Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

U.S. dietary guidelines could cut meat and potatoes

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. 

The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

Senate democrats push to keep weedkiller banned

Summit Carbon Solutions resubmitted an application for a carbon dioxide pipeline to South Dakota state regulators this week. The application included “major reroutes” of the proposed structure in four South Dakota counties. The move happened over a year after the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission rejected the company’s first application. Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions says, “By working hand-in-hand with landowners and communities, we’ve developed a project that balances progress with respect for those directly involved,” and “Together, we’re creating a new pathway to new markets and lasting economic growth for generations to come.” 

Summit Carbon Solutions resubmitted an application for a carbon dioxide pipeline to South Dakota state regulators this week. The application included “major reroutes” of the proposed structure in four South Dakota counties. The move happened over a year after the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission rejected the company’s first application. Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions says, “By working hand-in-hand with landowners and communities, we’ve developed a project that balances progress with respect for those directly involved,” and “Together, we’re creating a new pathway to new markets and lasting economic growth for generations to come.”

Summit Carbon applies again for pipeline in South Dakota

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. That’s a five percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. 

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. That’s a five percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022.

Thanksgiving survey shows dinner cost declined from 2023

A recent report says banks could be more hesitant to lend to the farm sector just as the agricultural industry is expected to enter a major credit crunch. Rabobank says that could disproportionately hurt smaller producers in the process. After two years of near-record profits, a significant drop in crop prices is pushing more producers to take out loans. Although farmers have built up somewhat of a liquidity buffer to manage the downturn, Rabobank says those savings are expected to run out by the next crop year. 

The report says “Although the U.S. agricultural sector’s financial affairs are projected to finish 2023-2024 in stable condition, the trajectory is downward.”&nbsp; Demand for farm loans is set to climb to levels not seen since 2013 with producers expected to increase their borrowing by billions of dollars over the next several years. Producers may face stricter borrowing requirements when taking out new loans.

A recent report says banks could be more hesitant to lend to the farm sector just as the agricultural industry is expected to enter a major credit crunch. Rabobank says that could disproportionately hurt smaller producers in the process. After two years of near-record profits, a significant drop in crop prices is pushing more producers to take out loans. Although farmers have built up somewhat of a liquidity buffer to manage the downturn, Rabobank says those savings are expected to run out by the next crop year. The report says “Although the U.S. agricultural sector’s financial affairs are projected to finish 2023-2024 in stable condition, the trajectory is downward.”&nbsp; Demand for farm loans is set to climb to levels not seen since 2013 with producers expected to increase their borrowing by billions of dollars over the next several years. Producers may face stricter borrowing requirements when taking out new loans.

Farm loan concerns in struggling ag economy

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow spoke on the Senate floor and introduced the “Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.” She says for more than two years, she’s been working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass her sixth farm bill. “The farmers I met with made clear that the farm safety net must be the backbone of support for all farmers, and not just a handful of mostly southern commodities,” she said. 

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow spoke on the Senate floor and introduced the “Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.” She says for more than two years, she’s been working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass her sixth farm bill. “The farmers I met with made clear that the farm safety net must be the backbone of support for all farmers, and not just a handful of mostly southern commodities,” she said.

Stabenow releases version of the Senate farm bill

A federal judge refused to halt enforcement of California’s climate disclosure bills last week, despite a legal challenge put forward by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups that alleges the bills violate First Amendment rights against compelled speech. In his Nov. 5 ruling, U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II denied the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, noting the court required more information and “further development of the facts” to determine whether the climate disclosure rules amount to compelled speech and are, hence, unconstitutional. 

Though Wright’s decision allows the state’s carbon emissions disclosure requirements to proceed as planned for now, his ruling granted the plaintiffs leave to file another request for summary judgment. Wright also said the First Amendment did apply to the challenged laws. The climate laws will mandate more climate-related disclosures from large companies operating in the state and push for more corporate transparency in terms of carbon emissions.

A federal judge refused to halt enforcement of California’s climate disclosure bills last week, despite a legal challenge put forward by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups that alleges the bills violate First Amendment rights against compelled speech. In his Nov. 5 ruling, U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II denied the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, noting the court required more information and “further development of the facts” to determine whether the climate disclosure rules amount to compelled speech and are, hence, unconstitutional. Though Wright’s decision allows the state’s carbon emissions disclosure requirements to proceed as planned for now, his ruling granted the plaintiffs leave to file another request for summary judgment. Wright also said the First Amendment did apply to the challenged laws. The climate laws will mandate more climate-related disclosures from large companies operating in the state and push for more corporate transparency in terms of carbon emissions.

California climate disclosure laws survive initial court challenge 

President-Elect Donald Trump’s threat of mass deportations risks hurting the domestic agriculture sector already struggling with labor shortages. That’s according to Matt Carstens, chief executive officer of Iowa’s biggest farm cooperative, who said Trump’s plan should be approached carefully. Bloomberg reports farming would be one of the biggest US sectors hit should the incoming administration move forward with kicking potentially millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said nearly half of hired crop farmworkers lack legal immigration status. The share of laborers not lawfully authorized to work in the US rose from about 14% in the 1989-91 period to roughly 40% in recent years. Meanwhile, although there’s been a slight decline in the number of people moving out of rural US counties since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the prior decade saw an overall loss of population. 

President-Elect Donald Trump’s threat of mass deportations risks hurting the domestic agriculture sector already struggling with labor shortages. That’s according to Matt Carstens, chief executive officer of Iowa’s biggest farm cooperative, who said Trump’s plan should be approached carefully. Bloomberg reports farming would be one of the biggest US sectors hit should the incoming administration move forward with kicking potentially millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said nearly half of hired crop farmworkers lack legal immigration status. The share of laborers not lawfully authorized to work in the US rose from about 14% in the 1989-91 period to roughly 40% in recent years. Meanwhile, although there’s been a slight decline in the number of people moving out of rural US counties since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the prior decade saw an overall loss of population. -NAFB

Trump’s threat of deportations risks hurting agriculture 

With little sign of a breakthrough on the farm bill in Congress, farm groups are shifting their attention to a proposed $21 billion bailout bill. Help is needed because high costs and lower commodity prices are sharply eroding farm income, they say. Successful Farming reports analysts are questioning whether the price tag for the proposed agricultural aid is too high to be accepted and say that in the relatively short lame-duck session under way, there may be room for only one piece of farm-related legislation. 

With little sign of a breakthrough on the farm bill in Congress, farm groups are shifting their attention to a proposed $21 billion bailout bill. Help is needed because high costs and lower commodity prices are sharply eroding farm income, they say. Successful Farming reports analysts are questioning whether the price tag for the proposed agricultural aid is too high to be accepted and say that in the relatively short lame-duck session under way, there may be room for only one piece of farm-related legislation.

Farm bailout bill getting renewed attention in lame duck session 

Sales of tractors for agricultural use plunged year-over-year in October, according to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Tractor sales dropped 14% from the same month a year earlier to 21,354 units. Combine sales fell almost 35%. These declines point to the overall softness in the ag economy following a robust five years of positive industry results.&nbsp;

Sales of tractors for agricultural use plunged year-over-year in October, according to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Tractor sales dropped 14% from the same month a year earlier to 21,354 units. Combine sales fell almost 35%. These declines point to the overall softness in the ag economy following a robust five years of positive industry results.&nbsp;

Tractor sales plummet in October

House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson is among those being considered for agriculture secretary in the next Trump administration, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking. Reports say the Pennsylvania Republican, who developed closer ties to Trump during the president-elect’s many campaign visits to the Keystone State, offers deep knowledge of agriculture policy. 

The Trump transition team neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of tapping Thompson. “President-Elect Trump will begin making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration soon. Those decisions will be announced when they are made,” said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. Other names being mentioned are Former Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs Ted McKinney; Kip Tom, formerly U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture; and former White House ag advisor Ray Starling.

House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson is among those being considered for agriculture secretary in the next Trump administration, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking. Reports say the Pennsylvania Republican, who developed closer ties to Trump during the president-elect’s many campaign visits to the Keystone State, offers deep knowledge of agriculture policy. The Trump transition team neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of tapping Thompson. “President-Elect Trump will begin making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration soon. Those decisions will be announced when they are made,” said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. Other names being mentioned are Former Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs Ted McKinney; Kip Tom, formerly U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture; and former White House ag advisor Ray Starling.

Thompson leads list of potential Ag Secretary candidates

As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Eric Hansotia, AGCO's president and CEO, said in an investor call last week, the Machinery manufacturer has about four months of orders with its dealers in North America and is looking to bring that number down to three.  

As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Eric Hansotia, AGCO's president and CEO, said in an investor call last week, the Machinery manufacturer has about four months of orders with its dealers in North America and is looking to bring that number down to three.

Tractor manufacturers slow production as demand declines

A new study recently showed that some dairy workers had signs of H5N1 infection even when they didn’t report feeling sick. As a result, federal health officials called for more testing of employees on farms affected by bird flu. The University of Texas Medical Branch says farmworkers in close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment, even if they show no H5N1 symptoms. 

A new study recently showed that some dairy workers had signs of H5N1 infection even when they didn’t report feeling sick. As a result, federal health officials called for more testing of employees on farms affected by bird flu. The University of Texas Medical Branch says farmworkers in close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment, even if they show no H5N1 symptoms.

CDC wants expanding H5N1 testing for farmworkers

The University of Missouri Extension Crop Conference, scheduled for December 4-5 in Columbia, will provide farmers and agricultural professionals with insights into the evolving agricultural landscape in 2025. Ben Brown, an MU Extension specialist in risk management, will speak on the current state of crop markets, input costs, and agricultural policy, and discuss the recent decline in commodity prices due to strong global production and increased demand at lower prices.

The University of Missouri Extension Crop Conference, scheduled for December 4-5 in Columbia, will provide farmers and agricultural professionals with insights into the evolving agricultural landscape in 2025. Ben Brown, an MU Extension specialist in risk management, will speak on the current state of crop markets, input costs, and agricultural policy, and discuss the recent decline in commodity prices due to strong global production and increased demand at lower prices.

University of Missouri Extension crop conference

Referred Law 21 in South Dakota would have created new requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities, including carbon dioxide pipelines, and allowed counties to assess a surcharge on certain pipelines. It also sought to establish a “Landowners Bill of Rights.” The numbers are showing the state’s voters said “no” to the ballot measure, which put the ethanol industry and landowners on opposite sides. 

Referred Law 21 in South Dakota would have created new requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities, including carbon dioxide pipelines, and allowed counties to assess a surcharge on certain pipelines. It also sought to establish a “Landowners Bill of Rights.” The numbers are showing the state’s voters said “no” to the ballot measure, which put the ethanol industry and landowners on opposite sides.

South Dakota voters turn down pipeline regulation bill

Speculation has already begun on who the next Secretary of Agriculture will be when Donald Trump returns to the White House in January. Some reports show that Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller, former ambassador Kip Tom, and Ted McKinney of NASDA are among a handful of people viewed as potential nominees to run the Department of Agriculture. 

Incoming presidents typically try to announce their nominees before the year-end holidays, although Trump didn’t announce Sonny Perdue to lead USDA until two days before his inauguration. Miller was initially mentioned for USDA after Trump won his first term. Tom was the U.S. ambassador to the UN agencies for food and agriculture in Rome during the first term. McKinney, the undersecretary for trade in the first administration, is now the CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has also been mentioned because his term there expires in December.

Speculation has already begun on who the next Secretary of Agriculture will be when Donald Trump returns to the White House in January. Some reports show that Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller, former ambassador Kip Tom, and Ted McKinney of NASDA are among a handful of people viewed as potential nominees to run the Department of Agriculture. Incoming presidents typically try to announce their nominees before the year-end holidays, although Trump didn’t announce Sonny Perdue to lead USDA until two days before his inauguration. Miller was initially mentioned for USDA after Trump won his first term. Tom was the U.S. ambassador to the UN agencies for food and agriculture in Rome during the first term. McKinney, the undersecretary for trade in the first administration, is now the CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has also been mentioned because his term there expires in December.-NAFB

Speculation starts on next ag secretary

The U.S. Treasury Department issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases across 30 states. 

The Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), says the committee has the authority to review certain real estate transactions near specified military installations and to take the appropriate actions it deems necessary. Nearly 60 military installations will now be added to an existing list of military installations around which CFIUS has jurisdiction over real estate transactions and its jurisdiction will be extended around 10 existing installations. 

“We continue to use strong screening tools to advance America’s national security and protect our military installations from external threats,” says Janet Yellin, Secretary of the Treasury. She also says this final rule is a significant milestone in safeguarding critical U.S. military and defense installations.

The U.S. Treasury Department issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases across 30 states. The Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), says the committee has the authority to review certain real estate transactions near specified military installations and to take the appropriate actions it deems necessary. Nearly 60 military installations will now be added to an existing list of military installations around which CFIUS has jurisdiction over real estate transactions and its jurisdiction will be extended around 10 existing installations. “We continue to use strong screening tools to advance America’s national security and protect our military installations from external threats,” says Janet Yellin, Secretary of the Treasury. She also says this final rule is a significant milestone in safeguarding critical U.S. military and defense installations.-NAFB

Treasury Expands Foreign Land Purchase Oversight

The House and Senate Agriculture Committees will see changes to membership during the 2025 legislative session. 

Farm Policy News says at least two incumbent members, New York Representative Marcus Molinaro and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, were not re-elected. Representative Molinaro had served on the committee since his election in 2022 and lost his race to Democrat Josh Riley. On the Senate Ag Committee side, incumbent Brown lost his race to Republican challenger Bernie Moreno. 

There were several incumbents who won re-election, including Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican who held on to her Senate seat, besting challenger Dan Osborn. Iowa Republican Zach Nunn held onto his House seat in Iowa’s Third Congressional District. Democratic Illinois Representative Eric Sorenson is returning for a second term, as is Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat. In New Mexico, Democrat Gabe Vasquez won a second term, and Representative Jahana Hayes won re-election to the U.S. House representing Connecticut.

The House and Senate Agriculture Committees will see changes to membership during the 2025 legislative session. Farm Policy News says at least two incumbent members, New York Representative Marcus Molinaro and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, were not re-elected. Representative Molinaro had served on the committee since his election in 2022 and lost his race to Democrat Josh Riley. On the Senate Ag Committee side, incumbent Brown lost his race to Republican challenger Bernie Moreno. There were several incumbents who won re-election, including Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican who held on to her Senate seat, besting challenger Dan Osborn. Iowa Republican Zach Nunn held onto his House seat in Iowa’s Third Congressional District. Democratic Illinois Representative Eric Sorenson is returning for a second term, as is Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat. In New Mexico, Democrat Gabe Vasquez won a second term, and Representative Jahana Hayes won re-election to the U.S. House representing Connecticut.-NAFB

Two Ag Committee Incumbents Lose

Industry analysts say the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act sponsored by Mississippi Representative Trent Kelly may be too much money for Congress. 

The estimated $21 billion cost might make things more difficult for a new farm bill. Kelly says his bill keeps farmers in operation despite high costs and lower commodity prices, and it’s supported by a dozen of America’s biggest farm groups. Analysts in a Farmdoc Daily blog estimate that for the major commodities with a specified payment rate calculation outlined in the legislation, the FARM Act would result in $21 billion in ad hoc support payments to farmers. 

The bill may also be interpreted by those on Capitol Hill as evidence of U.S. farm policy shortcomings, and that may delay work on the next farm bill into 2025. Kelly’s bill allows payments of up to $350,000 per farmer. The farm program typically sets a limit of $125,000 per farmer.

Industry analysts say the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act sponsored by Mississippi Representative Trent Kelly may be too much money for Congress. The estimated $21 billion cost might make things more difficult for a new farm bill. Kelly says his bill keeps farmers in operation despite high costs and lower commodity prices, and it’s supported by a dozen of America’s biggest farm groups. Analysts in a Farmdoc Daily blog estimate that for the major commodities with a specified payment rate calculation outlined in the legislation, the FARM Act would result in $21 billion in ad hoc support payments to farmers. The bill may also be interpreted by those on Capitol Hill as evidence of U.S. farm policy shortcomings, and that may delay work on the next farm bill into 2025. Kelly’s bill allows payments of up to $350,000 per farmer. The farm program typically sets a limit of $125,000 per farmer.-NAFB

Farm Bailout Bill Would Cost $21 Billion

October provided a surprising pre-election bounce in farmer sentiment as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 115, 27 points above the September index. The biggest driver of the sentiment improvement was an increase in producers’ confidence in the future. The Future Expectations Index jumped 30 points to 124. 

October provided a surprising pre-election bounce in farmer sentiment as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 115, 27 points above the September index. The biggest driver of the sentiment improvement was an increase in producers’ confidence in the future. The Future Expectations Index jumped 30 points to 124.

Farmer sentiment bounces back

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has addressed a formal letter to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), urging the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment that threatens Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels sectors. This amendment, if enacted, would place a significant burden on Missouri farmers and impede the state’s economic vitality.

“Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels industries are vital to the success of our state, so I will do everything in my power to protect Missouri farmers,” Bailey stated. “I will not allow radical climate activists in California to attack our family farms and hinder our state’s economic growth.”

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has addressed a formal letter to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), urging the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment that threatens Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels sectors. This amendment, if enacted, would place a significant burden on Missouri farmers and impede the state’s economic vitality.“Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels industries are vital to the success of our state, so I will do everything in my power to protect Missouri farmers,” Bailey stated. “I will not allow radical climate activists in California to attack our family farms and hinder our state’s economic growth.”

Missouri AG battles California for farmers

The Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act was introduced last month and sponsored by more than 40 members of Congress. It’s also endorsed by several of America’s largest commodity groups.. The legislation is intended to meet farmers’ immediate financial needs through economic assistance for the 2024 crop year. The proposed payment structure utilizes per-acre cost of production to provide a payment that is 60 percent of economic loss on eligible acres. 

The Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act was introduced last month and sponsored by more than 40 members of Congress. It’s also endorsed by several of America’s largest commodity groups.. The legislation is intended to meet farmers’ immediate financial needs through economic assistance for the 2024 crop year. The proposed payment structure utilizes per-acre cost of production to provide a payment that is 60 percent of economic loss on eligible acres.

Meaningful assistance could be coming to farmers

While the lame-duck session of Congress represents one last chance at a farm bill, industry experts say it would require compromise on a number of tricky issues. Reports say it would require House and Senate leaders to agree on spending in quite a few important areas. One report says Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow holds the key to finishing a farm bill this year. 

The question is whether she can work out a deal with the other major farm bill players. Some insiders say Stabenow would like one last farm bill completion as a legacy item as she isn’t running for re-election. An AgWeb report from Farm Journal says some long-time Washington contacts give the odds of getting a farm bill done at only 15 percent. A veteran farm lobbyist said the simple resolution is for Republicans to drop SNAP cut demands and Democrats to agree to higher reference prices.

While the lame-duck session of Congress represents one last chance at a farm bill, industry experts say it would require compromise on a number of tricky issues. Reports say it would require House and Senate leaders to agree on spending in quite a few important areas. One report says Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow holds the key to finishing a farm bill this year. The question is whether she can work out a deal with the other major farm bill players. Some insiders say Stabenow would like one last farm bill completion as a legacy item as she isn’t running for re-election. An AgWeb report from Farm Journal says some long-time Washington contacts give the odds of getting a farm bill done at only 15 percent. A veteran farm lobbyist said the simple resolution is for Republicans to drop SNAP cut demands and Democrats to agree to higher reference prices.

Lame-duck farm bill will be difficult

Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017, the report said, with commercial banks issuing 40% more of these loans to farmers over last year. Farmers are not only taking out more loans, but also borrowing higher amounts. 

Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017, the report said, with commercial banks issuing 40% more of these loans to farmers over last year. Farmers are not only taking out more loans, but also borrowing higher amounts.

Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates

The University of Missouri Extension is set to host free tax workshops in December aimed at assisting farmers, ranchers, and landowners in enhancing their collaboration with tax professionals. The workshops will be led by MU Extension specialists, who will discuss significant updates in tax legislation, including the implications of the Corporate Transparency Act.

The University of Missouri Extension is set to host free tax workshops in December aimed at assisting farmers, ranchers, and landowners in enhancing their collaboration with tax professionals. The workshops will be led by MU Extension specialists, who will discuss significant updates in tax legislation, including the implications of the Corporate Transparency Act.