The Department of Agriculture Monday announced an effort to help rural communities to address some of their immediate needs and foster long-term economic growth. 

USDA is providing loans and grants to help people living in rural and Tribal communities in the Rural Partners Network access good-paying jobs, improved infrastructure, affordable housing and quality health care. 

The funding will support 52 projects in Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, West Virginia and Puerto Rico. 

In the West, the funding will help Tribal communities improve water and wastewater services and bring solar power and other forms of renewable energy to Tribal lands and farms. 

For people in Southern communities, projects will increase access to fresh foods in high-poverty areas and allow electric cooperatives to connect thousands of people to power with smart-grid technologies. 

The announcement includes $394 million in awards from USDA that will benefit communities and support their long-term visions for strong, local economies.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced an effort to help rural communities to address some of their immediate needs and foster long-term economic growth. USDA is providing loans and grants to help people living in rural and Tribal communities in the Rural Partners Network access good-paying jobs, improved infrastructure, affordable housing and quality health care. The funding will support 52 projects in Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, West Virginia and Puerto Rico. In the West, the funding will help Tribal communities improve water and wastewater services and bring solar power and other forms of renewable energy to Tribal lands and farms. For people in Southern communities, projects will increase access to fresh foods in high-poverty areas and allow electric cooperatives to connect thousands of people to power with smart-grid technologies. The announcement includes $394 million in awards from USDA that will benefit communities and support their long-term visions for strong, local economies.- NAFB

USDA to bring jobs and improved infrastructure to Rural Partners Network

New data from USDA's Economic Research Service shows that less than one percent of farm estates created in 2022 must file an estate tax return. 

Created in 1916, the federal estate tax is a tax on the transfer of property to a person's heirs upon death. 

In 2022, the Federal estate tax exemption amount was $12.06 million per person, and the federal estate tax rate was 40 percent. 

Under the present law, the estate of a person who owns assets above the exemption amount at death must file a federal estate tax return. However, only returns with an estate above the exemption after deductions for expenses, debts, and bequests will pay federal estate tax. 

Researchers estimate that in 2022, 39,500 estates were created from principal operator deaths. Of those estates, ERS forecasts that 305, or 0.77 percent, will be required to file an estate tax return, and a further 87, or 0.22 percent, will likely owe Federal estate tax.

New data from USDA's Economic Research Service shows that less than one percent of farm estates created in 2022 must file an estate tax return. Created in 1916, the federal estate tax is a tax on the transfer of property to a person's heirs upon death. In 2022, the Federal estate tax exemption amount was $12.06 million per person, and the federal estate tax rate was 40 percent. Under the present law, the estate of a person who owns assets above the exemption amount at death must file a federal estate tax return. However, only returns with an estate above the exemption after deductions for expenses, debts, and bequests will pay federal estate tax. Researchers estimate that in 2022, 39,500 estates were created from principal operator deaths. Of those estates, ERS forecasts that 305, or 0.77 percent, will be required to file an estate tax return, and a further 87, or 0.22 percent, will likely owe Federal estate tax.- NAFB

Data shows few farm estates must file estate tax return

The Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of repairs to a lock and dam on the Upper Mississippi River that’s crucial to shipping corn and other commodities. 

Lock and Dam 25, almost 50 miles north of St. Louis, hasn’t been extensively repaired since it was constructed in the early 20th century. 

Funding for the project was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

The Illinois Corn Growers Association, long at the forefront of advocating for updates to the Lock and Dam, applauded the development. “Our hope is this will be the beginning of a waterfall of infrastructure work on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers,” says ICGA President Matt Rush. 

Lock and Dam 25 is crucially important to corn growers as 60 percent of corn and soybean exports are transported on the Mississippi River. The river is important in shipping products both domestically and abroad.

The Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of repairs to a lock and dam on the Upper Mississippi River that’s crucial to shipping corn and other commodities. Lock and Dam 25, almost 50 miles north of St. Louis, hasn’t been extensively repaired since it was constructed in the early 20th century. Funding for the project was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Illinois Corn Growers Association, long at the forefront of advocating for updates to the Lock and Dam, applauded the development. “Our hope is this will be the beginning of a waterfall of infrastructure work on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers,” says ICGA President Matt Rush. Lock and Dam 25 is crucially important to corn growers as 60 percent of corn and soybean exports are transported on the Mississippi River. The river is important in shipping products both domestically and abroad.- NAFB

Updates begin on improving Mississippi River infrastructure

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program and Emergency Livestock Relief Program assistance to crop and livestock producers. 

The funds will help producers who sustained losses due to a qualifying natural disaster event during calendar year 2022. 

USDA is sharing the information early to allow producers time to gather documents in advance of program delivery. 

“U.S. ag producers nationwide endured crippling natural disaster events in 2022, including a mega-drought, hurricane, flooding, and wildfires,” Vilsack says. “While we have streamlined our delivery of natural disaster assistance, funding is limited and significantly less than the estimated losses.” 

He also says they’re designing payment factors to help as many producers as possible to offset the significant financial impacts resulting from these ongoing and widespread natural disasters. 

Producers who have participated in FSA programs likely have the required forms on file. Contact your local USDA Service Center with questions.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program and Emergency Livestock Relief Program assistance to crop and livestock producers. The funds will help producers who sustained losses due to a qualifying natural disaster event during calendar year 2022. USDA is sharing the information early to allow producers time to gather documents in advance of program delivery. “U.S. ag producers nationwide endured crippling natural disaster events in 2022, including a mega-drought, hurricane, flooding, and wildfires,” Vilsack says. “While we have streamlined our delivery of natural disaster assistance, funding is limited and significantly less than the estimated losses.” He also says they’re designing payment factors to help as many producers as possible to offset the significant financial impacts resulting from these ongoing and widespread natural disasters. Producers who have participated in FSA programs likely have the required forms on file. Contact your local USDA Service Center with questions.- NAFB

USDA previews emergency relief for agricultural producers

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds and 15 other senators sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management asking them to withdraw the proposed Public Lands Rule. 

The bureau says this rule would let conservationists lease federal land.&nbsp;&nbsp;The senators say it’s intended to set conservation equal to other land uses. 

The proposal would negatively affect western states, including South Dakota because their economies rely on public land for cattle grazing, energy development, and tourism. 

“It’s clear that anti-grazing and anti-development organizations would abuse this tool to attempt to halt ranching and block access to our nation’s abundant energy reserves located on public lands,” the letter says. 

Supporters of this rule say land conservation is necessary to protect the environment. They argue that the rule will not impede current land uses. The BLM website says the bureau will host public meetings, virtually and in person, to discuss the proposed rule.&nbsp;

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds and 15 other senators sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management asking them to withdraw the proposed Public Lands Rule. The bureau says this rule would let conservationists lease federal land.&nbsp;&nbsp;The senators say it’s intended to set conservation equal to other land uses. The proposal would negatively affect western states, including South Dakota because their economies rely on public land for cattle grazing, energy development, and tourism. “It’s clear that anti-grazing and anti-development organizations would abuse this tool to attempt to halt ranching and block access to our nation’s abundant energy reserves located on public lands,” the letter says. Supporters of this rule say land conservation is necessary to protect the environment. They argue that the rule will not impede current land uses. The BLM website says the bureau will host public meetings, virtually and in person, to discuss the proposed rule.&nbsp;- NAFB

Senators ask BLM to withdraw draft rule

The Black Sea grain deal has been extended for another two months, something the United Nations calls “good news for the world.” 

The news came one day before Russia could have quit the deal because of obstacles to its grain and fertilizer exports. 

Reuters says Turkey’s president made the announcement, later confirmed by Russia, Ukraine, and the U.N. Moscow was unwilling to extend the deal unless some demands regarding its own ag exports were met. 

While Russia’s ag exports of food and fertilizer aren’t directly affected by Western sanctions, restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance are a barrier to shipments. 

Russia’s ambassador to the U.N. says the deal was extended because they haven’t lost hope that the problems raised by Russia will be resolved. 

The U.N. also says it hopes that exports of food and fertilizers, including ammonia, from Russia and Ukraine will get to global supply chains safely and predictably.

The Black Sea grain deal has been extended for another two months, something the United Nations calls “good news for the world.” The news came one day before Russia could have quit the deal because of obstacles to its grain and fertilizer exports. Reuters says Turkey’s president made the announcement, later confirmed by Russia, Ukraine, and the U.N. Moscow was unwilling to extend the deal unless some demands regarding its own ag exports were met. While Russia’s ag exports of food and fertilizer aren’t directly affected by Western sanctions, restrictions on payments, logistics, and insurance are a barrier to shipments. Russia’s ambassador to the U.N. says the deal was extended because they haven’t lost hope that the problems raised by Russia will be resolved. The U.N. also says it hopes that exports of food and fertilizers, including ammonia, from Russia and Ukraine will get to global supply chains safely and predictably.- NAFB

Black Sea grain deal extended two months

Biofuels like ethanol must not be ignored as a climate solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;That was part of the testimony by Kansas Corn Growers CEO Josh Roe in front of a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing. 

The discussion centered on vehicle emissions rules and the electric vehicle transition. 

“Unfortunately, current and proposed EPA rules prevent us from being part of the solution,” says Roe. 

“While we believe electric vehicles will play a vital role in achieving climate goals, other complementary alternatives like biofuels have a key role to play but are being pushed aside.” 

Roe also questioned the EPA proposal that considers electric vehicles as zero emission. “They aren’t truly zero-emission vehicles,” he says. 

“While they don’t have a tailpipe, you still need to account for the emissions that come from the power grid.” The U.S. power grid is 60 percent powered by coal and natural gas, and EPA rules don’t account for upstream emissions.

Biofuels like ethanol must not be ignored as a climate solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;That was part of the testimony by Kansas Corn Growers CEO Josh Roe in front of a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing. The discussion centered on vehicle emissions rules and the electric vehicle transition. “Unfortunately, current and proposed EPA rules prevent us from being part of the solution,” says Roe. “While we believe electric vehicles will play a vital role in achieving climate goals, other complementary alternatives like biofuels have a key role to play but are being pushed aside.” Roe also questioned the EPA proposal that considers electric vehicles as zero emission. “They aren’t truly zero-emission vehicles,” he says. “While they don’t have a tailpipe, you still need to account for the emissions that come from the power grid.” The U.S. power grid is 60 percent powered by coal and natural gas, and EPA rules don’t account for upstream emissions.- NAFB

Biofuels must be a part of climate solutions

Scott Hays, president of the National Pork Producers Council, testified before the House Ag Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry and talked about pork priorities. 

Hays presented policy priorities ranging from funding that supports programs to safeguard the nation’s food supply against the threat of foreign animal diseases to initiatives that expand foreign market access for U.S. agricultural products. 

Hays outlined the economic challenges facing pig farmers as hog prices have moderated significantly since 2022. 

Production costs have risen drastically, the industry faced trade retaliation, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the unfavorable Supreme Court decision on Prop 12. 

“This is putting a pinch on the pork industry and could drive consolidation at the farm level as producers may be forced to exit the industry,” Hays says. Other priorities include a one-year extension of Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting, opposition to proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act, and others.

Scott Hays, president of the National Pork Producers Council, testified before the House Ag Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry and talked about pork priorities. Hays presented policy priorities ranging from funding that supports programs to safeguard the nation’s food supply against the threat of foreign animal diseases to initiatives that expand foreign market access for U.S. agricultural products. Hays outlined the economic challenges facing pig farmers as hog prices have moderated significantly since 2022. Production costs have risen drastically, the industry faced trade retaliation, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the unfavorable Supreme Court decision on Prop 12. “This is putting a pinch on the pork industry and could drive consolidation at the farm level as producers may be forced to exit the industry,” Hays says. Other priorities include a one-year extension of Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting, opposition to proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act, and others.- NAFB

NPPC outlines industry priorities during House hearing

Lawmakers this week in the Senate introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act. 

The legislation would extend and make permanent a pilot program to safeguard public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems against the threat of feral swine. 

Senators Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican and John Cornyn, A Texas Republican, introduced the bill. 

Tuberville says, "Over the past five years, feral swine have impacted more than 173,000 acres in Alabama, yet the pigs are still running rampant throughout the South." 

There are approximately six million feral hogs across the United States, which cause more than $1.5 billion in damages each year. 

The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to rampant feral swine outbreaks and was implemented by the Department of Agriculture. 

The program includes feral swine removal, restoration efforts, and assistance to producers for feral swine control through grants with non-federal partners.

Lawmakers this week in the Senate introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act. The legislation would extend and make permanent a pilot program to safeguard public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems against the threat of feral swine. Senators Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican and John Cornyn, A Texas Republican, introduced the bill. Tuberville says, "Over the past five years, feral swine have impacted more than 173,000 acres in Alabama, yet the pigs are still running rampant throughout the South." There are approximately six million feral hogs across the United States, which cause more than $1.5 billion in damages each year. The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to rampant feral swine outbreaks and was implemented by the Department of Agriculture. The program includes feral swine removal, restoration efforts, and assistance to producers for feral swine control through grants with non-federal partners.- NAFB

Legislation introduced to protect farms from feral hogs

The Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday advanced the nomination of Xochitl Torres Small to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture to the full Senate for consideration. 

Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, says, " Ms. Torres Small has a proven track record and a wide-ranging background that make her an ideal candidate to help lead the nearly 100,000 public servants at USDA." 

Ranking Member John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, added, "She has shown herself to be a thoughtful leader while overseeing the rural development mission, and I believe those qualities will be an asset in this new role." 

Torres Small was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the Under Secretary for Rural Development on October 7, 2021. She was nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary by President Joe Biden in February following the resignation announcement by Jewel Bronaugh, who stepped away from the role to spend more time with family.

The Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday advanced the nomination of Xochitl Torres Small to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture to the full Senate for consideration. Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, says, " Ms. Torres Small has a proven track record and a wide-ranging background that make her an ideal candidate to help lead the nearly 100,000 public servants at USDA." Ranking Member John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, added, "She has shown herself to be a thoughtful leader while overseeing the rural development mission, and I believe those qualities will be an asset in this new role." Torres Small was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the Under Secretary for Rural Development on October 7, 2021. She was nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary by President Joe Biden in February following the resignation announcement by Jewel Bronaugh, who stepped away from the role to spend more time with family.- NAFB

Senate Ag Committee advances Torres Small nomination

The House Agriculture Appropriations bill released this week provides $26.3 billion for total funding, $532 million below the 2023 funding level. 

The bill provides $17.1 billion to the Department of Agriculture, which is $8.6 billion below current fiscal year spending and $11.7 billion below the budget request. 

The bill also provides $8.1 billion in funding repurposed from unobligated balances from pandemic-era programs. 

Conservative leaders in the House say the bill reins in wasteful spending by redirecting billions in American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act funding to help America’s producers and rural communities. 

The changes include a $32 billion decrease in mandatory SNAP spending from FY23 levels due to the end of increased pandemic-era benefits and a decrease in participation rates. 

The proposal also eliminates funding for equity initiatives and climate change, and saves $1 billion by restricting the discretionary use of the Commodity Credit Corporation. The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee was scheduled to markup the bill Thursday morning.

The House Agriculture Appropriations bill released this week provides $26.3 billion for total funding, $532 million below the 2023 funding level. The bill provides $17.1 billion to the Department of Agriculture, which is $8.6 billion below current fiscal year spending and $11.7 billion below the budget request. The bill also provides $8.1 billion in funding repurposed from unobligated balances from pandemic-era programs. Conservative leaders in the House say the bill reins in wasteful spending by redirecting billions in American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act funding to help America’s producers and rural communities. The changes include a $32 billion decrease in mandatory SNAP spending from FY23 levels due to the end of increased pandemic-era benefits and a decrease in participation rates. The proposal also eliminates funding for equity initiatives and climate change, and saves $1 billion by restricting the discretionary use of the Commodity Credit Corporation. The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee was scheduled to markup the bill Thursday morning.- NAFB

House Ag spending bill released, markup Thursday

A group of more than 100 lawmakers this week signed a letter to automakers expressing concerns about the removal and planned removal of AM radio receivers in vehicles. 

Representative Greg Pence, an Indiana Republican, led the effort, and says, “If automakers are seeking to remove access to AM radio, my constituents deserve an explanation as to how this could impact their lives and public safety.” 

The letter highlights the need of rural Americans to access AM radio, given limited internet and cell phone connectivity. 

The letter states, “We urge you to maintain AM radio receivers in all vehicles and prioritize consumers and public safety.” Federal data shows that more than 75 radio stations, mostly AM stations, cover at least 90 percent of the U.S. population and are equipped with backup communications equipment for broadcasting during public emergencies. 

There have been reports that automakers, including Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM, and Mercedes Benz, removed, or are planning to remove, broadcast AM radio receivers from all-electric vehicles.

A group of more than 100 lawmakers this week signed a letter to automakers expressing concerns about the removal and planned removal of AM radio receivers in vehicles. Representative Greg Pence, an Indiana Republican, led the effort, and says, “If automakers are seeking to remove access to AM radio, my constituents deserve an explanation as to how this could impact their lives and public safety.” The letter highlights the need of rural Americans to access AM radio, given limited internet and cell phone connectivity. The letter states, “We urge you to maintain AM radio receivers in all vehicles and prioritize consumers and public safety.” Federal data shows that more than 75 radio stations, mostly AM stations, cover at least 90 percent of the U.S. population and are equipped with backup communications equipment for broadcasting during public emergencies. There have been reports that automakers, including Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Tesla, Polestar, Rivian, GM, and Mercedes Benz, removed, or are planning to remove, broadcast AM radio receivers from all-electric vehicles.- NAFB

Lawmakers ask automakers to keep AM radio

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday released a dashboard demonstrating the scope of Black Sea grain and oilseed trade. 

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service says millions of tons of grain are shipped through the region annually, making the Black Sea region a major supplier of agricultural commodities worldwide. 

The dashboard demonstrates the impacts Black Sea trade disruption can have on food access in various countries. 

The analysis focuses on key commodities, including barley, corn, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, and wheat. For each country, the largest suppliers are shown, which allows the dashboard to illustrate the potential impact of Russia's war in Ukraine. 

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor, says, "By looking at the Vulnerabilities to Trade Disruption dashboard, it becomes very clear how big an impact Russia's war has on food security in countries." The dashboard and all other USDA FAS tools and reports are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fas.usda.gov/">www.fas.usda.gov</a>.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday released a dashboard demonstrating the scope of Black Sea grain and oilseed trade. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service says millions of tons of grain are shipped through the region annually, making the Black Sea region a major supplier of agricultural commodities worldwide. The dashboard demonstrates the impacts Black Sea trade disruption can have on food access in various countries. The analysis focuses on key commodities, including barley, corn, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, and wheat. For each country, the largest suppliers are shown, which allows the dashboard to illustrate the potential impact of Russia's war in Ukraine. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor, says, "By looking at the Vulnerabilities to Trade Disruption dashboard, it becomes very clear how big an impact Russia's war has on food security in countries." The dashboard and all other USDA FAS tools and reports are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fas.usda.gov/">www.fas.usda.gov</a>.- NAFB

USDA releases Black Sea trade vulnerability dashboard

Consumer demand for high-quality beef has been a long-time sales driver for Certified Angus Beef, and ultimately, it has increased demand for superior Angus genetics. 

As consumer preferences evolve, the brand is growing to provide premium beef for every liking. And now, that will include a grass-fed option: Certified Angus Beef Grass-Fed by Niman Ranch. 

Certified Angus Beef President John Stika says, “This product will represent a small portion of total sales, but it's an important addition that helps us meet the needs of consumers who have different preferences.” 

The Certified Angus Beef&nbsp; Grass-Fed by Niman Ranch product will make up less than one percent of the total CAB supply. A niche product, the grass-fed, natural beef will initially only be available through a few, exclusive restaurants and grocery stores. 

Consistent with all Certified Angus Beef brand products, the grass-fed beef must meet all ten specifications to qualify for the brand.

Consumer demand for high-quality beef has been a long-time sales driver for Certified Angus Beef, and ultimately, it has increased demand for superior Angus genetics. As consumer preferences evolve, the brand is growing to provide premium beef for every liking. And now, that will include a grass-fed option: Certified Angus Beef Grass-Fed by Niman Ranch. Certified Angus Beef President John Stika says, “This product will represent a small portion of total sales, but it's an important addition that helps us meet the needs of consumers who have different preferences.” The Certified Angus Beef&nbsp; Grass-Fed by Niman Ranch product will make up less than one percent of the total CAB supply. A niche product, the grass-fed, natural beef will initially only be available through a few, exclusive restaurants and grocery stores. Consistent with all Certified Angus Beef brand products, the grass-fed beef must meet all ten specifications to qualify for the brand.- NAFB

Certified Angus Beef expands offering with grass-fed beef

The National Corn Growers Association supports the Fuels Parity Act introduced in the House of Representative's Monday. 

NCGA President Tom Haag says the legislation "Recognizes the declining carbon intensity of today's low-carbon ethanol and helps level the playing field." 

Published analysis from the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory concludes corn ethanol's carbon intensity decreased 23 percent from 2005 to 2019 due to increased corn yield, reduced fertilizer intensity and improved ethanol production efficiency, with corn ethanol now between 44 and 52 percent lower in carbon intensity than the gasoline it replaces. 

Argonne's analysis is consistent with recent research from Environmental Health and Engineering that corn ethanol today is 46 percent lower in carbon intensity than gasoline, with the potential for further reductions from additional corn feedstock and production process improvements. 

Under the law, advanced biofuels must deliver a 50 percent or more reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline, a requirement today's ethanol now meets.

The National Corn Growers Association supports the Fuels Parity Act introduced in the House of Representative's Monday. NCGA President Tom Haag says the legislation "Recognizes the declining carbon intensity of today's low-carbon ethanol and helps level the playing field." Published analysis from the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory concludes corn ethanol's carbon intensity decreased 23 percent from 2005 to 2019 due to increased corn yield, reduced fertilizer intensity and improved ethanol production efficiency, with corn ethanol now between 44 and 52 percent lower in carbon intensity than the gasoline it replaces. Argonne's analysis is consistent with recent research from Environmental Health and Engineering that corn ethanol today is 46 percent lower in carbon intensity than gasoline, with the potential for further reductions from additional corn feedstock and production process improvements. Under the law, advanced biofuels must deliver a 50 percent or more reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline, a requirement today's ethanol now meets.- NAFB

NCGA: Ethanol bill would level the playing field

New legislation introduced Monday in the House of Representatives would allow for ethanol from corn starch to qualify as an advanced biofuel. 

The Fuels Parity Act would also require the Environmental Protection Agency to use the Argonne GREET model to determine the greenhouse gas emission profile of biofuels under the RFS. 

Corn is currently prohibited from qualifying as an advanced biofuel, even if it can meet the required scientific thresholds, by a provision in the 2007 RFS expansion known as the “corn discrimination clause.” 

No other feedstock is limited – only corn starch used for ethanol. Allowing corn to qualify as an advanced biofuel would incentivize lower emissions from ethanol production and allow corn to access another bucket of the RFS. 

If ethanol can meet the scientific thresholds, then it should be allowed to qualify as an advanced biofuel and generate an advanced biofuel RIN, according to lawmakers introducing the legislation.

New legislation introduced Monday in the House of Representatives would allow for ethanol from corn starch to qualify as an advanced biofuel. The Fuels Parity Act would also require the Environmental Protection Agency to use the Argonne GREET model to determine the greenhouse gas emission profile of biofuels under the RFS. Corn is currently prohibited from qualifying as an advanced biofuel, even if it can meet the required scientific thresholds, by a provision in the 2007 RFS expansion known as the “corn discrimination clause.” No other feedstock is limited – only corn starch used for ethanol. Allowing corn to qualify as an advanced biofuel would incentivize lower emissions from ethanol production and allow corn to access another bucket of the RFS. If ethanol can meet the scientific thresholds, then it should be allowed to qualify as an advanced biofuel and generate an advanced biofuel RIN, according to lawmakers introducing the legislation.- NAFB

Lawmakers introduce legislation to classify corn as an advanced biofuel

New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service finds that 30 percent of groundwater organizations cite nitrate contamination as a groundwater quality concern. 

Nitrates can come from animal manure and chemical fertilizers that leach into groundwater. 

When groundwater pumping exceeds the volume of groundwater recharge, the concentration of contaminants like nitrates can increase. 

Nitrate contamination is a concern on more than half of the groundwater-fed irrigated acreage within groundwater organization service areas. 

USDA’s Survey of Irrigation Organizations collected information on the estimated 735 local entities that manage on-farm groundwater use through statutory, regulatory, or other powers. 

While nitrate contamination was the most common groundwater quality concern reported, contamination by salinity, other nutrients, and heavy metals are a concern for 27, 19, and 18 percent of groundwater organizations, respectively. 

USDA’s Economic Research Service says contaminated groundwater can harm crops or make the water unusable for irrigation entirely.

New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service finds that 30 percent of groundwater organizations cite nitrate contamination as a groundwater quality concern. Nitrates can come from animal manure and chemical fertilizers that leach into groundwater. When groundwater pumping exceeds the volume of groundwater recharge, the concentration of contaminants like nitrates can increase. Nitrate contamination is a concern on more than half of the groundwater-fed irrigated acreage within groundwater organization service areas. USDA’s Survey of Irrigation Organizations collected information on the estimated 735 local entities that manage on-farm groundwater use through statutory, regulatory, or other powers. While nitrate contamination was the most common groundwater quality concern reported, contamination by salinity, other nutrients, and heavy metals are a concern for 27, 19, and 18 percent of groundwater organizations, respectively. USDA’s Economic Research Service says contaminated groundwater can harm crops or make the water unusable for irrigation entirely.- NAFB

Groundwater organizations see Nitrate contamination as top concern

Representatives Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey sent a bipartisan letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding the future of AM radio in new vehicles. 

They expressed concerns over auto makers’ decision to drop AM radio access in the new electric vehicles that will be coming to market. The members talked about the important role that AM radio plays in providing life-saving information to the public. They also asked FEMA to outline what impact this would have on the nation’s Emergency Alert System and what steps the agency is taking to prevent this from happening in future vehicle models. 

“AM radio has extensive geographic reach, including areas where there’s little cell service or broadband internet access,” they say in the letter. “Given the growth in electric vehicle sales, it’s vital that FEMA makes clear the impact that no AM radios will have on public safety.”

Representatives Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey sent a bipartisan letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding the future of AM radio in new vehicles. They expressed concerns over auto makers’ decision to drop AM radio access in the new electric vehicles that will be coming to market. The members talked about the important role that AM radio plays in providing life-saving information to the public. They also asked FEMA to outline what impact this would have on the nation’s Emergency Alert System and what steps the agency is taking to prevent this from happening in future vehicle models. “AM radio has extensive geographic reach, including areas where there’s little cell service or broadband internet access,” they say in the letter. “Given the growth in electric vehicle sales, it’s vital that FEMA makes clear the impact that no AM radios will have on public safety.”

More elected officials concerned about lack of AM radio in new cars

The Supreme Court decision upholding California’s Prop 12 continues to draw strong reactions from America’s agricultural stakeholders.

 Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall says he’s disappointed in the Court’s decision not to strike down Prop 12. “We can’t allow radical state laws to dictate the agricultural practices in every other state,” Marshall says. “This will only increase food costs for people already suffering from food insecurity and drive farmers and ranchers out of business.” 

Marshall plans to re-introduce his Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act which will prohibit state and local governments from interfering with agricultural production in other states. 

Iowa’s Ag Secretary Mike Naig says this decision opens the door for the largest states to dictate laws and regulations to the rest of America. “While the ruling was focused on agriculture, it will certainly creep into other industries,” he says. “It will drive the cost of production and food prices higher.”

The Supreme Court decision upholding California’s Prop 12 continues to draw strong reactions from America’s agricultural stakeholders. Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall says he’s disappointed in the Court’s decision not to strike down Prop 12. “We can’t allow radical state laws to dictate the agricultural practices in every other state,” Marshall says. “This will only increase food costs for people already suffering from food insecurity and drive farmers and ranchers out of business.” Marshall plans to re-introduce his Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act which will prohibit state and local governments from interfering with agricultural production in other states. Iowa’s Ag Secretary Mike Naig says this decision opens the door for the largest states to dictate laws and regulations to the rest of America. “While the ruling was focused on agriculture, it will certainly creep into other industries,” he says. “It will drive the cost of production and food prices higher.”

More reaction to Supreme Court’s Prop 12 Decision

USDA projects a record U.S. corn crop of 15.3 billion bushels, up over 10 percent on increases to both area and yield. 

The yield projection is 181.5 bushels per acre. The 2023-2024 corn outlook calls for larger production, greater domestic use and exports, and higher ending stocks. Total corn supplies are forecast at 16.7 billion bushels. The season-average farm price is expected to be $4.80 a bushel, down $1.80 from the prior year. 

The U.S. soybean crop will be 4.51 billion bushels, up five percent from last year on higher yields. Soybean supplies are projected to be up four percent to 4.75 billion bushels. The season-average soybean price is forecast more than $2 lower at $12.10 per bushel. 

The USDA’s all-wheat production is forecast at 1.65 million bushels, up slightly from the previous year. The all-wheat yield is projected at 44.7 bushels, and the season-average price is down to $8 a bushel.

USDA projects a record U.S. corn crop of 15.3 billion bushels, up over 10 percent on increases to both area and yield. The yield projection is 181.5 bushels per acre. The 2023-2024 corn outlook calls for larger production, greater domestic use and exports, and higher ending stocks. Total corn supplies are forecast at 16.7 billion bushels. The season-average farm price is expected to be $4.80 a bushel, down $1.80 from the prior year. The U.S. soybean crop will be 4.51 billion bushels, up five percent from last year on higher yields. Soybean supplies are projected to be up four percent to 4.75 billion bushels. The season-average soybean price is forecast more than $2 lower at $12.10 per bushel. The USDA’s all-wheat production is forecast at 1.65 million bushels, up slightly from the previous year. The all-wheat yield is projected at 44.7 bushels, and the season-average price is down to $8 a bushel.

USDA releases U.S. Crop Production Outlook

By ADAM GOLDSTEIN <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/17/state-ag-officials-push-for-on-time-farm-bill-to-fund-slew-of-programs/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The deadliest outbreak of bird flu in U.S. history is prompting growing concern in Congress, and Department of Agriculture researchers are awaiting the preliminary results of four trials of vaccines for poultry.

Some lawmakers are warming to the idea of a vaccination campaign, long considered a fringe idea because of the cost and potential consequences. Trade groups warn that vaccinated poultry would not be accepted in many overseas markets, disrupting exports.

While bird flu likely poses little health danger to humans, it’s contributed to spikes in U.S. egg prices and decimated poultry flocks.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://extension.umn.edu/poultry-health/avian-influenza-basics-noncommercial-poultry-flock-owners">Among the domestic poultry affected</a>&nbsp;are chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks and geese — in both big commercial operations and increasingly popular backyard flocks.

Since the current strain of highly-pathogenic avian influenza — H5N1 — began circulating in the country in February 2022, farmers across the country have lost or had to cull&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks">more than 58 million poultry birds.</a>

The USDA estimates it has already spent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/ai/epi-analyses-hpai-poultry-july2022.pdf">more than $670 million</a>&nbsp;in insurance indemnities and sanitation services to combat the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

And with many wild birds starting their spring migration, roughly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks">140,000 poultry birds</a>&nbsp;were infected with the virus nationwide in April.

While food costs are stabilizing, members of Congress from both parties are asking how the U.S. can do better at controlling bird flu.

“We’ve all seen first-hand how high pathogenic avian flu has devastated domestic poultry populations, where depopulations have had to take place,” said Rep. Jim Costa, a California Democrat, at an April 18 House Agriculture Committee hearing.

“We’ve got to continue to refine and improve our approach to address animal disease, and USDA needs all the tools to guarantee a robust response.”

The USDA is testing two proprietary vaccines developed through its Agricultural Research Service, as well as bird flu vaccines from pharmaceutical companies Merck Animal Health and Zoetis Inc.

But animal health experts note that a bird flu vaccine is not the immediate solution that some believe it to be.

Jenny Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the USDA, said at an April 24 press event that it will take a minimum of 18 to 24 months to produce a viable vaccine, which is not guaranteed to be effective against infection.

Yuko Sato, a poultry veterinarian and associate professor at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, said at an April 26 media event that “the vaccine is not a silver bullet” for an end to the outbreak.

“You would have to make sure that if you vaccinate — but still have positive birds — you can stamp out the virus,” Sato said. “Otherwise, we’ll never be looking at eradicating the virus from the United States.”

Here are the answers to some common questions about the ongoing bird flu outbreak and potential vaccines.

What is highly-pathogenic avian influenza?

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/influenza-a-virus-subtypes.htm">Highly-pathogenic avian influenza,</a>&nbsp;commonly known as HPAI, bird flu, or “high-path,” is a deadly respiratory virus that affects wild birds and poultry.

The contagious disease comes from the Influenza A family, and is characterized by the H5 or H7 categories of hemagglutinin — or spike protein — structures on its surface, which it uses to infect cells. The virus is spread via airborne transmission, or exposure to the byproducts of an infected bird, like saliva, mucus or feces.

Poultry and other domesticated birds with the disease will often exhibit a lack of energy, produce soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and have swollen heads.

The highly-pathogenic version of the disease was first identified in China in 1996, and has mutated several times over the last three decades through swapping genetic material with low-pathogenic avian influenza strains within wild birds.

David Swayne, former director of the Agricultural Research Service’s Southeast Poultry Research Lab in Athens, Georgia, said at an April 26 media briefing that 87% of avian influenza strains are made up of blended genetic material from other strains. He said that this natural mutation process can make a vaccine less effective against the virus year over year.

Wild migratory birds are the primary transmission vector in the current outbreak, accounting for roughly 85% of disease spread,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pest-disease/defend-flock/webinar-prevention-to-recovery-sept2022-qas.pdf">according to the USDA.</a>&nbsp;These animals, including terns, ducks, and geese, can contract and pass along the disease without obvious physical symptoms.

Yet an HPAI infection spreads quickly among a flock of poultry, with infections leading to mortality at a rate of 90% to 100% in chickens and turkeys, often within 48 hours, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/bro-protect-poultry-from-ai.pdf">Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.</a>

When a farmer detects the disease in a commercial flock, the only USDA-recommended option is to kill the remaining birds, dispose of the carcasses, and decontaminate the facility to mitigate spread.

Who is getting infected? Should I be worried?

Despite the threat H5N1 presents to poultry, experts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that people do not need to brood over getting sick.

The agency reports that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm#:~:text=Since%20December%202021%2C%2011%20human,reported%20since%201997%20are%20available.">11 cases of bird flu</a>&nbsp;have been reported among humans since 2021, with only one “mild” case occurring in the United States. And as of 2023, there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission of HPAI, according to t<a target="_blank" href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON453">he World Health Organization.</a>

Swayne said at the media event that only 875 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported since 1996. About 40% were fatal. He noted these infections have occurred largely among humans handling domesticated poultry, and not from encounters with wild birds.

The USDA has documented&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-mammals">176 mammals in the United States&nbsp; infected with the disease&nbsp;</a>since 2022, including skunks, foxes, seals, and mountain lions, among other species. Wildlife experts from the U.S. Geological Survey published&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.10.532068v1">a study in April&nbsp;</a>finding much of this disease spillover can be traced back to predation on wild birds.

Still both Swayne and Hill pointed to a recent event in which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/06/americas/bird-flu-sea-lion-deaths-peru-intl-latam/index.html">3,500 sea lions became infected with the virus in Peru</a>&nbsp;as one worth monitoring for mutations that could affect mammals.

How does the current outbreak compare to past bird flu outbreaks?

The current iteration of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/10510-DHA-01-20-2022-HPAI_Final.pdf">first detected domestically</a>&nbsp;on January 13, 2022, in a wild bird in Colleton County, South Carolina. The first domesticated animal case of the disease was found on a turkey farm in Dubois County, Indiana on February 8, 2022.

Since then, the disease has spread across 47 states, affecting more than 833 commercial and backyard poultry flocks.

Still, this is not the first outbreak of HPAI that the federal government has responded to. And despite the scope of these numbers, many animal health experts say current USDA efforts represent a significant improvement over earlier outbreaks of the disease.

Sato recalled that a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emergency_management/downloads/hpai/2015-hpai-final-report.pdf">2015 outbreak of HPAI,</a>&nbsp;previously considered the worst outbreak on record, required the culling of 50.4 million birds on Midwestern poultry operations.

She added that 70% of the cause of new infections from that outbreak was farm-to-farm lateral spread from workers in 21 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

In contrast to that outbreak, Sato said that now “we’ve done a really good job with biosecurity.” Biosecurity refers to preventive measures producers can take to limit spread of the disease, like disinfecting farm machinery and providing clean clothing and protective equipment to farmworkers.

Sato said that with producers embracing these practices, the lateral spread of avian influenza decreased from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/ai/epi-analyses-hpai-poultry-july2022.pdf">70% of reported cases in 2015 to roughly 16% of reported cases in 2023.</a>

Moffitt added that efforts to control the virus are projected to cost the country less than 50% of its 2015 expenditures of $1.6 billion.

However, animal disease experts caution that the U.S. is dealing with a more widely dispersed and distinct disease than that of the 2015 HPAI outbreak.

Nichola Hill, an&nbsp;assistant professor of biology at&nbsp;the University of Massachusetts, said at the April 26 media event that researchers have detected the virus in 150 of the approximately 1,000 wild bird species found in the U.S., and the disease has affected&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds">more than 6,000 wild birds.</a>

Greg Tyler, the president and CEO of USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, said that this version of the disease has also gotten into&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fws.gov/media/migratory-bird-flyways-north-america">all four major migratory flyways&nbsp;</a>for wild birds in the U.S.

Sato said that more backyard flocks of poultry are being affected by the spread of bird flu from migratory populations — a total of 507 small to mid-sized flocks — in contrast to the 21 backyard flocks affected in 2015.

There are also new concerns emerging among experts that this deadly disease could become endemic to North America without significant public-private collaboration to reduce spread, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723001428?via%3Dihub">an April study</a>&nbsp;from researchers at the University of Maryland.

“Federal agencies, state agencies, the agriculture sector and wildlife management — we are all going to have to deal with this together, because we can’t afford not to,” said Jennifer Mullinax, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland Department of Environmental Science and Technology,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agnr.umd.edu/news/why-bird-flu-different-scientists-say-new-avian-influenza-requires-urgent-coordinated-response">in a release.</a>

While some animal health experts say developing a vaccine for the current bird flu strain could be a valuable tool, trade experts caution that a national vaccination strategy would not come quickly, or without tradeoffs for the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/commodities/poultry-meat-prods-ex-eggs">$6 billion poultry export industry.</a>

Sato said that a national vaccination strategy for the roughly 10 billion commercial-purpose birds in the United States could be time-intensive, and cost billions of taxpayer dollars.

Tom Super, senior vice president of communications at the National Chicken Council, said that&nbsp;his organization does not support the use of a vaccine for HPAI right now, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023aof-Padilla.pdf">most countries do not accept exports</a>&nbsp;from countries that vaccinate for the virus.

These non-tariff trade barriers are designed to protect other nations’ unvaccinated poultry flocks from immunized birds that still carry the disease.&nbsp;Super added that if the U.S. vaccinates domestic birds, the broiler industry will be cut off from exports, costing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy every year.

Tyler added that his organization found that if a vaccination campaign happens without adjustments to trade policy, there could be a potential loss of 200,000 farm jobs.

Moffitt said that negotiations between the USDA and foreign partners are still ongoing to maintain international poultry export markets for certain states amid outbreaks in others in the country.

Tyler said that the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Foreign Agricultural Service have made significant progress in developing regionalization agreements with foreign governments since 2015.

He noted that the U.S. poultry industry has managed roughly $11.7 billion in exports over the last two years, despite the ongoing challenges of HPAI and bans on poultry exports by certain countries like China.

Super and Tyler both advocated for continued funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide rapid-response support to farms.

Moffitt urged adhering to biosecurity measures like interstate surveillance and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/cal-defend-the-flock-2023.pdf">Defend the Flock&nbsp;</a>program at the April 18 hearing. Moffitt cited that the number of infections in commercial flocks in March 2023 decreased tenfold compared to March 2022, proof the USDA’s current strategy of rapid tests and reporting is working.

“We know how to respond quickly, so producers can get back to producing food, how important biosecurity is, how to keep markets open,” she said. “We know what to do, and we are ready.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649945707315.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ADAM GOLDSTEIN <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/17/state-ag-officials-push-for-on-time-farm-bill-to-fund-slew-of-programs/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The deadliest outbreak of bird flu in U.S. history is prompting growing concern in Congress, and Department of Agriculture researchers are awaiting the preliminary results of four trials of vaccines for poultry.Some lawmakers are warming to the idea of a vaccination campaign, long considered a fringe idea because of the cost and potential consequences. Trade groups warn that vaccinated poultry would not be accepted in many overseas markets, disrupting exports.While bird flu likely poses little health danger to humans, it’s contributed to spikes in U.S. egg prices and decimated poultry flocks.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://extension.umn.edu/poultry-health/avian-influenza-basics-noncommercial-poultry-flock-owners">Among the domestic poultry affected</a>&nbsp;are chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks and geese — in both big commercial operations and increasingly popular backyard flocks.Since the current strain of highly-pathogenic avian influenza — H5N1 — began circulating in the country in February 2022, farmers across the country have lost or had to cull&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks">more than 58 million poultry birds.</a>The USDA estimates it has already spent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/ai/epi-analyses-hpai-poultry-july2022.pdf">more than $670 million</a>&nbsp;in insurance indemnities and sanitation services to combat the ongoing bird flu outbreak.And with many wild birds starting their spring migration, roughly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks">140,000 poultry birds</a>&nbsp;were infected with the virus nationwide in April.While food costs are stabilizing, members of Congress from both parties are asking how the U.S. can do better at controlling bird flu.“We’ve all seen first-hand how high pathogenic avian flu has devastated domestic poultry populations, where depopulations have had to take place,” said Rep. Jim Costa, a California Democrat, at an April 18 House Agriculture Committee hearing.“We’ve got to continue to refine and improve our approach to address animal disease, and USDA needs all the tools to guarantee a robust response.”The USDA is testing two proprietary vaccines developed through its Agricultural Research Service, as well as bird flu vaccines from pharmaceutical companies Merck Animal Health and Zoetis Inc.But animal health experts note that a bird flu vaccine is not the immediate solution that some believe it to be.Jenny Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the USDA, said at an April 24 press event that it will take a minimum of 18 to 24 months to produce a viable vaccine, which is not guaranteed to be effective against infection.Yuko Sato, a poultry veterinarian and associate professor at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, said at an April 26 media event that “the vaccine is not a silver bullet” for an end to the outbreak.“You would have to make sure that if you vaccinate — but still have positive birds — you can stamp out the virus,” Sato said. “Otherwise, we’ll never be looking at eradicating the virus from the United States.”Here are the answers to some common questions about the ongoing bird flu outbreak and potential vaccines.<h2>What is highly-pathogenic avian influenza?</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/influenza-a-virus-subtypes.htm">Highly-pathogenic avian influenza,</a>&nbsp;commonly known as HPAI, bird flu, or “high-path,” is a deadly respiratory virus that affects wild birds and poultry.The contagious disease comes from the Influenza A family, and is characterized by the H5 or H7 categories of hemagglutinin — or spike protein — structures on its surface, which it uses to infect cells. The virus is spread via airborne transmission, or exposure to the byproducts of an infected bird, like saliva, mucus or feces.Poultry and other domesticated birds with the disease will often exhibit a lack of energy, produce soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and have swollen heads.The highly-pathogenic version of the disease was first identified in China in 1996, and has mutated several times over the last three decades through swapping genetic material with low-pathogenic avian influenza strains within wild birds.David Swayne, former director of the Agricultural Research Service’s Southeast Poultry Research Lab in Athens, Georgia, said at an April 26 media briefing that 87% of avian influenza strains are made up of blended genetic material from other strains. He said that this natural mutation process can make a vaccine less effective against the virus year over year.Wild migratory birds are the primary transmission vector in the current outbreak, accounting for roughly 85% of disease spread,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pest-disease/defend-flock/webinar-prevention-to-recovery-sept2022-qas.pdf">according to the USDA.</a>&nbsp;These animals, including terns, ducks, and geese, can contract and pass along the disease without obvious physical symptoms.Yet an HPAI infection spreads quickly among a flock of poultry, with infections leading to mortality at a rate of 90% to 100% in chickens and turkeys, often within 48 hours, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/bro-protect-poultry-from-ai.pdf">Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.</a>When a farmer detects the disease in a commercial flock, the only USDA-recommended option is to kill the remaining birds, dispose of the carcasses, and decontaminate the facility to mitigate spread.<h2>Who is getting infected? Should I be worried?</h2>Despite the threat H5N1 presents to poultry, experts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that people do not need to brood over getting sick.The agency reports that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm#:~:text=Since%20December%202021%2C%2011%20human,reported%20since%201997%20are%20available.">11 cases of bird flu</a>&nbsp;have been reported among humans since 2021, with only one “mild” case occurring in the United States. And as of 2023, there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission of HPAI, according to t<a target="_blank" href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON453">he World Health Organization.</a>Swayne said at the media event that only 875 human cases of H5 bird flu have been reported since 1996. About 40% were fatal. He noted these infections have occurred largely among humans handling domesticated poultry, and not from encounters with wild birds.The USDA has documented&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-mammals">176 mammals in the United States&nbsp; infected with the disease&nbsp;</a>since 2022, including skunks, foxes, seals, and mountain lions, among other species. Wildlife experts from the U.S. Geological Survey published&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.10.532068v1">a study in April&nbsp;</a>finding much of this disease spillover can be traced back to predation on wild birds.Still both Swayne and Hill pointed to a recent event in which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/06/americas/bird-flu-sea-lion-deaths-peru-intl-latam/index.html">3,500 sea lions became infected with the virus in Peru</a>&nbsp;as one worth monitoring for mutations that could affect mammals.<h2>How does the current outbreak compare to past bird flu outbreaks?</h2>The current iteration of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/10510-DHA-01-20-2022-HPAI_Final.pdf">first detected domestically</a>&nbsp;on January 13, 2022, in a wild bird in Colleton County, South Carolina. The first domesticated animal case of the disease was found on a turkey farm in Dubois County, Indiana on February 8, 2022.Since then, the disease has spread across 47 states, affecting more than 833 commercial and backyard poultry flocks.Still, this is not the first outbreak of HPAI that the federal government has responded to. And despite the scope of these numbers, many animal health experts say current USDA efforts represent a significant improvement over earlier outbreaks of the disease.Sato recalled that a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emergency_management/downloads/hpai/2015-hpai-final-report.pdf">2015 outbreak of HPAI,</a>&nbsp;previously considered the worst outbreak on record, required the culling of 50.4 million birds on Midwestern poultry operations.She added that 70% of the cause of new infections from that outbreak was farm-to-farm lateral spread from workers in 21 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.In contrast to that outbreak, Sato said that now “we’ve done a really good job with biosecurity.” Biosecurity refers to preventive measures producers can take to limit spread of the disease, like disinfecting farm machinery and providing clean clothing and protective equipment to farmworkers.Sato said that with producers embracing these practices, the lateral spread of avian influenza decreased from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/ai/epi-analyses-hpai-poultry-july2022.pdf">70% of reported cases in 2015 to roughly 16% of reported cases in 2023.</a>Moffitt added that efforts to control the virus are projected to cost the country less than 50% of its 2015 expenditures of $1.6 billion.However, animal disease experts caution that the U.S. is dealing with a more widely dispersed and distinct disease than that of the 2015 HPAI outbreak.Nichola Hill, an&nbsp;assistant professor of biology at&nbsp;the University of Massachusetts, said at the April 26 media event that researchers have detected the virus in 150 of the approximately 1,000 wild bird species found in the U.S., and the disease has affected&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds">more than 6,000 wild birds.</a>Greg Tyler, the president and CEO of USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, said that this version of the disease has also gotten into&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fws.gov/media/migratory-bird-flyways-north-america">all four major migratory flyways&nbsp;</a>for wild birds in the U.S.Sato said that more backyard flocks of poultry are being affected by the spread of bird flu from migratory populations — a total of 507 small to mid-sized flocks — in contrast to the 21 backyard flocks affected in 2015.There are also new concerns emerging among experts that this deadly disease could become endemic to North America without significant public-private collaboration to reduce spread, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723001428?via%3Dihub">an April study</a>&nbsp;from researchers at the University of Maryland.“Federal agencies, state agencies, the agriculture sector and wildlife management — we are all going to have to deal with this together, because we can’t afford not to,” said Jennifer Mullinax, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland Department of Environmental Science and Technology,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agnr.umd.edu/news/why-bird-flu-different-scientists-say-new-avian-influenza-requires-urgent-coordinated-response">in a release.</a><h2>What about a vaccine?</h2>While some animal health experts say developing a vaccine for the current bird flu strain could be a valuable tool, trade experts caution that a national vaccination strategy would not come quickly, or without tradeoffs for the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/commodities/poultry-meat-prods-ex-eggs">$6 billion poultry export industry.</a>Sato said that a national vaccination strategy for the roughly 10 billion commercial-purpose birds in the United States could be time-intensive, and cost billions of taxpayer dollars.Tom Super, senior vice president of communications at the National Chicken Council, said that&nbsp;his organization does not support the use of a vaccine for HPAI right now, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023aof-Padilla.pdf">most countries do not accept exports</a>&nbsp;from countries that vaccinate for the virus.These non-tariff trade barriers are designed to protect other nations’ unvaccinated poultry flocks from immunized birds that still carry the disease.&nbsp;Super added that if the U.S. vaccinates domestic birds, the broiler industry will be cut off from exports, costing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy every year.Tyler added that his organization found that if a vaccination campaign happens without adjustments to trade policy, there could be a potential loss of 200,000 farm jobs.Moffitt said that negotiations between the USDA and foreign partners are still ongoing to maintain international poultry export markets for certain states amid outbreaks in others in the country.Tyler said that the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Foreign Agricultural Service have made significant progress in developing regionalization agreements with foreign governments since 2015.He noted that the U.S. poultry industry has managed roughly $11.7 billion in exports over the last two years, despite the ongoing challenges of HPAI and bans on poultry exports by certain countries like China.Super and Tyler both advocated for continued funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide rapid-response support to farms.Moffitt urged adhering to biosecurity measures like interstate surveillance and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/cal-defend-the-flock-2023.pdf">Defend the Flock&nbsp;</a>program at the April 18 hearing. Moffitt cited that the number of infections in commercial flocks in March 2023 decreased tenfold compared to March 2022, proof the USDA’s current strategy of rapid tests and reporting is working.“We know how to respond quickly, so producers can get back to producing food, how important biosecurity is, how to keep markets open,” she said. “We know what to do, and we are ready.”