Sparks flew at the House Ag Committee as Democrats and Republicans stood their ground on farm bill differences, and USDA Secretary Vilsack defended his handling of existing programs.

Vilsack immediately came under election-year fire from Ag Chair GT Thompson.

“In what seemingly is a daily occurrence, taxpayer dollars are being sent to every corner of the country, yet nothing has changed. We’re not producing more fertilizer, we’re not reducing the cost of production, we’re not making food more affordable, however we are burdening the taxpayer. We are losing ground on the world stage and we are a net agricultural importer.”

“The last three-years of net cash farm income were record-setting, the best three-years in the last 50-years in this country, this year’s income projected at just below historical norms will make it the best four-years in recent history.”

But Republicans argued farm income was down last year, while USDA data projects an even sharper drop on lower prices this year.

Vilsack jousted with Republicans on everything from grocery prices to SNAP cuts and echoed panel Democrats that the answer is not to pare SNAP and IRA climate dollars that boost farm income.

“Ag appropriations talked about an 18-percent cut to our budget, so you can do the math. Maintain the IRA funding, let’s get a budget, pass a farm bill so there’s certainty in terms of the programs.”

But almost half-way through a one-year farm bill extension, Chair Thompson admitted the obvious.

“However, there remain significant headwinds to Congress’ success. It’s virtually impossible to create a robust farm safety net without significant investment.”

And so far, Ag Democrats insist, Republicans must take ‘no’ for an answer on repurposing SNAP or climate spending for safety net programs.

Sparks flew at the House Ag Committee as Democrats and Republicans stood their ground on farm bill differences, and USDA Secretary Vilsack defended his handling of existing programs.Vilsack immediately came under election-year fire from Ag Chair GT Thompson.“In what seemingly is a daily occurrence, taxpayer dollars are being sent to every corner of the country, yet nothing has changed. We’re not producing more fertilizer, we’re not reducing the cost of production, we’re not making food more affordable, however we are burdening the taxpayer. We are losing ground on the world stage and we are a net agricultural importer.”Vilsack had a different view.“The last three-years of net cash farm income were record-setting, the best three-years in the last 50-years in this country, this year’s income projected at just below historical norms will make it the best four-years in recent history.”But Republicans argued farm income was down last year, while USDA data projects an even sharper drop on lower prices this year.Vilsack jousted with Republicans on everything from grocery prices to SNAP cuts and echoed panel Democrats that the answer is not to pare SNAP and IRA climate dollars that boost farm income.“Ag appropriations talked about an 18-percent cut to our budget, so you can do the math. Maintain the IRA funding, let’s get a budget, pass a farm bill so there’s certainty in terms of the programs.”But almost half-way through a one-year farm bill extension, Chair Thompson admitted the obvious.“However, there remain significant headwinds to Congress’ success. It’s virtually impossible to create a robust farm safety net without significant investment.”And so far, Ag Democrats insist, Republicans must take ‘no’ for an answer on repurposing SNAP or climate spending for safety net programs.-NAFB

Sparks Fly at Vilsack Farm Bill Hearing

In 2023, all food prices increased by 5.8 percent on average compared with 2022.

The figure includes both food away from home and food purchased for consumption at home. Food-at-home prices increased by 5.0 percent, while food-away-from-home prices increased by 7.1 percent. Food prices are expected to continue to decelerate in 2024. The all food prices are predicted to increase 1.3 percent, with a prediction interval of -1.4 to 4.2 percent.

Food-at-home prices are predicted to decrease 0.4 percent, with a prediction interval of -4.5 to 4.0 percent, and food-away-from-home prices are predicted to increase 4.7 percent, with a prediction interval of 3.1 to 6.2 percent. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index earlier this week indicated an increase in January. The food index rose 0.4 percent in January, and the food at home index also increased 0.4 percent over the month.

The food at home index rose 1.2 percent over the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 5.1 percent.

In 2023, all food prices increased by 5.8 percent on average compared with 2022.The figure includes both food away from home and food purchased for consumption at home. Food-at-home prices increased by 5.0 percent, while food-away-from-home prices increased by 7.1 percent. Food prices are expected to continue to decelerate in 2024. The all food prices are predicted to increase 1.3 percent, with a prediction interval of -1.4 to 4.2 percent.Food-at-home prices are predicted to decrease 0.4 percent, with a prediction interval of -4.5 to 4.0 percent, and food-away-from-home prices are predicted to increase 4.7 percent, with a prediction interval of 3.1 to 6.2 percent. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index earlier this week indicated an increase in January. The food index rose 0.4 percent in January, and the food at home index also increased 0.4 percent over the month.The food at home index rose 1.2 percent over the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 5.1 percent.-NAFB

USDA: Food Prices Increased 5.8% in 2023

The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows the number of farmers over the age of 65 is outpacing younger farmers.

Almost 1.3 million farmers are now at or beyond retirement age, while just 300,000 farmers are under the age of 35. The average age of all producers was 58.1, up 0.6 years from 2017. However, this is a smaller increase than average age increases between prior censuses. There were just over one million farmers with ten or fewer years of experience, an increase in the number of beginning farmers from 2017 of 11 percent.

Beginning farmers are younger than all farmers, with an average age of 47.1. The number of producers under age 35 was 296,480, comprising nine percent of all producers. In 2022, 1.2 million female producers accounted for 36 percent of all producers. And the data shows that 58 percent of all farms had at least one female decision maker.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows the number of farmers over the age of 65 is outpacing younger farmers.Almost 1.3 million farmers are now at or beyond retirement age, while just 300,000 farmers are under the age of 35. The average age of all producers was 58.1, up 0.6 years from 2017. However, this is a smaller increase than average age increases between prior censuses. There were just over one million farmers with ten or fewer years of experience, an increase in the number of beginning farmers from 2017 of 11 percent.Beginning farmers are younger than all farmers, with an average age of 47.1. The number of producers under age 35 was 296,480, comprising nine percent of all producers. In 2022, 1.2 million female producers accounted for 36 percent of all producers. And the data shows that 58 percent of all farms had at least one female decision maker.-NAFB

Census of Agriculture Highlights Aging Farmer Population

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack calls the data in the 2022 Census of Agriculture a "wake-up call" for the industry.

In a statement following the release of the Census, Vilsack says, "It's imperative that we continue to deliver agriculture policies that create multiple streams of income and new, more competitive models for small- and mid-sized farms."

The Census reports 141,733 fewer farms in 2022 than in 2017. The number of farm acres fell more than 20 million acres from just five years earlier.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Increased regulations, rising supply costs, lack of available labor and weather disasters have all squeezed farmers to the point that many of them find it impossible to remain economically sustainable.”

Vilsack adds, “We are at a pivotal moment, in which we have the opportunity to hold tight to the status quo and shrink our nation's agriculture sector further, or we can choose a more expansive, newer model that creates more opportunity, for more farmers."

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack calls the data in the 2022 Census of Agriculture a "wake-up call" for the industry.In a statement following the release of the Census, Vilsack says, "It's imperative that we continue to deliver agriculture policies that create multiple streams of income and new, more competitive models for small- and mid-sized farms."The Census reports 141,733 fewer farms in 2022 than in 2017. The number of farm acres fell more than 20 million acres from just five years earlier.American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Increased regulations, rising supply costs, lack of available labor and weather disasters have all squeezed farmers to the point that many of them find it impossible to remain economically sustainable.”Vilsack adds, “We are at a pivotal moment, in which we have the opportunity to hold tight to the status quo and shrink our nation's agriculture sector further, or we can choose a more expansive, newer model that creates more opportunity, for more farmers."-NAFB

Industry Responds to Census of Agriculture

An analysis by the University of Illinois projects crop insurance prices will be much lower than in 2023, resulting in lower per-acre premiums in 2024. That's because of lower corn and soybean futures during the first half of this month.

Researchers say premiums are likely to be 16 to 18 percent lower for corn and ten to 12 percent lower for soybean policies based on current estimates for in Champaign and Jefferson Counties in Illinois. Since lower insurance prices also result in lower guarantees per acre, researchers say farmers may wish to increase their coverage levels with the premium savings.

The projected insurance prices for corn and soybeans are based on average settlement prices on each crops' harvest contract during the month of February. Through February 9, the December corn contract has averaged $4.74 per bushel. The November soybean contract has averaged $11.73 per bushel or $2.03 below the $13.76 projected price in 2023, a decline of nearly 15 percent.

An analysis by the University of Illinois projects crop insurance prices will be much lower than in 2023, resulting in lower per-acre premiums in 2024. That's because of lower corn and soybean futures during the first half of this month.Researchers say premiums are likely to be 16 to 18 percent lower for corn and ten to 12 percent lower for soybean policies based on current estimates for in Champaign and Jefferson Counties in Illinois. Since lower insurance prices also result in lower guarantees per acre, researchers say farmers may wish to increase their coverage levels with the premium savings.The projected insurance prices for corn and soybeans are based on average settlement prices on each crops' harvest contract during the month of February. Through February 9, the December corn contract has averaged $4.74 per bushel. The November soybean contract has averaged $11.73 per bushel or $2.03 below the $13.76 projected price in 2023, a decline of nearly 15 percent.-NAFB

Analysis: Crop Insurance Prices Lower This Year

There’s precedent for the EPA to allow farmers to use existing dicamba stocks after a federal court vacated the registration of dicamba products.

American Farm Bureau’s John Walt Boatright says an earlier EPA existing stocks order gives AFBF hope the agency will again greenlight such use of dicamba on soybeans and cotton.

“Back in 2020, a court also handed down a vacature of certain dicamba products, and EPA released an existing stocks order within, I believe, five or six days.”

AFBF President Zippy Duvall and American Soybean Association officials wrote EPA recently urging it to issue an existing dicamba stocks order for the upcoming planting season.

That, after a federal court in Arizona vacated registration of three dicamba products, critical in fighting resistant weeds. Boatright.

“It’s critical for our farmers and ranchers around the country who utilize this, and expected, made purchasing decisions and business decisions, based on the fact that they would have dicamba ready to go.”

And spent millions of dollars, some of it borrowed, on dicamba and resistant seeds.

“That’s the real problem here, is that folks have already made business decisions, and now potentially to be able to not use that product, is going to be a major, major issue.”

The court vacated the registrations for XtendiMax, Enginia and Tavium, ruling EPA failed to offer a required public notice and comment period before issuing the 2020 registrations.

There’s precedent for the EPA to allow farmers to use existing dicamba stocks after a federal court vacated the registration of dicamba products.American Farm Bureau’s John Walt Boatright says an earlier EPA existing stocks order gives AFBF hope the agency will again greenlight such use of dicamba on soybeans and cotton.“Back in 2020, a court also handed down a vacature of certain dicamba products, and EPA released an existing stocks order within, I believe, five or six days.”AFBF President Zippy Duvall and American Soybean Association officials wrote EPA recently urging it to issue an existing dicamba stocks order for the upcoming planting season.That, after a federal court in Arizona vacated registration of three dicamba products, critical in fighting resistant weeds. Boatright.“It’s critical for our farmers and ranchers around the country who utilize this, and expected, made purchasing decisions and business decisions, based on the fact that they would have dicamba ready to go.”And spent millions of dollars, some of it borrowed, on dicamba and resistant seeds.“That’s the real problem here, is that folks have already made business decisions, and now potentially to be able to not use that product, is going to be a major, major issue.”The court vacated the registrations for XtendiMax, Enginia and Tavium, ruling EPA failed to offer a required public notice and comment period before issuing the 2020 registrations.-NAFB

AFBF Hopeful EPA Will Repeat Dicamba Existing Stocks Order

Technological developments in agriculture have enabled continued output growth without requiring much additional inputs, according to a new USDA Economic Research Service report.

Innovations in animal and crop genetics, chemicals, equipment, and farm organization have made it possible for total agricultural output to nearly triple between 1948 and 2021. During that period, the amount of inputs used in farming declined slightly over time, meaning that the growth in agricultural output over the long term has depended on increases in total factor productivity.

Total factor productivity measures the amount of agricultural output produced from the combined inputs in farm production. Growth in total factor productivity indicates positive changes in the efficiency with which inputs are transformed into outputs. In the most recent calculation period spanning 2020–21, agricultural output grew, which was due entirely to total factor productivity growth, even as the amount of inputs used in farming fell.

Technological developments in agriculture have enabled continued output growth without requiring much additional inputs, according to a new USDA Economic Research Service report.Innovations in animal and crop genetics, chemicals, equipment, and farm organization have made it possible for total agricultural output to nearly triple between 1948 and 2021. During that period, the amount of inputs used in farming declined slightly over time, meaning that the growth in agricultural output over the long term has depended on increases in total factor productivity.Total factor productivity measures the amount of agricultural output produced from the combined inputs in farm production. Growth in total factor productivity indicates positive changes in the efficiency with which inputs are transformed into outputs. In the most recent calculation period spanning 2020–21, agricultural output grew, which was due entirely to total factor productivity growth, even as the amount of inputs used in farming fell.-NAFB

Productivity The Major Driver of U.S. Agricultural Growth

Grocery prices increased slightly last month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index released Tuesday.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.3 percent in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.2 percent in December. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.1 percent. The food index rose 0.4 percent in January, and the food at home index also increased 0.4 percent over the month.

Four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the month. The food away from home index rose 0.5 percent in January. The index for full-service meals rose 0.4 percent and the index for limited service meals increased 0.6 percent over the month. The food at home index rose 1.2 percent over the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 5.1 percent over the last year.

Grocery prices increased slightly last month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index released Tuesday.The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.3 percent in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.2 percent in December. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.1 percent. The food index rose 0.4 percent in January, and the food at home index also increased 0.4 percent over the month.Four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the month. The food away from home index rose 0.5 percent in January. The index for full-service meals rose 0.4 percent and the index for limited service meals increased 0.6 percent over the month. The food at home index rose 1.2 percent over the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 5.1 percent over the last year.-NAFB

Food Prices Increased in January

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Tuesday announced the 2022 Census of Agriculture results.

The information collected directly from producers shows a continued decline in the total number of U.S. farms. However, the data also show a rise in the number of new and beginning farmers and young producers. New and beginning farmers are defined as those operating ten or fewer years on any farm and young producers are those under the age of 35.

NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, “Overall, though there are always changes across U.S. agriculture, the data remain largely consistent with the previous ag census.”

The data shows there were 1.9 million farms and ranches, down seven percent from 2017, with an average size of 463 acres, up five percent. Family-owned and operated farms accounted for 95 percent of all U.S. farms and operated 84 percent of land in farms.

Find the complete data set online at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Tuesday announced the 2022 Census of Agriculture results.The information collected directly from producers shows a continued decline in the total number of U.S. farms. However, the data also show a rise in the number of new and beginning farmers and young producers. New and beginning farmers are defined as those operating ten or fewer years on any farm and young producers are those under the age of 35.NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, “Overall, though there are always changes across U.S. agriculture, the data remain largely consistent with the previous ag census.”The data shows there were 1.9 million farms and ranches, down seven percent from 2017, with an average size of 463 acres, up five percent. Family-owned and operated farms accounted for 95 percent of all U.S. farms and operated 84 percent of land in farms.Find the complete data set online at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.-NAFB

USDA Releases 2022 Census of Agriculture

A St. Louis company is convincing area farmers to
grow soybeans specifically designed to feed fish.

Benson Hill, which is headquartered in St. Louis,
has a crushing plant in Crescent, Iowa, just across the Missouri River from
Omaha.

Vice President of Product Management, Aaron
Robinson, says growing soybeans for Benson Hill is the same as growing
traditional soybeans, though the beans themselves are different. Benson Hill
soybeans are a special hybrid which is easier on a fish digestive track. The
food produced from this hybrid is used in aquaculture, such as the salmon market
in Europe.

Robinson says the company contracts with farmers
to grow the special variety of soybeans. He says the company also can tell the
farmer how the soybeans harvested from his farm are used.

“But it is kind of an interesting opportunity to
really understand the soybeans that the farmers are growing on their farms
where they’re ending up,” according to Robinson.

Robinson says farmers normally merely sell their
soybeans at the elevator and have no idea how they are used.

“We run a traceable program that really
understands from the field all the way to the grocery store shelf, we
understand how that product was made.”

Robinson says Benson Hill simply provides another
opportunity for farmers.

“Certainly, from an aquaculture perspective, it’s
an evolving market that could continue to grow,” Robinson says. “I think our
expansion into animal feed is going to be a huge opportunity for farmers.”

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Louis company is convincing area farmers to
grow soybeans specifically designed to feed fish.Benson Hill, which is headquartered in St. Louis,
has a crushing plant in Crescent, Iowa, just across the Missouri River from
Omaha.Vice President of Product Management, Aaron
Robinson, says growing soybeans for Benson Hill is the same as growing
traditional soybeans, though the beans themselves are different. Benson Hill
soybeans are a special hybrid which is easier on a fish digestive track. The
food produced from this hybrid is used in aquaculture, such as the salmon market
in Europe.Robinson says the company contracts with farmers
to grow the special variety of soybeans. He says the company also can tell the
farmer how the soybeans harvested from his farm are used.“But it is kind of an interesting opportunity to
really understand the soybeans that the farmers are growing on their farms
where they’re ending up,” according to Robinson.Robinson says farmers normally merely sell their
soybeans at the elevator and have no idea how they are used.“We run a traceable program that really
understands from the field all the way to the grocery store shelf, we
understand how that product was made.”Robinson says Benson Hill simply provides another
opportunity for farmers.“Certainly, from an aquaculture perspective, it’s
an evolving market that could continue to grow,” Robinson says. “I think our
expansion into animal feed is going to be a huge opportunity for farmers.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Midland Empire farmers might just want to grow soybeans for fish

Farm bill efforts are intensifying despite seemingly long odds again this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation and other farm groups are not taking ‘no’ for an answer despite the huge election year-farm bill hurdles and a quickly closing legislative window.

AFBF Managing Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Yates.

“Farm Bureau’s a great convenor of people. Our offices are going to be stacked between now and May with Farm Bureau members from across the country—all of them will be going to the Hill.”

To bring the “grassroots” push for a farm bill and other key ag issues directly to lawmakers. But AFB’s farm bill campaign goes further.

“We have a campaign, “Farm Bill for America’s Families.” We’ve got interest from hunger, nutrition, conservation, and farm commodities, all working together to leverage one message, and that’s we need to get a farm bill done.”

And, despite different priorities, to unite the entire farm and food system behind that goal.

“From conservation, food and nutrition, agriculture, I think the one continued message is we need a farm bill, we need a good farm bill, and we need to get it done.”

The 2018 farm bill expired on October 1st and was extended one year, but its subsidies and provisions are outdated given inflation, higher interest rates, and lingering supply chain pandemic impacts.

Farm bill efforts are intensifying despite seemingly long odds again this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation and other farm groups are not taking ‘no’ for an answer despite the huge election year-farm bill hurdles and a quickly closing legislative window.AFBF Managing Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Yates.“Farm Bureau’s a great convenor of people. Our offices are going to be stacked between now and May with Farm Bureau members from across the country—all of them will be going to the Hill.”To bring the “grassroots” push for a farm bill and other key ag issues directly to lawmakers. But AFB’s farm bill campaign goes further.“We have a campaign, “Farm Bill for America’s Families.” We’ve got interest from hunger, nutrition, conservation, and farm commodities, all working together to leverage one message, and that’s we need to get a farm bill done.”And, despite different priorities, to unite the entire farm and food system behind that goal.“From conservation, food and nutrition, agriculture, I think the one continued message is we need a farm bill, we need a good farm bill, and we need to get it done.”The 2018 farm bill expired on October 1st and was extended one year, but its subsidies and provisions are outdated given inflation, higher interest rates, and lingering supply chain pandemic impacts.-NAFB

AFBF Pushes for 2024 Farm Bill Despite Long Odds

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance welcomes the launch of a USDA workforce development initiative aimed at building the next generation of conservation delivery providers.

The Working Lands Climate Corps is a promising opportunity to provide on-the-ground education and training to develop the skillset needed to address natural resource challenges. Climate Corps fellows, working with state and local organizations, will gain the skills needed to provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers who are voluntarily making climate-smart investments in their operations. FACA appreciates USDA’s commitment to building the next generation of boots on the ground but acknowledges the immediate need for more capacity today.

“We encourage USDA to continue to prioritize ongoing capacity-building and recruitment efforts,” FACA says. “These two efforts are complementary and necessary to build a robust workforce to scale conservation delivery. FACA members are united in support of climate policies that are voluntary, market-based, and scientifically sound.

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance welcomes the launch of a USDA workforce development initiative aimed at building the next generation of conservation delivery providers.The Working Lands Climate Corps is a promising opportunity to provide on-the-ground education and training to develop the skillset needed to address natural resource challenges. Climate Corps fellows, working with state and local organizations, will gain the skills needed to provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers who are voluntarily making climate-smart investments in their operations. FACA appreciates USDA’s commitment to building the next generation of boots on the ground but acknowledges the immediate need for more capacity today.“We encourage USDA to continue to prioritize ongoing capacity-building and recruitment efforts,” FACA says. “These two efforts are complementary and necessary to build a robust workforce to scale conservation delivery. FACA members are united in support of climate policies that are voluntary, market-based, and scientifically sound.-NAFB

FACA Sees Workforce Development Opportunities

In 2022, the Economic Research Service’s Eating and Health Module captured, for the first time, nationally representative data concerning the prevalence and frequency of Americans doing online grocery shopping.

The survey data revealed that nearly nine out of ten individuals aged 15 and older (87.2 percent) reported they usually grocery shopped for their household either online or in person. Of these, about two in 10 (19.3 percent) had bought groceries online at least in the past 30 days. However, the frequency of online shopping varied.

Among those who had bought groceries online in the past month, 30 percent did once, 25 percent made two online purchases, and 44 percent bought groceries online three or more times. The landscape of online grocery shopping took a big shift in 2020 because of COVID. The Food and Drug Administration says online grocery sales grew 55 percent from 2019’s $62 billion to $96 billion in 2020.

In 2022, the Economic Research Service’s Eating and Health Module captured, for the first time, nationally representative data concerning the prevalence and frequency of Americans doing online grocery shopping.The survey data revealed that nearly nine out of ten individuals aged 15 and older (87.2 percent) reported they usually grocery shopped for their household either online or in person. Of these, about two in 10 (19.3 percent) had bought groceries online at least in the past 30 days. However, the frequency of online shopping varied.Among those who had bought groceries online in the past month, 30 percent did once, 25 percent made two online purchases, and 44 percent bought groceries online three or more times. The landscape of online grocery shopping took a big shift in 2020 because of COVID. The Food and Drug Administration says online grocery sales grew 55 percent from 2019’s $62 billion to $96 billion in 2020.-NAFB

Grocery Buying Goes Online

Iowa Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are pressing the Department of Education for clarity regarding Question 22 on the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

They’re especially concerned that the way the agency chooses to ask the question will force students to list the net worth of family farms as assets. Current ambiguities could cut off farm kids from needed financial aid and make it less feasible for them to attend college.

“The question fundamentally misunderstands how the family farm operates, as the stream of revenue for crops and livestock varies significantly year-over-year, and assets cannot get cashed out to support a loan in the same capacity as traditional investments,” the senators wrote in a letter to the Education Department. “We reiterate our concern with the nature of this question and the lack of insight on how the adjusted formula will impact students from an agricultural background.”

Iowa Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are pressing the Department of Education for clarity regarding Question 22 on the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid.They’re especially concerned that the way the agency chooses to ask the question will force students to list the net worth of family farms as assets. Current ambiguities could cut off farm kids from needed financial aid and make it less feasible for them to attend college.“The question fundamentally misunderstands how the family farm operates, as the stream of revenue for crops and livestock varies significantly year-over-year, and assets cannot get cashed out to support a loan in the same capacity as traditional investments,” the senators wrote in a letter to the Education Department. “We reiterate our concern with the nature of this question and the lack of insight on how the adjusted formula will impact students from an agricultural background.”-NAFB

Questions Continue About Farm Kids and Financial Aid

USDA says in the last decade, world agricultural output grew at an average annual rate of 1.94 percent per year, far slower than the 2.74 percent growth rate over the prior decade.

That’s also below the average annual rate of 2.3 percent over the past six decades from 1961-2021. The slowdown was primarily tied to a slowing rate of growth in agricultural total factor productivity (TFP), which fell 1.4 percent per year in 2011-2021 compared to 1.93 percent per year during the previous decade. TFP measures the amount of agricultural output produced from the aggregated inputs used in the production process, including land, capital, labor, and material resources.

There are four major sources for overall growth, including bringing more land into production, extending irrigation to land, intensifying the use of capital, labor, and material inputs per unit of land, and improving TFP, reflecting the rate of technological and efficiency improvements of inputs.

USDA says in the last decade, world agricultural output grew at an average annual rate of 1.94 percent per year, far slower than the 2.74 percent growth rate over the prior decade.That’s also below the average annual rate of 2.3 percent over the past six decades from 1961-2021. The slowdown was primarily tied to a slowing rate of growth in agricultural total factor productivity (TFP), which fell 1.4 percent per year in 2011-2021 compared to 1.93 percent per year during the previous decade. TFP measures the amount of agricultural output produced from the aggregated inputs used in the production process, including land, capital, labor, and material resources.There are four major sources for overall growth, including bringing more land into production, extending irrigation to land, intensifying the use of capital, labor, and material inputs per unit of land, and improving TFP, reflecting the rate of technological and efficiency improvements of inputs.-NAFB

Growth Rate of World Ag Production Slows

McDonald’s says it met the goal of sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs in the U.S. by 2025, two years ahead of its original timeline.

The company says it’s continuing to prioritize the health and welfare of the animals in its supply chain. The improvement is in the power of the “McDonald’s System” working together towards a shared goal. As a U.S. system, McDonald’s purchased almost two billion eggs in 2023, close to six times the entire U.S. population.

“Our journey to move to sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs in the U.S. was a huge undertaking that was made uniquely possible by our owner/operators, producers, and our supply chain working together as one team,” says Bob Stewart, SVP and North American Chief Supply Chain Officer for McDonald’s. “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together and the positive impact we’ll continue to make on the path toward a more sustainable future.”

McDonald’s says it met the goal of sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs in the U.S. by 2025, two years ahead of its original timeline.The company says it’s continuing to prioritize the health and welfare of the animals in its supply chain. The improvement is in the power of the “McDonald’s System” working together towards a shared goal. As a U.S. system, McDonald’s purchased almost two billion eggs in 2023, close to six times the entire U.S. population.“Our journey to move to sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs in the U.S. was a huge undertaking that was made uniquely possible by our owner/operators, producers, and our supply chain working together as one team,” says Bob Stewart, SVP and North American Chief Supply Chain Officer for McDonald’s. “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together and the positive impact we’ll continue to make on the path toward a more sustainable future.”-NAFB

McDonald’s Hits 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs

Texas A&amp;M’s Ag and Food Policy chief Joe Outlaw, who advises both parties on the House and Senate Ag Committees, predicts a new farm bill won’t get done until the summer of 2025.

Renowned in his field, Dr. Outlaw says farm bills take months to write, pass, and enact. The shortest he’s seen, is nine months, time eaten up this year by political dysfunction and the election calendar. On a Farm Policy Facts “Groundwork” podcast.

“There’s a little bit of rumblings that they want to get it done in 2024. I don’t expect it to be done in ’24 unless something wild happens after the election, and even then, if the House or Senate flips, it’s going to be enough change that I don’t think it will happen early in ’25, either.”

He says that means later, in the summer of ’25. Not a good prospect when American Farm Bureau economists predict in a Market Intel report on USDA data the largest recorded drop in net farm income, down more than 25 percent from last year.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall is calling on Congress to bring down farming costs and pass a new farm bill. But Managing Director of Government Affairs Ryan Yates tells us.

“I think, both for the House and the Senate, there’s a great deal of distance between the chairmen and woman and ranking members that still need to be resolved.”

One example is a proposal by Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow to shift more Title I funds to crop insurance and make producers choose between the two.

“We don’t see a ‘one or the other’ type of an approach. I think that would be a mistake to have to give up one risk management program for another. I think that would be a problem.”

Democrats insist they won’t give up SNAP or climate dollars for farm programs, and House Ag Democrats just issued a memo saying so.

Texas A&amp;M’s Ag and Food Policy chief Joe Outlaw, who advises both parties on the House and Senate Ag Committees, predicts a new farm bill won’t get done until the summer of 2025.Renowned in his field, Dr. Outlaw says farm bills take months to write, pass, and enact. The shortest he’s seen, is nine months, time eaten up this year by political dysfunction and the election calendar. On a Farm Policy Facts “Groundwork” podcast.“There’s a little bit of rumblings that they want to get it done in 2024. I don’t expect it to be done in ’24 unless something wild happens after the election, and even then, if the House or Senate flips, it’s going to be enough change that I don’t think it will happen early in ’25, either.”He says that means later, in the summer of ’25. Not a good prospect when American Farm Bureau economists predict in a Market Intel report on USDA data the largest recorded drop in net farm income, down more than 25 percent from last year.AFBF President Zippy Duvall is calling on Congress to bring down farming costs and pass a new farm bill. But Managing Director of Government Affairs Ryan Yates tells us.“I think, both for the House and the Senate, there’s a great deal of distance between the chairmen and woman and ranking members that still need to be resolved.”One example is a proposal by Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow to shift more Title I funds to crop insurance and make producers choose between the two.“We don’t see a ‘one or the other’ type of an approach. I think that would be a mistake to have to give up one risk management program for another. I think that would be a problem.”Democrats insist they won’t give up SNAP or climate dollars for farm programs, and House Ag Democrats just issued a memo saying so.-NAFB

Texas A & M’s Ag Policy Chief Outlaw Predicts 2025 Farm Bill

The Environmental Protection Agency announced implementation approaches for pesticide policies under the Endangered Species Act.

Assistant Administrator Michael Freedhoff talked about the steps during a speech at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s winter policy conference. When registering pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA must also comply with the Endangered Species Act to ensure the pesticides don’t harm endangered species or their habitats.

EPA announced additional plans to address concerns about the challenge of protecting endangered species from exposure and expand its partnership with the USDA. EPA says it won’t implement the Vulnerable Species Pilot Protections for a species until a more refined map of its habitat gets developed. The agency is also working to develop new maps that better reflect where the species actually live and where protections from pesticides are needed most.

“These steps will benefit farmers and endangered species,” Freedhoff says.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced implementation approaches for pesticide policies under the Endangered Species Act.Assistant Administrator Michael Freedhoff talked about the steps during a speech at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s winter policy conference. When registering pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA must also comply with the Endangered Species Act to ensure the pesticides don’t harm endangered species or their habitats.EPA announced additional plans to address concerns about the challenge of protecting endangered species from exposure and expand its partnership with the USDA. EPA says it won’t implement the Vulnerable Species Pilot Protections for a species until a more refined map of its habitat gets developed. The agency is also working to develop new maps that better reflect where the species actually live and where protections from pesticides are needed most.“These steps will benefit farmers and endangered species,” Freedhoff says.-NAFB

EPA Outlines Potential ESA Pesticide Policies

Missouri is deciding whether to create a fund to help the state’s agriculture industry weather natural disasters, such as drought and flooding.

Governor Mike Parson’s Chief of Staff, Aaron Willard, tells the Missouri House Budget Committee that the governor’s state budget proposal includes a 3-point-five million dollar request to create the fund.

“For the last several years, we've had quite a few instances of drought, then a flooding, and of drought again. And so, this is an opportunity that usually in those cases, we come back to you all, and we ask for funding to try to address some of these issues that have popped up. And this is just an opportunity, from our perspective to say, ‘Look, we can take some of this funding, and we could actually maybe do a little bit of planning ahead,’” says Willard.

Manchester Democratic Representative Deb Lavender supports the plan, saying weather issues are going to be a problem for a while.

“So, I appreciate that opportunity to help with farmers and I do think the weather issues are going to continue to plague us for a while. I used to think we had plenty of water in Missouri. I'm not sure we do anymore,” says Lavender.

House Budget Committee Vice Chairman Dirk Deaton of Noel suggest it might well be needed, but lawmakers have to weigh the arguments for its creation carefully.

“I thought, well, if it’s just maybe for planning or, you know, would it be something necessarily needed, you know, every year and it’s kind of hard to say because it’s, you know, somewhat contingent upon if there’s a flood or a drought what it sounds like. But honestly, it’s Missouri. Right? Do we ever not have a flood or a drought somewhere,” asks Deaton.

The Parson administration argues creation of the fund would streamline aid requests and relieve state department heads from coming to the legislature to ask for disaster funding.

Aaron Willard, Parson’s Chief of Staff, tells the Missouri House Budget Committee the fund would streamline the process, allowing state departments to tap the fund, rather than go to the legislature after each natural disaster, seeking emergency funding.

&nbsp;“We have not only the droughts and the floods, but the impact just on the availability of water is a really critically important issue. If you're a row crop farmer, a lot of times you have the option for insurance. If you are a livestock farmer, you do not. This is also an opportunity to maybe plan ahead and do some things around ponds or around wells,” he says.

Missouri, along with the entire Midwest, has been dealing with drought the last couple of years. Earlier, the state got hit with flooding.

Missouri is deciding whether to create a fund to help the state’s agriculture industry weather natural disasters, such as drought and flooding.Governor Mike Parson’s Chief of Staff, Aaron Willard, tells the Missouri House Budget Committee that the governor’s state budget proposal includes a 3-point-five million dollar request to create the fund.“For the last several years, we've had quite a few instances of drought, then a flooding, and of drought again. And so, this is an opportunity that usually in those cases, we come back to you all, and we ask for funding to try to address some of these issues that have popped up. And this is just an opportunity, from our perspective to say, ‘Look, we can take some of this funding, and we could actually maybe do a little bit of planning ahead,’” says Willard.Manchester Democratic Representative Deb Lavender supports the plan, saying weather issues are going to be a problem for a while.“So, I appreciate that opportunity to help with farmers and I do think the weather issues are going to continue to plague us for a while. I used to think we had plenty of water in Missouri. I'm not sure we do anymore,” says Lavender.House Budget Committee Vice Chairman Dirk Deaton of Noel suggest it might well be needed, but lawmakers have to weigh the arguments for its creation carefully.“I thought, well, if it’s just maybe for planning or, you know, would it be something necessarily needed, you know, every year and it’s kind of hard to say because it’s, you know, somewhat contingent upon if there’s a flood or a drought what it sounds like. But honestly, it’s Missouri. Right? Do we ever not have a flood or a drought somewhere,” asks Deaton.The Parson administration argues creation of the fund would streamline aid requests and relieve state department heads from coming to the legislature to ask for disaster funding.Aaron Willard, Parson’s Chief of Staff, tells the Missouri House Budget Committee the fund would streamline the process, allowing state departments to tap the fund, rather than go to the legislature after each natural disaster, seeking emergency funding.&nbsp;“We have not only the droughts and the floods, but the impact just on the availability of water is a really critically important issue. If you're a row crop farmer, a lot of times you have the option for insurance. If you are a livestock farmer, you do not. This is also an opportunity to maybe plan ahead and do some things around ponds or around wells,” he says.Missouri, along with the entire Midwest, has been dealing with drought the last couple of years. Earlier, the state got hit with flooding.-Missourinet

An agriculture ‘resiliency’ fund? Parson wants to create one

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023.

Data shows December pork exports rose 10 percent from the prior year to 268,400 metric tons, the largest since May 2021 and the eighth-largest on record. Export value increased 11 percent to $766 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the third-highest on record. The strong December pushed 2023 export value to a record $8.16 billion, six percent higher than 2022. Export volume reached 2.91 million tons, eight percent higher year-over-year and the third-largest on record.

Beef exports closed the year on a higher note, with December totaling 108,497 million tons, down four percent year-over-year but the largest level since August. Export value was also the highest since August, climbing 10 percent over 2022 to $860.8 million. 2023 beef exports hit 1.29 million tons, 12 percent below 2022 levels.

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023.Data shows December pork exports rose 10 percent from the prior year to 268,400 metric tons, the largest since May 2021 and the eighth-largest on record. Export value increased 11 percent to $766 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the third-highest on record. The strong December pushed 2023 export value to a record $8.16 billion, six percent higher than 2022. Export volume reached 2.91 million tons, eight percent higher year-over-year and the third-largest on record.Beef exports closed the year on a higher note, with December totaling 108,497 million tons, down four percent year-over-year but the largest level since August. Export value was also the highest since August, climbing 10 percent over 2022 to $860.8 million. 2023 beef exports hit 1.29 million tons, 12 percent below 2022 levels.-NAFB

U.S. Pork Exports Set Annual Record

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA has awarded over $270 million to date through cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture to build resilience across the middle of the food supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems.

The funding is awarded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. At the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s Winter Policy Conference, Vilsack announced Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Utah, and West Virginia have now opened their Request for Applications for the program, joining 28 states that are already offering grant funding for projects that support supply chain infrastructure.

“These unprecedented investments into our nation’s supply chain infrastructure will not only benefit consumers by ensuring they have dependable access to fresh and locally produced food, but the investments will also benefit producers and rural communities by providing more and better markets for small and mid-sized producers,” he says.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA has awarded over $270 million to date through cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture to build resilience across the middle of the food supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems.The funding is awarded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. At the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s Winter Policy Conference, Vilsack announced Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Utah, and West Virginia have now opened their Request for Applications for the program, joining 28 states that are already offering grant funding for projects that support supply chain infrastructure.“These unprecedented investments into our nation’s supply chain infrastructure will not only benefit consumers by ensuring they have dependable access to fresh and locally produced food, but the investments will also benefit producers and rural communities by providing more and better markets for small and mid-sized producers,” he says.-NAFB

USDA Contributes $270 Million to Bolster Food Supply Chain

There may be a small window left this year to do a farm bill, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, but time is running out.

“It’s a challenge for sure, without a doubt.”

Ryan Yates, AFBF Managing Director of Government Affairs, talks about finding a legislative window for the farm bill as the extension is expiring October 1st.

“This spring would be ideal. I mean, we’ve got, unfortunately, we’ve got appropriations that need to be negotiated in the coming month. So, if those run smoothly, I think that could open a pathway.”

But the House and Senate’s failure to pass border security and foreign military aid bills amid GOP infighting over the party’s election-year strategy underscores how dysfunctional Congress is right now. And the clock is ticking

“The longer you go past this spring, the more difficult it is in an election year, in particular. So, I think there’s a very small window that folks are looking at for this spring, and we’re trying to be as vocal as possible to ensure that Congress knows what needs to get done.”

There may be a small window left this year to do a farm bill, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, but time is running out.“It’s a challenge for sure, without a doubt.”Ryan Yates, AFBF Managing Director of Government Affairs, talks about finding a legislative window for the farm bill as the extension is expiring October 1st.“This spring would be ideal. I mean, we’ve got, unfortunately, we’ve got appropriations that need to be negotiated in the coming month. So, if those run smoothly, I think that could open a pathway.”But the House and Senate’s failure to pass border security and foreign military aid bills amid GOP infighting over the party’s election-year strategy underscores how dysfunctional Congress is right now. And the clock is ticking“The longer you go past this spring, the more difficult it is in an election year, in particular. So, I think there’s a very small window that folks are looking at for this spring, and we’re trying to be as vocal as possible to ensure that Congress knows what needs to get done.”

Time Running Out for New Farm Bill

The Super Bowl is on Sunday and will be watched by approximately 113 million people.

Food is a big part of Super Bowl parties, and Frito-Lay’s Super Bowl Snack Index has some interesting food trends. Seventy percent of experienced hosts begin gearing up by planning meals, and 51 percent start preparations at least a week early. Three in five guests admit the promise of top-notch food is the deciding factor in which Super Bowl party they attend. It’s particularly true in 77 percent of the under-40 crowd.

Potlucks prevail as the preferred party format at 67 percent, highlighting the popularity of collaborative celebrations over host-provided fare. Salsa (27 percent), French Onion (21 percent), and Queso (20 percent) are the top three dips. While salsa steals the spotlight among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X dippers, Baby Boomers prefer French Onion.

Thirty-five percent of consumers integrate their favorite snacks into their meals.

The Super Bowl is on Sunday and will be watched by approximately 113 million people.Food is a big part of Super Bowl parties, and Frito-Lay’s Super Bowl Snack Index has some interesting food trends. Seventy percent of experienced hosts begin gearing up by planning meals, and 51 percent start preparations at least a week early. Three in five guests admit the promise of top-notch food is the deciding factor in which Super Bowl party they attend. It’s particularly true in 77 percent of the under-40 crowd.Potlucks prevail as the preferred party format at 67 percent, highlighting the popularity of collaborative celebrations over host-provided fare. Salsa (27 percent), French Onion (21 percent), and Queso (20 percent) are the top three dips. While salsa steals the spotlight among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X dippers, Baby Boomers prefer French Onion.Thirty-five percent of consumers integrate their favorite snacks into their meals.-NAFB

Favorite Super Bowl Snacks

The Energy Information Administration predicts renewable diesel production to increase by 30 percent annually in both 2024 and 2025.

In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the EIA says renewable diesel production will average approximately 230,000 barrels per day in 2024 and expand to 290,000 barrels per day in 2025. In comparison, production averaged approximately 200,000 barrels per day at the end of 2023. Renewable diesel production capacity has expanded significantly in recent years.

EIA data shows capacity was at 1.75 billion gallons a year in January 2022 and had reached 3.85 billion gallons a year by November 2023. The EIA also announced it is reducing U.S. crude oil capacity forecast by 120,000 barrels per day beginning in March. That prediction comes after Phillips 66 plans to permanently stop processing crude oil at its Rodeo refinery in California next month.

The Energy Information Administration predicts renewable diesel production to increase by 30 percent annually in both 2024 and 2025.In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the EIA says renewable diesel production will average approximately 230,000 barrels per day in 2024 and expand to 290,000 barrels per day in 2025. In comparison, production averaged approximately 200,000 barrels per day at the end of 2023. Renewable diesel production capacity has expanded significantly in recent years.EIA data shows capacity was at 1.75 billion gallons a year in January 2022 and had reached 3.85 billion gallons a year by November 2023. The EIA also announced it is reducing U.S. crude oil capacity forecast by 120,000 barrels per day beginning in March. That prediction comes after Phillips 66 plans to permanently stop processing crude oil at its Rodeo refinery in California next month.

Renewable Diesel to Expand by 30 Percent Annually

The February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates show the 2023-2024 U.S. corn outlook calling for lower food, seed, and industrial use and larger ending stocks.

Lower usage will lead to a 10 million bushel increase in ending stocks compared to last month’s report. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $4.80 a bushel. This month’s soybean outlook is for lower exports and higher ending stocks. Soybean exports are forecast at 1.72 billion bushels, down 35 million from last month. With crush unchanged, ending stocks are forecast at 315 million bushels, up 35 million from last month.

The season-average soybean price is forecast a dime lower to $12.65 per bushel. The wheat outlook is for stable supplies, lower domestic use, unchanged exports, and higher ending stocks. Projected ending stocks are up 10 million bushels to 658 million. The season-average farm price forecast is unchanged at $7.20 a bushel.

The February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates show the 2023-2024 U.S. corn outlook calling for lower food, seed, and industrial use and larger ending stocks.Lower usage will lead to a 10 million bushel increase in ending stocks compared to last month’s report. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $4.80 a bushel. This month’s soybean outlook is for lower exports and higher ending stocks. Soybean exports are forecast at 1.72 billion bushels, down 35 million from last month. With crush unchanged, ending stocks are forecast at 315 million bushels, up 35 million from last month.The season-average soybean price is forecast a dime lower to $12.65 per bushel. The wheat outlook is for stable supplies, lower domestic use, unchanged exports, and higher ending stocks. Projected ending stocks are up 10 million bushels to 658 million. The season-average farm price forecast is unchanged at $7.20 a bushel.-NAFB