USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service expects record soybean meal exports for marketing year 2022-23, at an estimated 13.2 million tons. USDA says increased soybean crush to supply feedstock oil for growing U.S. biomass-based diesel production is behind the expansion. 

The new record came from substantial expansion in shipments to the European Union and Vietnam as drought in Argentina, usually the world's largest soybean meal exporter, severely reduced its exportable supplies. Additionally, U.S. soybean meal exports to the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico held firm despite a strong dollar. 

USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service expects record soybean meal exports for marketing year 2022-23, at an estimated 13.2 million tons. USDA says increased soybean crush to supply feedstock oil for growing U.S. biomass-based diesel production is behind the expansion. The new record came from substantial expansion in shipments to the European Union and Vietnam as drought in Argentina, usually the world's largest soybean meal exporter, severely reduced its exportable supplies. Additionally, U.S. soybean meal exports to the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico held firm despite a strong dollar.

U.S. Soybean meal exports expected to reach record high

Farm lending activity slowed further in the third quarter alongside a drop in operating loan volumes. The number of new non-real estate farm loans was flat compared to a year ago, while the average size shrank almost 20 percent. The amount of operating loans over $1 million dropped notably. 

The Kansas City Fed says lending has softened alongside significant increases in farm loan interest rates that have put considerable upward pressure on financing costs. The farm economy has moderated in recent months as profit margins thinned alongside lower commodity prices and elevated expenses. 

Credit needs have increased for many borrowers because of high input costs, but strong liquidity built up in recent years has also allowed many producers to supplement additional loan advances. Higher financing costs have prompted farmers with enough liquidity to limit debt usage, but any softening in farm finances could reduce reserves and increase loan demand.

Farm lending activity slowed further in the third quarter alongside a drop in operating loan volumes. The number of new non-real estate farm loans was flat compared to a year ago, while the average size shrank almost 20 percent. The amount of operating loans over $1 million dropped notably. The Kansas City Fed says lending has softened alongside significant increases in farm loan interest rates that have put considerable upward pressure on financing costs. The farm economy has moderated in recent months as profit margins thinned alongside lower commodity prices and elevated expenses. Credit needs have increased for many borrowers because of high input costs, but strong liquidity built up in recent years has also allowed many producers to supplement additional loan advances. Higher financing costs have prompted farmers with enough liquidity to limit debt usage, but any softening in farm finances could reduce reserves and increase loan demand.- NAFB

Smaller operating loans slow ag lending activity

Fifteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of the Women’s Communication Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media, and messaging. Program graduates will use this training to support Farm Bureau’s priority issues. This includes participating in local media opportunities, sharing information with elected officials, and joining social media campaigns spotlighting modern agriculture. “Agriculture needs strong advocates who are willing to step up and share their stories at the local, state, and national level,” says Isabella Chism (CHIZ-um), Chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee.

 “The Farm Bureau women leaders who completed this training are poised to creatively use their skills in a broad range of settings.” The program has a total of 284 graduates over 19 years and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

Fifteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of the Women’s Communication Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media, and messaging. Program graduates will use this training to support Farm Bureau’s priority issues. This includes participating in local media opportunities, sharing information with elected officials, and joining social media campaigns spotlighting modern agriculture. “Agriculture needs strong advocates who are willing to step up and share their stories at the local, state, and national level,” says Isabella Chism (CHIZ-um), Chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee. “The Farm Bureau women leaders who completed this training are poised to creatively use their skills in a broad range of settings.” The program has a total of 284 graduates over 19 years and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.- NAFB

Farm Bureau Women sharpen communication skills

The Mississippi River gauge hit a record-low water level on October 11 at Memphis, Tennessee. The all-time low hit -11.52 feet. It surpasses the previous low of -10.81 feet set in October 2022. 

The weekly USDA Grain Transportation Report says records were also broken on the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois. That gauge read 4.5 feet, the lowest river level since 1901. Draft and tow-size restrictions are in place along the entire Mississippi River system. Despite some recent rains, more rain will be needed to raise water levels enough to improve the navigation conditions. 

Water levels are projected to rise by late October and early November, but navigation conditions aren’t expected to improve before late December or early January. Despite the navigation issues, the recent St. Louis spot freight rate fell for the third week in a row to $23.06 per ton, 68 percent below the same week last year.

The Mississippi River gauge hit a record-low water level on October 11 at Memphis, Tennessee. The all-time low hit -11.52 feet. It surpasses the previous low of -10.81 feet set in October 2022. The weekly USDA Grain Transportation Report says records were also broken on the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois. That gauge read 4.5 feet, the lowest river level since 1901. Draft and tow-size restrictions are in place along the entire Mississippi River system. Despite some recent rains, more rain will be needed to raise water levels enough to improve the navigation conditions. Water levels are projected to rise by late October and early November, but navigation conditions aren’t expected to improve before late December or early January. Despite the navigation issues, the recent St. Louis spot freight rate fell for the third week in a row to $23.06 per ton, 68 percent below the same week last year.- NAFB

Record-Low Mississippi River Level at Memphis

Live weights of both hogs and cattle ran below year-earlier weights for the early part of 2023. 

Hog live weights averaged 284.9 pounds through the week ending on July 8, 2023, compared to 287.3 pounds during the same time in 2022. 

That’s an average difference of over 2.4 pounds.&nbsp; Lower weights this year are likely because of producer losses caused by high feed costs and low hog prices due to weaker pork demand. 

Live cattle weights averaged 1,370 pounds through May 20, 2023, 16.25 pounds less than weights over the same period last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lower weights are likely caused by numerous factors, including more heifers with lower weights in the slaughter mix due to ongoing drought conditions that discouraged the retention of heifers for breeding. 

Additionally, feedlot performance was likely affected by adverse weather conditions early in 2023, resulting in lower rates of gain. Hog weights hit year-earlier levels in mid-July.

Live weights of both hogs and cattle ran below year-earlier weights for the early part of 2023. Hog live weights averaged 284.9 pounds through the week ending on July 8, 2023, compared to 287.3 pounds during the same time in 2022. That’s an average difference of over 2.4 pounds.&nbsp; Lower weights this year are likely because of producer losses caused by high feed costs and low hog prices due to weaker pork demand. Live cattle weights averaged 1,370 pounds through May 20, 2023, 16.25 pounds less than weights over the same period last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lower weights are likely caused by numerous factors, including more heifers with lower weights in the slaughter mix due to ongoing drought conditions that discouraged the retention of heifers for breeding. Additionally, feedlot performance was likely affected by adverse weather conditions early in 2023, resulting in lower rates of gain. Hog weights hit year-earlier levels in mid-July.- NAFB

Early 2023 hog and cattle weights lagged behind 2022

Butter prices have hit a record high this month as lower production levels create supply constraints heading into the holiday season when demand normally peaks. 

The USDA says spot butter prices on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange hit a record high at $3.44 a pound last week. 

August butter production was at the lowest level in almost five years because of tighter milk supplies, fewer imports, and the increased use of cream in making other products. 

Agriculture Dive says the summer’s heat impacted milk supplies in two ways: the heat caused cows to produce less milk, and consumers demanded more ice cream and other dairy-based products. 

U.S. butter use has trended higher year-over-year since February, but production hasn’t kept up. Year-to-date domestic use was 8.2 percent higher than last year, while production and imports rose only four percent. USDA says the surge in demand is much higher than is typical.

Butter prices have hit a record high this month as lower production levels create supply constraints heading into the holiday season when demand normally peaks. The USDA says spot butter prices on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange hit a record high at $3.44 a pound last week. August butter production was at the lowest level in almost five years because of tighter milk supplies, fewer imports, and the increased use of cream in making other products. Agriculture Dive says the summer’s heat impacted milk supplies in two ways: the heat caused cows to produce less milk, and consumers demanded more ice cream and other dairy-based products. U.S. butter use has trended higher year-over-year since February, but production hasn’t kept up. Year-to-date domestic use was 8.2 percent higher than last year, while production and imports rose only four percent. USDA says the surge in demand is much higher than is typical.- NAFB

Butter prices hit record highs

Lawmakers Wednesday announce the reintroduction of the Adopt GREET Act. 

The legislation is a bipartisan bill directing the Environmental Protection Agency to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. 

Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, John Thune of South Dakota, and Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar introduced the legislation. 

Grassley says, "My colleagues and I are working to empower the innovation stemming from our energy and agricultural communities, and get federal emissions testing up to speed with private sector producers." 

The Adopt GREET Act would require the EPA to apply the Argonne National Lab's "Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation" or GREET Model to energy commodities under the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

It would hold EPA accountable by ensuring the agency updates its modeling every five years. The EPA would need to report to Congress either affirming its modeling is current or explaining why no updates were made.

Lawmakers Wednesday announce the reintroduction of the Adopt GREET Act. The legislation is a bipartisan bill directing the Environmental Protection Agency to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, John Thune of South Dakota, and Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar introduced the legislation. Grassley says, "My colleagues and I are working to empower the innovation stemming from our energy and agricultural communities, and get federal emissions testing up to speed with private sector producers." The Adopt GREET Act would require the EPA to apply the Argonne National Lab's "Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation" or GREET Model to energy commodities under the Renewable Fuel Standard. It would hold EPA accountable by ensuring the agency updates its modeling every five years. The EPA would need to report to Congress either affirming its modeling is current or explaining why no updates were made.- NAFB

Lawmakers reintroduce the adopt GREET Act

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin this week ordered Syngenta to divest its ownership of approximately 160 acres in the state. 

Griffin also imposed a civil penalty of $280,000 for failure to timely report foreign ownership by the Chinese state-owned company. 

The land in question is owned by Northrup King Seed Co., a subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds, LLC, which is ultimately owned by China National Chemical Company, known as ChemChina. 

Griffin says, "I am ordering ChemChina, as a 'prohibited foreign-party-controlled business' to divest this land within two years, or I will commence an enforcement action in Craighead County circuit court." 

Under Arkansas Act 636, state law bars a "prohibited foreign-party-controlled business" from acquiring or holding public or private land in Arkansas either directly or through affiliated parties. 

In March 2022, Syngenta Seeds, LLC submitted paperwork to USDA regarding the property under the federal Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, stating that "ultimately, the foreign person that holds indirectly a significant interest in the person owning the land is from China."

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin this week ordered Syngenta to divest its ownership of approximately 160 acres in the state. Griffin also imposed a civil penalty of $280,000 for failure to timely report foreign ownership by the Chinese state-owned company. The land in question is owned by Northrup King Seed Co., a subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds, LLC, which is ultimately owned by China National Chemical Company, known as ChemChina. Griffin says, "I am ordering ChemChina, as a 'prohibited foreign-party-controlled business' to divest this land within two years, or I will commence an enforcement action in Craighead County circuit court." Under Arkansas Act 636, state law bars a "prohibited foreign-party-controlled business" from acquiring or holding public or private land in Arkansas either directly or through affiliated parties. In March 2022, Syngenta Seeds, LLC submitted paperwork to USDA regarding the property under the federal Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, stating that "ultimately, the foreign person that holds indirectly a significant interest in the person owning the land is from China."- NAFB

Arkansas orders Syngenta to sell farmland

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced a new partnership between the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. 

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will place five scientists in labs in each of the five National Animal Health Laboratory Network regions to enhance the capabilities and capacities of the network. 

USDA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Rosemary Sifford says, "Our goal is to ensure all network laboratories are poised to combat the threat of transboundary and emerging diseases to protect our nation's agricultural and food supply systems." 

USDA selected the following laboratories to participate: Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. 

The scientists will evaluate and develop diagnostics for animal and zoonotic diseases. They will collaborate across the organizations and will be responsible for evaluating local, regional, national, and international threats and ensuring the laboratories have the tools necessary to diagnose emerging threats.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced a new partnership between the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will place five scientists in labs in each of the five National Animal Health Laboratory Network regions to enhance the capabilities and capacities of the network. USDA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Rosemary Sifford says, "Our goal is to ensure all network laboratories are poised to combat the threat of transboundary and emerging diseases to protect our nation's agricultural and food supply systems." USDA selected the following laboratories to participate: Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. The scientists will evaluate and develop diagnostics for animal and zoonotic diseases. They will collaborate across the organizations and will be responsible for evaluating local, regional, national, and international threats and ensuring the laboratories have the tools necessary to diagnose emerging threats.- NAFB

APHIS partnership to improve early detection of emerging animal diseases

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MI), along with 15 Senate colleagues, are challenging the EPA to abandon its proposed mitigation measures targeting 11 rodenticides. 

In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the senators urged Regan to consult the businesses and individuals who rely on rodent control products when developing rules that affect their operations. 

“As written, the proposed mitigation measures will place severe restrictions on product users and result in crop damage and livestock loss, jeopardize the safety of the food supply, weaken public health protections, and make it more difficult for people to protect their homes and properties from rodents,” the letter says. 

The EPA’s proposed mitigation measures would classify most rodent control products as restricted-use pesticides and require users to become licensed, state-certified applicators. It would prohibit surface application methods for protecting crops and require growers to conduct carcass searches for two weeks after application.

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MI), along with 15 Senate colleagues, are challenging the EPA to abandon its proposed mitigation measures targeting 11 rodenticides. In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the senators urged Regan to consult the businesses and individuals who rely on rodent control products when developing rules that affect their operations. “As written, the proposed mitigation measures will place severe restrictions on product users and result in crop damage and livestock loss, jeopardize the safety of the food supply, weaken public health protections, and make it more difficult for people to protect their homes and properties from rodents,” the letter says. The EPA’s proposed mitigation measures would classify most rodent control products as restricted-use pesticides and require users to become licensed, state-certified applicators. It would prohibit surface application methods for protecting crops and require growers to conduct carcass searches for two weeks after application.- NAFB

Senators challenge EPA rodenticide restrictions

The USDA has issued over $1.77 billion this year to agricultural producers and landowners through its Conservation Reserve Program. 

The agency says the program is a critical piece of the Department’s efforts to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry on working lands. 

More than 667,000 participants received payments from the Farm Service Agency for their voluntary conservation efforts on more than 23 million acres of private land. 

“Through the addition of tools to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and better quantify these efforts, we’ve made the Conservation Reserve Program better for the nation’s ag producers and landowners and our natural resources,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

The USDA also listed the top five states for CRP participation payments, including Iowa at number one, followed by Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri. “We are grateful to all CRP participants who are making a tremendous difference now and for future generations,” Vilsack adds.

The USDA has issued over $1.77 billion this year to agricultural producers and landowners through its Conservation Reserve Program. The agency says the program is a critical piece of the Department’s efforts to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry on working lands. More than 667,000 participants received payments from the Farm Service Agency for their voluntary conservation efforts on more than 23 million acres of private land. “Through the addition of tools to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and better quantify these efforts, we’ve made the Conservation Reserve Program better for the nation’s ag producers and landowners and our natural resources,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. The USDA also listed the top five states for CRP participation payments, including Iowa at number one, followed by Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri. “We are grateful to all CRP participants who are making a tremendous difference now and for future generations,” Vilsack adds.- NAFB

CRP pays over $1.77 billion

The National Highway Traffic Safety Standards proposed new fuel economy standards that greatly missed the intent of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program to enhance energy security. 

That’s according to comments filed by the National Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuel Association, and the National Farmers Union. 

They assert the proposal will lead to an overreliance on critical foreign minerals due to its singular dependence on electric vehicles. 

“As NHTSA determines the appropriate CAFE and fuel efficiency standards, it should avoid putting all our eggs into the electrification basket,” the groups say in their comments. “The proposal missed the intent of the CAFÉ program. 

As Congress acknowledged, solving energy security and air pollution issues related to the transportation sector require a diversified portfolio of approaches.” 

The associations note problems with over reliance on electric vehicles because of the increased security vulnerabilities of getting critical minerals from overseas that are needed for the batteries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Standards proposed new fuel economy standards that greatly missed the intent of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program to enhance energy security. That’s according to comments filed by the National Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuel Association, and the National Farmers Union. They assert the proposal will lead to an overreliance on critical foreign minerals due to its singular dependence on electric vehicles. “As NHTSA determines the appropriate CAFE and fuel efficiency standards, it should avoid putting all our eggs into the electrification basket,” the groups say in their comments. “The proposal missed the intent of the CAFÉ program. As Congress acknowledged, solving energy security and air pollution issues related to the transportation sector require a diversified portfolio of approaches.” The associations note problems with over reliance on electric vehicles because of the increased security vulnerabilities of getting critical minerals from overseas that are needed for the batteries.- NAFB

NHSTA CAFE standards will weaken energy security

The U.S. Grains Council kicked off the week by hosting the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C., held for the first time since 2019. 

The Global Ethanol Summit is an education and trade forum that seeks to elevate bioethanol's international visibility. 

U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand says, “I’m thrilled to see so many industry leaders and policymakers gathering here in the Washington area with the common goal of implementing environmental and human-health friendly bioethanol in regions around the world.” 

Monday programming offered keynote addresses from POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin, Summit Agricultural Group Executive Chairman Bruce Rastetter and U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting Deputy Undersecretary Jason Hafemeister. 

Memorandums of understanding will be signed between domestic producers and overseas importers Tuesday. At the end of the event, 11 groups of participants will travel around the country to view the biofuel value chain firsthand before returning to their home countries. The event concludes Wednesday.

The U.S. Grains Council kicked off the week by hosting the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C., held for the first time since 2019. The Global Ethanol Summit is an education and trade forum that seeks to elevate bioethanol's international visibility. U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand says, “I’m thrilled to see so many industry leaders and policymakers gathering here in the Washington area with the common goal of implementing environmental and human-health friendly bioethanol in regions around the world.” Monday programming offered keynote addresses from POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin, Summit Agricultural Group Executive Chairman Bruce Rastetter and U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting Deputy Undersecretary Jason Hafemeister. Memorandums of understanding will be signed between domestic producers and overseas importers Tuesday. At the end of the event, 11 groups of participants will travel around the country to view the biofuel value chain firsthand before returning to their home countries. The event concludes Wednesday.- NAFB

U.S. Grains Council hosting Global Ethanol Summit

The Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced $3.7 million in grant funding to two institutions to establish research centers. 

The facilities will address children’s cumulative health impacts from agricultural and non-chemical exposures. 

Children in underserved, rural agricultural communities face increased health risks due to the combination of agricultural, according to the EPA. 

The agency says there is an urgent need to investigate the cumulative health impacts of chemical and non-chemical exposures for children in these communities. 

EPA spokesperson Chris Frey says, “EPA is funding these research centers to identify effective, science-based options aimed at reducing early childhood health disparities in agricultural communities.” 

Florida State University will use the funding to evaluate chemical and psychosocial stressors and promote children’s cumulative health in rural and agricultural communities. 

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will use the grants to mitigate the chemical and non-chemical stressors that affect school absenteeism caused by gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in Texas and Oklahoma.

The Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced $3.7 million in grant funding to two institutions to establish research centers. The facilities will address children’s cumulative health impacts from agricultural and non-chemical exposures. Children in underserved, rural agricultural communities face increased health risks due to the combination of agricultural, according to the EPA. The agency says there is an urgent need to investigate the cumulative health impacts of chemical and non-chemical exposures for children in these communities. EPA spokesperson Chris Frey says, “EPA is funding these research centers to identify effective, science-based options aimed at reducing early childhood health disparities in agricultural communities.” Florida State University will use the funding to evaluate chemical and psychosocial stressors and promote children’s cumulative health in rural and agricultural communities. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will use the grants to mitigate the chemical and non-chemical stressors that affect school absenteeism caused by gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in Texas and Oklahoma.- NAFB

Grants to establish Children’s Health Research Centers in rural communities

Tulare County, California, is the number one ag-producing county in the United States for 2022. 

While Fresno County, California, reported a record $8 billion haul for 2022, it didn't beat Tulare County's $8.6 billion report. 

Both counties benefited from improved market prices and continue to corner the market in the top spots in the nation for ag production. 

Add in Kern County, California, at number three, and the Central Valley counties are a combined agriculture and economic powerhouse valued at $24.4 billion. 

Putting this in perspective, three California counties account for 44 percent of California's total ag production value of $55.8 billion. Tulare County has a growing population of 479,112 and includes an area of 4,863 square miles. 

The fertile valley floor in the Western half of the county has allowed Tulare County to become the top producer of agricultural commodities in the United States, while the Eastern half is comprised of mostly public lands.

Tulare County, California, is the number one ag-producing county in the United States for 2022. While Fresno County, California, reported a record $8 billion haul for 2022, it didn't beat Tulare County's $8.6 billion report. Both counties benefited from improved market prices and continue to corner the market in the top spots in the nation for ag production. Add in Kern County, California, at number three, and the Central Valley counties are a combined agriculture and economic powerhouse valued at $24.4 billion. Putting this in perspective, three California counties account for 44 percent of California's total ag production value of $55.8 billion. Tulare County has a growing population of 479,112 and includes an area of 4,863 square miles. The fertile valley floor in the Western half of the county has allowed Tulare County to become the top producer of agricultural commodities in the United States, while the Eastern half is comprised of mostly public lands.- NAFB

Tulare County, California top ag producer in 2022

An $80 million USDA grant will be used to enhance
environmental agricultural practices in northern Missouri and southern Iowa.

Roeslein Alternative Energy of Unionville applied
for the grant with help from Iowa State University. Brandon Butler with
Roeslein says the company has been capturing energy from livestock waste since
its beginning in 2012.

“We’ve got close to a hundred lagoons covered,” Butler
says. “So, if you’re one of those people scratching their head, wondering why
don’t I smell those hog farms nearly as much as I used to, well that’s because
Roeslein has come in and tarped over all of those lagoons and we capture all
those gases.”

Butler says those captured gases can be turned
into energy.

“We’re able to, again, tarp over those lagoons,
captured all of those gases, bring them to a centralized gas purification skid
that we manufacture and we separate those molecules,” Butler says. “We upgrade
the methane into natural gas called renewable natural gas or RNG and we
directly inject that into the natural gas grid.”

Butler says sustainable agriculture holds great
promise for the rural economy.

“The biogas is really, really important to rural
America and agricultural communities, because this is really our chance to
interact with this extreme push towards a more sustainable future,” according
to Butler.

The $80 million USDA grant will be matched with $4.7
million in local funds. It will provide financial incentives for farmers to
plant prairie grasses and cover crops in marginal fields to be harvested and
converted into biogas and biofertilizer.

“We want to create processes that are good
economically, they’re good environmentally, and they’re good for wildlife.
Because when it’s good for wildlife, it’s good for us as well,” according to Butler.

The northern Missouri/southern Iowa projects is
part of the $3.1 billion Climate-Smart Commodities Projects financed by the USDA.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn $80 million USDA grant will be used to enhance
environmental agricultural practices in northern Missouri and southern Iowa.Roeslein Alternative Energy of Unionville applied
for the grant with help from Iowa State University. Brandon Butler with
Roeslein says the company has been capturing energy from livestock waste since
its beginning in 2012.“We’ve got close to a hundred lagoons covered,” Butler
says. “So, if you’re one of those people scratching their head, wondering why
don’t I smell those hog farms nearly as much as I used to, well that’s because
Roeslein has come in and tarped over all of those lagoons and we capture all
those gases.”Butler says those captured gases can be turned
into energy.“We’re able to, again, tarp over those lagoons,
captured all of those gases, bring them to a centralized gas purification skid
that we manufacture and we separate those molecules,” Butler says. “We upgrade
the methane into natural gas called renewable natural gas or RNG and we
directly inject that into the natural gas grid.”Butler says sustainable agriculture holds great
promise for the rural economy.“The biogas is really, really important to rural
America and agricultural communities, because this is really our chance to
interact with this extreme push towards a more sustainable future,” according
to Butler.The $80 million USDA grant will be matched with $4.7
million in local funds. It will provide financial incentives for farmers to
plant prairie grasses and cover crops in marginal fields to be harvested and
converted into biogas and biofertilizer.Butler says Roeslein has a simple goal.“We want to create processes that are good
economically, they’re good environmentally, and they’re good for wildlife.
Because when it’s good for wildlife, it’s good for us as well,” according to Butler.The northern Missouri/southern Iowa projects is
part of the $3.1 billion Climate-Smart Commodities Projects financed by the USDA.

USDA awards $80M grant for sustainable agriculture in northern MO/southern IA

Health officials have euthanized a Minnesota commercial turkey flock after tests confirmed it was positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

The flock contained approximately 140,000 birds and is the state’s first confirmed case of the disease since last spring. 

As is typically the case during spring or fall, officials say the disease is likely connected to the seasonal migration of wild birds. 

Commercial flocks in South Dakota and Utah have also tested positive for the virus. Michael Crusan, spokesman for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, says now is the time for producers to keep up with biosecurity measures and keep the area around their animals clean. 

Minnesota Public Radio says poultry farmers should be on the lookout for birds that eat or drink less than normal and a drop in egg production, depression, or sudden death. Last year, HPAI cost America’s poultry producers almost 59 million birds in 47 states.

Health officials have euthanized a Minnesota commercial turkey flock after tests confirmed it was positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The flock contained approximately 140,000 birds and is the state’s first confirmed case of the disease since last spring. As is typically the case during spring or fall, officials say the disease is likely connected to the seasonal migration of wild birds. Commercial flocks in South Dakota and Utah have also tested positive for the virus. Michael Crusan, spokesman for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, says now is the time for producers to keep up with biosecurity measures and keep the area around their animals clean. Minnesota Public Radio says poultry farmers should be on the lookout for birds that eat or drink less than normal and a drop in egg production, depression, or sudden death. Last year, HPAI cost America’s poultry producers almost 59 million birds in 47 states.- NAFB

HPAI infections now in three states

Mississippi River water levels are still at an all-time low near Memphis and set a record for the second straight year. 

The low levels are causing a twofold problem as barge traffic is still significantly disrupted, and saltwater is moving up the river in Louisiana, threatening drinking water supplies for thousands. 

The National Weather Service recently said the water level at Memphis fell to a record-low elevation of minus 11.5 feet. 

This year’s record is significantly lower than last year. In October 2022, the Mississippi dropped to a minus 10.81 feet. Several other records were set at various stops along the river system, including Cairo, Illinois, on the Ohio River, which was at a level of minus 4.5 feet. 

New Madrid, Missouri, recently dropped to minus 6.4 feet. The low water level is causing concern about barge traffic availability during the U.S. harvest when staple Midwest crops are transported to ports for shipping.

Mississippi River water levels are still at an all-time low near Memphis and set a record for the second straight year. The low levels are causing a twofold problem as barge traffic is still significantly disrupted, and saltwater is moving up the river in Louisiana, threatening drinking water supplies for thousands. The National Weather Service recently said the water level at Memphis fell to a record-low elevation of minus 11.5 feet. This year’s record is significantly lower than last year. In October 2022, the Mississippi dropped to a minus 10.81 feet. Several other records were set at various stops along the river system, including Cairo, Illinois, on the Ohio River, which was at a level of minus 4.5 feet. New Madrid, Missouri, recently dropped to minus 6.4 feet. The low water level is causing concern about barge traffic availability during the U.S. harvest when staple Midwest crops are transported to ports for shipping.- NAFB

Mississippi River levels continue falling

Most consumers appear to prefer brand-name beverages over generic or store-brand beverages. 

That’s according to the September 2023 Consumer Food Insights Report. 

The Purdue University report further indicates that consumers make this choice even when presented with a sizable price discount on generic or store brand names. 

In contrast, most survey respondents said they weren’t willing to pay a premium for brand-name meat, fruits, or vegetables. Not surprisingly, households making less than $50,000 a year were more price sensitive when presented with two generic or store-brand discounts. 

The survey also shows the consumer food inflation estimate of 6.3 percent continues to diverge from the government’s consumer price index of food inflation at 4.3 percent. 

While consumers with the lowest incomes already choose more generic brands over name brands, this disparity tends to grow quickly when the discount on generic or store-brand foods is doubled from 15 percent to 30 percent. &nbsp;

Most consumers appear to prefer brand-name beverages over generic or store-brand beverages. That’s according to the September 2023 Consumer Food Insights Report. The Purdue University report further indicates that consumers make this choice even when presented with a sizable price discount on generic or store brand names. In contrast, most survey respondents said they weren’t willing to pay a premium for brand-name meat, fruits, or vegetables. Not surprisingly, households making less than $50,000 a year were more price sensitive when presented with two generic or store-brand discounts. The survey also shows the consumer food inflation estimate of 6.3 percent continues to diverge from the government’s consumer price index of food inflation at 4.3 percent. While consumers with the lowest incomes already choose more generic brands over name brands, this disparity tends to grow quickly when the discount on generic or store-brand foods is doubled from 15 percent to 30 percent. &nbsp;- NAFB

Grocery shoppers prefer generic foods to brand-name choices

Hemp industry leaders, state marijuana regulators and members of Congress all seem to agree the feds should regulate CBD. But the standoff is over intoxicating hemp products

By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Hemp is often known for being the part of the cannabis plant that doesn’t get people high.&nbsp;

It’s full of CBD, a nonpyschoactive cannabinoid that helps people relax and often found in massage oils and sleep aids.

But much has changed since hemp was taken off the controlled substance list in 2018 by the last&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2">U.S. Agriculture Improvement Act</a>, more commonly known as the farm bill.&nbsp;

Now state regulators can barely keep up with the constantly evolving ways that people have found to make intoxicating products from hemp. The market for things like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">Delta-8 drinks</a>&nbsp;and edibles is one of the fastest growing markets in the country.&nbsp;

In Missouri, the issue has taken center stage in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/missouri-company-at-center-of-cannabis-recall-used-hemp-instead-of-marijuana-in-products/">massive cannabis recall</a>, where a company is accused of illegally importing marijuana but insists it actually brought legal, unregulated hemp into the state.

With the farm bill up for renewal, the debate on whether some hemp products need to be considered controlled substances is back on the table — though delays make it unclear if any changes will occur at all.

Hemp industry leaders, state marijuana regulators and members of Congress all seem to agree on one thing — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should regulate CBD. But the divides come with intoxicating hemp products, and the standoff is over criminalization and prohibition.&nbsp;

Hemp industry leaders don’t want to see these intoxicating products banned and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hempsupporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/USHR-Response-to-Congressional-RFI.pdf">have suggested</a>&nbsp;the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau handle their regulation.&nbsp;

But state regulators believe Congress should “set the floor not the ceiling” on creating standards of hemp products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“…states should be able to enact regulations that extend beyond federal minimums to further protect their communities and consumers,”&nbsp; said leaders of the Cannabis Regulator Association (CANNRA) in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cann-ra.org/news-events/cannra-responds-to-congressional-request-for-information-on-federal-cannabinoid-hemp-regulation">statement</a>&nbsp;provided to Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the current farm bill passes, it will likely have guidance for the FDA to monitor the production and testing of CBD.

But it won’t likely have anything to help states regulate intoxicating hemp products, said Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a coalition of hemp industry leaders across the country.

“My guess is that the farm bill will not resolve that,” Miller said, “and that will be something that will be continued to be studied and handled in the states.”

Hemp industry leaders in Missouri have pushed back regulation coming under the Department of Health and Senior Services, the agency that oversees the cannabis program. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24025765-mhta-rfi-response">Missouri Hemp Trade Association told Congress&nbsp;</a>that it would like a separate “regulatory regime” that would allow for the use of intoxicating hemp products while providing for consumer safety and product testing.&nbsp;

“This approach has avoided the massive bureaucratic costs of enforcing outright prohibition, criminalizing and incarcerating responsible, law-abiding adults, and forcing consumers away from alternatives to opiates and other deadly drugs,” the association stated in a<a target="_blank" href="https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/FINAL_RFI_CBD_signatures_1_1_ad8e840af4.pdf">&nbsp;Congressional Request for Information on cannabinoid hemp</a>&nbsp;regulation from the U.S. House Committee on Energy &amp; Commerce and the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30. Its renewal, a process that occurs every five years,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/farm-bill-stalled-amid-u-s-house-speaker-battle-delay-of-spending-bills/">remains in the drafting stage</a>.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income Americans — the last of which by far accounts for the largest portion of the bill.&nbsp;

A very small piece of the bill would be the hemp provisions.

“We’re one of the very rare industries out there that is asking Congress to regulate it,” Miller said.&nbsp;

In its response to Congress, CANNRA suggested closing “loopholes” that have allowed for intoxicating hemp products to go unregulated, including the “0.3% loophole” and the “THCA loophole.”&nbsp;

Delta-9 THC is the most common form of intoxicating cannabinoid. While the threshold of 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight is a small amount of THC in a hemp plant, when applied to things like chocolate bars or beverages that can weigh significantly more, 0.3% by weight can amount to hundreds of milligrams of THC.&nbsp;

For example, a 50-gram chocolate bar at 0.3% THC would have around 150 mg of THC — 30 times the standard 5 mg THC dose established by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A family sized pack of cookies weighing 20 oz can contain around 1,700 mg of THC using the 0.3% THC threshold.

Instead, Miller and other hemp leaders suggest setting the intoxicating floor at 5 mg.&nbsp;

Missouri is currently shining a light on the THCA loophole. After more than 60,000 cannabis products were recalled in August, a company has revealed that it was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">importing THCA</a>&nbsp;extracted from the hemp plant and putting it in marijuana products — arguing that THCA is not actually intoxicating until it is heated, so it doesn’t count as total THC.&nbsp;

CANNRA told Congress that despite some states’ efforts to address this issue, many hemp businesses are selling “THCA hemp” flower that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC but has a total THC concentration of 15% to 20%.&nbsp;

“This so-called ‘hemp’ is indistinguishable from marijuana flower,” the association stated.&nbsp;

Right now&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hempsupporter.com/news/update-in-three-states-and-another-court-case/">states have passed&nbsp;</a>a “patchwork of different laws,” including some that are being challenged in courts, Miller said.&nbsp;

Miller is hoping that the current legal conflicts between recent court decisions and the DEA will push Congress to act.

On Sept. 8, a federal judge in Arkansas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67652494/bio-gen-llc-v-arkansas-state-of/">granted a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;in a lawsuit against the state, saying that hemp-derived cannabinoids, like THCA, are protected under the 2018 farm bill.&nbsp;

But a few months before that, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cannabislegalhighlights.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2023/06/DEA-THCA-and-HHC-letter.pdf">reaffirmed its position</a>&nbsp;that all these cannabinoids are illegal under federal law and not protected by the farm bill.

The federal judge indicated that Congress should be the one to decide how to regulate hemp-derived THC products.&nbsp;

“If we don’t change the definition and the federal court in Arkansas is correct, then maybe you can’t put limits on these products other than .3% Delta-9 THC,” Miller said. “It’s possible that if there’s no action at the federal level that courts could say, ‘We are kind of in the wild west without federal action.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697160674008.png" alt=" Delta-8 THC products like this cherry seltzer can be sold in stores in Missouri because the intoxicating ingredient, THC, is derived from hemp, not marijuana which is a controlled substance (Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Delta-8 THC products like this cherry seltzer can be sold in stores in Missouri because the intoxicating ingredient, THC, is derived from hemp, not marijuana which is a controlled substance (Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hemp industry leaders, state marijuana regulators and members of Congress all seem to agree the feds should regulate CBD. But the standoff is over intoxicating hemp products</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Hemp is often known for being the part of the cannabis plant that doesn’t get people high.&nbsp;It’s full of CBD, a nonpyschoactive cannabinoid that helps people relax and often found in massage oils and sleep aids.But much has changed since hemp was taken off the controlled substance list in 2018 by the last&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2">U.S. Agriculture Improvement Act</a>, more commonly known as the farm bill.&nbsp;Now state regulators can barely keep up with the constantly evolving ways that people have found to make intoxicating products from hemp. The market for things like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">Delta-8 drinks</a>&nbsp;and edibles is one of the fastest growing markets in the country.&nbsp;In Missouri, the issue has taken center stage in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/missouri-company-at-center-of-cannabis-recall-used-hemp-instead-of-marijuana-in-products/">massive cannabis recall</a>, where a company is accused of illegally importing marijuana but insists it actually brought legal, unregulated hemp into the state.With the farm bill up for renewal, the debate on whether some hemp products need to be considered controlled substances is back on the table — though delays make it unclear if any changes will occur at all.Hemp industry leaders, state marijuana regulators and members of Congress all seem to agree on one thing — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should regulate CBD. But the divides come with intoxicating hemp products, and the standoff is over criminalization and prohibition.&nbsp;Hemp industry leaders don’t want to see these intoxicating products banned and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hempsupporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/USHR-Response-to-Congressional-RFI.pdf">have suggested</a>&nbsp;the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau handle their regulation.&nbsp;But state regulators believe Congress should “set the floor not the ceiling” on creating standards of hemp products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“…states should be able to enact regulations that extend beyond federal minimums to further protect their communities and consumers,”&nbsp; said leaders of the Cannabis Regulator Association (CANNRA) in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cann-ra.org/news-events/cannra-responds-to-congressional-request-for-information-on-federal-cannabinoid-hemp-regulation">statement</a>&nbsp;provided to Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the current farm bill passes, it will likely have guidance for the FDA to monitor the production and testing of CBD.But it won’t likely have anything to help states regulate intoxicating hemp products, said Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a coalition of hemp industry leaders across the country.“My guess is that the farm bill will not resolve that,” Miller said, “and that will be something that will be continued to be studied and handled in the states.”Hemp industry leaders in Missouri have pushed back regulation coming under the Department of Health and Senior Services, the agency that oversees the cannabis program. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24025765-mhta-rfi-response">Missouri Hemp Trade Association told Congress&nbsp;</a>that it would like a separate “regulatory regime” that would allow for the use of intoxicating hemp products while providing for consumer safety and product testing.&nbsp;“This approach has avoided the massive bureaucratic costs of enforcing outright prohibition, criminalizing and incarcerating responsible, law-abiding adults, and forcing consumers away from alternatives to opiates and other deadly drugs,” the association stated in a<a target="_blank" href="https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/FINAL_RFI_CBD_signatures_1_1_ad8e840af4.pdf">&nbsp;Congressional Request for Information on cannabinoid hemp</a>&nbsp;regulation from the U.S. House Committee on Energy &amp; Commerce and the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.<h2>Small piece of the farm bill</h2>The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30. Its renewal, a process that occurs every five years,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/farm-bill-stalled-amid-u-s-house-speaker-battle-delay-of-spending-bills/">remains in the drafting stage</a>.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income Americans — the last of which by far accounts for the largest portion of the bill.&nbsp;A very small piece of the bill would be the hemp provisions.“We’re one of the very rare industries out there that is asking Congress to regulate it,” Miller said.&nbsp;In its response to Congress, CANNRA suggested closing “loopholes” that have allowed for intoxicating hemp products to go unregulated, including the “0.3% loophole” and the “THCA loophole.”&nbsp;Delta-9 THC is the most common form of intoxicating cannabinoid. While the threshold of 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight is a small amount of THC in a hemp plant, when applied to things like chocolate bars or beverages that can weigh significantly more, 0.3% by weight can amount to hundreds of milligrams of THC.&nbsp;For example, a 50-gram chocolate bar at 0.3% THC would have around 150 mg of THC — 30 times the standard 5 mg THC dose established by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A family sized pack of cookies weighing 20 oz can contain around 1,700 mg of THC using the 0.3% THC threshold.Instead, Miller and other hemp leaders suggest setting the intoxicating floor at 5 mg.&nbsp;Others believe it should be 2.5 mg.Missouri is currently shining a light on the THCA loophole. After more than 60,000 cannabis products were recalled in August, a company has revealed that it was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">importing THCA</a>&nbsp;extracted from the hemp plant and putting it in marijuana products — arguing that THCA is not actually intoxicating until it is heated, so it doesn’t count as total THC.&nbsp;CANNRA told Congress that despite some states’ efforts to address this issue, many hemp businesses are selling “THCA hemp” flower that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC but has a total THC concentration of 15% to 20%.&nbsp;“This so-called ‘hemp’ is indistinguishable from marijuana flower,” the association stated.&nbsp;<h2>Patchwork of state laws&nbsp;</h2>Right now&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hempsupporter.com/news/update-in-three-states-and-another-court-case/">states have passed&nbsp;</a>a “patchwork of different laws,” including some that are being challenged in courts, Miller said.&nbsp;Miller is hoping that the current legal conflicts between recent court decisions and the DEA will push Congress to act.On Sept. 8, a federal judge in Arkansas&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67652494/bio-gen-llc-v-arkansas-state-of/">granted a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;in a lawsuit against the state, saying that hemp-derived cannabinoids, like THCA, are protected under the 2018 farm bill.&nbsp;But a few months before that, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cannabislegalhighlights.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2023/06/DEA-THCA-and-HHC-letter.pdf">reaffirmed its position</a>&nbsp;that all these cannabinoids are illegal under federal law and not protected by the farm bill.The federal judge indicated that Congress should be the one to decide how to regulate hemp-derived THC products.&nbsp;“If we don’t change the definition and the federal court in Arkansas is correct, then maybe you can’t put limits on these products other than .3% Delta-9 THC,” Miller said. “It’s possible that if there’s no action at the federal level that courts could say, ‘We are kind of in the wild west without federal action.’”

Farm bill debate includes hemp regulation as issue takes center stage in Missouri recall

Cage-free hens comprise a growing percentage of the U.S. egg-laying flock, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

The cage-free flock has grown as states have passed and enacted legislation banning confinement of hens, and as multiple retailers and food service providers have pledged to only source eggs from cage-free operations. Additional State bans are planned to take effect between 2023 and 2026. The cage-free egg-laying flock increased by more than 10.5 million hens in the first six months of 2023, according to USDA’s Monthly Cage-Free Shell Egg report. 

Cage-free hens increased as a proportion of the total U.S. laying flock, expanding from 36 percent in January to 38 percent in June. The non-organic cage-free flock accounted for most of the increase. Meanwhile, in late 2021, cage-free lay rates have been moving mostly above or at similar levels to the lay rates in the overall table egg-laying flock, a departure from the previous trend.

Cage-free hens comprise a growing percentage of the U.S. egg-laying flock, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. The cage-free flock has grown as states have passed and enacted legislation banning confinement of hens, and as multiple retailers and food service providers have pledged to only source eggs from cage-free operations. Additional State bans are planned to take effect between 2023 and 2026. The cage-free egg-laying flock increased by more than 10.5 million hens in the first six months of 2023, according to USDA’s Monthly Cage-Free Shell Egg report. Cage-free hens increased as a proportion of the total U.S. laying flock, expanding from 36 percent in January to 38 percent in June. The non-organic cage-free flock accounted for most of the increase. Meanwhile, in late 2021, cage-free lay rates have been moving mostly above or at similar levels to the lay rates in the overall table egg-laying flock, a departure from the previous trend.- NAFB

Growing share of egg-laying hens are cage-free

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced two new grant opportunities plus a training and technical assistance partnership to help schools continue to invest in nutritious school meals. 

The announcement comes as USDA recognizes National School Lunch Week, as proclaimed by President Biden, and National Farm to School Month. Vilsack says, "USDA is committed to giving students the nutrition they need to reach their full potential by empowering schools to continue serving delicious, healthy meals." USDA is partnering with the Urban School Food Alliance to provide training and tools to school districts to help them purchase high-quality foods while keeping costs low.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced two new grant opportunities plus a training and technical assistance partnership to help schools continue to invest in nutritious school meals. The announcement comes as USDA recognizes National School Lunch Week, as proclaimed by President Biden, and National Farm to School Month. Vilsack says, "USDA is committed to giving students the nutrition they need to reach their full potential by empowering schools to continue serving delicious, healthy meals." USDA is partnering with the Urban School Food Alliance to provide training and tools to school districts to help them purchase high-quality foods while keeping costs low.

USDA announces new school lunch grants

A new survey from the United Soybean Board reveals valuable insights into consumer preferences and purchasing attitudes for animal protein, particularly pork products. According to the survey, 70 percent of respondents say that animal diet is extremely or very important to them when purchasing meat, up from 51 percent in 2019. 

Meat consumers who prefer soy-fed meat say it offers better health, higher quality, greater nutrition and better taste. This research confirms that consumers desire to know more about their meat choices, such as what poultry and livestock consume. The study found three out of four consumers are more likely to purchase meat if it’s raised and fed by U.S. farmers. 

A new survey from the United Soybean Board reveals valuable insights into consumer preferences and purchasing attitudes for animal protein, particularly pork products. According to the survey, 70 percent of respondents say that animal diet is extremely or very important to them when purchasing meat, up from 51 percent in 2019. Meat consumers who prefer soy-fed meat say it offers better health, higher quality, greater nutrition and better taste. This research confirms that consumers desire to know more about their meat choices, such as what poultry and livestock consume. The study found three out of four consumers are more likely to purchase meat if it’s raised and fed by U.S. farmers.

Survey reveals consumer purchasing behaviors

The United Nations World Food Program is deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation in Israel and Palestine. 

As the conflict intensifies, civilians, including vulnerable children and families, face mounting challenges in accessing essential food supplies, with food distribution networks disrupted and food production severely hampered by hostilities. 

The program called for humanitarian corridors on Tuesday as it launched an emergency operation for Gaza and the West Bank. 

WFP urgently requires access and funding to reach those in need. A total of $17.3 million is needed in the next four weeks to address the situation. On Monday, WFP distributed ready-to-eat food to 73,000 people. 

Distributions are ongoing daily for displaced people in shelters in Gaza. In the next few days, pending the replenishment of food stocks through the opening of humanitarian corridors, WFP will distribute food to 300,000 people in host communities and make available cash-based-platforms to humanitarian partners.

The United Nations World Food Program is deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation in Israel and Palestine. As the conflict intensifies, civilians, including vulnerable children and families, face mounting challenges in accessing essential food supplies, with food distribution networks disrupted and food production severely hampered by hostilities. The program called for humanitarian corridors on Tuesday as it launched an emergency operation for Gaza and the West Bank. WFP urgently requires access and funding to reach those in need. A total of $17.3 million is needed in the next four weeks to address the situation. On Monday, WFP distributed ready-to-eat food to 73,000 people. Distributions are ongoing daily for displaced people in shelters in Gaza. In the next few days, pending the replenishment of food stocks through the opening of humanitarian corridors, WFP will distribute food to 300,000 people in host communities and make available cash-based-platforms to humanitarian partners.- NAFB

World Food Program launches Gaza, West Bank humanitarian efforts

Smithfield Foods will close its Charlotte, North Carolina, pork-processing plant and transfer production to its Tar Heel, North Carolina, facility. 

The company says the move is to increase efficiency and better utilize existing capacity, and comes as the company faces “abundant supplies and soft demand” weighing on pork prices. 

The company will provide financial and other transition assistance to the 107 employees affected by this closure and will meet with employees to discuss options, including transfer to other Smithfield locations. 

Smithfield will also provide a financial incentive package for hourly employees to remain at Charlotte until the final day of production in December. 

Smithfield employs nearly 40,000 people in the U.S. and more than 10,000 in North Carolina. The company is not alone, as Tyson Foods announced the shutdown of six chicken processing facilities this year and cut jobs at others in North Carolina.

Smithfield Foods will close its Charlotte, North Carolina, pork-processing plant and transfer production to its Tar Heel, North Carolina, facility. The company says the move is to increase efficiency and better utilize existing capacity, and comes as the company faces “abundant supplies and soft demand” weighing on pork prices. The company will provide financial and other transition assistance to the 107 employees affected by this closure and will meet with employees to discuss options, including transfer to other Smithfield locations. Smithfield will also provide a financial incentive package for hourly employees to remain at Charlotte until the final day of production in December. Smithfield employs nearly 40,000 people in the U.S. and more than 10,000 in North Carolina. The company is not alone, as Tyson Foods announced the shutdown of six chicken processing facilities this year and cut jobs at others in North Carolina.- NAFB