USDA launched a partnership with bipartisan attorneys general in 31 states and the District of Columbia to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. 

Through the agreement, this partnership will assist the state attorneys general in tackling anticompetitive market structures in agriculture and related industries that are raising prices and limiting choices for consumers and producers. 

“Through these cooperative agreements, we can ensure a more robust and competitive agricultural sector,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

“I’m happy to see that a bipartisan group of states is committed to joining USDA in better protecting the fair and competitive markets that are a critical cornerstone of the American economy.” 

Areas of focus for the Agricultural Competition Partnership include anti-competitive market structures and practices, as well as price gouging and other anti-consumer practices in food, retail, meat, and poultry processing. Others include a lack of choices for consumers and producers.

USDA launched a partnership with bipartisan attorneys general in 31 states and the District of Columbia to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. Through the agreement, this partnership will assist the state attorneys general in tackling anticompetitive market structures in agriculture and related industries that are raising prices and limiting choices for consumers and producers. “Through these cooperative agreements, we can ensure a more robust and competitive agricultural sector,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I’m happy to see that a bipartisan group of states is committed to joining USDA in better protecting the fair and competitive markets that are a critical cornerstone of the American economy.” Areas of focus for the Agricultural Competition Partnership include anti-competitive market structures and practices, as well as price gouging and other anti-consumer practices in food, retail, meat, and poultry processing. Others include a lack of choices for consumers and producers.- NAFB

USDA partnership to reduce anticompetitive barriers

One day after Russia terminated the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the country attacked Ukraine grain facilities at the Odesa port. 

Russia terminated the deal following an attack by Ukraine on a bridge in the Crimean Peninsula. 

The port attacks were in retaliation to the Ukraine attack. The Black Sea grain export deal allowed for the safe transport of grain through the Black Sea by Ukraine. 

Reuters reports that any attempt to reopen Ukrainian grain shipments without Russia's participation would depend on insurance companies agreeing to provide coverage. Russia could return to the grain deal, but only if its demands are met for rules to be eased for its own exports of food and fertilizer. 

The country, for now, has not guaranteed the safety of ships in the Black Sea carrying products from Ukraine. Ukraine has invested in other ports, and could shift grain to those, but at a reduced shipping capacity.

One day after Russia terminated the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the country attacked Ukraine grain facilities at the Odesa port. Russia terminated the deal following an attack by Ukraine on a bridge in the Crimean Peninsula. The port attacks were in retaliation to the Ukraine attack. The Black Sea grain export deal allowed for the safe transport of grain through the Black Sea by Ukraine. Reuters reports that any attempt to reopen Ukrainian grain shipments without Russia's participation would depend on insurance companies agreeing to provide coverage. Russia could return to the grain deal, but only if its demands are met for rules to be eased for its own exports of food and fertilizer. The country, for now, has not guaranteed the safety of ships in the Black Sea carrying products from Ukraine. Ukraine has invested in other ports, and could shift grain to those, but at a reduced shipping capacity.- NAFB

Russia attacks Ukraine grain port

University research shows ad hoc payments result in farmers holding more grain in storage. 

Published by the University of Illinois’ FarmdocDAILY, the research estimated the impact of the unprecedented surge in ad hoc farm payments from 2018 to 2020 on grain inventories held by farmers. 

Under the Market Facilitation Program, U.S. farmers received approximately $23 billion during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 marketing years. 

While USDA designed MFP to avoid distorting farmer planting and production decisions, these payments may still have affected farm decision-making, in particular, the decision to store production after harvest. 

However, the research estimates the impact of MFP payments on the market-level inventories was modest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even in the case of soybeans in December 2018, the market and quarter where with the largest impact, U.S. soybean stocks were only 226 million bushels or six percent higher than they would have been in the absence of MFP payments. 

The conclusion: MFP did impact outcomes relevant to commodity price levels, though any potential market distortion was likely small.

University research shows ad hoc payments result in farmers holding more grain in storage. Published by the University of Illinois’ FarmdocDAILY, the research estimated the impact of the unprecedented surge in ad hoc farm payments from 2018 to 2020 on grain inventories held by farmers. Under the Market Facilitation Program, U.S. farmers received approximately $23 billion during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 marketing years. While USDA designed MFP to avoid distorting farmer planting and production decisions, these payments may still have affected farm decision-making, in particular, the decision to store production after harvest. However, the research estimates the impact of MFP payments on the market-level inventories was modest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even in the case of soybeans in December 2018, the market and quarter where with the largest impact, U.S. soybean stocks were only 226 million bushels or six percent higher than they would have been in the absence of MFP payments. The conclusion: MFP did impact outcomes relevant to commodity price levels, though any potential market distortion was likely small.- NAFB

Ad hoc government payments caused farmers to store more grain

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts record-high natural gas consumption in the United States for electricity generation in July and August. 

The forecast comes as another hot summer increases demand for air conditioning. 

In its July Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA expects about four percent more U.S. electricity generation from natural gas in July and August 2023 than in 2022. 

Natural gas will provide about 46 percent of U.S. electricity for those two months and provide 41 percent of U.S. electricity for the year, according to EIA's forecast. EIA also expects a six percent increase in electricity generation from renewables and a two percent increase in generation from nuclear energy. 

Also, EIA reduced its forecast for growth in U.S. renewable diesel production from previous forecasts. An EIA spokesperson says, "We still expect significant growth in renewable diesel production, but changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard slightly lower the growth rate in the short term.” 

EIA expects the United States to produce about 161,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel in 2023, which is a 66 percent increase from 2022.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts record-high natural gas consumption in the United States for electricity generation in July and August. The forecast comes as another hot summer increases demand for air conditioning. In its July Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA expects about four percent more U.S. electricity generation from natural gas in July and August 2023 than in 2022. Natural gas will provide about 46 percent of U.S. electricity for those two months and provide 41 percent of U.S. electricity for the year, according to EIA's forecast. EIA also expects a six percent increase in electricity generation from renewables and a two percent increase in generation from nuclear energy. Also, EIA reduced its forecast for growth in U.S. renewable diesel production from previous forecasts. An EIA spokesperson says, "We still expect significant growth in renewable diesel production, but changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard slightly lower the growth rate in the short term.” EIA expects the United States to produce about 161,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel in 2023, which is a 66 percent increase from 2022.- NAFB

Hot summer means more natural gas consumption

Lawmakers recently introduced the Women in Agriculture Act. The legislation would establish a research priority for agriculture machinery and equipment designed to be used by women, and create a funding set aside for childcare facilities in rural areas. 

The bill also creates a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison position at the Department of Agriculture. 

Although the number of women in the agriculture industry is growing, the majority of tools are designed and manufactured the height, strength and body type of a man. 

Representative Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maine, led the introduction of the bill. She says, “The Women in Agriculture Act provides resources specifically for women farmers and ranchers to level the playing field and work towards a fairer agriculture industry." 

In 2019, women accounted for 26 percent of the farm labor workforce, a 19 percent increase since 2009. However, farms operated by women earn 40 percent less income compared to male-dominated farms.

Lawmakers recently introduced the Women in Agriculture Act. The legislation would establish a research priority for agriculture machinery and equipment designed to be used by women, and create a funding set aside for childcare facilities in rural areas. The bill also creates a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison position at the Department of Agriculture. Although the number of women in the agriculture industry is growing, the majority of tools are designed and manufactured the height, strength and body type of a man. Representative Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maine, led the introduction of the bill. She says, “The Women in Agriculture Act provides resources specifically for women farmers and ranchers to level the playing field and work towards a fairer agriculture industry." In 2019, women accounted for 26 percent of the farm labor workforce, a 19 percent increase since 2009. However, farms operated by women earn 40 percent less income compared to male-dominated farms.- NAFB

Lawmakers introduce Women in Agriculture Bill

The Environmental Protection Agency has denied 26 Small Refinery Exemption petitions for the Renewable Fuel Standard spanning compliance years 2016-2018 and 2021-2023. 

The action demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to ending the backlog of pending SREs. 

The American Soybean Association welcomed the continued transparent and fair assessment of SREs through more stringent hardship and economic impact requirements. 

Historically, significant SRE approvals without clear and consistent metrics for evaluation created vast market uncertainty and undermined the intent of the RFS, creating a challenging environment for continued growth in the biomass-based diesel industry. 

EPA has worked in recent years to develop new parameters for petition approvals that have proven effective at strengthening the RFS. 

ASA is pleased with this progress and hopes EPA will continue to work with the biofuels industry to implement the RFS as intended. With the finalization of these 26 SRE petition denials, EPA has cut down SRE backlogs significantly, with only two outstanding petitions remaining from compliance year 2018.

The Environmental Protection Agency has denied 26 Small Refinery Exemption petitions for the Renewable Fuel Standard spanning compliance years 2016-2018 and 2021-2023. The action demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to ending the backlog of pending SREs. The American Soybean Association welcomed the continued transparent and fair assessment of SREs through more stringent hardship and economic impact requirements. Historically, significant SRE approvals without clear and consistent metrics for evaluation created vast market uncertainty and undermined the intent of the RFS, creating a challenging environment for continued growth in the biomass-based diesel industry. EPA has worked in recent years to develop new parameters for petition approvals that have proven effective at strengthening the RFS. ASA is pleased with this progress and hopes EPA will continue to work with the biofuels industry to implement the RFS as intended. With the finalization of these 26 SRE petition denials, EPA has cut down SRE backlogs significantly, with only two outstanding petitions remaining from compliance year 2018.- NAFB

EPA denies 26 RFS Small Refinery Exemptions

MGP Ingredients last week announced the planned closure of its industrial alcohol distillery expected in January 2024. 

The facility in Atchison, Kansas, produces grain neutral spirits, industrial alcohol products and related co-products. 

The decision to close this distillery is consistent with the company’s plan to address profitability headwinds associated within the sector. 

MGP Ingredients will continue to operate and invest in its Ingredient Solutions business located in Atchison, Kansas, including the previously announced $16.7 million-dollar texturized protein facility scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. 

The company will also continue to operate and invest in its Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery operations. 

MGP President and CEO David Colo says, “The additional supply of grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol that has entered the market during the past few years has had a meaningful and structural impact on the market.” The company also cited the increase in local corn basis costs that reduced profitability.

MGP Ingredients last week announced the planned closure of its industrial alcohol distillery expected in January 2024. The facility in Atchison, Kansas, produces grain neutral spirits, industrial alcohol products and related co-products. The decision to close this distillery is consistent with the company’s plan to address profitability headwinds associated within the sector. MGP Ingredients will continue to operate and invest in its Ingredient Solutions business located in Atchison, Kansas, including the previously announced $16.7 million-dollar texturized protein facility scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The company will also continue to operate and invest in its Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery operations. MGP President and CEO David Colo says, “The additional supply of grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol that has entered the market during the past few years has had a meaningful and structural impact on the market.” The company also cited the increase in local corn basis costs that reduced profitability.- NAFB

MGP ingredients to close industrial alcohol distillery

The USDA and White House co-hosted a meeting to discuss competition priorities in the farm bill. 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew took part, saying that the U.S. needs a farm bill that prioritizes fair and competitive markets. 

“Today’s event shows the need for this issue to be addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill,” Larew says. 

“Our Fairness for Farmers Campaign has sounded the alarm on monopolies, and this meeting is a sign our concerns are being heard by our decision-makers.” 

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association also took part in the event. USCA Vice President Lia Biondo says the discussion marked progress toward a fairer, more competitive marketplace. 

“A Texas A &amp; M study shows that without the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, negotiated trade in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico is expected to fall to zero by 2026,” she says. “Zero percent negotiated trade is a wholly vertically-consolidated industry.”

The USDA and White House co-hosted a meeting to discuss competition priorities in the farm bill. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew took part, saying that the U.S. needs a farm bill that prioritizes fair and competitive markets. “Today’s event shows the need for this issue to be addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill,” Larew says. “Our Fairness for Farmers Campaign has sounded the alarm on monopolies, and this meeting is a sign our concerns are being heard by our decision-makers.” The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association also took part in the event. USCA Vice President Lia Biondo says the discussion marked progress toward a fairer, more competitive marketplace. “A Texas A &amp; M study shows that without the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, negotiated trade in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico is expected to fall to zero by 2026,” she says. “Zero percent negotiated trade is a wholly vertically-consolidated industry.”- NAFB

White House hosts event on competition in the Farm Bill

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says Ukraine’s farmers have suffered $3.9 billion in losses since Russia invaded in February 2022. 

A U.N. study says cultivated area has decreased nine percent since last year, and 12 percent of Ukraine’s farms report unexploded ordinances in their fields. 

EarthDaily Agro of Maple Grove, Minnesota, launched ‘Farmerhood,’ a fund-raising initiative to help farmers impacted by war. 

A Twin Cities TV station says the group’s fundraising goal is $1 million, enough to help 200 farmers. Dave Gebhart of EarthDaily says they’ve reached about $300,000 thanks to corporate sponsors. 

The group has received 300 requests for help from farmers in Ukraine. The farmers must have 1,200 acres or less to be eligible for assistance. 

The group says there is a thorough audit of the farmer’s property and location to make sure they can help those who suffer the most. For information, go to Farmerhood.org.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says Ukraine’s farmers have suffered $3.9 billion in losses since Russia invaded in February 2022. A U.N. study says cultivated area has decreased nine percent since last year, and 12 percent of Ukraine’s farms report unexploded ordinances in their fields. EarthDaily Agro of Maple Grove, Minnesota, launched ‘Farmerhood,’ a fund-raising initiative to help farmers impacted by war. A Twin Cities TV station says the group’s fundraising goal is $1 million, enough to help 200 farmers. Dave Gebhart of EarthDaily says they’ve reached about $300,000 thanks to corporate sponsors. The group has received 300 requests for help from farmers in Ukraine. The farmers must have 1,200 acres or less to be eligible for assistance. The group says there is a thorough audit of the farmer’s property and location to make sure they can help those who suffer the most. For information, go to Farmerhood.org.- NAFB

Minnesota company launches relief effort for Ukrainian farmers

Cattle industry leaders praised the introduction of a bipartisan congressional resolution recognizing the importance of commodity checkoff programs, including the Beef Checkoff. 

As a cattle producer who invests in the checkoff, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson says he knows how important the program is to the industry’s success. 

“The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers and provides immense benefits to those producers,” he says. 

“I’m grateful for the resolution and the fact that lawmakers are standing with cattle producers to recognize the importance of checkoff programs.” 

He’s also hopeful that more members of Congress will listen to farmers and ranchers and reject animal rights activist-led proposals like the OFF Act that undermine producer control of checkoffs. 

“Checkoff-funded programs have led to the development of new cuts of beef and strengthened consumer trust in the cattle industry’s animal welfare and sustainability,” says NCBA Policy Division Chair Gene Copenhaver.

Cattle industry leaders praised the introduction of a bipartisan congressional resolution recognizing the importance of commodity checkoff programs, including the Beef Checkoff. As a cattle producer who invests in the checkoff, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson says he knows how important the program is to the industry’s success. “The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers and provides immense benefits to those producers,” he says. “I’m grateful for the resolution and the fact that lawmakers are standing with cattle producers to recognize the importance of checkoff programs.” He’s also hopeful that more members of Congress will listen to farmers and ranchers and reject animal rights activist-led proposals like the OFF Act that undermine producer control of checkoffs. “Checkoff-funded programs have led to the development of new cuts of beef and strengthened consumer trust in the cattle industry’s animal welfare and sustainability,” says NCBA Policy Division Chair Gene Copenhaver.- NAFB

Cattle producers praise congressional support of Beef Checkoff

A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to lower the cost of complying with biofuel-blending mandates. 

Reuters says legislation was introduced that would direct the White House to let oil refiners purchase compliance credits (RINs) for biofuel blending laws at a lower cost than they’d pay on the open market. 

The group behind the bill says it would help struggling refineries stay afloat during a time of upheaval in the energy markets across the globe. 

Refiners have said for years that the costs of complying with the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates is too high. However, biofuel proponents like ethanol producers and corn farmers say the RFS increases the marketplace for their products. 

A news release says under the proposal, refiners could buy those biofuel credits at a fixed price only if they aren’t able to purchase them at cost-effective levels on the open market. The bill’s introduction caused RIN prices to drop.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to lower the cost of complying with biofuel-blending mandates. Reuters says legislation was introduced that would direct the White House to let oil refiners purchase compliance credits (RINs) for biofuel blending laws at a lower cost than they’d pay on the open market. The group behind the bill says it would help struggling refineries stay afloat during a time of upheaval in the energy markets across the globe. Refiners have said for years that the costs of complying with the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates is too high. However, biofuel proponents like ethanol producers and corn farmers say the RFS increases the marketplace for their products. A news release says under the proposal, refiners could buy those biofuel credits at a fixed price only if they aren’t able to purchase them at cost-effective levels on the open market. The bill’s introduction caused RIN prices to drop.- NAFB

Legislation would lower the cost of biofuel-blending compliance

Brazil is positioned to surpass the U.S. in corn exports this year. However, the National Corn Growers Association says the data shows the trend leading to this development won’t continue. 

The South American country faces several challenges when it comes to agriculture and trade. “U.S. exports have been hindered by droughts that have affected key areas of the Corn Belt,” says NCGA Lead Economist Krista Swanson. 

“But the U.S. has several relative advantages in the global corn market that can be harnessed to support our $90 billion corn industry.” 

The U.S. is bolstered by superior infrastructure and sustainable farming practices. While there is additional pasture area available to expand Brazil’s cropland, efforts are also underway to rein in deforestation of valuable rainforest critical to global sustainability. 

NCGA is calling on Congress to double farm bill funding for important trade programs like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.

Brazil is positioned to surpass the U.S. in corn exports this year. However, the National Corn Growers Association says the data shows the trend leading to this development won’t continue. The South American country faces several challenges when it comes to agriculture and trade. “U.S. exports have been hindered by droughts that have affected key areas of the Corn Belt,” says NCGA Lead Economist Krista Swanson. “But the U.S. has several relative advantages in the global corn market that can be harnessed to support our $90 billion corn industry.” The U.S. is bolstered by superior infrastructure and sustainable farming practices. While there is additional pasture area available to expand Brazil’s cropland, efforts are also underway to rein in deforestation of valuable rainforest critical to global sustainability. NCGA is calling on Congress to double farm bill funding for important trade programs like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.- NAFB

NCGA: Brazil’s higher corn exports not a trend

The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program. 

The funds will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. 

“This will make sure rural Americans get access to the grants to make energy more affordable, create new economic opportunity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Dr. Karama Neal. 

Grant recipients can include state, tribal, or local governments, colleges and universities, electric cooperatives and utility companies, and for-profit and non-profit organizations. 

“The technical assistance grants will provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers, and rural small business owners seeking federal funds for renewable energy systems like wind and solar,” she says. 

“This will help small businesses and producers lower energy costs and strengthen their operations.” Interested applicants should contact their USDA Rural Development state Office for information.

The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program. The funds will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. “This will make sure rural Americans get access to the grants to make energy more affordable, create new economic opportunity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Dr. Karama Neal. Grant recipients can include state, tribal, or local governments, colleges and universities, electric cooperatives and utility companies, and for-profit and non-profit organizations. “The technical assistance grants will provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers, and rural small business owners seeking federal funds for renewable energy systems like wind and solar,” she says. “This will help small businesses and producers lower energy costs and strengthen their operations.” Interested applicants should contact their USDA Rural Development state Office for information.- NAFB

USDA investments in lowering energy costs for Rural America

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.2 percent in June, after increasing 0.1 percent in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The index for food at home was unchanged over the month, while the index for food away from home rose 0.4 percent in June. 

The index for fruits and vegetables increased 0.8 percent in June, following a 1.3 percent increase in May. 

The cereals and bakery products index rose 0.1 percent over the month, while the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs decreased 0.4 percent in June. The other food at home index decreased 0.2 percent in June after increasing 0.4 percent the previous month. 

The index for dairy and related products fell 0.3 percent over the month, and the index for nonalcoholic beverages declined 0.1 percent in June. The food at home index rose 4.7 percent over the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 7.7 percent.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.2 percent in June, after increasing 0.1 percent in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for food at home was unchanged over the month, while the index for food away from home rose 0.4 percent in June. The index for fruits and vegetables increased 0.8 percent in June, following a 1.3 percent increase in May. The cereals and bakery products index rose 0.1 percent over the month, while the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs decreased 0.4 percent in June. The other food at home index decreased 0.2 percent in June after increasing 0.4 percent the previous month. The index for dairy and related products fell 0.3 percent over the month, and the index for nonalcoholic beverages declined 0.1 percent in June. The food at home index rose 4.7 percent over the last 12 months, while the index for food away from home rose 7.7 percent.- NAFB

Monthly food prices unchanged in Consumer Price Index

Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign. 

The effort urges lawmakers to pass the 2023 farm bill this year. Farm Bill for America’s Families brings together stakeholders who support the farm bill and recognize its impact on all Americans. 

The campaign seeks to engage consumers, leaders and lawmakers alike on the importance of the farm bill and highlights five core objectives: food security, job creation, conservation, risk management and addressing hunger. 

The groups say the farm bill’s impact extends beyond the farm by protecting our nation’s food supply – providing millions of jobs, ensuring access to nutrition for families facing hunger; protecting farms from risks like weather disasters; advancing conservation efforts; and spurring innovation through agricultural research. 

Other organizations that share the campaign’s mission are invited to join at FarmBillforAmericasFamilies.com/join.

Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign. The effort urges lawmakers to pass the 2023 farm bill this year. Farm Bill for America’s Families brings together stakeholders who support the farm bill and recognize its impact on all Americans. The campaign seeks to engage consumers, leaders and lawmakers alike on the importance of the farm bill and highlights five core objectives: food security, job creation, conservation, risk management and addressing hunger. The groups say the farm bill’s impact extends beyond the farm by protecting our nation’s food supply – providing millions of jobs, ensuring access to nutrition for families facing hunger; protecting farms from risks like weather disasters; advancing conservation efforts; and spurring innovation through agricultural research. Other organizations that share the campaign’s mission are invited to join at FarmBillforAmericasFamilies.com/join.- NAFB

Farm, forestry, environmental and hunger advocates unite behind 2023 Farm Bill

Lawmakers just introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation that will reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. 

Senators Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, introduced the bill Wednesday. 

Baldwin created the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. 

Baldwin says, "expanding this program will give more small- and medium-sized dairy businesses the tools and opportunity to reach new markets."&nbsp; 

The Initiatives provide resources to serve prospective and established businesses that produce a product made from milk from a dairy animal, including dairy farms with their own production facilities and dairy processors with cheese, ice cream, and bottling facilities. 

Since the program was established in 2019, Initiatives have supported over $150 million in awards through regional centers across the country. FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, along with other members of the Midwest Dairy Coalition, endorsed the legislation.

Lawmakers just introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation that will reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. Senators Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, introduced the bill Wednesday. Baldwin created the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Baldwin says, "expanding this program will give more small- and medium-sized dairy businesses the tools and opportunity to reach new markets."&nbsp; The Initiatives provide resources to serve prospective and established businesses that produce a product made from milk from a dairy animal, including dairy farms with their own production facilities and dairy processors with cheese, ice cream, and bottling facilities. Since the program was established in 2019, Initiatives have supported over $150 million in awards through regional centers across the country. FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, along with other members of the Midwest Dairy Coalition, endorsed the legislation.- NAFB

Baldwin, Blackburn introduce bill to support American Dairy Businesses

A group of farm-state Senators Tuesday introduced the USDA Spending Accountability Act. 

The bill was introduced by Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Mike Braun of Indiana. 

The legislation would limit the disbursal of funds through the USDA’s financing institution, known as the Commodity Credit Cooperation, to be permitted only when authorized by Congress. 

The Secretary of Agriculture has broad discretionary authority in spending excess CCC funds. This includes reimbursing farmers for losses due to trade disputes and funding climate grants, often to multinational corporations. 

Recent instances of discretionary spending abuse have prompted bipartisan concern, as these programs are enacted without input from Congress and allow USDA to act as authorizer and appropriator. 

By removing this discretionary authority, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the USDA Spending Accountability Act would save $8 billion over ten years. The substantial savings created by this bill would assist Congress in its goal to find savings in the Farm Bill.

A group of farm-state Senators Tuesday introduced the USDA Spending Accountability Act. The bill was introduced by Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Mike Braun of Indiana. The legislation would limit the disbursal of funds through the USDA’s financing institution, known as the Commodity Credit Cooperation, to be permitted only when authorized by Congress. The Secretary of Agriculture has broad discretionary authority in spending excess CCC funds. This includes reimbursing farmers for losses due to trade disputes and funding climate grants, often to multinational corporations. Recent instances of discretionary spending abuse have prompted bipartisan concern, as these programs are enacted without input from Congress and allow USDA to act as authorizer and appropriator. By removing this discretionary authority, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the USDA Spending Accountability Act would save $8 billion over ten years. The substantial savings created by this bill would assist Congress in its goal to find savings in the Farm Bill.- NAFB

USDA Spending Accountability Act introduced

Wholesale egg prices reached record highs in 2022 after avian flu resulted in significant reductions in egg-laying flocks, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

Avian flu is a disease that spreads rapidly in birds and poultry and is often lethal. Cumulative losses attributable to the disease amounted to more than 43 million egg-laying hens. 

At the height of the disease, in the last weeks of December 2022, weekly egg inventories were 29 percent lower than at the beginning of the year, and prices reached a high of $5.37 per dozen. 

With no new outbreaks reported in 2023, the size of the egg-laying flock has gradually increased since late 2022. In turn, wholesale prices have fallen sharply, reaching $0.89 per dozen in the first week of May 2023. 

As of the week ending June 30, 2023, egg inventories were about 24 percent higher than the lowest 2022 values. During the same week, the average price was $1.23 per dozen, about 77 percent lower than the highest average weekly price in 2022.

Wholesale egg prices reached record highs in 2022 after avian flu resulted in significant reductions in egg-laying flocks, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Avian flu is a disease that spreads rapidly in birds and poultry and is often lethal. Cumulative losses attributable to the disease amounted to more than 43 million egg-laying hens. At the height of the disease, in the last weeks of December 2022, weekly egg inventories were 29 percent lower than at the beginning of the year, and prices reached a high of $5.37 per dozen. With no new outbreaks reported in 2023, the size of the egg-laying flock has gradually increased since late 2022. In turn, wholesale prices have fallen sharply, reaching $0.89 per dozen in the first week of May 2023. As of the week ending June 30, 2023, egg inventories were about 24 percent higher than the lowest 2022 values. During the same week, the average price was $1.23 per dozen, about 77 percent lower than the highest average weekly price in 2022.- NAFB

Wholesale egg prices tumble as egg supplies recover

The Senate Tuesday confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, welcomed by agriculture groups and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

In a statement following the vote, Vilsack says, "I have witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that I know will leave an impact on USDA for years to come." 

Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. 

Effective July 14, Rural Development Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning will serve as Acting Under Secretary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. 

As a Member of Congress, she served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico's second congressional district.

The Senate Tuesday confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, welcomed by agriculture groups and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. In a statement following the vote, Vilsack says, "I have witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that I know will leave an impact on USDA for years to come." Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. Effective July 14, Rural Development Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning will serve as Acting Under Secretary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. As a Member of Congress, she served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico's second congressional district.- NAFB

Senate confirms Torres Small as Deputy Agriculture Secretary

For those whose primary experience with corn is the butter-drenched cob variety, it might come as a surprise that other forms of sweet corn are in trouble. 

A new University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign analysis shows sweet corn production for frozen and canned products has been steadily shrinking in the U.S. over the past 27 years, particularly in rainfed portions of the Midwest. 

Study author Marty Williams says, "We saw a decline in acreage throughout production areas in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, the regions where most processing sweet corn production is happening." 

Although the analysis was designed to illustrate long-term trends, not causes, the study found a strong relationship between extreme temperatures and sweet corn yield loss, implicating climate change. 

The dataset can't predict where the industry will go next, but Williams sees potential regional shifts in production areas, such as moving into locations with more irrigation infrastructure.

For those whose primary experience with corn is the butter-drenched cob variety, it might come as a surprise that other forms of sweet corn are in trouble. A new University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign analysis shows sweet corn production for frozen and canned products has been steadily shrinking in the U.S. over the past 27 years, particularly in rainfed portions of the Midwest. Study author Marty Williams says, "We saw a decline in acreage throughout production areas in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, the regions where most processing sweet corn production is happening." Although the analysis was designed to illustrate long-term trends, not causes, the study found a strong relationship between extreme temperatures and sweet corn yield loss, implicating climate change. The dataset can't predict where the industry will go next, but Williams sees potential regional shifts in production areas, such as moving into locations with more irrigation infrastructure.- NAFB

Canned, frozen corn industry struggling

The nation's average price of gasoline has remained unchanged from a week ago, holding at $3.50 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. 

The national average diesel price fell 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “After declining going into July 4, average gasoline prices have struggled to find much momentum in either direction as the price of crude oil has continued to bounce around.” 

U.S. retail gasoline demand saw an 8.6 percent drop last week as the July 4 holiday closed and motorists returned from their holiday plans. However, De Haan says there is a risk of hurricane season and potential disruptions. 

Colorado State University recently released its third forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, showing a sharp uptick in the number of expected major hurricanes. 

Oil markets have seen a rally over the last week after Saudi Arabia extended its 1-million-barrel-per-day production cut to August, and Russia joined in by slowing oil exports.

The nation's average price of gasoline has remained unchanged from a week ago, holding at $3.50 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average diesel price fell 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “After declining going into July 4, average gasoline prices have struggled to find much momentum in either direction as the price of crude oil has continued to bounce around.” U.S. retail gasoline demand saw an 8.6 percent drop last week as the July 4 holiday closed and motorists returned from their holiday plans. However, De Haan says there is a risk of hurricane season and potential disruptions. Colorado State University recently released its third forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, showing a sharp uptick in the number of expected major hurricanes. Oil markets have seen a rally over the last week after Saudi Arabia extended its 1-million-barrel-per-day production cut to August, and Russia joined in by slowing oil exports.- NAFB

Fuel demand plummets after holiday

U.S. households shifted away from buying foods at restaurants and other food service venues to food-at-home outlets such as grocery stores and other retail establishments in 2020. 

The largest shifts came from a category designated by USDA’s Economic Research Service as "all other FAH," which includes prepared meals and salads, desserts, and foods not elsewhere classified such as soups, savory snacks, candy, sweeteners, margarine, and butter. 

"All other FAH" was by far the largest category before 2020, and its share of the household food budget increased by 2.6 percentage points in 2020 compared with the period from 2016 to 2019. 

However, this increase was unevenly distributed across racial and ethnic populations and subcategories. All U.S. racial and ethnic subpopulations except Hispanic households increased their total food budget share for “all other FAH” during this period. Black households increased their budget shares for “all other FAH” the most, followed by Asian households.

U.S. households shifted away from buying foods at restaurants and other food service venues to food-at-home outlets such as grocery stores and other retail establishments in 2020. The largest shifts came from a category designated by USDA’s Economic Research Service as "all other FAH," which includes prepared meals and salads, desserts, and foods not elsewhere classified such as soups, savory snacks, candy, sweeteners, margarine, and butter. "All other FAH" was by far the largest category before 2020, and its share of the household food budget increased by 2.6 percentage points in 2020 compared with the period from 2016 to 2019. However, this increase was unevenly distributed across racial and ethnic populations and subcategories. All U.S. racial and ethnic subpopulations except Hispanic households increased their total food budget share for “all other FAH” during this period. Black households increased their budget shares for “all other FAH” the most, followed by Asian households.- NAFB

Food-at-home spending varies by race and ethnicity

Heavy rains fell during the week in parts of the Midwest, Ohio River Valley, and the Northeast. 

That led to widespread improvements from southeast Nebraska to central Illinois and parts of Indiana and Kentucky. 

Further south and west, in southern Missouri, the Texas-Louisiana border, and other parts of central Texas, drier weather led to larger precipitation deficits and significant hay production problems in parts of Missouri. 

Many warmer-than-normal temperatures covered the South as it is blanketed by the continuing heat wave, especially in eastern Texas and Louisiana. Dry weather in parts of the Upper Midwest led to worsening conditions in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 

Conditions in parts of the western Great Plains led to some improvements in long-term dryness and long-term moderate drought in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region and in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. A mix of worsening and improving conditions occurred in the Pacific Northwest.

Heavy rains fell during the week in parts of the Midwest, Ohio River Valley, and the Northeast. That led to widespread improvements from southeast Nebraska to central Illinois and parts of Indiana and Kentucky. Further south and west, in southern Missouri, the Texas-Louisiana border, and other parts of central Texas, drier weather led to larger precipitation deficits and significant hay production problems in parts of Missouri. Many warmer-than-normal temperatures covered the South as it is blanketed by the continuing heat wave, especially in eastern Texas and Louisiana. Dry weather in parts of the Upper Midwest led to worsening conditions in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Conditions in parts of the western Great Plains led to some improvements in long-term dryness and long-term moderate drought in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region and in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. A mix of worsening and improving conditions occurred in the Pacific Northwest.- NAFB

Still mostly dry in the weekly drought monitor

The Upper Mississippi River experienced high water conditions due to significant snowfall in the Upper Midwest in late winter and early spring. 

Even after the high-water conditions that resulted from the snow melt, Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition says he was worried about quickly returning to low water levels on the river system. 

“I was worried that any prolonged stretch of dry weather could result in swinging right back to low water conditions,” Steenhoek says. 

“That has unfortunately occurred.” He also says it serves as a reminder that drought not only inhibits the ability to grow a crop, but it also inhibits our ability to transport that crop. 

Recent low river gauge readings in St. Louis and Memphis show how barge transportation could be challenging when our export season picks up in late summer and early fall. Low levels may again force companies to reduce tow sizes and freight amounts.

The Upper Mississippi River experienced high water conditions due to significant snowfall in the Upper Midwest in late winter and early spring. Even after the high-water conditions that resulted from the snow melt, Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition says he was worried about quickly returning to low water levels on the river system. “I was worried that any prolonged stretch of dry weather could result in swinging right back to low water conditions,” Steenhoek says. “That has unfortunately occurred.” He also says it serves as a reminder that drought not only inhibits the ability to grow a crop, but it also inhibits our ability to transport that crop. Recent low river gauge readings in St. Louis and Memphis show how barge transportation could be challenging when our export season picks up in late summer and early fall. Low levels may again force companies to reduce tow sizes and freight amounts.- NAFB

River level “Whiplash” continues

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Price Index averaged 122.3 points in June, down 1.7 points from May, continuing a downward trend. 

The current level is 37 points or 23 percent below the peak in March 2022. 

The monthly decline reflected drops in sugar, vegetable oils, cereals, and dairy products, while the meat price index was virtually steady. 

The Sugar Price Index took the biggest drop, averaging 152 points in June, down 5.1 points from May, the first drop after four consecutive increases. The Cereal Price Index averaged 126.6 points in June, down almost three points from May and almost 40 percent below last year. 

The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 115.8 points in June, three points lower than May and the lowest level since 2020. The Dairy Price Index was 116 points in June, down one point, and the Meat Index was unchanged at 117.9 points in June.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Price Index averaged 122.3 points in June, down 1.7 points from May, continuing a downward trend. The current level is 37 points or 23 percent below the peak in March 2022. The monthly decline reflected drops in sugar, vegetable oils, cereals, and dairy products, while the meat price index was virtually steady. The Sugar Price Index took the biggest drop, averaging 152 points in June, down 5.1 points from May, the first drop after four consecutive increases. The Cereal Price Index averaged 126.6 points in June, down almost three points from May and almost 40 percent below last year. The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 115.8 points in June, three points lower than May and the lowest level since 2020. The Dairy Price Index was 116 points in June, down one point, and the Meat Index was unchanged at 117.9 points in June.- NAFB