Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says meatpacking facilities across the U.S. will be reopening this week. He says the companies are opening up again “safely” and are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. 

These facilities have resumed or plan to resume operations this week following an Executive Order from President Trump directing the facilities to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration guidelines specifically created for the meat and poultry sector response to COVID-19. 

The USDA has been working around the clock with the CDC and state and local health officials to ensure a safe and stable supply of protein is available for American consumers while keeping packing company employees safe. 

“America’s meatpacking facilities are reopening safely to ensure that America’s producers and ranchers will be able to bring their product to market,” Perdue says. “I want to thank the patriotic and heroic meatpacking facility workers who are returning to work this week so the millions of Americans who depend on them for food security can continue to do so.” 

Plant locations in Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Washington, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Illinois are slated to get back to work this week.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says meatpacking facilities across the U.S. will be reopening this week. He says the companies are opening up again “safely” and are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. These facilities have resumed or plan to resume operations this week following an Executive Order from President Trump directing the facilities to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration guidelines specifically created for the meat and poultry sector response to COVID-19. The USDA has been working around the clock with the CDC and state and local health officials to ensure a safe and stable supply of protein is available for American consumers while keeping packing company employees safe. “America’s meatpacking facilities are reopening safely to ensure that America’s producers and ranchers will be able to bring their product to market,” Perdue says. “I want to thank the patriotic and heroic meatpacking facility workers who are returning to work this week so the millions of Americans who depend on them for food security can continue to do so.” Plant locations in Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Washington, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Illinois are slated to get back to work this week.

Multiple meatpackers will reopen this week

The USDA says Chinese buyers purchased 686,000 metric tons of U.S. corn last week. Over 370,000 tons will be delivered in the 2019-2020 marketing year, with the rest going overseas in 2020-2021. 

This seems to suggest that China is following through on its obligations in the Phase One trade deal. In a statement to Agri-Pulse last week, the U.S. Grains Council says, “China’s recent purchases of U.S. corn place the country back in the top five markets for U.S. corn, which is promising news for American farmers during this critical time. 

China has been a strong customer for U.S. corn, sorghum, DDGs, and ethanol in past years.” USGC is hopeful that Chinese customers will continue finding a lot of value in U.S. coarse grains and related products in the years to come. 

The purchase of 315,000 tons announced last Thursday was especially large, almost triple the export sales for 2020-2021 corn in the entire week of April 24-30. That was 97,500 tons to buyers mostly located in Japan and Panama. Bryan Lohmar is the China Director for the USGC. 

He says, “We’ve already seen exports greater than the past few years, and China typically buys the most corn during summer months when its own supplies get tighter and domestic prices firm up.” China’s corn-buying began back in March with a purchase of 756,000 tons, reported on the same day the Asian nation bought 340,000 tons of U.S. wheat.

The USDA says Chinese buyers purchased 686,000 metric tons of U.S. corn last week. Over 370,000 tons will be delivered in the 2019-2020 marketing year, with the rest going overseas in 2020-2021. This seems to suggest that China is following through on its obligations in the Phase One trade deal. In a statement to Agri-Pulse last week, the U.S. Grains Council says, “China’s recent purchases of U.S. corn place the country back in the top five markets for U.S. corn, which is promising news for American farmers during this critical time. China has been a strong customer for U.S. corn, sorghum, DDGs, and ethanol in past years.” USGC is hopeful that Chinese customers will continue finding a lot of value in U.S. coarse grains and related products in the years to come. The purchase of 315,000 tons announced last Thursday was especially large, almost triple the export sales for 2020-2021 corn in the entire week of April 24-30. That was 97,500 tons to buyers mostly located in Japan and Panama. Bryan Lohmar is the China Director for the USGC. He says, “We’ve already seen exports greater than the past few years, and China typically buys the most corn during summer months when its own supplies get tighter and domestic prices firm up.” China’s corn-buying began back in March with a purchase of 756,000 tons, reported on the same day the Asian nation bought 340,000 tons of U.S. wheat.

China purchases U.S. corn

The National Biodiesel Board is pleased that the Department of Commerce will keep countervailing duty orders on imports of Argentinian biodiesel. The Commerce Department made the determination after its “changed circumstances review” of the anti-dumping duty. 

The department determined that there are no “changed circumstances” that would warrant any changes in U.S. duty rates. That means the rates on imported biodiesel from Argentina will stay at their current levels. 

Kurt Kovarik is the NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs, who says the NBB’s Fair Trade Commission fought hard for this outcome. “We certainly appreciate Secretary Wilbur Ross and the administration for supporting U.S. biodiesel producers at a critical moment. 

We are also grateful that they took the time to listen to U.S. biodiesel producers.” The NBB says the Department of Commerce took the time necessary to fully evaluate the status of Argentina’s export tax regime and made the right decision. 

“Also critical to the outcome is the support and leadership of Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell, along with Representative Darren LaHood,” Kovarik adds. “The U.S. biodiesel industry appreciates their help in amplifying the industry’s push for fair trade conditions.”

The National Biodiesel Board is pleased that the Department of Commerce will keep countervailing duty orders on imports of Argentinian biodiesel. The Commerce Department made the determination after its “changed circumstances review” of the anti-dumping duty. The department determined that there are no “changed circumstances” that would warrant any changes in U.S. duty rates. That means the rates on imported biodiesel from Argentina will stay at their current levels. Kurt Kovarik is the NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs, who says the NBB’s Fair Trade Commission fought hard for this outcome. “We certainly appreciate Secretary Wilbur Ross and the administration for supporting U.S. biodiesel producers at a critical moment. We are also grateful that they took the time to listen to U.S. biodiesel producers.” The NBB says the Department of Commerce took the time necessary to fully evaluate the status of Argentina’s export tax regime and made the right decision. “Also critical to the outcome is the support and leadership of Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell, along with Representative Darren LaHood,” Kovarik adds. “The U.S. biodiesel industry appreciates their help in amplifying the industry’s push for fair trade conditions.”

Duties to stay on biodiesel from Argentina

Top negotiators from China and the U.S. will talk next week about the progress on the Phase One Trade Deal between the two countries. Bloomberg says the move comes after President Donald Trump threatened to terminate the agreement if Beijing doesn’t meet its obligations. 

The planned phone call will be the first time the Chinese Vice Premier and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will talk about the agreement since it was signed in January. That was just before COVID-19 hit the world’s two largest economies and turned the world’s global supply chains upside down. 

Trade numbers this week showed a sharp drop in U.S. exports to China when compared to the 2017 benchmark levels, which in turn caused doubt that Beijing would meet its obligation to buy at least $262 billion in U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and energy goods. Beijing hasn’t yet removed many of its dumping duties on U.S. imports. 

Trump recently told reporters that he’d be able to tell them within the next two weeks if he’s happy with how the trade deal is progressing. Relations have been strained since the coronavirus outbreak. 

Trump says China misled the world about the scope and risk of the disease. China says U.S. officials are trying to “shift their responsibility for the poor handling of the disease.”

Top negotiators from China and the U.S. will talk next week about the progress on the Phase One Trade Deal between the two countries. Bloomberg says the move comes after President Donald Trump threatened to terminate the agreement if Beijing doesn’t meet its obligations. The planned phone call will be the first time the Chinese Vice Premier and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will talk about the agreement since it was signed in January. That was just before COVID-19 hit the world’s two largest economies and turned the world’s global supply chains upside down. Trade numbers this week showed a sharp drop in U.S. exports to China when compared to the 2017 benchmark levels, which in turn caused doubt that Beijing would meet its obligation to buy at least $262 billion in U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and energy goods. Beijing hasn’t yet removed many of its dumping duties on U.S. imports. Trump recently told reporters that he’d be able to tell them within the next two weeks if he’s happy with how the trade deal is progressing. Relations have been strained since the coronavirus outbreak. Trump says China misled the world about the scope and risk of the disease. China says U.S. officials are trying to “shift their responsibility for the poor handling of the disease.”

Trump: will know next week if China making progress on phase one deal

Spurred on by record production, U.S. pork exports completed a tremendous first quarter with new March records for both volume and value. Data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation says beef exports also trended higher year-over-year in March, establishing a record first-quarter pace. 

“March export results were very solid, especially given the COVID-19 related challenges facing customers in many international markets right now,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. 

“Stay-at-home orders created enormous challenges for many countries’ foodservice sectors, several of the world’s key currencies slumped against the dollar, and logistical obstacles surfaced in some key markets. However, demand for U.S. red meat proved very resilient.” 

Recent events like temporary plant closures aren’t reflected in the first-quarter export data. Pork exports, driven by strong demand from China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, and Canada, totaled well over 291,000 metric tons, a 38 percent increase from last year. 

The export value was up to more than $764 million. March beef exports were over 115,300 metric tons, seven percent more than last year, while the value was more than $702 million, four percent higher than 2019.

Spurred on by record production, U.S. pork exports completed a tremendous first quarter with new March records for both volume and value. Data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation says beef exports also trended higher year-over-year in March, establishing a record first-quarter pace. “March export results were very solid, especially given the COVID-19 related challenges facing customers in many international markets right now,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Stay-at-home orders created enormous challenges for many countries’ foodservice sectors, several of the world’s key currencies slumped against the dollar, and logistical obstacles surfaced in some key markets. However, demand for U.S. red meat proved very resilient.” Recent events like temporary plant closures aren’t reflected in the first-quarter export data. Pork exports, driven by strong demand from China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, and Canada, totaled well over 291,000 metric tons, a 38 percent increase from last year. The export value was up to more than $764 million. March beef exports were over 115,300 metric tons, seven percent more than last year, while the value was more than $702 million, four percent higher than 2019.

Pork exports hit all-time high in March

New legislation introduced in the Senate addresses disruptions in the food supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic and directly connect farms to food banks. 

The bill was introduced this week by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, who also sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee. As foodservice entities cease operations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have emerged that millions of pounds of produce have been left to rot. 

Meanwhile, food banks across the country are facing unprecedented demand, as millions of newly unemployed Americans now face food insecurity. Senator Gillibrand's proposed Food Bank Access to Farm Fresh Produce Act would provide $8 billion in block grants to food banks in the top vegetable and fruit producing states. 

Food banks will be able to use the funds to purchase fresh produce directly from farmers. They will also be able to use the funding to pay for distribution, processing, and additional staff needed to meet increased demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New legislation introduced in the Senate addresses disruptions in the food supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic and directly connect farms to food banks. The bill was introduced this week by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, who also sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee. As foodservice entities cease operations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have emerged that millions of pounds of produce have been left to rot. Meanwhile, food banks across the country are facing unprecedented demand, as millions of newly unemployed Americans now face food insecurity. Senator Gillibrand's proposed Food Bank Access to Farm Fresh Produce Act would provide $8 billion in block grants to food banks in the top vegetable and fruit producing states. Food banks will be able to use the funds to purchase fresh produce directly from farmers. They will also be able to use the funding to pay for distribution, processing, and additional staff needed to meet increased demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gillibrand introduces bill to connect farms and food banks

The reduction of meat processing capacity caused by U.S. plant closures and slowdowns has created a massive bottleneck in the nation's meat and livestock supply chain. 

Nearly two dozen plants that process beef and pork products closed in April due to the COVID-19 outbreak, while many others have had to slow their production as a result of the disease. 

According to a new report from CoBank, even if the reduction of processing capacity is temporary, it will likely have a lasting impact on meat processors, livestock producers, retail stores and consumers. 

Meat supplies for retail grocery stores could shrink nearly 30 percent by Memorial Day, leading to retail pork and beef price increases as high as 20 percent relative to prices last year. 

This week, Midwest-based grocery chain Hy-Vee announced limits on customer purchases of meat products. Customers are limited to four packages of a combination of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken when they checkout at all store locations. Costco announced similar limits earlier this week, as did Sam’s Club.

The reduction of meat processing capacity caused by U.S. plant closures and slowdowns has created a massive bottleneck in the nation's meat and livestock supply chain. Nearly two dozen plants that process beef and pork products closed in April due to the COVID-19 outbreak, while many others have had to slow their production as a result of the disease. According to a new report from CoBank, even if the reduction of processing capacity is temporary, it will likely have a lasting impact on meat processors, livestock producers, retail stores and consumers. Meat supplies for retail grocery stores could shrink nearly 30 percent by Memorial Day, leading to retail pork and beef price increases as high as 20 percent relative to prices last year. This week, Midwest-based grocery chain Hy-Vee announced limits on customer purchases of meat products. Customers are limited to four packages of a combination of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken when they checkout at all store locations. Costco announced similar limits earlier this week, as did Sam’s Club.

Meat plant closures tightening supplies

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week sent two letters to Governors across the nation and leadership of major meat processing companies regarding the reopening of meat processing facilities. 

The letters establish the Department of Agriculture's expectations for the implementation of President Donald Trump's Executive Order signed last week. 

The President's Executive order directs plants to follow the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance specific to the meat processing industry to keep facilities open while maintaining worker safety. 

USDA expects state and local officials to work with meat-processing facilities to maintain operational status while protecting their employees' health. 

USDA has also directed meat and poultry processing plants currently closed and without a clear timetable for near-term reopening to submit to USDA written documentation of their protocol, developed based on the CDC/OSHA guidance, and resume operations as soon as they are able after implementing the guidance.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week sent two letters to Governors across the nation and leadership of major meat processing companies regarding the reopening of meat processing facilities. The letters establish the Department of Agriculture's expectations for the implementation of President Donald Trump's Executive Order signed last week. The President's Executive order directs plants to follow the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance specific to the meat processing industry to keep facilities open while maintaining worker safety. USDA expects state and local officials to work with meat-processing facilities to maintain operational status while protecting their employees' health. USDA has also directed meat and poultry processing plants currently closed and without a clear timetable for near-term reopening to submit to USDA written documentation of their protocol, developed based on the CDC/OSHA guidance, and resume operations as soon as they are able after implementing the guidance.

Perdue releases letters on meatpacking investigation

The Department of Agriculture this week announced details of the $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020 in addition to purchases previously announced. 

The purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in need, in response to changing market conditions caused by the COVID-19 national emergency. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says, "USDA is in the unique position to purchase these foods and deliver them to the hungry Americans who need it most." 

The Agricultural Marketing Service will purchase a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood products. The purchases include $30 million of chicken products, $120 million of dairy products and $30 million of pork. 

Additionally, USDA will purchase $50 million of potatoes, another $50 million of turkey products, and $30 million of catfish products, among others. Purchases are determined by industry requests, market analysis and food bank needs. AMS will begin issuing solicitations in June and intends to begin deliveries in July.

The Department of Agriculture this week announced details of the $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020 in addition to purchases previously announced. The purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in need, in response to changing market conditions caused by the COVID-19 national emergency. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says, "USDA is in the unique position to purchase these foods and deliver them to the hungry Americans who need it most." The Agricultural Marketing Service will purchase a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood products. The purchases include $30 million of chicken products, $120 million of dairy products and $30 million of pork. Additionally, USDA will purchase $50 million of potatoes, another $50 million of turkey products, and $30 million of catfish products, among others. Purchases are determined by industry requests, market analysis and food bank needs. AMS will begin issuing solicitations in June and intends to begin deliveries in July.

USDA announces commodity purchasing plans

A feeding initiative in partnership with the Department of Agriculture will now serve nearly five million meals per week to rural children impacted by COVID-19-related school closures – five times its original goal.&nbsp; 

The partnership between USDA and Baylor University, along with McLane Global and PepsiCo, initially aimed to deliver nearly one million meals per week to students eligible for free and reduced-price meals in a limited number of rural schools closed due to COVID-19. 

However, the Meals To You initiative, “has been so successful and faced such high demand,” that USDA decided to expand the program, according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. 

Meals to You boxes contain 20 nutritious meals, ten breakfasts and ten lunches, to cover the meals children would normally receive at school over two school weeks. 

Foods contained in the boxes meet USDA’s Summer Food Service Program meal standards and may include items like milk, fruit cups, cereal, whole-grain crackers, and chili. Boxes are delivered directly to children’s doorsteps.

A feeding initiative in partnership with the Department of Agriculture will now serve nearly five million meals per week to rural children impacted by COVID-19-related school closures – five times its original goal.&nbsp; The partnership between USDA and Baylor University, along with McLane Global and PepsiCo, initially aimed to deliver nearly one million meals per week to students eligible for free and reduced-price meals in a limited number of rural schools closed due to COVID-19. However, the Meals To You initiative, “has been so successful and faced such high demand,” that USDA decided to expand the program, according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Meals to You boxes contain 20 nutritious meals, ten breakfasts and ten lunches, to cover the meals children would normally receive at school over two school weeks. Foods contained in the boxes meet USDA’s Summer Food Service Program meal standards and may include items like milk, fruit cups, cereal, whole-grain crackers, and chili. Boxes are delivered directly to children’s doorsteps.

Public-private partnership serving 5 million meals a week

Commodity price declines, supply-chain disruptions, and coronavirus concerns pushed the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer down to a three-year low in April. 

The barometer recorded a reading of 96, marking the first time the barometer has fallen below 100 since October 2016, and was 72 points below its record high just two-months prior. The Ag Economy Barometer is based on responses from 400 U.S. agricultural producers and this month's survey was conducted from April 19-24, 2020. 

Producers' expectations for current and future agricultural economic conditions also declined sharply. The Index of Current Conditions suffered its largest one-month drop, down 39 points in April to a reading of 72, and the Index of Future Expectations fell 18 points to a reading of 108. 

In the April survey, two-thirds of respondents indicated they were "very worried" or "fairly worried about the impact of coronavirus on their farm's profitability. More than half said they anticipate applying for one of the federal government's COVID-19 related financial assistance programs.

Commodity price declines, supply-chain disruptions, and coronavirus concerns pushed the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer down to a three-year low in April. The barometer recorded a reading of 96, marking the first time the barometer has fallen below 100 since October 2016, and was 72 points below its record high just two-months prior. The Ag Economy Barometer is based on responses from 400 U.S. agricultural producers and this month's survey was conducted from April 19-24, 2020. Producers' expectations for current and future agricultural economic conditions also declined sharply. The Index of Current Conditions suffered its largest one-month drop, down 39 points in April to a reading of 72, and the Index of Future Expectations fell 18 points to a reading of 108. In the April survey, two-thirds of respondents indicated they were "very worried" or "fairly worried about the impact of coronavirus on their farm's profitability. More than half said they anticipate applying for one of the federal government's COVID-19 related financial assistance programs.

Ag economy barometer reaches three-year low

A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives urges the Department of Agriculture to provide findings of its beef pricing investigation as soon as possible. Following the announcement of the USDA's Packers and Stockyard Division investigation in August of 2019. 

Secretary Sonny Perdue extended USDA's investigation last month to determine the causes of divergence between live beef and box prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in the first few weeks of the coronavirus crisis, cattlemen saw prices drastically decline, with cattle futures falling 29 percent between January and April, while beef prices increased in stores. 

The lawmakers, including Oklahoma Republican Frank Lucas, say, “When market participants begin to believe that markets are not competitive or transparent, that suspicion has a dangerous industry-wide ripple effect." 

The lawmakers say producers want effective, market-based risk management tools. However, volatility during the pandemic has made market participation difficult to manage and capital intensive. Lucas added, "As a policymaker and a lifelong cattleman, restoring faith in our markets is my top priority.”

A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives urges the Department of Agriculture to provide findings of its beef pricing investigation as soon as possible. Following the announcement of the USDA's Packers and Stockyard Division investigation in August of 2019. Secretary Sonny Perdue extended USDA's investigation last month to determine the causes of divergence between live beef and box prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in the first few weeks of the coronavirus crisis, cattlemen saw prices drastically decline, with cattle futures falling 29 percent between January and April, while beef prices increased in stores. The lawmakers, including Oklahoma Republican Frank Lucas, say, “When market participants begin to believe that markets are not competitive or transparent, that suspicion has a dangerous industry-wide ripple effect." The lawmakers say producers want effective, market-based risk management tools. However, volatility during the pandemic has made market participation difficult to manage and capital intensive. Lucas added, "As a policymaker and a lifelong cattleman, restoring faith in our markets is my top priority.”

Lawmakers seek quick investigation of beef industry

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $100 million in competitive grants for activities designed to expand the availability and sale of renewable fuels. 

The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program offers funding for competitive grants or sales incentives to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. 

Funds will be made directly available to assist transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment, and infrastructure. 

Agriculture Secretary Perdue says the grants to expand biofuels availability “will help increase their use during our economic resurgence,” following the impacts of decreased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

USDA plans to make available approximately $86 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol, and approximately $14 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of biodiesel.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $100 million in competitive grants for activities designed to expand the availability and sale of renewable fuels. The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program offers funding for competitive grants or sales incentives to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. Funds will be made directly available to assist transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment, and infrastructure. Agriculture Secretary Perdue says the grants to expand biofuels availability “will help increase their use during our economic resurgence,” following the impacts of decreased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA plans to make available approximately $86 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol, and approximately $14 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of biodiesel.

USDA announces $100 million for american biofuels infrastructure

Average gas prices rose for the first time in ten weeks, while diesel fell nationwide in the last week. GasBuddy reports the national average price of gasoline has moved higher, rising 1.5 cents over the last week to $1.75 per gallon. 

The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 2.5 cents to $2.43 per gallon. Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy says, “a disconnect between low oil prices and rising gasoline prices has emerged at the hands of refineries that have slowed production.” 

Crude oil prices have rallied significantly in the last week as OPEC's production cut took effect May 1, and as U.S. demand shows the first signs of a long road to recovery. Data from the Energy Information Administration last week printed a gain of nine million barrels in U.S. oil inventories, ten percent above the five-year average for this time of year. 

Gasoline inventories, however, posted a drop of nearly four million barrels, signaling that refinery run cuts have fulfilled their purpose of curbing a glut of gasoline.

Average gas prices rose for the first time in ten weeks, while diesel fell nationwide in the last week. GasBuddy reports the national average price of gasoline has moved higher, rising 1.5 cents over the last week to $1.75 per gallon. The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 2.5 cents to $2.43 per gallon. Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy says, “a disconnect between low oil prices and rising gasoline prices has emerged at the hands of refineries that have slowed production.” Crude oil prices have rallied significantly in the last week as OPEC's production cut took effect May 1, and as U.S. demand shows the first signs of a long road to recovery. Data from the Energy Information Administration last week printed a gain of nine million barrels in U.S. oil inventories, ten percent above the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline inventories, however, posted a drop of nearly four million barrels, signaling that refinery run cuts have fulfilled their purpose of curbing a glut of gasoline.

National average gas prices increases

The American Petroleum Institute recently filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency requesting a reconsideration of the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard final rule. 

A coalition of ethanol and farm groups sent a letter to the EPA last week in opposition to the petition. API claims the EPA needs to reconsider the rule because of the coalition’s recent Tenth Circuit Court victory that overturned the small refinery exemptions illegally granted by the EPA. 

API also argues in its petition that the 2020 RFS rule should be revised to eliminate measures that prospectively “reallocate” RFS blending obligations expected to be lost to refinery waivers. 

The Petroleum Institute says the reallocation of expected waivers is no longer needed because the Tenth Circuit Court decision should significantly curtail the number of waivers granted. However, EPA hasn’t confirmed that it will implement the tenets of the court decision nationwide, meaning reconsideration of the 2020 RFS rule would be very premature. 

“There is no basis for revisiting or modifying EPA’s current approach until EPA acknowledges that the central tenets of the Tenth Circuit Court’s decision are appropriately applied across the country,” the groups say in their letter.

The American Petroleum Institute recently filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency requesting a reconsideration of the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard final rule. A coalition of ethanol and farm groups sent a letter to the EPA last week in opposition to the petition. API claims the EPA needs to reconsider the rule because of the coalition’s recent Tenth Circuit Court victory that overturned the small refinery exemptions illegally granted by the EPA. API also argues in its petition that the 2020 RFS rule should be revised to eliminate measures that prospectively “reallocate” RFS blending obligations expected to be lost to refinery waivers. The Petroleum Institute says the reallocation of expected waivers is no longer needed because the Tenth Circuit Court decision should significantly curtail the number of waivers granted. However, EPA hasn’t confirmed that it will implement the tenets of the court decision nationwide, meaning reconsideration of the 2020 RFS rule would be very premature. “There is no basis for revisiting or modifying EPA’s current approach until EPA acknowledges that the central tenets of the Tenth Circuit Court’s decision are appropriately applied across the country,” the groups say in their letter.

Coalition opposes API petitions on RFS obligations

Democratic Representatives from New York, Maine, Vermont, and New Jersey introduced the Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act. The legislation would provide one-time debt forgiveness of up to $250,000 for farmers who hold existing loan obligations with the USDA. 

The Hagstrom Report says the bill would apply that one-time debt forgiveness to three types of USDA loans, including direct-farm operating loans, direct farm ownership loans, as well as emergency loans. 

Farmers with an average adjusted gross income of $300,000 a year or less over the previous five years would be eligible for the debt relief. The legislation will offer a one-year window for farmers to apply for the relief. 

Farmers would have to commit to being actively engaged in farming for at least two years after receiving loan forgiveness. 

The bill has widespread support from a wide spectrum of organizations, including the National Family Farm Coalition, National Young Farmers Coalition, Farm Aid, Family Farm Action, Rural Coalition, Rural Advancement Foundation International, as well as the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment.

Democratic Representatives from New York, Maine, Vermont, and New Jersey introduced the Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act. The legislation would provide one-time debt forgiveness of up to $250,000 for farmers who hold existing loan obligations with the USDA. The Hagstrom Report says the bill would apply that one-time debt forgiveness to three types of USDA loans, including direct-farm operating loans, direct farm ownership loans, as well as emergency loans. Farmers with an average adjusted gross income of $300,000 a year or less over the previous five years would be eligible for the debt relief. The legislation will offer a one-year window for farmers to apply for the relief. Farmers would have to commit to being actively engaged in farming for at least two years after receiving loan forgiveness. The bill has widespread support from a wide spectrum of organizations, including the National Family Farm Coalition, National Young Farmers Coalition, Farm Aid, Family Farm Action, Rural Coalition, Rural Advancement Foundation International, as well as the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment.

Small farmer debt relief act introduced in house

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says meatpacking plants that have been slowed or shut down due to coronavirus will open again in days, not weeks. 

Slaughterhouse employees are set to receive additional protective gear and will have access to COVID-19 testing “virtually immediately.” The Hill Dot Com says Perdue expects the shortfall in meat production is likely as high as 30 percent but will drop to between 10 and 15 percent within 10 days. 

However, Perdue does say that production likely won’t return to the pre-pandemic pace as new safety procedures are put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus. “There will be some less production, some inefficiency based on line speeds, some employees that will not be able to come back to work,” Perdue says. 

“We want to assure the workers and their community of their safety.” As the virus continued to spread across the country, more than a dozen meat processing plants have been temporarily shut down due to outbreaks. 

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union reported at least 6,500 workers who had directly been affected by the coronavirus, as well as 20 deaths at plants across the country. The USDA will require processors to submit plans to operate packing facilities safely and review those measures with local officials.

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says meatpacking plants that have been slowed or shut down due to coronavirus will open again in days, not weeks. Slaughterhouse employees are set to receive additional protective gear and will have access to COVID-19 testing “virtually immediately.” The Hill Dot Com says Perdue expects the shortfall in meat production is likely as high as 30 percent but will drop to between 10 and 15 percent within 10 days. However, Perdue does say that production likely won’t return to the pre-pandemic pace as new safety procedures are put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus. “There will be some less production, some inefficiency based on line speeds, some employees that will not be able to come back to work,” Perdue says. “We want to assure the workers and their community of their safety.” As the virus continued to spread across the country, more than a dozen meat processing plants have been temporarily shut down due to outbreaks. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union reported at least 6,500 workers who had directly been affected by the coronavirus, as well as 20 deaths at plants across the country. The USDA will require processors to submit plans to operate packing facilities safely and review those measures with local officials.

Perdue: meatpackers to open in “days,” not weeks

The American Soybean Association’s COVID-19 Task Force conducted a survey to find out the effects of COVID-19 on soy growers, their operations, employees, and families. 

It’s probably no surprise that stress in soy-producing states is high. ASA, their state soybean affiliates, and the United Soybean Board want to help. This May is Mental Health Month and ASA is launching a proactive communications campaign to combat #FarmStress and offer #SoyHelp. They say help comes in many forms and from many sources. 

ASA has researched a range of options that will be shared both nationally and by state soybean affiliates. “Stress levels have crept up out there in farm communities for some time now,” says Kevin Scott, a South Dakota farmer and chair of the task force. “Knowing how to talk about the issues and work to reduce stress are two different things.” 

The #SoyHelp campaign will include different levels of outreach. Producers will see #SoyHelp posts throughout May on Facebook and Twitter. They’ll offer a social media toolkit for each soybean state and USB to participate and share resources. 

The organization will have related stories in national and state newsletters, as well as editorials from soy growers on #FarmStress. They’ll also share expert advice on the subject of farm stress and ways to seek out emotional support. &nbsp;

The American Soybean Association’s COVID-19 Task Force conducted a survey to find out the effects of COVID-19 on soy growers, their operations, employees, and families. It’s probably no surprise that stress in soy-producing states is high. ASA, their state soybean affiliates, and the United Soybean Board want to help. This May is Mental Health Month and ASA is launching a proactive communications campaign to combat #FarmStress and offer #SoyHelp. They say help comes in many forms and from many sources. ASA has researched a range of options that will be shared both nationally and by state soybean affiliates. “Stress levels have crept up out there in farm communities for some time now,” says Kevin Scott, a South Dakota farmer and chair of the task force. “Knowing how to talk about the issues and work to reduce stress are two different things.” The #SoyHelp campaign will include different levels of outreach. Producers will see #SoyHelp posts throughout May on Facebook and Twitter. They’ll offer a social media toolkit for each soybean state and USB to participate and share resources. The organization will have related stories in national and state newsletters, as well as editorials from soy growers on #FarmStress. They’ll also share expert advice on the subject of farm stress and ways to seek out emotional support. &nbsp;

ASA, USB offering #soyhelp to overcome farm stress

The Minnesota Democrat who chairs the House Ag Committee says he will “personally see to it” that the ag industry doesn’t suffer from a national emergency like COVID-19 again. “I can tell you as chairman of the ag committee that this is not going to happen again on my watch,” Peterson said during a press conference in Worthington, Minnesota. 

The press conference dealt with how pork producers are being hurt by the pandemic. Peterson has formed a local task force to help pork producers deal with a massive backup of hogs caused by recent closures of meat processing plants. 

Before President Trump issued an executive order to keep the plants open, Peterson had struck a deal with a shuttered JBS plant in Minnesota to have its workers ease the burden by euthanizing up to 13,000 hogs daily. 

With fewer places to send animals ready for slaughter, farmers are having to euthanize the animals themselves, which Peterson says is a nearly impossible task. Peterson also said Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue floated the idea of having the federal government cover the costs of depopulating hogs if the backlog remains a problem.

The Minnesota Democrat who chairs the House Ag Committee says he will “personally see to it” that the ag industry doesn’t suffer from a national emergency like COVID-19 again. “I can tell you as chairman of the ag committee that this is not going to happen again on my watch,” Peterson said during a press conference in Worthington, Minnesota. The press conference dealt with how pork producers are being hurt by the pandemic. Peterson has formed a local task force to help pork producers deal with a massive backup of hogs caused by recent closures of meat processing plants. Before President Trump issued an executive order to keep the plants open, Peterson had struck a deal with a shuttered JBS plant in Minnesota to have its workers ease the burden by euthanizing up to 13,000 hogs daily. With fewer places to send animals ready for slaughter, farmers are having to euthanize the animals themselves, which Peterson says is a nearly impossible task. Peterson also said Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue floated the idea of having the federal government cover the costs of depopulating hogs if the backlog remains a problem.

Peterson will draft emergency plan for agriculture

A total of 132 Triumph Foods workers have tested positive for
COVID-19 as mass testing at the St. Joseph plant wraps up today.

Missouri State Health Director Randall Williams says the state
will work to contain the coronavirus in St. Joseph.

“We are sending up a team of contact tracers to work with the
local health department in St. Joe,” Williams tells reporters during the
governor’s daily briefing on COVID-19. “We have had a total now of 132
employees at Triumph test positive. Some of those are symptomatic, but the vast
majority are asymptomatic.”

In other words, those testing positive didn’t have fevers,
coughs, or other symptoms associated with the coronavirus, yet still tested
positive for COVID-19.

State health officials initially reported 92 positive tests
out of 707 tests taken of Triumph Food employs. Williams did not disclose the
total number of test results from which the 132 positive results were taken.
Hundreds of test results are expected to come in over the next couple of days.

Williams says the state hopes quick action will result in
containment.

“So, in this case, we were on this within two days. We’ve
identified 92 asymptomatic people already and that gives us a tremendous power
to go into contact tracing and isolate that,” according to Williams.

Contact tracing attempts to locate those who might have come
into close contract with those testing positive for the coronavirus.

By the end of Thursday, Northwest Health Services had tested 2,430
of the approximately 2,800 Triumph Foods employees at the south St. Joseph pork
processing plant.

Williams is hoping quick action by state and local officials
will head off a huge coronavirus outbreak in St. Joseph.

“But, going forward, we now have the testing capacity to move
in very quickly,” Williams says. “We had 3,000 tests within 12 hours of needing
them in Buchanan County and that is a testament to the providers up there and
our capacity.”

Williams says mass testing should give health officials a
solid assessment of the spread of COVID-19 at the plant.

“Clearly, our number one goal always is to protect the health
and safety (of the workers) and that’s why we’re in there doing 3,000 tests on asymptomatic
people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588342380364.jpeg" alt="Northwest Health testing at Triumph Foods in south St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Health testing at Triumph Foods in south St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA total of 132 Triumph Foods workers have tested positive for
COVID-19 as mass testing at the St. Joseph plant wraps up today.Missouri State Health Director Randall Williams says the state
will work to contain the coronavirus in St. Joseph.“We are sending up a team of contact tracers to work with the
local health department in St. Joe,” Williams tells reporters during the
governor’s daily briefing on COVID-19. “We have had a total now of 132
employees at Triumph test positive. Some of those are symptomatic, but the vast
majority are asymptomatic.”In other words, those testing positive didn’t have fevers,
coughs, or other symptoms associated with the coronavirus, yet still tested
positive for COVID-19.State health officials initially reported 92 positive tests
out of 707 tests taken of Triumph Food employs. Williams did not disclose the
total number of test results from which the 132 positive results were taken.
Hundreds of test results are expected to come in over the next couple of days.Williams says the state hopes quick action will result in
containment.“So, in this case, we were on this within two days. We’ve
identified 92 asymptomatic people already and that gives us a tremendous power
to go into contact tracing and isolate that,” according to Williams.Contact tracing attempts to locate those who might have come
into close contract with those testing positive for the coronavirus.By the end of Thursday, Northwest Health Services had tested 2,430
of the approximately 2,800 Triumph Foods employees at the south St. Joseph pork
processing plant.Williams is hoping quick action by state and local officials
will head off a huge coronavirus outbreak in St. Joseph.“But, going forward, we now have the testing capacity to move
in very quickly,” Williams says. “We had 3,000 tests within 12 hours of needing
them in Buchanan County and that is a testament to the providers up there and
our capacity.”Williams says mass testing should give health officials a
solid assessment of the spread of COVID-19 at the plant.“Clearly, our number one goal always is to protect the health
and safety (of the workers) and that’s why we’re in there doing 3,000 tests on asymptomatic
people.”

Now 132 positive COVID-19 tests at Triumph Foods; more results pending

The USDA will soon open signup for a new conservation program called CLEAR30. It’s a new pilot program that will allow farmers and landowners an opportunity to enroll in a 30-year Conservation Reserve Program contract. 

Signup will begin this summer, with farmers in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay regions eligible to participate. “This pilot will allow us to work with farmers and landowners to maintain conservation practices for 30 years, which will only underscore farmers’ commitments to sound long-term conservation stewardship on their agricultural land,” says Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce. 

“Through CLEAR30, we can decrease erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat on a much longer-term basis.” The program will be available in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 

Traditional CRP contracts run from 10 to 15 years. The longer contracts will ensure that practices remain in place for 30 years, which will help reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, as well as help to prevent algae blooms. The official signup period begins on July 6 and runs through August 21.

The USDA will soon open signup for a new conservation program called CLEAR30. It’s a new pilot program that will allow farmers and landowners an opportunity to enroll in a 30-year Conservation Reserve Program contract. Signup will begin this summer, with farmers in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay regions eligible to participate. “This pilot will allow us to work with farmers and landowners to maintain conservation practices for 30 years, which will only underscore farmers’ commitments to sound long-term conservation stewardship on their agricultural land,” says Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Through CLEAR30, we can decrease erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat on a much longer-term basis.” The program will be available in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Traditional CRP contracts run from 10 to 15 years. The longer contracts will ensure that practices remain in place for 30 years, which will help reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, as well as help to prevent algae blooms. The official signup period begins on July 6 and runs through August 21.

USDA pilot program offers longer-term conservation benefits

Larger-than-expected beginning stocks and more harvested acres have placed organic corn and wheat on a bearish trend over the 2019/20 market year, according to the new Mercaris Organic Commodity Outlook. 

Meanwhile, strong demand and lower imports have provided support to organic soybeans markets. Mercaris, the nation's leading market data service and online trading platform for organic, non-GMO and certified agricultural commodities, this week released its spring outlook. 

Despite poor planting and harvest conditions in 2019, additional certified corn and wheat farms helped push harvests above previous estimates. In addition, corn imports rose sharply at the end of the 2018/19 market year, 12 percent above projections. 

For organic soybeans, a collapse in imports from China and a reduction from Canada and the Black Sea Region point to supply constraints and higher prices. Meanwhile, organic corn production is estimated at 39.7 million bushels for 2019/20, up nine percent from the previous outlook but still down four percent year-over-year.

Larger-than-expected beginning stocks and more harvested acres have placed organic corn and wheat on a bearish trend over the 2019/20 market year, according to the new Mercaris Organic Commodity Outlook. Meanwhile, strong demand and lower imports have provided support to organic soybeans markets. Mercaris, the nation's leading market data service and online trading platform for organic, non-GMO and certified agricultural commodities, this week released its spring outlook. Despite poor planting and harvest conditions in 2019, additional certified corn and wheat farms helped push harvests above previous estimates. In addition, corn imports rose sharply at the end of the 2018/19 market year, 12 percent above projections. For organic soybeans, a collapse in imports from China and a reduction from Canada and the Black Sea Region point to supply constraints and higher prices. Meanwhile, organic corn production is estimated at 39.7 million bushels for 2019/20, up nine percent from the previous outlook but still down four percent year-over-year.

Organic outlook: corn and wheat face glut, soy demand strong

More than half of U.S. equipment manufacturers believe the COVID-19 pandemic has had a very negative impact on the industry, according to a survey released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. 

In addition, eight out of ten executives say the federal government should prioritize a significant investment in the nation's infrastructure to help equipment manufacturers weather the crisis and help rebuild the economy. 

The survey was in the field from April 16 to 27, 2020. Seven out of ten surveyed experienced a moderately negative impact on their supply chain, while a quarter said the impact has been very negative. 

Four out of ten said they expect the outlook for the next 30 days to get worse and said they plan to lower their financial outlook for the same period by more than 30 percent. Finally, nine out of ten cited a decline in demand for equipment as the primary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business.

More than half of U.S. equipment manufacturers believe the COVID-19 pandemic has had a very negative impact on the industry, according to a survey released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. In addition, eight out of ten executives say the federal government should prioritize a significant investment in the nation's infrastructure to help equipment manufacturers weather the crisis and help rebuild the economy. The survey was in the field from April 16 to 27, 2020. Seven out of ten surveyed experienced a moderately negative impact on their supply chain, while a quarter said the impact has been very negative. Four out of ten said they expect the outlook for the next 30 days to get worse and said they plan to lower their financial outlook for the same period by more than 30 percent. Finally, nine out of ten cited a decline in demand for equipment as the primary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business.

COVID-19 impacting ag equipment demand, supply chains

Two U.S. Senators seek an antitrust investigation into the meatpacking industry. Senators Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, asked the Federal Trade Commission to open the antitrust investigation Wednesday. 

They say the industry is currently dominated by just a handful of large, multinational firms that have concentrated meat processing into fewer and fewer facilities, leaving America’s food supply chain vulnerable to disruptions. 

In the bipartisan letter, the Senators note that the closing of three pork plants because of COVID-19 has resulted in the shutdown of 15 percent of America’s pork production “at a time when stable supply chains have become more critical than ever.” 

The Senators say the FTC has the power to “shed light on these growing competition and security problems.” Baldwin and Hawley say the FTC should ask probing questions about major meatpacking firms’ conduct, pricing, and contracting, as well as how their commitments to overseas interests impact the U.S. market and national security.

Two U.S. Senators seek an antitrust investigation into the meatpacking industry. Senators Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, asked the Federal Trade Commission to open the antitrust investigation Wednesday. They say the industry is currently dominated by just a handful of large, multinational firms that have concentrated meat processing into fewer and fewer facilities, leaving America’s food supply chain vulnerable to disruptions. In the bipartisan letter, the Senators note that the closing of three pork plants because of COVID-19 has resulted in the shutdown of 15 percent of America’s pork production “at a time when stable supply chains have become more critical than ever.” The Senators say the FTC has the power to “shed light on these growing competition and security problems.” Baldwin and Hawley say the FTC should ask probing questions about major meatpacking firms’ conduct, pricing, and contracting, as well as how their commitments to overseas interests impact the U.S. market and national security.

Senators seek open antitrust investigation into meatpackers amid plant closures

President Donald Trump’s executive order to open meatpacking plants helps ensure the food supply chain but poses risks to workers. A statement by the National Farmers Union says the organization shares the president's concerns around maintaining food system infrastructure. 

However, the organization is equally concerned with the health and wellbeing of meat plant employees.

 NFU President Rob Larew says, “These workers work in close quarters and often lack access to appropriate protective equipment or paid sick leave, making them among the most vulnerable to coronavirus.” However, ordering the facilities to stay open ensures that producers of meat have a market for their product. 

National Pork Producers Council President Howard AV Roth says, "We must safely stabilize the current plant capacity challenge." Pork and poultry producers face the tough decision to depopulate because there is no room for animals in the current supply chain. 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, in a statement, says he is "hopeful" the executive order will protect workers while ensuring the supply chain for farmers and ranchers.

President Donald Trump’s executive order to open meatpacking plants helps ensure the food supply chain but poses risks to workers. A statement by the National Farmers Union says the organization shares the president's concerns around maintaining food system infrastructure. However, the organization is equally concerned with the health and wellbeing of meat plant employees. NFU President Rob Larew says, “These workers work in close quarters and often lack access to appropriate protective equipment or paid sick leave, making them among the most vulnerable to coronavirus.” However, ordering the facilities to stay open ensures that producers of meat have a market for their product. National Pork Producers Council President Howard AV Roth says, "We must safely stabilize the current plant capacity challenge." Pork and poultry producers face the tough decision to depopulate because there is no room for animals in the current supply chain. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, in a statement, says he is "hopeful" the executive order will protect workers while ensuring the supply chain for farmers and ranchers.