Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows food away from home spending varied during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In April 2020, spending at full-service restaurants declined 71 percent compared with April 2019. 

Spending at fast-food restaurants fell 32 percent, and spending at all other food-away-from-home establishments dropped 41 percent over the same period. 

Full-service restaurants typically offer food and alcohol to seated customers, which was hard to provide during the pandemic. However, the limited physical interaction with customers made it easier for fast-food establishments to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, and by the second half of 2020, they managed to recover to pre-pandemic spending levels. 

Despite efforts by many full-service restaurants to expand takeout and delivery services, these outlets took slightly longer to bounce back, and returned to pre-pandemic spending in March 2021. 

By December 2021, both full-service and limited-service restaurant spending had fully recovered and were each about 10 percent higher than in December 2019.

Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows food away from home spending varied during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, spending at full-service restaurants declined 71 percent compared with April 2019. Spending at fast-food restaurants fell 32 percent, and spending at all other food-away-from-home establishments dropped 41 percent over the same period. Full-service restaurants typically offer food and alcohol to seated customers, which was hard to provide during the pandemic. However, the limited physical interaction with customers made it easier for fast-food establishments to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, and by the second half of 2020, they managed to recover to pre-pandemic spending levels. Despite efforts by many full-service restaurants to expand takeout and delivery services, these outlets took slightly longer to bounce back, and returned to pre-pandemic spending in March 2021. By December 2021, both full-service and limited-service restaurant spending had fully recovered and were each about 10 percent higher than in December 2019.

Pandemic food away from home spending varied

Nathan Simington, a Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission, spoke out on the continued importance of AM radio to public safety. 

He says the issue of continuing to include AM radios in electric vehicles deserves urgent attention. 

“As electric vehicle adoption increases, we must not leave behind those in rural areas who depend on radio for their news and alerts,” Simington says. 

He points out that growing up in rural Saskatchewan was like living in a connectivity desert. “Back then, like now, radio was essential for staying connected,” he says. 

“While some things have changed, not enough has changed to eliminate the need for radio, and the situation is similar in the United States.” 

He also believes the FCC has a duty to make clear how valuable AM radio is to its listeners. “Further, we should be good stewards of the AM radio band,” he says. “That includes safeguarding AM radio reception.” &nbsp;

Nathan Simington, a Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission, spoke out on the continued importance of AM radio to public safety. He says the issue of continuing to include AM radios in electric vehicles deserves urgent attention. “As electric vehicle adoption increases, we must not leave behind those in rural areas who depend on radio for their news and alerts,” Simington says. He points out that growing up in rural Saskatchewan was like living in a connectivity desert. “Back then, like now, radio was essential for staying connected,” he says. “While some things have changed, not enough has changed to eliminate the need for radio, and the situation is similar in the United States.” He also believes the FCC has a duty to make clear how valuable AM radio is to its listeners. “Further, we should be good stewards of the AM radio band,” he says. “That includes safeguarding AM radio reception.” &nbsp;

FCC Commissioner speaks out on the importance of AM Radio in EVs

The National Association of Conservation Districts released policy recommendations for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. 

The NACD’s Farm Bill Task Force has convened more than a dozen times to come up with recommendations that were recently approved by the NACD Board of Directors. 

Their most important priority is for Congress to keep conservation investments provided by the Inflation Reduction Act in the farm bill conservation programs. 

This request is critical to addressing the high unmet demand for NRCS conservation programs, which only serve about one in every three eligible producers. 

To support locally-led conservation efforts, the recommendations also push back against one-size-fits-all policies, the addition of national carve-outs within programs, and limitations on conservation practices. 

“We will continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to develop an inclusive farm bill that provides strong support for conservation,” says NACD President Kim LaFleur.

The National Association of Conservation Districts released policy recommendations for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. The NACD’s Farm Bill Task Force has convened more than a dozen times to come up with recommendations that were recently approved by the NACD Board of Directors. Their most important priority is for Congress to keep conservation investments provided by the Inflation Reduction Act in the farm bill conservation programs. This request is critical to addressing the high unmet demand for NRCS conservation programs, which only serve about one in every three eligible producers. To support locally-led conservation efforts, the recommendations also push back against one-size-fits-all policies, the addition of national carve-outs within programs, and limitations on conservation practices. “We will continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to develop an inclusive farm bill that provides strong support for conservation,” says NACD President Kim LaFleur.

NACD releases 2023 Farm Bill recommendations

Farmers are adopting precision technologies at different rates. 

A USDA report says the largest farms are adopting auto-steer guidance technology at significantly higher rates. 

After sorting farms into five equally-sized groups, the agency found that among farmers who were growing corn in 2016, 73 percent of farms in the largest category adopted guidance at the highest rates. 

The rates were similar for the largest farms growing other commodities in later years: 82 percent of the largest winter wheat farms in 2017, 68 percent of the largest soybean farms in 2018, and 67 percent of the largest cotton farms in 2019. 

Adoption rates were smaller among the smallest farms in the country: 10 percent of the smallest corn farms in 2016, 11 percent of the smallest soybean farms in 2018, and seven percent of the smallest winter wheat farms in 2017. However, fifty percent of the smallest cotton farms have adopted the technology.

Farmers are adopting precision technologies at different rates. A USDA report says the largest farms are adopting auto-steer guidance technology at significantly higher rates. After sorting farms into five equally-sized groups, the agency found that among farmers who were growing corn in 2016, 73 percent of farms in the largest category adopted guidance at the highest rates. The rates were similar for the largest farms growing other commodities in later years: 82 percent of the largest winter wheat farms in 2017, 68 percent of the largest soybean farms in 2018, and 67 percent of the largest cotton farms in 2019. Adoption rates were smaller among the smallest farms in the country: 10 percent of the smallest corn farms in 2016, 11 percent of the smallest soybean farms in 2018, and seven percent of the smallest winter wheat farms in 2017. However, fifty percent of the smallest cotton farms have adopted the technology.

USDA report says farmers adopting Precision Ag at different rates

A report produced by the Farm Journal Foundation and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs says the U.S. needs to increase support for agricultural research and development in the next farm bill. The support would help make sure that farmers can keep feeding the world despite the challenges faced by agriculture. 

New innovations generated from agricultural research at land-grant universities and other public sector institutions can help increase farm productivity and economic growth. Despite that, public investment in agricultural R and D has declined in recent years. 

The report says the 2023 farm bill is an opportunity to increase funding for agricultural R and D and ensure the U.S. is prepared for the challenges ahead. The USDA’s Economic Research Service says ag research provides one of the highest returns of any public research investment, generating $20 on average for every $1 spent. Public investment is needed to complement private-sector spending. &nbsp;

A report produced by the Farm Journal Foundation and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs says the U.S. needs to increase support for agricultural research and development in the next farm bill. The support would help make sure that farmers can keep feeding the world despite the challenges faced by agriculture. New innovations generated from agricultural research at land-grant universities and other public sector institutions can help increase farm productivity and economic growth. Despite that, public investment in agricultural R and D has declined in recent years. The report says the 2023 farm bill is an opportunity to increase funding for agricultural R and D and ensure the U.S. is prepared for the challenges ahead. The USDA’s Economic Research Service says ag research provides one of the highest returns of any public research investment, generating $20 on average for every $1 spent. Public investment is needed to complement private-sector spending. &nbsp;

Report says farm bill should prioritize ag research

The price of eggs is projected to fall dramatically after reaching record-high levels over several months. The USDA says those prices should fall back to typical levels this year, provided the U.S. doesn’t see a rebound in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in 2023.

 The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the price of eggs in January was $4.80 a dozen, 150 percent higher than in January of last year. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer told the Ag Outlook Forum attendees that wholesale egg prices will drop almost 27 percent in 2023. 

The agency says the high price of eggs is driven by the historic level of avian flu outbreaks that have killed more than 58 million backyard and commercial chickens and turkeys since last February. The agency says egg production will increase four percent this year to 9.4 billion dozen as the number of egg-laying chickens will also rebound from 2022.

The price of eggs is projected to fall dramatically after reaching record-high levels over several months. The USDA says those prices should fall back to typical levels this year, provided the U.S. doesn’t see a rebound in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the price of eggs in January was $4.80 a dozen, 150 percent higher than in January of last year. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer told the Ag Outlook Forum attendees that wholesale egg prices will drop almost 27 percent in 2023. The agency says the high price of eggs is driven by the historic level of avian flu outbreaks that have killed more than 58 million backyard and commercial chickens and turkeys since last February. The agency says egg production will increase four percent this year to 9.4 billion dozen as the number of egg-laying chickens will also rebound from 2022.

Egg prices are projected to drop 30 percent this year

The White House announced actions intended to hold Russia accountable for invading Ukraine. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says as part of that effort, President Biden announced additional tariff increases on a variety of goods from Russia worth approximately $2.8 billion. 

The president raised tariffs on most metal and metal products, doubling them from 35 to 70 percent and targeting a crucial revenue-generating sector of the Russian economy. He also increased tariffs on additional Russian products to 35 percent, including chemicals and minerals. 

These moves are complemented by tariff increases on Russian aluminum. “These actions are carefully calibrated to put economic pressure on Russia while minimizing costs to U.S. consumers,” says Tai. “As the president recently said in Poland, the United States and our Allies and partners will hold accountable those who are responsible for the war.” She also says those actions demonstrate the U.S. resolve in doing precisely that.

The White House announced actions intended to hold Russia accountable for invading Ukraine. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says as part of that effort, President Biden announced additional tariff increases on a variety of goods from Russia worth approximately $2.8 billion. The president raised tariffs on most metal and metal products, doubling them from 35 to 70 percent and targeting a crucial revenue-generating sector of the Russian economy. He also increased tariffs on additional Russian products to 35 percent, including chemicals and minerals. These moves are complemented by tariff increases on Russian aluminum. “These actions are carefully calibrated to put economic pressure on Russia while minimizing costs to U.S. consumers,” says Tai. “As the president recently said in Poland, the United States and our Allies and partners will hold accountable those who are responsible for the war.” She also says those actions demonstrate the U.S. resolve in doing precisely that.

U.S. imposes higher tariffs on Russian imports

Brazil’s agriculture and livestock ministry says beef exports to China are temporarily on hold after a case of mad cow disease was confirmed in one of the northern states called Para. 

Reuters says the suspension is part of an animal health agreement made between the two countries and likely won’t last long. However, it is a hit to the bottom line for the country’s farmers as China is the top destination for Brazil’s beef exports. Minister Carlos Favaro says, “All measures are being taken immediately at each stage of the investigation, and the matter is being handled with total transparency to guarantee Brazilian and global consumers the recognized quality of our meat.” 

The ag ministry also says, “The symptomology indicates that it is the atypical form of the disease, which appears spontaneously in nature, causing no risk of dissemination to the herd and human beings.” Para’s agricultural defense agency confirmed the disease case.

Brazil’s agriculture and livestock ministry says beef exports to China are temporarily on hold after a case of mad cow disease was confirmed in one of the northern states called Para. Reuters says the suspension is part of an animal health agreement made between the two countries and likely won’t last long. However, it is a hit to the bottom line for the country’s farmers as China is the top destination for Brazil’s beef exports. Minister Carlos Favaro says, “All measures are being taken immediately at each stage of the investigation, and the matter is being handled with total transparency to guarantee Brazilian and global consumers the recognized quality of our meat.” The ag ministry also says, “The symptomology indicates that it is the atypical form of the disease, which appears spontaneously in nature, causing no risk of dissemination to the herd and human beings.” Para’s agricultural defense agency confirmed the disease case.

Mad Cow Disease found in Brazil

Food giant Dole says it recently was hit by a cyberattack that was determined to be ransomware. Industrial Cyber says the attack disrupted the company’s operations and resulted in the temporary shutdown of production plants. It temporarily halted the company’s food shipments to stores. 

A company news release says upon learning of the incident, Dole moved quickly to contain the threat and engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts who’ve been working with Dole’s internal teams to secure the company’s systems. An internal memo on February 10 told employees that “Dole Food Company is in the midst of a cyber-attack and has subsequently shut down our systems throughout North America.” 

Two grocery stores in Texas and Mexico contacted by CNN said they hadn’t been able to stock Dole salad kits on their shelves for days. Dole didn’t go into detail about the ransomware hackers’ attack methods but did say the company contacted law enforcement.

Food giant Dole says it recently was hit by a cyberattack that was determined to be ransomware. Industrial Cyber says the attack disrupted the company’s operations and resulted in the temporary shutdown of production plants. It temporarily halted the company’s food shipments to stores. A company news release says upon learning of the incident, Dole moved quickly to contain the threat and engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts who’ve been working with Dole’s internal teams to secure the company’s systems. An internal memo on February 10 told employees that “Dole Food Company is in the midst of a cyber-attack and has subsequently shut down our systems throughout North America.” Two grocery stores in Texas and Mexico contacted by CNN said they hadn’t been able to stock Dole salad kits on their shelves for days. Dole didn’t go into detail about the ransomware hackers’ attack methods but did say the company contacted law enforcement.

Cyberattack temporarily shuts down Dole production

A new study funded in part by United Egg Producers and the United Egg Association shows the transition to cage-free eggs will increase costs and reduce profits. It also shows that producers may not be able to make the 2026 deadline. 

The study says, “Conversion from conventional to cage-free housing is costly for both egg producers and final consumers.” There remains a lot of uncertainty about the extent to which egg producers will be willing and able to continue transitioning to cage-free housing at a rate commensurate with retailers’ cage-free pledges. Roughly 55 percent of consumers surveyed for the study are motivated by price and don’t discriminate between cage and cage-free eggs. 

Producers surveyed also reveal higher costs and labor requirements associated with cage-free production. Producers are also experiencing challenges in getting financing to convert or build cage-free facilities without longer-term commitments from retailers, particularly as interest rates continue climbing higher.

A new study funded in part by United Egg Producers and the United Egg Association shows the transition to cage-free eggs will increase costs and reduce profits. It also shows that producers may not be able to make the 2026 deadline. The study says, “Conversion from conventional to cage-free housing is costly for both egg producers and final consumers.” There remains a lot of uncertainty about the extent to which egg producers will be willing and able to continue transitioning to cage-free housing at a rate commensurate with retailers’ cage-free pledges. Roughly 55 percent of consumers surveyed for the study are motivated by price and don’t discriminate between cage and cage-free eggs. Producers surveyed also reveal higher costs and labor requirements associated with cage-free production. Producers are also experiencing challenges in getting financing to convert or build cage-free facilities without longer-term commitments from retailers, particularly as interest rates continue climbing higher.

Study shows transition to cage-free eggs comes with problems

A new survey finds consumers expect to pay more for groceries this year. Progressive Grocer reports the 2023 KPMG Winter Consumer Pulse Survey shows consumers anticipate increased prices, but are looking for ways to save money. 

The Survey shows consumers expect a 15 percent increase in grocery spending this year. 

Meanwhile, 56 percent of consumers plan to spend more on groceries this year, while nine percent plan to spend less. 

Consumers cite inflation, an increased tendency to eat at home, larger household sizes and dietary changes as reasons for spending changes. KMPG research also finds 38 percent of consumers plan to pay more for restaurant meals this year, a two percent increase from last year. 

However, 35 percent of consumers say they plan to spend less on purchases made online this year, yet nearly half of the respondents reported an average increase in household income of 15 percent.

A new survey finds consumers expect to pay more for groceries this year. Progressive Grocer reports the 2023 KPMG Winter Consumer Pulse Survey shows consumers anticipate increased prices, but are looking for ways to save money. The Survey shows consumers expect a 15 percent increase in grocery spending this year. Meanwhile, 56 percent of consumers plan to spend more on groceries this year, while nine percent plan to spend less. Consumers cite inflation, an increased tendency to eat at home, larger household sizes and dietary changes as reasons for spending changes. KMPG research also finds 38 percent of consumers plan to pay more for restaurant meals this year, a two percent increase from last year. However, 35 percent of consumers say they plan to spend less on purchases made online this year, yet nearly half of the respondents reported an average increase in household income of 15 percent.

Consumers expect to pay more for groceries

The Department of Agriculture this week announced a $59 million investment to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity. 

The funding also seeks to expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas. 

The investment is part of the Biden administration's Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. 

The action plan dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, "USDA will continue to work tirelessly to give farmers and ranchers a fair chance to compete in the marketplace, which in turn helps lower food costs for the American people." 

USDA is providing the $59 million in grants to five independent processors under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The funding will help build new processing plants, create hundreds of jobs, give local producers and entrepreneurs more options and business opportunities, and give consumers more options at the grocery store.

The Department of Agriculture this week announced a $59 million investment to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity. The funding also seeks to expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas. The investment is part of the Biden administration's Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. The action plan dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, "USDA will continue to work tirelessly to give farmers and ranchers a fair chance to compete in the marketplace, which in turn helps lower food costs for the American people." USDA is providing the $59 million in grants to five independent processors under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The funding will help build new processing plants, create hundreds of jobs, give local producers and entrepreneurs more options and business opportunities, and give consumers more options at the grocery store.

USDA announces $59 million investment in meat processing capacity

The National Corn Growers Association Wednesday announced Neil Caskey as its new CEO. 

Caskey, who serves as NCGA's vice president of communications, will begin the role of CEO Monday, February 27. 

NCGA President Tom Haag says, "Neil's experience in agriculture is extensive, and he is well known as someone who gets the job done well." 

Caskey has served as NCGA's vice president of communications and industry relations for over four years and spent over a decade promoting agricultural issues as executive vice president at OBP Agency. His professional background also includes work for the American Soybean Association and as a legislative aide for a U.S. member of Congress. 

Caskey says, "It is quite an honor to lead an organization that I care so much about." Caskey holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from Webster University. Former CEO, Jon Doggett, left NCGA at the end of last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677168263167.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of NCGA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of NCGA</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Corn Growers Association Wednesday announced Neil Caskey as its new CEO. Caskey, who serves as NCGA's vice president of communications, will begin the role of CEO Monday, February 27. NCGA President Tom Haag says, "Neil's experience in agriculture is extensive, and he is well known as someone who gets the job done well." Caskey has served as NCGA's vice president of communications and industry relations for over four years and spent over a decade promoting agricultural issues as executive vice president at OBP Agency. His professional background also includes work for the American Soybean Association and as a legislative aide for a U.S. member of Congress. Caskey says, "It is quite an honor to lead an organization that I care so much about." Caskey holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from Webster University. Former CEO, Jon Doggett, left NCGA at the end of last year.

NCGA announces Caskey as CEO

Since the highs of 2021, freight prices have dropped to lows not seen since June 2020, according to a recent analysis by U.S. Wheat Associates. 

Coupled with a recent break in wheat prices, decreased ocean freight costs have helped turn the tides back in the importers' favor. 

The Baltic Index price chart of dry bulk freight rates shows the impact on rates from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

On February 6, the Baltic Dry Index hit 621, a level not seen since June 2020. The index has fallen 88 percent from its peak in October 2021. In recent years, dry bulk freight and Chinese economic growth have become interconnected. 

Vessel supply and demand, port congestion, oil prices, and the ongoing supply chain disruptions will continue to impact the market as economies normalize post-COVID. However, China remains in the driver's seat of global freight, according to U.S. Wheat Associates. The resilience of the Chinese economy will be put to the test as economic activity increases post-COVID.

Since the highs of 2021, freight prices have dropped to lows not seen since June 2020, according to a recent analysis by U.S. Wheat Associates. Coupled with a recent break in wheat prices, decreased ocean freight costs have helped turn the tides back in the importers' favor. The Baltic Index price chart of dry bulk freight rates shows the impact on rates from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On February 6, the Baltic Dry Index hit 621, a level not seen since June 2020. The index has fallen 88 percent from its peak in October 2021. In recent years, dry bulk freight and Chinese economic growth have become interconnected. Vessel supply and demand, port congestion, oil prices, and the ongoing supply chain disruptions will continue to impact the market as economies normalize post-COVID. However, China remains in the driver's seat of global freight, according to U.S. Wheat Associates. The resilience of the Chinese economy will be put to the test as economic activity increases post-COVID.

Ocean freight rates revert to pandemic lows

Production and consumption of ethanol as a transportation fuel grew significantly over the last three decades in the United States before plateauing in recent years. 

The ethanol share of finished motor gasoline has moved concurrently with consumption, leveling off near ten percent in 2022. 

Steps taken in the spring of 2020 to combat the spread of COVID-19, such as increased remote work and school, and other social distancing efforts, resulted in sharp declines in a variety of ethanol market metrics. 

For example, from 2017–19, U.S. ethanol production averaged 1.33 billion gallons per month, while consumption averaged 1.18 billion gallons per month. 

During the pandemic lows, these values fell by 46 percent and nearly 40 percent, respectively, causing the ethanol share of finished motor gasoline to decline to nine percent. More recently, estimates for all three figures have largely recovered and leveled off. 

However, adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles is expected to put downward pressure on gasoline consumption and dampen prospects for renewed growth in fuel ethanol demand.

Production and consumption of ethanol as a transportation fuel grew significantly over the last three decades in the United States before plateauing in recent years. The ethanol share of finished motor gasoline has moved concurrently with consumption, leveling off near ten percent in 2022. Steps taken in the spring of 2020 to combat the spread of COVID-19, such as increased remote work and school, and other social distancing efforts, resulted in sharp declines in a variety of ethanol market metrics. For example, from 2017–19, U.S. ethanol production averaged 1.33 billion gallons per month, while consumption averaged 1.18 billion gallons per month. During the pandemic lows, these values fell by 46 percent and nearly 40 percent, respectively, causing the ethanol share of finished motor gasoline to decline to nine percent. More recently, estimates for all three figures have largely recovered and leveled off. However, adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles is expected to put downward pressure on gasoline consumption and dampen prospects for renewed growth in fuel ethanol demand.

USDA: Ethanol production rebounds from pandemic lows

The Swine Health Information Center this week announced a standardized outbreak investigation instrument. 

The new instrument is available for download and use from the SHIC website, and a web-based version will be launched this spring. 

The downloadable version is a fillable form that, upon completion, could be submitted to a program administrator at Iowa State University, the developer of the tool. 

Or the form could be used for farm/system outbreak investigations without submitting, but every submission will strengthen the confidential database that can help researchers find industry trends. The new, standardized outbreak investigation instrument was built from an existing investigation tool. 

Expert input and conversation led to changing some terms and creating additions. Dr. Derald Holtkamp of Iowa State University led the development of the instrument. Holtkamp says, “The reason for doing this remains trying to be better prepared to respond to the introduction of transboundary disease.” Visit swinehealth.org to learn more.

The Swine Health Information Center this week announced a standardized outbreak investigation instrument. The new instrument is available for download and use from the SHIC website, and a web-based version will be launched this spring. The downloadable version is a fillable form that, upon completion, could be submitted to a program administrator at Iowa State University, the developer of the tool. Or the form could be used for farm/system outbreak investigations without submitting, but every submission will strengthen the confidential database that can help researchers find industry trends. The new, standardized outbreak investigation instrument was built from an existing investigation tool. Expert input and conversation led to changing some terms and creating additions. Dr. Derald Holtkamp of Iowa State University led the development of the instrument. Holtkamp says, “The reason for doing this remains trying to be better prepared to respond to the introduction of transboundary disease.” Visit swinehealth.org to learn more.

Swine Health Center develops standard outbreak investigation instrument

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule that would improve and modernize the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone requirements. 

Those requirements are part of the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard, and the agency is proposing to reinstate several provisions from that standard. 

Among the changes, the revised standard includes a new provision requiring agricultural employers to keep workers and all others out of an area called the Application Exclusion Zone. 

The AEZ is an area surrounding an ongoing pesticide application. A previous rule change limited the AEZ to 25 feet in 2020. However, the proposed rule will change that to 100 feet for fine sprays. 

The distances will stay at 25 feet for medium or larger sprays when sprayed from a height greater than 12 inches from the soil surface. The rule change would also apply the AEZ beyond an establishment’s boundaries, and when individuals are within easements on a producer’s land.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule that would improve and modernize the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone requirements. Those requirements are part of the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard, and the agency is proposing to reinstate several provisions from that standard. Among the changes, the revised standard includes a new provision requiring agricultural employers to keep workers and all others out of an area called the Application Exclusion Zone. The AEZ is an area surrounding an ongoing pesticide application. A previous rule change limited the AEZ to 25 feet in 2020. However, the proposed rule will change that to 100 feet for fine sprays. The distances will stay at 25 feet for medium or larger sprays when sprayed from a height greater than 12 inches from the soil surface. The rule change would also apply the AEZ beyond an establishment’s boundaries, and when individuals are within easements on a producer’s land.

EPA proposes new rule for pesticide exposure protection

The Fertilizer Institute released new data highlighting industry improvements in sustainability performance in key priority areas, including workforce safety, energy, the environment, and innovation. 

“The industry is continuously working towards more sustainable operations, including efforts to decarbonize and mitigate environmental impacts,” says TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. 

Report highlights include survey participants investing an average of more than $1 billion every year in capital investments to help the industry meet sustainability goals. 

In 2021, the industry captured 31 percent of all CO2 generated per ton of nutrient produced, an increase of 368 percent over emissions captured in 2013. To reduce the industry’s energy footprint, 39 percent of all energy consumed is generated using waste heat rather than pulling from the electrical grid. 

Nitrogen producers recycled enough water to fill 1.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. “Each step of the supply chain is focused on doing more with fewer resources,” Rosenbusch adds.

The Fertilizer Institute released new data highlighting industry improvements in sustainability performance in key priority areas, including workforce safety, energy, the environment, and innovation. “The industry is continuously working towards more sustainable operations, including efforts to decarbonize and mitigate environmental impacts,” says TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. Report highlights include survey participants investing an average of more than $1 billion every year in capital investments to help the industry meet sustainability goals. In 2021, the industry captured 31 percent of all CO2 generated per ton of nutrient produced, an increase of 368 percent over emissions captured in 2013. To reduce the industry’s energy footprint, 39 percent of all energy consumed is generated using waste heat rather than pulling from the electrical grid. Nitrogen producers recycled enough water to fill 1.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. “Each step of the supply chain is focused on doing more with fewer resources,” Rosenbusch adds.

The Fertilizer Institute releases Sustainability Report

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has cost the government roughly $661 million and added to consumers' pain at the grocery store after more than 58 million birds were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">slaughtered</a>&nbsp;to limit the spread of the virus.

In addition to the cost of the government response and rising prices for eggs, chicken and turkey, farmers who raise those animals have easily lost more than $1 billion, said an agricultural economist, though no one has calculated the total cost to the industry yet.

The bad news is that with the outbreak entering its second year and the spring migratory season looming, there is no end in sight. And there is little&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-and-nature-iowa-agriculture-9245d97453568576bd0b564f9c52c343">farmers</a>&nbsp;can do beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-iowa-agriculture-f5a5c6fbf1d6b551413fb249086fdbec">the steps they have already taken</a>&nbsp;to try to keep the virus out.

Unlike past years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-flu-prices-animals-1ec0f5a8e5485300fe117f87f8470f06">the virus that causes</a>&nbsp;highly pathogenic avian influenza found a way to survive through the heat of last summer, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-animals-flu-animal-2f02b2d35e82feb05273d9a72e898170">rise in cases</a>&nbsp;reported in the fall.

The outbreak is already more widespread than the last major bird flu outbreak in 2015, but it hasn't proven as costly yet partly because the government and industry applied lessons learned eight years ago.

“The past year has been devastating for the turkey industry as we experience, unequivocally, the worst HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak in the industry’s history,” National Turkey Federation spokeswoman Shelby Newman said.

In the current outbreak, 58.4 million birds have been slaughtered on more than 300 commercial farms in 47 states. That is because any time the virus is detected, the entire flock on that farm — which can number in the millions — must be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Only Hawaii, Louisiana and West Virginia have yet to report a case of bird flu. Iowa — the nation's biggest egg producer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-iowa-bird-flu-4c49e56a8c84c425c308e97617e31066">leads the nation</a>&nbsp;with nearly 16 million birds slaughtered.

In 2015, about 50 million chickens and turkeys were slaughtered on more than 200 farms in 15 states.

That previous outbreak remains the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history. The federal government spent nearly $1 billion to deal with infected birds, clean up barns and compensate farmers. It cost the industry roughly $3 billion as farmers incurred additional costs and lost money when they didn’t have any birds on their farms.

This bills continue to pile up this year as cases spread, and that includes the cost to consumers.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">Egg prices shot up</a>&nbsp;to $4.82 a dozen in January from $1.93 a year earlier, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">latest government figures</a>. That spike prompted calls for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-commodity-markets-jack-reed-business-1b32cb587f20a8d44eaf707f72635e70">price-gouging investigation</a>&nbsp;although the industry maintains that the combination of bird flu and significantly higher feed, fuel and labor costs is what’s driving prices so high.

The price for a pound of chicken breast was $4.32 in January. That’s down slightly from last fall when the price peaked at $4.75, but it is up significantly from the year before when chicken breasts were selling for $3.73 per pound.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track retail turkey prices the same way as part of its inflation data, but the Agriculture Department says the wholesale price of turkey went from $1.29 per pound last January just before the bird flu outbreak began to $1.72 per pound last month.

The number of birds slaughtered peaked last spring at almost 21 million in March, leaving farmers leery of what they must face in the months ahead. University of Georgia virus researcher David Stallknecht said there is some hope that this spring might not be quite as bad because turkeys and chickens may have developed some immunity to the virus.

The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-minnesota-environment-0ec6d3f11b09ddd023d7d5d50ab7f8c1">wild birds</a>&nbsp;through their droppings and nasal discharges. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.

Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.

“We recommend all producers redouble their efforts to protect their birds through good biosecurity practices,” said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that's leading the government's response.

Farmers began following those steps after the 2015 outbreak, and this outbreak has only reinforced the need to tighten biosecurity.

“America’s egg farmers continue to double-down on biosecurity protocols to protect our flocks and maintain a stable egg supply. We are grateful that there has been little to no farm-to-farm spread in this current outbreak,” said Oscar Garrison, senior vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at the United Egg Producers trade group.

Poultry and egg producers, partnering with the government, are parsing this outbreak for new lessons in keeping birds healthy.

“That’s really the key – early detection. It’s kind of like a forest fire - the earlier you detect it, the easier it is to contain and eradicate,” National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said.

Officials say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant threat to human health. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nation’s food supply. And properly cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses.

There has only been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">one human case</a>&nbsp;of bird flu confirmed during this outbreak and that was a man who had been helping slaughter and remove infected birds from a Colorado farm. He recovered from the illness after a few days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666346539753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The ongoing bird flu outbreak has cost the government roughly $661 million and added to consumers' pain at the grocery store after more than 58 million birds were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-bird-flu-flu-animals-189a7c08d848047f00b3f7b5bec39e67">slaughtered</a>&nbsp;to limit the spread of the virus.In addition to the cost of the government response and rising prices for eggs, chicken and turkey, farmers who raise those animals have easily lost more than $1 billion, said an agricultural economist, though no one has calculated the total cost to the industry yet.The bad news is that with the outbreak entering its second year and the spring migratory season looming, there is no end in sight. And there is little&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-and-nature-iowa-agriculture-9245d97453568576bd0b564f9c52c343">farmers</a>&nbsp;can do beyond&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-iowa-agriculture-f5a5c6fbf1d6b551413fb249086fdbec">the steps they have already taken</a>&nbsp;to try to keep the virus out.Unlike past years,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-flu-prices-animals-1ec0f5a8e5485300fe117f87f8470f06">the virus that causes</a>&nbsp;highly pathogenic avian influenza found a way to survive through the heat of last summer, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-minnesota-animals-flu-animal-2f02b2d35e82feb05273d9a72e898170">rise in cases</a>&nbsp;reported in the fall.The outbreak is already more widespread than the last major bird flu outbreak in 2015, but it hasn't proven as costly yet partly because the government and industry applied lessons learned eight years ago.“The past year has been devastating for the turkey industry as we experience, unequivocally, the worst HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak in the industry’s history,” National Turkey Federation spokeswoman Shelby Newman said.In the current outbreak, 58.4 million birds have been slaughtered on more than 300 commercial farms in 47 states. That is because any time the virus is detected, the entire flock on that farm — which can number in the millions — must be killed to limit the spread of the disease. Only Hawaii, Louisiana and West Virginia have yet to report a case of bird flu. Iowa — the nation's biggest egg producer —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-iowa-bird-flu-4c49e56a8c84c425c308e97617e31066">leads the nation</a>&nbsp;with nearly 16 million birds slaughtered.In 2015, about 50 million chickens and turkeys were slaughtered on more than 200 farms in 15 states.That previous outbreak remains the most expensive animal health disaster in U.S. history. The federal government spent nearly $1 billion to deal with infected birds, clean up barns and compensate farmers. It cost the industry roughly $3 billion as farmers incurred additional costs and lost money when they didn’t have any birds on their farms.This bills continue to pile up this year as cases spread, and that includes the cost to consumers.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">Egg prices shot up</a>&nbsp;to $4.82 a dozen in January from $1.93 a year earlier, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">latest government figures</a>. That spike prompted calls for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-commodity-markets-jack-reed-business-1b32cb587f20a8d44eaf707f72635e70">price-gouging investigation</a>&nbsp;although the industry maintains that the combination of bird flu and significantly higher feed, fuel and labor costs is what’s driving prices so high.The price for a pound of chicken breast was $4.32 in January. That’s down slightly from last fall when the price peaked at $4.75, but it is up significantly from the year before when chicken breasts were selling for $3.73 per pound.The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track retail turkey prices the same way as part of its inflation data, but the Agriculture Department says the wholesale price of turkey went from $1.29 per pound last January just before the bird flu outbreak began to $1.72 per pound last month.The number of birds slaughtered peaked last spring at almost 21 million in March, leaving farmers leery of what they must face in the months ahead. University of Georgia virus researcher David Stallknecht said there is some hope that this spring might not be quite as bad because turkeys and chickens may have developed some immunity to the virus.The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-minnesota-environment-0ec6d3f11b09ddd023d7d5d50ab7f8c1">wild birds</a>&nbsp;through their droppings and nasal discharges. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.“We recommend all producers redouble their efforts to protect their birds through good biosecurity practices,” said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that's leading the government's response.Farmers began following those steps after the 2015 outbreak, and this outbreak has only reinforced the need to tighten biosecurity.“America’s egg farmers continue to double-down on biosecurity protocols to protect our flocks and maintain a stable egg supply. We are grateful that there has been little to no farm-to-farm spread in this current outbreak,” said Oscar Garrison, senior vice president of food safety and regulatory affairs at the United Egg Producers trade group.Poultry and egg producers, partnering with the government, are parsing this outbreak for new lessons in keeping birds healthy.“That’s really the key – early detection. It’s kind of like a forest fire - the earlier you detect it, the easier it is to contain and eradicate,” National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said.Officials say bird flu doesn’t represent a significant threat to human health. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nation’s food supply. And properly cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any viruses.There has only been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">one human case</a>&nbsp;of bird flu confirmed during this outbreak and that was a man who had been helping slaughter and remove infected birds from a Colorado farm. He recovered from the illness after a few days.

Bird flu costs pile up as outbreak enters second year

Growth in farm real estate values remained strong but showed some signs of easing alongside higher interest rates. 

The Kansas City Federal Reserve says the average interest rates on farm loans increased from record lows at the beginning of last year to decade highs by December of 2022. 

Despite the rapid rise in rates, the value of farmland continued to increase, but at a more tempered pace than earlier in the year. 

The growth in farmland values has softened most for lower-priced land and in states most heavily affected by drought. Looking ahead, a majority of bankers expect higher interest rates to have a negative effect on farm real estate, and some anticipate a decline in values. 

Farm finances and credit conditions were supported by strong commodity prices in 2022, and the outlook for 2023 remained positive despite some persistent risks. Higher expenses and adverse weather continue to be concerning.

Growth in farm real estate values remained strong but showed some signs of easing alongside higher interest rates. The Kansas City Federal Reserve says the average interest rates on farm loans increased from record lows at the beginning of last year to decade highs by December of 2022. Despite the rapid rise in rates, the value of farmland continued to increase, but at a more tempered pace than earlier in the year. The growth in farmland values has softened most for lower-priced land and in states most heavily affected by drought. Looking ahead, a majority of bankers expect higher interest rates to have a negative effect on farm real estate, and some anticipate a decline in values. Farm finances and credit conditions were supported by strong commodity prices in 2022, and the outlook for 2023 remained positive despite some persistent risks. Higher expenses and adverse weather continue to be concerning.

Growth in farmland values continues

Last week, Mexican officials issued a decree calling for a ban on imports of some biotech corn used for certain purposes. That ban began last Friday. 

The Mexican government also decreed it would continue to allow imports of biotech corn used as animal feed while exploring substitutes. 

The National Corn Growers Association expressed serious concerns with the accelerated timeline, noting that the administration has been more than patient with Mexico. 

“Our U.S. officials are seeking to enforce a rules-based trading system and stand up for farmers,” says NCGA President Tom Haag. “The integrity of the USMCA, signed by Mexican President Obrador himself, is at stake.” 

He also says singling out corn, the number one U.S. ag export to Mexico, and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a dead letter unless it’s enforced. NCGA says Mexico appears to be doubling down on its original intended ban in 2024.

Last week, Mexican officials issued a decree calling for a ban on imports of some biotech corn used for certain purposes. That ban began last Friday. The Mexican government also decreed it would continue to allow imports of biotech corn used as animal feed while exploring substitutes. The National Corn Growers Association expressed serious concerns with the accelerated timeline, noting that the administration has been more than patient with Mexico. “Our U.S. officials are seeking to enforce a rules-based trading system and stand up for farmers,” says NCGA President Tom Haag. “The integrity of the USMCA, signed by Mexican President Obrador himself, is at stake.” He also says singling out corn, the number one U.S. ag export to Mexico, and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a dead letter unless it’s enforced. NCGA says Mexico appears to be doubling down on its original intended ban in 2024.

Mexican ban on some biotech corn underway

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and attorneys general from 23 other states filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. Rule. 

The group says the EPA’s WOTUS rule “goes beyond the power Congress delegated in the Clean Water Act, raises serious constitutional concerns, and runs roughshod over the Administrative Procedures Act.” 

Knudsen says, “The administration’s water rule limits the use of land and violates the law and U.S. Constitution. 

The EPA greatly overstepped its authority by trying to claim jurisdiction over land and water not connected to any navigable water.” The attorneys general say they’re fighting to protect farm and ranching operations, mining and energy workers, and infrastructure and housing projects across Montana and the entire country that will be harmed if this overreaching and unconstitutional rule takes effect. 

Montana and the other states will motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the rule while it’s under litigation. &nbsp;

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and attorneys general from 23 other states filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. Rule. The group says the EPA’s WOTUS rule “goes beyond the power Congress delegated in the Clean Water Act, raises serious constitutional concerns, and runs roughshod over the Administrative Procedures Act.” Knudsen says, “The administration’s water rule limits the use of land and violates the law and U.S. Constitution. The EPA greatly overstepped its authority by trying to claim jurisdiction over land and water not connected to any navigable water.” The attorneys general say they’re fighting to protect farm and ranching operations, mining and energy workers, and infrastructure and housing projects across Montana and the entire country that will be harmed if this overreaching and unconstitutional rule takes effect. Montana and the other states will motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the rule while it’s under litigation. &nbsp;

State Attorneys General file lawsuit over WOTUS

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new restrictions on using over-the-top dicamba herbicides in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and South Dakota. 

The label changes say no spraying on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana after June 12 or the V4 growth stage, whichever comes first. 

No spraying on DT cotton in Iowa, Illinois, or Indiana after June 12 or first square, whichever happens first. 

No spraying on DT crops after June 20 in South Dakota. The EPA also said Minnesota’s label requirements remain the same as in 2022. The reaction to the change has not been positive in the soybean industry. 

Aaron Hager, a University of Illinois weed scientist, told DTN the timing couldn’t have been worse for soybean growers who intend to plant certain varieties. “Most or all seed decisions have been made, and now we have to contend with new cutoffs in the largest soybean states in the U.S.,” he says.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new restrictions on using over-the-top dicamba herbicides in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and South Dakota. The label changes say no spraying on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana after June 12 or the V4 growth stage, whichever comes first. No spraying on DT cotton in Iowa, Illinois, or Indiana after June 12 or first square, whichever happens first. No spraying on DT crops after June 20 in South Dakota. The EPA also said Minnesota’s label requirements remain the same as in 2022. The reaction to the change has not been positive in the soybean industry. Aaron Hager, a University of Illinois weed scientist, told DTN the timing couldn’t have been worse for soybean growers who intend to plant certain varieties. “Most or all seed decisions have been made, and now we have to contend with new cutoffs in the largest soybean states in the U.S.,” he says.

EPA changes some Dicamba cutoff dates for this spring

By ADAM GOLDSTEIN <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/17/state-ag-officials-push-for-on-time-farm-bill-to-fund-slew-of-programs/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — State agriculture 
officials from across the country sought this month to remind a new crop
 of lawmakers in Congress of their states’ needs for a robust farm bill 
to address a host of food issues.

Members of the National Association 
of State Departments of Agriculture gathered in Washington for their 
annual winter meeting in mid-February. They urged Congress to provide a 
timely, fully funded farm bill to address a wide range of issues 
affecting agriculture, including technology, conservation and foreign 
trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout the two-day conference, 
members of the coalition stressed the bipartisan history of the bill and
 the importance of educating a new Congress on titles that support 
American food systems amid changing economic and environmental landscapes.&nbsp;

The state officials urged Congress to
 include nutrition programs in the farm bill, as past versions have 
done. They also advocated for bolstering crop insurance and allocating 
more money to research, animal safety, and conservation programs.&nbsp;

“It’s just a responsibility we have 
to make sure that all of our producers, our economies, our communities 
of every size have a forward-looking and fully funded farm bill,” NASDA 
president Doug Miyamoto, the director of the Wyoming Department of 
Agriculture, said in an interview.&nbsp;

Miyamoto was appointed to his state post by Republican former Gov. Matt Mead in 2015.

“We’ve got to make sure that we do 
this correctly,” he added. “We can’t start splintering off programs and 
splintering off ideas in the farm bill, and then hoping that we’re going
 to be able to get a comprehensive farm bill that’s on time.”

Mike Naig, secretary of the Iowa 
Department of Agriculture and an elected Republican, said it’s important
 for lawmakers — especially those who weren’t in office when the 2018 
bill was written — to remember that the measure is not just a farm bill,
 but a farm-and-food bill.

“There’s a lot of new members of 
Congress that have never had a chance to vote on a farm bill,” Naig 
said. “A lot of work has to be done to educate folks on that.”

Kate Greenberg, the commissioner of 
the Colorado Department of Agriculture who was appointed by Democratic 
Gov. Jared Polis, also advocated for considering nutrition and 
agricultural policy in the same bill to keep the “critical nexus point 
of production and consumers.”&nbsp;

She added members of Congress must put aside their differences to strengthen the “bread and butter of the American economy.”

“Let’s keep our heads down and focus 
on the impact of the policy and the appropriations on the American 
landscape in agriculture,” she said.

The five-year farm bill does not appropriate funding, which Congress does annually in&nbsp; separate bills. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-commodity-policy/farm-bill-spending/#:~:text=Mandatory%20funding.,not%20constrained%20by%20annual%20limits.">But it does authorize dollar amounts for discretionary programs</a>
 that set expectations for actual spending bills. Other programs 
authorize mandatory funding not subject to annual decisions by 
lawmakers.

Lloyd Knight, deputy director of the 
Idaho State Department of Agriculture, encouraged Congress to provide 
certainty to farmers across the country by finishing the farm bill 
before the current authorizations expire Sept. 30.

Mike Strain, the Republican 
commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, 
advocated for increasing funding for research and development of 
technology, especially as demand continues to outpace supply for U.S. 
agricultural goods.&nbsp;

Louisiana sugar production, for example, needs to be twice as efficient as it is today, he said.

Jeff Witte, director of the New 
Mexico Department of Agriculture, said research provisions would also be
 key for Western specialty crop farmers who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-labor/">need to address worker shortages.&nbsp;</a>

Farmers in the state have converted 
from vegetable crops to tree nuts because the labor was cheaper, he 
said. But that trend could lead to an unwanted imbalance in what food 
crops are available to consumers, he added.

“If we don’t start investing in 
technology that can do the harvesting of other produce crops, we’re 
going to get way too far behind,” he said.&nbsp;

Alabama Department of Agriculture and
 Industry Commissioner Rick Pate, a Republican, said developing foreign 
markets through the Foreign Agricultural Service should be a priority in
 the bill.&nbsp;

U.S. Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor said<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/testimony-usda-under-secretary-trade-and-foreign-agricultural-affairs-alexis-taylor-senate"> in a Feb. 1 Senate hearing</a>
 that for every dollar the U.S. invests in developing foreign markets, 
U.S. farmers see a $24 return in the value of their products.&nbsp;

“They think there’s a huge return on 
what travel we can do and the marketing program that they find through 
our organization,” Pate said. “So we just need to continue to take the 
farmer story to people.”

Naig added the new farm bill needs to modernize and reinforce the federal crop safety net.

“I just don’t want to see anything undermine the importance of the crop insurance program,” he said.&nbsp;

Naig said farmers had broad interest 
in market-based environmental incentives in the coming farm bill. 
Concepts like soil health and carbon sequestration have entered the 
mainstream of agribusiness, but farmers are still wary about their 
costs.&nbsp;

“What has to be acknowledged is that 
there’s costs associated with implementing some of these practices,” 
Naig said. “So if you want to see significant adoption, how do you help 
them achieve a return on that investment? If you do that well and do 
that correctly, you will get implementation at a scale that you couldn’t
 otherwise.”&nbsp;

Jordan Seger, deputy director of the 
Indiana State Department of Agriculture, said he hopes to see federal 
encouragement of public-private conservation partnerships. He touted 
Indiana’s work with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enterprise-rent-a-car-foundation-pledges-30-million-to-the-nature-conservancy-to-improve-the-health-of-rivers-and-freshwater-ecosystems-301622428.html">the Nature Conservancy and Enterprise Rent-a-Car</a> to regrow wetlands and forests in the state.&nbsp;

“With about one dollar, we can get 
about seven or more dollars from the federal government, put that all 
toward private lands, and leverage each other’s resources and expertise 
to get things done quickly,” Seger said.&nbsp;

Randy Romanski, who was appointed 
secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and 
Consumer Protection by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, said Congress should 
use the farm bill to get a better handle on animal health, noting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/bird-flu-alarm-drives-world-towards-once-shunned-vaccines-2023-02-17/">outbreaks of avian influenza</a> that have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/past-outbreaks.htm">plagued the country since 2015.&nbsp;</a>

By ADAM GOLDSTEIN <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/17/state-ag-officials-push-for-on-time-farm-bill-to-fund-slew-of-programs/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — State agriculture 
officials from across the country sought this month to remind a new crop
 of lawmakers in Congress of their states’ needs for a robust farm bill 
to address a host of food issues.Members of the National Association 
of State Departments of Agriculture gathered in Washington for their 
annual winter meeting in mid-February. They urged Congress to provide a 
timely, fully funded farm bill to address a wide range of issues 
affecting agriculture, including technology, conservation and foreign 
trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the two-day conference, 
members of the coalition stressed the bipartisan history of the bill and
 the importance of educating a new Congress on titles that support 
American food systems amid changing economic and environmental landscapes.&nbsp;The state officials urged Congress to
 include nutrition programs in the farm bill, as past versions have 
done. They also advocated for bolstering crop insurance and allocating 
more money to research, animal safety, and conservation programs.&nbsp;“It’s just a responsibility we have 
to make sure that all of our producers, our economies, our communities 
of every size have a forward-looking and fully funded farm bill,” NASDA 
president Doug Miyamoto, the director of the Wyoming Department of 
Agriculture, said in an interview.&nbsp;Miyamoto was appointed to his state post by Republican former Gov. Matt Mead in 2015.“We’ve got to make sure that we do 
this correctly,” he added. “We can’t start splintering off programs and 
splintering off ideas in the farm bill, and then hoping that we’re going
 to be able to get a comprehensive farm bill that’s on time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676754102896.jpeg" alt=" Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig (Courtesy of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship)" />
 <figcaption> Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig (Courtesy of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship)</figcaption>
 </figure>Mike Naig, secretary of the Iowa 
Department of Agriculture and an elected Republican, said it’s important
 for lawmakers — especially those who weren’t in office when the 2018 
bill was written — to remember that the measure is not just a farm bill,
 but a farm-and-food bill.“There’s a lot of new members of 
Congress that have never had a chance to vote on a farm bill,” Naig 
said. “A lot of work has to be done to educate folks on that.”Kate Greenberg, the commissioner of 
the Colorado Department of Agriculture who was appointed by Democratic 
Gov. Jared Polis, also advocated for considering nutrition and 
agricultural policy in the same bill to keep the “critical nexus point 
of production and consumers.”&nbsp;She added members of Congress must put aside their differences to strengthen the “bread and butter of the American economy.”“Let’s keep our heads down and focus 
on the impact of the policy and the appropriations on the American 
landscape in agriculture,” she said.The five-year farm bill does not appropriate funding, which Congress does annually in&nbsp; separate bills. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-commodity-policy/farm-bill-spending/#:~:text=Mandatory%20funding.,not%20constrained%20by%20annual%20limits.">But it does authorize dollar amounts for discretionary programs</a>
 that set expectations for actual spending bills. Other programs 
authorize mandatory funding not subject to annual decisions by 
lawmakers.Lloyd Knight, deputy director of the 
Idaho State Department of Agriculture, encouraged Congress to provide 
certainty to farmers across the country by finishing the farm bill 
before the current authorizations expire Sept. 30.<h2>Technology, foreign markets, safety net</h2>Mike Strain, the Republican 
commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, 
advocated for increasing funding for research and development of 
technology, especially as demand continues to outpace supply for U.S. 
agricultural goods.&nbsp;Louisiana sugar production, for example, needs to be twice as efficient as it is today, he said.Jeff Witte, director of the New 
Mexico Department of Agriculture, said research provisions would also be
 key for Western specialty crop farmers who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-labor/">need to address worker shortages.&nbsp;</a>Farmers in the state have converted 
from vegetable crops to tree nuts because the labor was cheaper, he 
said. But that trend could lead to an unwanted imbalance in what food 
crops are available to consumers, he added.“If we don’t start investing in 
technology that can do the harvesting of other produce crops, we’re 
going to get way too far behind,” he said.&nbsp;Alabama Department of Agriculture and
 Industry Commissioner Rick Pate, a Republican, said developing foreign 
markets through the Foreign Agricultural Service should be a priority in
 the bill.&nbsp;U.S. Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor said<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/testimony-usda-under-secretary-trade-and-foreign-agricultural-affairs-alexis-taylor-senate"> in a Feb. 1 Senate hearing</a>
 that for every dollar the U.S. invests in developing foreign markets, 
U.S. farmers see a $24 return in the value of their products.&nbsp;“They think there’s a huge return on 
what travel we can do and the marketing program that they find through 
our organization,” Pate said. “So we just need to continue to take the 
farmer story to people.”Naig added the new farm bill needs to modernize and reinforce the federal crop safety net.“I just don’t want to see anything undermine the importance of the crop insurance program,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Conservation, food safety programs</h2>Naig said farmers had broad interest 
in market-based environmental incentives in the coming farm bill. 
Concepts like soil health and carbon sequestration have entered the 
mainstream of agribusiness, but farmers are still wary about their 
costs.&nbsp;“What has to be acknowledged is that 
there’s costs associated with implementing some of these practices,” 
Naig said. “So if you want to see significant adoption, how do you help 
them achieve a return on that investment? If you do that well and do 
that correctly, you will get implementation at a scale that you couldn’t
 otherwise.”&nbsp;Jordan Seger, deputy director of the 
Indiana State Department of Agriculture, said he hopes to see federal 
encouragement of public-private conservation partnerships. He touted 
Indiana’s work with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enterprise-rent-a-car-foundation-pledges-30-million-to-the-nature-conservancy-to-improve-the-health-of-rivers-and-freshwater-ecosystems-301622428.html">the Nature Conservancy and Enterprise Rent-a-Car</a> to regrow wetlands and forests in the state.&nbsp;“With about one dollar, we can get 
about seven or more dollars from the federal government, put that all 
toward private lands, and leverage each other’s resources and expertise 
to get things done quickly,” Seger said.&nbsp;Randy Romanski, who was appointed 
secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and 
Consumer Protection by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, said Congress should 
use the farm bill to get a better handle on animal health, noting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/bird-flu-alarm-drives-world-towards-once-shunned-vaccines-2023-02-17/">outbreaks of avian influenza</a> that have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/past-outbreaks.htm">plagued the country since 2015.&nbsp;</a>Congress could create a national warning network for emerging animal diseases, like avian flu and African swine fever, he said.“Clearly, this is something that 
crosses state boundaries,” Romanski said. “We need to have systems in 
place to track, respond to and eradicate diseases when they show up.”<h2>State and federal collaboration</h2>The coalition members said Congress 
should offer clear guidance and resources so states can make choices 
that suit their constituents.&nbsp;The federal government should avoid 
placing mandates on conservation practices, Seger said. Increased 
collaboration between USDA agencies would also reduce paperwork for 
states, he added.&nbsp;Knight, of Idaho, added that Congress
 must ensure federal programs are fully staffed. Clear guidelines on 
implementation that are flexible enough to accommodate the diverse needs
 of farmers throughout the country would also be key, he said.“It’s a big country with a lot of issues and a lot of resources,” Knight said.Colorado’s Greenberg said the bill also presents an opportunity to reinforce climate-related policies.&nbsp;“The thing about climate change is 
that we’re all impacted, and our farmers and ranchers are on the 
frontlines,” Greenberg said. They’re the ones who are feeling and 
experiencing the changes in the environment, and they know it. So how do
 we address that, not just state-by-state, but as a nation?”<h2>Timeline in question</h2>Members of the group predicted Congress would finish either by its fall 2023 deadline or next year.Strain said he believed negotiations would likely bleed into 2024.Regardless of the timeline, the bill 
must be funded appropriately, without an overemphasis on the nonpartisan
 Congressional Budget Office’s score, Strain said.“You know, it always runs over, or we
 get to the threat of having to revert to the previous farm bill,” he 
said. “But the other thing is that when we pass it, we can’t pass it in 
such a manner as to just try to get a low CBO score.”Others in the state agriculture 
delegation expressed cautious optimism over the prospects of a farm bill
 in 2023, noting that there would be consequences for U.S. farmers if a 
new bill is not passed on time.&nbsp;“I’m really encouraged by what (U.S. House Speaker) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2023/02/15/speaker-mccarthy-vows-pass-farm-bill">Kevin McCarthy said this week</a>,
 that they’re going to get it done,” Pate said. “People need to 
understand the impact of that kind of stuff. Just like a government 
shutdown, these things have consequences when they don’t get them done.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay