The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it will use existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88. 

“We appreciate Administrator Regan’s timely action to prevent a disruption in E15 availability,” says National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. 

“EPA’s action will help address the fuel supply constraints and ensure drivers continue to have access to a lower-cost fuel choice that cuts emissions.” 

The fuel conditions that warranted EPA taking the same successful step last year are continuing today. Haag says the nation’s corn growers are proud to contribute to an energy and environmental solution that saves consumers money at the pump. 

Continued access to E15 during the summer months will help relieve ongoing energy supply pressures. When EPA took a similar action last year, drivers saved nearly a dollar per gallon in some locations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it will use existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88. “We appreciate Administrator Regan’s timely action to prevent a disruption in E15 availability,” says National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “EPA’s action will help address the fuel supply constraints and ensure drivers continue to have access to a lower-cost fuel choice that cuts emissions.” The fuel conditions that warranted EPA taking the same successful step last year are continuing today. Haag says the nation’s corn growers are proud to contribute to an energy and environmental solution that saves consumers money at the pump. Continued access to E15 during the summer months will help relieve ongoing energy supply pressures. When EPA took a similar action last year, drivers saved nearly a dollar per gallon in some locations.

Biden Administration allowing summertime sales of E15

The United States requested trade consultations in March on Mexico’s plan to limit the use of genetically modified corn. 

Reuters says a top Mexican official called the request an “unacceptable violation” of Mexican law that feeds the interest of giant seed companies. 

The U.S. is Mexico’s main trading partner and requested the consultations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which calls for science-based regulations. 

Mexico’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Victor Suarez says, “The United States’ request to Mexico follows the interests of seed, agrochemical, and other foodproducing oligopolies.” 

He also points out that seed makers like Bayer, Corteva, ChemChina’s Syngenta, and BASF are winning under U.S. agriculture and trade policies. 

However, Suarez feels those companies don’t represent all U.S. farmers. The consultations are a first step toward a trade panel that could ultimately mean a ruling calling for placing punitive tariffs on Mexico. Suarez says Mexico’s policy won’t affect U.S. corn farmers at all.

The United States requested trade consultations in March on Mexico’s plan to limit the use of genetically modified corn. Reuters says a top Mexican official called the request an “unacceptable violation” of Mexican law that feeds the interest of giant seed companies. The U.S. is Mexico’s main trading partner and requested the consultations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which calls for science-based regulations. Mexico’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Victor Suarez says, “The United States’ request to Mexico follows the interests of seed, agrochemical, and other foodproducing oligopolies.” He also points out that seed makers like Bayer, Corteva, ChemChina’s Syngenta, and BASF are winning under U.S. agriculture and trade policies. However, Suarez feels those companies don’t represent all U.S. farmers. The consultations are a first step toward a trade panel that could ultimately mean a ruling calling for placing punitive tariffs on Mexico. Suarez says Mexico’s policy won’t affect U.S. corn farmers at all.

U.S. trade consultation request “Violates Mexican Law”

American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates testified before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. 

Cates offered ASA’s perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill and asked for help with two priorities under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction. The first was protecting crop insurance, and the second was improving the Title 1 farm safety net for soybeans. &nbsp;Cates called crop insurance, “The most effective and important component of the farm safety net for soybean farmers.” 

National Sorghum Producers Chair Craig Meeker also testified during the hearing. “It’s clear that more resources will be necessary to enact a strong farm bill this year as there’s a major shortfall of funding compared to previous bills,” Meeker says. 

He also reaffirmed his group’s support for crop insurance, noting that he would not be the sixth generation on his family farm without it. Crop insurance has been critical in managing an ongoing drought.

American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates testified before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. Cates offered ASA’s perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill and asked for help with two priorities under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction. The first was protecting crop insurance, and the second was improving the Title 1 farm safety net for soybeans. &nbsp;Cates called crop insurance, “The most effective and important component of the farm safety net for soybean farmers.” National Sorghum Producers Chair Craig Meeker also testified during the hearing. “It’s clear that more resources will be necessary to enact a strong farm bill this year as there’s a major shortfall of funding compared to previous bills,” Meeker says. He also reaffirmed his group’s support for crop insurance, noting that he would not be the sixth generation on his family farm without it. Crop insurance has been critical in managing an ongoing drought.

Ag Groups Testify on Farm Bill Priorities

Clean Fuels Alliance welcomed an amendment to House legislation that would raise the nation’s debt limit and make substantial changes to clean energy tax credits. 

The amendment would preserve the biodiesel and renewable diesel blenders’ credits as they are written in current law. 

“The clean fuels industry thanks all the House members who sought to preserve predictability and stability in tax policy,” says Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels.

 Midwestern House Republicans were also concerned about the bill’s elimination of ethanol tax credits. A manager’s amendment eliminated those provisions that would have eliminated tax credits for biofuels that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The amendment added a grandfather clause in a section that eliminates sustainable aviation fuel and alternative fuel tax credits for those engaged in activities who would have received a credit after the Inflation Reduction Act passed and before it was introduced.

Clean Fuels Alliance welcomed an amendment to House legislation that would raise the nation’s debt limit and make substantial changes to clean energy tax credits. The amendment would preserve the biodiesel and renewable diesel blenders’ credits as they are written in current law. “The clean fuels industry thanks all the House members who sought to preserve predictability and stability in tax policy,” says Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels. Midwestern House Republicans were also concerned about the bill’s elimination of ethanol tax credits. A manager’s amendment eliminated those provisions that would have eliminated tax credits for biofuels that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The amendment added a grandfather clause in a section that eliminates sustainable aviation fuel and alternative fuel tax credits for those engaged in activities who would have received a credit after the Inflation Reduction Act passed and before it was introduced.

House Amendment Preserves Renewable Fuel Tax Credits

Global commodity prices are expected to drop this year at the fastest clip since the beginning of COVID-19. 

A World Bank report says that clouds the prospective growth of approximately two-thirds of the developing economies that depends on exports. The Commodity Markets Outlook says the drop in prices is expected to bring little relief to the almost 350 million people around the world who are facing food insecurity. While food prices are expected to drop by eight percent this year, they will be at their second-highest level since 1975. 

Food price inflation is at 20 percent globally, the highest level in 20 years. 

“The surge in food and energy prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has largely passed due to slowing economic growth, a moderate winter, and reallocations in commodity trade,” the report says. 

Overall, commodity prices are expected to fall by 21 percent in 2023, relative to last year.

Global commodity prices are expected to drop this year at the fastest clip since the beginning of COVID-19. A World Bank report says that clouds the prospective growth of approximately two-thirds of the developing economies that depends on exports. The Commodity Markets Outlook says the drop in prices is expected to bring little relief to the almost 350 million people around the world who are facing food insecurity. While food prices are expected to drop by eight percent this year, they will be at their second-highest level since 1975. Food price inflation is at 20 percent globally, the highest level in 20 years. “The surge in food and energy prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has largely passed due to slowing economic growth, a moderate winter, and reallocations in commodity trade,” the report says. Overall, commodity prices are expected to fall by 21 percent in 2023, relative to last year.

World Bank: Commodity Prices to Drop Through 2024

Corn growers are optimistic that Congress can make key farm bill programs more effective and responsive to the needs of farmers, according to the National Corn Growers Association. 

NCGA President Tom Haag, a Minnesota farmer, testified to the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. 

The committee hearing focused on stakeholder priorities for the crop insurance and commodity titles. 

Haag says, "Corn growers consistently rank crop insurance as the most important program and title of the farm bill. NCGA broadly supports increasing the affordability of crop insurance." 

Haag also offered recommendations for the commodity title, saying NCGA supports increasing the maximum rate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage County program to provide increased assistance to growers who experience significant revenue losses. 

Haag says NCGA recommends increasing the coverage level for ARC County to make the program more responsive to revenue losses. NCGA supports the improvement of the Price Loss Coverage program, investment to expand international markets and trade promotion.

Corn growers are optimistic that Congress can make key farm bill programs more effective and responsive to the needs of farmers, according to the National Corn Growers Association. NCGA President Tom Haag, a Minnesota farmer, testified to the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. The committee hearing focused on stakeholder priorities for the crop insurance and commodity titles. Haag says, "Corn growers consistently rank crop insurance as the most important program and title of the farm bill. NCGA broadly supports increasing the affordability of crop insurance." Haag also offered recommendations for the commodity title, saying NCGA supports increasing the maximum rate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage County program to provide increased assistance to growers who experience significant revenue losses. Haag says NCGA recommends increasing the coverage level for ARC County to make the program more responsive to revenue losses. NCGA supports the improvement of the Price Loss Coverage program, investment to expand international markets and trade promotion.

NCGA outlines farm bill priorities

The National Farmers Union calls the signing of Colorado’s Right to Repair law a win for all farmers and ranchers. 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the Consumer Right to Repair Agricultural Equipment Act this week. 

NFU President Rob Larew says, "seeing a bill like this cross the finish line is a testament to the persistence of our members and the need for this issue to be addressed nationally." 

Major farm equipment manufacturers have refused to make the software tools necessary to repair modern tractors, combines, and other farm equipment available to farmers and independent mechanics. 

This leaves farmers no choice but to take their broken equipment to licensed dealerships, which has led to repair delays and inflated repair costs. Right to Repair is a key issue in NFU's Fairness for Farmers campaign, which aims to build fairer and more competitive agricultural markets, and to address the monopoly crisis in agriculture.

The National Farmers Union calls the signing of Colorado’s Right to Repair law a win for all farmers and ranchers. Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the Consumer Right to Repair Agricultural Equipment Act this week. NFU President Rob Larew says, "seeing a bill like this cross the finish line is a testament to the persistence of our members and the need for this issue to be addressed nationally." Major farm equipment manufacturers have refused to make the software tools necessary to repair modern tractors, combines, and other farm equipment available to farmers and independent mechanics. This leaves farmers no choice but to take their broken equipment to licensed dealerships, which has led to repair delays and inflated repair costs. Right to Repair is a key issue in NFU's Fairness for Farmers campaign, which aims to build fairer and more competitive agricultural markets, and to address the monopoly crisis in agriculture.

NFU: Colorado Right to Repair Law a win for farmers across the Country

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association Wednesday once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption, or PRIME Act. 

Representatives Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, introduced the bill. 

The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety and consumer trust in beef. 

NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "While the PRIME Act is well-intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers." NCBA supports federal and state meat inspection efforts and has previously supported legislation like the DIRECT Act. 

That legislation would allow state-inspected beef to be sold interstate in limited quantities, direct-to-consumer, and through e-commerce. Unlike the PRIME Act, these measures would create the necessary paper trail to trace and contain any potential food safety concerns.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association Wednesday once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption, or PRIME Act. Representatives Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, introduced the bill. The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety and consumer trust in beef. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "While the PRIME Act is well-intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers." NCBA supports federal and state meat inspection efforts and has previously supported legislation like the DIRECT Act. That legislation would allow state-inspected beef to be sold interstate in limited quantities, direct-to-consumer, and through e-commerce. Unlike the PRIME Act, these measures would create the necessary paper trail to trace and contain any potential food safety concerns.

NCBA reiterates importance of food safety, opposes PRIME Act

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Tuesday released a new five-year strategic plan for the agency. 

The plan incorporates input received from stakeholders on the strategic framework published in June 2022. 

The plan includes six strategic goals, outlining the objectives and performance measures that set the direction for the agency. 

The goals focus on protecting agriculture from plant and animal diseases and pests, positioning the agency's workforce to better meet current and future challenges, delivering solutions that reduce the impacts of zoonotic and emerging diseases, and ecosystem changes, such as climate change, expanding safe trade, managing wildlife diseases, and promoting the welfare of animals. 

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. APHIS also certifies the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolves phytosanitary and sanitary trade issues.

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Tuesday released a new five-year strategic plan for the agency. The plan incorporates input received from stakeholders on the strategic framework published in June 2022. The plan includes six strategic goals, outlining the objectives and performance measures that set the direction for the agency. The goals focus on protecting agriculture from plant and animal diseases and pests, positioning the agency's workforce to better meet current and future challenges, delivering solutions that reduce the impacts of zoonotic and emerging diseases, and ecosystem changes, such as climate change, expanding safe trade, managing wildlife diseases, and promoting the welfare of animals. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. APHIS also certifies the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolves phytosanitary and sanitary trade issues.

USDA APHIS announces new strategic plan

New data released Tuesday by USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline. 

After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. 

Researchers say the rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture, increased mechanization, and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. 

Since 1982, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2022, there were 2.0 million U.S. farms, down from 2.2 million in 2007. Similarly, the acres of land in farms continue a downward trend with 893 million acres in 2022, down from 915 million acres ten years earlier. 

The average farm size in 2022 was 446 acres, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. The data comes as USDA this year predicts net farm income at $136.9 billion in calendar year 2023, a decrease of $25.9 billion relative to 2022.

New data released Tuesday by USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline. After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Researchers say the rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture, increased mechanization, and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. Since 1982, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2022, there were 2.0 million U.S. farms, down from 2.2 million in 2007. Similarly, the acres of land in farms continue a downward trend with 893 million acres in 2022, down from 915 million acres ten years earlier. The average farm size in 2022 was 446 acres, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. The data comes as USDA this year predicts net farm income at $136.9 billion in calendar year 2023, a decrease of $25.9 billion relative to 2022.

Number of U.S. farms continues to decline

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service proposed to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products. 

Under the proposal, FSIS would consider any breaded stuffed raw chicken products that include a chicken component that tested positive for Salmonella at one colony forming unit per gram before stuffing and breading to be adulterated. 

FSIS also proposes to carry out verification procedures, including sampling and testing the chicken component of breaded stuffed raw chicken products prior to stuffing and breading, to ensure producing establishments control Salmonella. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the proposal "represents the first step in a broader effort to control Salmonella contamination in all poultry products." The announcement is part of USDA's proposed regulatory framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products, released in October 2022. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million human infections in the United States every year, with 23 percent attributed to poultry consumption.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service proposed to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products. Under the proposal, FSIS would consider any breaded stuffed raw chicken products that include a chicken component that tested positive for Salmonella at one colony forming unit per gram before stuffing and breading to be adulterated. FSIS also proposes to carry out verification procedures, including sampling and testing the chicken component of breaded stuffed raw chicken products prior to stuffing and breading, to ensure producing establishments control Salmonella. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the proposal "represents the first step in a broader effort to control Salmonella contamination in all poultry products." The announcement is part of USDA's proposed regulatory framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products, released in October 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million human infections in the United States every year, with 23 percent attributed to poultry consumption.

USDA proposes changes to Salmonella regulations for select poultry products

DENVER (AP) — Sitting in front of a hulking red tractor, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill Tuesday making Colorado the first state to ensure farmers can fix their own tractors and combines with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/farm-equipment-repairs-d5ea466725328d965a85a62130503d49">“right to repair” law</a>&nbsp;— which compels manufacturers to provide the necessary manuals, tools, parts and software.

Colorado, home to high desert ranches and sweeping farms on the low-and-level plains, took the lead on the issue following a nationwide outcry from farmers that manufacturers, such as John Deere, blocked them from making fixes and forced them to wait precious days for an official servicer to arrive — waits that imperiled profits.

While their increasingly high-tech tractors or combines sit impotent, a hailstorm could decimate a crop or a farmer could miss the ideal planting window, farmers said.

“Farmers have had to wait three or four weeks to get repairs done to equipment when they can do repairs themselves. That’s just unfathomable,” said Bill Midcap, whose son is a fifth-generation rancher on Colorado's eastern plains.

Lawmakers in at least 10 other states have introduced similar legislation, including in Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Vermont.

Colorado has taken the lead, but Democratic Rep. Brianna Titone, the bill's sponsor, and Dan Waldvogle, director of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, said it's a potential launch pad for other states and even at the federal level where discussions about similar legislation are already underway.

At the signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon, under a light drizzle of rain, Polis said: “This bill will save farmers and ranchers time and money and support the free market in repair” before exclaiming, “first in the nation!”

Behind the governor and arrayed farmers and lawmakers sat a red Steiger 370 tractor owned by a farmer named Danny Wood. Wood's tractor has flown an American flag reading “Farmers First,” and it been one of two of his machines to break down, requiring long waits before servicers arrived to enter a few lines of computer code or make a fix Wood could have made himself.

Polis and Titone climbed inside the tractor for a photo as the ceremony ended.

Polis signed the bill after the legislation advanced through long committee hearings, having been propelled forward mostly by Democrats even though a Republican lawmaker co-sponsored the bill. The proposal left GOP lawmakers stuck between their farming constituents pleading for the ability to repair their equipment and the manufacturers who vehemently opposed it.

Manufacturers and dealerships raised concerns that providing tools and information to farmers would allow equipment owners to illegally crank up the horsepower and bypass emissions controls — putting operator safety and the environment at risk.

They also argued that the law would expose companies’ trade secrets. Republican Rep. Richard Holtorf, a farmer himself, further worried that it would push dealerships out of business, especially in rural parts of the state.

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

The law falls into the broader “right to repair” campaign, which has picked up steam across the country and applies to a range of products, from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-apple-inc-smartphones-afb6e6603bdb5c0bb510de5b4c685f69">iPhones</a>&nbsp;to hospital ventilators. Independent mechanics and car owners have access to tools and parts because of a 2014 memorandum of understanding signed by the automotive industry.

Two years ago, President Joe Biden directed the Federal Trade Commission to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-7e5d6c82ee4f1b66fd4c3b78d1ddd18e">beef up its right-to-repair enforcement</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625596705829.png" alt="Lawmakers in at least 10 other states have introduced similar legislation-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Lawmakers in at least 10 other states have introduced similar legislation-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Sitting in front of a hulking red tractor, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill Tuesday making Colorado the first state to ensure farmers can fix their own tractors and combines with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/farm-equipment-repairs-d5ea466725328d965a85a62130503d49">“right to repair” law</a>&nbsp;— which compels manufacturers to provide the necessary manuals, tools, parts and software.Colorado, home to high desert ranches and sweeping farms on the low-and-level plains, took the lead on the issue following a nationwide outcry from farmers that manufacturers, such as John Deere, blocked them from making fixes and forced them to wait precious days for an official servicer to arrive — waits that imperiled profits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682461813370.png" alt="Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill Tuesday making Colorado the first state to ensure farmers can fix their own tractors and combines- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill Tuesday making Colorado the first state to ensure farmers can fix their own tractors and combines- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>While their increasingly high-tech tractors or combines sit impotent, a hailstorm could decimate a crop or a farmer could miss the ideal planting window, farmers said.“Farmers have had to wait three or four weeks to get repairs done to equipment when they can do repairs themselves. That’s just unfathomable,” said Bill Midcap, whose son is a fifth-generation rancher on Colorado's eastern plains.Lawmakers in at least 10 other states have introduced similar legislation, including in Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Vermont.Colorado has taken the lead, but Democratic Rep. Brianna Titone, the bill's sponsor, and Dan Waldvogle, director of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, said it's a potential launch pad for other states and even at the federal level where discussions about similar legislation are already underway.At the signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon, under a light drizzle of rain, Polis said: “This bill will save farmers and ranchers time and money and support the free market in repair” before exclaiming, “first in the nation!”Behind the governor and arrayed farmers and lawmakers sat a red Steiger 370 tractor owned by a farmer named Danny Wood. Wood's tractor has flown an American flag reading “Farmers First,” and it been one of two of his machines to break down, requiring long waits before servicers arrived to enter a few lines of computer code or make a fix Wood could have made himself.Polis and Titone climbed inside the tractor for a photo as the ceremony ended.Polis signed the bill after the legislation advanced through long committee hearings, having been propelled forward mostly by Democrats even though a Republican lawmaker co-sponsored the bill. The proposal left GOP lawmakers stuck between their farming constituents pleading for the ability to repair their equipment and the manufacturers who vehemently opposed it.Manufacturers and dealerships raised concerns that providing tools and information to farmers would allow equipment owners to illegally crank up the horsepower and bypass emissions controls — putting operator safety and the environment at risk.They also argued that the law would expose companies’ trade secrets. Republican Rep. Richard Holtorf, a farmer himself, further worried that it would push dealerships out of business, especially in rural parts of the state.The bill’s proponents acknowledged that the legislation could make it easier for operators to modify horsepower and emissions controls. But they argued that farmers are already able to tinker with their machines, and doing so would remain illegal.The law falls into the broader “right to repair” campaign, which has picked up steam across the country and applies to a range of products, from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-technology-business-apple-inc-smartphones-afb6e6603bdb5c0bb510de5b4c685f69">iPhones</a>&nbsp;to hospital ventilators. Independent mechanics and car owners have access to tools and parts because of a 2014 memorandum of understanding signed by the automotive industry.Two years ago, President Joe Biden directed the Federal Trade Commission to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-7e5d6c82ee4f1b66fd4c3b78d1ddd18e">beef up its right-to-repair enforcement</a>.

State is 1st to pass ‘right to repair’ for farmers

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced the appointment of Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “Dr. Misra is an esteemed scientist and educator whose devotion to studying and sharing his knowledge of seeds with the world will benefit society and inspire generations to come.” 

Before joining USDA, Dr. Misra served as a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. 

For more than 30 years, he was Director of the university’s Seed Science Center. The center has administered the National Seed Health System, authorized by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, since 2001. 

Dr. Misra also was founding Director of the Iowa State’s Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products. The NIFA Director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Dr. Misra will start his new role on Monday, May 8, 2023.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced the appointment of Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “Dr. Misra is an esteemed scientist and educator whose devotion to studying and sharing his knowledge of seeds with the world will benefit society and inspire generations to come.” Before joining USDA, Dr. Misra served as a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. For more than 30 years, he was Director of the university’s Seed Science Center. The center has administered the National Seed Health System, authorized by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, since 2001. Dr. Misra also was founding Director of the Iowa State’s Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products. The NIFA Director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Dr. Misra will start his new role on Monday, May 8, 2023.

USDA announces new National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director

The food-away-from-home retail landscape continues to evolve. 

USDA’s Economic Research Service recently examined the changing food-away-from-home landscape in nonmetropolitan counties between 1990 and 2019, with a focus on the most rural counties. 

As of 1990, full-service restaurants were the most common restaurant type, making up 76 percent of all food-away-from-home establishments in these counties. 

However, over the last several decades, the composition shifted. While full-service restaurants remain the most common in rural counties, their prominence has fallen from about 75 percent of establishments to about 50 percent of establishments in 2019. By contrast, quick-service restaurants have become increasingly popular. 

Quick-service restaurants accounted for 18 percent of the total number of establishments in rural counties in 1990 but have since doubled, making up 36 percent of all food-away-from-home establishments in 2019. USDA researchers conclude that the shift could affect overall food options available for consumers in these rural areas.

The food-away-from-home retail landscape continues to evolve. USDA’s Economic Research Service recently examined the changing food-away-from-home landscape in nonmetropolitan counties between 1990 and 2019, with a focus on the most rural counties. As of 1990, full-service restaurants were the most common restaurant type, making up 76 percent of all food-away-from-home establishments in these counties. However, over the last several decades, the composition shifted. While full-service restaurants remain the most common in rural counties, their prominence has fallen from about 75 percent of establishments to about 50 percent of establishments in 2019. By contrast, quick-service restaurants have become increasingly popular. Quick-service restaurants accounted for 18 percent of the total number of establishments in rural counties in 1990 but have since doubled, making up 36 percent of all food-away-from-home establishments in 2019. USDA researchers conclude that the shift could affect overall food options available for consumers in these rural areas.

USDA: Number of limited-service restaurants in rural America growing

America's families deserve to know what they're buying when shopping in the dairy aisle, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

AFBF Monday filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration. 

The comments call on the agency to enforce food labeling standards for dairy substitute products and enforce existing prohibitions on the misleading labeling of nut- and other plant-based beverage products as "milk." 

AFBF supports a consumer's right to access dairy-free products, but one in four Americans, 83 million people, are confused or have been misled about whether dairy alternatives contain milk, according to a survey used by FDA. 

AFBF Public Policy Vice President Sam Kieffer says, "Consumers know the healthiness of dairy labels such as 'milk' and may infer that any product bearing this term possesses the same or an equivalent nutritional profile." 

AFBF is urging FDA to require non-dairy products to be labeled accurately, as is required in several markets outside of the U.S. For instance, "almond milk" is labeled "almond beverage" in Canada.

America's families deserve to know what they're buying when shopping in the dairy aisle, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF Monday filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration. The comments call on the agency to enforce food labeling standards for dairy substitute products and enforce existing prohibitions on the misleading labeling of nut- and other plant-based beverage products as "milk." AFBF supports a consumer's right to access dairy-free products, but one in four Americans, 83 million people, are confused or have been misled about whether dairy alternatives contain milk, according to a survey used by FDA. AFBF Public Policy Vice President Sam Kieffer says, "Consumers know the healthiness of dairy labels such as 'milk' and may infer that any product bearing this term possesses the same or an equivalent nutritional profile." AFBF is urging FDA to require non-dairy products to be labeled accurately, as is required in several markets outside of the U.S. For instance, "almond milk" is labeled "almond beverage" in Canada.

AFBF: Families deserve truth in food labeling

A new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association shows American drivers saved an average of more than 25 cents per gallon since the beginning of 2022 with E15. 

RFA analyzed more than 3,000 actual pump prices for E15 and E10 submitted by drivers to E15prices.com. 

The average of 1,520 prices reported for E10 was $3.69 per gallon, while the average for corresponding E15 prices was $3.41 per gallon. 

Thus, the average discount for E15 was 27 cents per gallon or 7.4 percent. “The review of prices submitted by drivers shows lower-carbon E15 is providing real savings for American families,” says RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. 

“At a time when U.S. drivers were facing record high gas prices, this report confirms that E15 delivered relief at the pump.” As a result, Cooper’s group is urging the administration to carefully review data as it considers allowing the sale of E15 this summer.

A new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association shows American drivers saved an average of more than 25 cents per gallon since the beginning of 2022 with E15. RFA analyzed more than 3,000 actual pump prices for E15 and E10 submitted by drivers to E15prices.com. The average of 1,520 prices reported for E10 was $3.69 per gallon, while the average for corresponding E15 prices was $3.41 per gallon. Thus, the average discount for E15 was 27 cents per gallon or 7.4 percent. “The review of prices submitted by drivers shows lower-carbon E15 is providing real savings for American families,” says RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “At a time when U.S. drivers were facing record high gas prices, this report confirms that E15 delivered relief at the pump.” As a result, Cooper’s group is urging the administration to carefully review data as it considers allowing the sale of E15 this summer.

Consumers save 25 cents a gallon with E15

China is one of the biggest trading partners for the U.S. 

However, the South China Morning Post says the Southeast Asian nation may be attempting to change that. 

The country aims to increase soybean production this year in an attempt to become more self-sufficient and import less food. 

Escalating geopolitical tensions are one of the big reasons for the change. China will try to increase its national soybean yield by 11 pounds per mu, which is a Chinese unit of land measurement equal to approximately 0.165 acres. 

China imports more than 80 percent of the soybeans used to feed its people and livestock, and shipments come mainly from Brazil and the U.S. That heavy reliance on imported commodities has raised significant governmental concerns about its food security. 

However, Chinese farmers appear less motivated to grow beans than last year because of the low market price of soybeans and their low benefits.

China is one of the biggest trading partners for the U.S. However, the South China Morning Post says the Southeast Asian nation may be attempting to change that. The country aims to increase soybean production this year in an attempt to become more self-sufficient and import less food. Escalating geopolitical tensions are one of the big reasons for the change. China will try to increase its national soybean yield by 11 pounds per mu, which is a Chinese unit of land measurement equal to approximately 0.165 acres. China imports more than 80 percent of the soybeans used to feed its people and livestock, and shipments come mainly from Brazil and the U.S. That heavy reliance on imported commodities has raised significant governmental concerns about its food security. However, Chinese farmers appear less motivated to grow beans than last year because of the low market price of soybeans and their low benefits.

China aims for more self-sufficiency in food production

Data from USDA shows that corn and soybean sales to overseas buyers declined in the seven days ending on April 13. 

Exporters sold 312,400 metric tons of corn for offshore delivery for 2022-2023, down 41 percent from the prior week and 79 percent from the four-week average. 

The top three buyers were China, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. Exports rose 42 percent to 1.3 million metric tons. 

USDA says soybean sales were down 73 percent week-over-week to 100,100 metric tons for 2022-2023. The top three buyers were the Netherlands, Mexico, and China. The USDA report says exports dropped 15 percent week-over-week to 582,800 metric tons. 

Wheat sales improved 91 percent from the prior week and 93 percent from the four-week average, coming in at 259,000 metric tons. South Korea was the top wheat buyer, followed by Taiwan and the Philippines. Overall exports for the week dropped 28 percent to 202,800 metric tons.

Data from USDA shows that corn and soybean sales to overseas buyers declined in the seven days ending on April 13. Exporters sold 312,400 metric tons of corn for offshore delivery for 2022-2023, down 41 percent from the prior week and 79 percent from the four-week average. The top three buyers were China, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. Exports rose 42 percent to 1.3 million metric tons. USDA says soybean sales were down 73 percent week-over-week to 100,100 metric tons for 2022-2023. The top three buyers were the Netherlands, Mexico, and China. The USDA report says exports dropped 15 percent week-over-week to 582,800 metric tons. Wheat sales improved 91 percent from the prior week and 93 percent from the four-week average, coming in at 259,000 metric tons. South Korea was the top wheat buyer, followed by Taiwan and the Philippines. Overall exports for the week dropped 28 percent to 202,800 metric tons.

Corn, soybean export sales drop

The Biden administration is planning to begin year-round sales of E15 in 2024. 

Oil Price Dot Com says the Environmental Protection Agency feels the move will help reduce the retail price of fuel. 

Eight Midwestern states originally asked the EPA for waivers to provide E15 fuel this summer. 

EPA chief Michael Regan says the agency studied if they could make the change this year but decided there wasn’t enough time to allow for final adequate rule-making. 

Regan told the House Agriculture Committee that the agency will look into issuing temporary emergency waivers to allow sales of E15 this summer. 

The EPA proposed a rule in March that would allow year-round sales of E15 beginning in 2024. “There would be a significant disruption to consumer pricing and the like if we moved too quickly in 2023,” Regan says. “We are confident year-round E15 sales will be ready to go in 2024.

The Biden administration is planning to begin year-round sales of E15 in 2024. Oil Price Dot Com says the Environmental Protection Agency feels the move will help reduce the retail price of fuel. Eight Midwestern states originally asked the EPA for waivers to provide E15 fuel this summer. EPA chief Michael Regan says the agency studied if they could make the change this year but decided there wasn’t enough time to allow for final adequate rule-making. Regan told the House Agriculture Committee that the agency will look into issuing temporary emergency waivers to allow sales of E15 this summer. The EPA proposed a rule in March that would allow year-round sales of E15 beginning in 2024. “There would be a significant disruption to consumer pricing and the like if we moved too quickly in 2023,” Regan says. “We are confident year-round E15 sales will be ready to go in 2024.

U.S. Government planning year-round sales of E15 next year

British Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston signed a trade deal with the state of Oklahoma during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt says the pact will focus on increasing trade through wider economic development on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. 

It will also maintain a focus on reliable and affordable energy. 

As Oklahoma and the UK grow their economies through increased trade and development cooperation, that will strengthen businesses and create jobs on each side. 

The agreement will also allow the sides expand academic and research ties, as well as together in agriculture and food production. “Both the United Kingdom and Oklahoma share the same vision for providing reliable, affordable energy for our citizens,” Stitt says. 

“We can learn a lot from each other.” After the signing, Huddleston said, “I’m delighted that we’ve taken an important step forward in deepening our commercial and economic ties with Oklahoma.”

British Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston signed a trade deal with the state of Oklahoma during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt says the pact will focus on increasing trade through wider economic development on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. It will also maintain a focus on reliable and affordable energy. As Oklahoma and the UK grow their economies through increased trade and development cooperation, that will strengthen businesses and create jobs on each side. The agreement will also allow the sides expand academic and research ties, as well as together in agriculture and food production. “Both the United Kingdom and Oklahoma share the same vision for providing reliable, affordable energy for our citizens,” Stitt says. “We can learn a lot from each other.” After the signing, Huddleston said, “I’m delighted that we’ve taken an important step forward in deepening our commercial and economic ties with Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma signs trade pact with the UK

Senators Michael Bennett of Colorado and Roger Marshall of Kansas introduced the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act. 

The bill would provide the flexibility family farmers and ranchers need to conserve water on working lands while fairly compensating them for retiring their water rights or limiting their water use. 

“With the CREP Improvement Act, we can give farmers the flexibility they need to conserve their water supply and pass their operations to their kids and grandkids,” Bennett says. 

The act would improve the CREP program in several ways, including directing USDA to allow dryland agricultural uses on CREP acreage where appropriate. Other improvements include specifically adding dryland crop production and grazing to the list of appropriate conservation practices for the CREP program. 

“Time and again, we hear USDA is being too rigid in their interpretation of good programs, and this bill will help give farmers and ranchers more flexibility,” Marshall says.

Senators Michael Bennett of Colorado and Roger Marshall of Kansas introduced the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act. The bill would provide the flexibility family farmers and ranchers need to conserve water on working lands while fairly compensating them for retiring their water rights or limiting their water use. “With the CREP Improvement Act, we can give farmers the flexibility they need to conserve their water supply and pass their operations to their kids and grandkids,” Bennett says. The act would improve the CREP program in several ways, including directing USDA to allow dryland agricultural uses on CREP acreage where appropriate. Other improvements include specifically adding dryland crop production and grazing to the list of appropriate conservation practices for the CREP program. “Time and again, we hear USDA is being too rigid in their interpretation of good programs, and this bill will help give farmers and ranchers more flexibility,” Marshall says.

Legislation to improve flexibility of Farmland Conservation Program

The House of Representatives was unsuccessful in getting enough votes to override President Biden’s veto of legislation undoing a rule defining the Clean Water Act’s jurisdiction. 

The vote failed 227-196 and didn’t meet the two-thirds requirement for overriding a presidential veto. 

Successful Farming says Republicans persuaded ten Democrats to vote against the Biden EPA’s rule, including House Ag Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). 

The rule specified what wetlands, streams, and other waterways qualify for federal protection as Waters of the United States. Critics like farmers, land developers, and construction companies have called the policy “extreme government overreach.” 

In March, both the House and Senate passed a disapproval resolution with bipartisan support that would have scrapped Biden’s&nbsp;Waters of the U.S. Rule. Two federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions against implementing the WOTUS rule in 26 states while lawsuits are heard regarding the validity of the regulation.

The House of Representatives was unsuccessful in getting enough votes to override President Biden’s veto of legislation undoing a rule defining the Clean Water Act’s jurisdiction. The vote failed 227-196 and didn’t meet the two-thirds requirement for overriding a presidential veto. Successful Farming says Republicans persuaded ten Democrats to vote against the Biden EPA’s rule, including House Ag Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). The rule specified what wetlands, streams, and other waterways qualify for federal protection as Waters of the United States. Critics like farmers, land developers, and construction companies have called the policy “extreme government overreach.” In March, both the House and Senate passed a disapproval resolution with bipartisan support that would have scrapped Biden’s&nbsp;Waters of the U.S. Rule. Two federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions against implementing the WOTUS rule in 26 states while lawsuits are heard regarding the validity of the regulation.

WOTUS veto override fails in Congress

Increasing attention is getting devoted to the West Coast port contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. 

The concern is because of the recent and continued slowdowns and temporary work stoppages at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. 

“Given how the tension between the two parties appears to be increasing, this topic will likely remain a significant point of discussion for the foreseeable future,” says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. 

A recent work stoppage from April 6 to April 7 at both ports and the subsequent slowdowns were “deliberately disruptive,” according to the PMA, the group that represents 70 terminal operators. 

The two parties have been negotiating a new five-year contract since July 1, 2022. These negotiations don’t apply to the bulk of exports of soybeans and grain from Pacific Northwest ports, which operate under separate contracts. &nbsp;

Increasing attention is getting devoted to the West Coast port contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The concern is because of the recent and continued slowdowns and temporary work stoppages at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. “Given how the tension between the two parties appears to be increasing, this topic will likely remain a significant point of discussion for the foreseeable future,” says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. A recent work stoppage from April 6 to April 7 at both ports and the subsequent slowdowns were “deliberately disruptive,” according to the PMA, the group that represents 70 terminal operators. The two parties have been negotiating a new five-year contract since July 1, 2022. These negotiations don’t apply to the bulk of exports of soybeans and grain from Pacific Northwest ports, which operate under separate contracts. &nbsp;

Continuing contract negotiations at West Coast ports concerning

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association responded to efforts in the Missouri State Legislature to regulate products sold, distributed for use, or administered to a person that are designed to alter their genome. 

Missouri House Bill 1169 attempts to implement a regulatory framework for labeling products that could act as “gene therapy” or that could potentially impact, alter, or introduce genetic material or a genetic change in the user. 

This came about because of concerns that mRNA vaccines are being introduced into the nation’s cattle supply. 

“The USCA strongly supports truth in labeling on consumer goods and full transparency throughout the supply chain,” the group said in a statement. “Currently, there are no mRNA vaccines licensed for beef cattle in the U.S..” 

Similar legislation is also being introduced in Tennessee, Arizona, and other states. The USCA will be forming a task force to develop a fact- and science-based assessment of the issue.

The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association responded to efforts in the Missouri State Legislature to regulate products sold, distributed for use, or administered to a person that are designed to alter their genome. Missouri House Bill 1169 attempts to implement a regulatory framework for labeling products that could act as “gene therapy” or that could potentially impact, alter, or introduce genetic material or a genetic change in the user. This came about because of concerns that mRNA vaccines are being introduced into the nation’s cattle supply. “The USCA strongly supports truth in labeling on consumer goods and full transparency throughout the supply chain,” the group said in a statement. “Currently, there are no mRNA vaccines licensed for beef cattle in the U.S..” Similar legislation is also being introduced in Tennessee, Arizona, and other states. The USCA will be forming a task force to develop a fact- and science-based assessment of the issue.

USCA affirming safety, transparency of beef supply chain

The USDA announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities and to support the development and expansion of broadband co-ops. 

The agency is offering the funding under the new Broadband Technical Assistance Program. 

The program supports technical assistance projects such as feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications. 

Applicants can choose from one of three funding pools. “USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet,” says USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small. “That’s how you grow the economy not just in rural communities but across the nation.” 

The undersecretary also says the agency is partnering with small towns, local utilities, cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to a critical service. “The service builds brighter futures by creating more opportunities across rural America,” she says.

The USDA announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities and to support the development and expansion of broadband co-ops. The agency is offering the funding under the new Broadband Technical Assistance Program. The program supports technical assistance projects such as feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Applicants can choose from one of three funding pools. “USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet,” says USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small. “That’s how you grow the economy not just in rural communities but across the nation.” The undersecretary also says the agency is partnering with small towns, local utilities, cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to a critical service. “The service builds brighter futures by creating more opportunities across rural America,” she says.