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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peterson endorses Scott for house ag chairman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NPB launches new tool for protection against foreign animal disease fallout

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

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

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

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

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

Latest WASDE report shows lower 2020 corn and soybean production

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

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

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

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

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

Fields-of-Corn photo shoot deadline is approaching

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

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

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

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

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

Pork cutout futures now available for trading

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

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

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

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

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

Ag groups respond to presidential election results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soybean and cotton growers sue EPA over Dicamba use restrictions

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

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

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

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

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

Georgia representative looking to replace Collin Peterson as ag chair

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. soy sales to China slowing down

Missouri River water releases from the Gavins Point dam will reach winter levels at the end of the month. The Army Corps of Engineers says reductions are scheduled to begin around November 22. 

Releases will be stepped down by approximately 3,000 cubic feet per second each day until reaching the winter release rate of 17,000, ending the 2020 navigation season. The move also signals a fresh start again for the 2021 spring season, with all flood control space available in the reservoir system. 

That’s another relief for farmers along the river, who in 2019 suffered from flooding, and a breakdown of levee systems and the navigation control system. The 2019 flooding started with the March bomb cyclone winter storm that devastated Nebraska agriculture. 

Now, most of the Missouri River basin is experiencing some form of drought. The drought and low river levels have hindered the transit of products along the river this year.

Missouri River water releases from the Gavins Point dam will reach winter levels at the end of the month. The Army Corps of Engineers says reductions are scheduled to begin around November 22. Releases will be stepped down by approximately 3,000 cubic feet per second each day until reaching the winter release rate of 17,000, ending the 2020 navigation season. The move also signals a fresh start again for the 2021 spring season, with all flood control space available in the reservoir system. That’s another relief for farmers along the river, who in 2019 suffered from flooding, and a breakdown of levee systems and the navigation control system. The 2019 flooding started with the March bomb cyclone winter storm that devastated Nebraska agriculture. Now, most of the Missouri River basin is experiencing some form of drought. The drought and low river levels have hindered the transit of products along the river this year.

Missouri river water releases to reach winter rates late this month

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced the goods and services trade deficit was $63.9 billion in September, down $3.2 billion from $67.0 billion in August. 

This is the first time in three months the trade deficit has shrunk. September total exports were $176.4 billion, $4.4 billion more than August exports. September imports were $240.2 billion, $1.2 billion more than August imports. 

Exports of goods increased $3.7 billion to $122.8 billion in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;The export figures note that exports of foods, feeds, and beverages increased $1.6 billion, including a $1.4 billion increase in soybean exports. The deficit with China decreased $2.1 billion to $24.3 billion in September. 

U.S. farmers are enjoying the increased sales to China, with a bump in commodity markets this fall. The Department of Agriculture reports weekly corn sales were 16 percent higher than a week ago. Weekly soybean sales slipped but remained at the highest pace in two years.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced the goods and services trade deficit was $63.9 billion in September, down $3.2 billion from $67.0 billion in August. This is the first time in three months the trade deficit has shrunk. September total exports were $176.4 billion, $4.4 billion more than August exports. September imports were $240.2 billion, $1.2 billion more than August imports. Exports of goods increased $3.7 billion to $122.8 billion in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;The export figures note that exports of foods, feeds, and beverages increased $1.6 billion, including a $1.4 billion increase in soybean exports. The deficit with China decreased $2.1 billion to $24.3 billion in September. U.S. farmers are enjoying the increased sales to China, with a bump in commodity markets this fall. The Department of Agriculture reports weekly corn sales were 16 percent higher than a week ago. Weekly soybean sales slipped but remained at the highest pace in two years.

Trade deficit shrinks for first time in three months

The Trump Administration is requesting the U.S. Supreme Court extend the response deadline to a petition from oil refiners that the court review a prior court decision. The request would push their response deadline to December 14 from November 12, according to Reuters. 

The case relates to waivers issued to refiners under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Earlier this year, an appeals court ruled the Environmental Protection Agency waivers granted to small refineries after 2010 should only be approved as extensions. 

Farm and biofuel groups welcomed the ruling, and the EPA later tossed out several exemptions. Still, more than 50 waivers are pending action by the EPA, and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said this week, any action should wait until after the Supreme Court petition is wrapped up. 

Oil refiners filed the petition in September. The EPA says it needs more time to provide a full government response to the petition. Biofuel groups say the delay provides further uncertainty of the matter.

The Trump Administration is requesting the U.S. Supreme Court extend the response deadline to a petition from oil refiners that the court review a prior court decision. The request would push their response deadline to December 14 from November 12, according to Reuters. The case relates to waivers issued to refiners under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Earlier this year, an appeals court ruled the Environmental Protection Agency waivers granted to small refineries after 2010 should only be approved as extensions. Farm and biofuel groups welcomed the ruling, and the EPA later tossed out several exemptions. Still, more than 50 waivers are pending action by the EPA, and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said this week, any action should wait until after the Supreme Court petition is wrapped up. Oil refiners filed the petition in September. The EPA says it needs more time to provide a full government response to the petition. Biofuel groups say the delay provides further uncertainty of the matter.

Trump administration seeks extension to respond to biofuel petition

Control of the U.S. Senate may not be known until January and could further change the Senate Agriculture Committee's makeup because of a runoff vote in Georgia. 

The runoff results from Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler being appointed earlier this year to take the seat of Republican Johnny Isakson, who resigned at the end of 2019, citing health reasons. Republicans held a slight lead, 47-45, to control the Senate, but some races were still too close to call by midday Wednesday. 

Loeffler is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and is running to serve the remaining two years of Isakson's term. Loeffler will face Democrat Raphael Warnock, who received 31 percent of the special election vote Tuesday, while Loeffler received 26 percent. To win Tuesday, a candidate must have received 50 percent of the vote. 

Returning members up for reelection to the Senate Agriculture Committee Include Republicans Mitch McConnell, Joni Ernst and Cindy Hyde-Smith. Returning Democrats include Tina Smith and Richard Durbin, assuming they return to the committee next year.

Control of the U.S. Senate may not be known until January and could further change the Senate Agriculture Committee's makeup because of a runoff vote in Georgia. The runoff results from Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler being appointed earlier this year to take the seat of Republican Johnny Isakson, who resigned at the end of 2019, citing health reasons. Republicans held a slight lead, 47-45, to control the Senate, but some races were still too close to call by midday Wednesday. Loeffler is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and is running to serve the remaining two years of Isakson's term. Loeffler will face Democrat Raphael Warnock, who received 31 percent of the special election vote Tuesday, while Loeffler received 26 percent. To win Tuesday, a candidate must have received 50 percent of the vote. Returning members up for reelection to the Senate Agriculture Committee Include Republicans Mitch McConnell, Joni Ernst and Cindy Hyde-Smith. Returning Democrats include Tina Smith and Richard Durbin, assuming they return to the committee next year.

Senate control, ag committee makeup, may be decided in January

Roger Marshall won the Senate race in Kanas to replace Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. The Republican Marshall won the seat with 53 percent of the vote. 

Roberts has served Kansas since 1981, starting in the House of Representatives. Roberts has also served as both the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee. 

Marshall is a member of the House Ag Committee, serving on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, and the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture subcommittees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marshall represented the large First District of Kansas since 2017.&nbsp; 

Republican Tracey Mann won the district seat with 71 percent of the vote. In his victory speech, Mann said, “I vow to be an advocate for agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;With the retirement of Roberts and Republican Representative Mike Conaway of Texas, and the defeat of Democrat Collin Peterson, three of the top four agriculture positions in Congress will have new representation.

Roger Marshall won the Senate race in Kanas to replace Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. The Republican Marshall won the seat with 53 percent of the vote. Roberts has served Kansas since 1981, starting in the House of Representatives. Roberts has also served as both the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee. Marshall is a member of the House Ag Committee, serving on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, and the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture subcommittees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marshall represented the large First District of Kansas since 2017.&nbsp; Republican Tracey Mann won the district seat with 71 percent of the vote. In his victory speech, Mann said, “I vow to be an advocate for agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;With the retirement of Roberts and Republican Representative Mike Conaway of Texas, and the defeat of Democrat Collin Peterson, three of the top four agriculture positions in Congress will have new representation.

Marshall wins Kansas senate race to replace Roberts

Agriculture lost decades of experience in the defeat of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. The Minnesota Democrat lost Tuesday to the Republican Challenger Michelle Fischbach, garnering 53 percent to Peterson’s 39 percent of votes in Minnesota’s District 7. 

In a statement, Peterson said, “We ran a strong and positive campaign, but with the President winning this district by 30 points again, and the millions in outside money that was spent to attack me, the partisan tilt of this district was just too much to overcome." 

Peterson has led Democrats on the committee for the last three farm bills. Based on seniority, Democratic Representative’s Jim Costa of California, David Scott of Georgia, or Marcia Fudge of Ohio, could become the next House Agriculture Committee Chair. 

Fischbach’s campaign has indicated she would seek a seat on the committee. Democrats retained control of the House but did lose a few seats, thinning the majority margin.

Agriculture lost decades of experience in the defeat of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. The Minnesota Democrat lost Tuesday to the Republican Challenger Michelle Fischbach, garnering 53 percent to Peterson’s 39 percent of votes in Minnesota’s District 7. In a statement, Peterson said, “We ran a strong and positive campaign, but with the President winning this district by 30 points again, and the millions in outside money that was spent to attack me, the partisan tilt of this district was just too much to overcome." Peterson has led Democrats on the committee for the last three farm bills. Based on seniority, Democratic Representative’s Jim Costa of California, David Scott of Georgia, or Marcia Fudge of Ohio, could become the next House Agriculture Committee Chair. Fischbach’s campaign has indicated she would seek a seat on the committee. Democrats retained control of the House but did lose a few seats, thinning the majority margin.

House ag chair defeated

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association this week released a comprehensive industry feedyard audit tool. The organization says the Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit will serve as a standardized audit tool based on the science and common sense established in the Beef Quality Assurance, or BQA program. 

Though the audit tool is owned by NCBA, auditing of feedyards will only be conducted through business-to-business activity within the cattle industry. NCBA will be maintaining the tool with updates as science dictates. To ensure consistency and integrity in auditing, the Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit tool has been certified through the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization. 

The Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit was built based on BQA principles and includes key standards of animal care that are directly related to animal health and welfare that contribute to a safe beef supply. Results from the audit can provide information back to the feedyard to drive improvement and measure the effectiveness of the operation’s implementation of BQA standards.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association this week released a comprehensive industry feedyard audit tool. The organization says the Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit will serve as a standardized audit tool based on the science and common sense established in the Beef Quality Assurance, or BQA program. Though the audit tool is owned by NCBA, auditing of feedyards will only be conducted through business-to-business activity within the cattle industry. NCBA will be maintaining the tool with updates as science dictates. To ensure consistency and integrity in auditing, the Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit tool has been certified through the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization. The Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit was built based on BQA principles and includes key standards of animal care that are directly related to animal health and welfare that contribute to a safe beef supply. Results from the audit can provide information back to the feedyard to drive improvement and measure the effectiveness of the operation’s implementation of BQA standards.

NCBA: Industry feedyard audit tool now available

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler is taking a wait and see approach regarding 35 waiver requests under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Administrator Wheeler told Agri-Talk earlier this week, "The refiners appealed that to the Supreme Court; we're waiting to see if they take it up, and what they do with that." 

Earlier this year, an appeals court ruled the EPA could not grant waivers for refiners whose previous wavers have lapsed. The oil industry is appealing the ruling. Wheeler adds, "I think it would be inappropriate for me to either grant or deny them until that litigation has completely run its course." 

The EPA is also considering an additional 17 gap-year waiver requests that are expected to be denied. In September, the EPA denied 54 gap year waivers. The Renewable Fuels Association at the time called the requests a “bizarre attempt" by the oil industry to circumvent the appeals court ruling.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler is taking a wait and see approach regarding 35 waiver requests under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Administrator Wheeler told Agri-Talk earlier this week, "The refiners appealed that to the Supreme Court; we're waiting to see if they take it up, and what they do with that." Earlier this year, an appeals court ruled the EPA could not grant waivers for refiners whose previous wavers have lapsed. The oil industry is appealing the ruling. Wheeler adds, "I think it would be inappropriate for me to either grant or deny them until that litigation has completely run its course." The EPA is also considering an additional 17 gap-year waiver requests that are expected to be denied. In September, the EPA denied 54 gap year waivers. The Renewable Fuels Association at the time called the requests a “bizarre attempt" by the oil industry to circumvent the appeals court ruling.

Wheeler waiting on courts before making RFS decisions

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 27 points to a reading of 183 in October, setting an all-time high for the index. Farmers were more optimistic about both the future and current financial situations on their farms. The Current Conditions Index rose 36 points to a reading of 178, and the Future Expectations Index climbed 23 points to a reading of 186. 

Since bottoming out this summer, the ag economy has rebounded sharply, and the dramatic improvement in sentiment mirrors the turnaround in the farm income picture. Organizers say the early fall rally in commodity prices combined with government program payments boosted farm income. 

Corn and soybean prices continued to rally even though U.S. corn yields are expected to set a record high, and USDA projects soybean yields to be the fourth highest on record. Comparing their farm's financial condition today to one year ago, 25 percent of survey respondents said their farm was better off financially now than at the same time last year.

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 27 points to a reading of 183 in October, setting an all-time high for the index. Farmers were more optimistic about both the future and current financial situations on their farms. The Current Conditions Index rose 36 points to a reading of 178, and the Future Expectations Index climbed 23 points to a reading of 186. Since bottoming out this summer, the ag economy has rebounded sharply, and the dramatic improvement in sentiment mirrors the turnaround in the farm income picture. Organizers say the early fall rally in commodity prices combined with government program payments boosted farm income. Corn and soybean prices continued to rally even though U.S. corn yields are expected to set a record high, and USDA projects soybean yields to be the fourth highest on record. Comparing their farm's financial condition today to one year ago, 25 percent of survey respondents said their farm was better off financially now than at the same time last year.

Ag economy barometer reaches all-time high

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer over the weekend announced the suspension of $817 million in trade preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System of Preferences. 

Lighthizer took the action because the country hasn’t made sufficient progress providing the United States with “equitable and reasonable market access” for pork products. 

The decision follows a 2018 petition by the National Pork Producers Council asking the USTR to review Thailand’s eligibility for the GSP program, one that offers duty-free treatment to certain goods entering the United States. 

NPPC President Howard AV Roth says, “For years, Thailand has taken full advantage of special U.S. trade benefits, while imposing a completely unjustified de facto ban on U.S. pork.” 

The United States is Thailand’s number one export market, with almost $4 billion of products annually sent to America under the GSP. Yet, NPPC says Thailand maintains a de facto ban on U.S. pork imports through high tariffs and several non-tariff barriers.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer over the weekend announced the suspension of $817 million in trade preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System of Preferences. Lighthizer took the action because the country hasn’t made sufficient progress providing the United States with “equitable and reasonable market access” for pork products. The decision follows a 2018 petition by the National Pork Producers Council asking the USTR to review Thailand’s eligibility for the GSP program, one that offers duty-free treatment to certain goods entering the United States. NPPC President Howard AV Roth says, “For years, Thailand has taken full advantage of special U.S. trade benefits, while imposing a completely unjustified de facto ban on U.S. pork.” The United States is Thailand’s number one export market, with almost $4 billion of products annually sent to America under the GSP. Yet, NPPC says Thailand maintains a de facto ban on U.S. pork imports through high tariffs and several non-tariff barriers.

NPPC petition leads to U.S. trade sanctions against Thailand

China is flying a record number of live hogs into the country as it seeks to rebuild hog herds. The nation is seeking to improve genetics and boost productivity, according to Bloomberg News, by flying in more than 15,000 hogs so far this year. 

The move comes as China seeks to increase its hog herd following the African swine fever outbreak. The hogs are worth an estimated $32 million, compared to just $3 million of hogs imported a year ago. China is seeking to modernize its hog production as well, shifting to a model of large-scale production. 

Meanwhile, the more than 15,000 hogs flown into the country come from Denmark, France and the United Kingdom. The number of breeding sows rose 28 percent from a year earlier to 38 million by the end of September. China is also importing a record value and volume of processed pork to fill the protein gap while its herd is repopulated.

China is flying a record number of live hogs into the country as it seeks to rebuild hog herds. The nation is seeking to improve genetics and boost productivity, according to Bloomberg News, by flying in more than 15,000 hogs so far this year. The move comes as China seeks to increase its hog herd following the African swine fever outbreak. The hogs are worth an estimated $32 million, compared to just $3 million of hogs imported a year ago. China is seeking to modernize its hog production as well, shifting to a model of large-scale production. Meanwhile, the more than 15,000 hogs flown into the country come from Denmark, France and the United Kingdom. The number of breeding sows rose 28 percent from a year earlier to 38 million by the end of September. China is also importing a record value and volume of processed pork to fill the protein gap while its herd is repopulated.

China flying in hogs to replenish herds

Election day is finally here—and represents an end to a long campaign season. While the results may be delayed, and there are signals of a messy outcome, for farmers and ranchers, one certainty is the likely reduction in federal direct payments. 

Experts seem to agree that the record direct payments to farmers this year is not a sustainable approach. Either candidate will likely face finding a solution to drawback those payments. If former Vice President Joe Biden should win, Politico points out you can expect a major shift in farm and food programs. 

Most notably would be changes to increase support for nutrition programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and an increased focus on agriculture’s role in climate change. 

A second term with President Donald Trump brings the expectation of continued deregulatory moves, a continuation of the current trade climate, and a likely target to streamline SNAP and other nutrition programs.

Election day is finally here—and represents an end to a long campaign season. While the results may be delayed, and there are signals of a messy outcome, for farmers and ranchers, one certainty is the likely reduction in federal direct payments. Experts seem to agree that the record direct payments to farmers this year is not a sustainable approach. Either candidate will likely face finding a solution to drawback those payments. If former Vice President Joe Biden should win, Politico points out you can expect a major shift in farm and food programs. Most notably would be changes to increase support for nutrition programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and an increased focus on agriculture’s role in climate change. A second term with President Donald Trump brings the expectation of continued deregulatory moves, a continuation of the current trade climate, and a likely target to streamline SNAP and other nutrition programs.

Biden or Trump, what does the future hold for farmers?

The next Commodity Classic will now be a virtual event. The annual conference and trade show had been scheduled to take place March 4-6, in San Antonio, Texas. The change to an alternative digital format became necessary because of restrictions related to COVID-19. The new convention format will take place during the first week of March 2021. 

“This is about doing the right thing for our farmers, exhibitors, stakeholders, and the broader community in terms of health and safety, which is our top priority,” says Anthony Bush of the National Corn Growers Association and who is Co-Chair of the 2021 Commodity Classic. 

“After careful deliberation, we determined the COVID-19 restrictions would prevent us from delivering the type of high-quality experience people have come to expect from the Commodity Classic.” Commodity Classic is now redirecting its efforts toward developing alternative methods of connecting with farmers and agricultural stakeholders. “We realize the total experience can’t be completely replicated online,” Bush adds. 

“Education is a key component of the event, and we are already looking at ways to deliver the high-quality content farmers expect at the Commodity Classic.” The transition to an online event is already underway and more information will be available in the weeks ahead. The 2022 Commodity Classic will be March 10-12, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The next Commodity Classic will now be a virtual event. The annual conference and trade show had been scheduled to take place March 4-6, in San Antonio, Texas. The change to an alternative digital format became necessary because of restrictions related to COVID-19. The new convention format will take place during the first week of March 2021. “This is about doing the right thing for our farmers, exhibitors, stakeholders, and the broader community in terms of health and safety, which is our top priority,” says Anthony Bush of the National Corn Growers Association and who is Co-Chair of the 2021 Commodity Classic. “After careful deliberation, we determined the COVID-19 restrictions would prevent us from delivering the type of high-quality experience people have come to expect from the Commodity Classic.” Commodity Classic is now redirecting its efforts toward developing alternative methods of connecting with farmers and agricultural stakeholders. “We realize the total experience can’t be completely replicated online,” Bush adds. “Education is a key component of the event, and we are already looking at ways to deliver the high-quality content farmers expect at the Commodity Classic.” The transition to an online event is already underway and more information will be available in the weeks ahead. The 2022 Commodity Classic will be March 10-12, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana.