A federal judge blocked the U.S. Labor Department from enforcing a rule in 17 states that would prevent agricultural employers from retaliating against migrant workers with H-2A visas for joining labor unions. Employers also couldn’t retaliate for workers organizing against wage theft, trafficking, and other abuses. Courthouse News says the judge sided with states in a lawsuit against the Labor Department and granted a preliminary injunction. He ruled the regulation would unconstitutionally give foreign agricultural workers rights that Congress never wanted to provide. 

A federal judge blocked the U.S. Labor Department from enforcing a rule in 17 states that would prevent agricultural employers from retaliating against migrant workers with H-2A visas for joining labor unions. Employers also couldn’t retaliate for workers organizing against wage theft, trafficking, and other abuses. Courthouse News says the judge sided with states in a lawsuit against the Labor Department and granted a preliminary injunction. He ruled the regulation would unconstitutionally give foreign agricultural workers rights that Congress never wanted to provide.

Judge blocks rule allowing farmworkers to join unions

The latest results were released from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy survey on the question of whether consumers and voters believe those in political power can address high food prices. Reports from the University of Illinois says concerns about the cost of food remain a priority for consumers and voters, and the recent emphasis on food prices by both presidential candidates demonstrates the issue’s continued relevance. 

The report found most respondents thought that political parties could help lower food prices and grocery bills. Not surprisingly, most respondents who identified with one of the major parties thought that only their party would be successful in lowering prices. Those who identified as independent or aligned with a third party were less confident politicians could help lower food prices. The results of the survey underscore that consumers do believe politicians can help lower the cost of food, but the “who” is highly partisan.

The latest results were released from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy survey on the question of whether consumers and voters believe those in political power can address high food prices. Reports from the University of Illinois says concerns about the cost of food remain a priority for consumers and voters, and the recent emphasis on food prices by both presidential candidates demonstrates the issue’s continued relevance. The report found most respondents thought that political parties could help lower food prices and grocery bills. Not surprisingly, most respondents who identified with one of the major parties thought that only their party would be successful in lowering prices. Those who identified as independent or aligned with a third party were less confident politicians could help lower food prices. The results of the survey underscore that consumers do believe politicians can help lower the cost of food, but the “who” is highly partisan.-NAFB

Political promises to lower the price of food

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 11.1 million head on August 1, 2024. The inventory level was slightly above August 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots totaled 1.70 million head, six percent higher than in 2023. Net placements for the month were 1.65 million head. Marketings of fed cattle in July totaled 1.86 million head, eight percent above the same time a year ago. Other disappearances during July totaled 1.86 million head, 14 percent below last year. 

United States egg production totaled 9.06 billion during July 2024, two percent below last year. Production included 7.8 billion table eggs and 1.30 billion hatching eggs. The average number of layers during July totaled 370 million, down three percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,450 eggs, slightly higher than July of last year.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 11.1 million head on August 1, 2024. The inventory level was slightly above August 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots totaled 1.70 million head, six percent higher than in 2023. Net placements for the month were 1.65 million head. Marketings of fed cattle in July totaled 1.86 million head, eight percent above the same time a year ago. Other disappearances during July totaled 1.86 million head, 14 percent below last year. United States egg production totaled 9.06 billion during July 2024, two percent below last year. Production included 7.8 billion table eggs and 1.30 billion hatching eggs. The average number of layers during July totaled 370 million, down three percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,450 eggs, slightly higher than July of last year.-NAFB

USDA releases cattle on feed and egg production reports

Colorado Parks and Wildlife intends to release more gray wolves into the exact zone where they’ve already killed dozens of sheep and cattle in Grand and Summit counties. Reports say in just over four months, the death toll for livestock killed by wolves in the area is now in the dozens. Officials estimate that number comes from nine out of the ten wolves released last December. 

Most of the livestock were likely killed by just two wolves, a mating pair that produced three pups. Reid DeWalt of Colorado Parks and Wildlife said last Friday that they’re considering the same zone for their next release of wolves. “CPW’s wolf restoration plan says the wolves would be released in two zones: a northern zone where the first group was released, and a southern zone.,” says DeWalt. DeWalt told the commission that the next release next release would again be in the northern zone.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife intends to release more gray wolves into the exact zone where they’ve already killed dozens of sheep and cattle in Grand and Summit counties. Reports say in just over four months, the death toll for livestock killed by wolves in the area is now in the dozens. Officials estimate that number comes from nine out of the ten wolves released last December. Most of the livestock were likely killed by just two wolves, a mating pair that produced three pups. Reid DeWalt of Colorado Parks and Wildlife said last Friday that they’re considering the same zone for their next release of wolves. “CPW’s wolf restoration plan says the wolves would be released in two zones: a northern zone where the first group was released, and a southern zone.,” says DeWalt. DeWalt told the commission that the next release next release would again be in the northern zone.-NAFB

Colorado officials releasing even more wolves

The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that Summit Carbons Solutions can’t build a carbon-capture pipeline through the state as the situation stands right now. The court ruled that Summit hasn’t proven it’s a “common carrier.” A common carrier transports goods and services for the public in exchange for a fee, such as electricity in a transmission line. Common carriers are allowed to use eminent domain to gain land access from unwilling landowners. 

The State Supreme Court ruled Summit hasn’t proven to lower courts that it’s holding itself out to the general public as transporting a commodity for hire. Landowners who oppose the project applauded the decision as a victory. However, South Dakota Searchlight says the company remains confident it can go back to the lower courts and prove its case. Summit Carbon Solutions is developing an $8 billion pipeline project to transport CO2 to underground storage in North Dakota.  

The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that Summit Carbons Solutions can’t build a carbon-capture pipeline through the state as the situation stands right now. The court ruled that Summit hasn’t proven it’s a “common carrier.” A common carrier transports goods and services for the public in exchange for a fee, such as electricity in a transmission line. Common carriers are allowed to use eminent domain to gain land access from unwilling landowners. The State Supreme Court ruled Summit hasn’t proven to lower courts that it’s holding itself out to the general public as transporting a commodity for hire. Landowners who oppose the project applauded the decision as a victory. However, South Dakota Searchlight says the company remains confident it can go back to the lower courts and prove its case. Summit Carbon Solutions is developing an $8 billion pipeline project to transport CO2 to underground storage in North Dakota. -NAFB

South Dakota State Supreme Court sides with landowners

Farm Credit System institutions made almost 133,000 loans to young, beginning, or small U.S. producers in 2023, delivering on their critical mission to support rural communities and agriculture. A new Farm Credit Administration Report underscores Farm Credit’s commitment to the next generation of agricultural producers through strategic lending and support initiatives. 

Farm Credit System institutions made almost 133,000 loans to young, beginning, or small U.S. producers in 2023, delivering on their critical mission to support rural communities and agriculture. A new Farm Credit Administration Report underscores Farm Credit’s commitment to the next generation of agricultural producers through strategic lending and support initiatives.

Farm credit delivers support to young, beginning, and small farmers

In 2021, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act, requiring businesses to report the identity of their owners. The goal is a simple one: to prevent crimes by knowing the identity of corporation owners. That means many small businesses like farms and ranches are required to comply with this. Under the Act, companies with 20 or fewer employees are required to report information about their beneficial owners, or the individuals who own at least 25 percent of the entity’s ownership interest, exercise substantial control over the entity, or receive a substantial economic benefit from the assets of the reporting entity.

In more basic terms, you are a beneficial owner if you own at least 25 percent of a company, control or make major decisions for the company, or receive substantial earnings for the company. Many cattle raisers may be impacted by this law. For more information about the requirement, go to fincen.gov.    

In 2021, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act, requiring businesses to report the identity of their owners. The goal is a simple one: to prevent crimes by knowing the identity of corporation owners. That means many small businesses like farms and ranches are required to comply with this. Under the Act, companies with 20 or fewer employees are required to report information about their beneficial owners, or the individuals who own at least 25 percent of the entity’s ownership interest, exercise substantial control over the entity, or receive a substantial economic benefit from the assets of the reporting entity.In more basic terms, you are a beneficial owner if you own at least 25 percent of a company, control or make major decisions for the company, or receive substantial earnings for the company. Many cattle raisers may be impacted by this law. For more information about the requirement, go to fincen.gov. -NAFB

Farmers, ranchers required to file ownership information 

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which is in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6. This annual event is where the beef industry meets to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers, and enjoy family fun. “CattleCon is the biggest industry event of the year,” says Mark Eisele, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn, and have some fun.” 

For those arriving early, there will be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on Monday, February 3. The pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies. CattleCon officially kicks off on Tuesday, February 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. Several registration options are available. For more information or to register and reserve housing, go to convention.ncba.org.

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which is in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6. This annual event is where the beef industry meets to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers, and enjoy family fun. “CattleCon is the biggest industry event of the year,” says Mark Eisele, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn, and have some fun.” For those arriving early, there will be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on Monday, February 3. The pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies. CattleCon officially kicks off on Tuesday, February 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. Several registration options are available. For more information or to register and reserve housing, go to convention.ncba.org.-NAFB

CattleCon 2025 registration is now open

The USDA is accepting offers for more than 2.2 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Grassland, General, and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program sign-ups administered by the Farm Service Agency. With the accepted acres, enrollment is very near the 27 million CRP acreage cap.

 FSA Administrator, Zach Ducheneaux says, “The popularity of our Conservation Reserve Programs, including the significant success of the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program and nearing the overall CRP acreage cap is a testament to the commitments made by the farmers, ranchers, and landowners we serve to mitigate the impacts of climate change by conserving, protecting, and enhancing our natural resources.” and “It’s through all of FSA’s conservation programs that we are able to work directly with agricultural producers to implement climate-smart conservation practices that ultimately benefit everyone.”

 Producers can still participate in CRP through the Continuous CRP signup at their local USDA service center.

The USDA is accepting offers for more than 2.2 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Grassland, General, and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program sign-ups administered by the Farm Service Agency. With the accepted acres, enrollment is very near the 27 million CRP acreage cap. FSA Administrator, Zach Ducheneaux says, “The popularity of our Conservation Reserve Programs, including the significant success of the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program and nearing the overall CRP acreage cap is a testament to the commitments made by the farmers, ranchers, and landowners we serve to mitigate the impacts of climate change by conserving, protecting, and enhancing our natural resources.” and “It’s through all of FSA’s conservation programs that we are able to work directly with agricultural producers to implement climate-smart conservation practices that ultimately benefit everyone.” Producers can still participate in CRP through the Continuous CRP signup at their local USDA service center.

USDA accepts over 2.2 million acres of land in conservation programs

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in the California Air Resource Board’s proposed amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). If adopted, these changes would impose caps on credits for soy- and canola-based biodiesel without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations. By restricting credit generation for these low-carbon alternatives, CARB risks unfairly disadvantaging biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are proven solutions that reduce emissions today while supporting sustainable farming and rural economies. 

Limiting biodiesel and renewable diesel in favor of technologies that will not be fully scalable for many years, even by CARB’s own projections, threatens both environmental progress and innovation. “These proposed amendments impose significant restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, hindering the ability of clean fuels to effectively decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector,” says Jeff Earl, director of government affairs at Clean Fuels. “They induce stricter standards for these fuels than those applied to others, even petroleum.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in the California Air Resource Board’s proposed amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). If adopted, these changes would impose caps on credits for soy- and canola-based biodiesel without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations. By restricting credit generation for these low-carbon alternatives, CARB risks unfairly disadvantaging biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are proven solutions that reduce emissions today while supporting sustainable farming and rural economies. Limiting biodiesel and renewable diesel in favor of technologies that will not be fully scalable for many years, even by CARB’s own projections, threatens both environmental progress and innovation. “These proposed amendments impose significant restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, hindering the ability of clean fuels to effectively decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector,” says Jeff Earl, director of government affairs at Clean Fuels. “They induce stricter standards for these fuels than those applied to others, even petroleum.”-NAFB

Clean Fuels is disappointed in the CARB proposal

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service plans to monitor H5N1 influenza A in dairy cows at slaughter starting next month. FSIS will leverage its existing National Residue Program and conduct H5N1 sampling in the muscle samples of dairy cow carcasses already collected for the program. Samples will be tested by FSIS laboratory personnel using polymerase chain reaction testing. 

Carcasses sampled under the program are held by establishments pending residue testing results. This process will not require additional holding time for carcasses beyond current residue testing protocols. In the event of a positive H5N1 finding, USDA will work with industry to ensure the carcass does not enter the food supply. HPAI is a threat to the poultry industry, animal health, human health, trade, and the economy worldwide. Since the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in March 2024, USDA has worked to assess the prevalence of the virus in U.S. dairy herds.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service plans to monitor H5N1 influenza A in dairy cows at slaughter starting next month. FSIS will leverage its existing National Residue Program and conduct H5N1 sampling in the muscle samples of dairy cow carcasses already collected for the program. Samples will be tested by FSIS laboratory personnel using polymerase chain reaction testing. Carcasses sampled under the program are held by establishments pending residue testing results. This process will not require additional holding time for carcasses beyond current residue testing protocols. In the event of a positive H5N1 finding, USDA will work with industry to ensure the carcass does not enter the food supply. HPAI is a threat to the poultry industry, animal health, human health, trade, and the economy worldwide. Since the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in March 2024, USDA has worked to assess the prevalence of the virus in U.S. dairy herds.-NAFB

FSIS to start H5N1 beef monitoring sampling

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center President and CEO Jim Carrington recently announced he will step down on July 1, 2025. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science, located in St Louis, Missouri. Carrington says, “We've been able to do so much because of our exceptional people, our partners and our supporters. But it's time to plan for a transition.” 

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center President and CEO Jim Carrington recently announced he will step down on July 1, 2025. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science, located in St Louis, Missouri. Carrington says, “We've been able to do so much because of our exceptional people, our partners and our supporters. But it's time to plan for a transition.”

Danforth plant science center CEO to retire

The Missouri State Fair celebrated youth in agriculture on Saturday, Aug. 17. The annual Sale of Champions highlighted the day, along with the inaugural Best of Missouri Sale, raising a total of over $350,000 for youth involved in agriculture.

The Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Beau Ann Graves of Chillicothe. Beau Ann is the daughter of Preston &amp; Samantha Graves and is a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. Her 1,370-pound crossbred steer sold for $50,000 and was purchased by BTC Bank, Wheeler Auction &amp; Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

The Grand Champion Barrow was exhibited by Cole Murphy of Houstonia. Cole is the son of Brent &amp; DeEtta Murphy and is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. His 281-pound crossbred hog was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Jillian Vogelsmeier, of Sweet Springs, exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb.&nbsp;Jillian is the daughter of Matt Vogelsmeier and Rachal Vogelsmeier and is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. Her Hampshire lamb weighed 146 pounds and was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

The Grand Champion Meat Goat was exhibited by Alexis Koelling of Bowling Green. Alexis is the daughter of Brock &amp; Michele Meyer and is a member of the Bowling Green FFA Chapter. Her Boer goat weighed 109 pounds and was purchased for $30,500 by University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

The Grand Champion Pen of Chickens was exhibited by Judd Lawson, of Schell City. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson &amp; Bob Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. His broilers weighed an average of 7.734 pounds and was purchased by Sycamore Creek – Wayne, Anita and Ethan Vanderwert for $3,700 along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Lain Gerdeman, of Warrenton, exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits. Lain is the son of Michael and Jess Gerdeman and is a member of the County Line 4-H Club. His White New Zealand rabbits weighed 5.2, 5.3 and 5.3 pounds and were purchased for $5,500 by ADM Animal Nutrition/ Moorman’s Show Tec, CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Abagayle Britton exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Steer. Abagayle is the daughter of Kristi &amp; Bradley Stout and Brent &amp; Jenna Britton and is a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Abagayle’s 1,330-pound Crossbred steer was purchased for $32,000 by Missouri State Fair Concessionaires, Wheeler Auctions &amp; Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Kade Jackson, of Lathrop, showed the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow. Kade is the son of Zeb &amp; Brandy Jackson and is a member of the Liberty 4-H Club. Kade’s 275-pound Crossbred barrow was purchased for $26,000 by Climate Corp Field View, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Jordann Doty, of Maryville, showed the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Jordann is the daughter of Philip &amp; Randa Doty and is a member of the NE Bluejays 4-H Club. Her Crossbred lamb weighed 161 pounds and was purchased for $18,000 by University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Ag and hometown supporters.

Ty Murphy, of Houstonia, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat. Ty is the son of Brent &amp; DeEtta Murphy and is a member of the Kennedy 4-H Club. Ty’s Boer goat weighed 77 pounds and sold for $14,500 to CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Judd Lawson, of Schell City, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Chickens. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson &amp; Bob Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. Judd’s broilers weighed an average of 7.29 pounds and sold for $2,900 to Invenergy, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

Carissa Stong, of Sheldon, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Rabbits. Carissa is the daughter of Dusty and Melissa Stong and is a member of the Nevada FFA Chapter. Carissa’s White New Zealand rabbits weighed 4.5, 4.2 and 4.5 pounds and sold for $3,200 to Missouri Rabbit Producers, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.

The Limited Edition Sale of Champions Commemorative Belt Buckle was purchased by Brian Boggs with Boggs Audio, for $1,200.

The Missouri State Fair celebrated youth in agriculture on Saturday, Aug. 17. The annual Sale of Champions highlighted the day, along with the inaugural Best of Missouri Sale, raising a total of over $350,000 for youth involved in agriculture.The Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Beau Ann Graves of Chillicothe. Beau Ann is the daughter of Preston &amp; Samantha Graves and is a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. Her 1,370-pound crossbred steer sold for $50,000 and was purchased by BTC Bank, Wheeler Auction &amp; Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.The Grand Champion Barrow was exhibited by Cole Murphy of Houstonia. Cole is the son of Brent &amp; DeEtta Murphy and is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. His 281-pound crossbred hog was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Jillian Vogelsmeier, of Sweet Springs, exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb.&nbsp;Jillian is the daughter of Matt Vogelsmeier and Rachal Vogelsmeier and is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. Her Hampshire lamb weighed 146 pounds and was purchased for $31,500 by Edward Jones, Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.The Grand Champion Meat Goat was exhibited by Alexis Koelling of Bowling Green. Alexis is the daughter of Brock &amp; Michele Meyer and is a member of the Bowling Green FFA Chapter. Her Boer goat weighed 109 pounds and was purchased for $30,500 by University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.The Grand Champion Pen of Chickens was exhibited by Judd Lawson, of Schell City. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson &amp; Bob Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. His broilers weighed an average of 7.734 pounds and was purchased by Sycamore Creek – Wayne, Anita and Ethan Vanderwert for $3,700 along with Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Lain Gerdeman, of Warrenton, exhibited the Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits. Lain is the son of Michael and Jess Gerdeman and is a member of the County Line 4-H Club. His White New Zealand rabbits weighed 5.2, 5.3 and 5.3 pounds and were purchased for $5,500 by ADM Animal Nutrition/ Moorman’s Show Tec, CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Abagayle Britton exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Steer. Abagayle is the daughter of Kristi &amp; Bradley Stout and Brent &amp; Jenna Britton and is a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Abagayle’s 1,330-pound Crossbred steer was purchased for $32,000 by Missouri State Fair Concessionaires, Wheeler Auctions &amp; Real Estate/Wheeler Angus Farm, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Kade Jackson, of Lathrop, showed the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow. Kade is the son of Zeb &amp; Brandy Jackson and is a member of the Liberty 4-H Club. Kade’s 275-pound Crossbred barrow was purchased for $26,000 by Climate Corp Field View, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Jordann Doty, of Maryville, showed the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Jordann is the daughter of Philip &amp; Randa Doty and is a member of the NE Bluejays 4-H Club. Her Crossbred lamb weighed 161 pounds and was purchased for $18,000 by University of Missouri – CAFNR, Mizzou Animal Science, Mizzou Meat Market, Sheep Merchandising Council, Youth in Ag and hometown supporters.Ty Murphy, of Houstonia, exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat. Ty is the son of Brent &amp; DeEtta Murphy and is a member of the Kennedy 4-H Club. Ty’s Boer goat weighed 77 pounds and sold for $14,500 to CFM Insurance, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Judd Lawson, of Schell City, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Chickens. Judd is the son of Susan Lawson &amp; Bob Lawson and is a member of the Osage River 4-H Club. Judd’s broilers weighed an average of 7.29 pounds and sold for $2,900 to Invenergy, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.Carissa Stong, of Sheldon, exhibited the Reserve Champion Pen of Rabbits. Carissa is the daughter of Dusty and Melissa Stong and is a member of the Nevada FFA Chapter. Carissa’s White New Zealand rabbits weighed 4.5, 4.2 and 4.5 pounds and sold for $3,200 to Missouri Rabbit Producers, Youth in Agriculture and hometown supporters.The Limited Edition Sale of Champions Commemorative Belt Buckle was purchased by Brian Boggs with Boggs Audio, for $1,200.

2024 Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions

The Food Price Index increased 0.2 percent in July, as it did in June. The index for food at home rose 0.1 percent in July. Three of the six major grocery store food group indexes rose over the month, while the other three dropped during July. The meat, poultry, fish, and eggs index rose 0.7 percent, with eggs seeing the largest increase. 

The cereals and bakery products index dropped by 0.5 percent, and so did the dairy and related products index. The food away from home index rose 0.2 percent in July after rising 0.4 percent in the prior two months. The index for food at home rose 1.1 percent during the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 4.1 percent over the last year. The meat, poultry, fish, and eggs index had the biggest jump in the last year at three percent.

The Food Price Index increased 0.2 percent in July, as it did in June. The index for food at home rose 0.1 percent in July. Three of the six major grocery store food group indexes rose over the month, while the other three dropped during July. The meat, poultry, fish, and eggs index rose 0.7 percent, with eggs seeing the largest increase. The cereals and bakery products index dropped by 0.5 percent, and so did the dairy and related products index. The food away from home index rose 0.2 percent in July after rising 0.4 percent in the prior two months. The index for food at home rose 1.1 percent during the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 4.1 percent over the last year. The meat, poultry, fish, and eggs index had the biggest jump in the last year at three percent.-NAFB

Food price index up fractionally in July

For the 80th time, the U.S. is holding National Farm Safety and Health Week during the third week of September, with this year’s schedule dates of September 15-21. Farm Safety and Health Week is a time to increase awareness of the high injury and fatality risk in agriculture and to improve agricultural health outcomes through outreach and education. Data from 2022 shows that the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries had the highest rate of fatal work injuries compared to other occupations, at 23.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers. 

For the 80th time, the U.S. is holding National Farm Safety and Health Week during the third week of September, with this year’s schedule dates of September 15-21. Farm Safety and Health Week is a time to increase awareness of the high injury and fatality risk in agriculture and to improve agricultural health outcomes through outreach and education. Data from 2022 shows that the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries had the highest rate of fatal work injuries compared to other occupations, at 23.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers.

Don’t learn safety by accident

Ag credit stress was limited in the second quarter of 2024 but showed signs of tightening amid lower crop prices and rising input costs. Those are the findings from a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. Farm income in the Tenth Federal Reserve District dropped faster than in recent quarters amid lower crop prices and increased expenses. 

Ag credit stress was limited in the second quarter of 2024 but showed signs of tightening amid lower crop prices and rising input costs. Those are the findings from a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. Farm income in the Tenth Federal Reserve District dropped faster than in recent quarters amid lower crop prices and increased expenses.

Limited ag credit stress, but signs of pressure

The Purdue University Farmland Value and Cash Rent Survey showed that Indiana farmland prices once again hit a new record in 2024. The average price of top-quality farmland is $14,392, up 4.8 percent from June 2023. Average and poor-quality farmland also hit new high prices at $11,630 and $9,071 per acre, an annual increase of 3.7 and 4.4 percent, respectively. Survey respondents suggest that the price growth mostly occurred late in 2023 and began to retreat in the first half of this year. 

Respondents generally expect farmland prices to decline modestly through the remainder of this year. At the state level, prices in December 2024 are expected to remain just above those observed in June 2023. The survey finds a number of forces putting downward pressure on farmland prices, including interest rates and crop prices. While there is general pessimism about the rest of 2024, longer-term economic expectations aren’t as gloomy.

The Purdue University Farmland Value and Cash Rent Survey showed that Indiana farmland prices once again hit a new record in 2024. The average price of top-quality farmland is $14,392, up 4.8 percent from June 2023. Average and poor-quality farmland also hit new high prices at $11,630 and $9,071 per acre, an annual increase of 3.7 and 4.4 percent, respectively. Survey respondents suggest that the price growth mostly occurred late in 2023 and began to retreat in the first half of this year. Respondents generally expect farmland prices to decline modestly through the remainder of this year. At the state level, prices in December 2024 are expected to remain just above those observed in June 2023. The survey finds a number of forces putting downward pressure on farmland prices, including interest rates and crop prices. While there is general pessimism about the rest of 2024, longer-term economic expectations aren’t as gloomy.-NAFB

Farmland prices increase despite downward pressure

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.

Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.

“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”

The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.

The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.

Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.

“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”

Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.

The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.

Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.

Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.

“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”

“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.

During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.

Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.

Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.

Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.

But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”

Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.

Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.

Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to embark on a year-long study beginning next month that will test samples for evidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza from former dairy cattle moved into meat production.Emilio Esteban, the under secretary for food safety at the USDA, told reporters on a call Tuesday the new testing program follows three studies undertaken during the spring and summer that all found beef in the nation’s food supply is safe to eat.“However, we want to move forward with an additional step,” Esteban said. “And what this means is that when those carcasses are tested, they are held and are not going to go into commerce until we get the results back.”The virus, also referred to as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in wild bird and domestic poultry flocks within the United States for years. But the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle has forced animal and human health experts to establish testing for a new community of agriculture workers and livestock.The news of additional testing for the country’s meat supply came alongside the results of a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that reinforced the safety of pasteurized dairy products.Steve Grube, chief medical officer for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting" target="_blank">most recent round of dairy product testing</a>&nbsp;included 167 foods that were processed in 27 states in June and July.“None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming that pasteurization is effective,” he said. “The second survey was intended to address geographic and product gaps from the initial sampling of the commercial milk and dairy product supply that the FDA conducted during April and May.”<h2>Testing milk in bulk tanks</h2>Federal officials have also launched a voluntary program for farmers to test the milk in bulk tanks for H5N1, a step that’s intended to make it easier for them to move their cows between states without having to individually test each one.Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said the department’s Farm Service Agency has approved 23 of the 35 applications it has received so far to help ease the financial burden on dairy farmers who take their herds out of production after testing positive.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index" target="_blank">program</a>&nbsp;— known as Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish — has approved more than $1 million in payments.The price paid to farmers is based on a formula that includes the price of milk from the preceding month as well as the number of dairy cattle that contract H5N1.Deeble said on the call with reporters that of the approved applications, a dozen are from Colorado, which has seen a sharp increase in the number of positive H5N1 tests within its dairy industry.Deeble argued the uptick is due to certain factors within the state and cautioned people against assuming that if testing was increased in other areas of the country, the number of positive H5N1 tests for dairy cattle would spike.“I don’t think that it is accurate necessarily to extrapolate from the situation in Weld County, Colorado,” Deeble said. “Weld County and Colorado dairy in particular is rather unique in the degree to which the dairies are all closely associated with one another; both spatially and the way in which there is a lot of movement between the facilities.”“It is a tightly integrated dairy community that’s isolated from much of the rest of the state, and there is a lot of connectivity between the premises in the way in which they use vehicles, support services, milk trucks,” Deeble added.During the last 30 days, five states have had dairy cattle test positive for H5N1, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.Colorado holds a disproportionate number of cases with 26 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">dairy herds to test positive</a>, while the other four states combined hold a total of six herds.Other mammals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals" target="_blank">diagnosed</a>&nbsp;with H5N1 during the last six weeks are overwhelmingly in Colorado, which has found the virus in house mice, deer mice, domestic cats, a desert cottontail and a prairie vole.<h2>Effect on cats</h2>Public health officials said during the call Tuesday they are beginning to look more closely at when and why cats are being affected by the spread of H5N1.Barn cats as well as those that hunt outside, coming into regular contact with wild birds that hold a reservoir of H5N1, have tested positive for the virus before.But a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/influenza-a-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-domestic-cats/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association earlier this month noted that two of the six cats diagnosed with H5N1 in that state this year “were indoor only cats with no direct exposures to the virus.”Public health officials on the call were unable to answer a question about how indoor-only cats would have come into contact with H5N1.Experts on the call cautioned that as fall approaches, wild birds will begin migrating and dairy farmers will likely ship their cattle at higher rates, both of which could lead to an uptick in the number of positive cases of H5N1 being reported in dairy cattle as well as other animals.Lia Chien contributed to this report.&nbsp;

USDA to take ‘additional step’ in testing beef from former dairy cattle for bird flu 

Beau Ann Graves, daughter of Preston and Samantha Graves, is the exhibitor of the 2024 Grand Champion Market Steer at the Missouri State Fair. Beau Ann is from Chillicothe and is a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. The prize-winning steer weighed 1,370 pounds.

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer honor went to Abagayle Britton. She is a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Abagayle’s steer weighed 1,330 pounds.

On Saturday, August 17th, both FFA members will sell their steers in two of 12 lots offered in the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions. Proceeds from the annual sale benefit both the winning exhibitors and the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture&nbsp; Scholarship Program, administered by the Missouri State Fair Foundation.

Beau Ann Graves, daughter of Preston and Samantha Graves, is the exhibitor of the 2024 Grand Champion Market Steer at the Missouri State Fair. Beau Ann is from Chillicothe and is a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter. The prize-winning steer weighed 1,370 pounds.The Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer honor went to Abagayle Britton. She is a member of the Saxony Lutheran FFA Chapter. Abagayle’s steer weighed 1,330 pounds.On Saturday, August 17th, both FFA members will sell their steers in two of 12 lots offered in the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions. Proceeds from the annual sale benefit both the winning exhibitors and the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture&nbsp; Scholarship Program, administered by the Missouri State Fair Foundation.

Missouri State Fair Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Steers Announced 

 The 2024-2025 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report is calling for larger corn supplies, lower domestic use, greater exports, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, 47 million higher than last month. Ending stocks are forecast down 24 million bushels to 2.1 billion. The season-average corn price dropped a dime to $4.20 a bushel. 

The outlook for soybeans includes higher production, exports, and ending stocks. Production is forecast at 4.6 billion bushels, 154 million higher than in July. Ending stocks are forecast at 560 million bushels, 125 million more than last month. The season-average soybean price dropped 30 cents to $10.80 per bushel. 

The wheat outlook is for lower supplies, slightly higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and smaller ending stocks. Projected ending stocks are down 28 million bushels. The season-average farm price is unchanged from last month at $5.70 per bushel.

The 2024-2025 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report is calling for larger corn supplies, lower domestic use, greater exports, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, 47 million higher than last month. Ending stocks are forecast down 24 million bushels to 2.1 billion. The season-average corn price dropped a dime to $4.20 a bushel. The outlook for soybeans includes higher production, exports, and ending stocks. Production is forecast at 4.6 billion bushels, 154 million higher than in July. Ending stocks are forecast at 560 million bushels, 125 million more than last month. The season-average soybean price dropped 30 cents to $10.80 per bushel. The wheat outlook is for lower supplies, slightly higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and smaller ending stocks. Projected ending stocks are down 28 million bushels. The season-average farm price is unchanged from last month at $5.70 per bushel.-NAFB

August WASDE calls for lower corn, higher soybean ending stocks

Senate Agriculture Committee members Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve its process for the electronic submission and retention of foreign-owned farmland disclosures. The bi-partisan letter, signed by a bevy of other senators, follows alleged inaccuracies posted online by the Farm Service Agency, pursuant to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act.  

The senators wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, “The current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information,” 

Senate Agriculture Committee members Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve its process for the electronic submission and retention of foreign-owned farmland disclosures. The bi-partisan letter, signed by a bevy of other senators, follows alleged inaccuracies posted online by the Farm Service Agency, pursuant to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act. The senators wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, “The current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information,”

FSA under fire for AFIDA mishandling

The Bureau of Land Management announced its intent to develop a Federal Advisory Committee to engage the public and help inform the BLM’s implementation of the Public Lands Rule. The committee will allow the agency to continue working with and hearing from a range of experts and the public to support successful rule implementation.  BLM Director Tracy Manning-Stone says “The Public Lands Rule provides essential tools to help the Bureau improve and conserve the health of the lands we’ve been entrusted with for present and future generations.”  

In the weeks ahead, BLM will publish a call for nominations and a charter for the committee to the Federal Register. The BLM also released a set of initial guidance documents to support clear and consistent implementation of the rule across the Bureau’s 12 state and 175 field offices. The guidance documents will give direction to field personnel on how the rule will work.

The Bureau of Land Management announced its intent to develop a Federal Advisory Committee to engage the public and help inform the BLM’s implementation of the Public Lands Rule. The committee will allow the agency to continue working with and hearing from a range of experts and the public to support successful rule implementation. BLM Director Tracy Manning-Stone says “The Public Lands Rule provides essential tools to help the Bureau improve and conserve the health of the lands we’ve been entrusted with for present and future generations.” In the weeks ahead, BLM will publish a call for nominations and a charter for the committee to the Federal Register. The BLM also released a set of initial guidance documents to support clear and consistent implementation of the rule across the Bureau’s 12 state and 175 field offices. The guidance documents will give direction to field personnel on how the rule will work.-NAFB

Bureau of Land Management lands rule implementation

Leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council were not happy about the indictment of Charles and Heather Maude, family ranchers in western South Dakota. “I’m deeply disgusted by the Forest Service’s persecution of Charles and Heather,” says NCBA President Mark Eisele. On June 20, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota indicted them on charges of theft of government property related to a small piece of Forest Service land surrounded by the Maude’s private land. 

The family has stewarded that government land for generations. “The Forest Service’s deference to the heavy-handed special agent with a long history of abusing permittees is unconscionable,” says NCBA V.P. of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. The groups say the Forest Service has a long and shameful history of confronting ranchers in South Dakota, and their escalation to imprisonment over a century-old fence line has shaken the confidence of every permittee.

Leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council were not happy about the indictment of Charles and Heather Maude, family ranchers in western South Dakota. “I’m deeply disgusted by the Forest Service’s persecution of Charles and Heather,” says NCBA President Mark Eisele. On June 20, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota indicted them on charges of theft of government property related to a small piece of Forest Service land surrounded by the Maude’s private land. The family has stewarded that government land for generations. “The Forest Service’s deference to the heavy-handed special agent with a long history of abusing permittees is unconscionable,” says NCBA V.P. of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. The groups say the Forest Service has a long and shameful history of confronting ranchers in South Dakota, and their escalation to imprisonment over a century-old fence line has shaken the confidence of every permittee.-NAFB

Cattle industry leaders react to rancher persecution

A coalition of attorneys general is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a new rule that would create uniform labeling requirements on pesticide products across the country. By streamlining the process and preempting misbranding in states like California, the rule would lift the burdens currently placed on farmers across the country. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act allows each state to create separate requirements that manufacturers must include when labeling their products. 

A coalition of attorneys general is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a new rule that would create uniform labeling requirements on pesticide products across the country. By streamlining the process and preempting misbranding in states like California, the rule would lift the burdens currently placed on farmers across the country. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act allows each state to create separate requirements that manufacturers must include when labeling their products.

Petition to clarify labels on farm products

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating the supply chain of at least two renewable fuel producers amid industry concerns that some may be using fraudulent feedstocks for biodiesel to secure government subsidies. Farm Policy News says the EPA declined to elaborate further or identify the companies being targeted because the investigations are ongoing. A flood of used cooking oil from China and elsewhere is causing several senators to question whether some of the shipments meant to supply the biofuel market may be fraudulent. 

Producing biodiesel from sustainable ingredients like cooking oil can earn refiners a number of state, federal, and environmental climate subsidies, including tradable credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Investigators are trying to determine whether some supplies labeled as used cooking oil are cheaper and less sustainable virgin palm oil that’s been associated with deforestation and other environmental damage. Cooking oil imports reached three billion pounds in 2023.  

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating the supply chain of at least two renewable fuel producers amid industry concerns that some may be using fraudulent feedstocks for biodiesel to secure government subsidies. Farm Policy News says the EPA declined to elaborate further or identify the companies being targeted because the investigations are ongoing. A flood of used cooking oil from China and elsewhere is causing several senators to question whether some of the shipments meant to supply the biofuel market may be fraudulent. Producing biodiesel from sustainable ingredients like cooking oil can earn refiners a number of state, federal, and environmental climate subsidies, including tradable credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Investigators are trying to determine whether some supplies labeled as used cooking oil are cheaper and less sustainable virgin palm oil that’s been associated with deforestation and other environmental damage. Cooking oil imports reached three billion pounds in 2023.