The American Soybean Association will celebrate 100 years of representing farmers next month. ASA was formed when brothers Taylor, Noah and Finis Fouts hosted the first Corn Belt Soybean Field Day at their Soyland Farms operation in Camden, Indiana, in September 1920. 

The event drew nearly 1,000 farmers and their families from six states. The National Soybean Growers' Association, later renamed the American Soybean Association, was formed that day. 

On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, ASA, with support from the Indiana Soybean Alliance, will host a 100th-anniversary celebration and historical marker dedication at its birthplace on Fouts Soyland Farm in Camden. 

The event features a keynote address from Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Steve Censky. The event is free of charge. However, attendance is capped at 180, so those interested must register. 

For those who cannot make it in person, the event will also be live-streamed. Find more details online at ASA100Years.com.

The American Soybean Association will celebrate 100 years of representing farmers next month. ASA was formed when brothers Taylor, Noah and Finis Fouts hosted the first Corn Belt Soybean Field Day at their Soyland Farms operation in Camden, Indiana, in September 1920. The event drew nearly 1,000 farmers and their families from six states. The National Soybean Growers' Association, later renamed the American Soybean Association, was formed that day. On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, ASA, with support from the Indiana Soybean Alliance, will host a 100th-anniversary celebration and historical marker dedication at its birthplace on Fouts Soyland Farm in Camden. The event features a keynote address from Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Steve Censky. The event is free of charge. However, attendance is capped at 180, so those interested must register. For those who cannot make it in person, the event will also be live-streamed. Find more details online at ASA100Years.com.

American Soybean Association to celebrate 100 years

The recovery of U.S. restaurant customer transactions has stalled for the second week in a row as COVID-19 cases continue to increase in many states, according to research firm NPD Group. 

For the week ending June 28, total customer transactions at major U.S. restaurant chains are down 14 percent versus the same week a year ago. For the week ending June 21, total transactions were down 13 percent versus a year ago. 

The rise in COVID-19 case counts is causing local and state authorities to delay reopening, and in some cases, reinstating on-premise restaurant dining restrictions. In Texas, for example, restaurants may continue to offer on-premise dining, but capacity is rolled back from 75 percent to 50 percent. California announced last week the closing of its nearly 86,000 restaurants to on-premise dining. 

Nationwide, full-service restaurants customer transactions for the week ending June 28 were down 25 percent versus the prior year and several states where COVID-19 is gaining saw the biggest declines in transactions.

The recovery of U.S. restaurant customer transactions has stalled for the second week in a row as COVID-19 cases continue to increase in many states, according to research firm NPD Group. For the week ending June 28, total customer transactions at major U.S. restaurant chains are down 14 percent versus the same week a year ago. For the week ending June 21, total transactions were down 13 percent versus a year ago. The rise in COVID-19 case counts is causing local and state authorities to delay reopening, and in some cases, reinstating on-premise restaurant dining restrictions. In Texas, for example, restaurants may continue to offer on-premise dining, but capacity is rolled back from 75 percent to 50 percent. California announced last week the closing of its nearly 86,000 restaurants to on-premise dining. Nationwide, full-service restaurants customer transactions for the week ending June 28 were down 25 percent versus the prior year and several states where COVID-19 is gaining saw the biggest declines in transactions.

Restaurant traffic stalls amid increase in COVID-19 cases

The United States and Kenya began trade negotiations Wednesday, seeking to enter a free trade agreement. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded the progress, saying a deal could "strengthen and deepen our relationships with economies across the continent” of Africa. 

Kenya is included in the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which is set to expire in 2025. The U.S. Chamber says a Kenya free trade agreement will provide American businesses the certainty they need to continue investing in the growing market. 

Agriculture goals for the U.S. include securing full market access for U.S. agricultural goods in Kenya by reducing or eliminating tariffs. Further, the U.S. seeks to eliminate practices that unfairly decrease U.S. market access opportunities or distort agricultural markets for the United States. 

In 2018, U.S. total exports of agricultural products to Kenya totaled $37 million. Leading domestic export categories were $10 million of coarse grains, $6 million of wheat and $5 million of pulse crops.

The United States and Kenya began trade negotiations Wednesday, seeking to enter a free trade agreement. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded the progress, saying a deal could "strengthen and deepen our relationships with economies across the continent” of Africa. Kenya is included in the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which is set to expire in 2025. The U.S. Chamber says a Kenya free trade agreement will provide American businesses the certainty they need to continue investing in the growing market. Agriculture goals for the U.S. include securing full market access for U.S. agricultural goods in Kenya by reducing or eliminating tariffs. Further, the U.S. seeks to eliminate practices that unfairly decrease U.S. market access opportunities or distort agricultural markets for the United States. In 2018, U.S. total exports of agricultural products to Kenya totaled $37 million. Leading domestic export categories were $10 million of coarse grains, $6 million of wheat and $5 million of pulse crops.

U.S. and Kenya begin trade talks

The Department of Agriculture this week announced changes to several crop insurance policies that the agency says improves options for producers. USDA introduced the Quality Loss Option, a new unit structure assignment option for Enterprise Units and new procedures for Multi-County Enterprise Units. 

Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin Barbre says the changes “provide producers more flexibility and options” to farmers. The new Quality Loss Option is in response to the 2018 Farm Bill that required the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop methods of adjusting for quality losses. 

The new Quality Loss Option allows producers to replace post-quality production amounts in their Actual Production History databases with pre-quality production amounts, thereby increasing their actual yields for individual crop years. 

For Enterprise Units and Multi-County Enterprise Units, a new unit structure assignment option was added. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. Learn more about the changes at rma.usda.gov.

The Department of Agriculture this week announced changes to several crop insurance policies that the agency says improves options for producers. USDA introduced the Quality Loss Option, a new unit structure assignment option for Enterprise Units and new procedures for Multi-County Enterprise Units. Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin Barbre says the changes “provide producers more flexibility and options” to farmers. The new Quality Loss Option is in response to the 2018 Farm Bill that required the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop methods of adjusting for quality losses. The new Quality Loss Option allows producers to replace post-quality production amounts in their Actual Production History databases with pre-quality production amounts, thereby increasing their actual yields for individual crop years. For Enterprise Units and Multi-County Enterprise Units, a new unit structure assignment option was added. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. Learn more about the changes at rma.usda.gov.

USDA provides new crop insurance options

Below-normal precipitation in the upper Missouri Basin during June resulted in slightly below-average June runoff. As a result, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduced water releases from Gavins Point Dam to 30,000 cubic feet per second. 

The 2020 calendar year upper basin runoff forecast, updated on July 1, is 31.2 Million Acre Feet, 121 percent of average. Average annual runoff for the upper basin is 25.8 million-acre feet. While above average, the forecast is welcomed along the Missouri River Basin, plagued by flooding last year. 

Work continues along the river to repair and improve levees that protect farmland. Much of that runoff was due to wet soil conditions early this spring and snowmelt runoff.&nbsp; John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, says, “remaining summer runoff will depend on rainfall events.” 

Soils continue to dry out in the upper Missouri River Basin due to well-below normal precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures. And, drought conditions have expanded across much of western portion of the Basin.

Below-normal precipitation in the upper Missouri Basin during June resulted in slightly below-average June runoff. As a result, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduced water releases from Gavins Point Dam to 30,000 cubic feet per second. The 2020 calendar year upper basin runoff forecast, updated on July 1, is 31.2 Million Acre Feet, 121 percent of average. Average annual runoff for the upper basin is 25.8 million-acre feet. While above average, the forecast is welcomed along the Missouri River Basin, plagued by flooding last year. Work continues along the river to repair and improve levees that protect farmland. Much of that runoff was due to wet soil conditions early this spring and snowmelt runoff.&nbsp; John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, says, “remaining summer runoff will depend on rainfall events.” Soils continue to dry out in the upper Missouri River Basin due to well-below normal precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures. And, drought conditions have expanded across much of western portion of the Basin.

Gavins Point Dam decreases Missouri River water releases

Farmer sentiment improved again in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 14 points to 117. 

The barometer's rise was fueled by improvements in both the Index of Current Conditions, which rose to a reading of 99, 19 percent higher than a month earlier, and the Index of Future Expectations, which climbed to 126, 12 percent higher than in May. 

The improvement in farmer sentiment left the Ag Economy Barometer seven percent below one year earlier, while the Index of Future Expectations was still ten percent below its June 2019 level. 

However, the Index of Current Conditions was two percent higher than in June 2019, likely reflecting considerably improved spring planting conditions throughout much of the nation, in addition to support from USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. 

Four out of ten farmers surveyed said that as a result of concerns about COVID-19, they are conducting more business online, and over half of respondents said they are less likely to attend in-person educational events in 2020.

Farmer sentiment improved again in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 14 points to 117. The barometer's rise was fueled by improvements in both the Index of Current Conditions, which rose to a reading of 99, 19 percent higher than a month earlier, and the Index of Future Expectations, which climbed to 126, 12 percent higher than in May. The improvement in farmer sentiment left the Ag Economy Barometer seven percent below one year earlier, while the Index of Future Expectations was still ten percent below its June 2019 level. However, the Index of Current Conditions was two percent higher than in June 2019, likely reflecting considerably improved spring planting conditions throughout much of the nation, in addition to support from USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Four out of ten farmers surveyed said that as a result of concerns about COVID-19, they are conducting more business online, and over half of respondents said they are less likely to attend in-person educational events in 2020.

Ag economy barometer shows some optimism

China says a recently reported strain of swine flu is not a new virus. China’s Ministry of Agriculture over the weekend stated the G4 swine flu strain is not new and does not sicken humans and animals easily. 

The claims rebuff a study published last week, according to Reuters. China’s agriculture ministry said in a statement that the study has been interpreted by the media “in an exaggerated and nonfactual way.” 

The study was published in a U.S. scientific journal warning the new swine flu virus “has become more infectious to humans and could become a potential pandemic virus.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the G4 strain has been spreading in China since 2016 and has become the predominant genotype found in Chinese pigs. 

The scientific report last week claims the virus has the “right characteristics for causing infections in people.” However, only two human infections with G4 viruses have previously been reported.

China says a recently reported strain of swine flu is not a new virus. China’s Ministry of Agriculture over the weekend stated the G4 swine flu strain is not new and does not sicken humans and animals easily. The claims rebuff a study published last week, according to Reuters. China’s agriculture ministry said in a statement that the study has been interpreted by the media “in an exaggerated and nonfactual way.” The study was published in a U.S. scientific journal warning the new swine flu virus “has become more infectious to humans and could become a potential pandemic virus.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the G4 strain has been spreading in China since 2016 and has become the predominant genotype found in Chinese pigs. The scientific report last week claims the virus has the “right characteristics for causing infections in people.” However, only two human infections with G4 viruses have previously been reported.

China says G4 swine flu not new

A group of Senators last week introduced the Responding to Epidemic Losses and Investing in the Economic Future for Producers Act of 2020. Known as the RELIEF Act, the legislation would provide relief to livestock and poultry producers amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 

The bill would support producers that are faced with euthanizing their animals due to COVID-19. The legislation also provides resources for animal health laboratories as they develop solutions to defend against emerging animal disease spread. 

Finally, the bill gives additional authority to the Department of Agriculture through the existing Commodity Credit Corporation Charter to deal with removal and disposal of livestock for any public health emergency moving forward. 

The bill was introduced by Iowa Senators, Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, along with Oklahoma Republican Senator Jim Inhofe, and Republicans Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, both of North Carolina. Grassley says the bill "will provide much-needed assistance to farmers who had to depopulate their livestock through no fault of their own.”

A group of Senators last week introduced the Responding to Epidemic Losses and Investing in the Economic Future for Producers Act of 2020. Known as the RELIEF Act, the legislation would provide relief to livestock and poultry producers amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The bill would support producers that are faced with euthanizing their animals due to COVID-19. The legislation also provides resources for animal health laboratories as they develop solutions to defend against emerging animal disease spread. Finally, the bill gives additional authority to the Department of Agriculture through the existing Commodity Credit Corporation Charter to deal with removal and disposal of livestock for any public health emergency moving forward. The bill was introduced by Iowa Senators, Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, along with Oklahoma Republican Senator Jim Inhofe, and Republicans Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, both of North Carolina. Grassley says the bill "will provide much-needed assistance to farmers who had to depopulate their livestock through no fault of their own.”

RELIEF Act would support livestock and poultry producers

U.S. beef and pork exports trended lower in May, due in part to interruptions in slaughter and processing. The U.S. Meat Export Federation reports beef exports dropped well below year-ago levels and recorded the lowest monthly volume in ten years. 

Pork exports remained higher than a year ago but were the lowest since October 2019. Packing plant disruptions caused by COVID-19 resulted in the lower exports. 

May beef exports were down 33 percent from a year ago to 79,200 metric tons, with value falling 34 percent to $480.1 million. May pork exports totaled 243,800 metric tons, 12 percent above a year ago but down 13 percent from the monthly average for the first quarter of 2020. 

Export value was $620.9 million, up nine percent year-over-year but 16 percent below the first quarter monthly average. &nbsp;However, improvements are expected. 

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “Now that production has substantially recovered, the U.S. industry is better able to meet the needs of both domestic and international customers.”

U.S. beef and pork exports trended lower in May, due in part to interruptions in slaughter and processing. The U.S. Meat Export Federation reports beef exports dropped well below year-ago levels and recorded the lowest monthly volume in ten years. Pork exports remained higher than a year ago but were the lowest since October 2019. Packing plant disruptions caused by COVID-19 resulted in the lower exports. May beef exports were down 33 percent from a year ago to 79,200 metric tons, with value falling 34 percent to $480.1 million. May pork exports totaled 243,800 metric tons, 12 percent above a year ago but down 13 percent from the monthly average for the first quarter of 2020. Export value was $620.9 million, up nine percent year-over-year but 16 percent below the first quarter monthly average. &nbsp;However, improvements are expected. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “Now that production has substantially recovered, the U.S. industry is better able to meet the needs of both domestic and international customers.”

Production challenges, economic headwinds slow red meat exports in May

Producers who haven’t completed their crop acreage reports after spring planting should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency office before the applicable deadline. July 15th is the major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and by crop. 

“The first step to becoming eligible for many USDA programs is to file an accurate crop acreage report,” says FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “To file your acreage report, call your local FSA office to make an appointment.” 

Due to COVID-19, FSA put reporting flexibilities in place. The agency can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, and online tools, as well as virtual meetings. You must call ahead to those offices that are open for in-person appointments. 

After all of the completed maps and acreage reporting information is received, FSA will make software updates and send producers the completed Report of Acreage form to sign. Producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA as soon as possible.

Producers who haven’t completed their crop acreage reports after spring planting should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency office before the applicable deadline. July 15th is the major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and by crop. “The first step to becoming eligible for many USDA programs is to file an accurate crop acreage report,” says FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “To file your acreage report, call your local FSA office to make an appointment.” Due to COVID-19, FSA put reporting flexibilities in place. The agency can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, and online tools, as well as virtual meetings. You must call ahead to those offices that are open for in-person appointments. After all of the completed maps and acreage reporting information is received, FSA will make software updates and send producers the completed Report of Acreage form to sign. Producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA as soon as possible.

USDA reminding producers to complete crop acreage reports

A modernized North American trade pact officially took effect last week, providing some continuity for manufacturers and agriculture. Reuters says the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement is facing multiple disputes that still need to be resolved, exposing cracks in what was supposed to be a stronger North American “fortress of competitiveness.” 

The deal takes effect with all three countries mired in a COVID-inspired recession. April trade flow of goods between the countries is normally about $1.2 trillion every year, but the disease cut trade to its lowest monthly level in ten years. 

The Trump Administration is currently threatening to implement new tariffs on aluminum imports from Canada. Issues currently nagging at the USMCA also include hundreds of legal challenges to Mexico’s new labor laws that ensure workers can freely organize and grant unions full collective bargaining rights. 

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer calls the agreement the most “far-reaching” trade agreement in history. However, he also says he won’t hesitate to file dispute cases “early and often” to enforce USMCA provisions. He says Mexico’s failure to approve U.S. biotech products is an example.

A modernized North American trade pact officially took effect last week, providing some continuity for manufacturers and agriculture. Reuters says the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement is facing multiple disputes that still need to be resolved, exposing cracks in what was supposed to be a stronger North American “fortress of competitiveness.” The deal takes effect with all three countries mired in a COVID-inspired recession. April trade flow of goods between the countries is normally about $1.2 trillion every year, but the disease cut trade to its lowest monthly level in ten years. The Trump Administration is currently threatening to implement new tariffs on aluminum imports from Canada. Issues currently nagging at the USMCA also include hundreds of legal challenges to Mexico’s new labor laws that ensure workers can freely organize and grant unions full collective bargaining rights. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer calls the agreement the most “far-reaching” trade agreement in history. However, he also says he won’t hesitate to file dispute cases “early and often” to enforce USMCA provisions. He says Mexico’s failure to approve U.S. biotech products is an example.

USMCA kicks in under a cloud of disagreements

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler talked about the 52 gap-year Small Refinery Exemption petitions awaiting the agency. The 52 applications cover the years 2011-2018. 

There are 27 more SRE applications for 2019 and one for 2020. All the applications are in the hands of the Department of Energy for review. The 52 applications were sent in earlier this year by refiners after a Court of Appeals ruling earlier this year in the Tenth Circuit. 

A DTN report says the biofuels industry and supportive lawmakers are in the middle of a public relations campaign to encourage the EPA to reject all of the applications. 

Some of the petitions that go as far back as 2012 have renewable identification numbers for that year which have expired. Wheeler says that means there are several potential problems with the petitions. 

“So, there are questions about whether they can show economic harm and what the remedy would be,” Wheeler says. “First, we’re waiting to see what the Department of Energy has to say about the small refinery exemptions.”

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler talked about the 52 gap-year Small Refinery Exemption petitions awaiting the agency. The 52 applications cover the years 2011-2018. There are 27 more SRE applications for 2019 and one for 2020. All the applications are in the hands of the Department of Energy for review. The 52 applications were sent in earlier this year by refiners after a Court of Appeals ruling earlier this year in the Tenth Circuit. A DTN report says the biofuels industry and supportive lawmakers are in the middle of a public relations campaign to encourage the EPA to reject all of the applications. Some of the petitions that go as far back as 2012 have renewable identification numbers for that year which have expired. Wheeler says that means there are several potential problems with the petitions. “So, there are questions about whether they can show economic harm and what the remedy would be,” Wheeler says. “First, we’re waiting to see what the Department of Energy has to say about the small refinery exemptions.”

Wheeler talks about gap-year SREs

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, the National Farmers Union, along with 11 other groups sent a letter to the Senate Ag Committee requesting a hearing on livestock mandatory price reporting reauthorization. 

The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Rule, first established in 1999, mandates price reporting for cattle, boxed beef, swine, and lamb. It’s reauthorized every five years, with the current program expiring on September 30 of this year. 

The 13 groups say it represents an opportunity to make meaningful change to the program to increase transparency and true price discovery. According to a 2019 Congressional Research Service report, a common mistake among industry stakeholders is “the low volume of negotiated purchases and a parallel trend toward increased formula purchases or other marketing arrangements. 

Other concerns include confidentiality and a lack of clarity on how transactions are categorized in reports.” USCA and the other groups strongly urge the Senate Ag Committee to examine all available solutions to the current market factors depressing livestock prices and the increasing consolidation facing the U.S. cattle industry. 

They say the industry is running out of time to work towards a positive reauthorization of the program. USCA says the livestock industry requires “bold leadership to realign the marketplace with its fundamentals, and that starts with modernizing the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program.”

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, the National Farmers Union, along with 11 other groups sent a letter to the Senate Ag Committee requesting a hearing on livestock mandatory price reporting reauthorization. The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Rule, first established in 1999, mandates price reporting for cattle, boxed beef, swine, and lamb. It’s reauthorized every five years, with the current program expiring on September 30 of this year. The 13 groups say it represents an opportunity to make meaningful change to the program to increase transparency and true price discovery. According to a 2019 Congressional Research Service report, a common mistake among industry stakeholders is “the low volume of negotiated purchases and a parallel trend toward increased formula purchases or other marketing arrangements. Other concerns include confidentiality and a lack of clarity on how transactions are categorized in reports.” USCA and the other groups strongly urge the Senate Ag Committee to examine all available solutions to the current market factors depressing livestock prices and the increasing consolidation facing the U.S. cattle industry. They say the industry is running out of time to work towards a positive reauthorization of the program. USCA says the livestock industry requires “bold leadership to realign the marketplace with its fundamentals, and that starts with modernizing the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program.”

Groups request hearing on livestock reporting rule

Ag groups in the U.S. are breathing a sigh of relief as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement goes into full effect. “The agreement solidifies our country’s most important and strategic relationships with our best customers and promises further economic growth in tandem with our most valuable trading partners,” says Darren Armstrong, Chair of the U.S. Grains Council. 

American Soybean Association President Bill Gordon says Mexico and Canada are two of their biggest markets, noting that “USMCA is a win for U.S. soybean farmers and it restores certainty and stability to two important export markets for our farmers.” 

Doug Goyings, Chair of United Wheat Associates, says, “We see this as an opportunity to take a gold-standard agreement and use it to launch negotiations with other countries.” 

The American Feed Association says, “Our northern and southern neighbors have a huge impact on the animal food industry, as Mexico and Canada represent the country’s largest and second-largest export markets for feed, feed ingredients, and pet food, respectively.” 

The Fertilizer Institute says the USMCA is “an emphatic win for agriculture and the millions of hard-working men and women who grow our food, fuel, and fiber.” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “The launch of USMCA brings optimism to the country’s farmers and ranchers at a time when they need it most.”

Ag groups in the U.S. are breathing a sigh of relief as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement goes into full effect. “The agreement solidifies our country’s most important and strategic relationships with our best customers and promises further economic growth in tandem with our most valuable trading partners,” says Darren Armstrong, Chair of the U.S. Grains Council. American Soybean Association President Bill Gordon says Mexico and Canada are two of their biggest markets, noting that “USMCA is a win for U.S. soybean farmers and it restores certainty and stability to two important export markets for our farmers.” Doug Goyings, Chair of United Wheat Associates, says, “We see this as an opportunity to take a gold-standard agreement and use it to launch negotiations with other countries.” The American Feed Association says, “Our northern and southern neighbors have a huge impact on the animal food industry, as Mexico and Canada represent the country’s largest and second-largest export markets for feed, feed ingredients, and pet food, respectively.” The Fertilizer Institute says the USMCA is “an emphatic win for agriculture and the millions of hard-working men and women who grow our food, fuel, and fiber.” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “The launch of USMCA brings optimism to the country’s farmers and ranchers at a time when they need it most.”

U.S. ag groups relieved USMCA is officially in effect

The new U.S. trade deal with Mexico and Canada is officially in force. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement replaces the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement and brings to a close President Donald Trump’s threat to break apart the three-nation, $1.4 trillion free trade zone. 

Politico says officials in all three countries are celebrating that the deal is taking effect as each nation looks for some certainty during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are some tensions brewing between the U.S. and Canada regarding aluminum. President Trump recently threatened to reimpose tariffs on imports of aluminum from Canada. 

The U.S. could impose a ten percent duty if Canada doesn’t agree to quotas to help slow the surge of its aluminum exports, which would likely bring a retaliation from Ottawa. 

Business leaders have been quick to ask the U.S. President not to reimpose the tariffs as they celebrate USMCA. South of the border, some of the biggest issues are between the U.S. and Mexico. 

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer says he expects fights with Mexico regarding labor, biotechnology, intellectual property, and energy. The Trump administration, Democrats, and labor unions will all be paying close attention to see if Mexico lives up to its labor requirements.

The new U.S. trade deal with Mexico and Canada is officially in force. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement replaces the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement and brings to a close President Donald Trump’s threat to break apart the three-nation, $1.4 trillion free trade zone. Politico says officials in all three countries are celebrating that the deal is taking effect as each nation looks for some certainty during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are some tensions brewing between the U.S. and Canada regarding aluminum. President Trump recently threatened to reimpose tariffs on imports of aluminum from Canada. The U.S. could impose a ten percent duty if Canada doesn’t agree to quotas to help slow the surge of its aluminum exports, which would likely bring a retaliation from Ottawa. Business leaders have been quick to ask the U.S. President not to reimpose the tariffs as they celebrate USMCA. South of the border, some of the biggest issues are between the U.S. and Mexico. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer says he expects fights with Mexico regarding labor, biotechnology, intellectual property, and energy. The Trump administration, Democrats, and labor unions will all be paying close attention to see if Mexico lives up to its labor requirements.

USMCA fully implemented in North America

China recently began purchasing more agricultural goods from the United States as the Asian country continues to recover from COVID-19 shutdowns. However, a Regina Leader-Post article says China’s import pace is still far behind where it needs to be to meet the terms of the Phase One trade agreement with the U.S. 

By the end of May, China had bought just 19 percent of the total purchase target of more than $170 billion in goods during 2020. Those numbers from U.S. Customs Administration data mean that China will need to buy about $139 billion in goods over the remainder of this year. 

China agreed to buy an additional $200 billion in goods and services over the 2017 level of purchases by the end of next year. That agreement paused a brutal trade war between the two largest economies in the world. 

“China will have to increase its purchases significantly in the coming months to meet the buying targets,” says Michelle Lam, a greater China economist based in Hong Kong. 

“However, as long as China keeps buying, markets could stay calm.” Industry analysts saw a significant jump in Chinese imports of American commodities in May. In June, China imported more meat than it did in April or May. &nbsp;&nbsp;

China recently began purchasing more agricultural goods from the United States as the Asian country continues to recover from COVID-19 shutdowns. However, a Regina Leader-Post article says China’s import pace is still far behind where it needs to be to meet the terms of the Phase One trade agreement with the U.S. By the end of May, China had bought just 19 percent of the total purchase target of more than $170 billion in goods during 2020. Those numbers from U.S. Customs Administration data mean that China will need to buy about $139 billion in goods over the remainder of this year. China agreed to buy an additional $200 billion in goods and services over the 2017 level of purchases by the end of next year. That agreement paused a brutal trade war between the two largest economies in the world. “China will have to increase its purchases significantly in the coming months to meet the buying targets,” says Michelle Lam, a greater China economist based in Hong Kong. “However, as long as China keeps buying, markets could stay calm.” Industry analysts saw a significant jump in Chinese imports of American commodities in May. In June, China imported more meat than it did in April or May. &nbsp;&nbsp;

China import pace still lagging far behind on phase one purchases

The Nebraska State Fair is still a go but will be scaled back considerably to protect people from Covid-19. The fair’s board approved a slimmed-down schedule for this year’s event, which is scheduled from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7.

Executive Director Bill Ogg says the first weekend of the fair will feature 4-H events, while the second weekend would offer FFA events. Other activities such as the Raising Nebraska Experience and Nebraska Game and Parks Display will be available during the week in between.

The 2020 State Fair will also include contests, presentations, and a static exhibit. There will be a Drive By I Spy Scavenger Hunt, an opportunity for Nebraska talent to perform in front of audiences of all sizes, and a coloring contest.

Fair officials said they may add other events as the fair nears. To learn more go to Statefair.org

The Nebraska State Fair is still a go but will be scaled back considerably to protect people from Covid-19. The fair’s board approved a slimmed-down schedule for this year’s event, which is scheduled from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7. Executive Director Bill Ogg says the first weekend of the fair will feature 4-H events, while the second weekend would offer FFA events. Other activities such as the Raising Nebraska Experience and Nebraska Game and Parks Display will be available during the week in between. The 2020 State Fair will also include contests, presentations, and a static exhibit. There will be a Drive By I Spy Scavenger Hunt, an opportunity for Nebraska talent to perform in front of audiences of all sizes, and a coloring contest.Fair officials said they may add other events as the fair nears. To learn more go to Statefair.org

The Nebraska State Fair is still a go

United Kingdom officials in London are launching an advisory group that will focus on protecting the interests of British farmers during the upcoming high-stakes trade negotiations with the United States. 

Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary for the United Kingdom, says, “Trade pacts with other nations must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers, and must not compromise on our high standards of food safety and animal welfare.” 

Politico says that those two issues are among the many controversial sticking points for the upcoming negotiations with the Trump Administration. The White House wants the U.K. to ease its restrictions on certain ag practices and products like the so-called “chlorine chicken.” 

The restrictions on those practices effectively keep American farmers from having more access to the British market. The trade discussions with the United Kingdom are just ramping up as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1st.

United Kingdom officials in London are launching an advisory group that will focus on protecting the interests of British farmers during the upcoming high-stakes trade negotiations with the United States. Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary for the United Kingdom, says, “Trade pacts with other nations must be fair and reciprocal to our farmers, and must not compromise on our high standards of food safety and animal welfare.” Politico says that those two issues are among the many controversial sticking points for the upcoming negotiations with the Trump Administration. The White House wants the U.K. to ease its restrictions on certain ag practices and products like the so-called “chlorine chicken.” The restrictions on those practices effectively keep American farmers from having more access to the British market. The trade discussions with the United Kingdom are just ramping up as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1st.

The U.K. still resisting agriculture inclusion in U.S. trade talks

China’s General Administration on Customs is asking some exporters to sign forms guaranteeing their products are free from COVID-19 contamination. Politico says that’s not sitting well with many U.S. food producers, who say they’re hesitant to sign off on the new safety protocols when they say it’s highly unlikely their food can even carry the virus. 

Western Growers CEO Dave Puglia says the new requirements from Beijing “are not based on any legitimate food safety concern,” citing international food safety guidelines that have found no evidence of the virus being transmitted through food or packaging. 

The pushback follows a rare joint statement from the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration that says, “Efforts by some countries to restrict global food exports related to COVID-19 transmission are not consistent with the known science of transmission.” 

Instead of signing the form issued from the Chinese government, some exporters are sending their own “commitment statements” with their cargo. The Ag Transportation Coalition sent its members three examples of statements they could use. 

“While China Customs hasn’t confirmed these statements are acceptable substitutes for the official form, we are hearing that exporters sending these statements have not encountered any issues so far with their customers clearing cargo in China,” the group says in an email.

China’s General Administration on Customs is asking some exporters to sign forms guaranteeing their products are free from COVID-19 contamination. Politico says that’s not sitting well with many U.S. food producers, who say they’re hesitant to sign off on the new safety protocols when they say it’s highly unlikely their food can even carry the virus. Western Growers CEO Dave Puglia says the new requirements from Beijing “are not based on any legitimate food safety concern,” citing international food safety guidelines that have found no evidence of the virus being transmitted through food or packaging. The pushback follows a rare joint statement from the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration that says, “Efforts by some countries to restrict global food exports related to COVID-19 transmission are not consistent with the known science of transmission.” Instead of signing the form issued from the Chinese government, some exporters are sending their own “commitment statements” with their cargo. The Ag Transportation Coalition sent its members three examples of statements they could use. “While China Customs hasn’t confirmed these statements are acceptable substitutes for the official form, we are hearing that exporters sending these statements have not encountered any issues so far with their customers clearing cargo in China,” the group says in an email.

Food exporters unhappy with China clampdown on imports

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sent a letter to Andrew Wheeler, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator regarding small refinery exemptions. 

They’re asking the agency to reject all of the 52 applications for retroactive small refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuels Standard for past compliance years. Governor Noem and Governor Walz are the chair and vice-chair of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition. 

“We are concerned that EPA is considering exemptions for prior years that were specifically submitted to evade the court of appeal’s decision by allowing refineries with lapsed SREs to establish a continuous chain of exemptions,” the governors say. 

“Approving prior-year SREs in this manner ignores the court’s decision and congressional intent, and it will severely impact farmers and rural communities that support the biofuels industry. Since 2017, the EPA has granted 85 SREs, undermining farmers and biofuel producers throughout the nation.” 

In January, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Tenth Circuit ruled that the EPA could not legally award exemptions to refiners that didn’t receive any waivers in previous years and had failed to demonstrate hardship in any way related to the RFS. If all 52 applications get approved, the coalition says it will cost the market more than two billion gallons worth of demand.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sent a letter to Andrew Wheeler, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator regarding small refinery exemptions. They’re asking the agency to reject all of the 52 applications for retroactive small refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuels Standard for past compliance years. Governor Noem and Governor Walz are the chair and vice-chair of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition. “We are concerned that EPA is considering exemptions for prior years that were specifically submitted to evade the court of appeal’s decision by allowing refineries with lapsed SREs to establish a continuous chain of exemptions,” the governors say. “Approving prior-year SREs in this manner ignores the court’s decision and congressional intent, and it will severely impact farmers and rural communities that support the biofuels industry. Since 2017, the EPA has granted 85 SREs, undermining farmers and biofuel producers throughout the nation.” In January, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Tenth Circuit ruled that the EPA could not legally award exemptions to refiners that didn’t receive any waivers in previous years and had failed to demonstrate hardship in any way related to the RFS. If all 52 applications get approved, the coalition says it will cost the market more than two billion gallons worth of demand.

Governors want EPA to reject retroactive refinery exemptions

The Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days have been going strong for 65 years as a place that farmers can go to find out about new products and tools to boost productivity. But, for the first time ever the shows won’t happen. 

Farm Progress made the difficult decision to cancel both shows due to the rapidly changing conditions related to COVID-19. Show management had initially said the shows would go on with different health and safety requirements in place. 

State and local officials had come out in support for both shows taking place. But Farm Progress officials said it became apparent in a very short time that the situation across the U.S. is changing. While state and local officials had expressed support for the shows, Farm Progress said it became apparent in a very short time that the situation in the U.S. is changing. 

“We have been working with officials in Iowa and Nebraska for our shows, and we appreciate the support they expressed for us to hold the events,” says Senior Vice President Don Tourte. “They are critical partners to us, and we are all disappointed to not host the events this year but feel confident this is the right decision for our community.”

The Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days have been going strong for 65 years as a place that farmers can go to find out about new products and tools to boost productivity. But, for the first time ever the shows won’t happen. Farm Progress made the difficult decision to cancel both shows due to the rapidly changing conditions related to COVID-19. Show management had initially said the shows would go on with different health and safety requirements in place. State and local officials had come out in support for both shows taking place. But Farm Progress officials said it became apparent in a very short time that the situation across the U.S. is changing. While state and local officials had expressed support for the shows, Farm Progress said it became apparent in a very short time that the situation in the U.S. is changing. “We have been working with officials in Iowa and Nebraska for our shows, and we appreciate the support they expressed for us to hold the events,” says Senior Vice President Don Tourte. “They are critical partners to us, and we are all disappointed to not host the events this year but feel confident this is the right decision for our community.”

No Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days in 2020

As of June first, U.S. farms contained 79.6 million hogs and pigs, up five percent from June of 2019. That’s also three percent higher than March first of this year. 

The Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report came out last week from USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service. Out of the total of 79.6 million hogs, 73.3 million are market hogs, while 6.3 million will be kept for breeding. 

Between March and May of this year, U.S. farms weaned 34.9 million pigs, up one percent from the same time a year ago. Also, from March to May 2020, U.S. hog and pig farmers weaned an average of 11 pigs per litter. 

U.S. hog producers intend to have 3.12 million sows farrow between June and August of 2020, and 3.09 million sows will farrow between September and November. 

The largest herd inventory is located in Iowa, where the total number is 25.2 million head. Minnesota was second at 9.6 million head and North Carolina was third with 9.4 million head of hogs and pigs.

As of June first, U.S. farms contained 79.6 million hogs and pigs, up five percent from June of 2019. That’s also three percent higher than March first of this year. The Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report came out last week from USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service. Out of the total of 79.6 million hogs, 73.3 million are market hogs, while 6.3 million will be kept for breeding. Between March and May of this year, U.S. farms weaned 34.9 million pigs, up one percent from the same time a year ago. Also, from March to May 2020, U.S. hog and pig farmers weaned an average of 11 pigs per litter. U.S. hog producers intend to have 3.12 million sows farrow between June and August of 2020, and 3.09 million sows will farrow between September and November. The largest herd inventory is located in Iowa, where the total number is 25.2 million head. Minnesota was second at 9.6 million head and North Carolina was third with 9.4 million head of hogs and pigs.

U.S. hog industry is up by five percent

Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa, along with Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on blending waivers. 

They’re asking the EPA to reject petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuels Standard for past compliance years. In the letter, the senators warn that by granting any or all of the petitions, the agency would only worsen the economic challenges facing the biofuels industry. 

They also want the EPA to apply the Tenth Circuit Court decision nationally. “We urge you to reject these petitions outright and respond in writing to our questions about recent use of SREs under the RFS,” the senators say in the letter. 

“These petitions should not even be looked at because they are inconsistent with the Tenth Circuit Decision, Congressional intent, as well as the EPA’s own guidance.” Most importantly, they say it goes against the best interests of farmers and rural communities who rely on the biofuel industry. 

“The approval of the SREs for past compliance years will only worsen the already unprecedented challenges facing the biofuels industry and the rural communities that it supports,” the Senators added.

Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa, along with Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on blending waivers. They’re asking the EPA to reject petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuels Standard for past compliance years. In the letter, the senators warn that by granting any or all of the petitions, the agency would only worsen the economic challenges facing the biofuels industry. They also want the EPA to apply the Tenth Circuit Court decision nationally. “We urge you to reject these petitions outright and respond in writing to our questions about recent use of SREs under the RFS,” the senators say in the letter. “These petitions should not even be looked at because they are inconsistent with the Tenth Circuit Decision, Congressional intent, as well as the EPA’s own guidance.” Most importantly, they say it goes against the best interests of farmers and rural communities who rely on the biofuel industry. “The approval of the SREs for past compliance years will only worsen the already unprecedented challenges facing the biofuels industry and the rural communities that it supports,” the Senators added.

Senators urge EPA to reject biofuel blending waivers

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will be in Washington this week to celebrate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade going into full effect. 

The Washington Trade Daily says Obrador will meet with President Trump and may also meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As the agreement between the three North American countries enters into force, Obrador is making the trip to signal Mexico’s commitment to the USMCA and that it’s a reliable partner in the agreement. 

Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy spoke recently during a webinar sponsored by the Atlantic Council, noting that implementation of the USMCA is even more important as the countries try to recover from COVID-19. 

The trade pact was negotiated before the coronavirus outbreak took off, but it can also be a model for trade in the post-pandemic world. The Hagstrom Report says officials in Mexico also believe that in the wake of COVID-19, most countries will be looking to bring their supply chains closer to home.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will be in Washington this week to celebrate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade going into full effect. The Washington Trade Daily says Obrador will meet with President Trump and may also meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As the agreement between the three North American countries enters into force, Obrador is making the trip to signal Mexico’s commitment to the USMCA and that it’s a reliable partner in the agreement. Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy spoke recently during a webinar sponsored by the Atlantic Council, noting that implementation of the USMCA is even more important as the countries try to recover from COVID-19. The trade pact was negotiated before the coronavirus outbreak took off, but it can also be a model for trade in the post-pandemic world. The Hagstrom Report says officials in Mexico also believe that in the wake of COVID-19, most countries will be looking to bring their supply chains closer to home.

Mexican president to meet this week with Trump

The head of the National Farmers Union blasted the Environmental Protection Agency, calling it a “barrier” for reducing greenhouse gasses in biofuels. “The EPA has been the primary barrier to a lot of additional success that we can have in reducing greenhouse gasses in ethanol technology,” says Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. 

“The story for grain-based ethanol, in general is the EPA continues to be a barrier, not only because of the waivers they’ve issued but also for barriers against higher blends.” 

Larew’s comments during a Senate hearing took place days after the EPA said it had received 52 new petitions from oil refiners asking for retroactive exemptions to requirements that they blend biofuels into their products. 

A court overturned three agency-issued waivers in January, which the EPA did not appeal. Biofuels are a complex issue as the Trump Administration struggles to balance the conflicting interests of farmers and the oil industry, two demographics that are key parts of President Trump’s base. 

The NFU President appeared during a Senate Ag Committee hearing on a new bipartisan bill designed to help farmers get carbon credits in exchange for sustainable farming practices.

The head of the National Farmers Union blasted the Environmental Protection Agency, calling it a “barrier” for reducing greenhouse gasses in biofuels. “The EPA has been the primary barrier to a lot of additional success that we can have in reducing greenhouse gasses in ethanol technology,” says Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. “The story for grain-based ethanol, in general is the EPA continues to be a barrier, not only because of the waivers they’ve issued but also for barriers against higher blends.” Larew’s comments during a Senate hearing took place days after the EPA said it had received 52 new petitions from oil refiners asking for retroactive exemptions to requirements that they blend biofuels into their products. A court overturned three agency-issued waivers in January, which the EPA did not appeal. Biofuels are a complex issue as the Trump Administration struggles to balance the conflicting interests of farmers and the oil industry, two demographics that are key parts of President Trump’s base. The NFU President appeared during a Senate Ag Committee hearing on a new bipartisan bill designed to help farmers get carbon credits in exchange for sustainable farming practices.