USDA announced the Emergency Relief Program for 2022, ten months after the funding was initially signed into law. But the National Sorghum Producers say there are two major flaws in the program that make it a disaster in itself. 

First, USDA established a “progressive” payment factor to fit total payments within a budget that will severely harm full-time farm families. NSP says the “progressive” requirement will actually cut deepest on those who faced the largest losses. Second, although the law requires producer-paid premiums to be netted out for all producers, USDA’s new ERP only nets out such premiums for “underserved” farmers. 

The organization says the progressive aspect of the payments is no more than a “backdoor pay limit” that violates both Congressional intent and the letter of the law. They point out that structuring payments this way will cause immense harm to full-time farm families now and in the future.

USDA announced the Emergency Relief Program for 2022, ten months after the funding was initially signed into law. But the National Sorghum Producers say there are two major flaws in the program that make it a disaster in itself. First, USDA established a “progressive” payment factor to fit total payments within a budget that will severely harm full-time farm families. NSP says the “progressive” requirement will actually cut deepest on those who faced the largest losses. Second, although the law requires producer-paid premiums to be netted out for all producers, USDA’s new ERP only nets out such premiums for “underserved” farmers. The organization says the progressive aspect of the payments is no more than a “backdoor pay limit” that violates both Congressional intent and the letter of the law. They point out that structuring payments this way will cause immense harm to full-time farm families now and in the future.- NAFB

USDA relief program hurts larger farmers

The 2023-2024 National FFA Officer team was elected during the final session of the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. The new officer team was picked from 35 candidates and will lead the organization during the next year. 

Amara Jackson of Michigan is the new national president. Grant Norfleet of Missouri is the National Secretary. The new regional vice presidents come from Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and New Mexico. Each year during the national convention, six student members are elected by delegates to represent the organization as national officers. 

Through their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government officials, education officials, the general public, and others. The team will also lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and set policies that help guide the future of the FFA and its members.

The 2023-2024 National FFA Officer team was elected during the final session of the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. The new officer team was picked from 35 candidates and will lead the organization during the next year. Amara Jackson of Michigan is the new national president. Grant Norfleet of Missouri is the National Secretary. The new regional vice presidents come from Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and New Mexico. Each year during the national convention, six student members are elected by delegates to represent the organization as national officers. Through their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government officials, education officials, the general public, and others. The team will also lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and set policies that help guide the future of the FFA and its members.- NAFB

New national FFA officer team in place

A University of Illinois FarmDoc report says China’s soybean imports are likely to stay high through the fourth quarter of this year, taking 2023 purchases to an all-time record. However, lackluster demand from hog farms is seen as reducing soybean purchases in early 2024. 

Traders and industry analysts say record Brazilian soybean supplies are expected to dominate China’s imports in the last three months of this year, citing better oil and meal quality. That will reduce demand for U.S. cargoes in the world’s biggest market for the oilseed. The larger share of Brazilian soybeans in China’s import basket is likely to add pressure on benchmark Chicago futures, which slumped almost 15 percent this year, snapping a four-year rally.

 The report says, “Typically, freshly harvested U.S. soybeans dominate the global export market after September as Brazil’s export season winds down.” But this year, China’s purchases from the U.S. are well below normal.

A University of Illinois FarmDoc report says China’s soybean imports are likely to stay high through the fourth quarter of this year, taking 2023 purchases to an all-time record. However, lackluster demand from hog farms is seen as reducing soybean purchases in early 2024. Traders and industry analysts say record Brazilian soybean supplies are expected to dominate China’s imports in the last three months of this year, citing better oil and meal quality. That will reduce demand for U.S. cargoes in the world’s biggest market for the oilseed. The larger share of Brazilian soybeans in China’s import basket is likely to add pressure on benchmark Chicago futures, which slumped almost 15 percent this year, snapping a four-year rally. The report says, “Typically, freshly harvested U.S. soybeans dominate the global export market after September as Brazil’s export season winds down.” But this year, China’s purchases from the U.S. are well below normal.- NAFB

China importing a lot of soybeans in 2023

Foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land is a big topic. USDA’s latest research, based on 2021 data, shows over 40 million acres of American agricultural land are owned by foreign investors and companies. 

This corresponds to 3.1 percent of all privately-held agricultural land and 1.8 percent of all land in the U.S. Canadian investors own the largest portion of foreign-held agricultural land with 31 percent, or 12.8 million acres of the total, and 0.97 percent of all U.S. agricultural land. Many of the current concerns center around China. 

According to the latest data, China is ranked 18th in ownership of U.S. agricultural land with 383,000 acres. That’s less than one percent of total foreign-owned U.S. ag land and only three-hundredths of one percent of all ag land in the U.S. It reflects a total area of about one-third the size of Rhode Island or that of an average Ohio county.

Foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land is a big topic. USDA’s latest research, based on 2021 data, shows over 40 million acres of American agricultural land are owned by foreign investors and companies. This corresponds to 3.1 percent of all privately-held agricultural land and 1.8 percent of all land in the U.S. Canadian investors own the largest portion of foreign-held agricultural land with 31 percent, or 12.8 million acres of the total, and 0.97 percent of all U.S. agricultural land. Many of the current concerns center around China. According to the latest data, China is ranked 18th in ownership of U.S. agricultural land with 383,000 acres. That’s less than one percent of total foreign-owned U.S. ag land and only three-hundredths of one percent of all ag land in the U.S. It reflects a total area of about one-third the size of Rhode Island or that of an average Ohio county.- NAFB

Foreign investment in U.S. ag land

The U.S. Commerce Department announced it is lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from 19.97 percent to 2.12 percent.

 The decision came after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively examining the price of shipments and other factors. The National Corn Growers Association, a long-time vocal opponent of the duties, called it a big win for corn growers. 

The U.S. Commerce Department announced it is lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from 19.97 percent to 2.12 percent. The decision came after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively examining the price of shipments and other factors. The National Corn Growers Association, a long-time vocal opponent of the duties, called it a big win for corn growers.

Commerce Department lowers duties on fertilizers

A University of Illinois Farmdoc report says China is set to import “record volumes” of wheat this year. Industry sources say rain damage to China’s wheat crop and subsequent worries over dry weather in exporting nations are driving Beijing’s appetite to buy while prices are low. 

Traders also say China’s frantic wheat buying is likely to support global prices, which have dropped more than a quarter through this year due to abundant supplies from Russia, the world’s top exporter. Overall, China’s 2023 imports are likely to reach 12 million tons, topping the previous year’s record of 9.96 million tons, with the avid buying expected to continue into 2024. 

Industry traders also say Beijing’s recent large purchases of Australian wheat could force rival importers such as Indonesia and Japan to seek alternatives from North America and the Black Sea region. China was the fifth-largest importer of U.S. wheat in Marketing Year 2022-2023.

A University of Illinois Farmdoc report says China is set to import “record volumes” of wheat this year. Industry sources say rain damage to China’s wheat crop and subsequent worries over dry weather in exporting nations are driving Beijing’s appetite to buy while prices are low. Traders also say China’s frantic wheat buying is likely to support global prices, which have dropped more than a quarter through this year due to abundant supplies from Russia, the world’s top exporter. Overall, China’s 2023 imports are likely to reach 12 million tons, topping the previous year’s record of 9.96 million tons, with the avid buying expected to continue into 2024. Industry traders also say Beijing’s recent large purchases of Australian wheat could force rival importers such as Indonesia and Japan to seek alternatives from North America and the Black Sea region. China was the fifth-largest importer of U.S. wheat in Marketing Year 2022-2023.- NAFB

China set to import record amount of wheat

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has a marketing initiative involving aptly-named Iowa State football players. The campaign is called “Purchase Moore Hamman Bacon.” The Cyclone players are Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamman, and Caleb Bacon.

 The Iowa Pork Producers original social media post featured a photo of the players with their backs to the camera showing the last names on their jerseys, and several pounds of bacon and ham were pictured on a table behind them. The post has been viewed on X (formerly Twitter) more than 2.6 million times. 

“We’re overjoyed at the success of the ’Purchase Moore Hamman Bacon’ campaign,” says Iowa Pork Producers President Trish Cook. “We had hoped it would go viral, and it did in a big way.” The association will donate $4,000 worth of pork to pantries in each player’s hometown. The future of the promotion includes the addition of linebacker Alex Cook.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association has a marketing initiative involving aptly-named Iowa State football players. The campaign is called “Purchase Moore Hamman Bacon.” The Cyclone players are Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamman, and Caleb Bacon. The Iowa Pork Producers original social media post featured a photo of the players with their backs to the camera showing the last names on their jerseys, and several pounds of bacon and ham were pictured on a table behind them. The post has been viewed on X (formerly Twitter) more than 2.6 million times. “We’re overjoyed at the success of the ’Purchase Moore Hamman Bacon’ campaign,” says Iowa Pork Producers President Trish Cook. “We had hoped it would go viral, and it did in a big way.” The association will donate $4,000 worth of pork to pantries in each player’s hometown. The future of the promotion includes the addition of linebacker Alex Cook.- NAFB

Iowa pork campaign involves Iowa State football players

The Iowa Corn Growers Association developed language they’d like added to the upcoming farm bill that would review competition and transparency in the fertilizer industry. 

The language would mandate a USDA assessment of the pricing practices used by fertilizer companies and the effects of the price increase on both farmers and consumers. The association points out that input costs for farmers have gone up drastically and are crucial topics at the grassroots level. This assessment would provide transparency in the fertilizer market and help farmers understand why these price increases keep occurring. 

Jolene Riessen, president of the ICGA, says, “We’re hopeful with the support of our Iowa delegation that this language will make it into the next farm bill, as it would provide USDA with the framework to start a comprehensive study and review of the fertilizer industry.” The study would paint a clearer picture of what’s happening in the industry.

The Iowa Corn Growers Association developed language they’d like added to the upcoming farm bill that would review competition and transparency in the fertilizer industry. The language would mandate a USDA assessment of the pricing practices used by fertilizer companies and the effects of the price increase on both farmers and consumers. The association points out that input costs for farmers have gone up drastically and are crucial topics at the grassroots level. This assessment would provide transparency in the fertilizer market and help farmers understand why these price increases keep occurring. Jolene Riessen, president of the ICGA, says, “We’re hopeful with the support of our Iowa delegation that this language will make it into the next farm bill, as it would provide USDA with the framework to start a comprehensive study and review of the fertilizer industry.” The study would paint a clearer picture of what’s happening in the industry.- NAFB

Corn growers support fertilizer industry transparency

The 2023 Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size at ten million square miles on September 21, which ranks as the 16th largest since 1979, according to annual satellite and balloon-based measurements made by NOAA and NASA. 

During the peak of the ozone depletion season from September 7 to October 13, the hole this year averaged 8.9 million square miles, approximately the size of North America. Paul Newman of NASA says, "It's a very modest ozone hole," adding, "Declining levels of human-produced chlorine compounds, along with help from active Antarctic stratospheric weather slightly improved ozone levels this year." 

The ozone layer acts like Earth's natural sunscreen, as this portion of the stratosphere shields our planet from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Every September, the ozone layer thins to form an “ozone hole” above the Antarctic continent. NOAA and NASA researchers monitor the ozone layer over the pole and globally using instruments aboard NASA's Aura, NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP and NOAA-20 satellites.

The 2023 Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size at ten million square miles on September 21, which ranks as the 16th largest since 1979, according to annual satellite and balloon-based measurements made by NOAA and NASA. During the peak of the ozone depletion season from September 7 to October 13, the hole this year averaged 8.9 million square miles, approximately the size of North America. Paul Newman of NASA says, "It's a very modest ozone hole," adding, "Declining levels of human-produced chlorine compounds, along with help from active Antarctic stratospheric weather slightly improved ozone levels this year." The ozone layer acts like Earth's natural sunscreen, as this portion of the stratosphere shields our planet from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Every September, the ozone layer thins to form an “ozone hole” above the Antarctic continent. NOAA and NASA researchers monitor the ozone layer over the pole and globally using instruments aboard NASA's Aura, NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP and NOAA-20 satellites.- NAFB

2023 ozone hole ranks 16th largest on record

The CropLife America Board of Directors is opening the search for the organization's next president and Chief Executive Officer. CropLife America is the national trade association representing the manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. 

The president and CEO will be important in maintaining and enhancing existing member relationships. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in a regulated industry, and advocacy with a broad array of stakeholders, including elected officials and regulators at both the federal and state level. The organization's members are deeply committed to their businesses, and the CEO must demonstrate a shared belief in and commitment to furthering the interests of the industry. 

The Board retained Kincannon &amp; Reed to help guide the nationwide search process. CropLife America parted ways with former CEO Chris Novak in September. A statement from CropLife America at the time said, "Thee entire CLA Board of Directors thank Chris for his service to the organization over the past five years.”

The CropLife America Board of Directors is opening the search for the organization's next president and Chief Executive Officer. CropLife America is the national trade association representing the manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. The president and CEO will be important in maintaining and enhancing existing member relationships. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in a regulated industry, and advocacy with a broad array of stakeholders, including elected officials and regulators at both the federal and state level. The organization's members are deeply committed to their businesses, and the CEO must demonstrate a shared belief in and commitment to furthering the interests of the industry. The Board retained Kincannon &amp; Reed to help guide the nationwide search process. CropLife America parted ways with former CEO Chris Novak in September. A statement from CropLife America at the time said, "Thee entire CLA Board of Directors thank Chris for his service to the organization over the past five years.”- NAFB

CropLife America announces CEO search

A delegation of trade officials from the U.S. Trade Representative's office will participate in the seventh in-person negotiating round of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. 

The negotiations are planned for November 5-12, 2023, in San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, the IPEF partners will continue to make progress on negotiations towards high-standard outcomes under the pillars of trade, clean economy and fair economy. The U.S. interagency delegation will be co-led by Sarah Ellerman, IPEF Pillar Assistant United States Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and Sharon H. Yuan, U.S. Department of Commerce Counselor.

 The framework will offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit workers and consumers across the region, according to USTR. The first negotiating round was held in Brisbane, Australia, in December of last year, with other rounds taking place earlier this year.

A delegation of trade officials from the U.S. Trade Representative's office will participate in the seventh in-person negotiating round of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. The negotiations are planned for November 5-12, 2023, in San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, the IPEF partners will continue to make progress on negotiations towards high-standard outcomes under the pillars of trade, clean economy and fair economy. The U.S. interagency delegation will be co-led by Sarah Ellerman, IPEF Pillar Assistant United States Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and Sharon H. Yuan, U.S. Department of Commerce Counselor. The framework will offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit workers and consumers across the region, according to USTR. The first negotiating round was held in Brisbane, Australia, in December of last year, with other rounds taking place earlier this year.- NAFB

US to participate in next Indo-Pacific framework negotiating round

USDA's latest monthly Egg Products report shows shell eggs broken is down one percent from last year. Released this week by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the report tracks eggs cracked by processors for egg products, including liquid whole egg, liquid whites, liquid yolk, and dried product. 

Shell eggs broken totaled 198 million dozen during July 2022, down one percent from July a year ago, and two percent below the 202 million dozen broken during the previous month. During calendar year 2022 through July, shell eggs broken totaled 1.38 billion dozen, up six percent from the comparable period in 2021.

 To date, cumulative total edible product from eggs broken in 2022 was 1.76 billion pounds, up six percent from 2021. Meanwhile, overall demand for shell eggs is mixed with most interest from marketers looking to build their stocks in anticipation of increased consumer demand into early November and the start of the Thanksgiving demand season for baking.

USDA's latest monthly Egg Products report shows shell eggs broken is down one percent from last year. Released this week by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the report tracks eggs cracked by processors for egg products, including liquid whole egg, liquid whites, liquid yolk, and dried product. Shell eggs broken totaled 198 million dozen during July 2022, down one percent from July a year ago, and two percent below the 202 million dozen broken during the previous month. During calendar year 2022 through July, shell eggs broken totaled 1.38 billion dozen, up six percent from the comparable period in 2021. To date, cumulative total edible product from eggs broken in 2022 was 1.76 billion pounds, up six percent from 2021. Meanwhile, overall demand for shell eggs is mixed with most interest from marketers looking to build their stocks in anticipation of increased consumer demand into early November and the start of the Thanksgiving demand season for baking.- NAFB

Shell eggs broken down 1% from last year

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service Tuesday awarded more than $32 million for 98 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems. The funding will be distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program's Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs and the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program. 

USDA Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt says, "These grant programs support local and regional food producers by broadening marketing opportunities, such as farmers markets, local food hubs, and farm-to-institution programs." This year, the Farmers Market Promotion Program is funding 55 projects that support producer-to-consumer markets, such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture programs, and online sales. 

Through the Local Agriculture Market Program's Farmers Market, 33 projects have been funded to support local and regional food businesses that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing. Through the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program, funds will support ten partnerships across eight states and the District of Columbia.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service Tuesday awarded more than $32 million for 98 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems. The funding will be distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program's Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs and the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program. USDA Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt says, "These grant programs support local and regional food producers by broadening marketing opportunities, such as farmers markets, local food hubs, and farm-to-institution programs." This year, the Farmers Market Promotion Program is funding 55 projects that support producer-to-consumer markets, such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture programs, and online sales. Through the Local Agriculture Market Program's Farmers Market, 33 projects have been funded to support local and regional food businesses that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing. Through the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program, funds will support ten partnerships across eight states and the District of Columbia.- NAFB

New grants to strengthen local and regional food systems

Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives are urging the new speaker to pass a farm bill. In a letter last week to Speaker Mike Johnson, a group of 61 members told the speaker, “We urge you and the Conference at-large to be united in ensuring swift passage of a strong Farm Bill.” 

The letter notes that more than 92 percent of the nation’s planted acres are represented by Republican Members. Moreover, in 2022, the food and agriculture sectors contributed $7.4 trillion in economic activity, creating 43 million jobs, $2.3 trillion in wages, $718 billion in tax revenue, and $183 billion in exports, stemming from direct, indirect, and induced output. 

Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives are urging the new speaker to pass a farm bill. In a letter last week to Speaker Mike Johnson, a group of 61 members told the speaker, “We urge you and the Conference at-large to be united in ensuring swift passage of a strong Farm Bill.” The letter notes that more than 92 percent of the nation’s planted acres are represented by Republican Members. Moreover, in 2022, the food and agriculture sectors contributed $7.4 trillion in economic activity, creating 43 million jobs, $2.3 trillion in wages, $718 billion in tax revenue, and $183 billion in exports, stemming from direct, indirect, and induced output.

House republican members urge swift farm bill passage

Farm groups like Competitive Markets Action, the Organization for Competitive Markets, R-CALF USA, and others applauded seven new sponsors of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act. 

The groups say the OFF Act would restore accountability and transparency to agricultural checkoff programs. In total, the OFF Act now has more bipartisan support than in any previous Congress, including 15 co-sponsors in the House and six in the Senate. “The OFF Act is backed by more than 20,000 American family farmers who are sick and tired of seeing their own checkoff dollars put farmers out of business,” says Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC). 

The groups say recent debate over the 2024 Ag Appropriations Bill has increased interest in oversight of the 22 government-mandated checkoff programs. They have long been plagued by accusations of corruption and misuse of funds. They also say the new bill sponsors show that momentum is rising for their reform.

Farm groups like Competitive Markets Action, the Organization for Competitive Markets, R-CALF USA, and others applauded seven new sponsors of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act. The groups say the OFF Act would restore accountability and transparency to agricultural checkoff programs. In total, the OFF Act now has more bipartisan support than in any previous Congress, including 15 co-sponsors in the House and six in the Senate. “The OFF Act is backed by more than 20,000 American family farmers who are sick and tired of seeing their own checkoff dollars put farmers out of business,” says Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC). The groups say recent debate over the 2024 Ag Appropriations Bill has increased interest in oversight of the 22 government-mandated checkoff programs. They have long been plagued by accusations of corruption and misuse of funds. They also say the new bill sponsors show that momentum is rising for their reform.- NAFB

Farm groups applaud more OFF Act sponsors

Agri-food leaders around the world believe the industry can work together to create a better, more sustainable food system. That’s according to the Alltech Sustainability Insights report. “Our goal was to listen to the voices of our industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious, and genuinely impactful,” says Tara McCarthy, global vice president of EST at Alltech. 

Some of the findings include four out of five respondents agreeing that climate change will make food production more difficult, but perspectives differ across regions. 

Most respondents agree that regulation is putting pressure on all areas of the supply chain. “Our industry is navigating extraordinary times, but the opportunities for positive impact are even more unprecedented,” says Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Imagine the possibilities of working toward shared goals of providing nutrition for all, revitalizing economies, and replenishing our natural resources.”

Agri-food leaders around the world believe the industry can work together to create a better, more sustainable food system. That’s according to the Alltech Sustainability Insights report. “Our goal was to listen to the voices of our industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious, and genuinely impactful,” says Tara McCarthy, global vice president of EST at Alltech. Some of the findings include four out of five respondents agreeing that climate change will make food production more difficult, but perspectives differ across regions. Most respondents agree that regulation is putting pressure on all areas of the supply chain. “Our industry is navigating extraordinary times, but the opportunities for positive impact are even more unprecedented,” says Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Imagine the possibilities of working toward shared goals of providing nutrition for all, revitalizing economies, and replenishing our natural resources.”- NAFB

Alltech survey finds optimism regarding sustainable food system

Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are calling on the Department of Commerce to lower the countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. 

The push comes from the Court of International Trade’s recent remand of DOC’s subsidy calculation. “We ask that Commerce carefully consider and follow the Court’s decision in Commerce’s recalculation of the subsidy amount, both in its final determination in the investigation and its administrative review,” the Iowa delegation said in a letter. “Reducing the subsidy rate would provide welcome relief for U.S. farm suppliers and their customers, who are America’s family farmers.” 

Grassley and his colleagues cited promising preliminary findings from the DOC on potentially reducing the subsidy rate by about 5.5 percent. Since the Biden administration boosted duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizers, their supply across the U.S. has dropped, placing an undue financial burden on farmers. The move drove already high input costs up even further.

Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are calling on the Department of Commerce to lower the countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. The push comes from the Court of International Trade’s recent remand of DOC’s subsidy calculation. “We ask that Commerce carefully consider and follow the Court’s decision in Commerce’s recalculation of the subsidy amount, both in its final determination in the investigation and its administrative review,” the Iowa delegation said in a letter. “Reducing the subsidy rate would provide welcome relief for U.S. farm suppliers and their customers, who are America’s family farmers.” Grassley and his colleagues cited promising preliminary findings from the DOC on potentially reducing the subsidy rate by about 5.5 percent. Since the Biden administration boosted duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizers, their supply across the U.S. has dropped, placing an undue financial burden on farmers. The move drove already high input costs up even further.- NAFB

Iowa delegation wants reduction on fertilizer duties

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards final rule. USDA says the new rule establishes clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products, while providing consumers with more transparency about their purchases. 

Vilsack says, "USDA is creating a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system." Strong interest from consumers and the organic industry drove the change. USDA encouraged the public to comment, and USDA received more than 40,000 written comments, all of which were carefully reviewed to inform drafting of this final rule. 

USDA also held a listening session in August 2022 to hear public comments on the proposed rule. The final rule outlines standards for six key areas, including outdoor space requirements, indoor and outdoor living conditions, poultry stocking densities, preventative health care, physical alterations, and transport, handling and slaughter.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards final rule. USDA says the new rule establishes clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products, while providing consumers with more transparency about their purchases. Vilsack says, "USDA is creating a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system." Strong interest from consumers and the organic industry drove the change. USDA encouraged the public to comment, and USDA received more than 40,000 written comments, all of which were carefully reviewed to inform drafting of this final rule. USDA also held a listening session in August 2022 to hear public comments on the proposed rule. The final rule outlines standards for six key areas, including outdoor space requirements, indoor and outdoor living conditions, poultry stocking densities, preventative health care, physical alterations, and transport, handling and slaughter.- NAFB

USDA publishes new organic livestock and poultry standards

Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced legislation to support organic dairy farmers and help them address economic challenges like feed shortages and increased costs. 

The Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act of 2023 will increase investments in the organic dairy industry to ensure resiliency and longevity and works to improve data collection for organic milk production to enhance price accuracy and transparency. The Wisconsin Democrat says, "In the face of recent headwinds, I'm committed to delivering the support our dairies need to keep their operations open for generations to come." 

The legislation would extend emergency assistance to organic dairy farmers facing losses and invest $25 million annually in dairy infrastructure investments. Additionally, the bill directs USDA to the viability of an organic safety net program, which would get aid to farmers faster when disasters hit in the future. Known as the O DAIRY Act of 2023, the bill has broad support from the organic dairy industry, including the Organic Farmers Association.

Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced legislation to support organic dairy farmers and help them address economic challenges like feed shortages and increased costs. The Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act of 2023 will increase investments in the organic dairy industry to ensure resiliency and longevity and works to improve data collection for organic milk production to enhance price accuracy and transparency. The Wisconsin Democrat says, "In the face of recent headwinds, I'm committed to delivering the support our dairies need to keep their operations open for generations to come." The legislation would extend emergency assistance to organic dairy farmers facing losses and invest $25 million annually in dairy infrastructure investments. Additionally, the bill directs USDA to the viability of an organic safety net program, which would get aid to farmers faster when disasters hit in the future. Known as the O DAIRY Act of 2023, the bill has broad support from the organic dairy industry, including the Organic Farmers Association.- NAFB

Bill to support organic dairy farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall welcomed the election of Representative Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, to be Speaker of the House. Johnson was the fourth Republican nominee for the post following the ousting of former speaker Kevin McCarthy. 

Duvall of AFBF says, "Speaker Johnson has a strong history of supporting America's farmers and ranchers, which has earned him the 'Friend of Farm Bureau' award multiple times." Johnson represents Louisiana's 4th&nbsp;Congressional district, encompassing much of the state's western half, and was first elected to Congress in 2016. 

Johnson calls the election an "honor of a lifetime" while proclaiming, "We will restore trust in this body.” Duvall of Farm Bureau adds,” America’s families are relying on Speaker Johnson, and Congress, to focus on pressing needs, including completion of fiscal year 2024 appropriations and passage of a farm bill."

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall welcomed the election of Representative Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, to be Speaker of the House. Johnson was the fourth Republican nominee for the post following the ousting of former speaker Kevin McCarthy. Duvall of AFBF says, "Speaker Johnson has a strong history of supporting America's farmers and ranchers, which has earned him the 'Friend of Farm Bureau' award multiple times." Johnson represents Louisiana's 4th&nbsp;Congressional district, encompassing much of the state's western half, and was first elected to Congress in 2016. Johnson calls the election an "honor of a lifetime" while proclaiming, "We will restore trust in this body.” Duvall of Farm Bureau adds,” America’s families are relying on Speaker Johnson, and Congress, to focus on pressing needs, including completion of fiscal year 2024 appropriations and passage of a farm bill."- NAFB

AFBF congratulates Johnson on speaker election

FFA members and supporters from across the country will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education next week at the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. The time-honored tradition will take place November 1-4. 

Over 65,000 FFA members from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to attend. The general sessions will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Convention events begin on the first day when Expo attendees can explore various career pathways in agriculture and attend leadership workshops. FFA members and advisors can also take their skills to the next level in student and teacher workshops. They’ll hear from industry leaders, motivational speakers, and many other guests. 

FFA members and supporters from across the country will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education next week at the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. The time-honored tradition will take place November 1-4. Over 65,000 FFA members from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to attend. The general sessions will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Convention events begin on the first day when Expo attendees can explore various career pathways in agriculture and attend leadership workshops. FFA members and advisors can also take their skills to the next level in student and teacher workshops. They’ll hear from industry leaders, motivational speakers, and many other guests.

Student leaders prepping for national FFA convention

The Iowa Ag Department and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed two positive cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 

One of the sites is a commercial turkey flock, and the other is a mixed species backyard flock. Both agencies remind commercial and backyard owners to prevent contact between their flocks and all wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds must be reported to state and federal officials. Other indications may include lethargy or no appetite, decreasing egg production - soft, thin-shelled, or misshapen eggs - swelling in the head or eyelid area, difficulty breathing or coughing, sneezing, falling down, and diarrhea. 

If a producer in any state suspects HPAI in a flock, they should contact their veterinarian immediately and their state ag department. The CDC says the recent viral detection in birds doesn’t pose a public health concern, and it’s safe to eat poultry products.

The Iowa Ag Department and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed two positive cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. One of the sites is a commercial turkey flock, and the other is a mixed species backyard flock. Both agencies remind commercial and backyard owners to prevent contact between their flocks and all wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds must be reported to state and federal officials. Other indications may include lethargy or no appetite, decreasing egg production - soft, thin-shelled, or misshapen eggs - swelling in the head or eyelid area, difficulty breathing or coughing, sneezing, falling down, and diarrhea. If a producer in any state suspects HPAI in a flock, they should contact their veterinarian immediately and their state ag department. The CDC says the recent viral detection in birds doesn’t pose a public health concern, and it’s safe to eat poultry products.- NAFB

Two positive HPAI cases in Iowa

The USDA is extending the application deadline for the Milk Loss Program to Monday, October 30. The agency wants to allow more time for eligible dairy farmers to apply for much-needed weather-related disaster recovery assistance. 

The program compensates dairy producers who dumped or removed milk without compensation from the commercial milk market in 2020, 2021, and 2022 because of qualifying weather events. Eligible causes of loss also include consequences of those weather events, such as power outages, impassable roads, and infrastructure losses. 

“We recognize that MLP benefits are critical to the financial recovery of dairy operations significantly impacted by weather-related disasters that inhibited their ability to deliver or store their milk,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We know that dairy farming is a 24/7, 365-day commitment and hope this MLP application deadline extension ensures that all dairy farmers in need of assistance will now have adequate time to apply for help.”

The USDA is extending the application deadline for the Milk Loss Program to Monday, October 30. The agency wants to allow more time for eligible dairy farmers to apply for much-needed weather-related disaster recovery assistance. The program compensates dairy producers who dumped or removed milk without compensation from the commercial milk market in 2020, 2021, and 2022 because of qualifying weather events. Eligible causes of loss also include consequences of those weather events, such as power outages, impassable roads, and infrastructure losses. “We recognize that MLP benefits are critical to the financial recovery of dairy operations significantly impacted by weather-related disasters that inhibited their ability to deliver or store their milk,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We know that dairy farming is a 24/7, 365-day commitment and hope this MLP application deadline extension ensures that all dairy farmers in need of assistance will now have adequate time to apply for help.”- NAFB

USDA extends deadline for milk loss assistance program

Average gas prices declined again for the fifth straight week, with gasoline dropping 5.2 cents last week to $3.50 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average is down 33.2 cents from a month ago and 26.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. 

However, the average diesel price increased 3.8 cents last week to $4.48 per gallon, yet 82 cents lower than one year ago. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “The national average is on the cusp of falling to the lowest level since March, something that could happen this week.” Gasoline demand continues to weaken as the calendar marches towards winter, coupled with cheaper winter gasoline and refinery issues that have faded. 

For now, that trend will likely mean further declines in the weeks ahead, before prices bottom out between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The most common U.S. gas law week stood at $3.29 per gallon, while demand saw a 1.8 percent decrease.

Average gas prices declined again for the fifth straight week, with gasoline dropping 5.2 cents last week to $3.50 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average is down 33.2 cents from a month ago and 26.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. However, the average diesel price increased 3.8 cents last week to $4.48 per gallon, yet 82 cents lower than one year ago. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “The national average is on the cusp of falling to the lowest level since March, something that could happen this week.” Gasoline demand continues to weaken as the calendar marches towards winter, coupled with cheaper winter gasoline and refinery issues that have faded. For now, that trend will likely mean further declines in the weeks ahead, before prices bottom out between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The most common U.S. gas law week stood at $3.29 per gallon, while demand saw a 1.8 percent decrease.- NAFB

Weaker demand driving fuel prices lower

USDA's National Animal Health Monitoring System conducts a national sheep study approximately every ten years, and will do so again next year. The Sheep 2024 Study will support industry groups and research efforts with new information on sheep health and management. 

The study consists of two phases and includes biological sampling and two questionnaires. A random selection of almost 5,000 sheep operations located in specific states will be asked to participate. While participation is voluntary, it is important to obtain high-quality data. The National Agricultural Statistics Service will contact selected participants in January and February 2024. 

Participants will be asked to provide their contact information to complete the second phase of the study, which begins in April 2024 and continues through July 2024. Information from the study will help develop new treatments, controls and prevention mechanisms for sheep diseases. The results will also guide future research and education.

USDA's National Animal Health Monitoring System conducts a national sheep study approximately every ten years, and will do so again next year. The Sheep 2024 Study will support industry groups and research efforts with new information on sheep health and management. The study consists of two phases and includes biological sampling and two questionnaires. A random selection of almost 5,000 sheep operations located in specific states will be asked to participate. While participation is voluntary, it is important to obtain high-quality data. The National Agricultural Statistics Service will contact selected participants in January and February 2024. Participants will be asked to provide their contact information to complete the second phase of the study, which begins in April 2024 and continues through July 2024. Information from the study will help develop new treatments, controls and prevention mechanisms for sheep diseases. The results will also guide future research and education.- NAFB