Livestock groups say the Great American Outdoors Act, “is an irresponsible way to fix a very real problem.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Sheep Industry, along with the Public Lands Council and others voiced their opposition to the legislation in a letter to Senate leadership. 

The letter urges Congress to retain its role in safeguarding public lands by opposing the bill. The groups say the Great American Outdoors Act, as written, creates more than $14 billion in new, mandatory spending and gives federal agencies free rein to spend $360 million per year solely to acquire new private land without any oversight from Congress. 

The letter, signed by 48 livestock groups, says the bill adds the mounting disrepair of current land under federal control to the rampant acquisitions without accounting for management of future land acquisitions. 

The bill has bipartisan support, and President Donald Trump has indicated he would sign the legislation if passed.

Livestock groups say the Great American Outdoors Act, “is an irresponsible way to fix a very real problem.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Sheep Industry, along with the Public Lands Council and others voiced their opposition to the legislation in a letter to Senate leadership. The letter urges Congress to retain its role in safeguarding public lands by opposing the bill. The groups say the Great American Outdoors Act, as written, creates more than $14 billion in new, mandatory spending and gives federal agencies free rein to spend $360 million per year solely to acquire new private land without any oversight from Congress. The letter, signed by 48 livestock groups, says the bill adds the mounting disrepair of current land under federal control to the rampant acquisitions without accounting for management of future land acquisitions. The bill has bipartisan support, and President Donald Trump has indicated he would sign the legislation if passed.

NCBA, others, oppose Great American Outdoors Act

Makers of dicamba filed motions to intervene in a court case following a decision to vacate the registration for three dicamba herbicides. BASF and Corteva announced their motions to intervene late last week. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the registrations on June 3, 2020, for dicamba herbicides from BASF, Bayer and Corteva. 

Bayer intervened in the case last year. A dicamba herbicide from Syngenta was not included in the ruling. 

BASF's Paul Rea, says the decision, made during the middle of the growing season, “gives no regard to the significant investments farmers have made in their businesses and leaves them without viable options for the growing season." 

Corteva was not a party to the lawsuit and says that until June 3, the case appeared to involve only the Bayer XtendiMax registration. Corteva is seeking to intervene to “preserve our rights and to support the rights of customers to use the impacted dicamba weed control technology.”

Makers of dicamba filed motions to intervene in a court case following a decision to vacate the registration for three dicamba herbicides. BASF and Corteva announced their motions to intervene late last week. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the registrations on June 3, 2020, for dicamba herbicides from BASF, Bayer and Corteva. Bayer intervened in the case last year. A dicamba herbicide from Syngenta was not included in the ruling. BASF's Paul Rea, says the decision, made during the middle of the growing season, “gives no regard to the significant investments farmers have made in their businesses and leaves them without viable options for the growing season." Corteva was not a party to the lawsuit and says that until June 3, the case appeared to involve only the Bayer XtendiMax registration. Corteva is seeking to intervene to “preserve our rights and to support the rights of customers to use the impacted dicamba weed control technology.”

Dicamba makers seek to intervene in court decision

Meat production continues to rebound in the United States from its low point when dozens of plants were closed because of COVID-19. However, industry experts say consumer prices are likely going to stay higher than they’re used to, plus it will take months to work through a backlog of millions of pigs and cattle that had nowhere to go for processing. 

As of last week, beef, pork, and poultry plants were operating at over 95 percent of 2019 production levels. An Associated Press report says that’s up from 60 percent in April during the height of plant closures and slowdowns. 

The steps companies took to protect workers from COVID-19 infections were necessary to keep plants running as smoothly as possible. However, those steps will likely slow production somewhat and keep prices higher at the grocery stores. 

Even if plants become more efficient and get back to full capacity, there is typically a lag of several weeks between the time wholesale prices drop and when consumers start to notice the change. “Don’t expect prices to fall in half just because wholesale prices have declined dramatically,” says Lee Schulz, an Iowa State University livestock economist. 

Other steps plants are taking to work through the backlog include more processing on Saturdays, as well as saving time by processing meats in larger cuts.

Meat production continues to rebound in the United States from its low point when dozens of plants were closed because of COVID-19. However, industry experts say consumer prices are likely going to stay higher than they’re used to, plus it will take months to work through a backlog of millions of pigs and cattle that had nowhere to go for processing. As of last week, beef, pork, and poultry plants were operating at over 95 percent of 2019 production levels. An Associated Press report says that’s up from 60 percent in April during the height of plant closures and slowdowns. The steps companies took to protect workers from COVID-19 infections were necessary to keep plants running as smoothly as possible. However, those steps will likely slow production somewhat and keep prices higher at the grocery stores. Even if plants become more efficient and get back to full capacity, there is typically a lag of several weeks between the time wholesale prices drop and when consumers start to notice the change. “Don’t expect prices to fall in half just because wholesale prices have declined dramatically,” says Lee Schulz, an Iowa State University livestock economist. Other steps plants are taking to work through the backlog include more processing on Saturdays, as well as saving time by processing meats in larger cuts.

Meatpacking rebounds but meat prices will likely remain high

An emergency motion was filed late last week, asking a federal court to bring all dicamba use in the U.S. to an immediate halt. DTN says the motion also asks that the Environmental Protection Agency be held in contempt of court for its decision to permit farmers to use their existing stocks of three dicamba herbicides. 

If the judge agrees, that could once again leave farmers without the dicamba herbicide options they need to use on millions of acres of dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton through the summer growing season. 

The emergency motion was filed by the same plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit against the EPA in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The suit demanding the court bring an end to the registrations of three dicamba herbicides succeeded on June 3rd when the judge ruled in the plaintiffs’ favor. 

Five days after that, the EPA issued a cancellation order, ending the registrations but allowing farmers and applicators to continue to use existing stocks until July 31st. 

The plaintiffs, including the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity, estimated that up to 16 million pounds of dicamba could be applied in the coming weeks, which they say is a direct violation of the court’s ruling.

An emergency motion was filed late last week, asking a federal court to bring all dicamba use in the U.S. to an immediate halt. DTN says the motion also asks that the Environmental Protection Agency be held in contempt of court for its decision to permit farmers to use their existing stocks of three dicamba herbicides. If the judge agrees, that could once again leave farmers without the dicamba herbicide options they need to use on millions of acres of dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton through the summer growing season. The emergency motion was filed by the same plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit against the EPA in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The suit demanding the court bring an end to the registrations of three dicamba herbicides succeeded on June 3rd when the judge ruled in the plaintiffs’ favor. Five days after that, the EPA issued a cancellation order, ending the registrations but allowing farmers and applicators to continue to use existing stocks until July 31st. The plaintiffs, including the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity, estimated that up to 16 million pounds of dicamba could be applied in the coming weeks, which they say is a direct violation of the court’s ruling.

Emergency motion filed to halt all Dicamba use

Chinese importers signed off on contracts to buy more than 700,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans. An Agweek report says most of the sales were for new-crop beans, and it may signal that China is expecting supplies will get tighter in Brazil as they lock in deliveries for after September. 

A USDA announcement last week says only 63,000 tons of the total amount is set for delivery in the 2019-2020 marketing year, with the remaining amount is set for delivery in the 2020-2021 marketing year, which starts on September 1st. 

Industry insiders note that the size of the new crop contracts likely means the purchases were made through state-owned buyers. 

Private purchasers are said to be jumpy over the fate of the Phase One trade pact between China and the U.S. as tensions grow between the two nations. 

Private buyers are also more likely to still look at South American soybeans to fill their needs because there is no risk of tariffs. The total purchase of 720,000 metric tons of U.S beans is enough to fill 11 ships, and it may signal that China will be counting on the U.S. to fill out its soybean needs over the final half of the calendar year.

Chinese importers signed off on contracts to buy more than 700,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans. An Agweek report says most of the sales were for new-crop beans, and it may signal that China is expecting supplies will get tighter in Brazil as they lock in deliveries for after September. A USDA announcement last week says only 63,000 tons of the total amount is set for delivery in the 2019-2020 marketing year, with the remaining amount is set for delivery in the 2020-2021 marketing year, which starts on September 1st. Industry insiders note that the size of the new crop contracts likely means the purchases were made through state-owned buyers. Private purchasers are said to be jumpy over the fate of the Phase One trade pact between China and the U.S. as tensions grow between the two nations. Private buyers are also more likely to still look at South American soybeans to fill their needs because there is no risk of tariffs. The total purchase of 720,000 metric tons of U.S beans is enough to fill 11 ships, and it may signal that China will be counting on the U.S. to fill out its soybean needs over the final half of the calendar year.

China may finally be turning to U.S. soybeans

The American Farm Bureau Federation is asking lawmakers to provide more critical resources to farmers hurt by COVID-19’s impact on the food system. They’re also looking for more help for rural communities struggling with the pandemic’s impacts. 

Many of the country’s struggling farmers were left out of the initial round of assistance, while some who did receive help are still being hurt by the impact of COVID-19. 

As Congress is set to consider additional aid this summer, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to Congressional leadership listing the areas of need. “The economic losses across the U.S. ag sector are broad-based, directly impacting farmers and ranchers as well as their supply chain partners, from the input providers to end-users,” Duvall says in the letter. 

“Producers have witnessed their markets shrink overnight or even disappear, while supply chains have been stretched to the limit in response to COVID-19.” Some of the Farm Bureau’s priorities include extending relief funding for losses incurred after April 15, 2020. 

They’re asking Congress to replenish funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation to the tune of $68 billion. The Farm Bureau wants support for biofuel facilities, assistance for independent and contract poultry producers, as well as other requests.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is asking lawmakers to provide more critical resources to farmers hurt by COVID-19’s impact on the food system. They’re also looking for more help for rural communities struggling with the pandemic’s impacts. Many of the country’s struggling farmers were left out of the initial round of assistance, while some who did receive help are still being hurt by the impact of COVID-19. As Congress is set to consider additional aid this summer, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to Congressional leadership listing the areas of need. “The economic losses across the U.S. ag sector are broad-based, directly impacting farmers and ranchers as well as their supply chain partners, from the input providers to end-users,” Duvall says in the letter. “Producers have witnessed their markets shrink overnight or even disappear, while supply chains have been stretched to the limit in response to COVID-19.” Some of the Farm Bureau’s priorities include extending relief funding for losses incurred after April 15, 2020. They’re asking Congress to replenish funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation to the tune of $68 billion. The Farm Bureau wants support for biofuel facilities, assistance for independent and contract poultry producers, as well as other requests.

Farm Bureau says more farmer assistance is necessary

Tyson Foods, the top chicken producer in the U.S, is cooperating in a Justice Department price-fixing investigation. Tyson is doing so under a leniency program that will allow the company to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for aiding in the continuing probe of other poultry producers. 

The Wall Street Journal says after receiving a grand-jury subpoena in April of last year, the company approached the Justice Department and disclosed its own actions while seeking leniency. 

Last week, the government indicted the CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride and three other poultry executives because of allegations of bid-rigging of broiler chickens sold to grocery chains and restaurants. 

“The behavior set out in the indictment does not reflect the values of Tyson Foods,” says CEO Noel White. “I am proud to lead a company that took appropriate and immediate actions in reporting the wrongdoing we discovered to the Department of Justice.” 

It was April of 2019 when the Department of Justice subpoenaed major chicken firms including Tyson, Pilgrim’s, Sanderson Farms, and Perdue Farms. The investigation followed a private antitrust suit brought in 2016 by chicken buyers seeking damages from major producers who allegedly conspired to raise prices.

Tyson Foods, the top chicken producer in the U.S, is cooperating in a Justice Department price-fixing investigation. Tyson is doing so under a leniency program that will allow the company to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for aiding in the continuing probe of other poultry producers. The Wall Street Journal says after receiving a grand-jury subpoena in April of last year, the company approached the Justice Department and disclosed its own actions while seeking leniency. Last week, the government indicted the CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride and three other poultry executives because of allegations of bid-rigging of broiler chickens sold to grocery chains and restaurants. “The behavior set out in the indictment does not reflect the values of Tyson Foods,” says CEO Noel White. “I am proud to lead a company that took appropriate and immediate actions in reporting the wrongdoing we discovered to the Department of Justice.” It was April of 2019 when the Department of Justice subpoenaed major chicken firms including Tyson, Pilgrim’s, Sanderson Farms, and Perdue Farms. The investigation followed a private antitrust suit brought in 2016 by chicken buyers seeking damages from major producers who allegedly conspired to raise prices.

Tyson Foods cooperating in U.S. probe of chicken price fixing

A Chinese vaccine designed to combat the African Swine Fever virus is so far proving safe in clinical trials that are underway. The official Chinese news agency says that pushes hog farming a step closer to be able to prevent one of the world’s most devastating livestock diseases. 

A Reuters article says the development progress is being watched closely by pig farmers across the globe because there is currently no cure or vaccine to use against ASF. The disease kills virtually every animal it infects and has devastated China’s hog herds since it first showed up in 2018. The virus is still killing pigs in China and broke out in other spots across Asia since then. 

Chinese researchers at the Harvin Veterinary Research Institute, which is part of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, say they’ve developed a safe attenuated vaccine that has proven effective against the African Swine Fever virus during testing in laboratories. 

Clinical trials of the vaccine were given the go-ahead in March and have been underway on 3,000 pigs in three different locations in China, including the northeast, far west, and the central parts of the country.

A Chinese vaccine designed to combat the African Swine Fever virus is so far proving safe in clinical trials that are underway. The official Chinese news agency says that pushes hog farming a step closer to be able to prevent one of the world’s most devastating livestock diseases. A Reuters article says the development progress is being watched closely by pig farmers across the globe because there is currently no cure or vaccine to use against ASF. The disease kills virtually every animal it infects and has devastated China’s hog herds since it first showed up in 2018. The virus is still killing pigs in China and broke out in other spots across Asia since then. Chinese researchers at the Harvin Veterinary Research Institute, which is part of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, say they’ve developed a safe attenuated vaccine that has proven effective against the African Swine Fever virus during testing in laboratories. Clinical trials of the vaccine were given the go-ahead in March and have been underway on 3,000 pigs in three different locations in China, including the northeast, far west, and the central parts of the country.

China says new ASF vaccine is safe, so far

House Ag Chair Collin Peterson and several subcommittee chairs sent a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighting concerns about the implementation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. 

The letter talks about the continued loss in both value and demand for agricultural products related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, they say CFAP doesn’t include commodities under contract, even though several of the most-impacted crops are typically grown under contracts, such as potatoes and malting barley. 

USDA chose to cover livestock sales between January 15th and April 15th when COVID-19-related livestock market declines didn’t start until February of this year. Some of the lowest market prices also persisted well beyond April 15th, effectively and arbitrarily picking winners and losers based solely on when livestock was sold without regard to actual market conditions. 

The House Ag Committee Chairs also say CFAP doesn’t recognize the cost premium of organic crops by differentiating organic prices for certified organic producers. USDA also used data not fully representative of the farmgate value of some specialty crops to determine their eligibility for CFAP and CFAP payment rates. 

In addition to several other concerns, the Chairs point to lingering concerns over staffing levels and the existing workload at Farm Service Agency county offices, as well as what delays those factors may cause in distributing CFAP assistant.

House Ag Chair Collin Peterson and several subcommittee chairs sent a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighting concerns about the implementation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The letter talks about the continued loss in both value and demand for agricultural products related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, they say CFAP doesn’t include commodities under contract, even though several of the most-impacted crops are typically grown under contracts, such as potatoes and malting barley. USDA chose to cover livestock sales between January 15th and April 15th when COVID-19-related livestock market declines didn’t start until February of this year. Some of the lowest market prices also persisted well beyond April 15th, effectively and arbitrarily picking winners and losers based solely on when livestock was sold without regard to actual market conditions. The House Ag Committee Chairs also say CFAP doesn’t recognize the cost premium of organic crops by differentiating organic prices for certified organic producers. USDA also used data not fully representative of the farmgate value of some specialty crops to determine their eligibility for CFAP and CFAP payment rates. In addition to several other concerns, the Chairs point to lingering concerns over staffing levels and the existing workload at Farm Service Agency county offices, as well as what delays those factors may cause in distributing CFAP assistant.

House ag committee letter highlights CFAP concerns

European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan says the chances of making a free trade deal with the United States in the near future aren’t good. 

The announcement comes after U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer blasted the EU for its trade policies and admitted the two sides are nowhere near a deal. That’s despite years that have been already spent trying to make a deal. 

“We must acknowledge that the U.S. is now in a pre-election phase,” Hogan said during an informal trade minister meeting in Brussels. “The focus of the political attention in Washington is now on much more immediate challenges in U.S. domestic policies.” 

Politico says that EU policy is that it will only sign agreements with countries that are members of the Paris Climate Accord, which is the U.S. is not. 

However, Lighthizer dismissed those concerns last week. “We’re not close to having any kind of agreement with them,” he says, “so, at this point at least, it’s not my problem. We’ll see what happens as we move along.” 

Lighthizer made those comments during an event hosted by the Economic Club of New York. While there, Lighthizer accused the EU of doing far more to undermine multilateralism than the Trump administration has ever done.

European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan says the chances of making a free trade deal with the United States in the near future aren’t good. The announcement comes after U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer blasted the EU for its trade policies and admitted the two sides are nowhere near a deal. That’s despite years that have been already spent trying to make a deal. “We must acknowledge that the U.S. is now in a pre-election phase,” Hogan said during an informal trade minister meeting in Brussels. “The focus of the political attention in Washington is now on much more immediate challenges in U.S. domestic policies.” Politico says that EU policy is that it will only sign agreements with countries that are members of the Paris Climate Accord, which is the U.S. is not. However, Lighthizer dismissed those concerns last week. “We’re not close to having any kind of agreement with them,” he says, “so, at this point at least, it’s not my problem. We’ll see what happens as we move along.” Lighthizer made those comments during an event hosted by the Economic Club of New York. While there, Lighthizer accused the EU of doing far more to undermine multilateralism than the Trump administration has ever done.

U.S., EU not making much progress in trade talks

The Agricultural Retailers Association and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives are asking the Environmental Protection Agency for clarification on dicamba. 

Earlier this week, the EPA issued a cancellation order on the use and distribution of dicamba products. The EPA says under the order that farmers or applicators with existing stocks of dicamba may apply the herbicide until July 31st. 

“While the agency’s cancellation order provided some guidance to end-users as well as applicators, it failed to address several scenarios where the product is still in the pipeline at various points in the supply chain,” the groups say in the letter. 

“These questions will need quick answers during this critical time of the growing season as weeds will not wait for a protracted legal analysis.” An example of one of the scenarios the groups are referring to is a producer has pre-paid or contracted for the product before June 3 but hasn’t had it delivered yet. 

The letter also notes that multiple states allowed the continued sale and distribution of these products after the court’s decision. Because the EPA order is retroactive to June 3, the industry needs guidance on whether or not farmers can use any product they bought between June 3rd and June 8th.

The Agricultural Retailers Association and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives are asking the Environmental Protection Agency for clarification on dicamba. Earlier this week, the EPA issued a cancellation order on the use and distribution of dicamba products. The EPA says under the order that farmers or applicators with existing stocks of dicamba may apply the herbicide until July 31st. “While the agency’s cancellation order provided some guidance to end-users as well as applicators, it failed to address several scenarios where the product is still in the pipeline at various points in the supply chain,” the groups say in the letter. “These questions will need quick answers during this critical time of the growing season as weeds will not wait for a protracted legal analysis.” An example of one of the scenarios the groups are referring to is a producer has pre-paid or contracted for the product before June 3 but hasn’t had it delivered yet. The letter also notes that multiple states allowed the continued sale and distribution of these products after the court’s decision. Because the EPA order is retroactive to June 3, the industry needs guidance on whether or not farmers can use any product they bought between June 3rd and June 8th.

Ag retailers want EPA clarification on Dicamba order

The biofuels industry Tuesday called on the Environmental Protection Agency to offer answers on what they call a new effort to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

During a Senate hearing last month, administration officials confirmed their consideration of retroactive small refinery exemptions covering previous years. 

The “gap-filings” are designed to reconstitute a continuous string of exemptions for select oil companies, “thus circumventing court limits on new oil industry handouts at the expense of farmers and biofuel producers.” 

However the ‘gap filings’ “appear to be little more than the latest in a string of oil industry tactics designed to subvert the law and sidestep a court order to uphold the RFS,” according to the letter from ten biofuels and farm groups. 

The groups say, “Backfilling SREs to circumvent a court decision would exacerbate market uncertainty at a time when rural communities already face unprecedented economic challenges.” The letter comes as more than 100 biofuels plants idled or cut production during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The biofuels industry Tuesday called on the Environmental Protection Agency to offer answers on what they call a new effort to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard. During a Senate hearing last month, administration officials confirmed their consideration of retroactive small refinery exemptions covering previous years. The “gap-filings” are designed to reconstitute a continuous string of exemptions for select oil companies, “thus circumventing court limits on new oil industry handouts at the expense of farmers and biofuel producers.” However the ‘gap filings’ “appear to be little more than the latest in a string of oil industry tactics designed to subvert the law and sidestep a court order to uphold the RFS,” according to the letter from ten biofuels and farm groups. The groups say, “Backfilling SREs to circumvent a court decision would exacerbate market uncertainty at a time when rural communities already face unprecedented economic challenges.” The letter comes as more than 100 biofuels plants idled or cut production during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Farm and biofuel leaders demand answers on retroactive EPA exemptions

The Department of Agriculture says U.S. meatpacking facilities are operating at more than 95 percent of average capacity when compared to 2019. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the data, attributing the operations to the safe reopening of the facilities. 

USDA says beef facilities are operating at 98 percent, pork facilities are operating at 95 percent, and poultry facilities are operating at 98 percent of their capacity compared to the same time last year. 

Secretary Perdue thanked the industry and its workers, for "quickly getting their operations back up and running." USDA says the facilities are safely resuming operations following an executive order by President Donald Trump to implement safety guidelines to protect workers from COVID-19. 

The closures led to shortages at grocery stores and a backlog of animals ready to slaughter, creating depressed prices for farmers, yet higher prices for consumers. USDA says it will continue to work with safety officials to keep the facilities open while maintaining worker safety.

The Department of Agriculture says U.S. meatpacking facilities are operating at more than 95 percent of average capacity when compared to 2019. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the data, attributing the operations to the safe reopening of the facilities. USDA says beef facilities are operating at 98 percent, pork facilities are operating at 95 percent, and poultry facilities are operating at 98 percent of their capacity compared to the same time last year. Secretary Perdue thanked the industry and its workers, for "quickly getting their operations back up and running." USDA says the facilities are safely resuming operations following an executive order by President Donald Trump to implement safety guidelines to protect workers from COVID-19. The closures led to shortages at grocery stores and a backlog of animals ready to slaughter, creating depressed prices for farmers, yet higher prices for consumers. USDA says it will continue to work with safety officials to keep the facilities open while maintaining worker safety.

Meatpacking facilities near full operation of 2019 capacity

The Environmental Protection Agency says farmers and applicators who possessed one of three dicamba herbicides on June 3, 2020, can still use those products. Farmers may use those herbicides, following label instructions, and other state regulations, through July 31, 2020. 

That guidance follows a court decision last week vacating the registrations for Bayer's XtendiMax, BASF’s Engenia, and Corteva’s FeXapan. June 3, 2020, is the effective date of the court ruling. 

The ruling does not include Syngenta's Tavium. Distribution or sale of the three herbicides is prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant. 

While the guidance from the EPA allows farmers to utilize dicamba on crops already planted this year, the future for dicamba is uncertain. 

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler says the action, "has threatened the livelihood of our nation's farmers and the global food supply." Companies, such as Bayer, are currently working with the EPA for the registration of products for 2021 and beyond.&nbsp;

The Environmental Protection Agency says farmers and applicators who possessed one of three dicamba herbicides on June 3, 2020, can still use those products. Farmers may use those herbicides, following label instructions, and other state regulations, through July 31, 2020. That guidance follows a court decision last week vacating the registrations for Bayer's XtendiMax, BASF’s Engenia, and Corteva’s FeXapan. June 3, 2020, is the effective date of the court ruling. The ruling does not include Syngenta's Tavium. Distribution or sale of the three herbicides is prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant. While the guidance from the EPA allows farmers to utilize dicamba on crops already planted this year, the future for dicamba is uncertain. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler says the action, "has threatened the livelihood of our nation's farmers and the global food supply." Companies, such as Bayer, are currently working with the EPA for the registration of products for 2021 and beyond.&nbsp;

Farmers can still use Dicamba under certain guidelines

April proved to be a solid month for U.S. beef and pork exports despite COVID-19 related interruptions in production and trade. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “despite these significant headwinds, global demand for U.S. beef and pork remained strong." 

Beef exports were below last April's large totals but still topped $600 million in value. Pork exports remained well above year-ago levels but slowed from the record pace established in the first quarter.&nbsp; 

While May export results will likely reflect similar obstacles, Halstrom noted that red meat production continues to recover, setting the stage for a strong second half of 2020. 

April beef exports were down six percent from a year ago to 98,600 metric tons, with value falling 11 percent to $600.9 million. For pork, April volume reached 264,000 metric tons, up 22 percent from a year ago but the lowest since November 2019. Export value was $682.8 million, up 28 percent year-over-year but the lowest since October 2019.

April proved to be a solid month for U.S. beef and pork exports despite COVID-19 related interruptions in production and trade. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “despite these significant headwinds, global demand for U.S. beef and pork remained strong." Beef exports were below last April's large totals but still topped $600 million in value. Pork exports remained well above year-ago levels but slowed from the record pace established in the first quarter.&nbsp; While May export results will likely reflect similar obstacles, Halstrom noted that red meat production continues to recover, setting the stage for a strong second half of 2020. April beef exports were down six percent from a year ago to 98,600 metric tons, with value falling 11 percent to $600.9 million. For pork, April volume reached 264,000 metric tons, up 22 percent from a year ago but the lowest since November 2019. Export value was $682.8 million, up 28 percent year-over-year but the lowest since October 2019.

April red meat exports weather production challenges, economic headwinds

The Environmental Protection Agency late Monday canceled the registrations for three dicamba herbicides. The move follows a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling vacating the registrations of Bayer’s XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, BASF’s Engenia, and Corteva’s FeXapan. 

The EPA says growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020, the effective date of the Court decision. Such use must be consistent with the product’s previously-approved label, and may not continue after July 31, 2020. 

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler calls the &nbsp;action “consistent with EPA’s standard practice following registration invalidation.” He adds the court decision “has threatened the livelihood of our nation’s farmers and the global food supply.” 

Distribution or sale by any person is generally prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant. The court decision and EPA action does not include Syngenta’s dicamba herbicide, called Tavium.

The Environmental Protection Agency late Monday canceled the registrations for three dicamba herbicides. The move follows a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling vacating the registrations of Bayer’s XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, BASF’s Engenia, and Corteva’s FeXapan. The EPA says growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020, the effective date of the Court decision. Such use must be consistent with the product’s previously-approved label, and may not continue after July 31, 2020. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler calls the &nbsp;action “consistent with EPA’s standard practice following registration invalidation.” He adds the court decision “has threatened the livelihood of our nation’s farmers and the global food supply.” Distribution or sale by any person is generally prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant. The court decision and EPA action does not include Syngenta’s dicamba herbicide, called Tavium.

EPA cancels Dicamba registrations

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders have dramatically impacted Americans' food spending, according to the Department of Agriculture. 

USDA's Economic Research Service says, unlike previous economic shocks, the COVID-19 shock has led to a pronounced substitution from food away from home towards food at home. Inflation-adjusted expenditures at grocery stores and other retailers, described as food at home, were 6.5 percent higher in February 2020 compared with February 2019. 

The same spending was 18.8 percent higher in March 2020 compared with March 2019. Comparing spending for the same month accounts for seasonal food spending patterns. Inflation-adjusted February 2020 expenditures at eating-out establishments, restaurants, school cafeterias, sports venues and other places, were 39.3 percent lower than February 2019 expenditures. 

March 2020 food-away-from-home spending was 51 percent lower than March 2019 spending. During the Great Recession of 2007-09, expenditures on both food at home and food away from home decreased, with the largest decrease in February 2009.

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders have dramatically impacted Americans' food spending, according to the Department of Agriculture. USDA's Economic Research Service says, unlike previous economic shocks, the COVID-19 shock has led to a pronounced substitution from food away from home towards food at home. Inflation-adjusted expenditures at grocery stores and other retailers, described as food at home, were 6.5 percent higher in February 2020 compared with February 2019. The same spending was 18.8 percent higher in March 2020 compared with March 2019. Comparing spending for the same month accounts for seasonal food spending patterns. Inflation-adjusted February 2020 expenditures at eating-out establishments, restaurants, school cafeterias, sports venues and other places, were 39.3 percent lower than February 2019 expenditures. March 2020 food-away-from-home spending was 51 percent lower than March 2019 spending. During the Great Recession of 2007-09, expenditures on both food at home and food away from home decreased, with the largest decrease in February 2009.

Away from home eating drops 51 percent in March

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauded the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral PASTURE Act of 2020. PASTURE stands for Pandemic Authority Suitable To Utilize Easements. The Bill was introduced in the House by Kansas Republican Roger Marshall and Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig. 

Companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by South Dakota Republican John Thune and Minnesota Democrat Tina Smith. “Yesterday’s introduction of the PASTURE Act is a welcome step toward providing grazing flexibility to livestock producers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Ethan Lane, the NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs. 

“As farmers and ranchers are keeping and feeding livestock for longer periods of time, Congress must ensure that producers do not face a forage shortage. Emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program Acreage is a relied-upon practice for livestock and forage management.” 

The PASTURE Act gives USDA the ability to open up CRP acreage for emergency haying and grazing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in mid-May, NCBA and 35 state affiliates sent a letter to Congress urging them to take action on this issue.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauded the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral PASTURE Act of 2020. PASTURE stands for Pandemic Authority Suitable To Utilize Easements. The Bill was introduced in the House by Kansas Republican Roger Marshall and Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig. Companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by South Dakota Republican John Thune and Minnesota Democrat Tina Smith. “Yesterday’s introduction of the PASTURE Act is a welcome step toward providing grazing flexibility to livestock producers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Ethan Lane, the NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs. “As farmers and ranchers are keeping and feeding livestock for longer periods of time, Congress must ensure that producers do not face a forage shortage. Emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program Acreage is a relied-upon practice for livestock and forage management.” The PASTURE Act gives USDA the ability to open up CRP acreage for emergency haying and grazing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in mid-May, NCBA and 35 state affiliates sent a letter to Congress urging them to take action on this issue.

NCBA applauds emergency grazing legislation

So, where do things stand on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement as it goes into effect in less than a month? Politico says North American leaders are selling USMCA as a big win that will remove uncertainty in the region. 

However, there are still some agricultural issues between the U.S. and Mexico that have to be worked out yet. Kenneth Smith Ramos, Mexico’s former chief USMCA negotiator, says Southern U.S. growers and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are still talking through seasonal produce concerns. 

Seasonal produce growers mainly located in Florida and Georgia have pushed for special provisions in USMCA that would allow them to more easily petition for anti-dumping or countervailing duties on Mexico, but that was left out of the final agreement. 

Still, they’re pushing for rules that would allow them to fight Mexican growers. In the meantime, Mexican officials are still concerned about talk of the U.S. doing more border inspections. Mexico agreed to increased border inspections as part of a tomato suspension agreement, but now there’s a push to extend that to other agricultural goods entering the United States.

So, where do things stand on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement as it goes into effect in less than a month? Politico says North American leaders are selling USMCA as a big win that will remove uncertainty in the region. However, there are still some agricultural issues between the U.S. and Mexico that have to be worked out yet. Kenneth Smith Ramos, Mexico’s former chief USMCA negotiator, says Southern U.S. growers and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are still talking through seasonal produce concerns. Seasonal produce growers mainly located in Florida and Georgia have pushed for special provisions in USMCA that would allow them to more easily petition for anti-dumping or countervailing duties on Mexico, but that was left out of the final agreement. Still, they’re pushing for rules that would allow them to fight Mexican growers. In the meantime, Mexican officials are still concerned about talk of the U.S. doing more border inspections. Mexico agreed to increased border inspections as part of a tomato suspension agreement, but now there’s a push to extend that to other agricultural goods entering the United States.

Less than a month before USMCA goes into effect

The Justice Department has made a formal demand for information from the country’s four biggest meatpackers as they investigate potential antitrust violations. A Bloomberg article says that deepens the scrutiny of an industry that’s already been hit hard by plant shutdowns due to the coronavirus. 

The department’s antitrust division sent civil investigative demands, which are similar to subpoenas, to the companies. The Justice Department is also talking with state attorneys general about the probe after a group of states called for an official investigation. 

The four meatpackers that control more than 80 percent of the U.S. beef processing market include Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef Incorporated. 

Their dominance in the industry has sparked concerns about their pricing power over livestock suppliers for years. 

Bloomberg says three of the companies didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. National Beef, based in Kansas City, Missouri, confirmed they did get the civil investigative demand from the Justice Department, but they noted that ”The request is very narrow in scope, which leads us to believe that the DOJ doesn’t necessarily believe there is an antitrust issue.” 

The Justice Department subpoenas to meatpackers follow criminal charges last week against four current and former executives of chicken processing companies.

The Justice Department has made a formal demand for information from the country’s four biggest meatpackers as they investigate potential antitrust violations. A Bloomberg article says that deepens the scrutiny of an industry that’s already been hit hard by plant shutdowns due to the coronavirus. The department’s antitrust division sent civil investigative demands, which are similar to subpoenas, to the companies. The Justice Department is also talking with state attorneys general about the probe after a group of states called for an official investigation. The four meatpackers that control more than 80 percent of the U.S. beef processing market include Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef Incorporated. Their dominance in the industry has sparked concerns about their pricing power over livestock suppliers for years. Bloomberg says three of the companies didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. National Beef, based in Kansas City, Missouri, confirmed they did get the civil investigative demand from the Justice Department, but they noted that ”The request is very narrow in scope, which leads us to believe that the DOJ doesn’t necessarily believe there is an antitrust issue.” The Justice Department subpoenas to meatpackers follow criminal charges last week against four current and former executives of chicken processing companies.

Justice department subpoenas information from meatpackers

Price fixing indictments in the chicken processing sector highlights the need for greater oversight, according to the National Farmers Union. Four current and former executives at Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. and Claxton Poultry Farms, both of which produce chicken, were indicted this week for colluding to inflate the prices of birds sold to grocery stores and restaurants. 

NFU says the indictments show there is a need for greater antitrust enforcement and farmer protections. NFU President Rob Larew says price fixing is “extremely harmful” to agriculture and consumers. 

However, he says price fixing is only a symptom of the much bigger problem of corporate consolidation, and companies are only able to employ anticompetitive business practices when they’ve gathered control over their respective industries. 

Larew says price fixing can be avoided by enforcement of antitrust policy, restoring competition in the agricultural marketplace reinstatement of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration and developing strong protections for farmers.

Price fixing indictments in the chicken processing sector highlights the need for greater oversight, according to the National Farmers Union. Four current and former executives at Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. and Claxton Poultry Farms, both of which produce chicken, were indicted this week for colluding to inflate the prices of birds sold to grocery stores and restaurants. NFU says the indictments show there is a need for greater antitrust enforcement and farmer protections. NFU President Rob Larew says price fixing is “extremely harmful” to agriculture and consumers. However, he says price fixing is only a symptom of the much bigger problem of corporate consolidation, and companies are only able to employ anticompetitive business practices when they’ve gathered control over their respective industries. Larew says price fixing can be avoided by enforcement of antitrust policy, restoring competition in the agricultural marketplace reinstatement of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration and developing strong protections for farmers.

NFU comments on price fixing indictments

An expected warm and dry summer has the Missouri River forecast on an average path for 2020. Water releases from Gavins Point Dam will remain at 33,000 cubic feet per second in June, which is about average, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. 

May runoff in the upper basin was about 130 percent of average. However, the summer climate outlook indicates a return to warmer and drier conditions in the upper basin. Still, the 2020 calendar year upper basin runoff forecast is 32.3 million acre feet, 125 percent of average. 

The June 1 forecast is in the top 25 percent of the 122 years of runoff record. Soils are drying out in the upper Missouri River Basin, following much wetter-than-normal conditions in 2018 and 2019. 

The potential for flooding remains in the Missouri River Basin, particularly in the lower river, due to the potential for locally heavy rain and runoff. Further, levee repairs continue from flooding last spring, kicked off by the March 2019 bomb-cyclone weather event.

An expected warm and dry summer has the Missouri River forecast on an average path for 2020. Water releases from Gavins Point Dam will remain at 33,000 cubic feet per second in June, which is about average, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. May runoff in the upper basin was about 130 percent of average. However, the summer climate outlook indicates a return to warmer and drier conditions in the upper basin. Still, the 2020 calendar year upper basin runoff forecast is 32.3 million acre feet, 125 percent of average. The June 1 forecast is in the top 25 percent of the 122 years of runoff record. Soils are drying out in the upper Missouri River Basin, following much wetter-than-normal conditions in 2018 and 2019. The potential for flooding remains in the Missouri River Basin, particularly in the lower river, due to the potential for locally heavy rain and runoff. Further, levee repairs continue from flooding last spring, kicked off by the March 2019 bomb-cyclone weather event.

Warmer, drier summer makes for average Missouri River forecast

The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced the approval of more than $545 million in payments to farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, known as CFAP. 

The Farm Service Agency began taking applications on May 26, and the agency has received more than 86,000 applications. FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top five states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska and South Dakota. FSA will accept applications through August 28, 2020. 

Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19, and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. 

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says FSA has the resources to “complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible.” Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov.

The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced the approval of more than $545 million in payments to farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, known as CFAP. The Farm Service Agency began taking applications on May 26, and the agency has received more than 86,000 applications. FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top five states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska and South Dakota. FSA will accept applications through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19, and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says FSA has the resources to “complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible.” Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov.

USDA issues first coronavirus food assistance program payments

Federal Lawmakers from Wisconsin seek answers from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for dairy farmers. In a letter this week, four legislators from Wisconsin asked how contracts are awarded through the Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

In May, USDA announced it was awarding $1.2 billion in contracts out of the $3 billion program, which is meant to support farmers struggling with food supply chain disruptions by purchasing agricultural products to distribute to those in need. 

However, the lawmakers say USDA has released few details regarding the awardees and the process used to determine which companies receive contracts. 

Wisconsin, one of the nation's top dairy-producing states and home to well-established dairy producers, processors, and distributors, has received less than one percent of the contracts made for dairy products through the program. 

Representative Ron Kind, a Wisconsin Democrat, says, “Our dairy farmers are the heart of our rural communities, and they deserve additional clarity and more support from USDA.”

Federal Lawmakers from Wisconsin seek answers from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for dairy farmers. In a letter this week, four legislators from Wisconsin asked how contracts are awarded through the Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program. In May, USDA announced it was awarding $1.2 billion in contracts out of the $3 billion program, which is meant to support farmers struggling with food supply chain disruptions by purchasing agricultural products to distribute to those in need. However, the lawmakers say USDA has released few details regarding the awardees and the process used to determine which companies receive contracts. Wisconsin, one of the nation's top dairy-producing states and home to well-established dairy producers, processors, and distributors, has received less than one percent of the contracts made for dairy products through the program. Representative Ron Kind, a Wisconsin Democrat, says, “Our dairy farmers are the heart of our rural communities, and they deserve additional clarity and more support from USDA.”

Lawmakers call on Secretary Perdue to provide answers for Wisconsin’s dairyland

Iowa leaders want the Department of Agriculture to include egg producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, known as CFAP. 

Both Senators from Iowa, Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, Along with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, sent the request in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. 

With nearly 70 percent of Iowa’s layer flocks producing for the liquid egg market, the COVID-19 market disruption has proved to be devastating to Iowa’s egg producers. 

Egg producers lost markets due to the closing of restaurants, schools and other egg buying businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the liquid egg market saw a 68 percent price decline. 

Senator Ernst says, “These hardworking folks need relief and assistance, and that's what we're fighting for and pushing USDA to provide.” Iowa is home to more than 58 million egg-laying hens and about one in six eggs consumed in the United States each year.

Iowa leaders want the Department of Agriculture to include egg producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, known as CFAP. Both Senators from Iowa, Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, Along with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, sent the request in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. With nearly 70 percent of Iowa’s layer flocks producing for the liquid egg market, the COVID-19 market disruption has proved to be devastating to Iowa’s egg producers. Egg producers lost markets due to the closing of restaurants, schools and other egg buying businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the liquid egg market saw a 68 percent price decline. Senator Ernst says, “These hardworking folks need relief and assistance, and that's what we're fighting for and pushing USDA to provide.” Iowa is home to more than 58 million egg-laying hens and about one in six eggs consumed in the United States each year.