The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called Wednesday a “sad day for public lands and the American taxpayer.” Kaitlynn Glover, the Executive Director of Natural Resources for NCBA and the Public Lands Council Executive Director. 

She says House passage of the Great American Outdoors Act shows representatives “have chosen to willingly relinquish their responsibility to engage in important land conservation decisions far into the future.” The NCBA says the bill will allow for virtually unrestricted spending for lands and waters across the U.S. that will be added to a federal estate that is already in disrepair. 

“The 310 members of the House that supported the bill sentenced these lands to a bleak future, complete with the expectation that these lands will be added to the deferred maintenance backlog in a not-so-distant future,” says Glover. 

“The ranching community is asking President Trump to veto this reckless excuse for a land management bill.” The GAO Act gives government agencies free rein to spend a minimum of $360 million every year in Land and Water Conservation Fund money to acquire new private land without any oversight from Congress. The Senate passed the GAO Act in June of 2020. &nbsp;

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called Wednesday a “sad day for public lands and the American taxpayer.” Kaitlynn Glover, the Executive Director of Natural Resources for NCBA and the Public Lands Council Executive Director. She says House passage of the Great American Outdoors Act shows representatives “have chosen to willingly relinquish their responsibility to engage in important land conservation decisions far into the future.” The NCBA says the bill will allow for virtually unrestricted spending for lands and waters across the U.S. that will be added to a federal estate that is already in disrepair. “The 310 members of the House that supported the bill sentenced these lands to a bleak future, complete with the expectation that these lands will be added to the deferred maintenance backlog in a not-so-distant future,” says Glover. “The ranching community is asking President Trump to veto this reckless excuse for a land management bill.” The GAO Act gives government agencies free rein to spend a minimum of $360 million every year in Land and Water Conservation Fund money to acquire new private land without any oversight from Congress. The Senate passed the GAO Act in June of 2020. &nbsp;

Ranchers call house legislation a “reckless land grab”

The USDA released a report on its investigation into price upheaval within the U.S. beef industry, specifically as it relates to a fire in Holcomb, Kansas, as well as disruptions caused by COVID-19. 

Brooke Miller, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, says, “The top-line considerations detailed in this report provide a roadmap for returning transparency and true price discovery in the cattle marketplace. 

USCA is advocating for making these changes through a reauthorization of Livestock Mandatory Reporting, which is set to expire on September 30.” Miller also says his group co-authored a letter to Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts and asked for a hearing on the state of the U.S. cattle industry. 

The letter was “met with silence,” something he calls unacceptable. The National Farmers Union says price-fixing in the meat industry is nothing new. While they welcome the USDA report, the group says it must be accompanied by real reforms. 

“Radical and immediate action is needed to create a fair and balanced food system,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “We’re asking USDA and other federal agencies to strengthen protections for farmers, enforce existing regulations, and prevent undue market power in the future.” Larew says the agency must continue to conduct a thorough investigation, saying the NFU “intends to hold them to account.”

The USDA released a report on its investigation into price upheaval within the U.S. beef industry, specifically as it relates to a fire in Holcomb, Kansas, as well as disruptions caused by COVID-19. Brooke Miller, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, says, “The top-line considerations detailed in this report provide a roadmap for returning transparency and true price discovery in the cattle marketplace. USCA is advocating for making these changes through a reauthorization of Livestock Mandatory Reporting, which is set to expire on September 30.” Miller also says his group co-authored a letter to Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts and asked for a hearing on the state of the U.S. cattle industry. The letter was “met with silence,” something he calls unacceptable. The National Farmers Union says price-fixing in the meat industry is nothing new. While they welcome the USDA report, the group says it must be accompanied by real reforms. “Radical and immediate action is needed to create a fair and balanced food system,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “We’re asking USDA and other federal agencies to strengthen protections for farmers, enforce existing regulations, and prevent undue market power in the future.” Larew says the agency must continue to conduct a thorough investigation, saying the NFU “intends to hold them to account.”

More reaction to USDA beef investigation report

Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota told the Hagstrom Report this week that he thinks the Senate coronavirus aid package will be similar to the House HEROES Act. The two packages will contain similar amounts of money for agricultural assistance, but Hoeven says that the nutritional provisions will likely be up to Senate leadership. 

Hoeven is chair of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. He says USDA will start with the $14 billion that was previously allocated to the Commodity Credit Corporation but notes that Congress will push that number higher so that USDA will have as much as $35 billion in additional assistance for farmers. 

Hoeven thinks the HEROES Act has roughly $68 billion set aside for agriculture and nutrition and that $33 billion of that is for aid to farmers and ranchers. USDA won’t be able to use the $14 billion in CCC money until July first. 

However, they can now use that money to pay out the rest of the $16.5 billion promised to farmers and ranchers under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The Senate bill gives the USDA the ability to make payments to ethanol plants and aid to livestock producers who had to dispose of animals they couldn’t get slaughtered.

Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota told the Hagstrom Report this week that he thinks the Senate coronavirus aid package will be similar to the House HEROES Act. The two packages will contain similar amounts of money for agricultural assistance, but Hoeven says that the nutritional provisions will likely be up to Senate leadership. Hoeven is chair of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. He says USDA will start with the $14 billion that was previously allocated to the Commodity Credit Corporation but notes that Congress will push that number higher so that USDA will have as much as $35 billion in additional assistance for farmers. Hoeven thinks the HEROES Act has roughly $68 billion set aside for agriculture and nutrition and that $33 billion of that is for aid to farmers and ranchers. USDA won’t be able to use the $14 billion in CCC money until July first. However, they can now use that money to pay out the rest of the $16.5 billion promised to farmers and ranchers under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The Senate bill gives the USDA the ability to make payments to ethanol plants and aid to livestock producers who had to dispose of animals they couldn’t get slaughtered.

Senate and house Coronavirus aid packages similar in amounts

Senate negotiations continue on the next coronavirus relief package. While those close to the talks suggest there will not be a bill ready until sometime next month, there is promise for additional relief to agriculture. 

Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee, told Agri-Pulse this week the package will likely include an additional $20 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding. That $20 billion would be in addition to the $14 billion already authorized in a previous relief package not yet used by the Department of Agriculture. 

Meanwhile, in a video addressing the National Association of Farm Broadcasting this week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue hinted at further aid through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. 

Perdue says USDA is considering adding more commodities to the program and is evaluating what farmers need from future relief. Farm groups continue to plead for additional aid for farmers, including the National Pork Producers Council, which estimates hog farmers face a $5 billion loss from pandemic market implications.

Senate negotiations continue on the next coronavirus relief package. While those close to the talks suggest there will not be a bill ready until sometime next month, there is promise for additional relief to agriculture. Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee, told Agri-Pulse this week the package will likely include an additional $20 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding. That $20 billion would be in addition to the $14 billion already authorized in a previous relief package not yet used by the Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, in a video addressing the National Association of Farm Broadcasting this week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue hinted at further aid through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Perdue says USDA is considering adding more commodities to the program and is evaluating what farmers need from future relief. Farm groups continue to plead for additional aid for farmers, including the National Pork Producers Council, which estimates hog farmers face a $5 billion loss from pandemic market implications.

Senate seeks $20 billion for Commodity Credit Corporation

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday released a report on its ongoing boxed beef and fed cattle price spread investigation. 

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the closure of the Tyson beef packing plant following a fire at the facility in Holcomb, Kansas, and the COVID-19 pandemic, “clearly disrupted the markets and processing systems responsible for the production and sale of U.S. beef.” 

The report also discusses several policy considerations in light of the desire by many market participants for improved price discovery, reinvigorated competition, and a more transparent relationship between the prices for live cattle and the resulting products. 

The report does not examine potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act. However, USDA staff have maintained a cooperative relationship with the Department of Justice Antitrust Division staff and have discussed allegations of anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry. 

Should USDA find a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act, it is authorized to report the violation to DOJ for prosecution.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday released a report on its ongoing boxed beef and fed cattle price spread investigation. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the closure of the Tyson beef packing plant following a fire at the facility in Holcomb, Kansas, and the COVID-19 pandemic, “clearly disrupted the markets and processing systems responsible for the production and sale of U.S. beef.” The report also discusses several policy considerations in light of the desire by many market participants for improved price discovery, reinvigorated competition, and a more transparent relationship between the prices for live cattle and the resulting products. The report does not examine potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act. However, USDA staff have maintained a cooperative relationship with the Department of Justice Antitrust Division staff and have discussed allegations of anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry. Should USDA find a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act, it is authorized to report the violation to DOJ for prosecution.

USDA provides cattle market investigation update

New legislation introduced this week would expand access to telehealth options for rural residents. The KEEP Telehealth Options Act would require the federal government to study the actions taken to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic and report on how to improve those services. 

The bill was introduced by Senator Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, and Senator Jacky Rosen, A Nevada Democrat. Fischer says expanded telehealth services “have allowed millions of Americans to access the medical care they need during this pandemic, especially those in rural communities.” 

The legislation would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and produce a public report on the actions taken to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Additionally, the legislation would require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the efficiencies, management, successes and failures of the expansion of telehealth services. The studies could then be used by Congress to support and inform long-term flexibilities for telehealth.

New legislation introduced this week would expand access to telehealth options for rural residents. The KEEP Telehealth Options Act would require the federal government to study the actions taken to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic and report on how to improve those services. The bill was introduced by Senator Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, and Senator Jacky Rosen, A Nevada Democrat. Fischer says expanded telehealth services “have allowed millions of Americans to access the medical care they need during this pandemic, especially those in rural communities.” The legislation would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and produce a public report on the actions taken to expand access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the legislation would require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the efficiencies, management, successes and failures of the expansion of telehealth services. The studies could then be used by Congress to support and inform long-term flexibilities for telehealth.

Telehealth expansion legislation introduced in U.S. Senate

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced approximately $15 million to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. 

The program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. For 30 years, the 2501 Program has helped reach socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice. 

The 2014 farm bill expanded the program to veteran farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill increased mandatory funding for the program through fiscal year 2023. 

With 2501 program grants, nonprofits, institutions of higher education and Indian Tribes can support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through education, training, farming demonstrations, and conferences on farming and agri-business, and by increasing access to USDA’s programs and services.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced approximately $15 million to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. The program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. For 30 years, the 2501 Program has helped reach socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice. The 2014 farm bill expanded the program to veteran farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill increased mandatory funding for the program through fiscal year 2023. With 2501 program grants, nonprofits, institutions of higher education and Indian Tribes can support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through education, training, farming demonstrations, and conferences on farming and agri-business, and by increasing access to USDA’s programs and services.

USDA announces funding to support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers

BASF and Corteva both filed motions to request a rehearing on a court decision that vacated registrations for dicamba herbicides. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit last month vacated the registrations for three dicamba herbicides, including BASF’s Enginia, Corteva’s FeXapan and Bayer’s Xtend. 

Specifically, BASF’s petition requests a review of the decision by a panel of 11 judges from the Ninth Circuit instead of the three-judge panel that issued the previous decision. 

This request for "en banc" review, according to BASF, “is necessary to correct errors by the panel in issuing a decision inconsistent with basic due process and administrative law principles.” 

BASF says the panel's decision undermined the EPA's authority to make science- and data-based regulatory decisions to determine which herbicide products are safe and effective to meet the challenges farmers face. 

Further, the company says the decision “was unprecedented and devastating to tens of thousands of farmers” who rely on dicamba.

BASF and Corteva both filed motions to request a rehearing on a court decision that vacated registrations for dicamba herbicides. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit last month vacated the registrations for three dicamba herbicides, including BASF’s Enginia, Corteva’s FeXapan and Bayer’s Xtend. Specifically, BASF’s petition requests a review of the decision by a panel of 11 judges from the Ninth Circuit instead of the three-judge panel that issued the previous decision. This request for "en banc" review, according to BASF, “is necessary to correct errors by the panel in issuing a decision inconsistent with basic due process and administrative law principles.” BASF says the panel's decision undermined the EPA's authority to make science- and data-based regulatory decisions to determine which herbicide products are safe and effective to meet the challenges farmers face. Further, the company says the decision “was unprecedented and devastating to tens of thousands of farmers” who rely on dicamba.

BASF, Corteva, seek rehearing of Dicamba decision

A new partnership between the National Cattlemen's Foundation and Cargill will provide cattle producers tools to manage their operations. Specifically. The partnership offers cattle producers practical tools to help manage market shifts, reduce costs, manage finite natural resource availability and withstand extreme weather events. 

The four-year strategic partnership, which was funded by a $3 million contribution from Cargill's protein business, establishes a professional development scholarship program, and provides educational resources through the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and experiential learning in partnership with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. 

The Rancher Resilience Grant program, which serves as the program's professional development scholarship arm, offsets expenses for farmers and ranchers to attend state, regional, national, and global educational events. 

This includes industry conferences, seminars, and certifications addressing animal health and well-being, profitability, natural resources, sustainability, genetics, and reproduction education. The Rancher Resilience Grant program will launch this fall. The development of educational resources and promotion will begin immediately.

A new partnership between the National Cattlemen's Foundation and Cargill will provide cattle producers tools to manage their operations. Specifically. The partnership offers cattle producers practical tools to help manage market shifts, reduce costs, manage finite natural resource availability and withstand extreme weather events. The four-year strategic partnership, which was funded by a $3 million contribution from Cargill's protein business, establishes a professional development scholarship program, and provides educational resources through the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and experiential learning in partnership with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The Rancher Resilience Grant program, which serves as the program's professional development scholarship arm, offsets expenses for farmers and ranchers to attend state, regional, national, and global educational events. This includes industry conferences, seminars, and certifications addressing animal health and well-being, profitability, natural resources, sustainability, genetics, and reproduction education. The Rancher Resilience Grant program will launch this fall. The development of educational resources and promotion will begin immediately.

Cargill, NCBA Foundation, partner to support beef industry

The United Soybean Board and state soybean boards are bringing research results to farmers. The redesigned Soybean Research &amp; Information Network website, soybeanresearchinfo.com, was launched through a joint effort by the North Central Soybean Research Program and the United Soybean Board. 

The website gives farmers a virtual resource full of information and toolkits for more efficient soybean production. USB describes the site as a one-stop-shop for all the information the checkoff has discovered through farmer investments regarding key problem areas in production. 

Each article on the website provides insight and explanation on the research findings and links directly to the study in the overall database for further exploration. 

Tim Venverloh, USB Vice President of Sustainability Strategy, says the soy checkoff and state organizations “have worked together to find solutions, best practices and data on key issues and have made that available for all farmers to use.” 

Some of the research projects include battling pests, navigating herbicide-resistant weeds, enhancing seed quality and controlling seed and seedling rots.

The United Soybean Board and state soybean boards are bringing research results to farmers. The redesigned Soybean Research &amp; Information Network website, soybeanresearchinfo.com, was launched through a joint effort by the North Central Soybean Research Program and the United Soybean Board. The website gives farmers a virtual resource full of information and toolkits for more efficient soybean production. USB describes the site as a one-stop-shop for all the information the checkoff has discovered through farmer investments regarding key problem areas in production. Each article on the website provides insight and explanation on the research findings and links directly to the study in the overall database for further exploration. Tim Venverloh, USB Vice President of Sustainability Strategy, says the soy checkoff and state organizations “have worked together to find solutions, best practices and data on key issues and have made that available for all farmers to use.” Some of the research projects include battling pests, navigating herbicide-resistant weeds, enhancing seed quality and controlling seed and seedling rots.

Soy checkoff makes research accessible to industry

An analysis by economist Steve Meyer for the National Pork Producers Council shows an estimated two million hogs still backed-up on farms. 

According to his report, based on lean hog futures prices on March 1 and July 10 and actual hog prices in the interim, potential 2020 revenue from hog sales has been reduced by roughly $4.7 billion. 

Other losses associated with euthanasia, disposal and donation of pigs with no market outlet and insufficient space to hold them mean U.S. pork producers have lost nearly $5 billion this year. Meyer says it appears those losses will continue into 2021. 

“This is, by far, the worst financial disaster ever for American hog farmers,” according to Meyer. NPPC President Howard AV Roth says, “Many U.S. hog farmers will not survive this crisis.” 

NPPC is calling on Congress to pass the RELIEF for Producers Act, which provides compensation for farmers who are forced to euthanize or donate animals that can’t be processed into the food supply as a result of COVID-19, among other provisions.

An analysis by economist Steve Meyer for the National Pork Producers Council shows an estimated two million hogs still backed-up on farms. According to his report, based on lean hog futures prices on March 1 and July 10 and actual hog prices in the interim, potential 2020 revenue from hog sales has been reduced by roughly $4.7 billion. Other losses associated with euthanasia, disposal and donation of pigs with no market outlet and insufficient space to hold them mean U.S. pork producers have lost nearly $5 billion this year. Meyer says it appears those losses will continue into 2021. “This is, by far, the worst financial disaster ever for American hog farmers,” according to Meyer. NPPC President Howard AV Roth says, “Many U.S. hog farmers will not survive this crisis.” NPPC is calling on Congress to pass the RELIEF for Producers Act, which provides compensation for farmers who are forced to euthanize or donate animals that can’t be processed into the food supply as a result of COVID-19, among other provisions.

Hog farmers face near $5 billion loss

The U.S. Meat Export Federation released an updated version of an independent study aimed at quantifying the value that red meat exports provide U.S. corn and soybean farmers. The independent study was conducted by a company called World Perspectives, Incorporated. 

Since 2015, indirect exports of corn and soybeans through beef and pork exports have been the fastest-growing category of corn and soybean use. That’s delivered critical returns for corn and soybean producers. These farmers support the international promotion of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb, by investing a portion of their checkoff dollars in market development efforts conducted by USMEF. 

In 2019, U.S. beef and pork exports used 480 million bushels of corn. Corn revenue generated by pork exports totaled $1.8 billion. Last year, U.S. pork exports used 2.12 million tons of soybean meal, equivalent to 89.2 million bushels of soybeans, that generated $751.7 million in revenue. 

Beef and pork exports also used approximately three million tons of DDGS, which generated $411.8 million in revenue for ethanol’s co-products. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “We greatly appreciate the foresight and confidence shown by the corn and soybean sectors when they invest in red meat exports. This study proves the value delivered by that investment.”

The U.S. Meat Export Federation released an updated version of an independent study aimed at quantifying the value that red meat exports provide U.S. corn and soybean farmers. The independent study was conducted by a company called World Perspectives, Incorporated. Since 2015, indirect exports of corn and soybeans through beef and pork exports have been the fastest-growing category of corn and soybean use. That’s delivered critical returns for corn and soybean producers. These farmers support the international promotion of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb, by investing a portion of their checkoff dollars in market development efforts conducted by USMEF. In 2019, U.S. beef and pork exports used 480 million bushels of corn. Corn revenue generated by pork exports totaled $1.8 billion. Last year, U.S. pork exports used 2.12 million tons of soybean meal, equivalent to 89.2 million bushels of soybeans, that generated $751.7 million in revenue. Beef and pork exports also used approximately three million tons of DDGS, which generated $411.8 million in revenue for ethanol’s co-products. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “We greatly appreciate the foresight and confidence shown by the corn and soybean sectors when they invest in red meat exports. This study proves the value delivered by that investment.”

Study confirms value of red meat exports to U.S. corn, soybeans

Chuck Grassley, Senate Finance Committee Chair, says he and fellow Iowa Senator Joni Ernst will push for ethanol plant assistance as Congress begins developing another COVID-19 aid package this week. 

Grassley says he visited Iowa counties over the past two weeks while the Senate was in recess, noting that he heard plenty of people asking for ethanol assistance because the price of corn is still low. “Ernst and I are going to try to get something that would subsidize feedstock for the ethanol industry,” Grassley says. 

“What would make our appeal credible will be the oil industry getting help or a recognition that the oil industry got help through the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.” However, Grassley says the best thing to happen to the ethanol industry in the long-term is for people to start driving again as the economy picks up. 

“We’re seeing a little shoot up in the production of ethanol, but it will be a slow turnaround,” he adds. Grassley also says he believes there will be more aid to agriculture in the coronavirus bill, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is determined to keep the cost of the next aid package under $1 trillion.

Chuck Grassley, Senate Finance Committee Chair, says he and fellow Iowa Senator Joni Ernst will push for ethanol plant assistance as Congress begins developing another COVID-19 aid package this week. Grassley says he visited Iowa counties over the past two weeks while the Senate was in recess, noting that he heard plenty of people asking for ethanol assistance because the price of corn is still low. “Ernst and I are going to try to get something that would subsidize feedstock for the ethanol industry,” Grassley says. “What would make our appeal credible will be the oil industry getting help or a recognition that the oil industry got help through the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.” However, Grassley says the best thing to happen to the ethanol industry in the long-term is for people to start driving again as the economy picks up. “We’re seeing a little shoot up in the production of ethanol, but it will be a slow turnaround,” he adds. Grassley also says he believes there will be more aid to agriculture in the coronavirus bill, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is determined to keep the cost of the next aid package under $1 trillion.

Iowa senators pushing for ethanol aid in COVID aid package

Trade reports released by USDA last week show that China is picking up the pace of buying U.S. ag commodities, making both old-crop and new-crop purchases. 

Chinese buyers are purchasing a lot of U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat in their recent run on commodities during the week of July 3-9. USDA reported 768,300 metric tons of old-crop corn sales, as well as 600,000 tons of new-crop sales. 

Additional corn exports during the week were 119,700 tons. The USDA trade report also showed that new export sales of soybeans were for 552,000 tons, 390,000 of which will be delivered during the next marketing year that starts on September 1st. 

The export sales report says new soybean crop sales came in at 389,000 tons, and exports were almost 228,000 tons. Chinese buyers also purchased more than 323,000 tons of wheat during the same week. That pushed the total sales up to the highest point for 2020-2021. 

The USDA also says weekly exports totaled 113,700 tons. Net sales of cotton, rice, and barley were all lower than the previous week. Net sorghum sales were up 35 percent from the prior week.

Trade reports released by USDA last week show that China is picking up the pace of buying U.S. ag commodities, making both old-crop and new-crop purchases. Chinese buyers are purchasing a lot of U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat in their recent run on commodities during the week of July 3-9. USDA reported 768,300 metric tons of old-crop corn sales, as well as 600,000 tons of new-crop sales. Additional corn exports during the week were 119,700 tons. The USDA trade report also showed that new export sales of soybeans were for 552,000 tons, 390,000 of which will be delivered during the next marketing year that starts on September 1st. The export sales report says new soybean crop sales came in at 389,000 tons, and exports were almost 228,000 tons. Chinese buyers also purchased more than 323,000 tons of wheat during the same week. That pushed the total sales up to the highest point for 2020-2021. The USDA also says weekly exports totaled 113,700 tons. Net sales of cotton, rice, and barley were all lower than the previous week. Net sorghum sales were up 35 percent from the prior week.

USDA report says China continues to buy U.S. ag products

The Department of Agriculture announced the delivery of more than 28.5 million meals to low-income kids in rural America through the Meals to You partnership. 

The program delivers meals to the doorsteps of low-income kids in rural communities across America during the COVID-19 health crisis. 

While visiting McLane Global, one of USDA’s partners in the initiative, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue stated, “We’ve heard from families across America who have told us that in these difficult times, the program has been a home run for feeding hungry kids.” 

Meals to You is a public-private partnership between USDA, the Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, McLane Global, and PepsiCo. It began as a summer pilot project in 2019 but has been successfully leveraged as an emergency program to address pandemic-related nutrition needs in rural areas. 

Initially, Meals to You aimed to serve one million meals to children in rural areas. As of July 11, 2020, 28.5 million meals have been delivered to 268,277 children across the U.S.&nbsp;

The Department of Agriculture announced the delivery of more than 28.5 million meals to low-income kids in rural America through the Meals to You partnership. The program delivers meals to the doorsteps of low-income kids in rural communities across America during the COVID-19 health crisis. While visiting McLane Global, one of USDA’s partners in the initiative, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue stated, “We’ve heard from families across America who have told us that in these difficult times, the program has been a home run for feeding hungry kids.” Meals to You is a public-private partnership between USDA, the Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, McLane Global, and PepsiCo. It began as a summer pilot project in 2019 but has been successfully leveraged as an emergency program to address pandemic-related nutrition needs in rural areas. Initially, Meals to You aimed to serve one million meals to children in rural areas. As of July 11, 2020, 28.5 million meals have been delivered to 268,277 children across the U.S.&nbsp;

USDA Meals to You Program Approaching 30 Million Served

The Renewable Fuels Association says the industry has lost more than $3.4 billion in revenue stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. An industry analysis released by the association this week also found that pandemic-related damages in 2020 and 2021 could reach nearly $9 billion. 

The data is based on the latest projections from the Energy Information Administration and Agriculture Policy Research Institute. Between March and June of 2020, the study by RFA found the cumulative decline in ethanol production and consumption exceeded 1.3 billion gallons, and nearly 500 million fewer bushels of corn were used in ethanol production during the period. 

Assuming current market conditions do not deteriorate, total pandemic-related revenue losses for the industry could approach $7 billion in 2020 and $1.8 billion in 2021. 

However, if states adopt additional travel and business restrictions, the losses may be larger and may even surpass the $10 billion estimate from RFA's initial forward-looking analysis released in April.

The Renewable Fuels Association says the industry has lost more than $3.4 billion in revenue stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. An industry analysis released by the association this week also found that pandemic-related damages in 2020 and 2021 could reach nearly $9 billion. The data is based on the latest projections from the Energy Information Administration and Agriculture Policy Research Institute. Between March and June of 2020, the study by RFA found the cumulative decline in ethanol production and consumption exceeded 1.3 billion gallons, and nearly 500 million fewer bushels of corn were used in ethanol production during the period. Assuming current market conditions do not deteriorate, total pandemic-related revenue losses for the industry could approach $7 billion in 2020 and $1.8 billion in 2021. However, if states adopt additional travel and business restrictions, the losses may be larger and may even surpass the $10 billion estimate from RFA's initial forward-looking analysis released in April.

Ethanol industry losses could reach nearly $9 billion

A new global survey shows farmers have once again demonstrated their ability to adapt to new challenges. Kynetec, a global market research firm specializing in animal health and agriculture, released the survey results this week. 

The survey spanned six key countries, the U.S., Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Czech Republic, and included feedback from 873 farmers. The survey provided a mix of positive and negative insights into the impact COVID-19 has had on their lifestyle and livelihood. 

The degree of impact varied between countries with country variation ranging from 41 percent to 67 percent of farmers saying the virus has impacted their personal lives. In the short-term, farmers in most countries lack optimism regarding the current outlook for agriculture and the speed of economic post-lockdown recovery. 

Farmers adapting to the pandemic say planned investments were some of the main challenges across all countries that farmers have faced because of COVID-19.

A new global survey shows farmers have once again demonstrated their ability to adapt to new challenges. Kynetec, a global market research firm specializing in animal health and agriculture, released the survey results this week. The survey spanned six key countries, the U.S., Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Czech Republic, and included feedback from 873 farmers. The survey provided a mix of positive and negative insights into the impact COVID-19 has had on their lifestyle and livelihood. The degree of impact varied between countries with country variation ranging from 41 percent to 67 percent of farmers saying the virus has impacted their personal lives. In the short-term, farmers in most countries lack optimism regarding the current outlook for agriculture and the speed of economic post-lockdown recovery. Farmers adapting to the pandemic say planned investments were some of the main challenges across all countries that farmers have faced because of COVID-19.

Globally, farmers adapting to pandemic challenges

The Department of Agriculture announced a $153 million investment to build and improve critical community facilities to benefit nearly two million rural residents in 23 states. 

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand says, “Rural America needs safe, modern infrastructure to help residents and businesses achieve greater prosperity and have access to essential services.” 

USDA is investing in 94 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The investments can be used to build or upgrade a wide range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. 

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. 

Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details.

The Department of Agriculture announced a $153 million investment to build and improve critical community facilities to benefit nearly two million rural residents in 23 states. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand says, “Rural America needs safe, modern infrastructure to help residents and businesses achieve greater prosperity and have access to essential services.” USDA is investing in 94 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The investments can be used to build or upgrade a wide range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details.

USDA invests $153 million in rural community facilities

U.S. Representative Sam Graves, introduced the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 this week. Graves says the legislation plays a key role in any water infrastructure project, including flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams. 

The legislation will facilitate commerce through ports and inland waterways, improve flood control infrastructure, and “help develop flood control plans that actually work.” 

The legislation will give the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers new construction authority for communities facing repetitive flooding events. One of the more significant roadblocks to ensuring a project can be done quickly is getting construction authority expeditiously, and this bill will allow those communities to be protected more quickly, according to Graves. 

The bill also makes an important change in the cost-share for Inland Waterways Trust Fund projects on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River systems. This change will accelerate the timeframe for funding and completion of projects to modernize outdated locks and dams on these rivers.

U.S. Representative Sam Graves, introduced the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 this week. Graves says the legislation plays a key role in any water infrastructure project, including flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams. The legislation will facilitate commerce through ports and inland waterways, improve flood control infrastructure, and “help develop flood control plans that actually work.” The legislation will give the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers new construction authority for communities facing repetitive flooding events. One of the more significant roadblocks to ensuring a project can be done quickly is getting construction authority expeditiously, and this bill will allow those communities to be protected more quickly, according to Graves. The bill also makes an important change in the cost-share for Inland Waterways Trust Fund projects on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River systems. This change will accelerate the timeframe for funding and completion of projects to modernize outdated locks and dams on these rivers.

Graves introduces 2020 Water Resources Development Act

Chinese testing of meat, seafood, and other products for the coronavirus has tripled customs clearance times at some major Chinese ports. Bloomberg says the intensive testing is raising some major concerns that the delays could eventually tangle up global trade flows. 

It normally takes about three days to clear produce through customs, but an official with a supply chain company says it’s now taking up to 10 days. China began testing cold food shipments for the virus last month in a move it says is aimed at protecting the health of the general public. 

The testing has combined with large arrivals of cold-storage food to add to the congestion at some of its biggest ports. China had been boosting meat imports in a bid to offset domestic shortages after the African Swine Fever outbreak that decimated the country’s pork herds. 

Meat and offal shipments surged to almost 900,000 tons in June, 75 percent higher than at the same time in 2019. Beijing says the new measures are helping to control the spread of the virus and will help stop another potential outbreak. 

Though China still needs more meat, the testing may cause exporters to slow sales to the Asian country because of the potential to get caught up in the testing process.

Chinese testing of meat, seafood, and other products for the coronavirus has tripled customs clearance times at some major Chinese ports. Bloomberg says the intensive testing is raising some major concerns that the delays could eventually tangle up global trade flows. It normally takes about three days to clear produce through customs, but an official with a supply chain company says it’s now taking up to 10 days. China began testing cold food shipments for the virus last month in a move it says is aimed at protecting the health of the general public. The testing has combined with large arrivals of cold-storage food to add to the congestion at some of its biggest ports. China had been boosting meat imports in a bid to offset domestic shortages after the African Swine Fever outbreak that decimated the country’s pork herds. Meat and offal shipments surged to almost 900,000 tons in June, 75 percent higher than at the same time in 2019. Beijing says the new measures are helping to control the spread of the virus and will help stop another potential outbreak. Though China still needs more meat, the testing may cause exporters to slow sales to the Asian country because of the potential to get caught up in the testing process.

Major slowdown at chinese ports could impact global trade

The USDA recently raised its estimate of red meat and poultry production. The numbers in its newest WASDE report shows production levels three billion pounds higher than the agency predicted after COVID-19 shut down meat plants in April and May. 

An Agriculture Dot Com article says the meat outlook brightened for the second month in a row. “The beef production forecast is raised primarily on higher cattle slaughter and heavier carcass weights,” the USDA says. “Forecast pork production is raised from last month primarily on higher expected second-half commercial slaughter. 

Broiler production is also raised on recent hatchery data.” In all, USDA forecast meat production of 106 billion pounds this year, which is more than its May estimate of 103 billion pounds. 

The USDA also estimates meat production will total 107.6 billion pounds in 2021. Americans consumed a record of 224.3 pounds per person last year. Consumption was expected to climb to 227.4 pounds before the coronavirus entered the country. &nbsp;

After the outbreak forced slowdowns and temporary closures of some of the largest U.S. meatpacking plants, the USDA said per-capita consumption would drop to 217.1 pounds of meat as production shrank.

The USDA recently raised its estimate of red meat and poultry production. The numbers in its newest WASDE report shows production levels three billion pounds higher than the agency predicted after COVID-19 shut down meat plants in April and May. An Agriculture Dot Com article says the meat outlook brightened for the second month in a row. “The beef production forecast is raised primarily on higher cattle slaughter and heavier carcass weights,” the USDA says. “Forecast pork production is raised from last month primarily on higher expected second-half commercial slaughter. Broiler production is also raised on recent hatchery data.” In all, USDA forecast meat production of 106 billion pounds this year, which is more than its May estimate of 103 billion pounds. The USDA also estimates meat production will total 107.6 billion pounds in 2021. Americans consumed a record of 224.3 pounds per person last year. Consumption was expected to climb to 227.4 pounds before the coronavirus entered the country. &nbsp;After the outbreak forced slowdowns and temporary closures of some of the largest U.S. meatpacking plants, the USDA said per-capita consumption would drop to 217.1 pounds of meat as production shrank.

Meat production continues to rebound

A Reuters report says China made the biggest purchase of U.S. corn in history on Tuesday. It’s the second massive deal that China has made for corn in less than a week. The Asian nation made the buy in an attempt to meet its commitments in the Phase One trade deal with the U.S., even as tensions rise between Washington, D.C., and China. 

The USDA says private exporters report that China bought 1.76 million tons of corn for shipment during the 2020-2021 marketing year that starts on September 1st. 

The sale passed the previous record of a one-day corn sale to China that totaled 1.45 million tons in December of 1994. The deal followed a sale of 1.365 million tons to China on July 10th, a deal that was spread out over two marketing years. 

Last week, China increased its corn and soybean import forecasts for the current season as the country expects to step up its agricultural purchases from the United States. 

China also booked deals to buy 129,000 tons of soybeans in the 2020-2021 marketing year. Beijing agreed to buy $80 billion worth of U.S. ag products over the next two years in the Phase One trade deal between the two countries.

A Reuters report says China made the biggest purchase of U.S. corn in history on Tuesday. It’s the second massive deal that China has made for corn in less than a week. The Asian nation made the buy in an attempt to meet its commitments in the Phase One trade deal with the U.S., even as tensions rise between Washington, D.C., and China. The USDA says private exporters report that China bought 1.76 million tons of corn for shipment during the 2020-2021 marketing year that starts on September 1st. The sale passed the previous record of a one-day corn sale to China that totaled 1.45 million tons in December of 1994. The deal followed a sale of 1.365 million tons to China on July 10th, a deal that was spread out over two marketing years. Last week, China increased its corn and soybean import forecasts for the current season as the country expects to step up its agricultural purchases from the United States. China also booked deals to buy 129,000 tons of soybeans in the 2020-2021 marketing year. Beijing agreed to buy $80 billion worth of U.S. ag products over the next two years in the Phase One trade deal between the two countries.

China makes biggest U.S. corn buy ever

A recent survey finds grocery shoppers are looking for bargains, and half of consumers fear empty grocery shelves. Marketing agency Acosta says 53 percent of shoppers say product availability is a top priority. 

The American Farm Bureau Federation last week reported beef and pork supply chains are recovering from the pandemic panic buying. However, the industry needs to work through a backlog of slaughter ready animals. Meanwhile, more than one-third of shoppers are worse off financially than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The report says low prices will be a priority for 45 percent of shoppers post-pandemic. Acosta CEO Darian Pickett says, “A recession is here and will significantly impact the shopping habits of those affected.” 

Pickett says product availability remains a concern and shopper are focusing on health, wellness and safety more than ever. The survey also shows consumer priorities of social distancing, low prices, customer safety and promotions and deals on grocery products.

A recent survey finds grocery shoppers are looking for bargains, and half of consumers fear empty grocery shelves. Marketing agency Acosta says 53 percent of shoppers say product availability is a top priority. The American Farm Bureau Federation last week reported beef and pork supply chains are recovering from the pandemic panic buying. However, the industry needs to work through a backlog of slaughter ready animals. Meanwhile, more than one-third of shoppers are worse off financially than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. The report says low prices will be a priority for 45 percent of shoppers post-pandemic. Acosta CEO Darian Pickett says, “A recession is here and will significantly impact the shopping habits of those affected.” Pickett says product availability remains a concern and shopper are focusing on health, wellness and safety more than ever. The survey also shows consumer priorities of social distancing, low prices, customer safety and promotions and deals on grocery products.

Shoppers still fear empty grocery shelves, seek bargains

President Donald Trump recently told reporters a Phase Two agreement with China is not likely. The President said aboard Air Force One last week, "I don't think about that," adding, "The relationship with China has been severely damaged.” 

Bloomberg News reports the Trump administration continues to pressure China over the COVID-19 outbreak, alleging a cover-up by China, among other things. Regarding his relationship with China, Trump says, “They could have stopped the plague, they didn’t,” referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Phase One agreement included $200 billion of U.S. agriculture exports over two years. However, trade analysts say China isn’t purchasing at a pace to reach that level yet, and some say the level of purchases needed to meet the total is unattainable. 

Last month, state-owned companies in China suspended purchases from the United States over political issues. Also last month, Trump said the Phase One agreement was “fully intact,” the same day adviser Peter Navarro said it was effectively dead.

President Donald Trump recently told reporters a Phase Two agreement with China is not likely. The President said aboard Air Force One last week, "I don't think about that," adding, "The relationship with China has been severely damaged.” Bloomberg News reports the Trump administration continues to pressure China over the COVID-19 outbreak, alleging a cover-up by China, among other things. Regarding his relationship with China, Trump says, “They could have stopped the plague, they didn’t,” referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Phase One agreement included $200 billion of U.S. agriculture exports over two years. However, trade analysts say China isn’t purchasing at a pace to reach that level yet, and some say the level of purchases needed to meet the total is unattainable. Last month, state-owned companies in China suspended purchases from the United States over political issues. Also last month, Trump said the Phase One agreement was “fully intact,” the same day adviser Peter Navarro said it was effectively dead.

Trump: China phase two agreement unlikely

The Ag Expo Center is one step closer to becoming a reality, after a pledge was fulfilled by the Schmidt Foundation and Eagle Radio for $125,000.&nbsp; They join others such as the Missouri Department of Transportation, Ag Expo and Buchanan County.

Gary Shorman, President of the Schmidt Foundation and Chairman of Eagle Communications, said he and his team believe the Ag Expo Center will be a great addition to the community and the region, and that they see lasting value in the project’s mission.

“We believe in agriculture, and the progress of this project is important to the community’s economic future,” Shorman said. “Not only is St. Joseph uniquely positioned with the region’s agricultural sciences corridor, but this project could become a true generational resource.”

"We are very grateful to the Schmidt Foundation, Eagle Radio, and all those who support the mission and goal of the Ag Expo Center. As we celebrate the fulfillment of one large pledge to our project, we continue to seek out similar contributions,” said Gerald Sprong, Ag Expo Center president and capital fund chair.

“We are closer to our goal today than ever, but there is still work to be done. The leadership and Board of Directors are fully committed to seeing the Ag Expo Center become a regional catalyst for innovation and education.”

The Ag Expo Center is one step closer to becoming a reality, after a pledge was fulfilled by the Schmidt Foundation and Eagle Radio for $125,000.&nbsp; They join others such as the Missouri Department of Transportation, Ag Expo and Buchanan County.Gary Shorman, President of the Schmidt Foundation and Chairman of Eagle Communications, said he and his team believe the Ag Expo Center will be a great addition to the community and the region, and that they see lasting value in the project’s mission.“We believe in agriculture, and the progress of this project is important to the community’s economic future,” Shorman said. “Not only is St. Joseph uniquely positioned with the region’s agricultural sciences corridor, but this project could become a true generational resource.”"We are very grateful to the Schmidt Foundation, Eagle Radio, and all those who support the mission and goal of the Ag Expo Center. As we celebrate the fulfillment of one large pledge to our project, we continue to seek out similar contributions,” said Gerald Sprong, Ag Expo Center president and capital fund chair.“We are closer to our goal today than ever, but there is still work to be done. The leadership and Board of Directors are fully committed to seeing the Ag Expo Center become a regional catalyst for innovation and education.”