Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow is pleased with the nomination of Xochitl Torres Small to be the new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at USDA. 

“As Undersecretary of Rural Development, she gave a voice to the 60 million people who call rural America their home,” she says. 

“I’ve been impressed with her commitment to addressing challenges in our food supply chain, fighting the climate crisis, and creating good paying jobs in rural America.” 

The American Farm Bureau Federation also congratulated Torres Small on her nomination. “Her experience with rural America and her time on the House Agriculture Committee give her important perspectives to address the issues facing America’s farmers and ranchers,” says AFB President Zippy Duvall. 

He also says the organization and its members look forward to working with her to ensure USDA continues to support America’s farmers and their mission to grow safe, affordable food for families across the nation.

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow is pleased with the nomination of Xochitl Torres Small to be the new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at USDA. “As Undersecretary of Rural Development, she gave a voice to the 60 million people who call rural America their home,” she says. “I’ve been impressed with her commitment to addressing challenges in our food supply chain, fighting the climate crisis, and creating good paying jobs in rural America.” The American Farm Bureau Federation also congratulated Torres Small on her nomination. “Her experience with rural America and her time on the House Agriculture Committee give her important perspectives to address the issues facing America’s farmers and ranchers,” says AFB President Zippy Duvall. He also says the organization and its members look forward to working with her to ensure USDA continues to support America’s farmers and their mission to grow safe, affordable food for families across the nation.

Positive reaction to Torres Small nomination

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Sherry Vinton has been confirmed as the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, making her the first woman to head the agency.

Vinton, of Whitman, is a fifth-generation rancher with a family operation in the Nebraska Sandhills.

She was appointed as director by Gov. Jim Pillen last month and confirmed Wednesday by the Nebraska Legislature, replacing Steve Wellman, who held the post under former Gov. Pete Ricketts starting in 2017.

Vinton has served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Nebraska Environmental Trust board. Starting in 2019, Vinton served as vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau and served on its board for six years.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Sherry Vinton has been confirmed as the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, making her the first woman to head the agency.Vinton, of Whitman, is a fifth-generation rancher with a family operation in the Nebraska Sandhills.She was appointed as director by Gov. Jim Pillen last month and confirmed Wednesday by the Nebraska Legislature, replacing Steve Wellman, who held the post under former Gov. Pete Ricketts starting in 2017.Vinton has served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Nebraska Environmental Trust board. Starting in 2019, Vinton served as vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau and served on its board for six years.

Sherry Vinton becomes first woman to be Nebraska Ag Director 

Building on 80 years of partnership, John Deere announced a donation of $1 million to the National FFA Organization. 

The donation will support the growth of future leaders, feed agriculture's talent pipeline, and honor the organization's community service efforts. 

John Deere is the longest-running sponsor of the National FFA Organization and continues to advocate for FFA, its members, and advisors. 

National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball says, "For more than&nbsp; 80 years, they've been unwavering in their support and continue to see the potential leaders in each one of our members and our advisors.” 

In addition to supporting the organization financially, John Deere also has many employees who are former FFA members or supporters of the organization. 

As a result, they have one of the country's largest FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters chapters. The chapter will be involved during FFA Week, offering members opportunities to participate in activities promoting FFA and supporting local chapters.

Building on 80 years of partnership, John Deere announced a donation of $1 million to the National FFA Organization. The donation will support the growth of future leaders, feed agriculture's talent pipeline, and honor the organization's community service efforts. John Deere is the longest-running sponsor of the National FFA Organization and continues to advocate for FFA, its members, and advisors. National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball says, "For more than&nbsp; 80 years, they've been unwavering in their support and continue to see the potential leaders in each one of our members and our advisors.” In addition to supporting the organization financially, John Deere also has many employees who are former FFA members or supporters of the organization. As a result, they have one of the country's largest FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters chapters. The chapter will be involved during FFA Week, offering members opportunities to participate in activities promoting FFA and supporting local chapters.

John Deere continues 80-year FFA partnership with $1 million donation

Farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Although the deadline for submitting the ag census just passed, NASS will continue to accept completed census questionnaires through the spring to ensure all farmers and ranchers take advantage of the opportunity to be represented in the widely used data. 

NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, "We want all producers to use their voices to help shape the future of American agriculture." 

NASS will continue to follow up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their ag census online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. 

Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it. The same law requires NASS to keep all submissions confidential. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024.

Farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although the deadline for submitting the ag census just passed, NASS will continue to accept completed census questionnaires through the spring to ensure all farmers and ranchers take advantage of the opportunity to be represented in the widely used data. NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, "We want all producers to use their voices to help shape the future of American agriculture." NASS will continue to follow up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their ag census online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it. The same law requires NASS to keep all submissions confidential. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024.

Still time to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture

Mexico officials issued a new decree this week calling for a ban on imports of biotech corn used for certain purposes, effective immediately. 

The decree also indicated the Mexican government would continue to allow imports of biotech corn used as animal feed while exploring substitutes. 

Once substitutes are established to satisfy supply needs, all GM corn will be banned. 

The National Corn Growers Association expressed serious concern with the accelerated implementation timeline. NCGA President Tom Haag says, "Singling out corn – our number one ag export to Mexico – and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a dead letter unless it's enforced." 

NCGA continues to call on the Biden administration to initiate a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement panel regarding the issue. The ban, according to NCGA, would be catastrophic for American corn growers as well as the Mexican people, who depend on corn as a major staple of their food supply.

Mexico officials issued a new decree this week calling for a ban on imports of biotech corn used for certain purposes, effective immediately. The decree also indicated the Mexican government would continue to allow imports of biotech corn used as animal feed while exploring substitutes. Once substitutes are established to satisfy supply needs, all GM corn will be banned. The National Corn Growers Association expressed serious concern with the accelerated implementation timeline. NCGA President Tom Haag says, "Singling out corn – our number one ag export to Mexico – and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a dead letter unless it's enforced." NCGA continues to call on the Biden administration to initiate a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement panel regarding the issue. The ban, according to NCGA, would be catastrophic for American corn growers as well as the Mexican people, who depend on corn as a major staple of their food supply.

New decree by Mexico allows for some GM corn imports

Lawmakers in several states are considering tax relief for consumers at the grocery store. 

Progressive Grocer reports many starts that charge a grocery tax are working to extend, end or change the charges as a form of inflation relief. 

Mississippi, home to the highest grocery tax in the nation of seven percent, recently proposed a bill to slash the tax rate in half. 

A poll of Mississippi consumers found 68 percent favor suspending the grocery tax. Meanwhile, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has considered another grocery tax holiday following a four-week suspension last year. Lee says, "We should do that again this year, but let's extend it to three consecutive months." 

Earlier this month, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt proposed to halt the state grocery tax of 4.5 percent. Meanwhile, Missouri lawmakers are considering removal of the one percent grocery tax in the state. Progressive Grocery reports other states are looking at pushing the decision back to municipal governments.

Lawmakers in several states are considering tax relief for consumers at the grocery store. Progressive Grocer reports many starts that charge a grocery tax are working to extend, end or change the charges as a form of inflation relief. Mississippi, home to the highest grocery tax in the nation of seven percent, recently proposed a bill to slash the tax rate in half. A poll of Mississippi consumers found 68 percent favor suspending the grocery tax. Meanwhile, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has considered another grocery tax holiday following a four-week suspension last year. Lee says, "We should do that again this year, but let's extend it to three consecutive months." Earlier this month, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt proposed to halt the state grocery tax of 4.5 percent. Meanwhile, Missouri lawmakers are considering removal of the one percent grocery tax in the state. Progressive Grocery reports other states are looking at pushing the decision back to municipal governments.

States considering grocery tax relief

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced Former Vice Preside Al Gore as the opening keynote speaker for the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit. 

The AIM for Climate Summit is scheduled for May 8-10 this year, in Washington, D.C. 

USDA says the summit will bring together partners to increase and accelerate investment in and support for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says of Gore, "He has been on the forefront of the climate crisis for more than 40 years and is a leader in the international response to combating climate change." 

Launched at COP26 in 2021, AIM for Climate is an initiative co-led by the United Arab Emirates and the United States that seeks to enable global partnerships and solutions at the intersection of agriculture and climate change. The deadline to submit proposals for these activities is Thursday, February 24. For more details on how to apply, visit the AIM for Climate Summit website.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced Former Vice Preside Al Gore as the opening keynote speaker for the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit. The AIM for Climate Summit is scheduled for May 8-10 this year, in Washington, D.C. USDA says the summit will bring together partners to increase and accelerate investment in and support for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says of Gore, "He has been on the forefront of the climate crisis for more than 40 years and is a leader in the international response to combating climate change." Launched at COP26 in 2021, AIM for Climate is an initiative co-led by the United Arab Emirates and the United States that seeks to enable global partnerships and solutions at the intersection of agriculture and climate change. The deadline to submit proposals for these activities is Thursday, February 24. For more details on how to apply, visit the AIM for Climate Summit website.

USDA: Al Gore to Keynote Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit

The National Corn Growers Association says higher renewable fuel volumes over the next three years would go a long way in improving energy security. 

Additionally, NCGA says higher volumes would help lower gas prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to recent comments submitted by NCGA to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The Renewable Fuel Standard requires that U.S. transportation fuel contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel each year. 

NCGA’s comments were in response to EPA’s proposed volume requirements for 2023, 2024 and 2025. NCGA President Tom Haag says, “NCGA supports EPA’s proposal of annual increases in volumes, including an implied conventional biofuel volume of 15.25 billion gallons, and recognition that ethanol plays a critical role in cutting GHG emissions and our energy security.” 

NCGA also noted that renewable fuel adds more than 20 billion gallons to the nation’s fuel supply annually, lowering consumer costs, creating rural jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1 billion metric tons since the RFS was enacted.

The National Corn Growers Association says higher renewable fuel volumes over the next three years would go a long way in improving energy security. Additionally, NCGA says higher volumes would help lower gas prices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to recent comments submitted by NCGA to the Environmental Protection Agency. The Renewable Fuel Standard requires that U.S. transportation fuel contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel each year. NCGA’s comments were in response to EPA’s proposed volume requirements for 2023, 2024 and 2025. NCGA President Tom Haag says, “NCGA supports EPA’s proposal of annual increases in volumes, including an implied conventional biofuel volume of 15.25 billion gallons, and recognition that ethanol plays a critical role in cutting GHG emissions and our energy security.” NCGA also noted that renewable fuel adds more than 20 billion gallons to the nation’s fuel supply annually, lowering consumer costs, creating rural jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1 billion metric tons since the RFS was enacted.

NCGA: Higher renewable fuel volumes good security, economy and environment

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from exporters of U.S. farm and food products for a two-city trade mission to Japan, June 5-8. 

The trade mission offers U.S. agribusinesses the potential to increase or expand their sales to Japan, one of the United States’ top five agricultural export markets. 

U.S. exports of agricultural products to Japan exceeded $14.6 billion in 2022. 

FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley says, “This trade mission will help many U.S. agribusinesses establish new business connections with their Japanese counterparts and further expand U.S. agricultural exports to this key Asian market.” 

Trade mission participants will travel to Tokyo and Osaka, connecting with potential customers and learning first-hand from government and industry leaders about local market conditions. 

Participants will also visit local retail stores and food manufacturers to round out the program. Applications are due by February 27. Those interested in participating in the trade mission should visit USDA’s FAS website, fas.usda.gov.

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from exporters of U.S. farm and food products for a two-city trade mission to Japan, June 5-8. The trade mission offers U.S. agribusinesses the potential to increase or expand their sales to Japan, one of the United States’ top five agricultural export markets. U.S. exports of agricultural products to Japan exceeded $14.6 billion in 2022. FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley says, “This trade mission will help many U.S. agribusinesses establish new business connections with their Japanese counterparts and further expand U.S. agricultural exports to this key Asian market.” Trade mission participants will travel to Tokyo and Osaka, connecting with potential customers and learning first-hand from government and industry leaders about local market conditions. Participants will also visit local retail stores and food manufacturers to round out the program. Applications are due by February 27. Those interested in participating in the trade mission should visit USDA’s FAS website, fas.usda.gov.

USDA accepting applications for trade mission to Japan

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced new investments and strategies to help farmers and ranchers conserve water, address climate change and build drought resilience in the West. 

The effort is through the Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action to address key water and land management challenges across 17 Western States. 

The framework includes guidelines for identifying vulnerable agricultural landscapes and 13 strategies to help NRCS state leaders, water resource managers, and producers respond to priority challenges. 

Guided by this new framework, the WaterSMART Initiative will invest $25 million in three new priority areas and 37 existing priority areas, assisting communities and producers in the West. 

NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says, “USDA is utilizing this framework and all available tools to deliver assistance that the severity of the water supply challenges in the West demand.” From 2020 to 2022, more than $410 million of annual conservation assistance NRCS provided to producers helped address drought in the West.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced new investments and strategies to help farmers and ranchers conserve water, address climate change and build drought resilience in the West. The effort is through the Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action to address key water and land management challenges across 17 Western States. The framework includes guidelines for identifying vulnerable agricultural landscapes and 13 strategies to help NRCS state leaders, water resource managers, and producers respond to priority challenges. Guided by this new framework, the WaterSMART Initiative will invest $25 million in three new priority areas and 37 existing priority areas, assisting communities and producers in the West. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says, “USDA is utilizing this framework and all available tools to deliver assistance that the severity of the water supply challenges in the West demand.” From 2020 to 2022, more than $410 million of annual conservation assistance NRCS provided to producers helped address drought in the West.

USDA unveils investments for addressing water supply challenges for producers in the West

DENVER (AP) — On Colorado’s northeastern plains, where the pencil-straight horizon divides golden fields and blue sky, a farmer named Danny Wood scrambles to plant and harvest proso millet, dryland corn and winter wheat in short, seasonal windows. That is until his high-tech Steiger 370 tractor conks out.

The tractor's manufacturer doesn't allow Wood to make certain fixes himself, and last spring his fertilizing operations were stalled for three days before the servicer arrived to add a few lines of missing computer code for $950.

“That’s where they have us over the barrel, it’s more like we are renting it than buying it,” said Wood, who spent $300,000 on the used tractor.

Wood's plight, echoed by farmers across the country, has pushed lawmakers in Colorado and 10 other states to introduce bills that would force manufacturers to provide the tools, software, parts and manuals needed for farmers to do their own repairs — thereby avoiding steep labor costs and delays that imperil profits.

"The manufacturers and the dealers have a monopoly on that repair market because it’s lucrative," said Rep. Brianna Titone, a Democrat and one of the bill's sponsors. “(Farmers) just want to get their machine going again.”

In Colorado, the legislation is largely being pushed by Democrats while their Republican colleagues find themselves stuck in a tough spot: torn between right-leaning farming constituents asking to be able to repair their own machines and the manufacturing businesses that oppose the idea.

The manufacturers argue that changing the current practice with this type of legislation would would force companies to expose trade secrets. They also say it would make it easier for farmers to tinker with the software and illegally crank up the horsepower and bypass the emissions controller — risking operators' safety and the environment.

Similar arguments around intellectual property have been leveled against the broader campaign called ‘right to repair,’ which has picked up steam across the country — crusading for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-apple-inc-smartphones-afb6e6603bdb5c0bb510de5b4c685f69">right to fix everything from iPhones</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-laws-5ade405a7befdf16e9f0107b7e142be3">hospital ventilators</a>&nbsp;during the pandemic.

In 2011, Congress passed a law ensuring that car owners and independent mechanics — not just authorized dealerships — had access to the necessary tools and information to fix problems.

Ten years later, the Federal Trade Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-7e5d6c82ee4f1b66fd4c3b78d1ddd18e">pledged to beef up its right to repair enforcement</a>&nbsp;at the direction of President Joe Biden. And just last year, Titone sponsored and passed Colorado's first right to repair law, empowering people who use wheelchairs with the tools and information to fix them.

For the right to repair farm equipment — from thin tractors used between grape vines to behemoth combines for harvesting grain that can cost over half a million dollars — Colorado is joined by 10 states including Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Vermont.

Many of the bills are finding bipartisan support, said Nathan Proctor, who leads Public Interest Research Group's national right to repair campaign. But in Colorado's House committee on agriculture, Democrats pushed the bill forward in a 9-4 vote along party lines, with Republicans in opposition even though the bill's second sponsor is Republican Rep. Ron Weinberg.

“That’s really surprising, and that upset me,” said the Republican Wood.

Wood's tractor, which flies an American flag reading “Farmers First,” isn't his only machine to break down. His grain harvesting combine was dropping into idle, but the servicer took five days to arrive on Wood's farm — a setback that could mean a hail storm decimates a wheat field or the soil temperature moves beyond the Goldilocks zone for planting.

“Our crop is ready to harvest and we can’t wait five days, but there was nothing else to do,” said Wood. “When it’s broke down you just sit there and wait and that’s not acceptable. You can be losing $85,000 a day.”

Rep. Richard Holtorf, the Republican who represents Wood's district and is a farmer himself, said he's being pulled between his constituents and the dealerships in his district covering the largely rural northeast corner of the state. He voted against the measure because he believes it will financially impact local dealerships in rural areas and could jeopardize trade secrets.

“I do sympathize with my farmers," said Holtorf, but added, “I don’t think it’s the role of government to be forcing the sale of their intellectual property.”

At the packed hearing last week that spilled into a second room in Colorado's Capitol, the core concerns raised in testimony were farmers illegally slipping around the emissions control and cranking up the horsepower.

“I know growers, if they can change horsepower and they can change emissions they are going to do it,” said Russ Ball, sales manager at 21st Century Equipment, a John Deere dealership in Western states.

The bill's proponents acknowledged that the legislation could make it easier for operators to modify horsepower and emissions controls, but argued that farmers are already able to tinker with their machines and doing so would remain illegal.

This January, the Farm Bureau and the farm equipment manufacturer John Deere did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-san-juan-moline-831b374a4f820dcde5ee2d647093e207">sign a memorandum of understanding</a>&nbsp;— a right to repair agreement made in the free market and without government intervention. The agreement stipulates that John Deere will share some parts, diagnostic and repair codes, and manuals to allow farmers to do their own fixes.

The Colorado bill's detractors laud that agreement as a strong middle ground while Titone said it wasn't enough, evidenced by six of Colorado's biggest farmworker associations that support the bill.

Proctor, who is tracking 20 right to repair proposals in a number of industries across the country, said the memorandum of understanding has fallen far short.

“Farmers are saying no," Proctor said. “We want the real thing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625596705829.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — On Colorado’s northeastern plains, where the pencil-straight horizon divides golden fields and blue sky, a farmer named Danny Wood scrambles to plant and harvest proso millet, dryland corn and winter wheat in short, seasonal windows. That is until his high-tech Steiger 370 tractor conks out.The tractor's manufacturer doesn't allow Wood to make certain fixes himself, and last spring his fertilizing operations were stalled for three days before the servicer arrived to add a few lines of missing computer code for $950.“That’s where they have us over the barrel, it’s more like we are renting it than buying it,” said Wood, who spent $300,000 on the used tractor.Wood's plight, echoed by farmers across the country, has pushed lawmakers in Colorado and 10 other states to introduce bills that would force manufacturers to provide the tools, software, parts and manuals needed for farmers to do their own repairs — thereby avoiding steep labor costs and delays that imperil profits."The manufacturers and the dealers have a monopoly on that repair market because it’s lucrative," said Rep. Brianna Titone, a Democrat and one of the bill's sponsors. “(Farmers) just want to get their machine going again.”In Colorado, the legislation is largely being pushed by Democrats while their Republican colleagues find themselves stuck in a tough spot: torn between right-leaning farming constituents asking to be able to repair their own machines and the manufacturing businesses that oppose the idea.The manufacturers argue that changing the current practice with this type of legislation would would force companies to expose trade secrets. They also say it would make it easier for farmers to tinker with the software and illegally crank up the horsepower and bypass the emissions controller — risking operators' safety and the environment.Similar arguments around intellectual property have been leveled against the broader campaign called ‘right to repair,’ which has picked up steam across the country — crusading for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-apple-inc-smartphones-afb6e6603bdb5c0bb510de5b4c685f69">right to fix everything from iPhones</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-laws-5ade405a7befdf16e9f0107b7e142be3">hospital ventilators</a>&nbsp;during the pandemic.In 2011, Congress passed a law ensuring that car owners and independent mechanics — not just authorized dealerships — had access to the necessary tools and information to fix problems.Ten years later, the Federal Trade Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-7e5d6c82ee4f1b66fd4c3b78d1ddd18e">pledged to beef up its right to repair enforcement</a>&nbsp;at the direction of President Joe Biden. And just last year, Titone sponsored and passed Colorado's first right to repair law, empowering people who use wheelchairs with the tools and information to fix them.For the right to repair farm equipment — from thin tractors used between grape vines to behemoth combines for harvesting grain that can cost over half a million dollars — Colorado is joined by 10 states including Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Vermont.Many of the bills are finding bipartisan support, said Nathan Proctor, who leads Public Interest Research Group's national right to repair campaign. But in Colorado's House committee on agriculture, Democrats pushed the bill forward in a 9-4 vote along party lines, with Republicans in opposition even though the bill's second sponsor is Republican Rep. Ron Weinberg.“That’s really surprising, and that upset me,” said the Republican Wood.Wood's tractor, which flies an American flag reading “Farmers First,” isn't his only machine to break down. His grain harvesting combine was dropping into idle, but the servicer took five days to arrive on Wood's farm — a setback that could mean a hail storm decimates a wheat field or the soil temperature moves beyond the Goldilocks zone for planting.“Our crop is ready to harvest and we can’t wait five days, but there was nothing else to do,” said Wood. “When it’s broke down you just sit there and wait and that’s not acceptable. You can be losing $85,000 a day.”Rep. Richard Holtorf, the Republican who represents Wood's district and is a farmer himself, said he's being pulled between his constituents and the dealerships in his district covering the largely rural northeast corner of the state. He voted against the measure because he believes it will financially impact local dealerships in rural areas and could jeopardize trade secrets.“I do sympathize with my farmers," said Holtorf, but added, “I don’t think it’s the role of government to be forcing the sale of their intellectual property.”At the packed hearing last week that spilled into a second room in Colorado's Capitol, the core concerns raised in testimony were farmers illegally slipping around the emissions control and cranking up the horsepower.“I know growers, if they can change horsepower and they can change emissions they are going to do it,” said Russ Ball, sales manager at 21st Century Equipment, a John Deere dealership in Western states.The bill's proponents acknowledged that the legislation could make it easier for operators to modify horsepower and emissions controls, but argued that farmers are already able to tinker with their machines and doing so would remain illegal.This January, the Farm Bureau and the farm equipment manufacturer John Deere did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-san-juan-moline-831b374a4f820dcde5ee2d647093e207">sign a memorandum of understanding</a>&nbsp;— a right to repair agreement made in the free market and without government intervention. The agreement stipulates that John Deere will share some parts, diagnostic and repair codes, and manuals to allow farmers to do their own fixes.The Colorado bill's detractors laud that agreement as a strong middle ground while Titone said it wasn't enough, evidenced by six of Colorado's biggest farmworker associations that support the bill.Proctor, who is tracking 20 right to repair proposals in a number of industries across the country, said the memorandum of understanding has fallen far short.“Farmers are saying no," Proctor said. “We want the real thing.”

States consider 'right to repair' for farming equipment

Doug McKalip, the new agriculture trade boss in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, says he’s given Mexico until February 14 to explain the science behind the country’s planned ban on GMO corn imports. 

Market Screener says the response will help the agency decide the next steps to resolve the long-running disagreement over Mexico’s biotechnology policies when it comes to agriculture. 

The next steps could include escalating the dispute settlement process under the USMCA. 

If it continues, the dispute threatens to disrupt the billions of dollars worth of corn trade between the United States and Mexico. McKalip says Mexico rejected 14 agricultural product traits that were submitted to them, and they didn’t provide any justification. 

“We want to make sure that they do the science, show their work, and make decisions based upon risk assessments,” he says. U.S. officials recently warned Mexican officials that America may take formal steps under USMCA.

Doug McKalip, the new agriculture trade boss in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, says he’s given Mexico until February 14 to explain the science behind the country’s planned ban on GMO corn imports. Market Screener says the response will help the agency decide the next steps to resolve the long-running disagreement over Mexico’s biotechnology policies when it comes to agriculture. The next steps could include escalating the dispute settlement process under the USMCA. If it continues, the dispute threatens to disrupt the billions of dollars worth of corn trade between the United States and Mexico. McKalip says Mexico rejected 14 agricultural product traits that were submitted to them, and they didn’t provide any justification. “We want to make sure that they do the science, show their work, and make decisions based upon risk assessments,” he says. U.S. officials recently warned Mexican officials that America may take formal steps under USMCA.

U.S. wants science from Mexico on GMO corn ban

University of Minnesota researchers are at the forefront of successful efforts to work on the African Swine Fever virus. 

They’re developing and validating a surrogate virus for ASF that will help develop effective mitigation strategies to control the virus and keep it from entering North America. 

African Swine Fever has devastated pig populations and pork production in countries around the world. 

The lab is one of only a handful of facilities in the U.S. to have access to the highly contagious ASF virus, and its work represents a major breakthrough in research efforts. In addition to working directly on the African Swine Fever Virus, the surrogate virus is strikingly similar to ASF in terms of its structure and stability. 

It can be safely used in field studies to help scientists understand more about how the virus is transmitted in real-world conditions and what strategies are effective to prevent its spread.

University of Minnesota researchers are at the forefront of successful efforts to work on the African Swine Fever virus. They’re developing and validating a surrogate virus for ASF that will help develop effective mitigation strategies to control the virus and keep it from entering North America. African Swine Fever has devastated pig populations and pork production in countries around the world. The lab is one of only a handful of facilities in the U.S. to have access to the highly contagious ASF virus, and its work represents a major breakthrough in research efforts. In addition to working directly on the African Swine Fever Virus, the surrogate virus is strikingly similar to ASF in terms of its structure and stability. It can be safely used in field studies to help scientists understand more about how the virus is transmitted in real-world conditions and what strategies are effective to prevent its spread.

The University of Minnesota progressing on ASF research

Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Chuck Grassley of Iowa sent a letter to President Biden urging him to use an upcoming meeting with Brazil’s president to discuss the country’s tax on U.S. ethanol imports. 

The letter comes after Brazil’s Foreign Trade Chamber reinstated an import tariff on American ethanol shipped to Brazil. 

The new 16 percent tariff rate, which will increase to 18 percent in 2024, is a sharp departure from the zero percent tariff rate previously shared between the two nations. 

“Our American ethanol industry should not be subject to prohibitive tariff and non-tariff barriers while Brazilian ethanol producers enjoy duty-free access to our market and biodiesel programs,” the senators said in the letter. 

“We believe this imbalance in tariffs and access to Brazil’s biofuels program is unwarranted and unfair, and we urge you to discuss this issue with the president directly.” Eight other senators signed on to the letter.

Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Chuck Grassley of Iowa sent a letter to President Biden urging him to use an upcoming meeting with Brazil’s president to discuss the country’s tax on U.S. ethanol imports. The letter comes after Brazil’s Foreign Trade Chamber reinstated an import tariff on American ethanol shipped to Brazil. The new 16 percent tariff rate, which will increase to 18 percent in 2024, is a sharp departure from the zero percent tariff rate previously shared between the two nations. “Our American ethanol industry should not be subject to prohibitive tariff and non-tariff barriers while Brazilian ethanol producers enjoy duty-free access to our market and biodiesel programs,” the senators said in the letter. “We believe this imbalance in tariffs and access to Brazil’s biofuels program is unwarranted and unfair, and we urge you to discuss this issue with the president directly.” Eight other senators signed on to the letter.

Senators ask President Biden to address Brazil’s tariff on U.S. ethanol

Senators Jon Tester, Chuck Grassley, and Mike Rounds reintroduced their “Meat Packing Special Investigator Act” to fight consolidation and enforce the national anti-trust laws. 

The bill would create the “Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters” within the USDA. 

The office would be made up of a team of investigators that have subpoena power and would be responsible for targeting and preventing anti-competitive practices among large players in the meat and poultry industries. 

“Anti-competitive behavior in the meat packing industry hurts both consumers and producers,” Rounds says. “Unfortunately, packer concentration in the beef industry today is more consolidated than it was when the Packers and Stockyards Act was first signed into law over 100 years ago.” 

Only four companies operate 18 of the top 20 beef slaughter facilities in the country. “It’s time we beef up the available tools to protect farm families and folks at the meat counter,” said Grassley. &nbsp;

Senators Jon Tester, Chuck Grassley, and Mike Rounds reintroduced their “Meat Packing Special Investigator Act” to fight consolidation and enforce the national anti-trust laws. The bill would create the “Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters” within the USDA. The office would be made up of a team of investigators that have subpoena power and would be responsible for targeting and preventing anti-competitive practices among large players in the meat and poultry industries. “Anti-competitive behavior in the meat packing industry hurts both consumers and producers,” Rounds says. “Unfortunately, packer concentration in the beef industry today is more consolidated than it was when the Packers and Stockyards Act was first signed into law over 100 years ago.” Only four companies operate 18 of the top 20 beef slaughter facilities in the country. “It’s time we beef up the available tools to protect farm families and folks at the meat counter,” said Grassley. &nbsp;

Senators reintroduce bill to defend cattle producers

Representatives Chellie Pingree of Maine and Jim Baird of Indiana, along with Senators John Thune of South Dakota and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, plan to reintroduce legislation to support small meat and poultry processors. 

The “Strengthening Local Processors Act” will diversify and make U.S. meat processing more resilient by giving local livestock producers more options. 

“One of the top concerns from livestock producers is difficulty in accessing USDA processing facilities,” Pingree says. 

“Their livelihoods depend on having somewhere to take their animals, but their options are severely limited in the current system.” The legislation would create a competitive grant program for small and very small establishments, state-inspected facilities, custom-exempt facilities, or new small-scale slaughter facilities to help increase processing capacity and grow resiliency. 

It will also create two new grant programs for meat processing workforce training. “This legislation will bolster local production and provide education and training,” Brown says.

Representatives Chellie Pingree of Maine and Jim Baird of Indiana, along with Senators John Thune of South Dakota and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, plan to reintroduce legislation to support small meat and poultry processors. The “Strengthening Local Processors Act” will diversify and make U.S. meat processing more resilient by giving local livestock producers more options. “One of the top concerns from livestock producers is difficulty in accessing USDA processing facilities,” Pingree says. “Their livelihoods depend on having somewhere to take their animals, but their options are severely limited in the current system.” The legislation would create a competitive grant program for small and very small establishments, state-inspected facilities, custom-exempt facilities, or new small-scale slaughter facilities to help increase processing capacity and grow resiliency. It will also create two new grant programs for meat processing workforce training. “This legislation will bolster local production and provide education and training,” Brown says.

Officials to reintroduce bill to expand and strengthen local meat processing

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service says Brazil’s 2022-2023 corn exports from October through September of last year are forecast to equal those of the U.S. at 51 million tons. 

Brazil has seen expanding production and strong exports in the second half of its 2021-2022 marketing year. 

Brazil’s corn exports have exceeded those of the U.S. only one time, in the drought year of 20112-2013. 

Since October 2022, Brazil has exported about 25 million tons of corn, far more than the same period in any previous year. U.S. corn exports are off to a slow start. 

Production in 2022-2023 was smaller than initially expected, and logistical concerns on the Mississippi River made things difficult. In the last several months, Brazil has stepped in to fill some of the gap left by Argentina and Ukraine in supplying the world’s corn. But current export bids for U.S. corn are lower than Argentina and Brazil.

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service says Brazil’s 2022-2023 corn exports from October through September of last year are forecast to equal those of the U.S. at 51 million tons. Brazil has seen expanding production and strong exports in the second half of its 2021-2022 marketing year. Brazil’s corn exports have exceeded those of the U.S. only one time, in the drought year of 20112-2013. Since October 2022, Brazil has exported about 25 million tons of corn, far more than the same period in any previous year. U.S. corn exports are off to a slow start. Production in 2022-2023 was smaller than initially expected, and logistical concerns on the Mississippi River made things difficult. In the last several months, Brazil has stepped in to fill some of the gap left by Argentina and Ukraine in supplying the world’s corn. But current export bids for U.S. corn are lower than Argentina and Brazil.

Brazil ties U.S. as top corn exporter

A new report from USDA's Economic Research Service suggests ethanol demand may decline with the rise of electric vehicles. 

The Global Demand for Fuel Ethanol Through 2030 report suggests that global gasoline demand is expected to stagnate over the next decade, leaving changes in blend rates as the main determinant for future changes in fuel ethanol demand. 

After seeing strong growth for several years, U.S. ethanol-based demand for corn has plateaued over the last decade at about 5 billion bushels, or roughly 40 percent of U.S. corn production. 

Recently, demand for transportation fuels was reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though these markets largely recovered, moving forward, increased adoption of hybrid or electric vehicles and continued fuel efficiency gains will decrease domestic gasoline consumption, which could decrease domestic fuel ethanol demand. 

These impacts could result in additional unutilized U.S. ethanol production capacity. The 114-page study is available on the Economic Research Service website, ers.usda.gov.

A new report from USDA's Economic Research Service suggests ethanol demand may decline with the rise of electric vehicles. The Global Demand for Fuel Ethanol Through 2030 report suggests that global gasoline demand is expected to stagnate over the next decade, leaving changes in blend rates as the main determinant for future changes in fuel ethanol demand. After seeing strong growth for several years, U.S. ethanol-based demand for corn has plateaued over the last decade at about 5 billion bushels, or roughly 40 percent of U.S. corn production. Recently, demand for transportation fuels was reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though these markets largely recovered, moving forward, increased adoption of hybrid or electric vehicles and continued fuel efficiency gains will decrease domestic gasoline consumption, which could decrease domestic fuel ethanol demand. These impacts could result in additional unutilized U.S. ethanol production capacity. The 114-page study is available on the Economic Research Service website, ers.usda.gov.

USDA: Electric vehicles force ethanol demand lower

The updated 2023 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. 

January runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 1.1 million acre-feet, 134 percent of average. 

Runoff was above average due to warmer-than-normal temperatures in the upper basin resulting in some snowmelt runoff. 

Precipitation in January was below normal for most of the upper basin except for southern South Dakota, which saw above-normal precipitation. The 2023 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 21.1-million-acre feet, 82 percent of average. 

The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. 

At the start of the 2023 runoff season, which typically begins around March 1, the total volume of water stored in the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is expected to be 46.0 million-acre-feet, 10.1 million below the top of the carryover multiple-use zone.

The updated 2023 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. January runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 1.1 million acre-feet, 134 percent of average. Runoff was above average due to warmer-than-normal temperatures in the upper basin resulting in some snowmelt runoff. Precipitation in January was below normal for most of the upper basin except for southern South Dakota, which saw above-normal precipitation. The 2023 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 21.1-million-acre feet, 82 percent of average. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. At the start of the 2023 runoff season, which typically begins around March 1, the total volume of water stored in the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is expected to be 46.0 million-acre-feet, 10.1 million below the top of the carryover multiple-use zone.

Below average runoff continues for Upper Missouri River Basin

Retail prices for chicken wings have been trending lower in recent months and in time for national sporting events such as the upcoming Super Bowl and the college basketball championship tournaments. 

Previously, a combination of limited supplies and strong demand led to a historic runup in wholesale and retail prices. 

Wholesale chicken wing prices reached a peak of $3.25 per pound in late May 2021, but retail prices continued to climb. 

At the start of the 2022 March Madness basketball tournament, the national average retail feature price was estimated at $4.29 per pound. 

Nearly a year later and just ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl and basketball tournament, the national average feature price is down nearly $1.70 per pound to $2.62, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service.&nbsp; The average wholesale price in December 2022 was 89 cents per pound, down more than $2.50 per pound from the 2021 peak.

Retail prices for chicken wings have been trending lower in recent months and in time for national sporting events such as the upcoming Super Bowl and the college basketball championship tournaments. Previously, a combination of limited supplies and strong demand led to a historic runup in wholesale and retail prices. Wholesale chicken wing prices reached a peak of $3.25 per pound in late May 2021, but retail prices continued to climb. At the start of the 2022 March Madness basketball tournament, the national average retail feature price was estimated at $4.29 per pound. Nearly a year later and just ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl and basketball tournament, the national average feature price is down nearly $1.70 per pound to $2.62, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service.&nbsp; The average wholesale price in December 2022 was 89 cents per pound, down more than $2.50 per pound from the 2021 peak.

Price of chicken wings easing in time for the big games

USDA’s January 1 cattle inventory report places the total number of cattle and calves at 89.3 million head, consistent with trade expectations for a three percent decline from a year ago. 

The decline comes as cattle producers face a fourth consecutive year of contraction within the cattle cycle. 

That’s approaching inventory lows last seen in 2014 and 2015, at the start of the current cycle, when producers began rebuilding following the drought in 2012. 

Beef production is anticipated to be 6.5 percent lower in 2023 than last year. University of Illinois Economist Jason Franken suggested that all things considered, prices in 2023 are likely to exceed those of the last couple of years. 

Current conditions are even bringing about speculation on the possibility of exceeding record prices last set in the 4th quarter of 2014. Franken says that seems feasible for fat cattle, which are already trading around $156 per hundredweight.

USDA’s January 1 cattle inventory report places the total number of cattle and calves at 89.3 million head, consistent with trade expectations for a three percent decline from a year ago. The decline comes as cattle producers face a fourth consecutive year of contraction within the cattle cycle. That’s approaching inventory lows last seen in 2014 and 2015, at the start of the current cycle, when producers began rebuilding following the drought in 2012. Beef production is anticipated to be 6.5 percent lower in 2023 than last year. University of Illinois Economist Jason Franken suggested that all things considered, prices in 2023 are likely to exceed those of the last couple of years. Current conditions are even bringing about speculation on the possibility of exceeding record prices last set in the 4th quarter of 2014. Franken says that seems feasible for fat cattle, which are already trading around $156 per hundredweight.

Record cattle prices possible in 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

House Agriculture Democrats announce Subcommittee leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senators urge USDA to address Avian Flu immediately

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

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

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

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

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

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