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

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

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

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

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

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

Smithfield Foods to close North Carolina pork plant

California Governor Gavin Newsom last week signed the California Food Safety Act. 

While delayed until 2027, the legislation bans food products containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and red dye 3. 

Newsom cited similar bans in the European Union in his announcement, saying, "There have been many misconceptions about this bill and its impacts." 

In referencing a bag of Skittles from the European Union, Newsom claimed it was "demonstrable proof that the food industry is capable of maintaining product lines while complying with different public health laws, country-to-country." The European Union banned the food additives in question following a review in 2008. 

The California measure requires food makers to reformulate their products to comply with the law when selling them in the state, beginning January 1, 2027. 

Food manufacturers are unlikely to produce two versions of a product, thus the law is expected to impact products nationwide. Other states are considering similar measures.

California Governor Gavin Newsom last week signed the California Food Safety Act. While delayed until 2027, the legislation bans food products containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and red dye 3. Newsom cited similar bans in the European Union in his announcement, saying, "There have been many misconceptions about this bill and its impacts." In referencing a bag of Skittles from the European Union, Newsom claimed it was "demonstrable proof that the food industry is capable of maintaining product lines while complying with different public health laws, country-to-country." The European Union banned the food additives in question following a review in 2008. The California measure requires food makers to reformulate their products to comply with the law when selling them in the state, beginning January 1, 2027. Food manufacturers are unlikely to produce two versions of a product, thus the law is expected to impact products nationwide. Other states are considering similar measures.- NAFB

Newsom signs California Food Safety Act

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed that the first commercial case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in South Dakota. 

APHIS says the virus was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock of 47,300 birds on October 4. 

Another case was also recently confirmed in a small non-commercial flock located in Idaho. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also reported four commercial cases of the virus since mid-September. The most recent case was announced on October 3 in a commercial flock located in Alberta. The agency doesn’t disclose the type of poultry or how many birds were involved in the infection. 

One of the first clinical signs of HPAI in domestic birds is sudden, unexplainable death. Many infected birds drop their water consumption in the 72 hours that lead up to their unexplainable death. Decreased egg production and depression in layers may be another sign that the birds are ill. &nbsp;

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed that the first commercial case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in South Dakota. APHIS says the virus was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock of 47,300 birds on October 4. Another case was also recently confirmed in a small non-commercial flock located in Idaho. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also reported four commercial cases of the virus since mid-September. The most recent case was announced on October 3 in a commercial flock located in Alberta. The agency doesn’t disclose the type of poultry or how many birds were involved in the infection. One of the first clinical signs of HPAI in domestic birds is sudden, unexplainable death. Many infected birds drop their water consumption in the 72 hours that lead up to their unexplainable death. Decreased egg production and depression in layers may be another sign that the birds are ill. &nbsp;- NAFB

HPAI confirmed in South Dakota

Almost 60 percent of the Midwest grain harvest moves down the Mississippi River system to the U.S. Gulf region for export. 

In The Agricultural Marketing Service’s “Grain Transportation Report,” the agency says low water on the entire system led to draft and tow restrictions on barges, similar to what happened in fall 2022. 

“From the week ending on July 8 to the week ending on September 30, down-bound barged grain volumes totaled 3.9 million tons,” the report says. 

“That’s 35 percent lower than the third quarter last year and 53 percent lower than the five-year average.” Last year’s historic low water levels hit from late September through early December. 

This year’s low water levels began in June, about two months earlier than in 2022, and then continued for most of the third quarter this year. The most severe shipping restrictions are on the lower Mississippi River and Ohio River in Illinois.

Almost 60 percent of the Midwest grain harvest moves down the Mississippi River system to the U.S. Gulf region for export. In The Agricultural Marketing Service’s “Grain Transportation Report,” the agency says low water on the entire system led to draft and tow restrictions on barges, similar to what happened in fall 2022. “From the week ending on July 8 to the week ending on September 30, down-bound barged grain volumes totaled 3.9 million tons,” the report says. “That’s 35 percent lower than the third quarter last year and 53 percent lower than the five-year average.” Last year’s historic low water levels hit from late September through early December. This year’s low water levels began in June, about two months earlier than in 2022, and then continued for most of the third quarter this year. The most severe shipping restrictions are on the lower Mississippi River and Ohio River in Illinois.-NAFB

Third-Quarter grain movements low on Mississippi River

The Agricultural Marketing Information System’s October “Market Monitor” report says that fertilizer prices were mostly higher in September, as were the prices for the main fertilizer inputs. 

Farm Policy News from the University of Illinois says price movements for several fertilizer categories were influenced by strength in the Indian market and uncertainty around exports from China. 

AMIS also says these two countries will be a major influence on market developments as will demand for the fall application season in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Fertilizer inputs like natural gas went higher in September. Markets should be focusing on monitoring EU stock levels, which are currently near capacity. Ammonia prices also surged in September, supported by major plant outages. 

Ammonia buyers also showed unusually strong interest during this time of year that’s normally a quiet period. Nitrogen fertilizer prices rose in September. Urea price increases were driven by concerns about Chinese export levels.

The Agricultural Marketing Information System’s October “Market Monitor” report says that fertilizer prices were mostly higher in September, as were the prices for the main fertilizer inputs. Farm Policy News from the University of Illinois says price movements for several fertilizer categories were influenced by strength in the Indian market and uncertainty around exports from China. AMIS also says these two countries will be a major influence on market developments as will demand for the fall application season in the Northern Hemisphere. Fertilizer inputs like natural gas went higher in September. Markets should be focusing on monitoring EU stock levels, which are currently near capacity. Ammonia prices also surged in September, supported by major plant outages. Ammonia buyers also showed unusually strong interest during this time of year that’s normally a quiet period. Nitrogen fertilizer prices rose in September. Urea price increases were driven by concerns about Chinese export levels.- NAFB

Fertilizer prices mostly higher in September

By ASHLEY MURRAY,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat.

But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.”

The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” said Sen. John Boozman, the Arkansas GOP lawmaker and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

“I know myself and Sen. Stabenow, our teams are working together to try and get ideas in the text. And so we’re moving forward,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday.

Stabenow of Michigan chairs the committee.

“It’s been difficult because the appropriations process has kind of sucked all the wind out. But we’re in good shape. We don’t need an extension until the first of the year. If we do need an extension, I think we’ll be looking in the November time frame as we do the CR.”

The CR, or continuing resolution, is the funding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-shutdown-vote-promised-later-ukraine-aid-3">compromise</a>&nbsp;Congress struck last weekend just hours before a partial government shutdown. The temporary spending measure expires Nov. 17.

The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities.

And, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">ouster</a>&nbsp;of former House Speaker and California Republican Kevin McCarthy by a handful of far-right party members and all House Democrats, the lower chamber is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/04/how-does-a-frozen-u-s-house-function-without-a-speaker-everyones-got-an-opinion/">frozen</a>.

“As with every Farm Bill, there are forces and circumstances out of our control. What is always a complicated process has become a little more complicated, but our work continues to produce an effective Farm Bill,” said Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, in an emailed statement.

Thompson and fellow lawmakers have spent thousands of hours over the past two years collecting feedback from constituents on what they want to see in the multi-year bill, which is forecast to cost $1.5 trillion.

But some constituents say despite reassurance that the farm bill is progressing, they remain concerned about its delay, as well as funding for several of its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.

As a mandatory program, SNAP will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/26/the-farm-bill-is-on-the-verge-of-expiring-congress-is-months-away-from-a-new-version/">continue</a>&nbsp;as long as Congress approves either temporary or long-term government funding.

“The delay in considering important legislation, such as agriculture appropriations and the farm bill, creates a great deal of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill already expired,” Sam Kieffer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement.

“All families, including those in rural America, face rising interest rates, high inflation and turbulence in the marketplace,” he continued. “The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and is crucial to ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. Congress has always come through on a farm bill, and they must do it again. Every family in America is counting on it.”

The 2018 farm bill was not signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47313">until</a>&nbsp;Dec. 20 of that year.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income earners — the last of which accounts for the largest portion of the bill. The legislation is one of Congress’ omnibus packages, meaning it’s made up of numerous provisions from many lawmakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696870697157.jpeg" alt=" Rows of soybean plants grow in the fields at Seidenstricker Farms, owned by Robert and Cathy Seidenstricker, in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, on June 25, 2019. (USDA photo by Lance Cheung)" />
 <figcaption> Rows of soybean plants grow in the fields at Seidenstricker Farms, owned by Robert and Cathy Seidenstricker, in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, on June 25, 2019. (USDA photo by Lance Cheung)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASHLEY MURRAY,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat.But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.”The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” said Sen. John Boozman, the Arkansas GOP lawmaker and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.“I know myself and Sen. Stabenow, our teams are working together to try and get ideas in the text. And so we’re moving forward,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday.Stabenow of Michigan chairs the committee.“It’s been difficult because the appropriations process has kind of sucked all the wind out. But we’re in good shape. We don’t need an extension until the first of the year. If we do need an extension, I think we’ll be looking in the November time frame as we do the CR.”The CR, or continuing resolution, is the funding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-shutdown-vote-promised-later-ukraine-aid-3">compromise</a>&nbsp;Congress struck last weekend just hours before a partial government shutdown. The temporary spending measure expires Nov. 17.The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities.And, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">ouster</a>&nbsp;of former House Speaker and California Republican Kevin McCarthy by a handful of far-right party members and all House Democrats, the lower chamber is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/04/how-does-a-frozen-u-s-house-function-without-a-speaker-everyones-got-an-opinion/">frozen</a>.“As with every Farm Bill, there are forces and circumstances out of our control. What is always a complicated process has become a little more complicated, but our work continues to produce an effective Farm Bill,” said Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, in an emailed statement.<h2>Worries over lack of progress&nbsp;</h2>Thompson and fellow lawmakers have spent thousands of hours over the past two years collecting feedback from constituents on what they want to see in the multi-year bill, which is forecast to cost $1.5 trillion.But some constituents say despite reassurance that the farm bill is progressing, they remain concerned about its delay, as well as funding for several of its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.As a mandatory program, SNAP will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/26/the-farm-bill-is-on-the-verge-of-expiring-congress-is-months-away-from-a-new-version/">continue</a>&nbsp;as long as Congress approves either temporary or long-term government funding.“The delay in considering important legislation, such as agriculture appropriations and the farm bill, creates a great deal of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill already expired,” Sam Kieffer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement.“All families, including those in rural America, face rising interest rates, high inflation and turbulence in the marketplace,” he continued. “The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and is crucial to ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. Congress has always come through on a farm bill, and they must do it again. Every family in America is counting on it.”The 2018 farm bill was not signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47313">until</a>&nbsp;Dec. 20 of that year.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income earners — the last of which accounts for the largest portion of the bill. The legislation is one of Congress’ omnibus packages, meaning it’s made up of numerous provisions from many lawmakers.

Farm bill stalled amid U.S. House speaker battle, delay of spending bills

Sixteen members of the House of Representatives pushed back against the Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression Act. 

The group sent a letter to House Ag Chair Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA). 

Groups backing the letter included the Organization for Competitive Markets, Competitive Markets Action, National Dairy Producers Organization, and others. 

“We applaud the representatives for taking a stand against the EATS Act that would sell out American agriculture to China,” says Marty Irby, president of Competitive Markets Action. 

“The Hinson-Marshall EATS Act is an assault on states’ rights that’s backed by Smithfield, a wholly owned Chinese corporation that continues to rake in billions of dollars by oppressing and exploiting American family farmers.” 

The groups say if the EATS Act becomes law, it would invalidate hundreds of state and local agriculture laws that support family farmers and hundreds of laws relating to food safety and invasive pest control.

Sixteen members of the House of Representatives pushed back against the Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression Act. The group sent a letter to House Ag Chair Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA). Groups backing the letter included the Organization for Competitive Markets, Competitive Markets Action, National Dairy Producers Organization, and others. “We applaud the representatives for taking a stand against the EATS Act that would sell out American agriculture to China,” says Marty Irby, president of Competitive Markets Action. “The Hinson-Marshall EATS Act is an assault on states’ rights that’s backed by Smithfield, a wholly owned Chinese corporation that continues to rake in billions of dollars by oppressing and exploiting American family farmers.” The groups say if the EATS Act becomes law, it would invalidate hundreds of state and local agriculture laws that support family farmers and hundreds of laws relating to food safety and invasive pest control.- NAFB

Group of House Republicans against EATS Act

September brought mixed results for precipitation across the Missouri River Basin. 

Parts of Montana, North and South Dakota, and Nebraska received above-average rainfall, while the remainder of the upper basin and lower basin were below average. 

September runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.3 million acre-feet, 109 percent of the long-term average. 

The annual runoff forecast for the upper Missouri River Basin above Sioux City is 29.1-million-acre feet, 113 percent of average, and the same as last month’s forecast. 

“Rainfall was above average in portions of the Upper Missouri River Basin during September,” says John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. 

“Runoff was above average or near average in every reach except Sioux City, which was below average. He also says soil moisture conditions have improved in parts of the basin, but many parts remain abnormally dry.

September brought mixed results for precipitation across the Missouri River Basin. Parts of Montana, North and South Dakota, and Nebraska received above-average rainfall, while the remainder of the upper basin and lower basin were below average. September runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.3 million acre-feet, 109 percent of the long-term average. The annual runoff forecast for the upper Missouri River Basin above Sioux City is 29.1-million-acre feet, 113 percent of average, and the same as last month’s forecast. “Rainfall was above average in portions of the Upper Missouri River Basin during September,” says John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “Runoff was above average or near average in every reach except Sioux City, which was below average. He also says soil moisture conditions have improved in parts of the basin, but many parts remain abnormally dry.- NAFB

Missouri River Runoff near average in September

The Global Agricultural Productivity Report says the world’s agricultural productivity is consistently falling short of the target growth rate. 

Since 2011, productivity isn’t growing fast enough to hit the target growth rate required to sustainably meet global needs for agricultural outputs by 2050. 

The report says total factor productivity growth continues to be strong in China and South Asia. 

However, Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. show especially low TFP growth. From 2011-2021, global TFP grew at an average rate of 1.14 percent yearly. To sustainably meet the agricultural needs of a growing global population by 2050, the GAP report says the world must now aim for 1.91 percent average annual TFP growth. 

If producers are able to access proven, appropriate, productivity-enhancing tools, there can be significant improvements in closing the TFP growth gap. Lack of growth may result in over-reliance on unsustainable production practices and continued decline in TFP growth.

The Global Agricultural Productivity Report says the world’s agricultural productivity is consistently falling short of the target growth rate. Since 2011, productivity isn’t growing fast enough to hit the target growth rate required to sustainably meet global needs for agricultural outputs by 2050. The report says total factor productivity growth continues to be strong in China and South Asia. However, Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. show especially low TFP growth. From 2011-2021, global TFP grew at an average rate of 1.14 percent yearly. To sustainably meet the agricultural needs of a growing global population by 2050, the GAP report says the world must now aim for 1.91 percent average annual TFP growth. If producers are able to access proven, appropriate, productivity-enhancing tools, there can be significant improvements in closing the TFP growth gap. Lack of growth may result in over-reliance on unsustainable production practices and continued decline in TFP growth.- NAFB

World ag productivity not increasing fast enough

The cost to buy a Thanksgiving turkey could be lower this year, thanks to a drop in avian influenza cases and a recovery of the turkey population in the U.S. 

Farm Bureau economists analyzed turkey and egg prices and found that the average price for an eight-to-16-pound turkey typically served for Thanksgiving was $1.27 per pound lower than in August 2023. 

That’s 22 percent lower than the same time last year. 

“The status of HPAI is different now than it was just a year ago,” the economists say in a Market Intel Report. “Migratory birds are a major vector of this virus, which naturally makes spring and fall migration high-risk times.” 

June marked the first month with no detections since the outbreak began in February 2022. Egg production also saw a year-to-year increase, with 9.38 billion eggs produced in September 2023, a two percent increase from the same time last year.

The cost to buy a Thanksgiving turkey could be lower this year, thanks to a drop in avian influenza cases and a recovery of the turkey population in the U.S. Farm Bureau economists analyzed turkey and egg prices and found that the average price for an eight-to-16-pound turkey typically served for Thanksgiving was $1.27 per pound lower than in August 2023. That’s 22 percent lower than the same time last year. “The status of HPAI is different now than it was just a year ago,” the economists say in a Market Intel Report. “Migratory birds are a major vector of this virus, which naturally makes spring and fall migration high-risk times.” June marked the first month with no detections since the outbreak began in February 2022. Egg production also saw a year-to-year increase, with 9.38 billion eggs produced in September 2023, a two percent increase from the same time last year.- NAFB

Turkey prices falling as Thanksgiving approaches

Grain exports dropped to 6.82 million metric tons so far from Ukraine in the 2023-2024 marketing year. 

The ag ministry says Ukraine shipped 8.99 million tons during the same period in the prior marketing year. 

The first three days of October saw 153,000 tons of exports compared to 297,000 tons a year ago. 

While the ministry didn’t give a reason for the drop, traders and agricultural unions say the country’s ports on the Black Sea are getting blocked. 

Russia is attacking ports along the Danube River too.&nbsp;&nbsp;The exported volumes include 3.4 million tons of wheat, 2.7 million tons of corn, and 625,000 tons of barley. 

The Black Sea grain deal negotiated by the U.N. and Turkey ended in July. Ukraine is expected to harvest a total of 79 million tons of grain and oilseeds in 2023, with the 2023-2024 exportable surplus totals expected to reach about 50 million tons.

Grain exports dropped to 6.82 million metric tons so far from Ukraine in the 2023-2024 marketing year. The ag ministry says Ukraine shipped 8.99 million tons during the same period in the prior marketing year. The first three days of October saw 153,000 tons of exports compared to 297,000 tons a year ago. While the ministry didn’t give a reason for the drop, traders and agricultural unions say the country’s ports on the Black Sea are getting blocked. Russia is attacking ports along the Danube River too.&nbsp;&nbsp;The exported volumes include 3.4 million tons of wheat, 2.7 million tons of corn, and 625,000 tons of barley. The Black Sea grain deal negotiated by the U.N. and Turkey ended in July. Ukraine is expected to harvest a total of 79 million tons of grain and oilseeds in 2023, with the 2023-2024 exportable surplus totals expected to reach about 50 million tons.- NAFB

Ukraine exports down almost 25 percent

American Farmland Trust will sponsor the new PBS national public series “America the Bountiful” with its premiere planned for spring 2024. 

The new project is a food, history, and travel series exploring the regional food traditions of America’s Heartland. 

It will help viewers learn more about culture and find inspiration in the chronicles of farmers, artisans, restauranteurs, and home cooks through the bounty they grow, produce, and eat. 

The show will shine a spotlight on the vibrant, culturally diverse, untold food stories and traditions hidden across America. 

“We’re focused on saving the land that sustains us all, and our new partnership with “America the Bountiful” will help us reach an important PBS audience of engaged and committed conservationists, farmers, and food lovers across the country,” says AFT President and CEO John Piotti. 

“We’re excited to further educate people about the importance of farmland protection and sound agricultural practices.”

American Farmland Trust will sponsor the new PBS national public series “America the Bountiful” with its premiere planned for spring 2024. The new project is a food, history, and travel series exploring the regional food traditions of America’s Heartland. It will help viewers learn more about culture and find inspiration in the chronicles of farmers, artisans, restauranteurs, and home cooks through the bounty they grow, produce, and eat. The show will shine a spotlight on the vibrant, culturally diverse, untold food stories and traditions hidden across America. “We’re focused on saving the land that sustains us all, and our new partnership with “America the Bountiful” will help us reach an important PBS audience of engaged and committed conservationists, farmers, and food lovers across the country,” says AFT President and CEO John Piotti. “We’re excited to further educate people about the importance of farmland protection and sound agricultural practices.”- NAFB

AFT calling attention to farming on PBS

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is celebrating its many successful efforts to prevent African swine fever from reaching the United States. 

In honor of ASF Action Week, APHIS is recognizing the continuing efforts to prevent this deadly swine disease from reaching our shores. 

USDA's &nbsp;Dr. Rosemary Sifford says, “The United States has always had a system of interlocking safeguards in place to protect against foreign animal diseases, however the spread of ASF abroad made us review and strengthen our protections.” 

Some of the agency’s major accomplishments in these areas include enhancing existing safeguards, strengthening Customs and Border Protection partnerships, and further collaboration with states, industry and producers. 

APHIS continues to conduct surveillance for ASF in domestic and feral swine in the mainland United States. Since August 2021, APHIS has tested almost 6,000 samples from higher-risk domestic herds, and more than 26,000 case-compatible samples from veterinary diagnostic laboratories and production facilities.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is celebrating its many successful efforts to prevent African swine fever from reaching the United States. In honor of ASF Action Week, APHIS is recognizing the continuing efforts to prevent this deadly swine disease from reaching our shores. USDA's &nbsp;Dr. Rosemary Sifford says, “The United States has always had a system of interlocking safeguards in place to protect against foreign animal diseases, however the spread of ASF abroad made us review and strengthen our protections.” Some of the agency’s major accomplishments in these areas include enhancing existing safeguards, strengthening Customs and Border Protection partnerships, and further collaboration with states, industry and producers. APHIS continues to conduct surveillance for ASF in domestic and feral swine in the mainland United States. Since August 2021, APHIS has tested almost 6,000 samples from higher-risk domestic herds, and more than 26,000 case-compatible samples from veterinary diagnostic laboratories and production facilities.- NAFB

APHIS celebrates ASF preparedness and prevention

The Midwestern Regional Climate Center is launching a new tool in partnership with the Department of Agriculture's Midwest Climate Hub. 

The tool will provide soil temperature threshold information based on historical data from the last 30 years. 

The Soil Temperature Climatology Tool will be crucial for the agricultural industry to better identify benchmark dates for when specific agronomic activities, such as planting and applying nutrients, should take place. 

Data for the tool was sourced from the North American Regional Reanalysis, a model produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction that generates data for temperature, wind, moisture, soil and dozens of other parameters. 

Using data from NARR was necessary because several areas across the Midwest lack substantial soil temperature measurements. These soil temperature estimates provide for an accurate historical perspective. 

While the Soil Temperature Climatology Tool was developed with the farming community in mind, the data this tool provides will be useful for several other production areas. Find the tool on the MRCC&nbsp;<a href="https://mrcc.purdue.edu/?utm_source=cision&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=unsag&amp;utm_campaign=231003mrcctoolwidhalmag%3C/a">website</a>.

The Midwestern Regional Climate Center is launching a new tool in partnership with the Department of Agriculture's Midwest Climate Hub. The tool will provide soil temperature threshold information based on historical data from the last 30 years. The Soil Temperature Climatology Tool will be crucial for the agricultural industry to better identify benchmark dates for when specific agronomic activities, such as planting and applying nutrients, should take place. Data for the tool was sourced from the North American Regional Reanalysis, a model produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction that generates data for temperature, wind, moisture, soil and dozens of other parameters. Using data from NARR was necessary because several areas across the Midwest lack substantial soil temperature measurements. These soil temperature estimates provide for an accurate historical perspective. While the Soil Temperature Climatology Tool was developed with the farming community in mind, the data this tool provides will be useful for several other production areas. Find the tool on the MRCC&nbsp;<a href="https://mrcc.purdue.edu/?utm_source=cision&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=unsag&amp;utm_campaign=231003mrcctoolwidhalmag%3C/a">website</a>.- NAFB

Climate Center develops Soil Temp Climatology Tool

Households spend more money on food as their incomes rise, but the amount spent represents a smaller share of their overall budgets, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

When U.S. households were divided into five equal groups by household income, households in the lowest income group had an average after-tax income of $16,337 and spent an average of $5,090 on food, or about $98 a week, in 2022. 

Households in the highest income group, with an average after-tax income of $196,794, spent an average of $15,713 on food, about $302 a week. 

As households gain more disposable income, they often shift to more expensive food options. Food spending as a share of income rose across all income groups in 2022 as food prices increased faster than the overall inflation rate. 

In 2022, food spending represented 31.2 percent of the lowest groups’ income, 13.4 percent of income for the middle group, and 8.0 percent of income for the highest group.

Households spend more money on food as their incomes rise, but the amount spent represents a smaller share of their overall budgets, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. When U.S. households were divided into five equal groups by household income, households in the lowest income group had an average after-tax income of $16,337 and spent an average of $5,090 on food, or about $98 a week, in 2022. Households in the highest income group, with an average after-tax income of $196,794, spent an average of $15,713 on food, about $302 a week. As households gain more disposable income, they often shift to more expensive food options. Food spending as a share of income rose across all income groups in 2022 as food prices increased faster than the overall inflation rate. In 2022, food spending represented 31.2 percent of the lowest groups’ income, 13.4 percent of income for the middle group, and 8.0 percent of income for the highest group.- NAFB

Households that earn less spend a higher share of income on food

Harold Wolle, a Minnesota farmer, officially took over as the new president of the National Corn Growers Association. 

Wolle has several goals in mind, saying that reauthorizing a farm bill that reflects the priorities of corn growers will be a pressing concern. 

He also plans to push for more support of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the House and Senate while making ethanol a go-to biofuel in the aviation sector. 

“My theme as president is ‘Shaping the Future,’ and nothing shapes the future like effective advocacy,” Wolle says. “And no other group does advocacy as well as our state corn grower groups and the NCGA.” Wolle has a lot of experience in many issues important to corn growers. 

He's served on NCGA committees and the organization’s board, including as a board liaison to the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Advisory Board. He’s also past president of the Minnesota Corn Growers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696433178804.jpeg" alt="Photo of Harold Wolle courtesy of the NCGA" />
 <figcaption>Photo of Harold Wolle courtesy of the NCGA</figcaption>
 </figure>Harold Wolle, a Minnesota farmer, officially took over as the new president of the National Corn Growers Association. Wolle has several goals in mind, saying that reauthorizing a farm bill that reflects the priorities of corn growers will be a pressing concern. He also plans to push for more support of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the House and Senate while making ethanol a go-to biofuel in the aviation sector. “My theme as president is ‘Shaping the Future,’ and nothing shapes the future like effective advocacy,” Wolle says. “And no other group does advocacy as well as our state corn grower groups and the NCGA.” Wolle has a lot of experience in many issues important to corn growers. He's served on NCGA committees and the organization’s board, including as a board liaison to the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Advisory Board. He’s also past president of the Minnesota Corn Growers.- NAFB

Wolle takes over as new NCGA president

U.S. pork producers tasked the National Pork Producers Council with leading an effort to update the existing swine traceability system. 

NPPC wants swine producers, veterinarians, cull swine and breeding operators, and show pig enthusiasts to comment on the draft standards by October 27. 

“Approximately one million pigs are in transit every day, giving diseases plenty of opportunities to spread,” says Scott Hays, NPPC president and Missouri pork producer. 

“With the growing threat of a foreign animal disease reaching the U.S., the need to address gaps in our existing traceability system is important for our farms and industry.” 

International markets would close immediately if a foreign animal disease were discovered in the U.S. “With $7.7 billion worth of pork being sold to international consumers, we need to assure our trading partners that we can identify disease-free animals and provide products from unaffected farms,” Hays adds. For more information, go to nppc.org/trace.

U.S. pork producers tasked the National Pork Producers Council with leading an effort to update the existing swine traceability system. NPPC wants swine producers, veterinarians, cull swine and breeding operators, and show pig enthusiasts to comment on the draft standards by October 27. “Approximately one million pigs are in transit every day, giving diseases plenty of opportunities to spread,” says Scott Hays, NPPC president and Missouri pork producer. “With the growing threat of a foreign animal disease reaching the U.S., the need to address gaps in our existing traceability system is important for our farms and industry.” International markets would close immediately if a foreign animal disease were discovered in the U.S. “With $7.7 billion worth of pork being sold to international consumers, we need to assure our trading partners that we can identify disease-free animals and provide products from unaffected farms,” Hays adds. For more information, go to nppc.org/trace.- NAFB

NPPC wants input on swine traceability

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hailed the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act. 

The act allows the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to collect fees from animal health companies, which fund the agency’s review and approval process for new animal drugs. 

ADUFA ensures that FDA has an efficient system for authorizing new cattle medicines and diagnostic tools that keep livestock healthy and protect our safe, wholesome food supply. 

“Keeping our livestock healthy is on every cattle producer’s mind,” says NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. “NCBA made this reauthorization a top priority at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, and I’m proud to see our team’s hard work pay off.” 

NCBA Chief Veterinarian Kathy Simmons says drug innovations are happening every day. “This ensures that FDA has the resources it needs to review these new technologies for safety and efficacy and to bring them to market for cattle producers,” Simmons says.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hailed the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act. The act allows the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to collect fees from animal health companies, which fund the agency’s review and approval process for new animal drugs. ADUFA ensures that FDA has an efficient system for authorizing new cattle medicines and diagnostic tools that keep livestock healthy and protect our safe, wholesome food supply. “Keeping our livestock healthy is on every cattle producer’s mind,” says NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. “NCBA made this reauthorization a top priority at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, and I’m proud to see our team’s hard work pay off.” NCBA Chief Veterinarian Kathy Simmons says drug innovations are happening every day. “This ensures that FDA has the resources it needs to review these new technologies for safety and efficacy and to bring them to market for cattle producers,” Simmons says.- NAFB

NCBA helps secure passage of animal health priority

Two companies—Corteva and Bayer—provided more than half the U.S. retail seed sales of corn, soybeans, and cotton in 2018–20, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

In recent decades, the U.S. crop seed industry has become more concentrated, with fewer and larger firms dominating seed supply. 

Today, four firms—Bayer, Corteva, ChemChina’s Syngenta Group, and BASF—control the majority of crop seed and agricultural chemical sales. 

In 2015, six firms led global markets for seeds and agricultural chemicals.&nbsp;&nbsp;The concentration can be traced to the expansion of intellectual property rights to private companies for seed improvements in the 1970s and 1980s. 

As biotechnology advanced, companies created genetically modified seed varieties, such as herbicide-tolerant or insect-resistant corn, soybeans, and cotton. 

Mergers occurred between companies that produced and sold pesticides, seed treatments, crop seeds, and seed traits. As a result, the U.S. crop seed sector has become highly integrated with agricultural chemicals and more concentrated.

Two companies—Corteva and Bayer—provided more than half the U.S. retail seed sales of corn, soybeans, and cotton in 2018–20, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. In recent decades, the U.S. crop seed industry has become more concentrated, with fewer and larger firms dominating seed supply. Today, four firms—Bayer, Corteva, ChemChina’s Syngenta Group, and BASF—control the majority of crop seed and agricultural chemical sales. In 2015, six firms led global markets for seeds and agricultural chemicals.&nbsp;&nbsp;The concentration can be traced to the expansion of intellectual property rights to private companies for seed improvements in the 1970s and 1980s. As biotechnology advanced, companies created genetically modified seed varieties, such as herbicide-tolerant or insect-resistant corn, soybeans, and cotton. Mergers occurred between companies that produced and sold pesticides, seed treatments, crop seeds, and seed traits. As a result, the U.S. crop seed sector has become highly integrated with agricultural chemicals and more concentrated.- NAFB

Corteva, Bayer, supply majority corn, cotton and soybean seeds

The Department of Agriculture recently placed restrictions on the importation of poultry from France and the European Union. 

The restrictions, enacted by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, include live ducks, duck eggs, and unmitigated or untreated duck products from the APHIS-recognized European Poultry Trade Region, as well as Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, but excluding Great Britain. 

The restrictions are due to increased risk of introducing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza into the United States and were enacted October first. 

The restrictions are based on the World Organization for Animal Health's definition of poultry and result from France's decision to vaccinate commercial meat ducks against HPAI. 

France’s decision to vaccinate presents a risk of introducing HPAI into the United States. The United States does not currently allow the import of poultry from countries affected with HPAI or from flocks that have been vaccinated by HPAI.&nbsp;

The Department of Agriculture recently placed restrictions on the importation of poultry from France and the European Union. The restrictions, enacted by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, include live ducks, duck eggs, and unmitigated or untreated duck products from the APHIS-recognized European Poultry Trade Region, as well as Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, but excluding Great Britain. The restrictions are due to increased risk of introducing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza into the United States and were enacted October first. The restrictions are based on the World Organization for Animal Health's definition of poultry and result from France's decision to vaccinate commercial meat ducks against HPAI. France’s decision to vaccinate presents a risk of introducing HPAI into the United States. The United States does not currently allow the import of poultry from countries affected with HPAI or from flocks that have been vaccinated by HPAI.&nbsp;- NAFB

USDA restricts poultry imports from France, EU

USDA recently announced Weaned Calf Risk Protection, a new insurance option for livestock producers in several states. 

This policy, offered by USDA's Risk Management Agency, offers Actual Production History coverage for beef cow-calf producers to ensure revenue from their spring calving operations. 

Weaned Calf Risk Protection will be available for the 2024 crop year. 

The policies insure producers against yield losses due to natural causes such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, wind, frost, insects, and disease. 

Coverage is provided for a decline in price and loss of yield due to a decrease of overall weaning weight, like revenue coverage offered for other crops. 

The program will be available in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas, beginning with the January 31, 2024, sales closing date for the 2024 crop year. 

Coverage levels between 50 and 85 percent will be available, along with catastrophic coverage. Interested producers should contact their local RMA office.

USDA recently announced Weaned Calf Risk Protection, a new insurance option for livestock producers in several states. This policy, offered by USDA's Risk Management Agency, offers Actual Production History coverage for beef cow-calf producers to ensure revenue from their spring calving operations. Weaned Calf Risk Protection will be available for the 2024 crop year. The policies insure producers against yield losses due to natural causes such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, wind, frost, insects, and disease. Coverage is provided for a decline in price and loss of yield due to a decrease of overall weaning weight, like revenue coverage offered for other crops. The program will be available in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas, beginning with the January 31, 2024, sales closing date for the 2024 crop year. Coverage levels between 50 and 85 percent will be available, along with catastrophic coverage. Interested producers should contact their local RMA office.- NAFB

USDA announces Weaned Calf Risk Protection

A coalition of 16 State Attorneys General sent letters to Congressional leadership regarding the EATS Act. 

Sponsors of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act have positioned the bill as a regulatory solution, but it will undermine states’ rights to regulate agriculture within their local jurisdictions and nullify numerous state and local laws that already exist. 

Those hundreds of laws that would be invalidated support family beef, dairy, egg, and pork producers, as well as hundreds of laws related to food safety and invasive pest control. 

The letter states that, “For over 200 years, state and local governments have been responsible for ensuring that there is a safe and healthy food supply for their consumers and that locally sold farm products are governed by locally accountable elected officials.” 

Groups like the Organization for Competitive Markets and Competitive Markets Action say the Act would up-end the crucial balance between state and federal authority. &nbsp;

A coalition of 16 State Attorneys General sent letters to Congressional leadership regarding the EATS Act. Sponsors of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act have positioned the bill as a regulatory solution, but it will undermine states’ rights to regulate agriculture within their local jurisdictions and nullify numerous state and local laws that already exist. Those hundreds of laws that would be invalidated support family beef, dairy, egg, and pork producers, as well as hundreds of laws related to food safety and invasive pest control. The letter states that, “For over 200 years, state and local governments have been responsible for ensuring that there is a safe and healthy food supply for their consumers and that locally sold farm products are governed by locally accountable elected officials.” Groups like the Organization for Competitive Markets and Competitive Markets Action say the Act would up-end the crucial balance between state and federal authority. &nbsp;- NAFB

State Attorneys General against the Eats Act

Looking for less secrecy in the Crop Insurance Program, representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced the Crop Insurance Transparency Act. 

If passed, it would require USDA to publicly disclose the names of producers and insurers who receive federal crop insurance subsidies and the amount received. 

“At a time when federal crop insurance payments are at an all-time high, it is an abject failure that a majority of our small farmers and ranchers do not even have access to the crop insurance safety net,” says Blumenauer. 

“Reform begins with accurate and transparent information.” Norman adds that one-third of all crop insurance subsidies don’t make it to farmers, but instead go to massive insurance companies. 

“Millionaires and billionaires are likely receiving crop insurance subsidies at a time when most farmers are struggling to get by,” says Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group. “It’s time to lift this veil of secrecy.”

Looking for less secrecy in the Crop Insurance Program, representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced the Crop Insurance Transparency Act. If passed, it would require USDA to publicly disclose the names of producers and insurers who receive federal crop insurance subsidies and the amount received. “At a time when federal crop insurance payments are at an all-time high, it is an abject failure that a majority of our small farmers and ranchers do not even have access to the crop insurance safety net,” says Blumenauer. “Reform begins with accurate and transparent information.” Norman adds that one-third of all crop insurance subsidies don’t make it to farmers, but instead go to massive insurance companies. “Millionaires and billionaires are likely receiving crop insurance subsidies at a time when most farmers are struggling to get by,” says Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group. “It’s time to lift this veil of secrecy.”- NAFB

Legislation will require crop insurance transparency

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its Grain Stocks report that showed lower numbers for corn and soybeans. 

Old crop corn stocks on hand as of September 1 totaled 1.36 billion bushels, one percent lower than the same time last year. 

Old crop soybeans stored in all positions were down two percent from September 1, 2022, and all wheat stocks were up slightly from a year earlier. 

Of the total corn stocks, 605 million bushels were stored on farms, 19 percent higher than last year. Old crop soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2023, totaled 268 million bushels, two percent lower than last year. 

Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 72 million bushels, up 14 percent from a year ago. All wheat stored in all positions on September 1 totaled 1.78 billion bushels, up slightly from September 1, 2022. On-farm stocks were one percent higher than in 2022.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its Grain Stocks report that showed lower numbers for corn and soybeans. Old crop corn stocks on hand as of September 1 totaled 1.36 billion bushels, one percent lower than the same time last year. Old crop soybeans stored in all positions were down two percent from September 1, 2022, and all wheat stocks were up slightly from a year earlier. Of the total corn stocks, 605 million bushels were stored on farms, 19 percent higher than last year. Old crop soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2023, totaled 268 million bushels, two percent lower than last year. Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 72 million bushels, up 14 percent from a year ago. All wheat stored in all positions on September 1 totaled 1.78 billion bushels, up slightly from September 1, 2022. On-farm stocks were one percent higher than in 2022.- NAFB

Corn and soybean ending stocks lower in 2023

The Department of Agriculture reports record demand for funding to advance affordable and reliable clean energy in rural America. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “The Inflation Reduction Act is driving investment in rural communities across the nation, particularly in places that for too long have been left out or left behind.” 

The Inflation Reduction Act made nearly $13 billion available to support clean energy infrastructure for rural America through USDA Rural Development programs. 

In May, USDA made $9.7 billion available under the New Empowering Rural America program for member-owned rural electric cooperatives, and received 157 proposals from nearly every state. 

Also in May, USDA made $1 billion available under Powering Affordable Clean Energy to fund new clean energy projects and energy storage in rural America. 

So far, USDA has received requests for more than $7.8 billion through letters of interest. USDA has also seen substantially more interest than funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act in USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Department of Agriculture reports record demand for funding to advance affordable and reliable clean energy in rural America. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “The Inflation Reduction Act is driving investment in rural communities across the nation, particularly in places that for too long have been left out or left behind.” The Inflation Reduction Act made nearly $13 billion available to support clean energy infrastructure for rural America through USDA Rural Development programs. In May, USDA made $9.7 billion available under the New Empowering Rural America program for member-owned rural electric cooperatives, and received 157 proposals from nearly every state. Also in May, USDA made $1 billion available under Powering Affordable Clean Energy to fund new clean energy projects and energy storage in rural America. So far, USDA has received requests for more than $7.8 billion through letters of interest. USDA has also seen substantially more interest than funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act in USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.- NAFB