The September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reached its lowest readings since March 2016. Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell to 88, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped 14 points to 94. The Index of Current Conditions also fell seven points to 76, nearly matching levels seen in April 2020, during the height of COVID. September’s survey revealed that farmers are increasingly worried about commodity prices, input costs, agricultural trade prospects, and the potential impact of the upcoming election on their farm operations. 

The September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reached its lowest readings since March 2016. Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell to 88, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped 14 points to 94. The Index of Current Conditions also fell seven points to 76, nearly matching levels seen in April 2020, during the height of COVID. September’s survey revealed that farmers are increasingly worried about commodity prices, input costs, agricultural trade prospects, and the potential impact of the upcoming election on their farm operations.

Farmer sentiment reaches lowest point since 2016

Now that the farm bill extension reached its deadline on Monday, what’s next? While the bill expired on September 30th, the funds don’t run out until the end of the year. Some lawmakers, including Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman, have called for another one-year extension. House Republicans said that another extension would fail to stop the bleeding in the current farm economy. 

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries puts the farm bill third on his list of must-pass bills for the lame-duck session of Congress, behind only averting a government shutdown and assuring military preparedness. “Farmers and ranchers do not have the luxury of waiting until the next Congress for an enactment of an effective five-year farm bill,” says House Ag Committee Chair Glen Thompson. Earlier this month, over 300 ag groups flew to Washington to lobby for an expedient, modernized farm bill passage.

Now that the farm bill extension reached its deadline on Monday, what’s next? While the bill expired on September 30th, the funds don’t run out until the end of the year. Some lawmakers, including Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman, have called for another one-year extension. House Republicans said that another extension would fail to stop the bleeding in the current farm economy. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries puts the farm bill third on his list of must-pass bills for the lame-duck session of Congress, behind only averting a government shutdown and assuring military preparedness. “Farmers and ranchers do not have the luxury of waiting until the next Congress for an enactment of an effective five-year farm bill,” says House Ag Committee Chair Glen Thompson. Earlier this month, over 300 ag groups flew to Washington to lobby for an expedient, modernized farm bill passage.-NAFB

Lawmakers push for post-election farm bill 

The Food and Drug Administration reached a significant milestone when it approved its reorganization and created its new unified Human Foods Program (HFP). It is one of the most significant reorganizations in FDA’s history. The new model for field operations and other significant modernization efforts is set for Oct. 1st as the implementation date. According to FDA, the new Human Foods Program will “notably enhance the agency’s ability to oversee and protect the human food supply and other products the FDA regulates. 

The FDA says it is focused on transforming the agency to be more efficient, nimble, and ready for the future with the ever-changing and complex industries it regulates. That includes the emergence of new food technologies, the impacts of globalization, climate change, and other factors that require the FDA to adapt to an evolving world quickly.

The Food and Drug Administration reached a significant milestone when it approved its reorganization and created its new unified Human Foods Program (HFP). It is one of the most significant reorganizations in FDA’s history. The new model for field operations and other significant modernization efforts is set for Oct. 1st as the implementation date. According to FDA, the new Human Foods Program will “notably enhance the agency’s ability to oversee and protect the human food supply and other products the FDA regulates. The FDA says it is focused on transforming the agency to be more efficient, nimble, and ready for the future with the ever-changing and complex industries it regulates. That includes the emergence of new food technologies, the impacts of globalization, climate change, and other factors that require the FDA to adapt to an evolving world quickly.-NAFB

FDA set to launch Human Foods Project on October 1st

Colombia lifted a ban on American beef imports from the states where bird flu was detected in dairy cows. According to USDA’s export library, beef exporters in 14 states will get restored access to Colombian markets. Colombia was the only country to ban U.S. beef imports over the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. Agriculture Dive says Colombia’s ban hurt U.S. beef export purchases and reduced Colombia’s spending by as much as 70 percent during the summer. 

Colombia lifted a ban on American beef imports from the states where bird flu was detected in dairy cows. According to USDA’s export library, beef exporters in 14 states will get restored access to Colombian markets. Colombia was the only country to ban U.S. beef imports over the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. Agriculture Dive says Colombia’s ban hurt U.S. beef export purchases and reduced Colombia’s spending by as much as 70 percent during the summer.

Columbia lifts ban on U.S. beef imports

Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would extend a new sustainable aviation fuel tax credit for biofuels for ten years and prevent foreign producers from accessing the credits. Groups like the National Corn Growers Association applauded the legislation that supports domestic producers. “Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. 

The 45Z tax credit provides incentives to refineries that produce biofuels that can be used in commercial aircraft. The National Oilseed Processors Association and the American Soybean Association also hailed the legislation. “NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort that puts U.S. fuel producers, crushers, and farmers first,” says NOPA President Kailee Buller. “While we support free trade and open markets, we don’t believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers and to the detriment of U.S. farmers.”

Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would extend a new sustainable aviation fuel tax credit for biofuels for ten years and prevent foreign producers from accessing the credits. Groups like the National Corn Growers Association applauded the legislation that supports domestic producers. “Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. The 45Z tax credit provides incentives to refineries that produce biofuels that can be used in commercial aircraft. The National Oilseed Processors Association and the American Soybean Association also hailed the legislation. “NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort that puts U.S. fuel producers, crushers, and farmers first,” says NOPA President Kailee Buller. “While we support free trade and open markets, we don’t believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers and to the detriment of U.S. farmers.”- NAFB

Groups respond to SAF tax credit guidelines

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved the first guidelines for the trading of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts in the country. Carbon credit derivative contracts are financial instruments that derive their value from carbon credits, which represent the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of greenhouse gasses. Reports  say the contracts allow traders and market participants to hedge against or speculate on the future price of carbon credits, similar to how traditional derivative contracts function in commodities or financial markets. 

Regulators pushed for heightened scrutiny of voluntary carbon markets, which have developed outside government oversight due to concerns over quality and double counting. “The CFTC’s mission focused on risk mitigation and price discovery puts us on the front lines of the global nexus between financial markets and decarbonization efforts,” says CFTC Chair Rostin Benham. “We’ve outlined guidance to crack down on manipulation.”

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved the first guidelines for the trading of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts in the country. Carbon credit derivative contracts are financial instruments that derive their value from carbon credits, which represent the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of greenhouse gasses. Reports say the contracts allow traders and market participants to hedge against or speculate on the future price of carbon credits, similar to how traditional derivative contracts function in commodities or financial markets. Regulators pushed for heightened scrutiny of voluntary carbon markets, which have developed outside government oversight due to concerns over quality and double counting. “The CFTC’s mission focused on risk mitigation and price discovery puts us on the front lines of the global nexus between financial markets and decarbonization efforts,” says CFTC Chair Rostin Benham. “We’ve outlined guidance to crack down on manipulation.”-NAFB

CFTC issues first carbon credit market guidelines

For the 13th consecutive month, the Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral. That’s according to a September survey of bank CEO’s in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture and-or energy. The region’s reading in September sank from 40.9 in August to 37.5. It is the lowest level since COVID began in spring 2020. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral. 

“Weak agriculture commodity prices, sinking agriculture equipment sales, and elevated input costs pushed the Index below growth neutral for the 13th straight month,” says Ernie Goss of Creighton University. For the fourth time in five months, farmland prices sank. The region’s farmland index fell to 43.8 from 45.5 in August. “Only 4.2 percent of bank CEOs reported that farmland prices expanded from August levels,” Goss adds. “One-fourth of the bankers anticipate a 10 to 20 percent downturn in prices over the coming year.”

For the 13th consecutive month, the Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral. That’s according to a September survey of bank CEO’s in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture and-or energy. The region’s reading in September sank from 40.9 in August to 37.5. It is the lowest level since COVID began in spring 2020. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Weak agriculture commodity prices, sinking agriculture equipment sales, and elevated input costs pushed the Index below growth neutral for the 13th straight month,” says Ernie Goss of Creighton University. For the fourth time in five months, farmland prices sank. The region’s farmland index fell to 43.8 from 45.5 in August. “Only 4.2 percent of bank CEOs reported that farmland prices expanded from August levels,” Goss adds. “One-fourth of the bankers anticipate a 10 to 20 percent downturn in prices over the coming year.”-NAFB

Rural mainstreet index stays below growth neutral

The National Corn Growers Association applauded the House of Representatives for passing a bill last week that would overturn tailpipe emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. Those standards focus solely on using electric vehicles to lower greenhouse gas emissions. “The members of Congress who passed this legislation understand there are many different tools that we can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle.

“While it could take years to realize the potential that EVs offer, ethanol is an effective part of a portfolio of options for addressing climate concerns and is fully available for use today.” Wolle added. A decision of this magnitude will have long-lasting negative impacts on the rural economy because it ignores the benefits of ethanol. It’s uncertain whether the Senate will consider the legislation before the end of 2024. The Corn Growers are also currently litigating in federal court against that rule.

The National Corn Growers Association applauded the House of Representatives for passing a bill last week that would overturn tailpipe emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. Those standards focus solely on using electric vehicles to lower greenhouse gas emissions. “The members of Congress who passed this legislation understand there are many different tools that we can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle.“While it could take years to realize the potential that EVs offer, ethanol is an effective part of a portfolio of options for addressing climate concerns and is fully available for use today.” Wolle added. A decision of this magnitude will have long-lasting negative impacts on the rural economy because it ignores the benefits of ethanol. It’s uncertain whether the Senate will consider the legislation before the end of 2024. The Corn Growers are also currently litigating in federal court against that rule.-NAFB

NCGA applauds house vote on tailpipe emissions

The USDA launched the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation. Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to help them stabilize and regain financial footing. Network partners include Farm Aid, the University of Arkansas, the University of Minnesota, and others.

 “Having someone with experience in ag finance who helps producers work through financial difficulties can be the difference between losing the farm or prospering,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network underscores our dedication to farmers and ranchers receiving the tailored support they need.” He also says the initiative will address the immediate needs of distressed borrowers and provide comprehensive, wraparound services aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by financially distressed producers. Investments will build a support network for agriculture in the years ahead.

The USDA launched the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation. Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to help them stabilize and regain financial footing. Network partners include Farm Aid, the University of Arkansas, the University of Minnesota, and others. “Having someone with experience in ag finance who helps producers work through financial difficulties can be the difference between losing the farm or prospering,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network underscores our dedication to farmers and ranchers receiving the tailored support they need.” He also says the initiative will address the immediate needs of distressed borrowers and provide comprehensive, wraparound services aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by financially distressed producers. Investments will build a support network for agriculture in the years ahead.-NAFB

 USDA launches support network for financially stressed producers

The Fall and Winter holidays are still a few months out, but USDA says the essentials for holiday cooking have been accumulating in cold storage. Stocks of bone-in and boneless hams at the end of July totaled nearly 140 million pounds, 1.2 percent above last year. Whole-hen turkey stocks totaled nearly 110 million pounds at the end of July, an increase of 12.5 percent from the same time last year. That’s even though the 2024 turkey production is projected to be lower than a year ago. 

The Fall and Winter holidays are still a few months out, but USDA says the essentials for holiday cooking have been accumulating in cold storage. Stocks of bone-in and boneless hams at the end of July totaled nearly 140 million pounds, 1.2 percent above last year. Whole-hen turkey stocks totaled nearly 110 million pounds at the end of July, an increase of 12.5 percent from the same time last year. That’s even though the 2024 turkey production is projected to be lower than a year ago.

Stocks of hams, turkeys, and butter are higher than 2023

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output fell to its lowest level in three months while inventories rose slightly during the week that ended on September 13. The agency said production sank to an average of 1.04 million barrels a day, down from 1.09 million barrels a day the previous week. It’s also the lowest output since the middle of June. 

The Midwest, which produces the most ethanol of any region in the country, saw production drop to an average of 986,000 barrels a day from 1.02 million the week prior. That’s the lowest point in the region since June 7th. That was the entirety of the losses as Gulf Coast production rose to an average of 28,000 barrels a day, East Coast output was unchanged at 12,000 barrels a day, and Rocky Mountain production was steady at 14,000 barrels. West Coast production remained at an average of 9,000 barrels per day.

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output fell to its lowest level in three months while inventories rose slightly during the week that ended on September 13. The agency said production sank to an average of 1.04 million barrels a day, down from 1.09 million barrels a day the previous week. It’s also the lowest output since the middle of June. The Midwest, which produces the most ethanol of any region in the country, saw production drop to an average of 986,000 barrels a day from 1.02 million the week prior. That’s the lowest point in the region since June 7th. That was the entirety of the losses as Gulf Coast production rose to an average of 28,000 barrels a day, East Coast output was unchanged at 12,000 barrels a day, and Rocky Mountain production was steady at 14,000 barrels. West Coast production remained at an average of 9,000 barrels per day.-NAFB

Ethanol production falls to near three-Month low

Kicking off an expected loosening of U.S. monetary policy, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point on Wednesday. The move brings a larger-than-normal reduction in the cost of borrowing, which followed growing concern about the health of America’s job market. Reports show that the higher interest rates have hit the agricultural sector much harder than the rest of the U.S. economy. 

Kicking off an expected loosening of U.S. monetary policy, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point on Wednesday. The move brings a larger-than-normal reduction in the cost of borrowing, which followed growing concern about the health of America’s job market. Reports show that the higher interest rates have hit the agricultural sector much harder than the rest of the U.S. economy.

Fed cuts interest rates, some relief for agriculture

A judge in Missouri dismissed a lawsuit accusing agricultural giants like Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, and others of price fixing. The suit accused the companies of conspiring with wholesalers and retail outlets to fix prices for seeds and crop protection chemicals, forcing farmers to pay higher prices. A St. Louis-based judge says that the farmers and other plaintiffs failed to present sufficient allegations that the companies had violated U.S. antitrust laws. 

A judge in Missouri dismissed a lawsuit accusing agricultural giants like Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, and others of price fixing. The suit accused the companies of conspiring with wholesalers and retail outlets to fix prices for seeds and crop protection chemicals, forcing farmers to pay higher prices. A St. Louis-based judge says that the farmers and other plaintiffs failed to present sufficient allegations that the companies had violated U.S. antitrust laws.

Judge dismisses price-fixing suit 

Efforts to keep AM radio in the dashboards of U.S. vehicles have taken a step forward in the House. The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 45-2 to send the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to the full House for a vote. “It’s been a stalwart of American prosperity and information sharing,” says Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC). “Having AM radio available is important to my constituents, especially during emergencies.” 

If passed by the full House, the proposed Act would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. If they don’t, automakers would get fined. The role of AM during natural disasters was cited by several lawmakers as they spoke during the bill’s markup, noting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency spent millions solidifying the Emergency Alert System with AM radio as the backbone of the EAS.

Efforts to keep AM radio in the dashboards of U.S. vehicles have taken a step forward in the House. The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 45-2 to send the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to the full House for a vote. “It’s been a stalwart of American prosperity and information sharing,” says Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC). “Having AM radio available is important to my constituents, especially during emergencies.” If passed by the full House, the proposed Act would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. If they don’t, automakers would get fined. The role of AM during natural disasters was cited by several lawmakers as they spoke during the bill’s markup, noting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency spent millions solidifying the Emergency Alert System with AM radio as the backbone of the EAS.-NAFB

AM Radio bill moves to house floor

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, a critic of Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, told more than 250 people that he had an optimistic moment after speaking with her on the Senate floor. He points out that Stabenow and other Committee leaders are recognizing just how dire the economic situation is for U.S. farmers and that they can’t wait for Congress to reach an agreement on a five-year farm bill. 

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, a critic of Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, told more than 250 people that he had an optimistic moment after speaking with her on the Senate floor. He points out that Stabenow and other Committee leaders are recognizing just how dire the economic situation is for U.S. farmers and that they can’t wait for Congress to reach an agreement on a five-year farm bill.

Farm bill stays in limbo, lawmakers considering farm aid

While the 2024 Farm Bill has been stalled for multiple months, the legislative logjam is showing a few signs of breaking after key ag groups took to Capitol Hill last week to share the economic reality facing farmers and ranchers. In a letter last week to House Ag Committee Democrats, Ranking Member David Scott said, “We all know that Congress needs pressure to act. That’s why Chairman Thompson, Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman, and I agree that we are better off without another extension at this point.” 

After he met with farmers, Scott said if it looks like Congress won’t be able to pass a farm bill, they asked him if Congress would consider doing a two-year ad hoc package that would bolster the safety net for the 2024 and 2025 crop years. Scott added, “Farmers need the certainty and support, and we need to step up to this challenge.”

While the 2024 Farm Bill has been stalled for multiple months, the legislative logjam is showing a few signs of breaking after key ag groups took to Capitol Hill last week to share the economic reality facing farmers and ranchers. In a letter last week to House Ag Committee Democrats, Ranking Member David Scott said, “We all know that Congress needs pressure to act. That’s why Chairman Thompson, Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman, and I agree that we are better off without another extension at this point.” After he met with farmers, Scott said if it looks like Congress won’t be able to pass a farm bill, they asked him if Congress would consider doing a two-year ad hoc package that would bolster the safety net for the 2024 and 2025 crop years. Scott added, “Farmers need the certainty and support, and we need to step up to this challenge.”-NAFB

Cracks showing in the farm bill logjam

Moms for America, a Missouri-based national conservative advocacy group that focuses on pro-family issues, went to Capitol Hill last week to discuss their opposition to the EATS Act. They say House Bill 4417 and Senate Bill 209 would “hand American pork and other production over to the Chinese multi-national conglomerates like Smithfield and the global meat cartel.” 

Moms for America, a Missouri-based national conservative advocacy group that focuses on pro-family issues, went to Capitol Hill last week to discuss their opposition to the EATS Act. They say House Bill 4417 and Senate Bill 209 would “hand American pork and other production over to the Chinese multi-national conglomerates like Smithfield and the global meat cartel.”

Moms flood capitol hill to oppose EATS act

As farmers wrap up the current crop year and begin planning for 2025, one of the more crucial first steps in preparing for a successful crop season is securing farm leasing arrangements. In the Midwest, farm lease negotiations typically begin in August and ramp up as fall sets in. Tenants often prefer to finalize lease terms early to facilitate timely purchases of inputs and to start field operations promptly after harvest. 

As farmers wrap up the current crop year and begin planning for 2025, one of the more crucial first steps in preparing for a successful crop season is securing farm leasing arrangements. In the Midwest, farm lease negotiations typically begin in August and ramp up as fall sets in. Tenants often prefer to finalize lease terms early to facilitate timely purchases of inputs and to start field operations promptly after harvest.

Farm leases expected to remain steady or modestly decrease

The bulk exports of soybeans and other agricultural products from the East Coast would not be directly impacted by any potential strike or lockout if an agreement is not achieved between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. However, containerized exports of soybeans and other agricultural products would be impacted. 

There are several ports along the East Coast. Norfolk, Virginia, was the busiest in 2023, exporting over 1.6 million metric tons of soybeans. To provide some perspective, the Mississippi Gulf Region near New Orleans is the number one export region for soybeans, exporting 27 million metric tons from the region in 2023. “We are starting to see agricultural exporters explore other routes like the West Coast, which will most likely mean at a higher cost and longer transit times,” says Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Council. “This will be one more cost intrusion into the supply chain.”

The bulk exports of soybeans and other agricultural products from the East Coast would not be directly impacted by any potential strike or lockout if an agreement is not achieved between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. However, containerized exports of soybeans and other agricultural products would be impacted. There are several ports along the East Coast. Norfolk, Virginia, was the busiest in 2023, exporting over 1.6 million metric tons of soybeans. To provide some perspective, the Mississippi Gulf Region near New Orleans is the number one export region for soybeans, exporting 27 million metric tons from the region in 2023. “We are starting to see agricultural exporters explore other routes like the West Coast, which will most likely mean at a higher cost and longer transit times,” says Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Council. “This will be one more cost intrusion into the supply chain.”-NAFB

Eastern ports face strike prospects

The USDA released its September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report that says this month’s 2024-2025 corn outlook is for smaller supplies and a modest decline in ending stocks. Projected beginning stocks are 55 million bushels lower based on increases in exports and corn used for ethanol for 2023-2024. The season-average corn price received by producers was lowered ten cents to $4.10 per bushel. 

The USDA released its September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report that says this month’s 2024-2025 corn outlook is for smaller supplies and a modest decline in ending stocks. Projected beginning stocks are 55 million bushels lower based on increases in exports and corn used for ethanol for 2023-2024. The season-average corn price received by producers was lowered ten cents to $4.10 per bushel.

USDA releases September WASDE report

The National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association expressed frustration with a recently released recommendation from the Department of Commerce. The Department is recommending an imposition of preliminary countervailing duty rates on imports of the herbicide 2-4D. The decision comes at the behest of domestic herbicide producer Corteva, who filed a petition earlier this year calling for antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide from certain foreign suppliers.

Farmers have said that their demand exceeds the domestic supply of the product, and foreign sources help to fill the gap. “Access to this herbicide is critical for corn growers,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We would welcome all ideas from Corteva on how to ensure that this herbicide is available and affordable for American growers.” Josh Gackle, president of the ASA, says the decision to raise duties on imports is disappointing to soybean growers nationwide.

The National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association expressed frustration with a recently released recommendation from the Department of Commerce. The Department is recommending an imposition of preliminary countervailing duty rates on imports of the herbicide 2-4D. The decision comes at the behest of domestic herbicide producer Corteva, who filed a petition earlier this year calling for antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide from certain foreign suppliers.Farmers have said that their demand exceeds the domestic supply of the product, and foreign sources help to fill the gap. “Access to this herbicide is critical for corn growers,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We would welcome all ideas from Corteva on how to ensure that this herbicide is available and affordable for American growers.” Josh Gackle, president of the ASA, says the decision to raise duties on imports is disappointing to soybean growers nationwide.-NAFB

Growers critical of tariff announcements

The House of Representatives passed the “Protecting U.S. Farmland from Foreign Adversaries Act” on Wednesday. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. The legislation would increase scrutiny of foreign bids to purchase U.S. farmland, particularly from adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. It would add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and include the secretary on future transactions involving agricultural land, biotech, product transportation, storage, and processing. 

It would authorize the Secretary to report agricultural land transactions involving foreign persons from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. “Chinese ownership of American farmland increased more than 20-fold in the past decade,” Braun says. The amount of American soil in the hands of adversaries will only rise if we don’t implement these restrictions and oversight.” Fourteen other senators also signed on to the legislation.

The House of Representatives passed the “Protecting U.S. Farmland from Foreign Adversaries Act” on Wednesday. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. The legislation would increase scrutiny of foreign bids to purchase U.S. farmland, particularly from adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. It would add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and include the secretary on future transactions involving agricultural land, biotech, product transportation, storage, and processing. It would authorize the Secretary to report agricultural land transactions involving foreign persons from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. “Chinese ownership of American farmland increased more than 20-fold in the past decade,” Braun says. The amount of American soil in the hands of adversaries will only rise if we don’t implement these restrictions and oversight.” Fourteen other senators also signed on to the legislation.-NAFB

House passes bill to protect U.S. farmland

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council announced strong support for the ESA Amendments Act of 2024. This legislation would reform the Endangered Species Act to provide more timely conservation efforts on America’s rangeland. “For too long, the Endangered Species Act has been weaponized to list species under non-science-based criteria to the detriment of real conservation,” says NCBA President Mark Eisele. 

“Farmers and ranchers have witnessed the harm that comes from politically-motivated species listings and the dangers that come from recovered predators that become a direct threat to producers’ personal safety and economic success.” Drovers also says this bill will make the ESA a real tool for conservation, foster transparency and accountability, and ensure that the environmental contributions from farmers and ranchers are properly recognized. As the ESA has had its scope widened over the years, it is now coming in direct conflict with established science on wildlife conservation.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council announced strong support for the ESA Amendments Act of 2024. This legislation would reform the Endangered Species Act to provide more timely conservation efforts on America’s rangeland. “For too long, the Endangered Species Act has been weaponized to list species under non-science-based criteria to the detriment of real conservation,” says NCBA President Mark Eisele. “Farmers and ranchers have witnessed the harm that comes from politically-motivated species listings and the dangers that come from recovered predators that become a direct threat to producers’ personal safety and economic success.” Drovers also says this bill will make the ESA a real tool for conservation, foster transparency and accountability, and ensure that the environmental contributions from farmers and ranchers are properly recognized. As the ESA has had its scope widened over the years, it is now coming in direct conflict with established science on wildlife conservation.

Groups support ESA amendments act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) launched a collection of interactive maps to allow data users to access key Census of Agriculture information. The newly redesigned Ag Census Web Maps application offers the public access to maps and accompanying data to help visualize, download and analyze Census of Agriculture data down to the county level. 

The app parses maps and statistics from the 2022 census across a number of categories including crops, producers and economics. NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons says it allows customizable ways to access the Census of Agriculture data in a way no other product can. He says for example, a user can show average value of agricultural products sold per farm, or view a county’s data for a given category. In preparation for the 2027 Census of Ag, NASS is already asking for content change suggestions and for new producers who did not receive a 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire last year to sign up to be counted. Both forms can be found at <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/">nass.usda.gov.</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) launched a collection of interactive maps to allow data users to access key Census of Agriculture information. The newly redesigned Ag Census Web Maps application offers the public access to maps and accompanying data to help visualize, download and analyze Census of Agriculture data down to the county level. The app parses maps and statistics from the 2022 census across a number of categories including crops, producers and economics. NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons says it allows customizable ways to access the Census of Agriculture data in a way no other product can. He says for example, a user can show average value of agricultural products sold per farm, or view a county’s data for a given category. In preparation for the 2027 Census of Ag, NASS is already asking for content change suggestions and for new producers who did not receive a 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire last year to sign up to be counted. Both forms can be found at <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/">nass.usda.gov.</a>

USDA launches interactive census of ag maps

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is now accepting applications for funding through the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture (SEGA) Innovation Grant Program. The SEGA Innovation Grant Program was created in 2019 by the Missouri Food, Beverage, and Forest Products Manufacturing Task Force, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. Grants are funded by an appropriation from the Missouri General Assembly to encourage value-added agriculture innovation in the state.

The program provides funding in the form of grants to producers, businesses, organizations and cooperatives for facilities, equipment, upgrades, services, coordinated efforts and cooperative marketing directly related to increasing value-added agriculture.

The minimum grant award is $50,000 and the maximum grant award is $250,000. Recipients are required to meet a minimum 25% cash match for funded projects. Missouri entities seeking to add value to agricultural products may submit applications until Oct. 4, 2024.

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is now accepting applications for funding through the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture (SEGA) Innovation Grant Program. The SEGA Innovation Grant Program was created in 2019 by the Missouri Food, Beverage, and Forest Products Manufacturing Task Force, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. Grants are funded by an appropriation from the Missouri General Assembly to encourage value-added agriculture innovation in the state.The program provides funding in the form of grants to producers, businesses, organizations and cooperatives for facilities, equipment, upgrades, services, coordinated efforts and cooperative marketing directly related to increasing value-added agriculture.The minimum grant award is $50,000 and the maximum grant award is $250,000. Recipients are required to meet a minimum 25% cash match for funded projects. Missouri entities seeking to add value to agricultural products may submit applications until Oct. 4, 2024.