U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019. 

November beef exports totaled 115,300 metric tons, up six percent from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed eight percent year-over-year to $707.5 million. November beef muscle cut exports were the third largest on record at 91,300 metric tons, valued at $630 million. 

November pork export volume was steady year-over-year at 258,800 metric tons, with value down two percent to $697.5 million. Although China/Hong Kong remained the largest destination for U.S. pork in November, momentum continued to build in other markets, including Japan, Mexico and Central America. 

January-November pork exports set new annual records for both volume and value.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pork muscle cut exports also shattered previous annual records, increasing 18 percent year-over-year to 2.29 million metric tons, valued at $6 billion.

U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019. November beef exports totaled 115,300 metric tons, up six percent from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed eight percent year-over-year to $707.5 million. November beef muscle cut exports were the third largest on record at 91,300 metric tons, valued at $630 million. November pork export volume was steady year-over-year at 258,800 metric tons, with value down two percent to $697.5 million. Although China/Hong Kong remained the largest destination for U.S. pork in November, momentum continued to build in other markets, including Japan, Mexico and Central America. January-November pork exports set new annual records for both volume and value.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pork muscle cut exports also shattered previous annual records, increasing 18 percent year-over-year to 2.29 million metric tons, valued at $6 billion.

USMEF releases November export data

A top farm organization leader says it is time to "turn the page" on partisan politics. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall made the comments during an opening press conference as part of the American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention. 

Duvall's remarks follow last week's rally and attack on the U.S. capitol. Duvall says, “we have got to work together, as one country, one people, for the good of all the people in this country.” 

Farm Bureau members will develop policy priorities this week for the organization to follow in 2021. With the incoming Biden administration, top priorities are expected to be climate change, taxes and labor, along with strengthening the farm bill. 

Duvall says, “We must make sure that we are at the table for the discussions around addressing climate change,” adding, “I believe agriculture’s great track record shows just how much we can achieve when farmers and ranchers are at the table when we develop solutions.”

A top farm organization leader says it is time to "turn the page" on partisan politics. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall made the comments during an opening press conference as part of the American Farm Bureau Federation Virtual Annual Convention. Duvall's remarks follow last week's rally and attack on the U.S. capitol. Duvall says, “we have got to work together, as one country, one people, for the good of all the people in this country.” Farm Bureau members will develop policy priorities this week for the organization to follow in 2021. With the incoming Biden administration, top priorities are expected to be climate change, taxes and labor, along with strengthening the farm bill. Duvall says, “We must make sure that we are at the table for the discussions around addressing climate change,” adding, “I believe agriculture’s great track record shows just how much we can achieve when farmers and ranchers are at the table when we develop solutions.”

AFBF President: turn the page on partisanship

The U.S. Supreme Court last week announced it will review the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit’s decision in a case against the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The decision overturned three inappropriately granted small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Plaintiffs in the case include the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union and American Coalition for Ethanol. 

In a joint statement, the organization says, "Our groups believe the Tenth Circuit got it right the first time, and we will continue to defend the court's ruling." In January of last year, the Tenth Circuit court struck down the exemptions by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a recommendation against a Supreme Court review. The Justice Department says in its brief that, “The issue didn’t warrant the high court’s review and stated that the refiners’ petition asking for a review ‘should be denied.”

The U.S. Supreme Court last week announced it will review the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit’s decision in a case against the Environmental Protection Agency. The decision overturned three inappropriately granted small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Plaintiffs in the case include the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union and American Coalition for Ethanol. In a joint statement, the organization says, "Our groups believe the Tenth Circuit got it right the first time, and we will continue to defend the court's ruling." In January of last year, the Tenth Circuit court struck down the exemptions by the Environmental Protection Agency. Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a recommendation against a Supreme Court review. The Justice Department says in its brief that, “The issue didn’t warrant the high court’s review and stated that the refiners’ petition asking for a review ‘should be denied.”

Supreme Court to review biofuel blending case

Some communities in Missouri are concerned that low river levels could affect their water supply.

St. Joseph is one of them.&nbsp;Buchanan County commissioners sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, raising worries about the river level, which was&nbsp;4.29 feet in St. Joseph as of Tuesday. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Northwest Division calls the figure 'slightly below normal.'

John Remus is Chief of the Corps of Engineers' Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. He says the winter release rate at Gavins Point Dam in Yankton, SD are slightly lower than normal, but not dramatically so.

"We are in our winter release rate at 17,000 cubic feet per second out at Gavins Point," Remus explained. "That's slightly lower than the long-term average and the tributary inflow is a bit below normal, but it's not much below normal for winter releases."

Remus says as of now, there are no water access issues at St. Joseph or any other municipality along the river.

"But there could be," Remus says, "if we were to get an all of a sudden very cold snap that caused some ice-affected stage reductions upstream. St. Joseph, that could be at least a temporary condition there."

The full flood control capacity of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is available for the 2021 runoff season.

All 2020 flood water stored in the annual flood control zone has been evacuated as of December 21, according to the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

“The entire flood control capacity of the Mainstem System is available to capture and manage 2021 runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to the other authorized project purposes," Remus said.

The current trend is quite the opposite of flood risk. Temperatures were above average and precipitation levels were below normal in summer and fall, and that's<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d1600ba8-1098-4578-922b-5a32cacd76d9"> carried over into winter.</a>

Remus says the smaller rivers and streams around the Missouri have felt the effects of that.

"Most of the tributaries west of the (Missouri) River are being highly affected by the dry soil conditions and the lack of moisture in the late summer and through the fall," Remus said.

The 2021 runoff forecast for the upper Missouri Basin above Sioux City is 90% of average. That forecast is based on significantly drier-than-normal soil conditions, low plains snowpack and below-average mountain snowpack.

"So we're a little bit lower (than average)," Remus said. "But, we still have water stored in the system that will allow us to provide full-service navigation."

Shipments through the St. Joseph Port Authority have been grounded by low water, but Remus says navigation through the river typically doesn't take place during the winter months anyway.

Studies show that flow support for Missouri River navigation will be at the full service level (9 feet deep by 300 feet wide) for the first half of the 2021 season, which starts April 1 at the mouth in St. Louis.

"But that could all change literally overnight on the Plains," Remus pointed out. "We just need to monitor that. We could have a condition where it's well-above normal runoff in the system if Mother Nature were to throw us a curveball here."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSome communities in Missouri are concerned that low river levels could affect their water supply.St. Joseph is one of them.&nbsp;Buchanan County commissioners sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, raising worries about the river level, which was&nbsp;4.29 feet in St. Joseph as of Tuesday. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Northwest Division calls the figure 'slightly below normal.'John Remus is Chief of the Corps of Engineers' Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. He says the winter release rate at Gavins Point Dam in Yankton, SD are slightly lower than normal, but not dramatically so."We are in our winter release rate at 17,000 cubic feet per second out at Gavins Point," Remus explained. "That's slightly lower than the long-term average and the tributary inflow is a bit below normal, but it's not much below normal for winter releases."Remus says as of now, there are no water access issues at St. Joseph or any other municipality along the river."But there could be," Remus says, "if we were to get an all of a sudden very cold snap that caused some ice-affected stage reductions upstream. St. Joseph, that could be at least a temporary condition there."The full flood control capacity of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is available for the 2021 runoff season.All 2020 flood water stored in the annual flood control zone has been evacuated as of December 21, according to the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.“The entire flood control capacity of the Mainstem System is available to capture and manage 2021 runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to the other authorized project purposes," Remus said.The current trend is quite the opposite of flood risk. Temperatures were above average and precipitation levels were below normal in summer and fall, and that's<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d1600ba8-1098-4578-922b-5a32cacd76d9"> carried over into winter.</a>Remus says the smaller rivers and streams around the Missouri have felt the effects of that."Most of the tributaries west of the (Missouri) River are being highly affected by the dry soil conditions and the lack of moisture in the late summer and through the fall," Remus said.The 2021 runoff forecast for the upper Missouri Basin above Sioux City is 90% of average. That forecast is based on significantly drier-than-normal soil conditions, low plains snowpack and below-average mountain snowpack."So we're a little bit lower (than average)," Remus said. "But, we still have water stored in the system that will allow us to provide full-service navigation."Shipments through the St. Joseph Port Authority have been grounded by low water, but Remus says navigation through the river typically doesn't take place during the winter months anyway.Studies show that flow support for Missouri River navigation will be at the full service level (9 feet deep by 300 feet wide) for the first half of the 2021 season, which starts April 1 at the mouth in St. Louis."But that could all change literally overnight on the Plains," Remus pointed out. "We just need to monitor that. We could have a condition where it's well-above normal runoff in the system if Mother Nature were to throw us a curveball here."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587158013981.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri River levels lower, release rates near average says Corps of Engineers

Farmers National Company says what started with better-than-expected sales prices at land auctions before last fall’s harvest extended into continued higher prices in October and November.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Farmers National Company had auction sales in several states during this time where land sold near levels last seen in 2012,” says Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations. 

“In specific instances, prices for good quality cropland in the heart of the Midwest are up hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre more than anticipated.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ag land prices have been fairly stable in recent years despite the up-and-down agricultural economy. 

The demand for land is the driver of the current land price surge. “Values for good cropland are strong right now, with more farmers stepping up to buy as well as a growing number of individual investors,” Dickhut says. 

“Buying interest from farmers has increased as they anticipate a better income year in 2020 than once thought.” Demand for all types of land has also seen an increase. As a result of COVID-19, a growing number of individuals have become interested in land as an investment. The overall supply of good cropland for sale is on the low side and is similar to the past few years.

Farmers National Company says what started with better-than-expected sales prices at land auctions before last fall’s harvest extended into continued higher prices in October and November.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers National Company had auction sales in several states during this time where land sold near levels last seen in 2012,” says Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations. “In specific instances, prices for good quality cropland in the heart of the Midwest are up hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre more than anticipated.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ag land prices have been fairly stable in recent years despite the up-and-down agricultural economy. The demand for land is the driver of the current land price surge. “Values for good cropland are strong right now, with more farmers stepping up to buy as well as a growing number of individual investors,” Dickhut says. “Buying interest from farmers has increased as they anticipate a better income year in 2020 than once thought.” Demand for all types of land has also seen an increase. As a result of COVID-19, a growing number of individuals have become interested in land as an investment. The overall supply of good cropland for sale is on the low side and is similar to the past few years.

Ag land sales prices surge higher

A coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed a reply supporting its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. The motion was filed on November 23, 2020, and asks the court to enforce its 2017 decision requiring the Environmental 

Protection Agency to address its improper waiver of 500 million gallons of biofuel demand in the 2016 renewable volume obligation (RVO). The coalition includes Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, and many more. 

“The EPA should not be allowed to hide behind claims that restoring 500 million improperly-waived gallons is an administrative burden that would inconvenience oil industry interests,” the groups said in their motion. “What’s at stake is the proper implementation of the RFS and the rural communities that rely on its success for their livelihood.” 

The groups point out that they’ve made it clear that the EPA has the ability and the authority to do the right thing and remedy those lost gallons immediately and on a definite schedule. “The EPA’s delay and disregard for the court’s directive for more than three years is inexcusable,” they added.

A coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed a reply supporting its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. The motion was filed on November 23, 2020, and asks the court to enforce its 2017 decision requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to address its improper waiver of 500 million gallons of biofuel demand in the 2016 renewable volume obligation (RVO). The coalition includes Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, and many more. “The EPA should not be allowed to hide behind claims that restoring 500 million improperly-waived gallons is an administrative burden that would inconvenience oil industry interests,” the groups said in their motion. “What’s at stake is the proper implementation of the RFS and the rural communities that rely on its success for their livelihood.” The groups point out that they’ve made it clear that the EPA has the ability and the authority to do the right thing and remedy those lost gallons immediately and on a definite schedule. “The EPA’s delay and disregard for the court’s directive for more than three years is inexcusable,” they added.

Biofuels coalition rejects EPA excuses regarding 2017 order

The full flood control capacity of the Missouri River Mainstream Reservoir System is available for the 2021 runoff season. “All 2020 flood water stored in the annual flood control zone has been evacuated as of December 21,” says John Remus, chief of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Water Management Division. 

“The entire flood control capacity of the Mainstem System is available to capture and manage 2021 runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to the other authorized project purposes.” 

December 2020 runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.2-million-acre feet, 148 percent above average. The 2020 calendar year runoff above Sioux City was 31.1 MAF, 121 percent above average. The average annual runoff is 25.8-million-acre feet. The 2021 calendar year runoff forecast for the upper Missouri Basin above Sioux City is 23.1 MAF, 90 percent of the average runoff. 

The runoff forecast is based on significantly drier-than-normal soil moisture conditions, low plains snowpack, and below-average mountain snowpack. “Runoff forecasts are developed using the best information as it exists today,” Remus adds. “As mountain snowpack continues to accumulate, our forecasts will be updated to reflect those changes.”

The full flood control capacity of the Missouri River Mainstream Reservoir System is available for the 2021 runoff season. “All 2020 flood water stored in the annual flood control zone has been evacuated as of December 21,” says John Remus, chief of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Water Management Division. “The entire flood control capacity of the Mainstem System is available to capture and manage 2021 runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to the other authorized project purposes.” December 2020 runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.2-million-acre feet, 148 percent above average. The 2020 calendar year runoff above Sioux City was 31.1 MAF, 121 percent above average. The average annual runoff is 25.8-million-acre feet. The 2021 calendar year runoff forecast for the upper Missouri Basin above Sioux City is 23.1 MAF, 90 percent of the average runoff. The runoff forecast is based on significantly drier-than-normal soil moisture conditions, low plains snowpack, and below-average mountain snowpack. “Runoff forecasts are developed using the best information as it exists today,” Remus adds. “As mountain snowpack continues to accumulate, our forecasts will be updated to reflect those changes.”

Missouri river reservoir system ready for 2021 runoff

In his final days as Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue traveled to his home state of Georgia Thursday to make a rural broadband funding announcement. Perdue announced a $4.6 million investment in high-speed broadband for rural Georgia. 

The funding, the Department of Agriculture says, will connect 1,326 rural Georgia households to High-Speed Internet. The funding is part of the second round of USDA's ReConnect Program, to which Congress allocated $550 million. 

Broadband funding has been a priority for USDA under the Donald Trump Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary Perdue says, "expanding access to this critical infrastructure will help ensure rural America prospers for years to come." 

In 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure to approximately 167,000 households, 17,000 rural small businesses and farms, and more than 500 health care centers, educational facilities and critical community facilities located in 33 states. In April of 2020, USDA the Department has received 172 applications for $1.57 billion in Round Two of the program.

In his final days as Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue traveled to his home state of Georgia Thursday to make a rural broadband funding announcement. Perdue announced a $4.6 million investment in high-speed broadband for rural Georgia. The funding, the Department of Agriculture says, will connect 1,326 rural Georgia households to High-Speed Internet. The funding is part of the second round of USDA's ReConnect Program, to which Congress allocated $550 million. Broadband funding has been a priority for USDA under the Donald Trump Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary Perdue says, "expanding access to this critical infrastructure will help ensure rural America prospers for years to come." In 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure to approximately 167,000 households, 17,000 rural small businesses and farms, and more than 500 health care centers, educational facilities and critical community facilities located in 33 states. In April of 2020, USDA the Department has received 172 applications for $1.57 billion in Round Two of the program.

Secretary Perdue announces Georgia broadband funding

The monthly World Food Price Index increased in December for the seventh consecutive month. Recorded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the index averaged 107.5 points in December 2020, up 2.3 points from November. 

Except for sugar, all sub-indices registered modest gains in December, with the sub-index of vegetable oil rising the most. Wheat export prices rose further in December, reflecting a tightening of supplies among major exporters, concerns over growing conditions, and expectations of lower than anticipated wheat shipments from Russia. 

Sorghum prices rose sharply in December as sales from the United States, mostly to China, remained robust. Corn export prices moved higher, sustained by continued concerns over crop prospects in South America. 

International rice prices also rose in December, underpinned by tight Thai and Vietnamese availabilities and heightened buyer interest for Indian and Pakistani supplies. For 2020, the index averaged a three-year high of 97.9 points, 2.9 points higher than in 2019.

The monthly World Food Price Index increased in December for the seventh consecutive month. Recorded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the index averaged 107.5 points in December 2020, up 2.3 points from November. Except for sugar, all sub-indices registered modest gains in December, with the sub-index of vegetable oil rising the most. Wheat export prices rose further in December, reflecting a tightening of supplies among major exporters, concerns over growing conditions, and expectations of lower than anticipated wheat shipments from Russia. Sorghum prices rose sharply in December as sales from the United States, mostly to China, remained robust. Corn export prices moved higher, sustained by continued concerns over crop prospects in South America. International rice prices also rose in December, underpinned by tight Thai and Vietnamese availabilities and heightened buyer interest for Indian and Pakistani supplies. For 2020, the index averaged a three-year high of 97.9 points, 2.9 points higher than in 2019.

World food price index marks seventh month of increases

With Democrats winning the two Georgia runoff Senate elections this week and a 50-50 majority expected in the chamber, Michigan’s Debbie Stabenow is poised to be the next Senate Agriculture Committee Chair. 

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, also a Democrat, will preside over the Senate, giving Democrats the slim majority. With full control by Democrats in Washington, D.C., farmers and ranchers can expect climate, along with the next farm bill, to dominate ag policy. 

Stabenow told Agri-Pulse this week, “As chair of the Agriculture Committee, we're going to lead an effort to create a voluntary climate exchange,” adding climate policy for farmers and ranchers is a top priority. 

Stabenow was previously chair of the committee from 2011-2015, the last time Democrats had majority control of the Senate. In the Georgia runoff elections this week, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock defeated Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, giving Democrats the narrow majority. Loeffler was a member of the Senate Ag Committee.

With Democrats winning the two Georgia runoff Senate elections this week and a 50-50 majority expected in the chamber, Michigan’s Debbie Stabenow is poised to be the next Senate Agriculture Committee Chair. Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, also a Democrat, will preside over the Senate, giving Democrats the slim majority. With full control by Democrats in Washington, D.C., farmers and ranchers can expect climate, along with the next farm bill, to dominate ag policy. Stabenow told Agri-Pulse this week, “As chair of the Agriculture Committee, we're going to lead an effort to create a voluntary climate exchange,” adding climate policy for farmers and ranchers is a top priority. Stabenow was previously chair of the committee from 2011-2015, the last time Democrats had majority control of the Senate. In the Georgia runoff elections this week, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock defeated Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, giving Democrats the narrow majority. Loeffler was a member of the Senate Ag Committee.

Stabenow expected to lead senate ag committee

The Department of Agriculture seeks members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture. The committee is part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. 

The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices and identify any barriers to urban agriculture. 

USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey says, "This group will underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture." USDA seeks four agricultural producers for the committee, two in urban areas and two who use innovative technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;The committee will also feature two representatives from higher education or extension programs and a member from a nonprofit organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USDA also seeks a committee member with supply chain experience, one from a financing entity and two with experience in urban agriculture production. The nomination deadline is March 5, 2021. Find more information about the nomination process at fsa.usda.gov.

The Department of Agriculture seeks members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture. The committee is part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices and identify any barriers to urban agriculture. USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey says, "This group will underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture." USDA seeks four agricultural producers for the committee, two in urban areas and two who use innovative technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;The committee will also feature two representatives from higher education or extension programs and a member from a nonprofit organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA also seeks a committee member with supply chain experience, one from a financing entity and two with experience in urban agriculture production. The nomination deadline is March 5, 2021. Find more information about the nomination process at fsa.usda.gov.

USDA seeks members for advisory committee on urban agriculture

A new children's picture book about soybean farming offers a valuable resource to parents and educators. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's Feeding Minds Press released a new book, My Family's Soybean Farm, along with a companion educator guide. 

This third title from Feeding Minds follows the farm adventures of Alexander, who takes readers on a tour of his family's soybean farm. The book shows how soybeans are planted, grown and harvested, technology used on the farm, pest management techniques, and the many different products soybeans are used in. 

The book, geared for grades K-2, combines illustrations with real photographs. AFB Foundation Executive Director Daniel Meloy says, "the unique combination of colorful illustrations and photographs will engage young readers while bringing the farm to life.” 

My Family’s Soybean Farm is now available in paperback for purchase directly from Feeding Minds Press, Amazon and Barnes &amp; Noble online. Special bulk pricing is also available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610036054211.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Feeding Minds Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Feeding Minds Press</figcaption>
 </figure>A new children's picture book about soybean farming offers a valuable resource to parents and educators. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's Feeding Minds Press released a new book, My Family's Soybean Farm, along with a companion educator guide. This third title from Feeding Minds follows the farm adventures of Alexander, who takes readers on a tour of his family's soybean farm. The book shows how soybeans are planted, grown and harvested, technology used on the farm, pest management techniques, and the many different products soybeans are used in. The book, geared for grades K-2, combines illustrations with real photographs. AFB Foundation Executive Director Daniel Meloy says, "the unique combination of colorful illustrations and photographs will engage young readers while bringing the farm to life.” My Family’s Soybean Farm is now available in paperback for purchase directly from Feeding Minds Press, Amazon and Barnes &amp; Noble online. Special bulk pricing is also available.

New book helps kids connect with soybean farms

The Rural Coalition urges President-elect Joe Biden to select highly qualified leaders for Department of Agriculture politically appointed positions. The group of more than 70 food and farming organizations sent the request to the incoming administration in a recent letter. 

The letter calls on Biden to choose USDA mission and agency leaders who deeply understand how to utilize the full range of USDA programs to achieve his goals of racial justice, climate change, and pandemic recovery.&nbsp; 

The letter states, “We have the opportunity and imperative now to work together to make things happen in a way that didn't happen before,” at USDA. Further, the organization says Biden should start doing so by nominating Native American Agriculture Fund CEO Janie Simms Hipp as the USDA Deputy Secretary. 

Hipp is the former senior advisor for tribal relations to former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and director of the Office of Tribal Relations. The letter adds, “We stand ready to work with a progressive and racially diverse leadership team at USDA.”

The Rural Coalition urges President-elect Joe Biden to select highly qualified leaders for Department of Agriculture politically appointed positions. The group of more than 70 food and farming organizations sent the request to the incoming administration in a recent letter. The letter calls on Biden to choose USDA mission and agency leaders who deeply understand how to utilize the full range of USDA programs to achieve his goals of racial justice, climate change, and pandemic recovery.&nbsp; The letter states, “We have the opportunity and imperative now to work together to make things happen in a way that didn't happen before,” at USDA. Further, the organization says Biden should start doing so by nominating Native American Agriculture Fund CEO Janie Simms Hipp as the USDA Deputy Secretary. Hipp is the former senior advisor for tribal relations to former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and director of the Office of Tribal Relations. The letter adds, “We stand ready to work with a progressive and racially diverse leadership team at USDA.”

Rural group urges Biden to pick well-qualified, diverse USDA leaders

The year-end legislative package includes tax relief for anyone in presidentially declared disaster areas, including those impacted by the August derecho. The Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 was signed into law by President Donald Trump as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 

The bipartisan bill removes penalties on early withdrawals from retirement accounts, provides a tax credit for employee retention during business interruption, and encourages charitable giving to affected areas by suspending limits on deductions for certain contributions. 

Additionally, the legislation creates special rules for qualified disaster-related personal casualty losses. The bill also allows low-income workers to use their previous year’s income to claim certain tax credits, ensuring that they do not lose access to the credits or receive a lower amount. 

The bill was introduced by Iowa Senators, Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, in September after touring the damage following the historic derecho and meeting with local leaders and nonprofits.

The year-end legislative package includes tax relief for anyone in presidentially declared disaster areas, including those impacted by the August derecho. The Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 was signed into law by President Donald Trump as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The bipartisan bill removes penalties on early withdrawals from retirement accounts, provides a tax credit for employee retention during business interruption, and encourages charitable giving to affected areas by suspending limits on deductions for certain contributions. Additionally, the legislation creates special rules for qualified disaster-related personal casualty losses. The bill also allows low-income workers to use their previous year’s income to claim certain tax credits, ensuring that they do not lose access to the credits or receive a lower amount. The bill was introduced by Iowa Senators, Republicans Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, in September after touring the damage following the historic derecho and meeting with local leaders and nonprofits.

Bill containing relief for derecho impacted farmers signed

The Department of Agriculture this week announced the continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says USDA will purchase an additional $1.5 billion worth of food nationwide through the fifth round of the program. 

Set to expire at the end of 2020, the recent coronavirus aid package provided more funding for the program. In total, USDA has distributed more than 132 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Secretary Perdue says this new round will “go a long way in helping American families access nutritious and healthy meals.” 

USDA will again purchase combination boxes to ensure all involved recipient organizations have access to fresh produce, dairy, meat products, and seafood will also be included in this round.&nbsp; Contract awards are expected to be made by January 19. Deliveries will begin shortly after awards and continue through the end of April.

The Department of Agriculture this week announced the continuation of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says USDA will purchase an additional $1.5 billion worth of food nationwide through the fifth round of the program. Set to expire at the end of 2020, the recent coronavirus aid package provided more funding for the program. In total, USDA has distributed more than 132 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Perdue says this new round will “go a long way in helping American families access nutritious and healthy meals.” USDA will again purchase combination boxes to ensure all involved recipient organizations have access to fresh produce, dairy, meat products, and seafood will also be included in this round.&nbsp; Contract awards are expected to be made by January 19. Deliveries will begin shortly after awards and continue through the end of April.

Farmers to families food box program renewed

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused many challenges for the food supply chain, but also many opportunities. AgFunder, a venture capital firm investing in agriculture, analyzed the 2020 startup and tech funding trends. 

Last year, COVID-19 increased the online grocery category as consumers were forced in many cases to turn to online shopping to fulfill their everyday grocery needs. Two of the year's largest deals went to an eGrocer: China's Missfresh, which banked $495 million in July from investors, followed by a $306 million injection from Chinese state-linked funds. 

Other big eGrocery funding deals include Instacart, BigBasket in India, and other online grocery startups. Likewise, online meal delivery apps also attracted major funding during the year. 

U.S.-based DoorDash raised $400 million during the first half of 2020, before going public in a blockbuster $71 billion IPO.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another effect of the pandemic and lockdowns is an increased interest in technologies that takes human out of the process, whether it be farming, manufacturing, or logistics.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused many challenges for the food supply chain, but also many opportunities. AgFunder, a venture capital firm investing in agriculture, analyzed the 2020 startup and tech funding trends. Last year, COVID-19 increased the online grocery category as consumers were forced in many cases to turn to online shopping to fulfill their everyday grocery needs. Two of the year's largest deals went to an eGrocer: China's Missfresh, which banked $495 million in July from investors, followed by a $306 million injection from Chinese state-linked funds. Other big eGrocery funding deals include Instacart, BigBasket in India, and other online grocery startups. Likewise, online meal delivery apps also attracted major funding during the year. U.S.-based DoorDash raised $400 million during the first half of 2020, before going public in a blockbuster $71 billion IPO.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another effect of the pandemic and lockdowns is an increased interest in technologies that takes human out of the process, whether it be farming, manufacturing, or logistics.

AgFunder: 2020 investors sought ecommerce, tech

USDA's Risk Management Agency is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, 2021. Organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30, 2021. 

RMA is also allowing Approved Insurance Providers further flexibilities for production reporting, submitting written agreement requests and obtaining producer signatures for written agreement offers. 

Producer signatures for written agreement offers, issued by RMA on or before June 30, with an expiration date on or before July 30, 2021, will allow producer signatures to be accepted after the expiration date with proper self-certification or documentation. However, all documentation and signatures for these offers must be completed no later than August 2, 2021. 

Insurance providers also have 30 business days to submit written agreement requests and applicable documentation for requests with submission deadlines before July 1, 2021. Similar flexibilities were announced in March of 2020, to help producers meet deadlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA's Risk Management Agency is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, 2021. Organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30, 2021. RMA is also allowing Approved Insurance Providers further flexibilities for production reporting, submitting written agreement requests and obtaining producer signatures for written agreement offers. Producer signatures for written agreement offers, issued by RMA on or before June 30, with an expiration date on or before July 30, 2021, will allow producer signatures to be accepted after the expiration date with proper self-certification or documentation. However, all documentation and signatures for these offers must be completed no later than August 2, 2021. Insurance providers also have 30 business days to submit written agreement requests and applicable documentation for requests with submission deadlines before July 1, 2021. Similar flexibilities were announced in March of 2020, to help producers meet deadlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA extends crop insurance flexibilities amid continuing pandemic

Newly released federal dietary guidelines will benefit dairy, even as work remains to be done, according to the National Milk Producers Federation. Miquela Hanselman, NMPF’s regulatory affairs manager, says, “Dairy is in a good place." 

The latest update to the dietary guidelines includes a recommendation of three dairy servings in the Healthy U.S. Eating pattern, in keeping with past guidelines. 

The guidelines also recognize that Americans aren’t consuming enough dairy to meet their nutritional needs. The guidelines also recommend milk, yogurt, and cheese in the first-ever healthy eating patterns geared toward infants and toddlers ages birth to 24 months. 

Meanwhile, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy co-ops in the country, urged Congress to help broaden the milk options children have in school. Cooperative President Brody Stapel states, “the agencies and scientific review committee missed an opportunity to address and include the newer, available science on the nutritional benefits from fuller-fat dairy and a wider array of products.”

Newly released federal dietary guidelines will benefit dairy, even as work remains to be done, according to the National Milk Producers Federation. Miquela Hanselman, NMPF’s regulatory affairs manager, says, “Dairy is in a good place." The latest update to the dietary guidelines includes a recommendation of three dairy servings in the Healthy U.S. Eating pattern, in keeping with past guidelines. The guidelines also recognize that Americans aren’t consuming enough dairy to meet their nutritional needs. The guidelines also recommend milk, yogurt, and cheese in the first-ever healthy eating patterns geared toward infants and toddlers ages birth to 24 months. Meanwhile, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy co-ops in the country, urged Congress to help broaden the milk options children have in school. Cooperative President Brody Stapel states, “the agencies and scientific review committee missed an opportunity to address and include the newer, available science on the nutritional benefits from fuller-fat dairy and a wider array of products.”

Dairy groups welcome new dietary guidelines, outline needed improvements

The U.S. government says it will raise tariffs on certain products coming into the country from the European Union. Reuters says those products include wines from France and Germany, as well as aircraft components. It’s the latest move in a longtime battle between Washington and Brussels over aircraft subsidies. 

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says it is adding tariffs on aircraft manufacturing parts and certain non-sparkling wines and other liquors from France and Germany. The USTR news release didn’t say when the tariffs would go into effect but did say details are forthcoming. 

The move comes as the two sides continue to negotiate a deal to end European subsidies to Airbus SE and American subsidies to plane manufacturer Boeing. The U.S. Wine Trade Alliance issued a release saying the action would cause further hardship for U.S. companies already hard-hit by previous tariffs and urged President-elect Biden to reverse course. 

“This action is a body blow for American companies,” the release says. “U.S. restaurants and small businesses are already struggling to survive, and this decision will only destroy more jobs.” Reuters also adds that officials from the EU and Airbus weren’t available for comment.

The U.S. government says it will raise tariffs on certain products coming into the country from the European Union. Reuters says those products include wines from France and Germany, as well as aircraft components. It’s the latest move in a longtime battle between Washington and Brussels over aircraft subsidies. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says it is adding tariffs on aircraft manufacturing parts and certain non-sparkling wines and other liquors from France and Germany. The USTR news release didn’t say when the tariffs would go into effect but did say details are forthcoming. The move comes as the two sides continue to negotiate a deal to end European subsidies to Airbus SE and American subsidies to plane manufacturer Boeing. The U.S. Wine Trade Alliance issued a release saying the action would cause further hardship for U.S. companies already hard-hit by previous tariffs and urged President-elect Biden to reverse course. “This action is a body blow for American companies,” the release says. “U.S. restaurants and small businesses are already struggling to survive, and this decision will only destroy more jobs.” Reuters also adds that officials from the EU and Airbus weren’t available for comment.

U.S. raising tariffs on certain european imports

Fresh off resolving their labor situation at the country’s ports, Argentina will now suspend corn exports until March 1. The country’s ag ministry made the surprise move as part of the government’s efforts to ensure ample domestic food supplies. 

“The decision is based on the need to ensure the supply of grain for the sectors that use it as a raw material for the production of animal protein such as pork, chicken, eggs, milk, and cattle, where corn represents a significant component of production costs,” the statement says. 

Argentina’s government is attempting to control food price inflation and provide relief to low-income families battling against a shrinking economy brought on by COVID-19. Ag Canada Dot Com says the South American nation is a major international supplier of corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as the world’s top exporter of soymeal livestock feed. 

Farmers and other stakeholders in Argentina’s corn supply chain traditionally oppose this type of intervention in the markets. The head of the corn industry’s chamber in Argentina says, “We are absolutely surprised. This does not make sense. There was never a lack of corn in Argentina.”

Fresh off resolving their labor situation at the country’s ports, Argentina will now suspend corn exports until March 1. The country’s ag ministry made the surprise move as part of the government’s efforts to ensure ample domestic food supplies. “The decision is based on the need to ensure the supply of grain for the sectors that use it as a raw material for the production of animal protein such as pork, chicken, eggs, milk, and cattle, where corn represents a significant component of production costs,” the statement says. Argentina’s government is attempting to control food price inflation and provide relief to low-income families battling against a shrinking economy brought on by COVID-19. Ag Canada Dot Com says the South American nation is a major international supplier of corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as the world’s top exporter of soymeal livestock feed. Farmers and other stakeholders in Argentina’s corn supply chain traditionally oppose this type of intervention in the markets. The head of the corn industry’s chamber in Argentina says, “We are absolutely surprised. This does not make sense. There was never a lack of corn in Argentina.”

Argentina halts corn exports for three months

Ethanol output dropped week-to-week to its lowest level in over two months while stockpiles continue to increase. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. production of the biofuel dropped to an average of 934,000 barrels a day in the week ending on Christmas Day, down from 976,000 barrels the previous week. 

That’s the lowest total since the week ending on October 16. The Midwest, by far the biggest-producing region, output averaged 891,000 barrels a day. That’s a drop from 929,000 barrels a day the previous week and the lowest it’s been since mid-October. 

Gulf coast production also went lower, averaging 13,000 barrels a day last week, down from 17,000 the prior week. East Coast ethanol production was unchanged at 12,000 barrels a day, while both the Rocky Mountain and West Coast production levels were unchanged at 9,000 barrels a day. 

Ethanol stockpiles in the week ending on Christmas Day totaled 23.504 million metric tons. The Energy Information Administration says that’s up from 23.169 million metric tons in storage the previous week, and it’s the highest amount in storage since May 15.

Ethanol output dropped week-to-week to its lowest level in over two months while stockpiles continue to increase. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. production of the biofuel dropped to an average of 934,000 barrels a day in the week ending on Christmas Day, down from 976,000 barrels the previous week. That’s the lowest total since the week ending on October 16. The Midwest, by far the biggest-producing region, output averaged 891,000 barrels a day. That’s a drop from 929,000 barrels a day the previous week and the lowest it’s been since mid-October. Gulf coast production also went lower, averaging 13,000 barrels a day last week, down from 17,000 the prior week. East Coast ethanol production was unchanged at 12,000 barrels a day, while both the Rocky Mountain and West Coast production levels were unchanged at 9,000 barrels a day. Ethanol stockpiles in the week ending on Christmas Day totaled 23.504 million metric tons. The Energy Information Administration says that’s up from 23.169 million metric tons in storage the previous week, and it’s the highest amount in storage since May 15.

Ethanol production drops to a two-month low

Despite a pair of winter storms in the final week of 2020, forecasters still predict a drier and warmer than normal weather pattern in early 2021.

A La Niña event is likely to influence weather conditions across the globe this winter. La Niña, the cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the western Pacific, is typically associated with warmer-than-average conditions for parts of the U.S. in January and February, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions this year.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch&nbsp; says it’s also been drier than normal over the last few months.

"We've definitely had some periods of time this past fall that have been well above normal (temperature wise)," Barjenbruch said. "We had a few cooler days, but for the most part, that drought has held on or even intensified almost across the entire region over the last 3-5 months."

The latest U.S. drought monitor put out by the University of Nebraska shows most of eastern Kansas and northwest Missouri in a moderate drought.

Barjenbruch&nbsp; says even with a mild and dry long-term forecast, more winter storms are still certainly possible.

"That tends to be the trend we see with (La Niñas)," Barjenbruch said. "That's not to say we won't have some snows, or even some heavy snows. But, the general pattern does favor a little bit warmer and a little bit drier than normal."

Temperatures across the Midwest and Central Plains are expected to be “much above average” through March, according to Weather.com.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDespite a pair of winter storms in the final week of 2020, forecasters still predict a drier and warmer than normal weather pattern in early 2021.A La Niña event is likely to influence weather conditions across the globe this winter. La Niña, the cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the western Pacific, is typically associated with warmer-than-average conditions for parts of the U.S. in January and February, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions this year.National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch&nbsp; says it’s also been drier than normal over the last few months."We've definitely had some periods of time this past fall that have been well above normal (temperature wise)," Barjenbruch said. "We had a few cooler days, but for the most part, that drought has held on or even intensified almost across the entire region over the last 3-5 months."The latest U.S. drought monitor put out by the University of Nebraska shows most of eastern Kansas and northwest Missouri in a moderate drought.Barjenbruch&nbsp; says even with a mild and dry long-term forecast, more winter storms are still certainly possible."That tends to be the trend we see with (La Niñas)," Barjenbruch said. "That's not to say we won't have some snows, or even some heavy snows. But, the general pattern does favor a little bit warmer and a little bit drier than normal."Temperatures across the Midwest and Central Plains are expected to be “much above average” through March, according to Weather.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609438189640.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Weather.com." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Weather.com.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Warmer, drier than normal winter expected for Midwest, Southern regions

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thanks to the government paying nearly 40% of their income, U.S. farmers were expected to end 2020 with higher profit than 2019 and the best net income in seven years, the Department of Agriculture said in its latest farm income forecast.

Farmers faced challenges throughout 2020 that included the impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb54595393a14fcd867476996ef94129">trade dispute</a>&nbsp;s; low prices that drove down cash receipts for corn, cotton, wheat, chicken, cattle and hogs; and weather difficulties such as drought in some areas and an unusual August wind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-iowa-chicago-storms-property-damage-e7bfc5351814eb111f90f540d605514a">storm</a>&nbsp;stretching from South Dakota to Ohio that centered on Iowa.

Farm cash receipts are forecast to decrease nearly 1% to $366.5 billion, the lowest in more than a decade, measured in real dollars. Direct federal government payments saved farmers’ bottom line: Farmers overall saw a 107% increase in direct payments from 2019, when a third of net income came directly from the government.

The impact of the money varies from one farm to another, depending on whether a farmer owns the land, has significant capital to draw from, has manageable debt and aggressively manages wide commodity price swings.

“The payment to one farm could be a matter of life and death of that farm and for another farm maybe just makes it not quite as bad of a year as it was going to be and everywhere in between,” said Mike Paustian, a farmer who raises hogs and grows soybeans and corn near Walcott in eastern Iowa. “I’ve described it as: If you’re drowning and somebody throws you a life preserver, you’re not going to argue too much about grabbing ahold of it.”

Excluding USDA loans and insurance indemnity payments made by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, farmers are expected to receive $46.5 billion from the government, the largest direct-to-farm payment ever. That includes $32.4 billion in assistance through coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-financial-markets-iowa-archive-donald-trump-659457209d5ae93177ee529590f5a1b7">pandemic relief</a>&nbsp;food assistance and Paycheck Protection Program payments to farmers. Additional support comes from more traditional revenue loss programs due to low commodity prices, compensation for trade disruptions resulting from tariff battles and conservation programs assistance.

Federal court bankruptcy data indicates 433 U.S. farms filed for reorganization as of Sept. 30, down from 454 during the same period the previous year.

Overall, net farm income in the United States is expected to increase 43% from 2019 to $119.6 billion, the USDA estimated. Farmers will see the highest level of net farm income, a broad measure of profitability, since 2013, the agency said.

One northeast Iowa farmer said without the federal money it would have been difficult to make ends meet this year but it began to feel like the government checks were motivated by politics from a president seeking support for reelection.

“At first it did help, but then we kept getting payments and I don’t know that those were warranted,” said Rick Juchems, 65, who grows corn and soybeans and custom raises hogs. “The markets had already recovered quite a bit and they’re recovering yet more, so it helps some but it’s one of those things that the second one was more than we needed.”

In a late October campaign appearance in Omaha, Nebraska, President Donald Trump said he believed farmers were better off getting government payments than relying solely on their farming receipts.

“In fact, some people say our farmers do better now than when they actually had a farm,” he said.

Many top farm states voted again for Trump in November, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. Several, however, left Trump to vote for Democrat Joe Biden, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Georgia.

Bill Gordon, who with his father raises soybeans and corn in southwestern Minnesota, hopes for improved free trade agreements and a less confrontational approach under Biden in 2021.

“Volatility definitely causes volatility,” he said. “And so if we can get these free trade agreements set up, that are better, and not as confrontational but still benefit both sides, that just benefits agriculture and rural America.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thanks to the government paying nearly 40% of their income, U.S. farmers were expected to end 2020 with higher profit than 2019 and the best net income in seven years, the Department of Agriculture said in its latest farm income forecast.Farmers faced challenges throughout 2020 that included the impact of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb54595393a14fcd867476996ef94129">trade dispute</a>&nbsp;s; low prices that drove down cash receipts for corn, cotton, wheat, chicken, cattle and hogs; and weather difficulties such as drought in some areas and an unusual August wind&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-iowa-chicago-storms-property-damage-e7bfc5351814eb111f90f540d605514a">storm</a>&nbsp;stretching from South Dakota to Ohio that centered on Iowa.Farm cash receipts are forecast to decrease nearly 1% to $366.5 billion, the lowest in more than a decade, measured in real dollars. Direct federal government payments saved farmers’ bottom line: Farmers overall saw a 107% increase in direct payments from 2019, when a third of net income came directly from the government.The impact of the money varies from one farm to another, depending on whether a farmer owns the land, has significant capital to draw from, has manageable debt and aggressively manages wide commodity price swings.“The payment to one farm could be a matter of life and death of that farm and for another farm maybe just makes it not quite as bad of a year as it was going to be and everywhere in between,” said Mike Paustian, a farmer who raises hogs and grows soybeans and corn near Walcott in eastern Iowa. “I’ve described it as: If you’re drowning and somebody throws you a life preserver, you’re not going to argue too much about grabbing ahold of it.”Excluding USDA loans and insurance indemnity payments made by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, farmers are expected to receive $46.5 billion from the government, the largest direct-to-farm payment ever. That includes $32.4 billion in assistance through coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-financial-markets-iowa-archive-donald-trump-659457209d5ae93177ee529590f5a1b7">pandemic relief</a>&nbsp;food assistance and Paycheck Protection Program payments to farmers. Additional support comes from more traditional revenue loss programs due to low commodity prices, compensation for trade disruptions resulting from tariff battles and conservation programs assistance.Federal court bankruptcy data indicates 433 U.S. farms filed for reorganization as of Sept. 30, down from 454 during the same period the previous year.Overall, net farm income in the United States is expected to increase 43% from 2019 to $119.6 billion, the USDA estimated. Farmers will see the highest level of net farm income, a broad measure of profitability, since 2013, the agency said.One northeast Iowa farmer said without the federal money it would have been difficult to make ends meet this year but it began to feel like the government checks were motivated by politics from a president seeking support for reelection.“At first it did help, but then we kept getting payments and I don’t know that those were warranted,” said Rick Juchems, 65, who grows corn and soybeans and custom raises hogs. “The markets had already recovered quite a bit and they’re recovering yet more, so it helps some but it’s one of those things that the second one was more than we needed.”In a late October campaign appearance in Omaha, Nebraska, President Donald Trump said he believed farmers were better off getting government payments than relying solely on their farming receipts.“In fact, some people say our farmers do better now than when they actually had a farm,” he said.Many top farm states voted again for Trump in November, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. Several, however, left Trump to vote for Democrat Joe Biden, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Georgia.Bill Gordon, who with his father raises soybeans and corn in southwestern Minnesota, hopes for improved free trade agreements and a less confrontational approach under Biden in 2021.“Volatility definitely causes volatility,” he said. “And so if we can get these free trade agreements set up, that are better, and not as confrontational but still benefit both sides, that just benefits agriculture and rural America.”

Federal checks salvage otherwise dreadful 2020 for US farms

China is a long way from meeting the commitments in its trade deal with the U.S. Farm Progress Dot Com says the latest data shows the Southeast Asian nation has imported just over half the goods it promised to buy from America in the Phase One Trade Agreement. 

Over the first 11 months of the year, China bought about 50.5 percent of the total 2020 target of $172 billion. That’s according to Bloomberg calculations based on figures from the U.S. Custom’s Administration. 

The outlook for the trade deal is uncertain as a new administration prepares to take office in Washington, D.C. As of the end of November, data shows that China had bought 54 percent of targeted manufacturing products, 53 percent of agricultural goods, and 31 percent of the energy products. 

Aggregate soybean imports reached $8.1 billion from January-November, compared with $10.2 billion in 2017. The trade deal says China’s imports of manufactured, agricultural, and energy goods in 2020 were to be no less than $32.9 billion, $12.5 billion, and $18.5 billion on top of 2017’s levels, putting the year’s targets at $110.4 billion, $36.6 billion, and $25.1 billion.

China is a long way from meeting the commitments in its trade deal with the U.S. Farm Progress Dot Com says the latest data shows the Southeast Asian nation has imported just over half the goods it promised to buy from America in the Phase One Trade Agreement. Over the first 11 months of the year, China bought about 50.5 percent of the total 2020 target of $172 billion. That’s according to Bloomberg calculations based on figures from the U.S. Custom’s Administration. The outlook for the trade deal is uncertain as a new administration prepares to take office in Washington, D.C. As of the end of November, data shows that China had bought 54 percent of targeted manufacturing products, 53 percent of agricultural goods, and 31 percent of the energy products. Aggregate soybean imports reached $8.1 billion from January-November, compared with $10.2 billion in 2017. The trade deal says China’s imports of manufactured, agricultural, and energy goods in 2020 were to be no less than $32.9 billion, $12.5 billion, and $18.5 billion on top of 2017’s levels, putting the year’s targets at $110.4 billion, $36.6 billion, and $25.1 billion.

China will miss phase one buying deadline

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain, signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday. Reuters says he added his signature to that of European Union leaders after the document was flown from Brussels to London. 

The trade deal was first announced on December 24, and it sets out the terms of Britain’s new relationship with the EU following its exit from the bloc earlier this year. 

The new deal will officially take effect on January 1, replacing a transitional arrangement in which EU trade rules applied to Britain. Johnson’s signature came hours after British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation implementing the deal. 

Lawmakers voted 521 to 73 to progress the bill to its final stages. The accord preserves Britain’s zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European Union’s 450 million consumers, preventing a more chaotic split that had been feared by British businesses.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain, signed the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Wednesday. Reuters says he added his signature to that of European Union leaders after the document was flown from Brussels to London. The trade deal was first announced on December 24, and it sets out the terms of Britain’s new relationship with the EU following its exit from the bloc earlier this year. The new deal will officially take effect on January 1, replacing a transitional arrangement in which EU trade rules applied to Britain. Johnson’s signature came hours after British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation implementing the deal. Lawmakers voted 521 to 73 to progress the bill to its final stages. The accord preserves Britain’s zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European Union’s 450 million consumers, preventing a more chaotic split that had been feared by British businesses.