other than a higher-than-normal temperature, I am showing no symptoms at this time and feel fine.” Davis tested positive Wednesday morning after discovering a higher than normal temperature. Davis is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. He had recently voiced his concerns to Congress that members follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Davis says throughout the pandemic, he’s done twice daily temperature checks, “because serving in Congress means I interact with many people, and it’s my duty to protect the health of those I serve.” Having consulted with the Office of the Attending Physician of Congress and local county health officials, his office is contacting constituents Davis met with in-person within the previous 48 hours before his test, per CDC guidelines.

House ag member tests positive for COVID-19

Large U.S. ending corn stocks could swell even larger this fall, and not just because of increased yields. A bumper crop combined with diminished demand due to the pandemic could boost new crop ending U.S. stocks to the highest level in 33 years. 

A new survey by Farm Futures found 2020 corn yield projections to increase 11.5 bushels per acre from 2019 to 178.9. 

Based on updated acreage estimates from The Department of Agriculture's June Acreage report, Farm Futures' 2020 corn yield estimate would raise 2020 corn production to 15.03 billion bushels, 32 million bushels higher than July 2020 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates. 

Soybean yield prospects are also more favorable than last year. Growers estimated 2020 yields at 51.0 bushels per acre, up 3.6 from 2019. If realized, that would put 2020 soybean production at 4.233 billion bushels, 98 million bushels higher than July 2020 WASDE projections and 19 percent higher than 2019 production.&nbsp; 

Farm Futures surveyed 1,044 respondents on July 14-27 via an email questionnaire.

Large U.S. ending corn stocks could swell even larger this fall, and not just because of increased yields. A bumper crop combined with diminished demand due to the pandemic could boost new crop ending U.S. stocks to the highest level in 33 years. A new survey by Farm Futures found 2020 corn yield projections to increase 11.5 bushels per acre from 2019 to 178.9. Based on updated acreage estimates from The Department of Agriculture's June Acreage report, Farm Futures' 2020 corn yield estimate would raise 2020 corn production to 15.03 billion bushels, 32 million bushels higher than July 2020 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates. Soybean yield prospects are also more favorable than last year. Growers estimated 2020 yields at 51.0 bushels per acre, up 3.6 from 2019. If realized, that would put 2020 soybean production at 4.233 billion bushels, 98 million bushels higher than July 2020 WASDE projections and 19 percent higher than 2019 production.&nbsp; Farm Futures surveyed 1,044 respondents on July 14-27 via an email questionnaire.

Farm futures releases 2020 producer crop forecast

The American Soybean Association returned to its birthplace to celebrate its 100th year of existence. The group celebrated a century of coordinated efforts and ensuring successes on behalf of U.S. growers. 

With support from the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the family who helped to launch one of the nation’s strongest agricultural advocacy offices, ASA celebrated its 100th anniversary on the Indiana farm where it all started. The celebration included a small but significant historical marker dedication and tours of heirloom soybean plots. 

ASA first formed when the three Fouts brothers hosted their first Corn Belt Soybean Field Day at their “Soyland Farms” operation in Camden, Indiana, on September 3rd of 1920. That event drew nearly 1,000 farmers and their families from six states, all of whom were interested in learning more about an emerging new commodity called soybeans. 

The National Soybean Growers’ Association, later renamed the American Soybean Association, was formed that very day. The outdoor dedication ceremony was streamed live across the country for soy supporters to celebrate safely around the nation.

The American Soybean Association returned to its birthplace to celebrate its 100th year of existence. The group celebrated a century of coordinated efforts and ensuring successes on behalf of U.S. growers. With support from the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the family who helped to launch one of the nation’s strongest agricultural advocacy offices, ASA celebrated its 100th anniversary on the Indiana farm where it all started. The celebration included a small but significant historical marker dedication and tours of heirloom soybean plots. ASA first formed when the three Fouts brothers hosted their first Corn Belt Soybean Field Day at their “Soyland Farms” operation in Camden, Indiana, on September 3rd of 1920. That event drew nearly 1,000 farmers and their families from six states, all of whom were interested in learning more about an emerging new commodity called soybeans. The National Soybean Growers’ Association, later renamed the American Soybean Association, was formed that very day. The outdoor dedication ceremony was streamed live across the country for soy supporters to celebrate safely around the nation.

ASA returns to its roots for 100th anniversary

U.S. and Chinese officials will review the Phase One trade deal implementation and likely air grievances that both sides have on August 15th during a video conference. 

Two people familiar with the plans told Reuters that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, the principal negotiators of the deal, will participate in the meeting, which will be a six-month review of the deal that became active on February 15th. 

The Wall Street Journal initially reported the details of the meeting between the two countries. Under the deal, China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods by $200 billion over 2017 levels. 

Those purchases were to include agricultural and manufactured products, along with energy and other services. But China has been hit hard by the coronavirus recession and fallen far behind the pace it needs to meet the first-year goal of a $77 billion increase. Imports of farm goods have also been lower than the 2017 level the agreement was based on. 

China’s ambassador to the U.S. says they always had a plan in place for high-level talks six months into the pact. U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to end the deal over China’s handling of the coronavirus. Tensions have risen over U.S. sanctions related to China’s crackdown on Hong Kong.

U.S. and Chinese officials will review the Phase One trade deal implementation and likely air grievances that both sides have on August 15th during a video conference. Two people familiar with the plans told Reuters that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, the principal negotiators of the deal, will participate in the meeting, which will be a six-month review of the deal that became active on February 15th. The Wall Street Journal initially reported the details of the meeting between the two countries. Under the deal, China pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods by $200 billion over 2017 levels. Those purchases were to include agricultural and manufactured products, along with energy and other services. But China has been hit hard by the coronavirus recession and fallen far behind the pace it needs to meet the first-year goal of a $77 billion increase. Imports of farm goods have also been lower than the 2017 level the agreement was based on. China’s ambassador to the U.S. says they always had a plan in place for high-level talks six months into the pact. U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to end the deal over China’s handling of the coronavirus. Tensions have risen over U.S. sanctions related to China’s crackdown on Hong Kong.

China, U.S. will review trade deal, air grievances on August 15th

The U.S. Department of Energy has made its recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding retroactive blending waiver requests. Two sources say the DOE recommended to the EPA that “a number” of those requests be partially granted. 

However, those anonymous sources couldn’t provide further details. The EPA is in charge of granting those exemptions, but the Department of Energy has to review the applications first and then make its recommendations. 

An Agriculture Dot Com article says the move could help bring those smaller refiners into compliance with a court ruling earlier this year that requires waivers granted since 2010 to take the form of an extension. 

Most waiver recipients in recent years haven’t continuously been granted those waivers. At present, there are 58 pending waiver requests from refiners for the years 2011-2018. “EPA has received initial feedback from the Department of Energy on certain petitions for small refinery exemptions for the past compliance years under the Renewable Fuel Standards Program,” says EPA spokesperson Molly Block. 

“Our staff is reviewing it.” The Department of Energy didn’t respond to requests for comments. Biofuel advocates say the blending waivers hurt the overall demand for corn-based ethanol.

The U.S. Department of Energy has made its recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding retroactive blending waiver requests. Two sources say the DOE recommended to the EPA that “a number” of those requests be partially granted. However, those anonymous sources couldn’t provide further details. The EPA is in charge of granting those exemptions, but the Department of Energy has to review the applications first and then make its recommendations. An Agriculture Dot Com article says the move could help bring those smaller refiners into compliance with a court ruling earlier this year that requires waivers granted since 2010 to take the form of an extension. Most waiver recipients in recent years haven’t continuously been granted those waivers. At present, there are 58 pending waiver requests from refiners for the years 2011-2018. “EPA has received initial feedback from the Department of Energy on certain petitions for small refinery exemptions for the past compliance years under the Renewable Fuel Standards Program,” says EPA spokesperson Molly Block. “Our staff is reviewing it.” The Department of Energy didn’t respond to requests for comments. Biofuel advocates say the blending waivers hurt the overall demand for corn-based ethanol.

Energy department recommends granting partial retroactive waivers

The Albee Farm in St. Joseph, is Missouri's only horse hospice center and provides quality end of life care&nbsp;and&nbsp;after life care for senior, disabled and chronically ill horses.&nbsp; They provide safe, interactive experiences through workshops &amp; classes where one will quickly learn that just because they are disabled doesn't &nbsp;mean that these horses are no longer useful.&nbsp;

Ground breaking research is primary to their patients. &nbsp;Working with universities including Texas A &amp; M and Auburn University, they are able to &nbsp;help not only their horses, but horses across the country by providing crucial data on the treatment programs they develop.&nbsp;

The Albee Farm is currently raising funds for Hot Diggity Dan.&nbsp; Dan lost his funding from Texas A &amp; M Equine research center due to COVID-19. &nbsp;Without the &nbsp;medicines they supplied the farm is forced to find similar substitutes in the open market. &nbsp;However they are not readily available and Dan has steadily gone downhill. &nbsp;

The Albee Farm is searching for substitutes and working with local vets to try and sustain him. To help Dan they have launched a statewide Hot DIggity Dan campaign. You can get Diggity Dan donuts, Hot Diggity Dan margaritas, Diggity Dan sandwiches, Diggity Dan jewelry.....their business partners have really come through in creating an emerging Hot Diggity Dan empire.

To learn more, go to <a href="https://thealbeefarm.com/">thealbeefarm.com</a>

The Albee Farm in St. Joseph, is Missouri's only horse hospice center and provides quality end of life care&nbsp;and&nbsp;after life care for senior, disabled and chronically ill horses.&nbsp; They provide safe, interactive experiences through workshops &amp; classes where one will quickly learn that just because they are disabled doesn't &nbsp;mean that these horses are no longer useful.&nbsp;Ground breaking research is primary to their patients. &nbsp;Working with universities including Texas A &amp; M and Auburn University, they are able to &nbsp;help not only their horses, but horses across the country by providing crucial data on the treatment programs they develop.&nbsp;The Albee Farm is currently raising funds for Hot Diggity Dan.&nbsp; Dan lost his funding from Texas A &amp; M Equine research center due to COVID-19. &nbsp;Without the &nbsp;medicines they supplied the farm is forced to find similar substitutes in the open market. &nbsp;However they are not readily available and Dan has steadily gone downhill. &nbsp;The Albee Farm is searching for substitutes and working with local vets to try and sustain him. To help Dan they have launched a statewide Hot DIggity Dan campaign. You can get Diggity Dan donuts, Hot Diggity Dan margaritas, Diggity Dan sandwiches, Diggity Dan jewelry.....their business partners have really come through in creating an emerging Hot Diggity Dan empire.To learn more, go to <a href="https://thealbeefarm.com/">thealbeefarm.com</a>

The Albee Farm launches Hot Diggity Dan campaign

Farmer sentiment in July was virtually unchanged from a month earlier, according to the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose just one point to a reading of 118. 

The small change in the barometer left it 30 percent below its February 2020 peak and 23 percent below its level a year ago. Although there was little change in the barometer this month, there was a shift in producers' perspective on current vs. future conditions. 

The Index of Current Conditions rose 12 points to 111 while the Index of Future Expectations fell to a reading of 121, five points lower than in June. The Ag Economy Barometer is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers' responses to a telephone survey. This month's survey was conducted from July 20-24, 2020. 

Organizers of the index say Producers were somewhat less concerned about the impact of coronavirus on their farm's profitability. However, two-thirds of respondents still said they feel Congress needs to pass another bill to provide economic support to farmers.

Farmer sentiment in July was virtually unchanged from a month earlier, according to the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose just one point to a reading of 118. The small change in the barometer left it 30 percent below its February 2020 peak and 23 percent below its level a year ago. Although there was little change in the barometer this month, there was a shift in producers' perspective on current vs. future conditions. The Index of Current Conditions rose 12 points to 111 while the Index of Future Expectations fell to a reading of 121, five points lower than in June. The Ag Economy Barometer is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers' responses to a telephone survey. This month's survey was conducted from July 20-24, 2020. Organizers of the index say Producers were somewhat less concerned about the impact of coronavirus on their farm's profitability. However, two-thirds of respondents still said they feel Congress needs to pass another bill to provide economic support to farmers.

August ag economy barometer results

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this week that his administration says will provide millions of citizens with healthcare services during a global pandemic. 

The executive order seeks to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;The White House says the expansion of telehealth services offers benefits to Americans living in rural communities, who might otherwise not have access to these services. 

The order requires the Department of Health and Human Services to announce a new payment model testing innovations that empower rural hospitals to transform healthcare in their communities on a broader scale. 

To improve connectivity, the president's order also directs the federal government to launch a joint initiative in 30 days to improve the healthcare communication infrastructure and expand rural healthcare services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The White House says these telehealth expansions build on the work the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has done during the public health emergency to more than double allowable telehealth services.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this week that his administration says will provide millions of citizens with healthcare services during a global pandemic. The executive order seeks to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;The White House says the expansion of telehealth services offers benefits to Americans living in rural communities, who might otherwise not have access to these services. The order requires the Department of Health and Human Services to announce a new payment model testing innovations that empower rural hospitals to transform healthcare in their communities on a broader scale. To improve connectivity, the president's order also directs the federal government to launch a joint initiative in 30 days to improve the healthcare communication infrastructure and expand rural healthcare services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The White House says these telehealth expansions build on the work the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has done during the public health emergency to more than double allowable telehealth services.

Trump signs rural telemedicine executive order

Barchart, a commodity data and technology service provider, updated its cmdty (commodity) Yield Forecast this week. The August end of season yield prediction sits at 174.8 bushels per acre for corn and 49.2 for soybeans. 

This represents an increase in forecasted yield relative to the July report, which predicted end of season yield for corn 173.8 and 48.8 for soybeans. 

Barchart’s Head of Strategy, Keith Petersen, says, “Growing conditions throughout the country remain strong, and this year’s forecasted crop has been more heavily impacted by changing expectations around acres planted than by weather.” 

Peterson says the national forecast remains steady this year, but adds there is some yield variance at the state level which can impact local basis conditions heading into the fall. 

Released on the first Tuesday of each month during the growing season, the forecast allows users to get insights to guide their business decisions ahead of USDA's World Agriculture Supply and Demand report.

Barchart, a commodity data and technology service provider, updated its cmdty (commodity) Yield Forecast this week. The August end of season yield prediction sits at 174.8 bushels per acre for corn and 49.2 for soybeans. This represents an increase in forecasted yield relative to the July report, which predicted end of season yield for corn 173.8 and 48.8 for soybeans. Barchart’s Head of Strategy, Keith Petersen, says, “Growing conditions throughout the country remain strong, and this year’s forecasted crop has been more heavily impacted by changing expectations around acres planted than by weather.” Peterson says the national forecast remains steady this year, but adds there is some yield variance at the state level which can impact local basis conditions heading into the fall. Released on the first Tuesday of each month during the growing season, the forecast allows users to get insights to guide their business decisions ahead of USDA's World Agriculture Supply and Demand report.

Barchart releases August U.S. yield forecasts for corn and soybeans

Soybean Checkoff-funded research, planning, analysis and design led by the United Soybean Board, has informed the launch of a dredging project to provide upgrades to the lower Mississippi River. 

The Army Corps of Engineers announced it will be funding and proceeding with deepening the Mississippi River from 45 to 50 feet between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will also provide funding. 

The river is a major channel for U.S. soybean exports. The particular 256-mile stretch of the Mississippi River accounts for 60 percent of U.S. soy exports, and 59 percent of corn exports from that region arrive via the inland waterway system. 

Once complete, the new depth will unlock long-term benefits for soybeans and other U.S. agricultural exports. 

USB director Meagan Kaiser of Missouri says, “More efficient shipping builds value in the supply chain and expands opportunities for our soybeans to reach our customers around the world.”

Soybean Checkoff-funded research, planning, analysis and design led by the United Soybean Board, has informed the launch of a dredging project to provide upgrades to the lower Mississippi River. The Army Corps of Engineers announced it will be funding and proceeding with deepening the Mississippi River from 45 to 50 feet between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will also provide funding. The river is a major channel for U.S. soybean exports. The particular 256-mile stretch of the Mississippi River accounts for 60 percent of U.S. soy exports, and 59 percent of corn exports from that region arrive via the inland waterway system. Once complete, the new depth will unlock long-term benefits for soybeans and other U.S. agricultural exports. USB director Meagan Kaiser of Missouri says, “More efficient shipping builds value in the supply chain and expands opportunities for our soybeans to reach our customers around the world.”

Dredging project readies Mississippi River for efficient transportation

The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank says COVID-19 has created substantial challenges for all segments of the meat supply chain, but especially for producers and consumers. 

Beginning in April 2020, outbreaks of COVID-19 at meatpacking plants led to significant disruptions and created issues of oversupply and low prices for livestock producers. 

The spread of COVID-19 among employees led to closures and slowdowns at many meatpacking plants. Closures were especially prominent in beef and pork industries. 

The agricultural economy had been in a prolonged downturn before the pandemic, intensifying concerns of how COVID-19 and disruptions in the meat production could affect farm finances. 

The KC Fed says greater financial difficulties for livestock producers could add to stress in agricultural lending portfolios that already had increased before the pandemic. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, agricultural lenders in the bank district were already more pessimistic about the livestock sector's credit conditions. Almost 20 percent of agricultural lenders expect lower loan repayment rates on hog and dairy operations.

The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank says COVID-19 has created substantial challenges for all segments of the meat supply chain, but especially for producers and consumers. Beginning in April 2020, outbreaks of COVID-19 at meatpacking plants led to significant disruptions and created issues of oversupply and low prices for livestock producers. The spread of COVID-19 among employees led to closures and slowdowns at many meatpacking plants. Closures were especially prominent in beef and pork industries. The agricultural economy had been in a prolonged downturn before the pandemic, intensifying concerns of how COVID-19 and disruptions in the meat production could affect farm finances. The KC Fed says greater financial difficulties for livestock producers could add to stress in agricultural lending portfolios that already had increased before the pandemic. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, agricultural lenders in the bank district were already more pessimistic about the livestock sector's credit conditions. Almost 20 percent of agricultural lenders expect lower loan repayment rates on hog and dairy operations.

COVID-19 disruptions in the U.S. meat supply chain

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says ethanol plants are ready to capture more carbon. She submitted comments on the Internal Revenue Service’s proposed regulations under section 45Q. 

It’s a performance-based tax credit for carbon capture projects. 

In her comments, Skor asks the agency to offer credit for carbon dioxide captured for food and beverage purposes, which would promote investment in new carbon capture capabilities and ensure that the food and beverage industry is not forced to tap alternative sources of carbon dioxide. 

“The ethanol industry has more than 50 projects that on average capture 99,000 to 153,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually,” Skor says. “These facilities both capture qualified carbon oxides or are in the process of financing projects to capture and sequester carbon oxides.” 

She adds that more projects are on the way and 45Q can help accelerate that process. Without the tax credit, food and beverage producers may have to rely on non-renewable sources of carbon dioxide.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says ethanol plants are ready to capture more carbon. She submitted comments on the Internal Revenue Service’s proposed regulations under section 45Q. It’s a performance-based tax credit for carbon capture projects. In her comments, Skor asks the agency to offer credit for carbon dioxide captured for food and beverage purposes, which would promote investment in new carbon capture capabilities and ensure that the food and beverage industry is not forced to tap alternative sources of carbon dioxide. “The ethanol industry has more than 50 projects that on average capture 99,000 to 153,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually,” Skor says. “These facilities both capture qualified carbon oxides or are in the process of financing projects to capture and sequester carbon oxides.” She adds that more projects are on the way and 45Q can help accelerate that process. Without the tax credit, food and beverage producers may have to rely on non-renewable sources of carbon dioxide.

Ethanol ready to capture more carbon

Chinese buyers made a record purchase of U.S. corn last week. Reuters says that extended a recent flurry of U.S. purchases as tensions continue to grow between the two largest economies in the world. 

The USDA says China bought 1.937 million tons of corn from private exporters that will be delivered in the 2020-2021 marketing year. That purchase is worth around $325 million and passed up the previous record of 1.76 million tons reported only two weeks ago. 

In another report, the USDA says soybean sales to China rose to 1.925 million tons for the week ending July 23, which was the biggest weekly total since November of 2016. 

China’s purchases of American farm goods totals $6 billion through May, while the Phase One Trade Agreement calls for a total of $36.5 billion in purchases this year. 

While the $6 billion total is 9.1 percent higher than the same period last year, it’s also 31 percent lower than the same time in 2017. Rising tensions had already slowed soybean purchases last week. 

U.S. Soybean Export Council CEO Jim Sutter says, “Chinese buyers are worried about a possible disruption in the implementation of the Phase One agreement, which is certainly not good for future purchases.”

Chinese buyers made a record purchase of U.S. corn last week. Reuters says that extended a recent flurry of U.S. purchases as tensions continue to grow between the two largest economies in the world. The USDA says China bought 1.937 million tons of corn from private exporters that will be delivered in the 2020-2021 marketing year. That purchase is worth around $325 million and passed up the previous record of 1.76 million tons reported only two weeks ago. In another report, the USDA says soybean sales to China rose to 1.925 million tons for the week ending July 23, which was the biggest weekly total since November of 2016. China’s purchases of American farm goods totals $6 billion through May, while the Phase One Trade Agreement calls for a total of $36.5 billion in purchases this year. While the $6 billion total is 9.1 percent higher than the same period last year, it’s also 31 percent lower than the same time in 2017. Rising tensions had already slowed soybean purchases last week. U.S. Soybean Export Council CEO Jim Sutter says, “Chinese buyers are worried about a possible disruption in the implementation of the Phase One agreement, which is certainly not good for future purchases.”

Chinese corn purchases sets records as tensions grow

A coalition of environmental groups is challenging the Trump administration rewrite of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. The Environmental Defense Fund, along with other organizations, call the rewrite an “attack” on Americans. 

Leading the legal challenge, an attorney at the environmental group Earth Justice, says, “They want to make it easier to silence people’s voices and give polluters a free pass to bulldoze through our neighborhoods. 

That’s why we’re taking them to court.” NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. The Public Lands Council says, however, the changes make the process more efficient. The updates establish presumptive time limits of two years for environmental impact statements and one year for environmental assessments. 

Ranchers who hold federal grazing permits are subject to NEPA reviews for many reasons, including renewal of a term grazing permit, construction of range improvements, or to become eligible for participation in Department of Agriculture conservation programs.

A coalition of environmental groups is challenging the Trump administration rewrite of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. The Environmental Defense Fund, along with other organizations, call the rewrite an “attack” on Americans. Leading the legal challenge, an attorney at the environmental group Earth Justice, says, “They want to make it easier to silence people’s voices and give polluters a free pass to bulldoze through our neighborhoods. That’s why we’re taking them to court.” NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. The Public Lands Council says, however, the changes make the process more efficient. The updates establish presumptive time limits of two years for environmental impact statements and one year for environmental assessments. Ranchers who hold federal grazing permits are subject to NEPA reviews for many reasons, including renewal of a term grazing permit, construction of range improvements, or to become eligible for participation in Department of Agriculture conservation programs.

Lawsuit challenges NEPA rewrite

Researchers from the University of Tennessee report finding dicamba-resistant Palmer amaranth in the state. Results from greenhouse trials and in-field assessment report the level of dicamba resistance is relatively low, about 2.5 times. 

The level of infestation in any given field ranges from a small pocket where a mother plant went to seed in 2019 to an area covering several acres in a field. 

This would be comparable to the first documented glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth found in Tennessee back in 2006, where most were still getting relatively good Palmer amaranth control with glyphosate, while others were noticing escapes in their fields. 

Researchers say it’s not time to panic, however, say “it is time to reassess weed management.” Looking forward to 2021, the university says a pre-applied residual that is effective on Palmer amaranth is now a necessity.&nbsp; Moreover, timely applications of Liberty must be used shortly after a dicamba application to remove escapes from coverage.

Researchers from the University of Tennessee report finding dicamba-resistant Palmer amaranth in the state. Results from greenhouse trials and in-field assessment report the level of dicamba resistance is relatively low, about 2.5 times. The level of infestation in any given field ranges from a small pocket where a mother plant went to seed in 2019 to an area covering several acres in a field. This would be comparable to the first documented glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth found in Tennessee back in 2006, where most were still getting relatively good Palmer amaranth control with glyphosate, while others were noticing escapes in their fields. Researchers say it’s not time to panic, however, say “it is time to reassess weed management.” Looking forward to 2021, the university says a pre-applied residual that is effective on Palmer amaranth is now a necessity.&nbsp; Moreover, timely applications of Liberty must be used shortly after a dicamba application to remove escapes from coverage.