The USDA released a package of rules and orders seeking to increase competition in the livestock industry. That package establishes a Chief Competition Officer at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. This position will be hired as a career rather than a political appointment. 

The officer will help elevate and institutionalize competition-related concerns at USDA. “Today’s announcement is another item crossed off a to-do list the administration is following to ensure a fairer, more competitive marketplace for U.S. cattle producers,” says U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper.

 The package also updates AMS Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications that large volume buyers like federal, state, and local government agencies, schools, restaurants, hotels, and other food service users follow when buying meat products. Currently, meat and meat products do have to be of domestic origin, but the updated standards will specify that to mean only animals that are born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S.

The USDA released a package of rules and orders seeking to increase competition in the livestock industry. That package establishes a Chief Competition Officer at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. This position will be hired as a career rather than a political appointment. The officer will help elevate and institutionalize competition-related concerns at USDA. “Today’s announcement is another item crossed off a to-do list the administration is following to ensure a fairer, more competitive marketplace for U.S. cattle producers,” says U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper. The package also updates AMS Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications that large volume buyers like federal, state, and local government agencies, schools, restaurants, hotels, and other food service users follow when buying meat products. Currently, meat and meat products do have to be of domestic origin, but the updated standards will specify that to mean only animals that are born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S.- NAFB

Cattle group commends new competition initiative

In a memo to food service managers at public schools, the state of New York announced flexibilities amid a milk carton shortage recently. Due to the unexpected nationwide shortage of paper milk cartons, many School Food Authorities are not able to obtain milk in half pints for their school meals programs. 

Although schools are expected to meet the fluid milk requirements to the greatest extent possible, supply chain disruptions, including disruptions that limit milk variety or affect serving size, are considered a temporary emergency condition. 

The New York State Education Department announced schools are allowed to pour milk from larger containers into individual cups, offer one type of milk instead of a variety, offer an alternate form of fluid milk such as low-fat or fat-free lactose-free, or as a last resort, not offer fluid milk altogether. However, juice cannot be offered as a replacement, and schools must still adhere to National School Lunch Program guidelines.

In a memo to food service managers at public schools, the state of New York announced flexibilities amid a milk carton shortage recently. Due to the unexpected nationwide shortage of paper milk cartons, many School Food Authorities are not able to obtain milk in half pints for their school meals programs. Although schools are expected to meet the fluid milk requirements to the greatest extent possible, supply chain disruptions, including disruptions that limit milk variety or affect serving size, are considered a temporary emergency condition. The New York State Education Department announced schools are allowed to pour milk from larger containers into individual cups, offer one type of milk instead of a variety, offer an alternate form of fluid milk such as low-fat or fat-free lactose-free, or as a last resort, not offer fluid milk altogether. However, juice cannot be offered as a replacement, and schools must still adhere to National School Lunch Program guidelines.- NAFB

New York announces flexibilities amid milk carton shortage

The Fertilizer Institute Wednesday reiterated its opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to tighten national ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter. The organization also voiced support for legislation to prohibit the EPA altering the standard at this time. 

TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch says, “Only two years ago the EPA confirmed that the current standard is protective of public health and the environment,” adding, “They have not provided any reasoning as to what has changed in the past two years aside from the fact that these emissions continue to decline.” 

According to the government’s own data, fine particulate matter emissions have declined by over 40 percent over the past twenty years, and they continue to go down. Additionally, the current rule balances environmental protection with robust commercial and industrial activity. TFI joined more than 70 other industry groups in a letter articulating the economic impact the rule they say would have, as well as the faulty reasoning behind the change.

The Fertilizer Institute Wednesday reiterated its opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to tighten national ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter. The organization also voiced support for legislation to prohibit the EPA altering the standard at this time. TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch says, “Only two years ago the EPA confirmed that the current standard is protective of public health and the environment,” adding, “They have not provided any reasoning as to what has changed in the past two years aside from the fact that these emissions continue to decline.” According to the government’s own data, fine particulate matter emissions have declined by over 40 percent over the past twenty years, and they continue to go down. Additionally, the current rule balances environmental protection with robust commercial and industrial activity. TFI joined more than 70 other industry groups in a letter articulating the economic impact the rule they say would have, as well as the faulty reasoning behind the change.- NAFB

TFI supports amendment to block proposed rule on air quality standards

Bayer confirmed in an investor call on Wednesday the company is considering splitting business units following poor financial results. “We are redesigning Bayer to focus only on what’s essential for our mission – and getting rid of everything else,” according to Bayer CEO Bill Anderson. 

Anderson, who has been at the company's helm since June, says by the end of next year, Bayer will remove multiple layers of management and coordination. The company ruled out splitting into three divisions, but other options remain. Anderson adds, "In terms of structural options, beyond maintaining three divisions, a separation of either Consumer Health or Crop Science remains under evaluation." Sales in the agricultural business were level year on year at 4.3 billion euros. 

Higher volumes in all regions were mostly offset by lower prices for glyphosate-based. Corn Seed and Traits sales rose by 21.2, while Fungicides were up 16.2 percent. The Soybean Seed and Traits business likewise posted double-digit percentage growth of 15.6 percent. By contrast, sales at Herbicides were down by 17.3 percent.

Bayer confirmed in an investor call on Wednesday the company is considering splitting business units following poor financial results. “We are redesigning Bayer to focus only on what’s essential for our mission – and getting rid of everything else,” according to Bayer CEO Bill Anderson. Anderson, who has been at the company's helm since June, says by the end of next year, Bayer will remove multiple layers of management and coordination. The company ruled out splitting into three divisions, but other options remain. Anderson adds, "In terms of structural options, beyond maintaining three divisions, a separation of either Consumer Health or Crop Science remains under evaluation." Sales in the agricultural business were level year on year at 4.3 billion euros. Higher volumes in all regions were mostly offset by lower prices for glyphosate-based. Corn Seed and Traits sales rose by 21.2, while Fungicides were up 16.2 percent. The Soybean Seed and Traits business likewise posted double-digit percentage growth of 15.6 percent. By contrast, sales at Herbicides were down by 17.3 percent.- NAFB

Bayer considers company breakup

Gavins Point Dam releases will be reduced in late November as flow support to navigation ends. Releases are currently 32,000 cubic feet per second. John Remus of the Amry Corps of Engineers says, "We will continue to make releases from Gavins Point Dam to provide flow support at an intermediate service level, 1,500 cubic feet per second less than full service, through the end of the navigation flow support season." 

Winter releases from Gavins Point Dam for the 2023-2024 winter will be slightly higher than last winter, which were at the minimum rate. However, Remus adds, "Intake operators in the lower river should be taking measures to assure they can maintain access to the water." October runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.5 million-acre-feet, 124 percent of normal. 

Based on the most recent seasonal drought outlook, drought conditions are expected to persist through the end of January in the upper Basin, with a potential for improvement in the lower Basin.

Gavins Point Dam releases will be reduced in late November as flow support to navigation ends. Releases are currently 32,000 cubic feet per second. John Remus of the Amry Corps of Engineers says, "We will continue to make releases from Gavins Point Dam to provide flow support at an intermediate service level, 1,500 cubic feet per second less than full service, through the end of the navigation flow support season." Winter releases from Gavins Point Dam for the 2023-2024 winter will be slightly higher than last winter, which were at the minimum rate. However, Remus adds, "Intake operators in the lower river should be taking measures to assure they can maintain access to the water." October runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.5 million-acre-feet, 124 percent of normal. Based on the most recent seasonal drought outlook, drought conditions are expected to persist through the end of January in the upper Basin, with a potential for improvement in the lower Basin.- NAFB

Army Corps to reduce Missouri River to winter flows

The long-term demand trends for dairy products indicate butter, cheese and other full-fat dairy foods will continue to grow in sales and volume for the foreseeable future. U.S. consumers have shifted away from margarine and reduced-fat dairy foods over the last decade as nutritional science surrounding saturated fats has evolved. 

As a result, butterfat levels in the national milk supply have risen sharply in response to changing demand patterns and dairy market dynamics. According to a new report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, the butterfat boom will continue as the entire dairy supply chain is capturing additional value from milk with higher fat and protein levels. 

CoBank's Corey Geiger says, "Despite the significant growth in domestic butterfat production over the last decade, there is still tremendous upside potential, largely because the U.S. remains a milk-fat-deficit nation." Geiger says the overall market picture for butterfat is quite clear, with tremendous growth potential both domestically and ultimately via the export market.

The long-term demand trends for dairy products indicate butter, cheese and other full-fat dairy foods will continue to grow in sales and volume for the foreseeable future. U.S. consumers have shifted away from margarine and reduced-fat dairy foods over the last decade as nutritional science surrounding saturated fats has evolved. As a result, butterfat levels in the national milk supply have risen sharply in response to changing demand patterns and dairy market dynamics. According to a new report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, the butterfat boom will continue as the entire dairy supply chain is capturing additional value from milk with higher fat and protein levels. CoBank's Corey Geiger says, "Despite the significant growth in domestic butterfat production over the last decade, there is still tremendous upside potential, largely because the U.S. remains a milk-fat-deficit nation." Geiger says the overall market picture for butterfat is quite clear, with tremendous growth potential both domestically and ultimately via the export market.- NAFB

Shifting Consumer demand for dairy foods fuels butterfat boom

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose four points in October to 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers' improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. The Index of Current Conditions rose three points to 101, while the Index of Future Expectations rose five points to 114. 

Farmers in this month's survey were a bit less concerned about the risk of lower prices for crops and livestock and felt somewhat better about their farms' financial situation than a month earlier, although that did not translate into a more favorable investment outlook among survey respondents. 

Farmers remain cautiously optimistic about farmland values, particularly when asked to look ahead five years. Nearly one in four farmers responding to the survey reported making changes in their farm operations in response to long-term weather pattern changes. Changes implemented by farmers were wide-ranging, and some reported making multiple changes in response to shifting weather patterns.

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose four points in October to 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers' improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. The Index of Current Conditions rose three points to 101, while the Index of Future Expectations rose five points to 114. Farmers in this month's survey were a bit less concerned about the risk of lower prices for crops and livestock and felt somewhat better about their farms' financial situation than a month earlier, although that did not translate into a more favorable investment outlook among survey respondents. Farmers remain cautiously optimistic about farmland values, particularly when asked to look ahead five years. Nearly one in four farmers responding to the survey reported making changes in their farm operations in response to long-term weather pattern changes. Changes implemented by farmers were wide-ranging, and some reported making multiple changes in response to shifting weather patterns.- NAFB

Farmer sentiment rises in latest ag economy barometer

The 2024 American Sheep Industry Association’s Annual Convention will offer producers a closer look at two pieces of legislation that will greatly affect the industry. 

The opening session will feature officials from congressional agriculture committees discussing the new farm bill. Whether it’s passed by then or still getting hashed out, there will be plenty to talk about for America’s sheep producers. The speaker on January 13 from Superior Farms will talk about a petition in the city of Denver to prohibit the processing of livestock within city limits. 

If it passes, the petition will force the closure of Superior Farms’ lamb processing plant just minutes from the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel where the ASI convention takes place. “If they can pass such legislation in Denver, where they have as rich a livestock history as any in the American West, they can pass it anywhere in America,” says ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick.

The 2024 American Sheep Industry Association’s Annual Convention will offer producers a closer look at two pieces of legislation that will greatly affect the industry. The opening session will feature officials from congressional agriculture committees discussing the new farm bill. Whether it’s passed by then or still getting hashed out, there will be plenty to talk about for America’s sheep producers. The speaker on January 13 from Superior Farms will talk about a petition in the city of Denver to prohibit the processing of livestock within city limits. If it passes, the petition will force the closure of Superior Farms’ lamb processing plant just minutes from the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel where the ASI convention takes place. “If they can pass such legislation in Denver, where they have as rich a livestock history as any in the American West, they can pass it anywhere in America,” says ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick.- NAFB

Sheep industry annual convention to discuss important topics

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

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

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

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

USDA relief program hurts larger farmers

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

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

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

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

New national FFA officer team in place

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

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

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

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

China importing a lot of soybeans in 2023

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

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

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

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

Foreign investment in U.S. ag land

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

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

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

Commerce Department lowers duties on fertilizers

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

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

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

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

China set to import record amount of wheat

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

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

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

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

Iowa pork campaign involves Iowa State football players

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

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

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

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

Corn growers support fertilizer industry transparency

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

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

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

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

2023 ozone hole ranks 16th largest on record

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

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

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

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

CropLife America announces CEO search

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

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

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

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

US to participate in next Indo-Pacific framework negotiating round

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

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

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

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

Shell eggs broken down 1% from last year

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

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

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

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

New grants to strengthen local and regional food systems

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

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

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

House republican members urge swift farm bill passage

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

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

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

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

Farm groups applaud more OFF Act sponsors

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

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

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

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

Alltech survey finds optimism regarding sustainable food system

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

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

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

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