The USDA says the number of U.S. farms has fallen under two million for the first time since before the Civil War. The numbers come from the 2022 Census of Agriculture. In 2022, there were 1,900,487 farms in the country, a seven percent decline from the level in the 2017 Census.

A farm is defined as an establishment that produced or sold or would have sold in normal conditions, at least $1,000 in agricultural production in a year. The latest Census also reported that the total U.S. land in farms declined 2.2 percent to 880 million acres in 2022. This decline, when combined with the higher proportional decline in the number of farms, meant that the average farm size increased by five percent to 463 acres per farm.

The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, includes producer responses to questions about their farming operations.

The USDA says the number of U.S. farms has fallen under two million for the first time since before the Civil War. The numbers come from the 2022 Census of Agriculture. In 2022, there were 1,900,487 farms in the country, a seven percent decline from the level in the 2017 Census.A farm is defined as an establishment that produced or sold or would have sold in normal conditions, at least $1,000 in agricultural production in a year. The latest Census also reported that the total U.S. land in farms declined 2.2 percent to 880 million acres in 2022. This decline, when combined with the higher proportional decline in the number of farms, meant that the average farm size increased by five percent to 463 acres per farm.The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, includes producer responses to questions about their farming operations.-NAFB

Number of U.S. Farms Falls Below Two Million

Senate Ag leaders dug in further on farm bill differences at a USDA oversight hearing with Secretary Tom Vilsack this week. Vilsack hinted at the deep policy differences dividing Senate Ag lawmakers when he quoted USDA’s founder, President Abraham Lincoln.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

And with the Lincoln quote made the unspoken point--stubborn partisan differences could force another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill. Politico quoted retiring Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow at a recent White House event that she’d sooner stick with the 2018 bill than leave a legacy of climate and SNAP cuts. And at the latest hearing.

“The bipartisan evaluation of SNAP that we directed in the 2018 farm bill, after 50-years of the program, resulted in just an additional dollar-40 per day per person, bringing benefits to about six dollars a day to help folks put food on the table. But this was enough to lift one million children out of poverty.”

But from top Ag Republican John Boozman has a different focus – the need to boost the farm safety net with SNAP and climate savings.

“What I’ve heard from our nation’s farmers is they’re very concerned. Specifically, they’re challenged by persistently high and historic inflation, stubbornly high interest rates, burdensome regulations, record high trade deficits in agriculture, and most importantly of all, rapidly declining commodity prices and farm incomes that will make the next five years some of the most challenging in their lives.”

Citing a record 80 billion dollar drop in net farm income since 2022. Vilsack claimed net cash income hit a record the last three years with falling joblessness and rural poverty and argued new revenue streams, not just a new farm bill, are needed.

“That’s why we’re focused at USDA on more, new, and better markets, on climate-smart agriculture, on renewable energy, and on local and regional food systems.”

Vilsack committed only to work with lawmakers to boost crop supports possibly with CCC funds, but on SNAP, defended USDA’s updating benefits in 2022, while adding that costs could come down with declining enrollments.

Senate Ag leaders dug in further on farm bill differences at a USDA oversight hearing with Secretary Tom Vilsack this week. Vilsack hinted at the deep policy differences dividing Senate Ag lawmakers when he quoted USDA’s founder, President Abraham Lincoln.“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”And with the Lincoln quote made the unspoken point--stubborn partisan differences could force another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill. Politico quoted retiring Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow at a recent White House event that she’d sooner stick with the 2018 bill than leave a legacy of climate and SNAP cuts. And at the latest hearing.“The bipartisan evaluation of SNAP that we directed in the 2018 farm bill, after 50-years of the program, resulted in just an additional dollar-40 per day per person, bringing benefits to about six dollars a day to help folks put food on the table. But this was enough to lift one million children out of poverty.”But from top Ag Republican John Boozman has a different focus – the need to boost the farm safety net with SNAP and climate savings.“What I’ve heard from our nation’s farmers is they’re very concerned. Specifically, they’re challenged by persistently high and historic inflation, stubbornly high interest rates, burdensome regulations, record high trade deficits in agriculture, and most importantly of all, rapidly declining commodity prices and farm incomes that will make the next five years some of the most challenging in their lives.”Citing a record 80 billion dollar drop in net farm income since 2022. Vilsack claimed net cash income hit a record the last three years with falling joblessness and rural poverty and argued new revenue streams, not just a new farm bill, are needed.“That’s why we’re focused at USDA on more, new, and better markets, on climate-smart agriculture, on renewable energy, and on local and regional food systems.”Vilsack committed only to work with lawmakers to boost crop supports possibly with CCC funds, but on SNAP, defended USDA’s updating benefits in 2022, while adding that costs could come down with declining enrollments.-NAFB

Senate Ag Leaders Dig In Further on Farm Bill Differences

The National Pork Producers Council commended the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service for extending the New Swine Inspection System line speed trials through January 15, 2025.

Processing facilities will enroll in a modified time-limited trial, which includes a study to evaluate the impact of increased line speeds on worker safety.

“We appreciate USDA and FSIS for listening to the pork industry and taking another step toward making increased line speeds permanent,” says NPPC President Scott Hays. “These actions give pork producers more certainty in an uncertain time.”

NPPC has advocated for increased line speeds since 2019, and in 2021, FSIS permitted increased line speeds at six pork packing plants while also gathering data to evaluate potential worker impacts. Industry economists say producers could have incurred an additional loss of almost $10 a head early this year without the increase in line speeds and the resulting decrease in processing capacity.

The National Pork Producers Council commended the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service for extending the New Swine Inspection System line speed trials through January 15, 2025.Processing facilities will enroll in a modified time-limited trial, which includes a study to evaluate the impact of increased line speeds on worker safety.“We appreciate USDA and FSIS for listening to the pork industry and taking another step toward making increased line speeds permanent,” says NPPC President Scott Hays. “These actions give pork producers more certainty in an uncertain time.”NPPC has advocated for increased line speeds since 2019, and in 2021, FSIS permitted increased line speeds at six pork packing plants while also gathering data to evaluate potential worker impacts. Industry economists say producers could have incurred an additional loss of almost $10 a head early this year without the increase in line speeds and the resulting decrease in processing capacity.-NAFB

NPPC Applauds Line Speed Expansion

The National FFA Organization developed the Next Gen Conference to give students from around the country an opportunity to explore a variety of career paths before high school graduation.

Next Gen Conferences go in-depth in a different subset of the more than 350 careers in agriculture each year. This year’s Next Gen Conference is March 5-8 in Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas. The Next Gen Conference: Agricultural Communications will engage high school students in hands-on sessions, round tables, and tours to explore emerging trends, issues, and opportunities in the field of agricultural communications. During the conference, students will also develop a road map that will serve as a blueprint to guide them in taking their next steps after high school graduation.

“This conference will help us cultivate future leaders in the communications industry through a week of experiential learning, relevant education, and networking,” says Ashli Weinrich, program specialist for the National FFA Organization.

The National FFA Organization developed the Next Gen Conference to give students from around the country an opportunity to explore a variety of career paths before high school graduation.Next Gen Conferences go in-depth in a different subset of the more than 350 careers in agriculture each year. This year’s Next Gen Conference is March 5-8 in Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas. The Next Gen Conference: Agricultural Communications will engage high school students in hands-on sessions, round tables, and tours to explore emerging trends, issues, and opportunities in the field of agricultural communications. During the conference, students will also develop a road map that will serve as a blueprint to guide them in taking their next steps after high school graduation.“This conference will help us cultivate future leaders in the communications industry through a week of experiential learning, relevant education, and networking,” says Ashli Weinrich, program specialist for the National FFA Organization.-NAFB

FFA Next Gen Conference in March

Alltech is proud to continue partnering with the “Women in Food &amp; Agriculture Program.” Applications are open for new mentors of either gender and for female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector.

Now in its fourth year, the free-to-join program is dedicated to supporting women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities. It’s become a beacon of support for women seeking guidance, advice, and networking opportunities in their careers. Surveys suggest one of the biggest hurdles to success for women in the global agri-food industry is a lack of mentorship opportunities.

WFA matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include mentor gender, areas of expertise, language, and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. To date, the program has facilitated 562 pairings, connecting mentees with experienced mentors.

For more information go to wfa-initiative.com.

Alltech is proud to continue partnering with the “Women in Food &amp; Agriculture Program.” Applications are open for new mentors of either gender and for female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector.Now in its fourth year, the free-to-join program is dedicated to supporting women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities. It’s become a beacon of support for women seeking guidance, advice, and networking opportunities in their careers. Surveys suggest one of the biggest hurdles to success for women in the global agri-food industry is a lack of mentorship opportunities.WFA matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include mentor gender, areas of expertise, language, and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. To date, the program has facilitated 562 pairings, connecting mentees with experienced mentors.For more information go to wfa-initiative.com.-NAFB

Mentorship Program for Women in Food and Agriculture

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. The resource is called “Right Way, Right Time – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” and is now available at ncba.org.

With effective planning, cull cattle can be a significant source of revenue and should not be overlooked. Cull cattle are market cattle. The document addresses key problem areas, provides strategies for making timely culling decisions to prioritize animal welfare, and is designed to help producers capture more value through effective cull cattle management.

“Cull animals can contribute significantly to the profitability of the ranch,” says Dr. Trey Patterson, president of the Padlock Ranch Company. “We spend extensive time and money adding replacement cattle to our herd, so it’s imperative that we capture good value for cull cattle to offset the other expenses.”

For more information or to access the resource online, visit ncba.org/producers.

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. The resource is called “Right Way, Right Time – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” and is now available at ncba.org.With effective planning, cull cattle can be a significant source of revenue and should not be overlooked. Cull cattle are market cattle. The document addresses key problem areas, provides strategies for making timely culling decisions to prioritize animal welfare, and is designed to help producers capture more value through effective cull cattle management.“Cull animals can contribute significantly to the profitability of the ranch,” says Dr. Trey Patterson, president of the Padlock Ranch Company. “We spend extensive time and money adding replacement cattle to our herd, so it’s imperative that we capture good value for cull cattle to offset the other expenses.”For more information or to access the resource online, visit ncba.org/producers.-NAFB

New Resource for Maximizing Cattle Profitability

Ethanol backers are once again urging President Biden to grant a summertime waiver for E15 sales after the EPA delayed until next year the effective date of its permanent sales okay in eight Midwest states.

“If this is within the law, 2025 into the future, then what in the heck, why wouldn’t the president do it for 2024?

And Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley complains another E15 summertime waiver wouldn’t be needed if EPA hadn’t dragged its feet until the states started court action.

“The possibility of court action, and how specific the legislation is saying that the governors have that authority, I think EPA finally and belatedly agreed.”

The Renewable Fuels Association accused EPA of “foot-dragging” for more than 500 days after the deadline to act on the governors’ request and now claims there’s not enough time to act for this summer.

Meantime, lawmakers from Illinois to Minnesota and Nebraska to North Dakota have offered a permanent legislative fix for year-round sales of higher ethanol blends. But RFA complains that some East Coast refiners and their Senate allies oppose the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act that its backers argue would reduce emissions and fuel prices.

Ethanol producers also see higher blends as a way to offset falling fuel demand as more electric vehicles are sold over time.

Ethanol backers are once again urging President Biden to grant a summertime waiver for E15 sales after the EPA delayed until next year the effective date of its permanent sales okay in eight Midwest states.The frustration is obvious.“If this is within the law, 2025 into the future, then what in the heck, why wouldn’t the president do it for 2024?And Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley complains another E15 summertime waiver wouldn’t be needed if EPA hadn’t dragged its feet until the states started court action.“The possibility of court action, and how specific the legislation is saying that the governors have that authority, I think EPA finally and belatedly agreed.”The Renewable Fuels Association accused EPA of “foot-dragging” for more than 500 days after the deadline to act on the governors’ request and now claims there’s not enough time to act for this summer.Meantime, lawmakers from Illinois to Minnesota and Nebraska to North Dakota have offered a permanent legislative fix for year-round sales of higher ethanol blends. But RFA complains that some East Coast refiners and their Senate allies oppose the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act that its backers argue would reduce emissions and fuel prices.Ethanol producers also see higher blends as a way to offset falling fuel demand as more electric vehicles are sold over time.-NAFB

Ethanol Backers Urge E15 Summertime Waiver Again Ahead of ’25 Permanent Ok

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will host a webinar on March 7 at noon, eastern time, for U.S. poultry growers. The webinar will allow the agency to share information regarding the “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments Final Rule.”

Attendees may submit questions in advance at the usda.gov website. Questions will also be taken during the webinar. USDA published the final rule in the Federal Register on November 28, 2023, and it became effective on February 12, 2024. The rule requires Live Poultry Dealers, which are typically large processing companies, to provide poultry growers with whom they contract to raise birds with key information about the terms of their agreements.

It also requires additional disclosures by live poultry dealers engaged in the production of broilers who use poultry grower ranking systems to determine settlement payments for broiler growers.

More information can be found on the AMS website at ams.usda.gov.

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will host a webinar on March 7 at noon, eastern time, for U.S. poultry growers. The webinar will allow the agency to share information regarding the “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments Final Rule.”Attendees may submit questions in advance at the usda.gov website. Questions will also be taken during the webinar. USDA published the final rule in the Federal Register on November 28, 2023, and it became effective on February 12, 2024. The rule requires Live Poultry Dealers, which are typically large processing companies, to provide poultry growers with whom they contract to raise birds with key information about the terms of their agreements.It also requires additional disclosures by live poultry dealers engaged in the production of broilers who use poultry grower ranking systems to determine settlement payments for broiler growers.More information can be found on the AMS website at ams.usda.gov.-NAFB

USDA Webinar on Contracting and Tournaments Final Rule

Not one but two tracts of farmland in Sioux County, Iowa, sold for a near-record $29,600 per acre in a public auction this week. In November 2022, a sale of 73.19 acres in the same county sold for the current state record of $30,000 per acre.

A spokesman for Zomer Company Realty and Auction confirmed the Ken and LaDonna Huisman farmland sale totaled 117.41 acres on February 27. The first tract of land was made up of 40 acres and featured half-mile-long rows. With a road and ditch on only one side of the field, 98.7 percent of the tract is tillable. Tract number two is 77.41 acres that are also bordered by one road and is 98.7 percent tillable with half-mile-long rows.

Both tracts are subject to a signed easement with the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project. The buyer will receive the crop damage payments from Summit at closing.

Not one but two tracts of farmland in Sioux County, Iowa, sold for a near-record $29,600 per acre in a public auction this week. In November 2022, a sale of 73.19 acres in the same county sold for the current state record of $30,000 per acre.A spokesman for Zomer Company Realty and Auction confirmed the Ken and LaDonna Huisman farmland sale totaled 117.41 acres on February 27. The first tract of land was made up of 40 acres and featured half-mile-long rows. With a road and ditch on only one side of the field, 98.7 percent of the tract is tillable. Tract number two is 77.41 acres that are also bordered by one road and is 98.7 percent tillable with half-mile-long rows.Both tracts are subject to a signed easement with the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project. The buyer will receive the crop damage payments from Summit at closing.-NAFB

Iowa Farmland Sells for a Near-Record Amount

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan “Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act.” It will help open new markets for U.S. farmers by encouraging the use of biofuels using homegrown farm products for ships and ocean-going vessels.

It will specifically expand markets for American-made biofuels by ensuring that renewable fuels used in ocean-going vessels would be eligible for a renewable fuel credit available for other biofuels. The legislation preserves Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard program when the fuel is used in oceangoing vessels.

The RFS currently excludes “fuels used in ocean-going vessels” from the definition of transportation fuels and from refiners’ and blenders’ obligations. Refiners and blenders are required to retire RINs from any biodiesel and renewable diesel used in vessels with Class 3 engines operating in international waters, including the Great Lakes.

The bill is widely supported by multiple agricultural groups.

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan “Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act.” It will help open new markets for U.S. farmers by encouraging the use of biofuels using homegrown farm products for ships and ocean-going vessels.It will specifically expand markets for American-made biofuels by ensuring that renewable fuels used in ocean-going vessels would be eligible for a renewable fuel credit available for other biofuels. The legislation preserves Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard program when the fuel is used in oceangoing vessels.The RFS currently excludes “fuels used in ocean-going vessels” from the definition of transportation fuels and from refiners’ and blenders’ obligations. Refiners and blenders are required to retire RINs from any biodiesel and renewable diesel used in vessels with Class 3 engines operating in international waters, including the Great Lakes.The bill is widely supported by multiple agricultural groups.-NAFB

Bill Further Expands Future Biofuel Usage

For the first time, Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow says she’ll push a new farm bill further into the future rather than strike a deal with Republicans on SNAP and climate spending changes.

The Fence Post says she won’t agree to limit any updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or cut any climate-smart conservation money in the Inflation Reduction Act.

“I’m not going to do it,” she says. “If that means we continue the policies of the 2018 Farm Bill, which were pretty good if I do say so myself, then that’s okay.”

Stabenow sat next to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack during an event at the White House this week, and he said, “You’re tough. That’s great.” Stabenow has said privately for months that her legacy depends on protecting climate funding as well as not cutting anti-hunger programs.

The current farm bill authorization expires at the end of September.

For the first time, Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow says she’ll push a new farm bill further into the future rather than strike a deal with Republicans on SNAP and climate spending changes.The Fence Post says she won’t agree to limit any updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or cut any climate-smart conservation money in the Inflation Reduction Act.“I’m not going to do it,” she says. “If that means we continue the policies of the 2018 Farm Bill, which were pretty good if I do say so myself, then that’s okay.”Stabenow sat next to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack during an event at the White House this week, and he said, “You’re tough. That’s great.” Stabenow has said privately for months that her legacy depends on protecting climate funding as well as not cutting anti-hunger programs.The current farm bill authorization expires at the end of September.-NAFB

Stabenow: No New Farm Bill Without SNAP, Climate Funds

Farming activities in the United States accounted for 10.6 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service.

New data released this week shows that from 2020 to 2021, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions remained nearly constant but decreased from 11.1 percent to 10.6 percent as a share of total U.S. emissions because of changes in other industries. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that in 2021, agriculture emitted 312.6 million metric tons as nitrous oxide, 278.4 million metric tons as methane, 44.7 million metric tons as on-farm carbon dioxide, and 35.7 million metric tons emitted indirectly through the electricity that the agricultural sector uses.

Of the common economic sectors in the United States, industry accounted for the largest portion of total greenhouse gas emissions at 30.1 percent, followed by transportation, commercial, residential and agriculture. Total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 were 2.3 percent lower than in 1990.

Farming activities in the United States accounted for 10.6 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service.New data released this week shows that from 2020 to 2021, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions remained nearly constant but decreased from 11.1 percent to 10.6 percent as a share of total U.S. emissions because of changes in other industries. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that in 2021, agriculture emitted 312.6 million metric tons as nitrous oxide, 278.4 million metric tons as methane, 44.7 million metric tons as on-farm carbon dioxide, and 35.7 million metric tons emitted indirectly through the electricity that the agricultural sector uses.Of the common economic sectors in the United States, industry accounted for the largest portion of total greenhouse gas emissions at 30.1 percent, followed by transportation, commercial, residential and agriculture. Total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 were 2.3 percent lower than in 1990.-NAFB

Ag Accounted for 10% of 2021 U.S. GHG Emissions

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday published the Intent to Establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program report.

Authorized under the Growing Climate Solutions Act, the report explains how the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program will facilitate farmer, rancher, and private forest landowner participation in voluntary carbon markets.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “This new program will provide resources for producers and landowners, helping them pursue opportunities to generate revenue while benefiting the environment.”

The report justifies the Secretary's intent to establish the program following an earlier publication, which found that voluntary carbon markets offer a promising tool to achieve greenhouse gas reductions from the agriculture and forest sectors and support producer livelihoods. USDA will work towards formal establishment of the program in 2024.

As a first step, USDA will soon solicit information on protocols to be evaluated for inclusion in the list to be published as part of the program.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday published the Intent to Establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program report.Authorized under the Growing Climate Solutions Act, the report explains how the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program will facilitate farmer, rancher, and private forest landowner participation in voluntary carbon markets.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “This new program will provide resources for producers and landowners, helping them pursue opportunities to generate revenue while benefiting the environment.”The report justifies the Secretary's intent to establish the program following an earlier publication, which found that voluntary carbon markets offer a promising tool to achieve greenhouse gas reductions from the agriculture and forest sectors and support producer livelihoods. USDA will work towards formal establishment of the program in 2024.As a first step, USDA will soon solicit information on protocols to be evaluated for inclusion in the list to be published as part of the program.-NAFB

USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs

The U-S Senate Agriculture Committee will hold an oversight hearing Wednesday on the U-S-D-A at which U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled to testify.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says one key focus of the hearing will be on how to prompt Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to get moving on a vital piece of legislation that's especially significant for Iowa.

&nbsp;"The line of questioning is going to go along the lines of what we can do to get a Farm Bill passed," Grassley says, "and what he's doing to encourage Schumer to bring a Farm Bill up and I'm sure he's going to open with that very subject."

Typically updated every five years, a new Farm Bill didn't materialize last year, and Congress passed a one-year extension which will last through this fall. Grassley says Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, knows how crucial the legislation is for Iowa's farmers and the state's economy.

&nbsp;"I don't know whether he can do much about it," Grassley says, "but his voice is very important in encouraging the president to get Schumer to bring up the Farm Bill."

Grassley says he also wants to question Vilsack about the Commodity Credit Corporation. Grassley, a Republican, says the agency is being used as a "slush fund" to pay for a lot of things of which Congress didn't approve.

&nbsp;"The original legislation setting up the Commodity Credit Corporation is loosely written," Grassley says, "and I'm sorry to say that not only this secretary of agriculture has abused it, but the Trump secretary of agriculture, abused it as well, as well as President Trump even abusing it."

The C-C-C was created in the 1930s and is designed to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices. Grassley co-sponsored a bill last year, saying the corporation was "at risk of becoming a slush fund for politically-driven pet projects." He says the U-S-D-A Spending Accountability Act would save some eight-billion dollars over ten years.

The U-S Senate Agriculture Committee will hold an oversight hearing Wednesday on the U-S-D-A at which U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled to testify.Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says one key focus of the hearing will be on how to prompt Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to get moving on a vital piece of legislation that's especially significant for Iowa.&nbsp;"The line of questioning is going to go along the lines of what we can do to get a Farm Bill passed," Grassley says, "and what he's doing to encourage Schumer to bring a Farm Bill up and I'm sure he's going to open with that very subject."Typically updated every five years, a new Farm Bill didn't materialize last year, and Congress passed a one-year extension which will last through this fall. Grassley says Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, knows how crucial the legislation is for Iowa's farmers and the state's economy.&nbsp;"I don't know whether he can do much about it," Grassley says, "but his voice is very important in encouraging the president to get Schumer to bring up the Farm Bill."Grassley says he also wants to question Vilsack about the Commodity Credit Corporation. Grassley, a Republican, says the agency is being used as a "slush fund" to pay for a lot of things of which Congress didn't approve.&nbsp;"The original legislation setting up the Commodity Credit Corporation is loosely written," Grassley says, "and I'm sorry to say that not only this secretary of agriculture has abused it, but the Trump secretary of agriculture, abused it as well, as well as President Trump even abusing it."The C-C-C was created in the 1930s and is designed to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices. Grassley co-sponsored a bill last year, saying the corporation was "at risk of becoming a slush fund for politically-driven pet projects." He says the U-S-D-A Spending Accountability Act would save some eight-billion dollars over ten years.-Radio Iowa

Sen. Grassley to question Sec. Vilsack on passage of Farm Bill

Senator Chuck Grassley led an Iowa delegation of lawmakers in a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency to allow for summertime E15 sales in 2024.

Last week, the EPA finalized a rule to approve year-round E15 sales, but delayed implementation until 2025. The rule allows states to use the same volatility limits for E15 and E10 and was in response to a petition by governors of eight midwestern states seeking the year-round availability of E15. The petition includes Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Grassley and the Iowa delegation contend the delay "will have devastating effects on biofuels producers, farmers, and families across the country.” The letter states, “We request, once again, that the EPA immediately implement its rule to ensure E15 is available year-round no later than March 31, 2024."

Senator Chuck Grassley led an Iowa delegation of lawmakers in a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency to allow for summertime E15 sales in 2024.Last week, the EPA finalized a rule to approve year-round E15 sales, but delayed implementation until 2025. The rule allows states to use the same volatility limits for E15 and E10 and was in response to a petition by governors of eight midwestern states seeking the year-round availability of E15. The petition includes Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.Grassley and the Iowa delegation contend the delay "will have devastating effects on biofuels producers, farmers, and families across the country.” The letter states, “We request, once again, that the EPA immediately implement its rule to ensure E15 is available year-round no later than March 31, 2024."-NAFB

Grassley, Colleagues, Urge Swift E15 Waiver for 2024

The national average gas price declined last week for the first time in more than a month.

The average gas price stands at $3.24 per gallon, down 1.9 cents from a week ago. The national average is up 13.3 cents from a month ago but 9.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Meanwhile, the national average diesel price fell 2.6 cents last week and stands at $4.06 per gallon—33 cents lower than one year ago.

However, GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan cautions, "While the pause has certainly been nice, this is more like a rain delay than it is a 7th-inning stretch."

De Haan says all eyes are on refiners as utilization remained seasonally weak, around 80 percent of capacity, meaning there’s less gasoline and diesel being produced. U.S. retail gasoline demand increased 2.2 percent for the week, as oil prices hovered around $80 per barrel.

The national average gas price declined last week for the first time in more than a month.The average gas price stands at $3.24 per gallon, down 1.9 cents from a week ago. The national average is up 13.3 cents from a month ago but 9.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Meanwhile, the national average diesel price fell 2.6 cents last week and stands at $4.06 per gallon—33 cents lower than one year ago.However, GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan cautions, "While the pause has certainly been nice, this is more like a rain delay than it is a 7th-inning stretch."De Haan says all eyes are on refiners as utilization remained seasonally weak, around 80 percent of capacity, meaning there’s less gasoline and diesel being produced. U.S. retail gasoline demand increased 2.2 percent for the week, as oil prices hovered around $80 per barrel.-NAFB

Fuel Price Increase Pauses

Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows that nearly 20 percent of shoppers purchased groceries online in 2022, the latest dataset available. However, the frequency of online shopping varied.

At the time of the survey, among those who bought groceries online in the past month in 2022, 30.2 percent did so once, 25.1 percent made two online grocery purchases, and 44.7 percent purchased groceries online three or more times. Time constraints were the main reason people bought groceries online, while the main reason for not shopping online for groceries was that people like being able to see and touch products in person, according to the survey.

ERS collected the data through the ERS-developed Eating and Health Module of the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey. In 2022, the Eating and Health Module captured for the first time nationally representative data concerning the prevalence and frequency of U.S. residents who report shopping for groceries online.

Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows that nearly 20 percent of shoppers purchased groceries online in 2022, the latest dataset available. However, the frequency of online shopping varied.At the time of the survey, among those who bought groceries online in the past month in 2022, 30.2 percent did so once, 25.1 percent made two online grocery purchases, and 44.7 percent purchased groceries online three or more times. Time constraints were the main reason people bought groceries online, while the main reason for not shopping online for groceries was that people like being able to see and touch products in person, according to the survey.ERS collected the data through the ERS-developed Eating and Health Module of the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey. In 2022, the Eating and Health Module captured for the first time nationally representative data concerning the prevalence and frequency of U.S. residents who report shopping for groceries online.-NAFB

Nearly 20% of Shoppers Purchase Groceries Online

The cattle industry is the latest farm sector to weigh in on its priorities for a still elusive farm bill. National Cattlemen’s Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett says NCBA’s top policy priority is the farm bill.

“But, the question is, is that actually going to happen this year. In my crystal ball, I’m not sure that it is, but we’ll certainly want to keep working on that.”

Echoing the sentiment and predictions of other farm and ranch groups over the continuing farm bill policy and funding disagreements. But should there be a farm bill breakthrough, Bracket tells NCBA’s Beltway Beef podcast, the groups has several specific priorities.

“Making sure that FMD will continue to be funded, vaccine will continue to be funded in that, making sure we don’t have a livestock title, and making sure that there are dollars available for those voluntary conservation programs that our membership does utilize, that’s funded in the farm bill.”

Conservation programs like EQIP made up seven percent or $60 billion of the last farm bill.

Brackett meantime says the cattle industry will continue to push back against animal rights activists and government agency overregulation.

“Whether that’s the BLM landscape health and conservation rule, it’s increasing Endangered Species Act regulation.”

But for now, agriculture continues to operate under the outdated 2018 farm law extended through September 30, with farm bill disagreements complicated by external fights over spending, immigration, and foreign policy.

The cattle industry is the latest farm sector to weigh in on its priorities for a still elusive farm bill. National Cattlemen’s Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett says NCBA’s top policy priority is the farm bill.“But, the question is, is that actually going to happen this year. In my crystal ball, I’m not sure that it is, but we’ll certainly want to keep working on that.”Echoing the sentiment and predictions of other farm and ranch groups over the continuing farm bill policy and funding disagreements. But should there be a farm bill breakthrough, Bracket tells NCBA’s Beltway Beef podcast, the groups has several specific priorities.“Making sure that FMD will continue to be funded, vaccine will continue to be funded in that, making sure we don’t have a livestock title, and making sure that there are dollars available for those voluntary conservation programs that our membership does utilize, that’s funded in the farm bill.”Conservation programs like EQIP made up seven percent or $60 billion of the last farm bill.Brackett meantime says the cattle industry will continue to push back against animal rights activists and government agency overregulation.“Whether that’s the BLM landscape health and conservation rule, it’s increasing Endangered Species Act regulation.”But for now, agriculture continues to operate under the outdated 2018 farm law extended through September 30, with farm bill disagreements complicated by external fights over spending, immigration, and foreign policy.-NAFB

NCBA Cites Priorities for Elusive Farm Bill

USDA ended last week with the monthly Cattle on Feed Report showing slightly higher inventories on February 1. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million.

The inventory was slightly above 2023, with placements in feedlots at 1.79 million head, seven percent below 2023, and net placements at 1.71 million head. Marketings of fed cattle during January totaled 1.84 million head, slightly below 2023. Cattle on Feed and Annual Size Group Estimates Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head represented 82.7 percent of all cattle and calves on feed in the United States on January 1, 2024.

This is comparable to the 82.6 percent on January 1, 2023. Marketings of fed cattle for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head during 2023 represented 87.3 percent, up slightly from 87.2 percent during 2022.

USDA ended last week with the monthly Cattle on Feed Report showing slightly higher inventories on February 1. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million.The inventory was slightly above 2023, with placements in feedlots at 1.79 million head, seven percent below 2023, and net placements at 1.71 million head. Marketings of fed cattle during January totaled 1.84 million head, slightly below 2023. Cattle on Feed and Annual Size Group Estimates Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head represented 82.7 percent of all cattle and calves on feed in the United States on January 1, 2024.This is comparable to the 82.6 percent on January 1, 2023. Marketings of fed cattle for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head during 2023 represented 87.3 percent, up slightly from 87.2 percent during 2022.-NAFB

United States Cattle on Feed Up Slightly

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation Monday announced that its building will be named after Bill Northey and simply called “The Northey Building.”

Foundation Board Chair Mark White says, “Just as another giant in Iowa agriculture, Henry Wallace, has a state ag building named after him, the Foundation board of directors felt that naming our building after Bill will ensure that he will never be forgotten.”

Northey served as CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa at the time of his death earlier this month. Northey previously served as the nation's first Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at USDA, and as Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa. Further, A "Northey Memorial Fund" has been established at the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation.

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes research projects, member education, stewardship and scholarships that benefit Agribusiness Association of Iowa members and their families.

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation Monday announced that its building will be named after Bill Northey and simply called “The Northey Building.”Foundation Board Chair Mark White says, “Just as another giant in Iowa agriculture, Henry Wallace, has a state ag building named after him, the Foundation board of directors felt that naming our building after Bill will ensure that he will never be forgotten.”Northey served as CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa at the time of his death earlier this month. Northey previously served as the nation's first Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at USDA, and as Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa. Further, A "Northey Memorial Fund" has been established at the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation.The Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes research projects, member education, stewardship and scholarships that benefit Agribusiness Association of Iowa members and their families.-NAFB

Northey Honored by Agribusiness Association of Iowa

The Department of Agriculture and the Energy Department Monday launched a new initiative to help farmers cut costs and increase income using underutilized renewable technologies.

Through the Rural and Agricultural Income &amp; Savings from Renewable Energy initiative, USDA is setting an initial goal of helping 400 individual farmers deploy smaller-scale wind projects using USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. This goal is only possible because of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act which provided more than $144 million in grant funding for underutilized technologies through the REAP program.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “These investments will create long-lasting economic benefits for their families, businesses and communities for years to come.”

Additionally, the Energy Department announced $4 million in related funding, including $2.5 million to support distributed wind technologies for the agricultural sector, and $1.5 million to support outreach and the identification and development of new business models for farmers to save money and earn income deploying these technologies.

The Department of Agriculture and the Energy Department Monday launched a new initiative to help farmers cut costs and increase income using underutilized renewable technologies.Through the Rural and Agricultural Income &amp; Savings from Renewable Energy initiative, USDA is setting an initial goal of helping 400 individual farmers deploy smaller-scale wind projects using USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. This goal is only possible because of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act which provided more than $144 million in grant funding for underutilized technologies through the REAP program.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “These investments will create long-lasting economic benefits for their families, businesses and communities for years to come.”Additionally, the Energy Department announced $4 million in related funding, including $2.5 million to support distributed wind technologies for the agricultural sector, and $1.5 million to support outreach and the identification and development of new business models for farmers to save money and earn income deploying these technologies.-NAFB

Funding Announced for Renewable Tech in Ag

2023 was an “interesting year,” to say the least.

Agronomist Wade Kent with Nutrien Ag Solutions says yields
across the Corn Belt were better than expected last year, despite widespread drought.

“That was due to a few things. I think we had timely rains. We
just didn’t recognize how timely they were and how beneficial they really were.
The other piece is, we had pretty cool temperatures during pollination. That tends
to help a lot. That was one of the drivers behind it,” Kent tells KFEQ.&nbsp; “I think, overall, growers were not expecting
what they saw. It’s kind of setting up for an interesting plan going into 2024.”

Kent, who is North American Digital Agronomist for Nutrien Ag
Solutions, says a look back will help farmers better prepare for planting time
ahead.

“Trying to understand why it happened is going to be what we
spend a lot of time over the next few months figuring out is where that yield
came from, what was the actual driver of to see it,” according to Kent. “Overall,
it was a good year. Going into 2024, I think it’s going to be in the back of
everybody’s mind. I think it’s just putting together a good plan.”

Data from precision agriculture, according to Kent, will help
farmers better prepare for 2024.

Kent’s colleague at Nutrien, Todd Fester, calls 2023 a strange
year. He recommends farmers focus on the seed they choose. Fester says Nutrien
believes every farm is different and attempts to tailor its products to the
individual farmer.

“Yeah, we take a lot of pride in that, that local touch,
right, and working closely with them, being their partner, being hopefully that
trusted adviser, that’s willing to work with them field by filed to make the
right selections,” Fester tells KFEQ, saying Nutrien helps with selection of
seed or fertility or in-season crop inputs.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post2023 was an “interesting year,” to say the least.Agronomist Wade Kent with Nutrien Ag Solutions says yields
across the Corn Belt were better than expected last year, despite widespread drought.“That was due to a few things. I think we had timely rains. We
just didn’t recognize how timely they were and how beneficial they really were.
The other piece is, we had pretty cool temperatures during pollination. That tends
to help a lot. That was one of the drivers behind it,” Kent tells KFEQ.&nbsp; “I think, overall, growers were not expecting
what they saw. It’s kind of setting up for an interesting plan going into 2024.”Kent, who is North American Digital Agronomist for Nutrien Ag
Solutions, says a look back will help farmers better prepare for planting time
ahead.“Trying to understand why it happened is going to be what we
spend a lot of time over the next few months figuring out is where that yield
came from, what was the actual driver of to see it,” according to Kent. “Overall,
it was a good year. Going into 2024, I think it’s going to be in the back of
everybody’s mind. I think it’s just putting together a good plan.”Data from precision agriculture, according to Kent, will help
farmers better prepare for 2024.Kent’s colleague at Nutrien, Todd Fester, calls 2023 a strange
year. He recommends farmers focus on the seed they choose. Fester says Nutrien
believes every farm is different and attempts to tailor its products to the
individual farmer.“Yeah, we take a lot of pride in that, that local touch,
right, and working closely with them, being their partner, being hopefully that
trusted adviser, that’s willing to work with them field by filed to make the
right selections,” Fester tells KFEQ, saying Nutrien helps with selection of
seed or fertility or in-season crop inputs.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Interesting 2023 should help prepare farmers for 2024

Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester and Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley wrote a letter asking colleagues to help assure the strong enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

They’re asking other senators to oppose any policy rider in the 2024 Ag Appropriations Bill that would prevent the USDA from enforcing the Act to hold multi-national food manufacturers accountable.

“Four companies control over 80 percent of domestic beef processing, 60 percent of hog processing, and 50 percent of domestic poultry processing,” their letter says. “This level of concentration is bad for consumers and family farmers but good for the giant meat packers.”

They point out that the companies have reported record profits in the last few years while farmers and ranchers struggle to make ends meet and consumers are paying too much for proteins at the grocery store.

“Congress must reject any rider blocking USDA from implementing bipartisan reforms,” the letter says.

Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester and Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley wrote a letter asking colleagues to help assure the strong enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.They’re asking other senators to oppose any policy rider in the 2024 Ag Appropriations Bill that would prevent the USDA from enforcing the Act to hold multi-national food manufacturers accountable.“Four companies control over 80 percent of domestic beef processing, 60 percent of hog processing, and 50 percent of domestic poultry processing,” their letter says. “This level of concentration is bad for consumers and family farmers but good for the giant meat packers.”They point out that the companies have reported record profits in the last few years while farmers and ranchers struggle to make ends meet and consumers are paying too much for proteins at the grocery store.“Congress must reject any rider blocking USDA from implementing bipartisan reforms,” the letter says.-NAFB

Senators Want a Strong Packers and Stockyards Act

The Environmental Protection Agency granted the request from eight Midwestern states to sell year-round E15 beginning in 2025.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says it’s great news but notes, “Drivers will need a solution for this summer to minimize disruptions and make sure they have continued access to E15.” The National Corn Growers Association is also glad to hear about the decision because it provides more certainty. “However, since it doesn’t begin until the summer of 2025, we are concerned about the implications for growers and consumers this summer,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle.

The American Coalition for Ethanol says the decision is “better late than never” but also says the EPA had a legal responsibility to approve E15 in those states more than a year ago. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the EPA was correct in unleashing year-round E15 but added a “few unnecessary strings” in delaying it until 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency granted the request from eight Midwestern states to sell year-round E15 beginning in 2025.Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says it’s great news but notes, “Drivers will need a solution for this summer to minimize disruptions and make sure they have continued access to E15.” The National Corn Growers Association is also glad to hear about the decision because it provides more certainty. “However, since it doesn’t begin until the summer of 2025, we are concerned about the implications for growers and consumers this summer,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle.The American Coalition for Ethanol says the decision is “better late than never” but also says the EPA had a legal responsibility to approve E15 in those states more than a year ago. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the EPA was correct in unleashing year-round E15 but added a “few unnecessary strings” in delaying it until 2025.-NAFB

More Reaction to EPA’s E15 Decision

The 2023-2024 National FFA Officer Team recently took a trip overseas to Japan, where they participated in an international program in conjunction with the Future Farmers of Japan.

The trip was made to strengthen a partnership that began in 1950. This is the first time the national officer team has made the trip since COVID began in 2020. The officers spent six days in Japan and took part in several activities, including a briefing with Senior Agriculture Attaché Mark Wallace at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. They also met with FFJ students at high schools in Tokyo and Osaka.

“It was so impactful to see how different, yet how similar, the world operates,” says National FFA Eastern Vice President Morgan Anderson of Ohio. “Culturally, the world is diverse, but one common factor that unites all of us is agriculture.” She added that we’re all working to feed the world.

The 2023-2024 National FFA Officer Team recently took a trip overseas to Japan, where they participated in an international program in conjunction with the Future Farmers of Japan.The trip was made to strengthen a partnership that began in 1950. This is the first time the national officer team has made the trip since COVID began in 2020. The officers spent six days in Japan and took part in several activities, including a briefing with Senior Agriculture Attaché Mark Wallace at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. They also met with FFJ students at high schools in Tokyo and Osaka.“It was so impactful to see how different, yet how similar, the world operates,” says National FFA Eastern Vice President Morgan Anderson of Ohio. “Culturally, the world is diverse, but one common factor that unites all of us is agriculture.” She added that we’re all working to feed the world.-NAFB