The top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee announced the ranking subcommittee members Tuesday. 

David Scott of Georgia is the ranking member of the Committee during this session of Congress, after serving as chair in the Democrat majority in the last session. 

Scott announced Ohio’s Shontel Brown as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. 

Oregon's Andrea Salinas will serve as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Forestry, and Virginia's Abigail Spanberger is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. 

Meanwhile, Connecticut's Jahana Hayes will be the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture, and California’s Jim Costa assumes the same role on the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Finally, Yadiro Caraveo of Colorado will serve as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

The top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee announced the ranking subcommittee members Tuesday. David Scott of Georgia is the ranking member of the Committee during this session of Congress, after serving as chair in the Democrat majority in the last session. Scott announced Ohio’s Shontel Brown as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. Oregon's Andrea Salinas will serve as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Forestry, and Virginia's Abigail Spanberger is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. Meanwhile, Connecticut's Jahana Hayes will be the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture, and California’s Jim Costa assumes the same role on the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Finally, Yadiro Caraveo of Colorado will serve as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

House Agriculture Democrats announce Subcommittee leaders

Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service are developing new tests to identify and track the COVID virus in wild and domestic animals. 

Funded by the American Rescue Plan, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is implementing $300 million to conduct monitoring and surveillance of susceptible animals for the COVID virus. 

Through the initiative, ARS, in partnership with APHIS, is conducting five research projects to improve its understanding of the virus and to help APHIS accomplish its goal of building an early warning system to potentially prevent or limit the next zoonotic disease outbreak or global pandemic. 

Two of the projects call for developing easy-to-use field tests to quickly identify COVID infection in wildlife and domestic animals. Currently, all official testing of animals for COVID requires sending samples to certified laboratories and can take a week or more to provide answers. This may be too long to prevent early spread of infection.

Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service are developing new tests to identify and track the COVID virus in wild and domestic animals. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is implementing $300 million to conduct monitoring and surveillance of susceptible animals for the COVID virus. Through the initiative, ARS, in partnership with APHIS, is conducting five research projects to improve its understanding of the virus and to help APHIS accomplish its goal of building an early warning system to potentially prevent or limit the next zoonotic disease outbreak or global pandemic. Two of the projects call for developing easy-to-use field tests to quickly identify COVID infection in wildlife and domestic animals. Currently, all official testing of animals for COVID requires sending samples to certified laboratories and can take a week or more to provide answers. This may be too long to prevent early spread of infection.

USDA developing new ways to track COVID in wild and domestic animals

A group of Senators urges the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to take swift action to address the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. 

The lawmakers ask Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to quickly use funds provided by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill. 

Led by Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, the lawmakers say, "it is imperative the agency quickly deploy additional resources and work with the states in improving biosecurity measures within the avian supply chain, including the disinfection of sites and the testing and quarantining of affected flocks." 

As of January 31, 2023, APHIS confirmed avian flu had been found in 745 flocks in 47 states, and affected over 58 million birds, directly contributing to rising egg prices. 

In the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act, Congress provided an increase in annual funding to address the avian influenza outbreak, including over $64 million for improving avian health, and updated guidance on proactively mitigating the spread of disease.

A group of Senators urges the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to take swift action to address the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. The lawmakers ask Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to quickly use funds provided by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Led by Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, the lawmakers say, "it is imperative the agency quickly deploy additional resources and work with the states in improving biosecurity measures within the avian supply chain, including the disinfection of sites and the testing and quarantining of affected flocks." As of January 31, 2023, APHIS confirmed avian flu had been found in 745 flocks in 47 states, and affected over 58 million birds, directly contributing to rising egg prices. In the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act, Congress provided an increase in annual funding to address the avian influenza outbreak, including over $64 million for improving avian health, and updated guidance on proactively mitigating the spread of disease.

Senators urge USDA to address Avian Flu immediately

A bipartisan group of Senators recently introduced legislation to merge USDA broadband programs. 

New Mexico Democrat Ben Ray Luján and South Dakota Republican John Thune reintroduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. 

The legislation would streamline and bolster USDA Rural Development broadband programs and ensure their funding is targeted to rural areas that need it the most. 

Senator Thune says, "Our bipartisan legislation would help bridge the digital divide by improving USDA's ReConnect Program to ensure its funding goes to truly unserved areas.” The Rural Internet Improvement Act would: merge and codify the popular Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program, or ReConnect program, with USDA’s traditional broadband loan and grant program. 

The legislation would also ensure ReConnect funding is going to areas most in need of reliable broadband service by limiting funding to areas where at least 90 percent of households lack access to broadband service. Finally, the bill would Improve coordination between USDA and the Federal Communications Commission on broadband programs.

A bipartisan group of Senators recently introduced legislation to merge USDA broadband programs. New Mexico Democrat Ben Ray Luján and South Dakota Republican John Thune reintroduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. The legislation would streamline and bolster USDA Rural Development broadband programs and ensure their funding is targeted to rural areas that need it the most. Senator Thune says, "Our bipartisan legislation would help bridge the digital divide by improving USDA's ReConnect Program to ensure its funding goes to truly unserved areas.” The Rural Internet Improvement Act would: merge and codify the popular Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program, or ReConnect program, with USDA’s traditional broadband loan and grant program. The legislation would also ensure ReConnect funding is going to areas most in need of reliable broadband service by limiting funding to areas where at least 90 percent of households lack access to broadband service. Finally, the bill would Improve coordination between USDA and the Federal Communications Commission on broadband programs.

Lawmakers introduce Rural Internet Improvement Act

This month, FFA members around the country will celebrate agriculture and FFA during National FFA Week. 

Whether through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders and the importance of agricultural education. 

National FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday and encompasses February 22, George Washington's birthday. 

This year, the week kicks off on February 18 and culminates on Saturday, February 25. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, to recognize Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. 

A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more. National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to share agriculture with their fellow students and communities.

This month, FFA members around the country will celebrate agriculture and FFA during National FFA Week. Whether through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders and the importance of agricultural education. National FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday and encompasses February 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicks off on February 18 and culminates on Saturday, February 25. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, to recognize Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more. National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to share agriculture with their fellow students and communities.

Students to celebrate agriculture and leadership around the country

Senator Chuck Grassley and a bipartisan group of Senators last week introduced the bipartisan Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023. 

Joining Grassley was fellow Republican Deb Fischer of Nebraska, and Democrats Ron Wyden of Oregon and Jon Tester of Montana. 

The lawmakers say the legislation would restore transparency and accountability in the cattle market by establishing regional cash minimums and equipping producers with more market information, including permanently authorizing a cattle contract library. 

Grassley says, "It's past time for Congress to stand with independent cattle producers and put an end to the cozy relationship between large meat packers and big cattle feedlots." 

The legislation requires the creation of 5-7 regions encompassing the entire continental U.S., and then establish minimum levels of fed cattle purchases made through an approved pricing mechanism. 

The bill would also establish a maximum penalty for covered packers of $90,000 for mandatory minimum violations. The legislation also creates a publicly available library of marketing contracts.

Senator Chuck Grassley and a bipartisan group of Senators last week introduced the bipartisan Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023. Joining Grassley was fellow Republican Deb Fischer of Nebraska, and Democrats Ron Wyden of Oregon and Jon Tester of Montana. The lawmakers say the legislation would restore transparency and accountability in the cattle market by establishing regional cash minimums and equipping producers with more market information, including permanently authorizing a cattle contract library. Grassley says, "It's past time for Congress to stand with independent cattle producers and put an end to the cozy relationship between large meat packers and big cattle feedlots." The legislation requires the creation of 5-7 regions encompassing the entire continental U.S., and then establish minimum levels of fed cattle purchases made through an approved pricing mechanism. The bill would also establish a maximum penalty for covered packers of $90,000 for mandatory minimum violations. The legislation also creates a publicly available library of marketing contracts.

Grassley, Fischer, Wyden, Tester reintroduce Cattle Market Reform Bill  

House Agriculture Chairman Glenn GT Thompson recently announced subcommittee Chairs and jurisdictions for the 118th Congress. 

The Pennsylvania Republican says of the subcommittee chairs, “Their expertise and partnership are essential to fulfilling this Committee’s mandate of delivering certainty and prosperity to American agriculture and its entire value chain. 

Representative Austin Scott of Georgia will serve as the Vice Chair of the Full Committee, and chair of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. 

California's Dough LaMalfa will chair the Subcommittee on Forestry, and Indiana's Jim Baird is chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. Meanwhile, Minnesota's Brad Finstad was appointed Chair of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. 

Finally, Tracey Mann of Kansas was appointed chair of the Livestock Subcommittee, and South Dakota's Dusty Johnson is Chair of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

House Agriculture Chairman Glenn GT Thompson recently announced subcommittee Chairs and jurisdictions for the 118th Congress. The Pennsylvania Republican says of the subcommittee chairs, “Their expertise and partnership are essential to fulfilling this Committee’s mandate of delivering certainty and prosperity to American agriculture and its entire value chain. Representative Austin Scott of Georgia will serve as the Vice Chair of the Full Committee, and chair of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. California's Dough LaMalfa will chair the Subcommittee on Forestry, and Indiana's Jim Baird is chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. Meanwhile, Minnesota's Brad Finstad was appointed Chair of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. Finally, Tracey Mann of Kansas was appointed chair of the Livestock Subcommittee, and South Dakota's Dusty Johnson is Chair of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

House Ag committee announces subcommittee chairs

The February FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.2 points in January 2023, down 1.1 points, or 0.8 percent, from December, marking the 10th consecutive monthly decline. 

With this latest decline, the index has fallen 28.6 points, 17.9 percent, from its peak in March 2022. 

The Cereal Price Index averaged 147.4 points in January, up fractionally from December and 6.7 points above its level one year ago. 

The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 140.4 points in January, down 2.9 percent month-on-month and nearly 25 percent below its level a year ago. The Dairy Price Index averaged 136.2 points in January, down 1.4 percent from December, hitting its lowest level in 12 months. 

The decline in January reflected lower international prices of butter and milk powders. The Meat Price Index averaged 113.6 points in January, down marginally in December, continuing the decline for the seventh consecutive month, but it still stood 1.3 percent above its year-earlier level. Finally, the Sugar Price Index averaged 115.8 points in January, down 1.1 percent from December.

The February FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.2 points in January 2023, down 1.1 points, or 0.8 percent, from December, marking the 10th consecutive monthly decline. With this latest decline, the index has fallen 28.6 points, 17.9 percent, from its peak in March 2022. The Cereal Price Index averaged 147.4 points in January, up fractionally from December and 6.7 points above its level one year ago. The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 140.4 points in January, down 2.9 percent month-on-month and nearly 25 percent below its level a year ago. The Dairy Price Index averaged 136.2 points in January, down 1.4 percent from December, hitting its lowest level in 12 months. The decline in January reflected lower international prices of butter and milk powders. The Meat Price Index averaged 113.6 points in January, down marginally in December, continuing the decline for the seventh consecutive month, but it still stood 1.3 percent above its year-earlier level. Finally, the Sugar Price Index averaged 115.8 points in January, down 1.1 percent from December.

FAO Food Price Index continues to decline

The National Pork Producers Council applauded the first farm bill hearing in the 118th Congress. 

The organization is pleased the Senate Ag Committee is taking up issues important to the pork industry. In 2021, the U.S. exported 8.1 billion dollars worth of pork to more than 100 countries, which increased the average value of each pig marketed by nearly 63 dollars. Those exports also support more than 10,000 jobs in America.

 “Congress must provide strong investments in both the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program,” the NPPC said in a statement. &nbsp;“A wide swath of U.S. agricultural companies have utilized these export promotion programs, generating a net return of almost 25 dollars for every dollar spent and creating 225,800 full-and-part-time jobs across the U.S. economy.” 

The NPPC is also looking forward to working with members of Congress while developing a farm bill that benefits producers and every American.

The National Pork Producers Council applauded the first farm bill hearing in the 118th Congress. The organization is pleased the Senate Ag Committee is taking up issues important to the pork industry. In 2021, the U.S. exported 8.1 billion dollars worth of pork to more than 100 countries, which increased the average value of each pig marketed by nearly 63 dollars. Those exports also support more than 10,000 jobs in America. “Congress must provide strong investments in both the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program,” the NPPC said in a statement. &nbsp;“A wide swath of U.S. agricultural companies have utilized these export promotion programs, generating a net return of almost 25 dollars for every dollar spent and creating 225,800 full-and-part-time jobs across the U.S. economy.” The NPPC is also looking forward to working with members of Congress while developing a farm bill that benefits producers and every American.

NPPC reacts to first senate ag farm bill hearing

The bipartisan Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act was introduced in both congressional chambers. 

It will protect U.S. national security by preventing foreign adversaries from taking any ownership or control of agricultural land and businesses in the United States. The bill will also ensure the USDA is fully involved in reviewing any acquisition of American companies by foreign adversaries that could affect the agricultural sector. Specifically, China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are prohibited from buying agricultural land and companies in the U.S.

 It also adds the Ag Secretary as a standing member of the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment. 

Congressman Rick Crawford, a co-sponsor, says, “Reports of entities ultimately controlled by the Chinese Communist Party buying American farmland and agricultural companies validate the need for a more proactive posture in protecting our agriculture sector from foreign threats.” 

Congressman Jim Costa says protecting the food supply is a national security issue.

The bipartisan Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act was introduced in both congressional chambers. It will protect U.S. national security by preventing foreign adversaries from taking any ownership or control of agricultural land and businesses in the United States. The bill will also ensure the USDA is fully involved in reviewing any acquisition of American companies by foreign adversaries that could affect the agricultural sector. Specifically, China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are prohibited from buying agricultural land and companies in the U.S. It also adds the Ag Secretary as a standing member of the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment. Congressman Rick Crawford, a co-sponsor, says, “Reports of entities ultimately controlled by the Chinese Communist Party buying American farmland and agricultural companies validate the need for a more proactive posture in protecting our agriculture sector from foreign threats.” Congressman Jim Costa says protecting the food supply is a national security issue.

Legislation designed to protect U.S. ag from foreign adversaries

The CattleFax Outlook Seminar at the annual Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans dug into expert market and weather analysis for the coming year. 

Prices and profitability will again favor cattle producers in 2023. The cattle industry came into the year with the smallest cattle supply since 2015, as drought caused the industry to dig deeper into the supply of feeder cattle and calves. While drought relief is up in the air, improvements are also expected to translate to moderating feed costs, especially in the second half of this year. 

Combined with increased cattle prices, producers, especially the cow-calf operators, will continue to see improvement in margins for the next several years.

 Kevin Good, Vice President of Industry Relations for CattleFax, says U.S. beef cow cattle inventories are down 1.5 million head from cycle highs. “Drought improvement and higher cattle prices should slow beef cow culling through this year,” Good says.

The CattleFax Outlook Seminar at the annual Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans dug into expert market and weather analysis for the coming year. Prices and profitability will again favor cattle producers in 2023. The cattle industry came into the year with the smallest cattle supply since 2015, as drought caused the industry to dig deeper into the supply of feeder cattle and calves. While drought relief is up in the air, improvements are also expected to translate to moderating feed costs, especially in the second half of this year. Combined with increased cattle prices, producers, especially the cow-calf operators, will continue to see improvement in margins for the next several years. Kevin Good, Vice President of Industry Relations for CattleFax, says U.S. beef cow cattle inventories are down 1.5 million head from cycle highs. “Drought improvement and higher cattle prices should slow beef cow culling through this year,” Good says.

CattleFax forecast for producer profitability in 2023

The National Chicken Council released its annual Chicken Wing Report, projecting Americans will eat a record-breaking 1.45 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl weekend. 

The figure represents an increase of two percent from last year’s report, the equivalent of 84 million more wings than in 2022. NCC Spokesperson Tom Super says, “The two main reasons for the increase are more favorable prices and more people getting back to normal and gathering for the Big Game, whether at home or a bar or restaurant.” 

Despite inflation, both wholesale and retail wing prices are down double digits from a year ago, according to USDA, and consumers are seeing a lot more features and promotions. That many wings laid end-to-end would stretch from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia about 62 times. It would also give four wings each to every man, woman, and child in the United States.

The National Chicken Council released its annual Chicken Wing Report, projecting Americans will eat a record-breaking 1.45 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl weekend. The figure represents an increase of two percent from last year’s report, the equivalent of 84 million more wings than in 2022. NCC Spokesperson Tom Super says, “The two main reasons for the increase are more favorable prices and more people getting back to normal and gathering for the Big Game, whether at home or a bar or restaurant.” Despite inflation, both wholesale and retail wing prices are down double digits from a year ago, according to USDA, and consumers are seeing a lot more features and promotions. That many wings laid end-to-end would stretch from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia about 62 times. It would also give four wings each to every man, woman, and child in the United States.

Americans will eat 1.45 billion chicken wings during the Super Bowl

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released its “Today’s Beef Consumer” report, and it shows beef demand continues to remain strong. Despite various challenges faced by the industry, consumers have repeatedly stated that they will continue buying beef in both the retail and foodservice settings. 

Compiling research from last year, the report shows more than two-thirds of consumers reportedly eat beef on a weekly basis or even more than that. Inflation is top-of-mind when shopping for food, and more than three-quarters of consumers reported an increase in the price of food, whether at retail or foodservice.

 While it was no surprise that beef sales at foodservice dropped sharply in 2020 and 2021, sales in 2022 rebounded in both volume and dollars, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. During COVID, consumers were forced to cook from home, and many continue to do so as a way to stretch dollars and combat inflation.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released its “Today’s Beef Consumer” report, and it shows beef demand continues to remain strong. Despite various challenges faced by the industry, consumers have repeatedly stated that they will continue buying beef in both the retail and foodservice settings. Compiling research from last year, the report shows more than two-thirds of consumers reportedly eat beef on a weekly basis or even more than that. Inflation is top-of-mind when shopping for food, and more than three-quarters of consumers reported an increase in the price of food, whether at retail or foodservice. While it was no surprise that beef sales at foodservice dropped sharply in 2020 and 2021, sales in 2022 rebounded in both volume and dollars, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. During COVID, consumers were forced to cook from home, and many continue to do so as a way to stretch dollars and combat inflation.

Report shows strong demand continuing for U.S. beef

Senators John Thune of South Dakota and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar reintroduced the Conservation Reserve Program Improvement Act. 

A Republican and Democrat, respectively, the bill bolsters the CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers, and addressing implementation issues following the 2018 Farm Bill. “After hearing from South Dakotans, it’s clear that we need to keep working to ensure that CRP continues to be an effective option for producers and landowners,” Thune says. 

Among the improvements, the bill would increase the CRP annual payment limitation from $50,000, established in 1985, to $125,000 to account for inflationary and rising land value pressures and provide more enrollment options. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat,” Klobuchar says. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense improvements to the CRP that will strengthen conservation practices and boost enrollment in this vital program.

Senators John Thune of South Dakota and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar reintroduced the Conservation Reserve Program Improvement Act. A Republican and Democrat, respectively, the bill bolsters the CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers, and addressing implementation issues following the 2018 Farm Bill. “After hearing from South Dakotans, it’s clear that we need to keep working to ensure that CRP continues to be an effective option for producers and landowners,” Thune says. Among the improvements, the bill would increase the CRP annual payment limitation from $50,000, established in 1985, to $125,000 to account for inflationary and rising land value pressures and provide more enrollment options. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat,” Klobuchar says. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense improvements to the CRP that will strengthen conservation practices and boost enrollment in this vital program.

Senate bill would improve the Conservation Reserve Program

USDA's Economic Research Service reports Ukraine's corn and wheat exports have almost returned to seasonal-average levels since the summer of 2022. The change follows the Black Sea Grain Initiative to reopen the Black Sea shipping routes. 

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to elevated security risks and infrastructure damage, causing Ukraine's seaports to be almost completely cut off from March through July. As global exportable supplies diminished, international wheat export prices spiked. Signed in July 2022, the Black Sea agreement enabled the safe passage of Ukraine grain exports through three ports. 

That and ample corn and wheat stocks allowed Ukraine to export a larger combined volume of the two crops than the five-year average in September and October. The Black Sea Grain Initiative has increased the opportunities for Ukrainian grain to leave the country and has relieved some price pressures internationally, but uncertainty remains as the agreement is set to expire in mid-March 2023 and may not be extended.

USDA's Economic Research Service reports Ukraine's corn and wheat exports have almost returned to seasonal-average levels since the summer of 2022. The change follows the Black Sea Grain Initiative to reopen the Black Sea shipping routes. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to elevated security risks and infrastructure damage, causing Ukraine's seaports to be almost completely cut off from March through July. As global exportable supplies diminished, international wheat export prices spiked. Signed in July 2022, the Black Sea agreement enabled the safe passage of Ukraine grain exports through three ports. That and ample corn and wheat stocks allowed Ukraine to export a larger combined volume of the two crops than the five-year average in September and October. The Black Sea Grain Initiative has increased the opportunities for Ukrainian grain to leave the country and has relieved some price pressures internationally, but uncertainty remains as the agreement is set to expire in mid-March 2023 and may not be extended.

Ukraine’s exports recover under Black Sea Grain Initiative

The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday proposed a redesign of the Human Foods Program to enhance coordinated prevention and response activities. The proposal includes a transformative vision for the Office of Regulatory Affairs, FDA's field-based operations. 

The proposed structures for both groups will have clear priorities focused on protecting and promoting a safe, nutritious U.S. food supply that more quickly adapts to an ever-changing and evolving environment, according to USDA.

Creating a Human Foods Program under a single leader who reports directly to the Commissioner unifies and elevates the program while removing redundancies. The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Policy and Response, and certain functions of ORA will be unified into a newly envisioned organization called the Human Foods Program.

The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday proposed a redesign of the Human Foods Program to enhance coordinated prevention and response activities. The proposal includes a transformative vision for the Office of Regulatory Affairs, FDA's field-based operations. The proposed structures for both groups will have clear priorities focused on protecting and promoting a safe, nutritious U.S. food supply that more quickly adapts to an ever-changing and evolving environment, according to USDA.Creating a Human Foods Program under a single leader who reports directly to the Commissioner unifies and elevates the program while removing redundancies. The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Policy and Response, and certain functions of ORA will be unified into a newly envisioned organization called the Human Foods Program.

FDA proposes redesign of human foods program

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday launched the Cattle Contract Library pilot program. USDA says the pilot library will provide new disclosure to the industry and public regarding the key terms, conditions, and volumes under which cattle are contracted. 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed USDA to create a pilot library to increase market transparency for cattle producers. The library will have the same look and feel as the working library model developed and shared with stakeholders last year but will now be populated with information from active contracts. The initial release of the library will allow users to browse a range of terms and information contained in active contracts used to purchase fed cattle. 

National Cattlemen's Beef Association Government Affairs Government Affairs Tanner Beymer responded, “We have been looking forward to the launch of the Cattle Contract Library pilot program and will review the product to determine if its current format provides value to cattle producers.”

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday launched the Cattle Contract Library pilot program. USDA says the pilot library will provide new disclosure to the industry and public regarding the key terms, conditions, and volumes under which cattle are contracted. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed USDA to create a pilot library to increase market transparency for cattle producers. The library will have the same look and feel as the working library model developed and shared with stakeholders last year but will now be populated with information from active contracts. The initial release of the library will allow users to browse a range of terms and information contained in active contracts used to purchase fed cattle. National Cattlemen's Beef Association Government Affairs Government Affairs Tanner Beymer responded, “We have been looking forward to the launch of the Cattle Contract Library pilot program and will review the product to determine if its current format provides value to cattle producers.”

USDA launches pilot cattle contracts library

Leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee urge the U.S. Trade Representative to hold Canada accountable under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 

Senators Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, and John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, say Canada is obligated by USMCA to provide market access to American dairy farmers. 

Despite numerous rounds of consultation and an initial dispute settlement panel ruling in January 2022, Canada continues to reserve parts of its tariff-rate quota allocations for domestic processors, undermining importers' market access. 

In a letter to Ambassador Katherine Tai, the Senators call on USTR to initiate a second dispute settlement panel to hold Canada accountable to its market access obligations to American dairy farmers. 

There has been no improvement in Canada's TRQ administration despite the USTR’s continued engagement. The Senators write, “To bring Canada into compliance with its commitments to U.S. dairy producers, we urge USTR to move forward with a second dispute settlement case to implement USMCA’s dairy provisions fully and properly to increase U.S. dairy market access.”

Leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee urge the U.S. Trade Representative to hold Canada accountable under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Senators Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, and John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, say Canada is obligated by USMCA to provide market access to American dairy farmers. Despite numerous rounds of consultation and an initial dispute settlement panel ruling in January 2022, Canada continues to reserve parts of its tariff-rate quota allocations for domestic processors, undermining importers' market access. In a letter to Ambassador Katherine Tai, the Senators call on USTR to initiate a second dispute settlement panel to hold Canada accountable to its market access obligations to American dairy farmers. There has been no improvement in Canada's TRQ administration despite the USTR’s continued engagement. The Senators write, “To bring Canada into compliance with its commitments to U.S. dairy producers, we urge USTR to move forward with a second dispute settlement case to implement USMCA’s dairy provisions fully and properly to increase U.S. dairy market access.”

Senate Ag leaders urge USTR to hold Canada accountable under USMCA

Last week, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led a bipartisan coalition of seven Attorneys General urging the Biden Administration to follow the law and allow the sale of year-round E-15. 

Federal law permits Governors to request that the EPA issue the regulations allowing E15 and requires the EPA to issue the regulations within 90 days. 

The sale of E15 has been restricted during the summer peak-driving months due to an outdated provision of the Clean Air Act. 

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds led a bipartisan coalition of Governors making the request on April 22, 2022, but the EPA still has not issued the regulation as required by law. Earlier this month, Governor Reynolds, again wrote to the Biden Administration reiterating her request that the mandatory regulations be issued in response to their request. 

Attorney General Bird and the Attorneys General of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin signed the letter to the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Last week, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led a bipartisan coalition of seven Attorneys General urging the Biden Administration to follow the law and allow the sale of year-round E-15. Federal law permits Governors to request that the EPA issue the regulations allowing E15 and requires the EPA to issue the regulations within 90 days. The sale of E15 has been restricted during the summer peak-driving months due to an outdated provision of the Clean Air Act. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds led a bipartisan coalition of Governors making the request on April 22, 2022, but the EPA still has not issued the regulation as required by law. Earlier this month, Governor Reynolds, again wrote to the Biden Administration reiterating her request that the mandatory regulations be issued in response to their request. Attorney General Bird and the Attorneys General of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin signed the letter to the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency.

State Attorneys General seek year-round E-15

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewell Bronaugh announced she’ll be leaving her post at the end of February. 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says his organization has enjoyed working with the deputy secretary for the last two years of her tenure with the agency. 

“We want to thank her for her service to America’s farmers and ranchers,” Duvall says. 

“She has long been someone who understands the needs of farmers and rural communities. We’ve appreciated her leadership and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” House Ag Committee Ranking Democrat David Scott congratulated Bronaugh on a job well done. 

“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh’s time at the department was historic, serving as the first African American woman in the role,” Scott says. “During her time as Deputy, she uplifted American agriculture and our rural communities, something she’s long done throughout her career.” Scott also says she’s a champion for U.S. food and agriculture.

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewell Bronaugh announced she’ll be leaving her post at the end of February. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says his organization has enjoyed working with the deputy secretary for the last two years of her tenure with the agency. “We want to thank her for her service to America’s farmers and ranchers,” Duvall says. “She has long been someone who understands the needs of farmers and rural communities. We’ve appreciated her leadership and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” House Ag Committee Ranking Democrat David Scott congratulated Bronaugh on a job well done. “Deputy Secretary Bronaugh’s time at the department was historic, serving as the first African American woman in the role,” Scott says. “During her time as Deputy, she uplifted American agriculture and our rural communities, something she’s long done throughout her career.” Scott also says she’s a champion for U.S. food and agriculture.

Reaction to Bronaugh’s decision to step down from USDA post

The top members of the Senate’s Finance Committee sent a letter to the White House asking the administration to pursue enforcement action against Canada and Mexico under the USMCA. 

Inside Trade says they’re concerned about areas where Canada and Mexico aren’t complying with the agreement’s rules, especially around energy and agriculture. 

Ron Wyden and Mike Crapo, the top Democrat and Republican on the committee, sent the letter saying, “The Office of the USTR must continue pursuing full implementation and, where necessary, robust enforcement of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.” 

They also noted that the pact’s full potential remains unrealized. Wyden and Crapo highlighted the current dispute with Mexico over its policy regarding GMO corn imports, as well as Canadian failure to comply with the rules regarding tariff-rate quotas on dairy products. 

The U.S. recently requested dispute-settlement consultations for a third time regarding Canada’s dairy policy. U.S. and Mexican discussions recently continued last week.

The top members of the Senate’s Finance Committee sent a letter to the White House asking the administration to pursue enforcement action against Canada and Mexico under the USMCA. Inside Trade says they’re concerned about areas where Canada and Mexico aren’t complying with the agreement’s rules, especially around energy and agriculture. Ron Wyden and Mike Crapo, the top Democrat and Republican on the committee, sent the letter saying, “The Office of the USTR must continue pursuing full implementation and, where necessary, robust enforcement of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.” They also noted that the pact’s full potential remains unrealized. Wyden and Crapo highlighted the current dispute with Mexico over its policy regarding GMO corn imports, as well as Canadian failure to comply with the rules regarding tariff-rate quotas on dairy products. The U.S. recently requested dispute-settlement consultations for a third time regarding Canada’s dairy policy. U.S. and Mexican discussions recently continued last week.

Senators ask White House for enforcement actions on USMCA

Late last week, the Department of Energy announced $118 million in funding to help expand U.S. biofuel production. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the funds will undoubtedly accelerate the innovations taking place at U.S. ethanol plants. 

“It will open many new opportunities for low-cost, low-carbon energy,” Skor says. 

She also points out that the president himself has said there will be no achieving the goal of net zero by 2050 without biofuels, and the announcement shows that the DOE is committed to that mission. 

“We are excited to see new technologies scaled up with these funds, particularly the work underway at Marquis, Inc., a Growth Energy member that received $8 million for a project that combines CO2 with low-carbon hydrogen to create a new production stream of extra-low-carbon ethanol.” A project like that will end up slashing carbon emissions by at least 70 percent or more compared to petroleum-based alternatives.

Late last week, the Department of Energy announced $118 million in funding to help expand U.S. biofuel production. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the funds will undoubtedly accelerate the innovations taking place at U.S. ethanol plants. “It will open many new opportunities for low-cost, low-carbon energy,” Skor says. She also points out that the president himself has said there will be no achieving the goal of net zero by 2050 without biofuels, and the announcement shows that the DOE is committed to that mission. “We are excited to see new technologies scaled up with these funds, particularly the work underway at Marquis, Inc., a Growth Energy member that received $8 million for a project that combines CO2 with low-carbon hydrogen to create a new production stream of extra-low-carbon ethanol.” A project like that will end up slashing carbon emissions by at least 70 percent or more compared to petroleum-based alternatives.

Energy Department allocates $118 million to biofuel projects

The U.S. is currently in a third round of talks to redo the World Trade Organization’s trade dispute arbitration system. 

The U.S. Ambassador to the WTO told Reuters that America wants it to be fully up and running by the end of 2024. 

The WTO’s appeals bench rules on top disputes among nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s been out of service for two years due to U.S. appointment blockages put in place during the Trump Administration. 

The current administration has resisted calls by WTO members to approve the appointments and has been leading the negotiations on how to redo the dispute system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Asked if it was even possible to revive the Appellate Body, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Maria Pagan didn’t say no. 

“It needs a lot of revamping,” she says. The U.S. has criticized the WTO’s alleged overreach and lengthy processes, and it strongly contested some of the WTO’s recent rulings against America.

The U.S. is currently in a third round of talks to redo the World Trade Organization’s trade dispute arbitration system. The U.S. Ambassador to the WTO told Reuters that America wants it to be fully up and running by the end of 2024. The WTO’s appeals bench rules on top disputes among nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s been out of service for two years due to U.S. appointment blockages put in place during the Trump Administration. The current administration has resisted calls by WTO members to approve the appointments and has been leading the negotiations on how to redo the dispute system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Asked if it was even possible to revive the Appellate Body, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Maria Pagan didn’t say no. “It needs a lot of revamping,” she says. The U.S. has criticized the WTO’s alleged overreach and lengthy processes, and it strongly contested some of the WTO’s recent rulings against America.

U.S. wants WTO dispute system fixed by 2024

The National FFA Organization Thursday announced its participation in a new community of practice with other nonprofit organizations focused on advancing racial equity. Over the next six months, leaders in the National FFA Organization will work with The Bridgespan Group to strengthen their approach to advancing racial equity internally and externally. 

The Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice, led by The Bridgespan Group, is funded by the Walmart Foundation. The funding will assist in supporting FFA to collaborate with others to share best practices and learnings on their work to prioritize equity. National FFA CEO Scott Stump says, “By partnering with other nonprofits through this initiative, we can expand our capacity to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in our membership.” F

FA is participating in the cohort alongside nine organizations: American Red Cross, Center for the Future of Arizona, Education Design Lab, Goodwill Industries International, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Team Rubicon, The Recycling Partnership, Winrock International, and World Wildlife Fund.

The National FFA Organization Thursday announced its participation in a new community of practice with other nonprofit organizations focused on advancing racial equity. Over the next six months, leaders in the National FFA Organization will work with The Bridgespan Group to strengthen their approach to advancing racial equity internally and externally. The Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice, led by The Bridgespan Group, is funded by the Walmart Foundation. The funding will assist in supporting FFA to collaborate with others to share best practices and learnings on their work to prioritize equity. National FFA CEO Scott Stump says, “By partnering with other nonprofits through this initiative, we can expand our capacity to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in our membership.” FFA is participating in the cohort alongside nine organizations: American Red Cross, Center for the Future of Arizona, Education Design Lab, Goodwill Industries International, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Team Rubicon, The Recycling Partnership, Winrock International, and World Wildlife Fund.

FFA to participate in the advancing racial equity community of practice initiative

A new partnership aims to increase soybean flower and pod retention. This unrealized value could bring $50 per acre or $400 million in economic return for U.S. soybean farmers, according to the United Soybean Board. 

The collaborative focus will test how heat and drought impact flower bud retention. Flower production dictates the final pod number and, ultimately, yield in soybeans. The Atlantic Soybean Council, Mid-South Soybean Board, North Central Soybean Research Program, Southern Soybean Research Program and United Soybean Board all agree this is a priority issue impacting the entire industry. 

Although flower retention is a leading cause of soybean yield loss in the U.S., no organized effort exists to address it. Farmers experience about 30 percent of flower loss under favorable conditions and up to 80 percent under drought and heat stress. Texas Tech University, in collaboration with Kansas State University, the University of Missouri and the University of Tennessee, will lead the research on this national effort.

A new partnership aims to increase soybean flower and pod retention. This unrealized value could bring $50 per acre or $400 million in economic return for U.S. soybean farmers, according to the United Soybean Board. The collaborative focus will test how heat and drought impact flower bud retention. Flower production dictates the final pod number and, ultimately, yield in soybeans. The Atlantic Soybean Council, Mid-South Soybean Board, North Central Soybean Research Program, Southern Soybean Research Program and United Soybean Board all agree this is a priority issue impacting the entire industry. Although flower retention is a leading cause of soybean yield loss in the U.S., no organized effort exists to address it. Farmers experience about 30 percent of flower loss under favorable conditions and up to 80 percent under drought and heat stress. Texas Tech University, in collaboration with Kansas State University, the University of Missouri and the University of Tennessee, will lead the research on this national effort.