The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization’s Food Price Index was 118.3 points in March, up 1.1 percent from its revised February level. The rise in prices was driven by higher price indices for vegetable oils, dairy products, and meat.

That slightly more than offset decreases in those for sugar and cereals. Before the uptick in March following a seven-month-long decline, the index was down almost 10 points from the same time last year. The biggest rise was in the Vegetable Oil Price Index, which averaged 130.6 points in March, up eight percent from February, and reached its highest average in a year.

The biggest drop was in the Sugar Price Index, which averaged 133.1 points in March, down 5.4 percent from February after two consecutive monthly increases. However, it’s still 6.1 points above its value from a year ago.

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization’s Food Price Index was 118.3 points in March, up 1.1 percent from its revised February level. The rise in prices was driven by higher price indices for vegetable oils, dairy products, and meat.That slightly more than offset decreases in those for sugar and cereals. Before the uptick in March following a seven-month-long decline, the index was down almost 10 points from the same time last year. The biggest rise was in the Vegetable Oil Price Index, which averaged 130.6 points in March, up eight percent from February, and reached its highest average in a year.The biggest drop was in the Sugar Price Index, which averaged 133.1 points in March, down 5.4 percent from February after two consecutive monthly increases. However, it’s still 6.1 points above its value from a year ago.-NAFB

Food prices halt seven-month decline

The USDA says sales of soybeans and grains to overseas buyers dropped during the week ending on March 28. Soybean sales dropped to 194,200 metric tons, down 26 percent from the previous week and 54 percent from the prior four-week average.

The report says China was the big buyer at 154,000 metric tons, followed by Egypt and the Netherlands. Exports for the week dropped 30 percent to 549,000 tons. Corn sales for export were down 21 percent from the previous week and four-week average to 948,000 tons. Japan bought 339,000 tons, followed by Mexico and Colombia.

Exports for the week reached 1.64 million tons, the highest amount since the marketing year began, and up 33 percent over the prior week. Wheat sales reached 16,000 tons, down 95 percent week-to-week and 89 percent from the four-week average. USDA said exports of wheat rose 27 percent during the week to 518,000 tons.

The USDA says sales of soybeans and grains to overseas buyers dropped during the week ending on March 28. Soybean sales dropped to 194,200 metric tons, down 26 percent from the previous week and 54 percent from the prior four-week average.The report says China was the big buyer at 154,000 metric tons, followed by Egypt and the Netherlands. Exports for the week dropped 30 percent to 549,000 tons. Corn sales for export were down 21 percent from the previous week and four-week average to 948,000 tons. Japan bought 339,000 tons, followed by Mexico and Colombia.Exports for the week reached 1.64 million tons, the highest amount since the marketing year began, and up 33 percent over the prior week. Wheat sales reached 16,000 tons, down 95 percent week-to-week and 89 percent from the four-week average. USDA said exports of wheat rose 27 percent during the week to 518,000 tons.-NAFB

Export sales down across the board

The American Farmers Network has established and implemented criteria for regeneratively raised beef standards throughout its network of family ranchers. AFN already has USDA approval to use the Regenerative Agriculture claim on its packaging for products currently being distributed throughout retail chains nationwide.

That means they’re perfectly situated to pioneer the development of comprehensive certification criteria for regenerative grass-fed beef production across the entire beef category. The collaboration between AFN and third-party certifying organizations will mark a significant step toward establishing transparent and concise certification standards for the beef industry.

Drawing from the principles of regenerative agriculture, which prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare, AFN aims to provide consumers with transparent and trustworthy meat choices. American Farmers Network says it believes better meat should be accessible to everyone. Through partnerships, AFN is hoping to incentivize more producers to adopt regenerative farming practices and nurture a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

The American Farmers Network has established and implemented criteria for regeneratively raised beef standards throughout its network of family ranchers. AFN already has USDA approval to use the Regenerative Agriculture claim on its packaging for products currently being distributed throughout retail chains nationwide.That means they’re perfectly situated to pioneer the development of comprehensive certification criteria for regenerative grass-fed beef production across the entire beef category. The collaboration between AFN and third-party certifying organizations will mark a significant step toward establishing transparent and concise certification standards for the beef industry.Drawing from the principles of regenerative agriculture, which prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare, AFN aims to provide consumers with transparent and trustworthy meat choices. American Farmers Network says it believes better meat should be accessible to everyone. Through partnerships, AFN is hoping to incentivize more producers to adopt regenerative farming practices and nurture a more sustainable agricultural landscape.-NAFB

AFN Sets criteria for regenerative beef production

The U.S. quota for low-tariff beef imports in Japan was filled by the end of February. Nikkei Asia says that’s the fastest rate since 2020. That’s not good news for Japan either. The rest of the year, beef imports are subject to higher tariffs, which means Japan will face challenges to increasing exports of its premium Wagyu beef supplies.

The import quota resets yearly on January 1. The import quota has already reached the 65,005-ton limit and closed on February 27. Brazil also shipped beef to the U.S. ahead of the new year. Because of soaring inflation, Brazil aggressively marketed its lower-cost beef.

That means Japan and Brazil appear to have used up their tariff quota in the first two months of the year, which is two months sooner than last year. The shared quota has no country or region-specific caps and is effectively a first-come, first-served system, creating intense competition.

The U.S. quota for low-tariff beef imports in Japan was filled by the end of February. Nikkei Asia says that’s the fastest rate since 2020. That’s not good news for Japan either. The rest of the year, beef imports are subject to higher tariffs, which means Japan will face challenges to increasing exports of its premium Wagyu beef supplies.The import quota resets yearly on January 1. The import quota has already reached the 65,005-ton limit and closed on February 27. Brazil also shipped beef to the U.S. ahead of the new year. Because of soaring inflation, Brazil aggressively marketed its lower-cost beef.That means Japan and Brazil appear to have used up their tariff quota in the first two months of the year, which is two months sooner than last year. The shared quota has no country or region-specific caps and is effectively a first-come, first-served system, creating intense competition.-NAFB

U.S. fills beef tariff quota in record time

The Ohio Department of Agriculture received confirmation that HPAI has now been found in an Ohio dairy herd. The state’s Department of Agriculture says it’s the first case of HPAI in an Ohio livestock operation.

The dairy operation received cows from a Texas dairy back on March 8th, which was the same dairy that later reported a confirmed HPAI detection in Texas. Ohio’s animal health officials were notified when the livestock began showing clinical signs compatible with sick, lactating dairy cows in other states. The USDA, Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and state veterinary health officials are investigating the emerging illness among dairy cattle that’s causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms.

The FDA and CDC say there is no concern about the safety of commercially pasteurized dairy products due to federal health requirements and pasteurization. The public health risk associated with HPAI remains very low.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture received confirmation that HPAI has now been found in an Ohio dairy herd. The state’s Department of Agriculture says it’s the first case of HPAI in an Ohio livestock operation.The dairy operation received cows from a Texas dairy back on March 8th, which was the same dairy that later reported a confirmed HPAI detection in Texas. Ohio’s animal health officials were notified when the livestock began showing clinical signs compatible with sick, lactating dairy cows in other states. The USDA, Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and state veterinary health officials are investigating the emerging illness among dairy cattle that’s causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms.The FDA and CDC say there is no concern about the safety of commercially pasteurized dairy products due to federal health requirements and pasteurization. The public health risk associated with HPAI remains very low.-NAFB

HPAI infection found in Ohio dairy cattle

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $1.5 billion is available in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

The USDA is accepting project proposals now through July 2 that will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis. The projects in turn can save farmers money, create new revenue streams, and increase productivity. These investments are estimated to support over 180,000 farms and over 225 million acres in the next five years.

“We had unprecedented demand for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program last year, showing the robust interest in conservation from farmers and ranchers,” Vilsack says. “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re able to invest even more this year in this important program, increasing our impact across the landscape.” NRCS will host four webinars to provide additional information.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $1.5 billion is available in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.The USDA is accepting project proposals now through July 2 that will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis. The projects in turn can save farmers money, create new revenue streams, and increase productivity. These investments are estimated to support over 180,000 farms and over 225 million acres in the next five years.“We had unprecedented demand for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program last year, showing the robust interest in conservation from farmers and ranchers,” Vilsack says. “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re able to invest even more this year in this important program, increasing our impact across the landscape.” NRCS will host four webinars to provide additional information.-NAFB

$1.5 Billion available for conservation and climate-smart ag

Fertilizer prices spiked dramatically from 2017 to 2022 and more farmers across the U.S. adopted conservation practices, the latest Ag Census data shows that total overall commercial fertilizer applications dropped and analysis of census data shows total applications by acre dropped in eight of the top 10 fertilizer-use states.

According to data collected from January 2017, to January 2022, overall fertilizer prices increased by about 141%. Anhydrous and urea prices grew by about 300% during that time. Retail fertilizer prices skyrocketed for many reasons, including COVID-19 transportation issues, global supply issues and a countervailing duty battle on phosphorus fertilizer.

The Ag Census shows there were only five states that recorded increases in fertilizer applications during the five-year period, In order they were Kansas, Montana, California, Washington and Mississippi.

Kansas ranked among the nation's top five in total applications in 2022 and was No. 1 with over three quarters of a million acre increase to about 18.9 million. To the state's credit, however, Kansas farmers led the nation in number of no-till acres added with over half a million acres in 2022.

Fertilizer prices spiked dramatically from 2017 to 2022 and more farmers across the U.S. adopted conservation practices, the latest Ag Census data shows that total overall commercial fertilizer applications dropped and analysis of census data shows total applications by acre dropped in eight of the top 10 fertilizer-use states.According to data collected from January 2017, to January 2022, overall fertilizer prices increased by about 141%. Anhydrous and urea prices grew by about 300% during that time. Retail fertilizer prices skyrocketed for many reasons, including COVID-19 transportation issues, global supply issues and a countervailing duty battle on phosphorus fertilizer.The Ag Census shows there were only five states that recorded increases in fertilizer applications during the five-year period, In order they were Kansas, Montana, California, Washington and Mississippi.Kansas ranked among the nation's top five in total applications in 2022 and was No. 1 with over three quarters of a million acre increase to about 18.9 million. To the state's credit, however, Kansas farmers led the nation in number of no-till acres added with over half a million acres in 2022.

Agriculture census data, fertilizer cost continue to rise   

Beef and pork exports of $18.1 billion in 2023 had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries. An independent study released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation quantified the returns that beef and pork exports brought to corn and soybean producers nationally and on a state-by-state level for leading corn and soybean-producing states.

Nationally, U.S. pork and beef exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 14.6 percent per bushel to the value of corn and 13.9 percent per bushel to soybeans in 2023.

Beef and pork exports of $18.1 billion in 2023 had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries. An independent study released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation quantified the returns that beef and pork exports brought to corn and soybean producers nationally and on a state-by-state level for leading corn and soybean-producing states.Nationally, U.S. pork and beef exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 14.6 percent per bushel to the value of corn and 13.9 percent per bushel to soybeans in 2023.

Beef and pork exports bring significant returns to corn, bean producers

The Missouri House of Representatives easily passed HB 2082 late last week (104-21), taking a significant step forward for Missouri Farm Bureau's mission to provide health care plans for its members. In an interview with KFEQ, Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins noted that it really boils down to making health care affordable.

Garrett says Farm Bureau has received guidance from other states success and selected the best features from those programs.

The bill now moves on to the Missouri Senate where it will align with an existing measure for passage.

The Missouri House of Representatives easily passed HB 2082 late last week (104-21), taking a significant step forward for Missouri Farm Bureau's mission to provide health care plans for its members. In an interview with KFEQ, Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins noted that it really boils down to making health care affordable.Garrett says Farm Bureau has received guidance from other states success and selected the best features from those programs.The bill now moves on to the Missouri Senate where it will align with an existing measure for passage.

Missouri Farm Bureau measure passes House vote

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A person in Texas has been diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">bird flu</a>, an infection tied to the recent discovery of the virus in dairy cows, health officials said Monday.

The patient is being treated with an antiviral drug and their only reported symptom was eye redness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-reports-first-human-case-avian-influenza-texas">Texas health officials said</a>. Health officials say the person had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, and the risk to the public remains low.

Last week, dairy cows in Kansas and Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-usda-kansas-texas-c3040bb31a9a8293717d47362f006902">were reported</a>&nbsp;to be infected with bird flu — and federal agriculture officials later confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently received cows from Texas.

Since 2020, the bird flu virus has been spreading among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">more animal species</a>&nbsp;– including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">seals</a>&nbsp;and porpoises – in scores of countries. However, the detection is U.S. livestock is an “unexpected and problematic twist,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC outbreak investigator who is now dean of the University of Nebraska’s public health college.

This bird flu was first identified as a threat to people during a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. More than 460 people have died in the past two decades from bird flu infections, according to the World Health Organization.

The vast majority of infected people got it directly from birds, but scientists have been on guard for any sign of spread among people. Their biggest concern is that the virus could mutate to spread easily among humans, something that hasn’t happened yet.

It’s only the second time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">picked it up</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.

Texas officials didn’t identify the newly infected person, nor release any details about what brought them in contact with the cows.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636037846131.jpeg" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A person in Texas has been diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bird-flu">bird flu</a>, an infection tied to the recent discovery of the virus in dairy cows, health officials said Monday.The patient is being treated with an antiviral drug and their only reported symptom was eye redness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-reports-first-human-case-avian-influenza-texas">Texas health officials said</a>. Health officials say the person had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, and the risk to the public remains low.Last week, dairy cows in Kansas and Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-usda-kansas-texas-c3040bb31a9a8293717d47362f006902">were reported</a>&nbsp;to be infected with bird flu — and federal agriculture officials later confirmed infections in a Michigan dairy herd that had recently received cows from Texas.Since 2020, the bird flu virus has been spreading among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">more animal species</a>&nbsp;– including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">seals</a>&nbsp;and porpoises – in scores of countries. However, the detection is U.S. livestock is an “unexpected and problematic twist,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC outbreak investigator who is now dean of the University of Nebraska’s public health college.This bird flu was first identified as a threat to people during a 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong. More than 460 people have died in the past two decades from bird flu infections, according to the World Health Organization.The vast majority of infected people got it directly from birds, but scientists have been on guard for any sign of spread among people. Their biggest concern is that the virus could mutate to spread easily among humans, something that hasn’t happened yet.It’s only the second time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">picked it up</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.Texas officials didn’t identify the newly infected person, nor release any details about what brought them in contact with the cows.___

First person diagnosed with bird flu after being in contact with cows

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told House Ag lawmakers recently that no matter how much Congress tries, USDA’s tracking of China’s farmland buys in the U.S. will always be wanting.

China’s U.S. farmland buys and its nefarious hacking, IP thefts of seed genetics, and data breaches have raised U.S. concerns to a fever pitch and prompted recent sanctions against CCP actors. But Secretary Vilsack warns there’s just so much USDA can do to track Beijing’s buys of U.S. farmland.

“No matter how much money you give us, it will always be imperfect for this reason: there are over three thousand county recorder offices around the country. Every county has a recorder’s office. It would require us to have a centralized database where every real estate transaction would essentially be put into a database to look at.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

But Vilsack says USDA’s moving ahead with other efforts, including on the GAO’s recommendation to work more closely with agencies linked to the Treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.

“I made a request of the Treasury Department for us to be more engaged in issues involving agribusiness, agriculture, farmland, and we have. We’ve been engaged and involved in a number of projects. We appreciate the fact that in this 2024 budget that was recently passed, it provided resources for the first time directly assisting us to expand staffing for that purpose.”&nbsp;

Vilsack says the USDA is also expanding its review of loans and tax records to identify foreign land purchases. But in another cautionary note, Vilsack says Congress directed USDA to set up a web portal for data but never provided the funds to do it.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told House Ag lawmakers recently that no matter how much Congress tries, USDA’s tracking of China’s farmland buys in the U.S. will always be wanting.China’s U.S. farmland buys and its nefarious hacking, IP thefts of seed genetics, and data breaches have raised U.S. concerns to a fever pitch and prompted recent sanctions against CCP actors. But Secretary Vilsack warns there’s just so much USDA can do to track Beijing’s buys of U.S. farmland.“No matter how much money you give us, it will always be imperfect for this reason: there are over three thousand county recorder offices around the country. Every county has a recorder’s office. It would require us to have a centralized database where every real estate transaction would essentially be put into a database to look at.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;But Vilsack says USDA’s moving ahead with other efforts, including on the GAO’s recommendation to work more closely with agencies linked to the Treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.“I made a request of the Treasury Department for us to be more engaged in issues involving agribusiness, agriculture, farmland, and we have. We’ve been engaged and involved in a number of projects. We appreciate the fact that in this 2024 budget that was recently passed, it provided resources for the first time directly assisting us to expand staffing for that purpose.”&nbsp;Vilsack says the USDA is also expanding its review of loans and tax records to identify foreign land purchases. But in another cautionary note, Vilsack says Congress directed USDA to set up a web portal for data but never provided the funds to do it.-NAFB

China farmland purchase tracking imperfect no matter what

The USDA is investing up to $22 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing land.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative until May 26, 2024. “Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, which means we have a tremendous opportunity to conserve natural resources through voluntary, private lands conservation,” says NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “NRCS enlists a wide variety of conservation practices to help livestock producers.” He also says the partnerships will help expand the footprint of conservation on grazing lands.

Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers. Projects must address one or more of several priorities, including local natural resource concerns, climate-smart ag and forestry practices, and others. For information, go to grants.gov.

The USDA is investing up to $22 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing land.The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative until May 26, 2024. “Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, which means we have a tremendous opportunity to conserve natural resources through voluntary, private lands conservation,” says NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “NRCS enlists a wide variety of conservation practices to help livestock producers.” He also says the partnerships will help expand the footprint of conservation on grazing lands.Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers. Projects must address one or more of several priorities, including local natural resource concerns, climate-smart ag and forestry practices, and others. For information, go to grants.gov.-NAFB

USDA seeks more grazing land conservation

Groups like the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, and others sent a letter on E15 to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The groups are asking Administrator Michael Regan to swiftly issue an emergency waiver for E15 sales. “New and ongoing world conflicts continue to pose risks for the U.S. energy supply,” the letter says. “In addition to the Ukraine conflict, the recent conflict in the Middle East presents additional challenges to America’s energy security.”

To remedy the disruptions in the global energy markets, stabilize gasoline prices for American consumers, and support domestic energy security, the groups urged the EPA to quickly authorize the summer sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol. ‘The consumer cost savings that result from allowing the year-round sale of E15, even temporarily, are well-established,” the groups add. “Consumers have saved 10 to 30 cents a gallon during recent waivers.”

Groups like the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, and others sent a letter on E15 to the Environmental Protection Agency.The groups are asking Administrator Michael Regan to swiftly issue an emergency waiver for E15 sales. “New and ongoing world conflicts continue to pose risks for the U.S. energy supply,” the letter says. “In addition to the Ukraine conflict, the recent conflict in the Middle East presents additional challenges to America’s energy security.”To remedy the disruptions in the global energy markets, stabilize gasoline prices for American consumers, and support domestic energy security, the groups urged the EPA to quickly authorize the summer sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol. ‘The consumer cost savings that result from allowing the year-round sale of E15, even temporarily, are well-established,” the groups add. “Consumers have saved 10 to 30 cents a gallon during recent waivers.”-NAFB

Letter asks for E15 emergency waiver

The Francis Scott Key Bridge at Baltimore collapsed this week. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says the Port of Baltimore exported over 142,000 metric tons of soybeans in 2020, the most recent data available.

“There are no reported soybean exports via bulk vessel,” he says. “The port imported 172,228 metric tons of soybeans via container and 34,000 tons of soybeans in bulk vessels.”

In contrast, the Mississippi Gulf Region, the top export region for soybeans, accounted for 35.4 million metric tons of soybeans by bulk. The top five ag products handled at the Port of Baltimore include sugar, soybeans, grain products, coffee, and grocery items.

“While it’s not a significant port region for soybeans and grain, it’s a significant resource for the broader economy,” Steenhoek adds. “It underscores the reality that the ports serving as the origins and destinations for global commerce can be vulnerable.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711636713781.jpeg" alt="In this aerial image released by the Maryland National Guard, the cargo ship Dali is stuck under part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship hit the bridge, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore. (Maryland National Guard via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this aerial image released by the Maryland National Guard, the cargo ship Dali is stuck under part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship hit the bridge, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore. (Maryland National Guard via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Francis Scott Key Bridge at Baltimore collapsed this week. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says the Port of Baltimore exported over 142,000 metric tons of soybeans in 2020, the most recent data available.“There are no reported soybean exports via bulk vessel,” he says. “The port imported 172,228 metric tons of soybeans via container and 34,000 tons of soybeans in bulk vessels.”In contrast, the Mississippi Gulf Region, the top export region for soybeans, accounted for 35.4 million metric tons of soybeans by bulk. The top five ag products handled at the Port of Baltimore include sugar, soybeans, grain products, coffee, and grocery items.“While it’s not a significant port region for soybeans and grain, it’s a significant resource for the broader economy,” Steenhoek adds. “It underscores the reality that the ports serving as the origins and destinations for global commerce can be vulnerable.”-NAFB

Baltimore bridge collapse won’t slow commodity exports

A 230-acre farm in Grundy County, Iowa, owned continually by the same family since plows first turned ground in the prairies in the 1870s, sold at a recent auction for almost four million dollars.

Successful Farming says the Iowa century farm is historically significant in the state and has some of Iowa’s highest quality cropland. More than 91 acres, or 40 percent of the land, have a perfect 100 Corn Suitability Rating (CSR2). The overall weighted average for the land is a still-high 95.2. According to Iowa State University, the average rating for the state is 68.4. Grundy County has the second-highest average of Iowa’s 99 counties at 86.9.

Before the auction, tenant Paul Koch spoke to the crowd. The third-generation farmer said the family moved onto the farm in 1929 and has farmed the land for about 94 years. “This is some of the state’s best ground,” he said.

A 230-acre farm in Grundy County, Iowa, owned continually by the same family since plows first turned ground in the prairies in the 1870s, sold at a recent auction for almost four million dollars.Successful Farming says the Iowa century farm is historically significant in the state and has some of Iowa’s highest quality cropland. More than 91 acres, or 40 percent of the land, have a perfect 100 Corn Suitability Rating (CSR2). The overall weighted average for the land is a still-high 95.2. According to Iowa State University, the average rating for the state is 68.4. Grundy County has the second-highest average of Iowa’s 99 counties at 86.9.Before the auction, tenant Paul Koch spoke to the crowd. The third-generation farmer said the family moved onto the farm in 1929 and has farmed the land for about 94 years. “This is some of the state’s best ground,” he said.-NAFB

Iowa farm goes for almost $4 Million

A farm bill in the next Congress may be easier than doing one before the election, according to some, but not all.

Top Senate Ag Republican John Boozman was asked at a recent Agri-Pulse forum if it’d be better to wait until a new Congress to do what seems nearly impossible before the November election.

“People say, ‘You don’t want to do a farm bill, you want to do it next year.’ I believe it’ll be as easy to do it this year as it is next year. So, who knows what the dynamics are going to look like then? But I do know how important this is and how important it is to give our farmers stability.”

And then, there are the naysayers like Texas A &amp; M’s renowned Ag economist Joe Outlaw who said earlier.

“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, is it going to be enough change that I don’t think it will happen early in ’25, either.”

But Senator Boozman has reason to disagree

“In the House, there are a number of districts that are in situations where Democrats are holding those districts. They’re red districts, but they do a very good job of representing their folks in those districts, and so they’re hanging on. They’re doing well. They want to get it passed. Republicans want to get it passed, I believe, to show farm country that they’re for them, and they want to do their best to make things as easy as they can for them in a very difficult situation.”

USDA predicts a more than a 25 percent drop this year in farm income on lower commodity prices and rising production costs.

A farm bill in the next Congress may be easier than doing one before the election, according to some, but not all.Top Senate Ag Republican John Boozman was asked at a recent Agri-Pulse forum if it’d be better to wait until a new Congress to do what seems nearly impossible before the November election.“People say, ‘You don’t want to do a farm bill, you want to do it next year.’ I believe it’ll be as easy to do it this year as it is next year. So, who knows what the dynamics are going to look like then? But I do know how important this is and how important it is to give our farmers stability.”And then, there are the naysayers like Texas A &amp; M’s renowned Ag economist Joe Outlaw who said earlier.“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, is it going to be enough change that I don’t think it will happen early in ’25, either.”But Senator Boozman has reason to disagree“In the House, there are a number of districts that are in situations where Democrats are holding those districts. They’re red districts, but they do a very good job of representing their folks in those districts, and so they’re hanging on. They’re doing well. They want to get it passed. Republicans want to get it passed, I believe, to show farm country that they’re for them, and they want to do their best to make things as easy as they can for them in a very difficult situation.”USDA predicts a more than a 25 percent drop this year in farm income on lower commodity prices and rising production costs.-NAFB

Post-Election Farm Bill some, not all see as easier

The USDA has authorized the release of emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres nationwide to livestock producers affected by the wildfires in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

“Many ranchers in those states impacted by the recent wildfires are in need of grazing acres and hay resources to sustain their herds while they work during the months ahead to restore their operations,” says Kelly Adkins, Texas Farm Service Agency Director. “If you have CRP acres and want to help wildfire-impacted ranchers, please contact your local FSA office. They’ll determine available emergency and non-emergency use options.”

Although the Primary Nesting Season has already started in Texas, CRP participants can continue to donate emergency grazing authority to livestock producers in need during this period in counties eligible for the Livestock Forage Program due to drought.

The USDA has authorized the release of emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres nationwide to livestock producers affected by the wildfires in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.“Many ranchers in those states impacted by the recent wildfires are in need of grazing acres and hay resources to sustain their herds while they work during the months ahead to restore their operations,” says Kelly Adkins, Texas Farm Service Agency Director. “If you have CRP acres and want to help wildfire-impacted ranchers, please contact your local FSA office. They’ll determine available emergency and non-emergency use options.”Although the Primary Nesting Season has already started in Texas, CRP participants can continue to donate emergency grazing authority to livestock producers in need during this period in counties eligible for the Livestock Forage Program due to drought.-NAFB

USDA Authorizes Emergency CRP Grazing

After HPAI was found in dairy cattle, the Meat Institute says that properly prepared beef is safe to eat and not a safety risk to humans.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA food safety experts say properly prepared beef is safe to eat,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “HPAI cannot be transmitted to humans by eating meat or poultry products.”

She also says the Meat Institute and its member companies will continue to be vigilant to aid in the efforts to stop the spread of the disease among animals in food production.

“We will support the nation’s producers working to protect their herds,” Potts adds.

The meat and poultry industries are among the most intensely regulated in the nation. Inspectors from the Food Safety and Inspection Service are present every day in meat packing plants and are trained to detect disease before and after slaughter.

After HPAI was found in dairy cattle, the Meat Institute says that properly prepared beef is safe to eat and not a safety risk to humans.“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA food safety experts say properly prepared beef is safe to eat,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “HPAI cannot be transmitted to humans by eating meat or poultry products.”She also says the Meat Institute and its member companies will continue to be vigilant to aid in the efforts to stop the spread of the disease among animals in food production.“We will support the nation’s producers working to protect their herds,” Potts adds.The meat and poultry industries are among the most intensely regulated in the nation. Inspectors from the Food Safety and Inspection Service are present every day in meat packing plants and are trained to detect disease before and after slaughter.-NAFB

Properly prepared beef is safe to eat

The USDA, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in cattle.

The agencies say the disease seems to be affecting primarily older cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico. This is the first time that HPAI has been identified as affecting dairy cattle and only the second time the virus has been detected in a ruminant animal. The commercial milk supply remains safe due to the federal animal health requirements and pasteurization.

Milk from the affected herds is not allowed to enter the milk supply. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says migratory birds are the likely source of the infection.

“At this stage, there’s no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health,” APHIS says in a news release. Federal and state agencies are moving quickly to conduct additional testing for specific HPAI strains.

The USDA, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in cattle.The agencies say the disease seems to be affecting primarily older cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico. This is the first time that HPAI has been identified as affecting dairy cattle and only the second time the virus has been detected in a ruminant animal. The commercial milk supply remains safe due to the federal animal health requirements and pasteurization.Milk from the affected herds is not allowed to enter the milk supply. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says migratory birds are the likely source of the infection.“At this stage, there’s no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health,” APHIS says in a news release. Federal and state agencies are moving quickly to conduct additional testing for specific HPAI strains.-NAFB

Avian influenza detected in some cattle herds

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an exemption for “drone-swarm” agriculture, a method of seeding and spraying crops at a fraction of the traditional cost.

Hylio, a Texas-based drone manufacturer, successfully applied for an FFA exemption to allow fleets of drones weighing 55 pounds or more to fly together. It’s the first exception of its kind for machines that carry what the company calls a “meaningful payload” and makes the process competitive with traditional tractors and seeding rigs.

“On average, you’re spending a quarter upfront on the capital cost to buy the machinery, and the operating cost is about a quarter or maybe a third of what you’d spend for the more traditional stuff,” says Arthur Erickson,

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an exemption for “drone-swarm” agriculture, a method of seeding and spraying crops at a fraction of the traditional cost.Hylio, a Texas-based drone manufacturer, successfully applied for an FFA exemption to allow fleets of drones weighing 55 pounds or more to fly together. It’s the first exception of its kind for machines that carry what the company calls a “meaningful payload” and makes the process competitive with traditional tractors and seeding rigs.“On average, you’re spending a quarter upfront on the capital cost to buy the machinery, and the operating cost is about a quarter or maybe a third of what you’d spend for the more traditional stuff,” says Arthur Erickson,

FAA clears “Drone Swarms” for agriculture

The Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Leadership Development Foundation announced a new Working Grant Program. The announcement came during the recently completed Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo.

The new TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation’s grant program will help support those starting or growing a business in ranching, beef production, or a related area supporting the beef value chain. The program will provide financial assistance and access to mentorship, educational resources, or related areas supporting the beef value chain.

“Whether it’s helping a young producer purchase their first parcel of land, enabling a veterinarian to open a large animal clinic in a rural community, or giving a generational producer the opportunity to grow their operation, these grants have the power to transform lives and revitalize our rural economies,” says TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk, Jr.

The application period for individuals in Texas and Oklahoma will open on May 1. For information, go to tscra.org.

The Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Leadership Development Foundation announced a new Working Grant Program. The announcement came during the recently completed Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo.The new TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation’s grant program will help support those starting or growing a business in ranching, beef production, or a related area supporting the beef value chain. The program will provide financial assistance and access to mentorship, educational resources, or related areas supporting the beef value chain.“Whether it’s helping a young producer purchase their first parcel of land, enabling a veterinarian to open a large animal clinic in a rural community, or giving a generational producer the opportunity to grow their operation, these grants have the power to transform lives and revitalize our rural economies,” says TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk, Jr.The application period for individuals in Texas and Oklahoma will open on May 1. For information, go to tscra.org.-NAFB

New grant program for beef producers

As lawmakers struggle to come to terms on a new farm bill, a farm state governor drove home the importance of one at a recent House Ag hearing. South Dakota Governor, farmer, and former Ag Committee member Kristi Noem was passionate in her call for a new farm bill as not just a safety net for farmers, but for the nation’s food supply.

“America decided years ago that we need to have a farm bill to ensure that every family in this country had a safe, and had an affordable food supply, that they had the ability to go to a grocery store to put food on the table for their families. And that if a farmer had a good year, he could pay his bills, but if he had a bad year, he could lose everything.”

The Republican Noem stressed a farm bill should be bipartisan but argued it wouldn’t work without boosting subsidy triggers or reference prices. an issue that’s divided the two parties over funding.

“If you don’t address the increase in reference prices and bring them up to where they should be, there is no safety net.”

That’s a big key, Noem argues, to keep farmers on the land…tape

“They’re some of the biggest gamblers in the world that I know because they bury millions of dollars in the dirt and they’re taking a chance because they really, truly do believe that producing food is a world need, and it’s a need that America needs to have, so at least give them a safety net.”

Noem concluded that having a viable farm safety net is crucial to getting producers through bad years and enabling America to feed itself instead of depending on others to feed it.

As lawmakers struggle to come to terms on a new farm bill, a farm state governor drove home the importance of one at a recent House Ag hearing. South Dakota Governor, farmer, and former Ag Committee member Kristi Noem was passionate in her call for a new farm bill as not just a safety net for farmers, but for the nation’s food supply.“America decided years ago that we need to have a farm bill to ensure that every family in this country had a safe, and had an affordable food supply, that they had the ability to go to a grocery store to put food on the table for their families. And that if a farmer had a good year, he could pay his bills, but if he had a bad year, he could lose everything.”The Republican Noem stressed a farm bill should be bipartisan but argued it wouldn’t work without boosting subsidy triggers or reference prices. an issue that’s divided the two parties over funding.“If you don’t address the increase in reference prices and bring them up to where they should be, there is no safety net.”That’s a big key, Noem argues, to keep farmers on the land…tape“They’re some of the biggest gamblers in the world that I know because they bury millions of dollars in the dirt and they’re taking a chance because they really, truly do believe that producing food is a world need, and it’s a need that America needs to have, so at least give them a safety net.”Noem concluded that having a viable farm safety net is crucial to getting producers through bad years and enabling America to feed itself instead of depending on others to feed it.-NAFB

SD Gov. Noem Stresses Importance of a Farm Bill

Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation to offer producers fairer market prices for livestock disaster assistance programs.

The Livestock Indemnity Program Improvement Act would require the Farm Service Agency to make quarterly updates to the Livestock Indemnity Program payment rates that reflect livestock market prices.

The LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers for abnormal livestock deaths caused by an eligible loss of condition, such as severe weather, disease, or animal attack. The FSA is currently required to update the payment rates annually. The bipartisan bill would make these updates more frequent to reflect a quickly-changing market.

“Ranchers often make large financial investments in their livestock and sometimes face heavy losses due to natural disasters and other circumstances out of their control,” Klobuchar says. “This will help ensure ranchers have a safety net that more accurately reflects the market value of any lost livestock.”

Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation to offer producers fairer market prices for livestock disaster assistance programs.The Livestock Indemnity Program Improvement Act would require the Farm Service Agency to make quarterly updates to the Livestock Indemnity Program payment rates that reflect livestock market prices.The LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers for abnormal livestock deaths caused by an eligible loss of condition, such as severe weather, disease, or animal attack. The FSA is currently required to update the payment rates annually. The bipartisan bill would make these updates more frequent to reflect a quickly-changing market.“Ranchers often make large financial investments in their livestock and sometimes face heavy losses due to natural disasters and other circumstances out of their control,” Klobuchar says. “This will help ensure ranchers have a safety net that more accurately reflects the market value of any lost livestock.”-NAFB

Legislation sets fairer prices for livestock assistance

American farmers might plant less corn than last year, but it will still likely be larger than what USDA previously anticipated.

That’s according to data from the March 2024 Farm Futures grower survey. Total corn and soybean acreage will likely vary minimally from last year. Growers expect to plant 92.4 million acres of corn this year, down 2.3 million acres or 2.4 percent from last year. Soybean acreage is forecast to be 2.4 million acres or 2.9 percent higher than last year’s 86 million acres.

This is almost a one-for-one tradeoff between corn and soybean acres from last year. If realized, that would bring the total corn and soybean acreage planted this year to 178.6 million acres or the third-largest combined corn-soybean acreage on record. Last year, farmers planted 178.2 million acres of corn and soybeans. Growers still anticipate USDA finding more winter wheat acres compared to last year.

American farmers might plant less corn than last year, but it will still likely be larger than what USDA previously anticipated.That’s according to data from the March 2024 Farm Futures grower survey. Total corn and soybean acreage will likely vary minimally from last year. Growers expect to plant 92.4 million acres of corn this year, down 2.3 million acres or 2.4 percent from last year. Soybean acreage is forecast to be 2.4 million acres or 2.9 percent higher than last year’s 86 million acres.This is almost a one-for-one tradeoff between corn and soybean acres from last year. If realized, that would bring the total corn and soybean acreage planted this year to 178.6 million acres or the third-largest combined corn-soybean acreage on record. Last year, farmers planted 178.2 million acres of corn and soybeans. Growers still anticipate USDA finding more winter wheat acres compared to last year.-NAFB

Farmers planting less corn, more soybeans in 2024

It laid dormant for years. Now, interest in the Missouri
low-interest loan program, called MO BUCKS, has risen along with interest
rates.

State Treasurer Vivek Malek says his office distributed $500 million
in MO BUCKS loans last year, hit the state cap and closed. It re-opened January
2nd with $120 million available.

“I was hoping that it would be open for at least for two
weeks, but to our own surprise, we received enough applications to close the
program again within six hours,” Malek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Malek says how swiftly the $120 million was snapped up shocked
him.

“All the $120 million was called for within six hours,” Malek
says. “So that shows how huge the demand is for the MO BUCKS program,
especially in the farming community and the small business community.”

Malek says demand rose from farmers seeking low-interest loans
to cope with the financial impact of the lingering drought in parts of
Missouri.

Malek has asked the state legislature to expand the program by
$400 million. The current cap is $800 million.

“That may not be enough, but we hope that the feds will bring
down the rates and that will probably ease the demand a little bit.”

MO BUCKS was created during the recession of the 1980s, a
recession that drove up interest rates and hit the rural economy hard. It
became a lifeline for farmers and small business owners.

The Federal Reserve has moved over the years to reduced
interest rates to stimulate the economy. The Fed took a different tack as
inflation returned, raising rates in an effort to bring inflation down. In
between the high-interest rates of the 80s and the low interest rates of the
past few years, the MO BUCKS program went into hibernation. Few remember it.
Malek says that even among bankers the program had been forgotten.

“There’s not much education on MO BUCKS. We don’t have a
marketing budget for MO BUCKS,” Malek explains. “So, I toured about 45
counties, rural counties especially, last fall, talking to chambers of
commerce, talking to officials, (in) courthouses, different media houses to
kind of alleviate and bring that education up with folks that, hey, there is a
way that can help you during these high-interest times and we can help.”

The MO BUCKS program provides interest rates approximately 30%
below the market rate. About 40% of the loans go to farmers with 60% to small
businesses.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt laid dormant for years. Now, interest in the Missouri
low-interest loan program, called MO BUCKS, has risen along with interest
rates.State Treasurer Vivek Malek says his office distributed $500 million
in MO BUCKS loans last year, hit the state cap and closed. It re-opened January
2nd with $120 million available.“I was hoping that it would be open for at least for two
weeks, but to our own surprise, we received enough applications to close the
program again within six hours,” Malek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Malek says how swiftly the $120 million was snapped up shocked
him.“All the $120 million was called for within six hours,” Malek
says. “So that shows how huge the demand is for the MO BUCKS program,
especially in the farming community and the small business community.”Malek says demand rose from farmers seeking low-interest loans
to cope with the financial impact of the lingering drought in parts of
Missouri.Malek has asked the state legislature to expand the program by
$400 million. The current cap is $800 million.“That may not be enough, but we hope that the feds will bring
down the rates and that will probably ease the demand a little bit.”MO BUCKS was created during the recession of the 1980s, a
recession that drove up interest rates and hit the rural economy hard. It
became a lifeline for farmers and small business owners.The Federal Reserve has moved over the years to reduced
interest rates to stimulate the economy. The Fed took a different tack as
inflation returned, raising rates in an effort to bring inflation down. In
between the high-interest rates of the 80s and the low interest rates of the
past few years, the MO BUCKS program went into hibernation. Few remember it.
Malek says that even among bankers the program had been forgotten.“There’s not much education on MO BUCKS. We don’t have a
marketing budget for MO BUCKS,” Malek explains. “So, I toured about 45
counties, rural counties especially, last fall, talking to chambers of
commerce, talking to officials, (in) courthouses, different media houses to
kind of alleviate and bring that education up with folks that, hey, there is a
way that can help you during these high-interest times and we can help.”The MO BUCKS program provides interest rates approximately 30%
below the market rate. About 40% of the loans go to farmers with 60% to small
businesses.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.